Susceptibility Studies Research Articles

Comparative study of susceptibility to methylmercury cytotoxicity in cell types composing rat peripheral nerves: a higher susceptibility of dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Methylmercury is an environmental polluting organometallic compound that exhibits neurotoxicity, as observed in Minamata disease patients. Methylmercury damages peripheral nerves in Minamata patients, causing more damage to sensory nerves than motor nerves. Peripheral nerves are composed of three cell types: dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells, anterior horn cells (AHCs), and Schwann cells. In this study, we compared cultured these three cell types derived from the rat for susceptibility to methylmercury cytotoxicity, intracellular accumulation of mercury, expression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), which transports methylmercury into cells, and expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), which transports methylmercury-glutathione conjugates into the extracellular space. Of the cells examined, we found that DRG cells were the most susceptible to methylmercury with markedly higher intracellular accumulation of mercury. The constitutive level of LAT1 was higher and that of MRP2 lower in DRG cells compared with those in AHC and Schwann cells. Additionally, decreased cell viability caused by methylmercury was significantly reduced by either the LAT1 inhibitor, JPH203, or siRNA-mediated knockdown of LAT1. On the other hand, an MRP2 inhibitor, MK571, significantly intensified the decrease in the cell viability caused by methylmercury. Our results provide a cellular basis for sensory neve predominant injury in the peripheral nerves of Minamata disease patients.

Surveillance of upper aerodigestive candidiasis and their antifungal susceptibility study at tertiary care hospital: A prospective study

Surveillance of upper aerodigestive candidiasis and their antifungal susceptibility study at tertiary care hospital: A prospective study

A new family of heterometallic [Cu6M4] (M = Gd, Tb, Dy and Y) clusters derived from the combined use of selected pyridyl poly-alcohol ligands.

The combined use of 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,3-propane-diol (pypdH2) and 2-hydroxymethyl-2-(2-pyridyl)-1,3-propane-diol (pyptH3) in Cu2+/4f chemistry has afforded a new family of isostructural [Cu6M4(pypt)4(pypdH)4(NO3)8] [M = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), and Y (4)] complexes. These compounds are based on an unprecedented three-layered symmetric [Cu6M4(μ-OR)16]8+ structural core, formed from the connection of the metal ions by bridging alkoxide arms of the organic ligands. Direct current magnetic susceptibility studies for complexes 1-3 revealed the presence of dominant ferromagnetic exchange interactions, suggesting the existence of large spin ground state values. Alternating current magnetic studies indicate the presence of slow-magnetic relaxation in 1-3.

Predicting Landslide Using Machine Learning Techniques

In mountainous areas prone to landslides, it’s crucial to map out where these hazardous events are likely to occur to mitigate risks effectively. This study focuses employing an integrated approach to assess landslide susceptibility using Random Forest (RF), Stacking, Vote, AdaBoostM1, and Bagging. 13 factors influencing landslide occurrence are identified for modeling purposes. To evaluate and compare the models’ performance, multiple statistical methods are employed. The analysis highlights the effectiveness of employing machine learning models, Random Forest (RF), Stacking, Bagging, and Vote methods. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the models in accurately predicting landslide susceptibility. The study suggests that similar hybrid models can be effectively utilized in other sensitive regions with comparable geo-environmental conditions for landslide susceptibility studies. By integrating various techniques and leveraging ensemble algorithms, these models offer improved accuracy and reliability in assessing landslide hazards. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights for disaster management and risk reduction efforts in landslideprone areas worldwide.

Approaching the 1000 K energy barrier in high coordinate lanthanide single-ion magnets: Increasing Ueff in the [Dy(Tp2-py)F]+ moiety with tetrahydrofuran.

Using the existing architecture of [Dy(Tp2-py)F]+ that supports a terminal Dy-F bond, the synthesis and isolation of [Dy(Tp2-py)F(THF)2](PF6) and its diamagnetic yttrium analogue have been achieved. Alternating current magnetic susceptibility studies show an increased effective energy barrier of Ueff = 661(6) cm-1 (951(8) K), the highest yet reported for a high coordinate (n > 8) lanthanide single-ion magnet.

Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Biologically Active Newly Synthesized α-Amino Acid-Dithiocarbamate Complexes of Some Bivalent Metals

The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of L-proline dithiocarbamate and its L-prodtc metal(II) (M = Ni2+, Cu2+ and Se2+) complexes. The ligand was synthesized in the presence of an alkali through the reaction of one mole of carbon disulphide and L-proline in ethanol under ice cold condition. The solubility of this ligand in the media is attributed to its high hygroscopic character and therefore, its metal(II) complexes were synthesized using a freshly prepared ligand. The characterization of the metal(II) complexes were carried out by molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, elemental analysis, TGA/DTA, mass, IR, Raman, UV-Visible, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies. The biological activity of all the metal(II) complexes has been examined using an inhibition method for bacteria and pathogenic fungus, which will assess their possible antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer activities and anti-inflammatory. It has been observed that Se(L-Prodtc)2 exhibits anticancer activity against breast cancer cells (MCF7) and also observed that antioxidant activity of Se(L-Prodtc)2 is more as compared to standard BHT, whereas Cu(L-Prodtc)2 complex shows appreciable anti-inflammatory activity.

An evaluation on the parameters used in flood susceptibility analysis

Taşkınlar her geçen gün artan büyüklük ve sıklıklarına bağlı olarak dünyada ve ülkemizde önemi giderek artan afetlerden birisidir. Bu çalışmadaki temel amaç, taşkın duyarlılık ile ilgili uluslararası ve ulusal literatürün değerlendirilmesi ve duyarlılık çalışmalarına yeni bir yaklaşım olarak sel ve taşkınların meydana geldiği yerleşmelerin su toplama havzaları temelli taşkın duyarlılık parametrelerinin belirlenmesini gerçekleştirmektir. Bu kapsamda çalışmada tarihsel taşkın envanterine bağlı olarak Bursa ili sınırları içerisinde vadi tabanı ve akarsu kenarında sel ve taşkınların yaşandığı yerleşmelerin havzalarına bağlı olarak taşkın duyarlılık analizi parametreleri belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada kullanılan temel altlık veriler, Bursa iline ait 5m çözünürlüklü Sayısal Yükseklik Modeli (SYM), 1956-2022 yılları arasını kapsayan envanter verileri, litoloji, hidrolojik toprak grupları (HTG) ve yağış (WorldClim) verileridir. Bursa il sınırları içerisinde meydana gelen tarihsel sel ve taşkın envanterine bağlı olarak 28 yerleşme ve bu yerleşmelerin su toplama havzaları belirlenmiş ve bu havzalara sel ve taşkının oluşmasında hazırlayıcı 12 parametre uygulanmıştır. Taşkın hazırlayıcı parametreler sınıflandırma aşamasında 0-1 arasında normalize edilerek ortaya çıkan sonuca göre taşkın duyarlılık için parametre katsayıları oluşturulmuştur. Sonuç olarak envantere göre maksimum etkiye sahip parametreler; çatallanma oranı (R_b), drenaj yoğunluğu (D_d), akım toplanma zamanı (T_c), eğim, topografik nemlilik indeksi, akarsu güç indeksi, hidrolojik toprak grupları, olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu çalışma ile taşkın duyarlılık analizinde önceki çalışmalardan farklı olarak envantere bağlı ve yerleşim temelli havzalardan taşkın duyarlılık parametreleri belirlenmiştir.

Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in North Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by the aggregation of various metabolic disorders, including obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypoHDLemia and hypertension. In addition to environmental influences, genetic factors can play a major role in the development of MetS. Objective: The present bibliographic review aims to examine the contribution of candidate gene polymorphisms to MetS susceptibility in North African populations. Methods: A systematic review search was conducted to identify pertinent articles published on Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science from their inception to August 2, 2023 to obtain all reported genetic data related to MetS in North African populations. Results: According to the literature search strategy, 785 articles were initially obtained from the cited databases, and 15 more papers were found utilizing other sources. Following the filtering procedure, 25 papers totalising 3925 cases and 4431 controls were included, from which only 13 were eligible for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results suggest that the genetic cumulative risk of developing MetS was substantially influenced by four polymorphisms, including APOA5 (rs3135506 and rs662799), APOC3 (rs5128), and FTO (rs9939609), while the vaspin polymorphism (rs2236242) was reported to play a protective role from MetS. Furthermore, no significant association was observed between rs1169288, rs2464196, and rs735396 polymorphisms at HNF1A gene and MetS development. A narrative synthesis of association studies revealed that a multitude of candidate genes is associated with MetS components. In all included studies, 14 polymorphisms were linked to obesity, and 13 polymorphisms were associated with hyperglycemia. The association of hypertension with polymorphisms represents the lowest number, with only seven polymorphisms associated with this MetS component. In the other hand, studies about MetS in North Africa considering the genetic association of candidate genes with dyslipidemia component represents the highest number with 20 polymorphisms in approximately 14 genes. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that four polymorphisms, namely rs3135506 and rs662799 at APOA5 gene, rs5128 at APOC3 and rs9939609 at FTO, contributed significantly to the MetS risk susceptibility, via their association with some MetS components as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, and hypertension. Nevertheless, we can state that genetic association and genetic susceptibility studies to MetS in North African populations are still lacking, requiring additional well-designed epidemiogenetic studies.

