Search Results (726)

Currently, the potential environmental concerns around the world for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogenic (PAHCs) contamination as carcinogenic compounds in industrial soils (automobile industry) are rising day by day. At present, the technology of treating contaminated soils using photocatalysts is commonly used; however, this study tested photolysis and photocatalysis through ultraviolet light (306 nm) due to its high treatment efficiency. FeCl₃ (0.3, 0.4 M) was used as an iron catalyst for each treatment in the presence of H₂O₂ (10%, 20%) as an oxidizing agent. The impact of light treatment on soils that contained various concentrations of PAHCs like naphthalene (NAP), chrysene (CRY), benzo(a) pyrene (BaP), indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene (IND) was investigated. The QuEChERS method was used to extract PAHCs, and a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMSMS) was used to determine concentration. The concentrations of PAHCs were measured for soils at intervals of every 2 h after exposure to ultraviolet rays. The results showed a decrease in PAHCs concentrations with increased exposure to UV irradiation, as the initial values were 26.8 ng/g (NAP), 97 ng/g (CRY), 9.1 ng/g (BaP) and 9.7 ng/g (IND), which decreased to 2.17 ng/g (NAP), 3.14 ng/g (CRY), 0.33 ng/g (BaP) and 0.46 ng/g (IND) at 20, 40, 30 and 40 h of UV exposure; moreover, with an increase in concentration of the catalyst (0.4 M FeCl₃ with 20% H₂O₂), NAP, CRY, BaP and IND became undetectable at 8, 26, 14 and 20 h, respectively. It was concluded that a significant effect of ultraviolet rays on the photolysis of PAHCs, along with Photovoltaic at 306 nm wavelength, was observed while using FeCl₃ (0.4 M) combined with H₂O₂ (20%) produced better results in a shorter time compared to FeCl₃ (0.3 M) with H₂O₂ (10%). Full article

Background: The 4CMenB vaccine (Bexsero^®) contains surface proteins from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B and is recommended from 2 months of age. The most frequently reported adverse events are fever, injection site pain, and fatigue. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the incidence of local and systemic adverse events associated with the administration of the 4CMenB (Bexsero^®) vaccine. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials published up to 28 February 2025 were conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Human studies available in English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian were exclusively included. Adverse events following the first dose of the vaccine were analyzed. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I² statistics. Results: Ten clinical trials comprising 13,345 participants were included. The most common adverse event was local pain (occurring in up to 94% of cases), followed by induration, erythema, and edema, with frequencies ranging from 25% to 45%. The most frequently reported systemic events were irritability (up to 75%), fatigue (51–59%), fever (up to 60%), headache (42–49%), and persistent crying (50–65%). Most adverse events were mild and self-limiting. Conclusions: The 4CMenB (Bexsero) vaccine exhibits a favorable safety profile, characterized by a predominance of mild and transient local adverse events. Although several systemic events were reported, their overall frequency was generally low. These findings support the continued inclusion of Bexsero^® in routine childhood immunization programs. Full article

Wireworms are often referred as a hardly manageable group of pests due to their unstable lifestyle and uneven distribution in soils. The current strategy of wireworm control involves the heavy use of chemical pesticides. To find an effective and eco-friendly biological control agent against wireworms, evaluation of bacterial properties and insecticidal effects of six Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains against Agriotes lineatus was performed under laboratory conditions. The presence of cry11, cyt2 and krsA gene was detected in Bt strain BHC 2.4, while the same strain had the ability to produce siderophores, protease, amylase and cellulase. Single inoculums of Bt strains (BHC 2.4; BHC 4.5; BHC 4.7; 1.5; 4.3; 6.1) showed mortality against Agriotes lineatus larvae in the range of 6.67–72.22%. However, the compatible Bt dual cultures showed significantly higher efficiency in comparison with the single inoculums, with the highest efficiency of 79.63% recorded for Bt strain BHC 2.4 + Bt strain 1.5. The efficiency of applied Bt strains might be associated with the presence of genes coding for antibiotics and toxins. Therefore, the use of selected Bt strains applied in a form of compatible mixes could offer a sustainable solution for wireworm management in wheat. Full article

