Search Results (219)

It is estimated that one in four people worldwide carries Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. MPT64 is a protein exclusively secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) bacteria. It serves as a crucial diagnostic marker and plays a role in the bacterium’s survival by modulating the host immune response. Consequently, the development of innovative diagnostic tools based on MPT64, as well as the production of high-purity MPT64 protein to support research on tuberculosis pathogenesis and the advancement of novel therapeutic strategies, is of great importance. In this study, optimization experiments were conducted to produce this protein in E. coli with high yield and purity. First, a gBlock was designed by codon optimization and then cloned into a plasmid vector using the LIC method. For more efficient production, E. coli BL21(DE3)-R3-pRARE2 strain, which carries rare tRNAs for rare codons, was used as the host. Five different culture media were tested to maximize protein production, with the highest yield obtained in eBHI medium. The resulting protein yield was 4.9 mg/L. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the most detailed information on the recombinant production and characterization of MPT64 to date. Therefore, these results contribute important data for future studies on the MPT64 protein. Full article

Weaning is challenging for dairy calves, frequently resulting in digestive issues. This highlights the importance of implementing appropriate nutritional strategies to enhance gut health and support optimal growth. Postbiotics is a promising alternative to traditional probiotics, conferring health benefits without the risks associated with live bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with a postbiotic from dead-cell Limosilactobacillus ingluviei C37 (postbiotic LIC37) on blood biochemical parameters and jejunal epithelium transcriptomic profiles in calves. Fourteen Holstein bull calves were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 7). The control group (CON) received a basic diet, while the postbiotic group (DCLI) was supplemented with 1 g/d of postbiotic LIC37 for 90 days. Blood samples were collected on days 76, 83, and 90, respectively. The jejunal epithelial tissue was obtained from four randomly selected calves per group at day 90 for transcriptome analysis. The results showed that postbiotic LIC37 supplementation reduced globulin, total protein, neutrophil (Neu) levels, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels in the DCLI group (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified 76 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with significant upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism (FABP1), intestinal barrier function (B4GALNT2), and detoxification (GSTA1), alongside downregulation of immune response regulation (FCRLA, FCRL4). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses highlighted enrichment in pathways related to glutathione metabolism, drug metabolism, and vitamin digestion, indicating that postbiotic supplementation improved detoxification, oxidative stress defense, and nutrient absorption in calves. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of postbiotic LIC37 and supports its potential as a sustainable alternative to probiotics in calf nutrition. Full article

Background: The burden of stroke is on the rise in low-income countries (LICs). Organized stroke care (OSC) is crucial for improving outcomes in LICs and is the very first step to reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. We aim to evaluate delay times (DT) in accessing OSC at the national reference hospital of Mozambique, a LIC from southern Africa. Methods: An observational study based on consecutive case series of 59 stroke patients confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scans over a period of 3 months (May–July 2023). The total DT (from stroke onset to inward hospitalization) was the main outcome. Other specific DTs were analyzed including initial symptoms to arrival and admission (DT0), arrival to CT scans (DT1), arrival of laboratory results (DT2), and arrival to inward hospitalization (DT3). Results: The mean age was 61.9 (min 30–max 90) and 45.8% were female. The median total DT was 20 h. The median time DT0 was 10.6 h (interquartile range (IQR): 16.48). The median DT1 and DT2 were 4 h (IQR: 3.5) and 5 h (IQR: 2.6), respectively. The median DT3 was 10 h (IQR: 4). None of the patients were treated under a stroke code. Conclusions: This study reveals an unacceptable prehospital and in-hospital DT. Waiting for the CT scan contributed to a large proportion of the total DT, which among other factors can be explained by the absence of a stroke code and limited imaging capacity. These findings mirror disparities in stroke care seen in other LICs, where late presentation, scarce imaging, and limited specialized protocols are common. The urgent implementation of organized prehospital and in-hospital stroke pathways is needed in Maputo to improve outcomes. Full article

Background: Adherence to iron supplementation is influenced by systemic barriers, including poor healthcare infrastructure, shortage of healthcare providers, and limited access to antenatal care (ANC) services. These challenges are more pronounced in rural areas. However, evidence on urban–rural disparities in non-adherence to iron supplementation remains limited, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined these regional differences, stratified by income levels and national contexts. Method: This analysis utilised Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data conducted between 2015 and 2023 from 26 sub-Saharan African countries, including 287,642 women from urban (n = 91,566) and rural areas (n = 196,076). The outcome of this study was non-adherence to iron supplementation, defined as taking iron supplementation for less than 90 days during pregnancy. This study examines urban–rural differences in non-adherence stratified by country income levels based on World Bank 2022 income classifications and national context. A chi-square test was used to assess urban–rural differences, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Non-adherence was significantly higher in rural areas (68.42%) than in urban areas (51.32%) (p < 0.001), with the disparity more pronounced in low-income countries (LICs). Ethiopia, Madagascar, Uganda, and Burundi were among the countries with the highest rural non-adherence, reflecting severe poverty and limited access to ANC. In contrast, Zimbabwe showed an inverse trend, where rural adherence was higher than urban. Conclusions: Rural sub-Saharan Africa has significantly higher non-adherence to iron supplementation, particularly in LICs, likely driven by systemic barriers such as poor infrastructure and limited access to healthcare. This non-adherence in rural areas undermines efforts to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes across the region. Targeted interventions, like those in Zimbabwe, can help address these inequities and improve maternal health outcomes. Full article