Local-scale flash flood susceptibility assessment in northeastern Bangladesh using machine learning algorithms

The recurring flash floods in northeastern Bangladesh have been causing significant damage to the lives and livelihoods of local people every year, underscoring the necessity of effective flood management and mitigation efforts. Identifying flood hazard areas is the very first step in achieving such ends. While machine learning algorithms have been widely used in flood susceptibility studies, there is a significant dearth of research addressing their application for local-scale assessment of flood susceptibility in Bangladesh. Besides, in most of the flood susceptibility studies, only statistical metrics are used to evaluate the prediction capability of machine learning algorithms, overlooking their ability to account for spatial consistency. Therefore, this study attempts to evaluate the performance of Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms in flash flood susceptibility assessment at local scale using statistical and spatial metrics. RF model performed better than SVM with area under the curve (0.964), accuracy (92.1 %) and kappa (0.894). Five susceptibility zones were identified using a natural breaks method: very high, high, moderate, low and very low. The overall spatial agreement between the susceptibility maps of RF and SVM was 73.3 %. For very low susceptible classes, the spatial agreement was highest for RF-SVM (97.15 %) and SVM-RF (81.54 %). The findings of this study can be useful for a more accurate assessment of flash flood susceptibility in similar local settings. Moreover, the prepared susceptibility map can be helpful for taking sustainable measures to mitigate the devastating effects of flood hazard in northeastern Bangladesh.

Copper ferrite obtaining from microelectronics waste

Relevance. The need to develop new methods for metal waste disposal. This direction, with the participation of various intensifying influences, refers to resource-saving, technological, minimizing the volume of capital costs for raw materials, production and subsequent sale. Aim. To obtain copper ferrite from iron and copper waste of microelectronics. Copper ferrite is a useful and highly demanded product in this branch of domestic industry, especially now, when many sanctions have been imposed on our country, including in terms of microelectronics. To study its magnetic properties and draw a conclusion about the possibility of its application. Objects. Samples of iron and copper waste in the form of plates, wire and shavings. Methods. Volumetric analysis, electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, study of magnetic susceptibility. Results. The authors have produced finely dispersed iron (III) oxide from iron-containing microelectronics waste. This oxide is used in electrical engineering as part of high-voltage resistors for grounding the neutral of networks, lithium-ion batteries, as a carrier of analog and digital information. In the radio engineering industry it is used as part of low-voltage resistors, high-frequency chokes, small-sized pulse transformers. The authors produced finely dispersed copper (II) oxide from copper-containing waste. This oxide is used in production of phosphors and dry batteries – in batteries with liquid cells as a cathode, with lithium as an anode and dioxalane mixed with lithium perchlorate as an electrolyte. In addition, it finds application as a p-type semiconductor, since it has a narrow bandgap of 1.2 eV, and manufacturing photovoltaic cells in solar panels. Copper ferrite was synthesized from the obtained oxides by sintering. Rings made of such alloy serve as a core in transformers. The part increases the magnetic field strength by several thousand times, making the devices transmit more power than they could with a non-ferrite core. Ferrite ring cores are found not only in transformers, but also in other electronics (e.g. magnetic memory).

Successful eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori with empirical antibiotic treatment in pediatric patients from a Tertiary Hospital

To determine the success rate of first-line empirical eradication treatment against H. pylori in pediatric patients treated in a tertiary hospital. Retrospective descriptive study in patients with H. pylori infection detected in gastric biopsies and who had received first-line antibiotic treatment during the period 2017-2021. A negative result of an antigen test in stools or new biopsies after ≥ 1 month after completing treatment was considered a successful eradication. 82 patients with H. pylori infection were identified, of which 53 received eradication treatment. Of these, 26 (49%) were controlled with eradication tests after treatment with a success rate of only 38% (10/26). The eradication rate with the empirical regimens used was lower than expected which highlights the challenge of seeking more effective treatment strategies, including the study of antimicrobial susceptibility. Patient adherence to the follow-up protocol was also low, which should be reinforced in the future to ensure more appropriate clinical management.

