Search Results (205)

Merbecovirus, a subgenus of Betacoronavirus, includes MERS-CoV and multiple bat-derived viruses with zoonotic potential. Given the unpredictable emergence of these viruses and their genetic diversity, development of broad-spectrum diagnostic tools is expected. In this study, we established a sandwich ELISA targeting the nucleocapsid (N) protein of merbecoviruses. We generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using recombinant N protein of a bat merbecovirus, VsCoV-1, and selected cross-reactive clones for other merbecoviruses. Three mAbs showed strong reactivities with multiple merbecoviruses but not with SARS-CoV-2 or endemic human coronaviruses. Pairwise ELISA screening identified 1A8/10H6 mAbs as the optimal combination for detection of N protein from six merbecoviruses—VsCoV-1, EjCoV-3, MERS-CoV, NeoCoV, HKU4, and HKU5—with limits of detection (LODs) below 7.81 ng/mL, including 1.25 ng/mL for VsCoV-1. Infectious bat merbecovirus EjCoV-3 was detected at 1.3 × 10³ PFU/mL. No cross-reactivity was observed with non-merbecoviruses, indicating its high specificity. This sandwich ELISA offers a rapid, reproducible, and cost-effective diagnostic platform with potential for high-throughput screening and automation. Moreover, its design is amenable to adaptation into point-of-care formats such as lateral flow assays, highlighting its value for field-based surveillance and pandemic preparedness. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate perceptions and practices of urologists in Saudi Arabia regarding discussions of erectile dysfunction (ED) and ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) with patients before initiating BPH treatments. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed during the 36th Saudi Urological Annual Conference held in Riyadh in February 2025 among urologists in Saudi Arabia. A binary outcome variable, “frequent and open discussion,” was created based on a scoring system using the median score of these responses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and univariate (p < 0.25) and multivariate (p < 0.05) logistic regression using SPSS version 27. Results: Discussions about ED risks were most frequent before prescribing 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) (51.3%) and combined alpha-blockers and 5-ARIs therapy (50.0%), whereas EjD risks were more frequently addressed before alpha-blocker monotherapy (59.2%) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (56.6%). A substantial proportion of urologists discussed alternative treatments based on sexual dysfunction risks, particularly before TURP (53.9%), alpha-blockers (47.4%), and 5-ARIs (43.4%). Univariate analysis revealed a trend towards more open discussions among non-Saudi urologists (OR 4.58, 95% CI 0.88–23.74, p = 0.06) and a significant association with working in private hospitals (OR 3.68, 95% CI 0.39–35.14, p = 0.03). However, these associations did not hold in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Urologists in Saudi Arabia demonstrate variability in discussing sexual complications with patients before BPH treatments. Consistent and comprehensive discussions about ED and EjD risks are crucial for informed patient decision-making. Standardized guidelines and educational programs are needed to enhance urologists’ communication skills and ensure consistent patient counseling. Full article

Understanding the dynamics of phytoplankton size classes (PSCs), highly sensitive to environmental conditions in marine ecosystems, is crucial for comprehending variations in primary production and biogeochemical processes. Over the past decades, the littoral seas of Korea have undergone significant environmental shifts, yet long-term studies on PSC distribution remain limited. Employing a regionally developed deep neural network model and 20 years (2003–2022) of satellite ocean color data, we assessed spatiotemporal variability in dominant PSCs in the Yellow Sea (YS), South Sea of Korea (SS), and East/Japan Sea (EJS). Micro-size phytoplankton dominated turbid nearshore waters of the YS and western SS year-round, while nano-size phytoplankton were seasonally prevalent in the central YS and EJS. Pico-size phytoplankton exhibited strong summer dominance under warm, stratified, nutrient-depleted conditions, showing a sustained long-term expansion across all regions, particularly in the southwestern EJS. This expansion was closely linked to rising sea surface temperatures and changes in nutrient stoichiometry. The increasing dominance of smaller phytoplankton may reduce primary production, alter food web structure, and ultimately diminish fishery productivity. These findings provide new insight into climate-driven ecological shifts in marginal seas and underscore the need for integrated long-term monitoring to anticipate future ecosystem responses in a rapidly warming ocean. Full article

