Relative Percentage Research Articles

Development and evaluation of the inactivated vaccine against Aeromonas schubertii in hybrid snakehead

Aeromonas schubertii is a global pathogen of fish that causes internal nodular diseases and death in severe cases. In the present study, we isolated nine pathogenic strains from diseased hybrid snakehead (Channa argus♂ × Channa maculata♀) which were formally identified as A. schubertii by molecular identification, including 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequencing. Subsequently, we determined the extracellular enzyme activity of six isolates and compared pathogenicity to investigate potential relationships with geographic characteristics. Two highly pathogenic strains, AS-14 and AS-16, were finally identified as inactivated vaccine candidates. Subsequently, we evaluated different concentrations of the antigen for each vaccine by performing experiments in hybrid snakehead; fish were inoculated with inactivated vaccine via the intraperitoneal route and a booster injection was administered 14 days later. Relative percent survival (RPS) for fish immunized with high doses of the two vaccines (1 × 108 CFU/fish) were 54.4% and 57.4%, respectively; these values were higher than other groups of fish receiving different doses (1 × 106 and 1 × 107 CFU/fish). The bacterial load of tissues harvested from the fish immunized with high doses of the vaccine groups were significantly lower than those of fish immunized with low doses. Titers of specific antibodies against A. schubertii in fish immunized with a high dose of AS-16 vaccine were maintained at high levels when tested six weeks after the booster injection. Furthermore, immune-related genes in the spleen, including MHC I, MHC II, CD4, CD8α and IgM, all exhibited high levels of expression, thus suggesting that hybrid snakehead underwent an adaptive immune response post-vaccination. Collectively, our findings enrich our understanding of the specific causative agents underlying nodular diseases in hybrid snakehead and provide scientific reference guidelines for the development of vaccines against A. schubertii. The development of such vaccines will be conducive to the sustainable development of hybrid snakehead in commercial aquaculture.

Clinical epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in advanced chronic kidney disease prior to dialysis to a tertiary care centre in Bangladesh

Background: Patients with advanced CKD stages exhibit a markedly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit an elevated cardiovascular risk manifesting as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death .The main objective of this study was to observe the clinical epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in advanced stages of CKD prior to dialysis to a tertiary care centre in Bangladesh. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study on 150 cases of diagnosed advanced stages (4&5) of CKD patients in the indoor Department of Medicine of Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2022to January2023 for 6 months. Data was analyzed SPSS 25. Results: Out of the total group, 62.0% are male, 38.0% are female, and the average (mean) age of the entire group was 55.2 ±10.3. Patients are compared in terms of their relative percentages and the associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, with the hypothesis that lower hemoglobin levels (<9 mg/dL), common in advanced CKD, may be associated with higher CVD risk. A statistically significant P-value (0.036) indicates a significant association between lower hemoglobin levels and increased risk of CVD. Hypertension is the most common risk factor in both stages showing (80%) in stage 4 and 86.6% in Stage -5 of CKD respectively that increasing prevalence as stages of CKD increases . Other factors like diabetes 50.6%) and 53.3% , dyslipidemia 61.3% and 66.7% , and family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) 40% and 46.6% also in prevalence from Stage 4 to Stage 5. However, the differences in the prevalence of these risk factors between the two stages are not statistically significant, as indicated by the P-values. The prevalence of Congestive Heart Failure rises from 44% in Stage 4 to 52% in Stage 5, and a similar trend is observed in Coronary Artery Disease from 40% in Stage 4 to 48% in Stage 5 and for other diseases, albeit with lesser increments. The provided pvalues, which assess statistical significance, indicate that the differences in disease prevalence between the two stages are not statistically significant, suggesting that the progression from Stage 4 to Stage 5. Conclusion: This study stated that increased prevalence and progression of cardiovascular risks in advanced CKD stages. Bangladesh J Medicine 2024; 35: 96-100

Sorption Characteristics and Chromatographic Separation of 90Y3+ from 90Sr2+ from Aqueous Media by Chelex-100 (Anion Ion Exchange) Packed Column.