Characterization of VIM, VEB and CTX-M Beta-lactamase Gene in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Urine Samples of Patients Visiting a Tertiary Hospital in Abakaliki

The spread and convergence of multiple beta-lactamase genes across distinct resistant bacterial populations from various hosts and settings demonstrates increased risk of morbidity and mortality in humans. This study was undertaken to characterize blaVIM, blaVEB and blaCTX-M beta-lactamase gene in Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa isolates from patients visiting a tertiary hospital in Abakaliki. A total of three hundred (300) urine samples were collected from patients and were subjected to bacteriological examination using culture, Gram staining and biochemical technique, for routine microbiological identification and further confirmed using the VITEK-2 Automated System (Biomerieux, France). Antimicrobial susceptibility studies were determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. All isolate were further screen for various beta-lactamase resistant gene by PCR using specific primer. Of the 300 urine samples collected, prevalence rate of 187 (62.3%) and 91 (30.3 %) E. coli and P. aeruginosa were recorded. The isolates exhibited 50.0-100% percentage of resistance to Amoxycillin-Clavulanic acid, Azetronam, Cefoxitin, Ceftriaxone and Piperacillin/tazobactam. The proportion of beta-lactamase gene in E. coli were as follows (VEB 143/76.5 %; CTX-M 175/93.5 %; VIM 77/41.2 %) while beta-lactamase gene in P. aeruginosa were as follows (VEB 91/100 %; CTX-M 63/69.2%; VIM 48/52.7 %). The presence of these gene in our study indicates the possibility of therapeutic failure, serious consequences for infection control and increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients. Hence, continuous effort in hospital surveillance, infection control, and clinical audits must be conducted to fight against the rapid development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria pathogens. Keywords: Beta-lactamase, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, VIM, VEB, CTX-M

Genetic variants of ERBB4 gene and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a susceptibility and diagnostic nomogram study.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is one of the common complications of female pregnancy, which seriously affects the health of mothers and their offspring. So far, the etiology has not been fully clarified. A case-control study was conducted to clarify the relationship between Erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ERBB4) functional tag genetic variants (rs1595064, rs1595065, rs1595066 and rs6719645) and the risk of GDM. Associations between variants and GDM risk were evaluated with the odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subsequently, the false-positive reporting probability (FPRP), multi-factor dimension reduction (MDR) and bioinformatics analysis were adopted to confirm the significant associations. A nomogram model was constructed to predict the risk of GDM. Association analysis demonstrated that rs1595066 TT genotype performed a protective effect on GDM risk among all subjects (TT vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.38 - 0.94, P = 0.026; TT vs. CC/CT: adjusted OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.40 - 0.95, P = 0.027). Meanwhile, stratified analysis showed that rs1595066 TT can also reduce the GDM risk in age > 30.09 years old, pre-pregnancy BMI > 22.23 Kg/m2, SBP ≤ 110.08 mmHg, etc subgroups. Interactions between rs1595066 and DBP (P interaction = 0.01), FPG (P interaction < 0.001) and HbA1c (P interaction < 0.001) were detected. The FPRP analysis confirmed that association between rs1595066 and GDM risk in subjects of FPG < 4.79 mmol/L (P = 0.199) is true. The MDR analysis showed that rs1595066 was the best single locus model while the 4-loci model was the best multiple factors model to predict GDM risk. Functional prediction revealed that rs1595066 may disturb the stability of miRNA-mRNA binding. The predictive nomogram model has a well consistence and acceptable discriminative ability with a diagnosed AUC of 0.813. ERBB4 variants can change an individual's susceptibility to GDM via the interaction of gene-gene, gene-environment and changes in the regulatory effects of miRNAs on ERBB4 expression.

Magnetization reversal processes of nanostructured PrFeB alloys

The paper considers the high-coercivity state of the melt-spun PrFeB alloys with different phase composition: the main Pr2Fe14B phase grains separated by the paramagnetic layers, single-phase state (Pr2Fe14B grains only), and combination of Pr2Fe14B and α-Fe phase grains. The phase composition and microstructure of the alloys, as well as their magnetic properties in the temperature range of 2–300 K are given. To establish the prevailing mechanism of the high-coercivity state, magnetometric techniques were used, including the study of the reversible magnetic susceptibility, and simulations by the finite difference method. The simulations of the magnetization reversal of these alloys demonstrate the complexity of this processes, which go beyond simple nucleation or pinning, and cannot be described in the framework of the Kneller-Hawig model. Models of magnetization reversal of the alloys under study are proposed. The presence and composition of the intergranular layer has a significant effect on the mechanism of the high-coercivity state.