Environmental justice research in the United States (US) documents greater air pollution exposures for Hispanic/Latino vs. non-Hispanic White groups. EJ research has not focused on the intersection of race/ethnicity and older age nor short-term fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposures. We address these knowledge gaps by studying US metropolitan area census tracts within 100 km of the US–Mexico border, a region with serious air quality issues. We use US Census American Community Survey data to construct sociodemographic variables and Environmental Protection Agency Downscaler data to construct long-term and short-term measures of PM_2.5 exposure. Using multivariable generalized estimating equations, we test for differences in PM_2.5 exposures between census tracts with higher vs. lower proportions of older Hispanic/Latino residents and older non-Hispanic White residents. The results indicate that as the proportion of the Hispanic/Latino population ≥ 65 years of age increases, long-term and short-term PM_2.5 exposures significantly increase. In contrast, as the proportion of the non-Hispanic White population ≥ 65 years of age increases, changes in long-term and short-term PM_2.5 exposures are statistically non-significant. These findings illuminate how race/ethnicity and older age intersect in shaping PM_2.5 exposure disparities and may inform efforts to mitigate air pollution exposures for overburdened people along the US–Mexico border. Full article

Turbo sazae, a commercially and ecologically significant marine gastropod traditionally found in Jeju Island and the southern coast of Korea, is experiencing a reported northward expansion into the East Sea, likely influenced by rising seawater temperatures. This study provides preliminary genetic insights into the genetic structure and connectivity of T. sazae populations between Jeju and the East Sea using mitochondrial COI sequences. Samples from 6 geographically distinct locations were analyzed, with three cloned replicates generated to enhance sequence reliability. Genetic diversity, haplotype distribution, and population differentiation were then assessed. Our analysis reveals potential genetic connectivity between Jeju and East Sea populations, possibly driven by larval dispersal via the Kuroshio and Tsushima Currents, highlighted by the predominance of shared haplotype EJ1 (60.0% in Jeju, 50.0% in East Sea). Bayesian phylogenetic analysis estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) between Jeju and East Sea populations at approximately 9.7 to 23.3 million years ago, indicating ancient divergence rather than very recent separation. Pairwise FST values and AMOVA results showed generally low levels of genetic differentiation. Given the small sample sizes and use of a single mitochondrial marker, these findings should be interpreted cautiously as preliminary evidence. Nevertheless, this study highlights the need for continued genetic monitoring of T. sazae populations under climate-driven range shifts and provides a foundation for future research incorporating broader genomic approaches. Full article

Background and Objectives: In contrast to the standardization of laparoscopic gastrectomy techniques, the complexity of intracorporeal anastomosis techniques in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, the lack of standardization, the positional challenges posed by working in a confined space, and varying complication rates have prevented a consensus on the optimal intracorporeal digestive tract reconstruction method. Selecting an appropriate reconstruction method for esophagojejunostomy is crucial for a successful surgical outcome. This study aims to define a modified anastomotic technique for TLTG and share our experience with this technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 patients who underwent TLTG with D2 LND between July 2024 and December 2024 using the sutureless L-shape esophagojejunostomy (SLEJ) technique at the Surgical Oncology Clinic of Gulhane Training and Research Hospital due to gastric cancer were included in the study. In our technique, gastrectomy, lymph node dissection, anastomosis preparation, esophagojejunostomy anastomosis, and enteroenterostomy anastomosis were all performed laparoscopically and intracorporeally. Results: The mean operative time was 180.48 min, with a mean EJ anastomosis duration of 40.24 min. In the standard technique, two Endo GIA™ staplers were used for pyloric and small bowel transection, two for EJ anastomosis, and one for intracorporeal jejunojejunostomy. In only one patient, three staplers were used for anastomosis. Therefore, the average number of staplers was 5.05, with a mean of 2.05 staplers used for anastomosis. The mean hospital stay was 8.19 days, and there were no mortalities. The number of patients with an anastomotic leakage was 1. Since the patient’s general condition remained stable, percutaneous drainage or laparotomy was not planned. The patients’ esophagojejunostomy anastomotic leak was classified as Class 1 and Grade 3a according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. The average size of our widest incision was 3.28 cm, and surgical site infections were developed in two patients. Conclusions: Sutureless L-Shape With Endoscopic Assistance (SLEJ) is an easily applicable, technically simpler, shorter-in-duration, easier-to-learn, and safer intracorporeal EJ anastomosis technique with a low rate of postoperative complications. Full article