There is growing demand for separation of 90Y carrier free from 90Sr coexisting to produce high purity 90Y essential for radiopharmaceutical uses. Thus, in this context the sorption profiles of Y3+ and Sr2+ from aqueous solutions containing diethylenetriaminepenta acetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA), acetic acid, citric acid, or NaCl onto Chelex-100 (anion ion exchange) solid sorbent were critically studied for developing an efficient and low-cost methodology for selective separation of Y3+ from Sr2+ ions (1.0 × 10-5 M). Batch experiments displayed relative chemical extraction percentage (98 ± 5.4%) of Y3+ from aqueous acetic acid solution onto Chelex-100 (anion ion exchanger), whereas Sr2+ species showed no sorption. Hence, a selective separation of Y3+ from its parent 90Sr2+ has been established based upon percolation of the aqueous solution of Y3+ and Sr2+ ions containing acetic acid at pH 1-2 through Chelex-100 sorbent packed column at a 2 mL min-1 flow rate. Y3+ species were retained quantitatively while Sr2+ ions were not sorbed and passed through the sorbent packed column without extraction. The sorbed Y3+ species were then recovered from the sorbent packed column with HNO3 (1.0 M) at a 1.0 mL min-1 flow rate. A dual extraction mechanism comprising absorption associated to "weak-base anion exchanger" and "solvent extraction" of Y3+ as (YCl6)3- and an extra part for "surface adsorption" of Y3+ by the sorbent is proposed. The established method was validated by measuring the radiochemical (99.2 ± 2 1%), radionuclide purity and retardation factor (Rf = 10.0 ± 0.1 cm) of 90Y3+ recovered in the eluate. Ultimately, the sorbent packed column also presented high stability for reusing 2-3 cycles without drop in its efficiency (±5%) towards Y3+ uptake and relative chemical recovery. A proposed flow sheet describing the analytical procedures for the separation of 90Y3+ from 90Sr2+ using chelating Chelex 100 (anion exchange) packed column is also included.

Modeling, simulation and efficiency assessment of a direct coupled water pumping PV system in semi-arid coastal areas

Photovoltaics (PV) energy is a solution for the electrification of developing countries, especially for remote rural zones. The use of solar energy in water pumping is the most adopted solution for rural and desert regions. The modeling, simulation and analysis of the PV system of water pumping is a vital step before assembling this system on any place, which allows a better understanding of its behavior in real weather conditions on that place. In this paper, we investigate the performance of a water pumping photovoltaic system consisting of a PV generator coupled with a DC-motor which drives a centrifugal pump that draws water from a well and delivers it to a reservoir. The characteristics of the components of this system allow researchers, manufacturers, and social communities to understand better the functioning of these components. Our simulation results were meticulously cross-verified against the module manufacturer’s data sheet, revealing a maximum relative percentage error of 1.12 %. This attests to the coherence between the manufacturer’s stipulations and our simulated values. Furthermore, we ascertain commendable efficiency in the motor-pump system, particularly noteworthy for elevated irradiation levels, while maintaining acceptable performance even under minimal irradiation conditions.

Supporting load frequency control process by using adaptive model reference virtual inertia controller when connecting renewable energy plants

Virtual inertia control can be used in combination with conventional load frequency controllers to support the system's inertia against the attenuation caused by renewables. As fractional-order controllers add more degrees of freedom, leading to a better response and improved controller robustness, this work proposes the implementation of a developed fractional-order model reference adaptive virtual inertia controller when integrating renewables in combination with fractional-order ID-P with filter controller as secondary controllers. To validate the introduced controllers, their results have been compared to those of using integer and fractional-order PID controllers as secondary controllers, in combination with adaptive and fixed parameters virtual inertia controllers. The Artificial Rabbits heuristic algorithm is used for the purpose of tuning secondary controllers and fixed parameters virtual inertia controllers. The proposed combination of adaptive model reference virtual inertia control with fractional-order ID-P with a filter achieves the best response among all the studied combinations. Using the proposed combination shows a relative percentage improvement in the cost function value of 26% to 160% compared to all the studied combinations. Additionally, the proposed combination shows a maximum frequency overshoot value of 0.04 Hz and a minimum undershoot value of -0.06 Hz.