Anthocyanins are key antioxidants that play a significant role in plant responses to adverse stresses, including nitrogen deficiency. However, research on the metabolic and transcriptional regulation of anthocyanins in black soybean seed coats under low-nitrogen conditions remains limited. Here, we report that low-nitrogen treatment significantly alters the accumulation of anthocyanin metabolites and the gene expression profiles in black soybeans. Specifically, a greater number of differential anthocyanin metabolites are induced under low-nitrogen conditions, which contributes to the accumulation of anthocyanins in the seed coat. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are mainly enriched in multiple antioxidant pathways involved in responding to low-nitrogen stress; in flavonoid and phenylalanine metabolic pathways, as well as protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, which are associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis; and in plant hormone signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation. The expressions of genes encoding key enzymes in anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and O-methyltransferase (OMT), as well as genes encoding the blue light photoreceptor cryptochrome (CRY) and proteins related to cellular autophagy, were upregulated under low-nitrogen treatment. This suggests that these genes may play a key role in low-nitrogen-induced anthocyanin accumulation. This study provides a theoretical basis and novel perspective for understanding the regulatory mechanism underlying low-nitrogen-induced anthocyanin accumulation in black soybeans. Full article

The present study examined the relationship between sleep duration and eating behaviours, stress symptoms, and burnout in healthcare professionals. Objective: The present study aimed to examine whether sleep duration influenced the psychosocial well-being of healthcare personnel, as well as to identify possible predictors and patterns of vulnerability in this population. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 194 public healthcare workers (mainly women and nursing staff). Validated questionnaires were used: the EAT-40, the EDI, the MBI, and a stress symptom scale. The participants were classified into two groups according to their sleep duration (fewer than six hours of sleep and six hours or more of sleep). Results: A sleep duration of fewer than six hours was associated with higher levels of depersonalisation (burnout), physical and emotional symptoms of stress (fatigue, tachycardia, memory loss, crying easily), dysfunctional coping strategies (self-medication, isolation), and more restrictive eating behaviours. A regression analysis identified seven predictors of sleep duration: allergies, marital status, hours worked, depersonalisation, alcohol consumption, interpersonal distrust, and skipping meals, which together explained 18% of the variance. A network analysis showed positive correlations between these variables in the group with a shorter sleep duration, indicating a pattern of cumulative psychosocial vulnerability. Conclusions: Although the cross-sectional design limits causal inference, the results underscore the importance of sleep as a key factor in the emotional and functional well-being of healthcare personnel. Organisational interventions focused on promoting rest, emotional management, and stress prevention are suggested, considering sleep not only as a biological need, but also as a relevant indicator of psychosocial health for healthcare quality. Full article

Background: Infantile colic affects up to 40% of otherwise healthy infants and can severely distress caregivers. Manual therapies are increasingly employed as non-pharmacological options, yet their effectiveness and safety remain uncertain. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported following PRISMA-ScR. Five databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science) were searched from December 2024 to May 2025 without restrictions at the search stage; however, only English-language randomised controlled trials published from 2012 onwards were included at the eligibility stage to ensure consistency and focus on the most recent body of evidence. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating hands-on interventions for infants ≤ 6 months with colic were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened records, charted data, and grouped outcomes narratively. Results: Seven RCTs investigated abdominal massage, paediatric Tuina, craniosacral therapy, chiropractic manipulation, osteopathic light touch, reflexology, and acupressure. Five trials reported statistically or clinically significant reductions in daily crying (0.6–6.6 h) compared with usual care or sham. Three studies also documented meaningful gains in sleep duration (1.1–2.8 h). Parent-reported satisfaction improved in most interventions. No serious adverse events were recorded, although safety monitoring was inconsistently reported. Substantial heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria, outcome measures, and intervention dose precluded meta-analysis. Conclusions: Low-force manual therapies may offer modest short-term relief for colicky infants and improve parental experience, with an apparently favourable safety profile. However, methodological variability and small sample sizes limit certainty. Standardised protocols, objective outcome measures, and robust adverse-event surveillance are priorities for future research. Full article