Investigations of Serum Metabolomic Relationships between Lung Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Lung cancer (LuCa) are among the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Remarkably, several studies demonstrated a potential inverse co‐morbidity of AD with LuCa. Possible explanations related to the cell cycle (dys)regulation include presence of specific neuropathological features, immune checkpoint functions and increased circular RNA levels. Metabolomic profiles for LuCa or AD alone have been proposed. Here, using high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) MRS, we aim to study metabolomic relationship between the two diseases with serum metabolomic profiles for matched LuCa patients, with and without AD, by comparing serum profiles measured from matched healthy controls.MethodsLuCa sera from of patients with (LCAD, n = 10, 3M, 7F, 77.3±7.7yrs) and without (LCnonAD, n = 10, 3M, 7F, 77.4±5.2yrs) clinically defined AD were obtained from Harvard/MGH Lung Cancer Susceptibility Study (a.k.a. BLCS) Repository, with individually age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (Ctrl‐LCAD and Ctrl‐LCnonAD, n = 10/each) obtained from the MGB BioBank. HRMAS proton NMR for these 40 samples were measured on 10 µl, at 4°C with a spin rate of 5000 Hz using a Bruker Avance 600 MHz spectrometer. Spectra were analyzed with Bruker Topspin 3.6.2. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP Pro on 18 spectral regions identified from HRMAS proton NMR.ResultsAs a survey of the entire data ensemble of 18 spectral regions measured from 40 samples, the hierarchical clustering analysis (Fig. 1) seems to associate different groups into different clusters. Unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) conducted on all spectral regions generate PCs (PC1 and PC2) that can differentiate among groups (Fig. 2). Further noticed that, four out of 18 regions can significantly differentiate LCAD from LCnonAD. Calculations of PCA using these four regions result in PC1_4regions that can significantly differentiate LCAD from LCnonAD (Fig. 3). Collectively evaluating potential contributing metabolites towards PC1_4regions indicate increases in myo‐inositol suggesting towards LCAD, which increases in creatine, phosphocreatine, serine, aspartate, tyrosine, proline, glutamine, and 2‐oxoglutarate suggesting towards LCnonAD.ConclusionOur findings, whilst preliminary, seem promising in guiding further investigations into serum NMR metabolomics for better understanding LuCa‐AD metabolic relationships.

Asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine in high altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)

Introduction: High altitude exposure may lead to high altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). The pathophysiologic processes of both entities have been linked to decreased nitric oxide (NO) availability.Methods: We studied the effect of acute high altitude exposure on the plasma concentrations of asymmetric (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), L-arginine, L-ornithine, and L-citrulline in two independent studies. We further investigated whether these biomarkers involved in NO metabolism were related to HAPH and HAPE, respectively. Fifty (study A) and thirteen (study B) non-acclimatized lowlanders were exposed to 4,559 m for 44 and 67 h, respectively. In contrast to study A, the participants in study B were characterized by a history of at least one episode of HAPE. Arterial blood gases and biomarker concentrations in venous plasma were assessed at low altitude (baseline) and repeatedly at high altitude. HAPE was diagnosed by chest radiography, and HAPH by measuring right ventricular to atrial pressure gradient (RVPG) with transthoracic echocardiography. AMS was evaluated with the Lake Louise Score (LLS) and the AMS-C score.Results: In both studies SDMA concentration significantly increased at high altitude. ADMA baseline concentrations were higher in individuals with HAPE susceptibility (study B) compared to those without (study A). However, upon high altitude exposure ADMA only increased in individuals without HAPE susceptibility, while there was no further increase in those with HAPE susceptibility. We observed an acute and transient decrease of L-ornithine and a more delayed but prolonged reduction of L-citrulline during high altitude exposure. In both studies SDMA positively correlated and L-ornithine negatively correlated with RVPG. ADMA was significantly associated with the occurrence of HAPE (study B). ADMA and SDMA were inversely correlated with alveolar PO2, while L-ornithine was inversely correlated with blood oxygenation and haemoglobin levels, respectively.Discussion: In non-acclimatized individuals ADMA and SDMA, two biomarkers decreasing endothelial NO production, increased after acute exposure to 4,559 m. The observed biomarker changes suggest that both NO synthesis and arginase pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of HAPH and HAPE.