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is one of the most important subtropical evergreen fruit trees. However, due to the lack of widely applicable genetic transformation platforms, the research about gene functional characterization and molecular mechanisms is largely confined. In this study, the efficient protocol of protoplast isolation (the enzyme solution composed of 2.4% macerozyme R-10, 4.8% cellulase RS, dissolved in a 0.6 M mannitol solution) and the method of protoplast purification (CPW solution containing 5% sucrose and 11% mannitol) have been achieved with protoplast yields of 12.6 × 10⁶/g·FW, reaching a viability rate of up to 91%. A protoplast transient gene expression system has been established with an efficiency of approximately 40% using GFP reporter gene. Using this reliable and efficient system, the protein localization characteristics of transcription factor EjDELLA, EjbHLH79, and marker gene OsPHT4 were also utilized for further analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report on establishing an efficient system for protoplast isolation, purification, and transformation of loquat mesophyll. The system reported here will definitely promote rapid progress in breeding, genetic transformation, and molecular research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plantaricins without a signal sequence were synthesized based on bacteriocins, plantaricins A, E, F, J, and K, of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KM2. The antibacterial activities of four combinations of synthetic plantaricins—spPlnA, E&F, E&J, and J&K—were identified against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12692. And in this experiment, we aimed to identify the antimicrobial mechanism of the synthesized plantaricin sample against S. aureus. Methods/Results: The minimal inhibitory concentrations for each combination were 1.4 μg/mL, 1.8 μg/mL, 1.6 μg/mL, and 1.6 μg/mL, respectively. Raman spectra changed after treating S. aureus ATCC 12692 with synthetic plantaricins. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy results revealed that the four synthetic plantaricin combinations could induce the cell lysis of S. aureus ATCC 12692. Finally, the four synthetic plantaricin combinations maintained their antibacterial effect at temperatures below 40 °C, and at pH levels of pH = (4–7). Except for spPlnJ&K, they are stable against the action of α–amylase and lysozyme. Overall, these results indicate that, excepting spPlnJ&K, the three synthetic plantaricin combinations exhibit similar antibacterial activity. Conclusions: Through this study, we confirmed that synthetic plantaricin exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, demonstrating its potential as a direct antimicrobial agent. However, since the antimicrobial activity decreased due to protease, it was confirmed that its use is limited in environments where protease is present. Full article

Given a graph G = (V, E), the edge set can be partitioned into k dimensions, for a positive integer k. The set of all i-dimensional edges of G is a subset of E(G) denoted by E_i. A Hamiltonian cycle C on G contains all vertices on G. Let E_i(C) = E(C) ∩ E_i. For any 1 ≤ i ≤ k, C is called a dimension-balanced Hamiltonian cycle (DBH, for short) on G if ||E_i(C)| − |E_j(C)|| ≤ 1 for all 1 ≤ i < j ≤ k. The dimension-balanced cycle problem is generated with the 3-D scanning problem. Graph G is called p-node q-edge dimension-balanced Hamiltonian (p-node q-edge DBH) if it has a DBH after removing any p nodes and any q edges. G is called h-fault dimension-balanced Hamiltonian (h-fault DBH, for short) if it remains Hamiltonian after removing any h node and/or edges. The design for the network-on-chip (NoC) problem is important. One of the most famous NoC is the toroidal mesh graph T_m,n. The DBC problem on toroidal mesh graph T_m,n is appropriate for designing simple algorithms with low communication costs and avoiding congestion. Recently, the problem of a one-fault DBH on T_m,n has been studied. This paper solves the one-node one-edge DBH problem in the two-fault DBH problem on T_m,n. Full article