The circadian rhythm controls the sleep/wake cycle and a wide variety of metabolic and physiological functions. Clock genes regulate it in response to both external and endogenous stimuli, and their expression may change because of aging, leading to an increased risk of health problems. Despite the well-described benefits of physical exercise as a circadian synchronizer, there is a lack of literature regarding the role of chronic exercise intensity in clock gene expression during aging. This article aims to analyze the differential expression of genes that regulate the biological clock under the effects of variable-intensity aerobic swimming training in aging mice, determining whether these exercise regimens interfere with the genomic regulation of the circadian rhythm. For this purpose, the mice were exposed to low- and high-intensity exercise and had their heart and gastrocnemius tissues molecularly analyzed by cDNA synthesis and qPCR to determine the expression levels of the selected genes: Clock, Arntl, Per1, Per2, Cry1, Cry2, and Nr1d1. The results showed that low-intensity exercise, performed at workloads below the anaerobic threshold, significantly changed their expression in the gastrocnemius muscle (p < 0.05), while high-intensity exercise had no statistically significant effects (p > 0.05), with the heart being immune to exercise influence except when it comes to the Per1 gene, for which expression was increased (p = 0.031) by low-intensity exercise. Additionally, both body weight and lactate thresholds had no change during the experiment (p > 0.05), while the maximum supported workload was maintained for high-intensity exercise (p > 0.05) and increased for low-intensity exercise (p < 0.01), with the control group experiencing a decay instead (p < 0.05). Thus, the present study highlights the importance of chronic exercise in modulating clock genes and opens exciting possibilities for circadian medicine, such as improvements in exercise capacity, heart condition, and lipid metabolism for subjects of low-intensity regimens. Full article

Aedes aegypti, a crucial vector mosquito that transmits many diseases that cause millions of deaths worldwide, can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). The larvicidal activity of Bti against Ae. aegypti is due primarily to Cry4Aa, Cry4Ba, and Cry11Aa, and Cyt1Aa, a protein that synergizes the activity of the Cry proteins. Interestingly, Galectins-6 and Galectins-14, members of a family of β-galactoside-binding proteins that play a role in immune responses insects, have been shown to decrease the activity of Bti toxins. The activity of other Galectins, particularly Galectin-8A, against the Cry proteins is not known. Toward this end, we cloned the gene coding for galactin-8A and expressed the recombinant protein and purified protein. The bioassay results indicated that Galectin-8A can also reduce the toxicity of Cry11Aa, but it was much stronger than Galectin-6. To investigate the interactions among Galectin-8A, Cry11Aa, and toxin receptors, Octet Red System analysis, Western blot, far-Western blot, and ELISA assay were also performed. The Octet Red System result showed that Galectin-8A could also bind to BBMVs of Ae. aegypti, with a lower kDa value than that of Galectin-6, indicating that Galectin-8A had a stronger binding affinity to BBMVs than Galectin-6. Western blot, far-Western blot, and ELISA assay analyses also demonstrated that Galectin-8A bound to Ae. aegypti receptor ALP1 and APN2, consistent with the protein docking simulation results. These findings support the conclusion that Galectin-8A blocks with ALP1 and APN2 more effectively than Galectin-6, which may subsequently reduce the toxicity of Cry11Aa in Ae. aegypti. Full article

Objective. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of lavender–neroli oil aromatherapy in managing dental anxiety and pain in children undergoing inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) anesthesia. Methods. Fifty-four children aged 6–11 years were randomly assigned to either a control group or an aromatherapy group. Children in the control group were asked to wear a regular scented-free nitrous oxide mask. Children in the control group were asked to wear a regular scented-free nitrous oxide mask. Children in the intervention group inhaled lavender–neroli oil via a nitrous oxide nasal mask for 5 min before and during IANB administration. Anxiety and pain levels were assessed pre-and post-treatment using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Face–Legs–Activity–Cry–Consolability (FLACC) scale, and vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation). The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software 20. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for analyzing FIS results, and the independent T test and T Paired test were used for analyzing heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation results. Results. Results demonstrated significantly lower anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and pain scores in the aromatherapy group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with no significant change in oxygen saturation. Conclusions. Lavender–neroli aromatherapy is a safe, low-cost, and effective adjunct to reduce anxiety and discomfort during pediatric dental anesthesia. Full article