EVALUATION OF ACUTE AND SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY OF METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF BAMBUSA VULGARIS ON MALE WISTAR RATS

Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the potential toxicity of methanolic extract of leaves of Bambusa vulgaris in male Wistar rats. Methods: The methanolic extract was prepared for acute and sub-acute toxicity to determine the lethal dose. During the acute toxicity study, male rats were orally administered with leaf extracts at single doses of 100, 500,800, and 2000 mg/kg according to OECD Guidelines 425 for 14 days. Sub-acute toxicity dose at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg was studied by daily dosing on male rats for 30 days. Results: The acute toxicity study revealed no lethal effects and behavioral signs of toxicity at the tested doses indicating that LD50 is <2000 mg/kg. In a sub-acute study, non-significant changes in the body weight (p<0.05), body weight gain percentage (p<0.05) food intake (p<0.05), and relative organ weight percentage (p<0.05), and hematological parameters (p<0.05) of the rats were observed. A significant (p<0.05) increase in ALT level was observed dose at 800 mg/kg. Histopathological analysis showed mild cell distortion in the liver and kidney in male rats treated at 800 mg/kg of extract. Conclusion: Our study suggests that oral administration of methanolic leaf extract Bambusa vulgais is safe. However, a dose of 800 mg/kg may be toxic for the liver and kidney.

Utilizing outer membrane proteins (OMPs) as a vaccine to manage motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with evaluating the vaccine immunoprotective effectiveness

Motile aeromonads are an opportunistic and heterogenic bacteria that cause motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) which is accompanied with variety of clinical signs and lesions in fish. It has been found that their outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are highly immunogenic and may be used as a vaccine candidate. The present study was undertaken to evaluate OMP protection against Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) strain ATCC 7966 (A5 and A8) and A. hydrophila strain DSM 30,187 (A6). Pathogenicity tests revealed that out of 12 isolated strains, seven were highly pathogenic, three were moderate, and two were avirulent. SDS-PAGE analysis of OMPs showed several protein bands (7–22) of different molecular weights ranging from 14 to 346 kDa. The common protein band was 39 kDa. It seems that pathogenicity and the number of protein bands are related in the highly pathogenic strains. Challenged A. hydrophila for Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) previously actively immunized with OMPs (A4, A5, A6, A8, and A11) showed a significant increase in relative percent survival (RPS) ranging from 50 to 100%. Immunological parameters such as immunoglobulin M (IgM), antioxidants (SOD, GSH, and CAT), and nitric oxide (NO) and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) showed a significant increase in OMP-immunized fish. Challenged A. hydrophila for O. niloticus previously passively immunized with OMPs (A4, A5, A6, A8, and A11) in fish-raised sera showed a significant increase in RPS (20 to 100%) in the vaccinated groups. It is concluded that OMPs from Aeromonas spp. have been identified as suitable target for protection development, especially in the case of heterogenic bacteria.

Molecular characterization and bivalent vaccine development of Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas veronii in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

In the present study, nine strains of Aeromonas spp. were isolated from diseased Nile tilapia in Thailand and identified based on 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. Phenotypic characterization was performed for all the isolates. For the antimicrobial susceptibility test, all isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, whereas most of the isolates were susceptible to enrofloxacin. Pathogenicity analysis revealed that most A. hydrophila strains were highly virulent to fish, corresponding with the hemolytic activity test demonstrating that clear hemolysis occurred on sheep blood agar. To develop a vaccine for fish against A. veronii and A. hydrophila infection, a bivalent vaccine based on the formalin-killed cells (FKC) of A. veronii A5 and A. hydrophila A9, which showed higher virulence to fish, was prepared. This FKC vaccine was administered to Nile tilapia by intraperitoneal injection. The booster vaccination was conducted at 4 weeks after the first vaccination. The specific antibody titer was evaluated during rearing since the first vaccination, and then at 8 weeks after the first vaccination, the fish were challenged with A. veronii A5 and A. hydrophila A9 via intraperitoneal injection. There is not significance different in relative percentage survival of the vaccinated fish against A. veronii (63.49 ± 19.51%) and A. hydrophila (93.33 ± 6.67%). These results suggest that this candidate bivalent vaccine is effective against both A. veronii and A. hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia and could be an “motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS)” control measure. However, to obtain the promising vaccine efficacy, the optimization of vaccine formulation might be achieved and be validated vaccine efficacy in field trial.