The development of advanced detection systems for charged particles in laser-based accelerators and the need for precise time of flight measurements have led to the creation of detectors using ultra-thin plastic scintillators, indicating their use as transmission detectors with low energy loss and minimal dispersion for protons around a few MeV. This study introduces a new detection system designed by the Institute for Instrumentation in Molecular Imaging for time of flight and timing applications at the National Accelerator Center in Seville. The system includes an ultra-thin EJ-214 plastic scintillator coupled with a photomultiplier tube and shielded by aluminized mylar sheets. The prototype installation as an external trigger system at the ion beam nuclear microprobe of the aforementioned facility, along with its temporal performance and ion transmission, was thoroughly characterized. Additionally, the scintillator thickness and uniformity were analyzed using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Results showed that the experimental thickness of the EJ-214 sheet differs by approximately 46% from the supplier specifications. The detector response to MeV protons demonstrates a strong dependence on the impact position but remains mostly linear with the applied working bias. Finally, single ion detection was successfully achieved, demonstrating the applicability of this new system as a diagnostic tool. Full article

This study explores the development of a multifunctional composite material by incorporating carbon black (CB) into an epoxy matrix reinforced with 30 vol.% jute fabric. The objective was to evaluate the impact of CB on the composite’s tensile properties, ballistic performance, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) within the X-band frequency range (8.2–12.4 GHz). The epoxy composite with 30 vol.% jute and 5 vol.% CB (EJ30/CB5) exhibited 15% improvements in its tensile strength and elastic modulus compared to the epoxy composite with 30 vol.% jute (EJ30) only. Ballistics tests indicated no significant increases in absorbed energy or limit velocity, which may be attributed to the structural rigidity introduced by the CB. An electromagnetic shielding analysis revealed that the CB addition significantly enhanced the SE from ~2 dB in neat epoxy to 5–8 dB in EJ30/CB5, with absorption emerging as the primary shielding mechanism. The findings highlight the potential of CB- and jute-reinforced epoxy composites for applications requiring both mechanical robustness and electromagnetic interference shielding. Full article

This review paper examines the critical intersection of energy consumption and environmental impacts within the global food system, emphasizing the substantial footprint (including land usage, costs, food loss and waste, and carbon and water footprints) associated with current practices. The study delineates the high energy demands and ecological burdens of food production, trade, and consumption through a comprehensive bibliographic analysis of high-impact research papers, authoritative reports, and databases. The paper systematically analyzes and synthesizes data to characterize the food industry’s current energy use patterns and environmental impacts. The results underscore a pressing need for strategic interventions to enhance food system efficiency and reduce the footprint. In light of the projected population growth and increasing food demand, the study advocates for a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and resilient food production practices, adopting energy-efficient technologies, promoting sustainable dietary habits, and strengthening global cooperation among stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Investigations have revealed that the food system is highly energy-intensive, accounting for approximately 30% of total energy consumption (200 EJ per year). The sector remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which constitute 26% of all anthropogenic emissions, have shown a linear growth trend, reaching 16.6 Gt_CO2eq in 2015 and projected to approach 18.6 Gt_CO2eq in the coming years. Notably, 6% of these emissions result from food never consumed. While the water footprint has slightly decreased recently, its demand is expected to increase by 20% to 30%, potentially reaching between 5500 and 6000 km³ annually by 2050. Energy efficiency interventions are estimated to save up to 20%, with a favorable payback period, as evidenced by several practical implementations. Full article