Background: Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a severe form of abusive head trauma with potentially fatal consequences. Nurses and midwives play a crucial role in its prevention through early recognition and caregiver education; however, little is known about their knowledge and preparedness in the Polish context. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, perceptions, and educational experiences related to SBS among Polish nurses and midwives working with infants. Participants and Setting: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among 110 nurses and midwives employed in neonatal and pediatric care settings across Poland. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire collected demographic data and evaluated knowledge of SBS, infant crying, coping strategies, and prior training. Associations between knowledge levels and participant characteristics were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Most participants (94.5%) had heard of SBS, and 78.2% correctly recognized shaking as more dangerous than a fall from a changing table. However, only 5.5% reported receiving formal training on SBS. Recognition of SBS symptoms was generally high (e.g., vomiting 100%, seizures 90.9%), but misconceptions persisted regarding coping with infant crying. More than one-quarter (27.3%) admitted experiencing a “breaking point,” and this group was more likely to acknowledge the risk of losing emotional control. Older nurses demonstrated significantly better recognition of crying patterns and colic (p = 0.0415), while SBS knowledge was positively associated with years of professional experience (p = 0.0484). Conclusions: Although general awareness of SBS is widespread, practical knowledge and training remain insufficient. Structured educational programs on SBS and infant crying management are urgently needed to better prepare healthcare professionals and reduce the risk of caregiver-related harm to infants. Full article

The relationship between sleep and epilepsy involves complex interactions between thalamocortical circuits, circadian mechanisms, and sleep architecture that fundamentally influence seizure susceptibility and cognitive outcomes. Epileptic activity disrupts essential sleep oscillations, particularly sleep spindles generated by thalamic circuits. Thalamic epileptic spikes actively compete with physiological sleep spindles, impairing memory consolidation and contributing to cognitive dysfunction in epileptic encephalopathy. This disruption explains why patients with epilepsy often experience learning difficulties despite adequate seizure control. Sleep stages show differential seizure susceptibility. REM sleep provides robust protection through enhanced GABAergic inhibition and motor neuron suppression, while non-REM sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep, increases seizure risk. These observations reveal fundamental mechanisms of seizure control within normal brain physiology. Circadian clock genes (BMAL1, CLOCK, PER, CRY) play crucial roles in seizure modulation. Dysregulation of these molecular timekeepers creates permissive conditions for seizure generation while being simultaneously disrupted by epileptic activity, establishing a bidirectional relationship. These mechanistic insights are driving chronobiological therapeutic approaches, including precisely timed antiseizure medications, sleep optimization strategies, and orexin/hypocretin system interventions. This understanding enables a paradigm shift from simple seizure suppression toward targeted restoration of physiological brain rhythms, promising transformative epilepsy management through sleep-informed precision medicine. Full article

Transgrafting constitutes a technique involving the integration of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM plant organisms. Typically, edible components derived from non-GM scions are categorized as non-GM food products, attributed to the absence of exogenous genetic material within their respective genomes. Non-GM food status could be compromised if proteins translocated across the graft interface. We investigated the movement of insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal proteins, widely utilized in GM crop species. Tobacco plants engineered to express the Cry1Ab gene exhibited trace levels of Cry1Ab protein accumulation. In transgrafted plants, translocated Cry1Ab protein originating from GM rootstocks was detectable within scion foliar tissues but not within the seeds obtained from the non-GM scion. This result unequivocally demonstrates the capacity for Bt protein translocation from rootstocks to scions yet indicates a constrained distribution confined to scion tissues relatively close to the graft junction. While regulatory considerations necessitate a thorough appraisal of potential risks associated with Bt proteins, the results shown here facilitate the commercialization of the edible components as non-GM food products. Full article