Full endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) offers an ultra-minimally invasive solution for addressing many different degenerative spine pathologies. While FESS has demonstrated strong evidence for faster recovery, reduced hospital stays, fewer complications, and potentially lower overall costs, FESS remains underutilized in low-income countries (LICs). This narrative review synthesizes the existing literature to evaluate access to FESS in LICs, highlighting challenges such as a lack of trained neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons, insufficient access to specialized equipment, capital costs, and limited representation in research. A systematic literature search identified only a handful of relevant studies, underscoring the scarcity of data on FESS in LICs. Findings reveal stark disparities in training opportunities and equipment availability, with less than 25% of LIC facilities equipped with the essential tools. This review advocates for international collaboration, increased funding, cost reduction, and targeted research to bridge these gaps. Innovative solutions such as virtual training platforms may help overcome current limitations. Addressing these challenges is essential to leveraging FESS’s potential to mitigate the burden of spinal disorders in LICs and advance global health equity. Full article

Textile dye production requires significant amounts of water and chemicals, generating substantial wastewater, which places significant burdens on local environments and water resources. Bangladesh is a global textile dye hub, exporting primarily to the EU and the USA. This research explores Water Unequal Exchange (WUE), which arises when high-income countries (HIC) externalize water use and pollution from consumption and production to low-income countries (LIC), driving environmental degradation beyond their borders. To determine WUE, this paper measures wastewater, groundwater, and chemicals embedded in Bangladesh’s textile trade to the EU and USA between 2000 and 2023. This is based on the net weight of the top 18 textile imports from Bangladesh, provided by the UN Comtrade Database. This paper finds that 3,942,091 million liters of groundwater, 10,792,675 million grams of chemicals, and 2,860,420 million liters of wastewater are embedded in these textile imports. The prices per kg of textiles differ depending on product type, and the highest volume of textile product categories have the lowest price per kg. In conclusion, the textile trade from Bangladesh to the EU and the USA represents a case of WUE, where Bangladesh disproportionately internalizes resource over-extraction and environmental impacts from dye production for low economic gain. Full article

ECF σ factors, which constitute the most abundant and diverse group of the σ⁷⁰-family, are important signal response regulatory proteins in bacterial adaptative responses to harsh environmental changes and for bacterial survival. Their activity is commonly controlled by specific and reversible interactions with their cognate anti-σ factors (soluble or transmembrane proteins), which directly or indirectly sense the environmental signals and transmit them to their partner σ factor. The genome of pathogenic L. interrogans is predicted to encode 11 ECF σ^E-type factors and more than 30 regulators predicted as anti-σ factors, anti-anti-σ factors, and regulators of anti-anti-σ factors. We have recently demonstrated that one of the L. interrogans ECF σ factors, i.e., LIC_12757, indeed functions as a transcriptional factor and is autoregulated at the transcriptional level. This study is a next step towards determining key aspects of LIC_12757 functioning in Leptospira. By using genetic and proteomic approaches, we provide strong evidence that the LIC_12757 activity is controlled via interactions with its putative FecR-like regulator, LIC_12756. We also demonstrate that LIC_12756 exhibits not only an anti-σ activity but also acts as a positive regulator of LIC_12757 in the presence of specific environmental cues. Interestingly, we found that the nutrient-limiting conditions, including iron deficiency, may act as specific signals for the LIC_12757 activation. In conclusion, we identified the L. interrogans regulatory system consisting of an ECF σ factor, LIC_12757, and a FecR-like regulator, LIC_12756, which is most likely involved in the response of pathogenic Leptospira to iron and nutrient limitation, and thus also likely involved in their response to host-induced stress. Full article