Preparation of silymarin-loaded zein polysaccharide core–shell nanostructures and evaluation of their biological potentials

Abstract Silymarin-loaded zein polysaccharide core–shell nanoparticles (SZPCS-NPs) were synthesized where sodium alginate and pectin offer stability and controlled release qualities to zein, a maize protein, having excellent biocompatibility. The present study is an attempt to develop zein–silymarin polysaccharide core–shell nanostructures to enhance water solubility, thereby improving bioavailability and producing enhanced biological responses in living systems. SZPCS-NPs were prepared using pH-induced antisolvent precipitation method. Five different types of SZPCS-NPs were synthesized using different combinations of sodium alginate and pectin, namely P100–A00 (non-uniform size ranging from 20 to 100 nm), P70–A30 (spherical and uniform size measuring approximately 80 nm in diameter), P50–A50, P30–A70, and P00–A100 exhibited irregular shapes with the presence of some triangular and oval structures and non-uniform size ranging from 20 to 100 nm. The SZPCS-NPs P70–A30 possessed the best results in terms of shape, size, and other characterization studies. Furthermore, the SZPCS-NPs possessed a percent drug loading of 72.5% and entrapment efficiency of 51.7%, respectively. The resulting SZPCS-NPs exhibited an excellent relative bioavailability percentage of 97.4% in comparison to commercial silymarin, having 58.1%, and crude silymarin, having 46.97% bioavailability percentage, correspondingly. In addition, SZPCS-NPs possessed an almost two folds’ increase in antioxidant activity in comparison to crude and commercially available silymarin. Similarly, SZPCS-NPs also showed better stabilization in hepatic biomarker enzymes and possessed better hepatoprotective activity for a period of 6 weeks, in contrast to commercial and crude silymarin formulations.

Abstract PO1-15-03: Spatially resolved analysis of tumor microenvironment in invasive lobular carcinoma

Abstract Background: Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common histological breast cancer subtype; however, little is known about its tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we aimed to study ILC TME using spatial transcriptomics (ST). Methods: We performed ST (Visium 10x Genomics) on frozen tumor samples from 43 primary hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) ILCs. Of note, 9 samples were coming from patients who experienced disease relapse. Relative hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) slides were morphologically annotated (QuPath software). xCell was used to perform cell type enrichment analysis on sample pseudo-bulks. After cross-samples integration, ST spots were clustered using hierarchical clustering (STutility R package). intNMF algorithm was used to perform clustering at the patient-level by combining: RNA sequencing information (relative percentage of spot-level clusters in each sample), morphology and level of colocalization between cancer cells and the other cell types of the tumor microenvironment. METABRIC (HR+, HER2- ILC samples, n = 122) was used as external validation cohort. Survival analyses (univariable and multivariable adjusting for clinicopathological features) were performed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: The patient-level classification revealed four groups showing different biological characteristics. Differences in terms of morphology (annotation) and pathway enrichment analysis based on marker genes (GSEA) were observed between groups. This information allowed us to annotate our groups as: proliferative (P, n = 12, enriched in tumor cells and proliferation-related pathways), normal-stroma enriched (NSE, n = 10, enriched in fibroblasts and carcinoma in situ), metabolic (M, n = 9, enriched in metabolic-related pathways) and metabolic-immune enriched (MIE, n = 10, enriched in adipose tissue, metabolic and immune-related pathways). Interestingly, a significantly higher presence of macrophages M2 was found in MIE group. Using group-specific gene signatures, we were able to reproduce the same 4 groups in the METABRIC. Of note, we observed significant differences in relapse-free survival (RFS) in METABRIC (p = 0.03), with NSE presenting better outcome, while P, M and MIE presented worse prognosis. Analysing the area of contact between adipocytes and cancer cells typical of MIE group, we noticed an enrichment in metabolic and M2 macrophages-related pathways. In doing so, we derived a 28 gene signature relative to the tumor-adipocytes contact area. Importantly, our signature was highly expressed in M and MIE groups, and it was not correlated with proliferation-related signatures. Interestingly, the adipocytes-related signature was significantly associated with shorter RFS in ILC patients in METABRIC (univariable: HR 1.4, p = 0.023; multivariable: HR 1.6, p = 0.005). Since both proliferation and metabolism showed to be key processes in defining prognosis in ILC, we built a prognostic index by integrating our adipocytes-related signature with genomic grade index (GGI, a proliferation-related signature). Our index outperformed other existing prognostic signatures (e.g., Oncotype DX, MammaPrint, EndoPredict, LobSig) in assessing prognosis (RFS) in ILC in METABRIC (univariable: HR 1.7, p < 0.001; multivariable: HR 1.7, p = 0.002). Conclusions: We identified 4 biologically driven HR+, HER2- ILC groups describing tumor microenvironment heterogeneity. Of note, two of the three groups associated to worse disease outcome were related to metabolism, highlighting the importance of such process in ILC biology and in the future development of new treatment strategies. Moreover, the prognostic power of our index has the potential to refine the assessment of the risk of relapse in ILC. Further validation is warranted. Citation Format: Matteo Serra, Mattia Rediti, Laetitia Collet, Frédéric Lifrange, David Venet, Nicola Occelli, Xiaoxiao Wang, Delphine Vincent, Ghizlane Rouas, Ligia Craciun, Denis Larsimont, Laurence Buisseret, Miikka Vikkula, François Duhoux, Françoise Rothé, Christos Sotiriou. Spatially resolved analysis of tumor microenvironment in invasive lobular carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-15-03.