Malic acid is the major organic acid in loquat fruit, contributing to the sourness of fruit and affecting fruit flavor. However, the transcriptional regulation of malic acid in loquat is not well understood. Here, we discovered a MADS-box transcription factor (TF), EjAGL18, that regulated malic acid accumulation in loquat. EjAGL18 is a nucleus-localized TF without transcriptional activity. The expression of EjAGL18 increased during fruit ripening, opposite to the accumulation pattern of malic acid in loquat. The transient overexpression of EjAGL18 in loquat fruit downregulated malic acid accumulation and the transcriptional level of the tonoplast dicarboxylate transporter EjtDT1. Conversely, silencing EjAGL18 in loquat fruit upregulated the malic acid content and EjtDT1 expression level. Dual-luciferase assays and yeast one-hybrid experiments further confirmed that EjAGL18 could bind to the promoter of EjtDT1 and repress its transcriptions. Furthermore, the transient overexpression of EjtDT1 in loquat fruit increased the malic acid content. These results revealed that EjAGL18 negatively regulates malic acid content by repressing EjtDT1 in loquat. This study broadens the understanding of the MADS-box TF’s regulatory mechanisms in malic acid and provides new insights into fruit flavor improvement in loquat. Full article

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections have increased in humans, animals, and the food industry, with ready-to-eat (RTE) food products being particularly susceptible to contamination. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains has rendered the current control strategies insufficient to effectively control STEC infections. Herein, we characterized the newly isolated STEC phage vB_ESM-pEJ01, a polyvalent phage capable of infecting Escherichia and Salmonella species, and assessed its efficacy in reducing STEC in vitro and food matrices. The phage, belonging to the Tevenvirinae, exhibits effective bacteriolytic activity, a short latent period, large burst size, and stability under a broad pH range and moderate temperatures. Moreover, the phage demonstrated strong anti-biofilm efficacy even at low concentrations. Genomic analysis revealed that the phage was similar to the well-characterized RB49 phage (T4-like phage) but possesses distinct host-specificity-related genes that potentially contribute to its extensive host range. The efficacy of phage vB_ESM-pEJ01 was evaluated in artificially STEC-inoculated green juice samples, where it significantly reduced STEC and the abundance of Shiga toxin-producing genes at 4 and 25 °C. Therefore, these results suggest that the polyvalent phage vB_ESM-pEJ01 is a promising biocontrol agent for foodborne pathogens in RTE foods such as fresh juices. Full article

A graphical clustering approach was used to objectively identify prevalent surface circulation patterns in the East/Japan Sea (EJS). By applying a spectral clustering algorithm, three distinct patterns in the East Korea Warm Current (EKWC) and its extension were identified from daily maps of reanalyzed sea surface heights spanning the past 30 years. The results are consistent with previous studies that used manual classification of the EKWC’s Lagrangian trajectories, highlighting the effectiveness of spectral clustering in accurately characterizing the surface circulation states in the EJS. Notably, the recent dominance of northern paths, as opposed to routes along Japan’s coastline or those departing from Korea’s east coast further south, has prompted focused re-clustering of the northern paths according to their waviness. This re-clustering, with additional emphasis on path length, distinctly categorized two patterns: straight paths (SPs) and large meanders (LMs). Notably, SPs have become more prevalent in the most recent years, while LMs have diminished. An autoregression analysis reveals that seasonal anomalies in the cluster frequency in spring tend to persist through to the following autumn. The frequency anomalies in the SPs correlate strongly with the development of pronounced anomalies in the gradient of meridional sea surface height and negative anomalies in the surface wind stress curl in the preceding cold seasons. This relationship explains the observed correlation between a negative Arctic Oscillation during the preceding winter and the increased frequency of SPs in the subsequent spring. The rapid increase in the occurrence of SPs indicates that a reduction in LMs limits the mixing of cold, fresh, northern waters with warm, saline, southern waters, thereby reinforcing the presence of SPs due to a strengthened gradient of meridional surface height and contributing to a slowdown in the regional overturning circulation. Full article