With the increasing severity of forest pest problems, breeding insect-resistant varieties has become a crucial task for the sustainable development of forestry. The highly insect-resistant triploid Populus line Pb29, genetically modified with BtCry1Ac, served as the maternal parent in controlled hybridization with three paternal Populus cultivars. Hybrid progenies were obtained through embryo rescue and tissue culture. Results showed that 4 °C storage was favorable for pollen preservation, with 84K poplar exhibiting superior pollen viability and embryo germination rates. All progenies displayed significantly lower seedling height and ground diameter growth than the maternal parent (p < 0.05), with some showing leaf shape and branching variations. Among the three crosses, the 84K-sired progeny exhibited the best growth performance but the highest variability. PCR analysis confirmed stable inheritance of the BtCry1Ac and Kan genes from Pb29, showing tight linkage. Progenies carrying BtCry1Ac exhibited detectable gene transcription and toxic protein accumulation, though expression levels varied due to copy number, insertion sites, and potential co-suppression effects. Ploidy analysis suggested all hybrids were aneuploid, with lower survival rates than the maternal parent. Insect-feeding assays confirmed high resistance in all BtCry1Ac-inheriting progenies, with an average larval mortality rate of 97.03%. Mortality rates and death indices significantly correlated with transcript abundance and toxin protein levels. These results demonstrate that BtCry1Ac insect resistance is stably inherited through hybridization. Transgene expression appears co-modulated by copy number, insertion sites, and ploidy status. Simultaneously, it was found that the aneuploid progeny derived from triploid hybridization exhibited growth disadvantages. This provides an important basis for subsequent poplar improvement breeding. Full article

Mammalian circadian rhythms, governing ~24 h oscillations in behavior, physiology, and hormone levels, are orchestrated by transcriptional–translational feedback loops centered around the core clock protein cryptochrome 1 (CRY1). While CRY1 ubiquitination is known to regulate clock function, the roles of specific ubiquitination sites remain unclear. Here, we identify lysine 151 (K151) as a critical residue modulating the circadian period through non-canonical mechanisms. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we generated CRY1-K151Q/R mutants mimicking constitutive deubiquitination. Circadian rescue assays in Cry1/2-deficient cells revealed period shortening (K151Q: −2.25 h; K151R: −1.4 h; n = 3, p < 0.01, Student’s t-test), demonstrating K151’s functional importance. Despite normal nuclear localization kinetics, K151Q/R mutants exhibited reduced transcriptional repression in luciferase assays, a weakened interaction with BMAL1 by the luciferase complementation assay, and enhanced binding to E3 ligase FBXL12 (but not FBXL3) while showing more stability than wild-type CRY1. Notably, the absence of ubiquitination-linked degradation or altered FBXL3 engagement suggests a ubiquitination-independent mechanism. We propose that CRY1-K151 serves as a structural hub fine-tuning circadian periodicity by modulating core clock protein interactions rather than through traditional ubiquitin-mediated turnover. These findings redefine the mechanistic landscape of post-translational clock regulation and offer new therapeutic avenues for circadian disorders. Full article

This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and extraction efficiency of hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), along with the allergen-modulating potential of extracted bioactive compounds. Six NADESs were synthesized using binary combinations of camphor, thymol, eugenol, and menthol (1:1 molar ratio) and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), density functional theory (DFT), and molecular dynamics simulations (MD simulations). Bioactive compounds were extracted from Thujopsis dolabrata wood biomass via ultrasonic-assisted extraction and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total essential oil yield, estimated semiquantitatively by summing the peak areas of key terpenoid compounds, ranged from 1.91% to 7.90% across different NADES systems, indicating their varied extraction capacities. Molecular docking was performed to assess their allergen-modulating interactions with Amb a 1 and Cry j 1. All NADESs exhibited single-stage decomposition (110–125 °C) except camphor–menthol, which recrystallized. FTIR and simulations confirmed strong hydrogen bonding in eugenol-based NADESs, particularly menthol–eugenol. Extraction identified 47 bioactive compounds, with 4,5α-Epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-7α-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-6β,7β-(oxymethylene) morphinan as the most abundant (9.31–11.16%). It exhibited the highest binding affinity (Cry j 1: −8.60 kcal/mol, Amb a 1: −7.40 kcal/mol) and lowest inhibition concentration (Cry j 1: 0.49 µM, Amb a 1: 3.74 µM), suggesting strong allergen-modulating potential. Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding drove protein–ligand binding. These findings highlight NADESs as effective, sustainable solvents for extracting bioactive compounds with allergen-modulating potential. Full article