Multimode gradient-index fiber coated with a blend of PEG and PVP as a humidity sensor

A novel humidity sensor based on a multimode graded index unclad fiber optic coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was proposed. During synthesis process, the fiber diameter underwent optical control resulting in an enhanced repeatability. The achieved sensitivity was found to be 0.219 microwatts per relative humidity percent (µW/%RH), equivalent to 0.212 dB per relative humidity (dB/RH) within a humidity range of 65–95% RH. The response time was 0.02 s per relative humidity percent (s/%RH), indicating rapid detection capabilities. Therefore, this sensor could be used for respiration monitoring. The new sensor has low hysteresis and good repeatability and linearity.

Standardized ileal digestible methionine requirements for 22 to 29-d-old male broilers based on the growth performance and feather development.

The aim of the present experiment was to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine (Met) requirement during the grower phase (22 to 29 days). A total of 192 Ross 308 male broilers (745 ± 50.5 g) were assigned to six dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with eight replicate cages per treatment. The experimental diets were formulated based on corn, soybean meal, and synthetic amino acids (AA), with different levels of dietary SID Met ranging from 0.40% to 0.65%, in increments of 0.05%. Individual body weight and feed intake per cage were measured at the beginning and end of the experimental period. Weight gain (g/bird), feed intake (g/bird), gain-to-feed ratio (g/kg), feather weight (g), and relative feather percentage (% of body weight) were analyzed for linear or quadratic responses using orthogonal polynomial contrasts. Final body weight, weight gain, and feed intake increased quadratically as dietary SID Met concentration increased (p < 0.05). However, the composition of AA in the feathers showed no quadratic or linear effect based on dietary SID Met concentrations, except for Ile (p = 0.05; quadratic). The SID Met requirements for optimum and maximum weight gain of 22 to 29-days-old male broilers were estimated using the broken-line and quadratic-line models to 0.45% and 0.55%, respectively.

Enhancing drought tolerance in chilli pepper through AdDjSKI‐mediated modulation of ABA sensitivity, photosynthetic preservation, and ROS scavenging

AbstractDrought stress threatens the productivity of numerous crops, including chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum). DnaJ proteins are known to play a protective role against a wide range of abiotic stresses. This study investigates the regulatory mechanism of the chloroplast‐targeted chaperone protein AdDjSKI, derived from wild peanut (Arachis diogoi), in enhancing drought tolerance in chilli peppers. Overexpressing AdDjSKI in chilli plants increased chlorophyll content, reflected in the maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm) compared with untransformed control (UC) plants. This enhancement coincided with the upregulated expression of PSII‐related genes. Our subsequent investigations revealed that transgenic chilli pepper plants expressing AdDjSKI showed reduced accumulation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide and, consequently, lower malondialdehyde levels and decreased relative electrolyte leakage percentage compared with UC plants. The mitigation of ROS‐mediated oxidative damage was facilitated by heightened activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase, coinciding with the upregulation of the expression of associated antioxidant genes. Additionally, our observations revealed that the ectopic expression of the AdDjSKI protein in chilli pepper plants resulted in diminished ABA sensitivity, consequently promoting seed germination in comparison with UC plants under different concentrations of ABA. All of these collectively contributed to enhancing drought tolerance in transgenic chilli plants with improved root systems when compared with UC plants. Overall, our study highlights AdDjSKI as a promising biotechnological solution for enhancing drought tolerance in chilli peppers, addressing the growing global demand for this economically valuable crop.