Study of antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogenic germs and epidemiology in patients at the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry (Republic of Guinea)

Study of antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogenic germs and epidemiology in patients at the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry (Republic of Guinea)

Genome-wide association study of susceptibility to hospitalised respiratory infections.

Background: Globally, respiratory infections contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. However, genetic determinants of respiratory infections are understudied and remain poorly understood. Methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study in 19,459 hospitalised respiratory infection cases and 101,438 controls from UK Biobank (Stage 1). We followed-up well-imputed top signals from our Stage 1 analysis in 50,912 respiratory infection cases and 150,442 controls from 11 cohorts (Stage 2). We aggregated effect estimates across studies using inverse variance-weighted meta-analyses. Additionally, we investigated the function of the top signals in order to gain understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms. Results: From our Stage 1 analysis, we report 56 signals at P<5×10 -6, one of which was genome-wide significant ( P<5×10 -8). The genome-wide significant signal was in an intron of PBX3, a gene that encodes pre-B-cell leukaemia transcription factor 3, a homeodomain-containing transcription factor. Further, the genome-wide significant signal was found to colocalise with gene-specific expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) affecting expression of PBX3 in lung tissue, where the respiratory infection risk alleles were associated with decreased PBX3 expression in lung tissue, highlighting a possible biological mechanism. Of the 56 signals, 40 were well-imputed in UK Biobank and were investigated in Stage 2. None of the 40 signals replicated, with effect estimates attenuated. Conclusions: Our Stage 1 analysis implicated PBX3 as a candidate causal gene and suggests a possible role of transcription factor binding activity in respiratory infection susceptibility. However, the PBX3 signal, and the other well-imputed signals, did not replicate in the meta-analysis of Stages 1 and 2. Significant phenotypic heterogeneity and differences in study ascertainment may have contributed to this lack of statistical replication. Overall, our study highlighted putative associations and possible biological mechanisms that may provide insight into respiratory infection susceptibility.

Electromicrofluidic Device for Interference-Free Rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing of Escherichia coli from Real Samples

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat, progressively emerging as a significant public health issue. Therefore, an antibiotic susceptibility study is a powerful method for combating antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotic susceptibility study collectively helps in evaluating both genotypic and phenotypic resistance. However, current traditional antibiotic susceptibility study methods are time-consuming, laborious, and expensive. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop simple, rapid, miniature, and affordable devices to prevent antimicrobial resistance. Herein, a miniaturized, user-friendly device for the electrochemical antibiotic susceptibility study of Escherichia coli (E. coli) has been developed. In contrast to the traditional methods, the designed device has the rapid sensing ability to screen different antibiotics simultaneously, reducing the overall time of diagnosis. Screen-printed electrodes with integrated miniaturized reservoirs with a thermostat were developed. The designed device proffers simultaneous incubator-free culturing and detects antibiotic susceptibility within 6 h, seven times faster than the conventional method. Four antibiotics, namely amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and cefpodoxime, were tested against E. coli. Tap water and synthetic urine samples were also tested for antibiotic susceptibility. The results show that the device could be used for antibiotic resistance susceptibility testing against E. coli with four antibiotics within six hours. The developed rapid, low-cost, user-friendly device will aid in antibiotic screening applications, enable the patient to receive the appropriate treatment, and help to lower the risk of anti-microbial resistance.

The genome sequence of the critically endangered Kroombit tinkerfrog (Taudactylus pleione)

The Kroombit tinkerfrog (Taudactylus pleione) is a stream-dwelling amphibian of the Myobatrachidae family. It is listed as Critically Endangered and is at high risk of extinction due to chytridiomycosis. Here, we provide the first genome assembly of the evolutionarily distinct Taudactylus genus. We sequenced PacBio HiFi reads to assemble a high-quality long-read genome and identified the mitochondrial genome. We also generated a global transcriptome from a tadpole to improve gene annotation. The genome was 5.52 Gb in length and consisted of 4,196 contigs with a contig N50 of 8.853 Mb and an L50 of 153. This study provides the first genomic resources for the Kroombit tinkerfrog to assist in future phylogenetic, environmental DNA, conservation breeding, and disease susceptibility studies.