Karyotipe analysis of the tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona bleeker, 1855) of North Sumatra

The Tiger barb, Puntigrus tetrazona, is an ornamental fish native to Indonesia with a notably striking visual. The research was conducted to perform a karyotype analysis of the Tiger barb chromosomes, including the numbers, sizes, and shapes. The study employed a descriptive approach, by applying 0.007% colchicine for 12 hours. Chromosome preparation was carried out using solid tissue technique, and staining was performed with 5% Giemsa stain. Data analysis was performed using IdeoKar 1.3 software, and the karyotype of the chromosomes was constructed using Adobe Photoshop CS 3. The results of the study showed that the tiger barb had the number of chromosome haploid were 50 with sizes ranging from 1.16 µm to 5.35 µm. The largest value of r was 0.93 and the largest chromosome had a relative length percentage of 5.57. The chromosome shape percentage was 2.54. The highest centromere index obtained 0.47. Furthermore, the study found a TF% value was 40.48%, an Ask% value was 59.51%, an XCI value was 0.38, and an HCL value was 90.08. This research provides an understanding of the karyotype characterization of the tiger barb and an insight for further research in the genetics study of fish.

Endophytic bacteria nano-formula: A promotor for plant growth and systemic acquired resistance against sheath blight disease on rice

Sheath blight disease significantly affected growing rice crop and caused yield losses. This study identified two endophyte bacterial isolates, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas brassicacearum subsp. Neoaurantiaca, significantly inhibit Rhizoctonia solani AG1 IA mycelial growth. Further, the analysis of the culture filtrate for the two identified bacteria recorded a set of bioactive components that have antifungal activity and enhance plant growth. We prepared a novel nano-formula using the advantages of nano natural charcoal (NCNPs) as an organic matter and enriched with alginate to improve the nano-formula porosity and keep the viability of the loaded bacteria up to 18 months. Two methods (soil application and root dipping) were used to evaluate the impact of bacteria nano-formula on rice growth and rice sheath blight (ShB) disease under artificial inoculation with R. solani at greenhouse conditions. The root dipping with P. brassicacearum NCNPs alginate (PBNF-R) and B. subtillus NCNPs alginate (BSNF-R) recorded the highest performance in the rice growth traits, and a high control level of the rice ShB disease by decreasing relative lesion height and percent disease index. In addition, PBNF-R and BSNF-R increase the defense-related enzyme production in the plant cell (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase) and, consequently, the plant immunity. Moreover, both upregulate the gene expression levels of OsNPR1, OsWRKY45, OsPR10, and OsAOS2, which are related to the plant defense mechanism. Finally, here we introduce the first application of bacteria nano-formula as a safe environmental approach to control the rice ShB disease, promoting growth and thousand-grain weight in rice.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regular emergency department users.

Regular users of the emergency department (ED) include both patients who could be better served in lower-acuity settings and those with high-severity conditions. ED use decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but patterns among regular ED users are unknown. To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this population, we examined quarterly postpandemic ED utilization among prepandemic regular ED users. Key subgroups included prepandemic ED users with regular visits for (1) low-severity conditions and (2)high-severityconditions. An event study design with COVID-19 and historic controls cohorts. We identified 4710 regular ED users at baseline and followed their ED utilization for 7 quarters. We used a generalized estimating equations model to compare the relative quarterly percent difference in ED visit rates between the COVID-19 and historic controls cohorts. The first postpandemic quarter was associated with the largest decline in ED visits, at -36.0% (95% CI, -42.0% to -29.3%) per regular ED user overall, -52.2% (95% CI, -69.4% to -25.3%) among high-severity users, and -29.6% (95% CI, -39.8% to -17.8%) among low-severity users. However, use did not statistically differ from expected levels after 5 quarters among all regular ED users, 1 quarter among high-severity users, and 3 quarters among regular low-severity users. Initial reductions among regular high-severity ED users raise concern for harm from delayed or missed care but did not result in increased high-severity visits later. Nonsustained declines among regular low-severity ED users suggest barriers to and opportunities for redirecting nonurgent ED use to lower-acuity settings.

Explanatory and numerical examination of the fractional conditions of blood stream in a limit, slanted supply route utilizing the Akbari Ganji technique

This paper investigates the flow of blood through a slanted stenosed artery beneath the impact of a magnetism field. The equations that control the behavior of blood use a type of derivative called Caputo Fabrizio time fractional derivatives. These equations explain that blood acts like a non-Newtonian Casson fluid. The objective of this study is to explore the governing equations of blood flow in a narrow artery by utilizing Caputo Fabrizio fractional derivatives. Using the Laplace and limited Hankel changes of arrange zero, expository arrangements for the overseeing conditions have been inferred. Using the Akbari Ganji method, simple math problems have been solved and transformed into simpler forms. Answers have been found using this method. This article introduces a new approach by applying the AGM analytical and numerical method to address dimensionless fractional equations related to velocity and pressure, in conjunction with the Capato method, marking a significant innovation. Generally, the velocity of the particles is slower than the velocity of the blood. Anyway, the Reynolds number and Casson's liquid parameters are incrementing in both blood and molecule velocities. However, blood velocity diminishes with an increment within the Hartmann number. These discoveries hold noteworthy suggestions for the progress of atherosclerosis treatment. The narrowing of the diameter of the blood vessel with a radius of 45° and a relative percentage of 35 increases the flow resistance and height of the stenosis.

Comprehensive analysis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients' immune characteristics based on bulk and single-cell sequencing data.

The pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is strongly influenced by an impaired immune system. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its development and progression have not been elucidated. In this study, the computational methods TRUST4 were used to construct a T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire from the peripheral blood of JIA patients via bulk RNA-seq data, after which the clonality and diversity of the immune repertoire were analyzed. Our findings revealed significant differences in the frequency of clonotypes between the JIA and healthy control groups in terms of the TCR and BCR repertoires. This work identified specific V genes and J genes in TCRs and BCRs that could be used to expand our understanding of JIA. After single-cell RNA analysis, the relative percentages of CD14 monocytes were significantly greater in the JIA group. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed the significant role of the MIF signaling pathway in JIA. In conclusion, this work describes the immune features of both the TCR and BCR repertoires under JIA conditions and provides novel insight into immunotherapy for JIA.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent Peripheral Neuropathy and Pro Inflammatory Adipose Tissue Macrophage Phenotype in High-Fat-Fed Mice

Obesity and/or consumption of a high fat diet is associated with the development of peripheral neuropathy (PN) which is characterized by changes in epidermal innervation and increased sensitivity in the extremities. Evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids prevent the development of PN and attenuate adipose inflammation, but the interaction of PN and adipose tissue macrophage (ATMΦ) phenotype have not been investigated. We hypothesized that a diet high in unsaturated fatty acids may prevent PN and adipose inflammation, despite the high fat content. PURPOSE: Assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on signs of PN and ATMΦ phenotype in high-fat-fed mice. Methods: Male C57Bl/6 mice were randomized to (n = 12-14/group): 10% low fat fish oil (10% FO); 54% high fat fish oil (54% FO); 10% low fat lard (10% L); or 54% high fat lard (54% L) for 14 weeks. PN was characterized by the von Frey test for hindpaw sensitivity at baseline then biweekly through week 14. After 14 weeks, intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was quantified by immunohistochemistry of the hindpaw footpad skin using anti-PGP 9.5. The relative percentage of total macrophage cells (F4/80+CD11b+) and M1 (CD206-CD11c+) and M2 (CD206+CD11c-) cell populations in epididymal adipose were identified using flow cytometry. Group differences were identified by 2 x 2 factorial ANOVA. Pearson correlations were used to assess the relationship between hindpaw withdrawal threshold and ATMΦ. Results: 54% L (35.3 ± 1.0 g) had greater body mass compared to all other groups: 10% FO (26.5 ± 0.7, p &lt; 0.001); 10% L (27.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.001); and 54% L (35.3 ± 1.0, p &lt; 0.001). Similarly, fasting insulin was greater in 54% L (3.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL) compared to all other groups: 10% FO (1.0 ± 1.0, p &lt; 0.001); 10% L (1.6 ± 0.2, p &lt; 0.001), and 54% FO (1.0 ± 0.1, p &lt; 0.001). Fasting glucose was greater in 54% L (225.8 ± 7.5 mg/dl) compared to 10% FO (216.1 ± 7.7, p =0.04) and 54% FO (182.6 ± 6.6, p = 0.03), but not 10% L (180.7 ± 17.1, p = 0.483). Following the same pattern as body mass and insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was greater in 54% L (8.1 ± 1.1) compared to all other groups: 10% FO (2.2 ± 0.4, p &lt; 0.001); 10% L (4.1 ± 0.6, p &lt; 0.001); and 54% FO (2.2 ± 0.3, p &lt; 0.001). Hindpaw sensitivity was greater in 54% L (0.08 ± 0.02 g) compared to 54% FO (0.19 ± 0.03, p = 0.02). IENFD was greater in 54% L (52.5 ± 2.2 fibers per mm) compared to 10% FO (44.1 ± 1.5, p = 0.04), but was not different from 10% L (49.7 ± 2.8, p = 0.47) or 54% FO (48.1 ± 3.0, p = 0.24). M1 ATMΦ percentage was greater in 54% L (11.7 ± 2.5 %) compared to all other groups: 10% L (3.8 ± 0.8, p = 0.001), 10% FO (5.2 ± 0.7, p = 0.014), and 54% FO (5.1 ± 0.6 %, p = 0.016). M2 ATMΦ percentage was greater in 10% L (59.7 ± 4.5 %) compared to all other groups: 10% FO (42.1 ± 5.0, p = 0.036), 54% L (41.4 ± 3.9, p = 0.027), and 54% FO (31.4 ± 3.6 %, p &lt; 0.001), but there were no significant differences in M2 ATMΦ percentage in 54% L vs. 54% FO. There were no significant correlations between hindpaw sensitivity and M1 ATMΦ percentage, M2 ATMΦ percentage, or M1:M2 ratio. CONCLUSION: The negative metabolic effects of a high fat lard diet on body mass, glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance were prevented when the dietary fat source was omega-3 fatty acids instead of lard. Notably, mice fed a high fat lard diet had a higher percentage of the pro inflammatory M1 ATMΦ phenotype and developed signs of painful PN including hindpaw hypersensitivity and increased IENFD but these effects were prevented by omega-3 fatty acids in the 54% FO group, despite the high dietary fat content. Supported by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Purification, characterization, and identification of a novel bacteriocin produced by Lacticaseibacillus casei KLS1, and its antimicrobial mechanism against Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and its biofilm were recognized as one of the major threats to food safety and human health. Bacteriocins produced by Lacticaseibacillus species have been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogenic bacteria and their biofilm formation. Herein, a novel bacteriocin KLS1 from Lacticaseibacillus casei KLS1 was extracted by ethyl acetate and purified using an AKTA Pure 25 protein chromatography purification system. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses revealed that the molecular mass of bacteriocin KLSI was 3786.91 Da and the amino acid sequence was DTSASIASNKSETNDLLKQIEAANTEVINLNKQID. Bacteriocin KLS1 was stable at pH 2.0–6.0, sensitive to proteases, and showed excellent thermal stability. Furthermore, bacteriocin KLS1 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, even fungi. The crystal violet staining assay indicated that bacteriocin KLS1 significantly reduced the relative percentage of S. aureus biofilm (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, bacteriocin KLS1 was found to significantly decrease the metabolic activity of S. aureus by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (P < 0.05). In addition, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscope showed that bacteriocin KLS1 disrupted the structure of S. aureus biofilm and cell membrane integrity, leading to cell deformation and leakage of contents. These results suggested that bacteriocin KLS1 might have the potential to serve as a biological preservative in the food industry.