Global efforts to reduce climate change have increased, necessitating more comprehensive research. However, empirical evidence of the implication of synergizing foreign direct investment (FDI) and renewable energy consumption (REC) to reduce environmental pollution, specifically with nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) emissions, is missing in the literature. This research investigates the impact of FDI, REC and their synergy in facilitating technological leapfrogging, analyzing their linear, non-linear and indirect effects on environmental pollution (CO₂, N₂O and CH₄ emissions). The analysis focuses on 81 developing countries, analyzing them at both the general level and by income groups—low-income countries (LICs), middle-income countries (MICs) and high-income countries (HICs), with government effectiveness and economic growth serving as mediating variables. Using Canonical Correlation Regression (CCR), Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and clustered Pooled Least Square (PLS) techniques, the analysis covers data from 2003 to 2023. The results indicate that at the general level, FDI and REC increase N₂O and CH₄ emissions individually. However, their integration mitigates N₂O and CH₄ emissions. Additionally, the relationships remain consistent even when government effectiveness and economic growth are considered mediators. However, economic growth is more pronounced than government effectiveness in reducing environmental pollution. The non-linear analysis also reveals that FDI and REC have a significant U-shaped effect on CO₂ emissions. However, their synergy demonstrates an inverted U-shaped nexus with CO₂ emissions. At the income group levels, the interplay of FDI and REC reduces N₂O and CH₄ emissions in MICs; however, in LICs and HICs, it increases N₂O and CH₄ emissions. Full article

The halide solid-state electrolyte Li₃InCl₆ (LIC) is an excellent solid-state electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. In this study, phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) solution was added during the preparation of Li₃InCl₆ to obtain LIC samples with high ionic conductivity, and the effect of different concentrations of H₃PO₄ on increasing the ionic conductivity of LIC was investigated. The results showed that the LIC prepared in 1% H₃PO₄ had the least impurities and the highest ionic conductivity of 1.15 × 10⁻³ S/cm, and the all-solid-state LiCoO₂-LIC/LIC-1%H₃PO₄/Li₆PS₅Cl/In/Li batteries assembled with this sample could be stably cycled for 14 cycles at 30 °C, presenting a high initial charge capacity of 128 mAh/g at 0.05 C. The Li-In/LPSC/LIC-1% H₃PO₄/LPSC/Li-In symmetric cell can be stably cycled at current densities of 0.05 mA/cm², 0.1 mA/cm², and 0.3 mA/cm². Further studies showed that LIC samples prepared in H₃PO₄ contained small amounts of LiIn(P₂O₇). The structure of LiIn(P₂O₇) is a continuous skeleton containing a large number of vacancies for Li⁺ transport, thus improving the ionic conductivity of LIC. Full article

Seasonal variability significantly influences the fate and transport of antibiotics (Abs) in wastewater stabilization ponds by affecting their concentration, degradation kinetics, sorption behavior, and ecological interactions. This study investigated the influence of seasonal variability for a large number of Ab classes—eleven sulfonamides (SAs), eight fluoroquinolones (FQs), five macrolides (MLs), one diaminopyrimidine (DIA), two tetracyclines (TETs), two lincosamides (LICs), and three phenicols (Phens)—on their fate and transport in an artificial stabilization pond system (SPS) receiving treated WWTP effluent. Two sampling campaigns were conducted during China’s long-lasting seasons (summer and winter). The detection frequency for sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfapyridine (SPY), and ofloxacin (OFX) was 100%, for sulfamethazine (SMZ) 63.3%, and for clindamycin (CLN) 83.3% in both seasons. The detection frequency for the other Abs was equal or below 50% in both seasons. In addition, the maximum concentration of SMX, SMZ, SPY, OFX, and CLN in summer was 10.51, 19.37, 6.93, 22, and 4.04 ng/L, respectively, and 4.27, 0.14, 3.15, 9.29, and 8.78, respectively, in winter). The rest of the Abs were either detected in summer or winter. It was observed that environmental fluctuations (such as temperature, precipitation, SPS flow patterns, light intensity), differences in antibiotic use and consumption between seasons, and differences in physicochemical properties of the Abs were the main factors influencing their fate and transport within the SPS. The potential environmental risks of Abs detected in the SPS were assessed using the risk quotient (RQ) approach. Typically, RQs in summer were remarkably higher than in winter. Norfloxacin and chlortetracycline posed a medium risk in summer; however, ofloxacin posed a medium risk in winter and a high risk in summer. Therefore, management strategies should consider the dynamic nature of antibiotic contamination, accounting for seasonal influences on fate and transport within the studied SPS and maybe for other wastewater stabilization ponds by adjusting operational practices, optimizing treatment processes, and implementing source control measures to mitigate the environmental impacts of seasonal antibiotic variability. Full article

As the global energy demand continues to rise, the utilization of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs), which combine the advantages of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and electrochemical capacitors (ECs), is also increasing. LICs offer high energy density, high power density, and a long life cycle. However, a prelithiation process is required for graphite-based anode materials. In LICs, the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer inevitably causes an initial irreversible capacity loss, often resulting in the excessive consumption of lithium ions. Considering the limited lithium resources, prelithiation is essential to achieve a satisfactory electrochemical performance in LICs. Various anode prelithiation techniques have been reported to enhance the capacity of LIBs and LICs. Among these, the direct-contact prelithiation method involves physically contacting lithium metal with the electrode or active material. In this study, direct-contact prelithiation was performed on soft carbon-based anode materials, and LICs were fabricated using activated carbon-based cathode materials. The electrochemical properties of the fabricated LICs were evaluated to demonstrate the feasibility of applying the direct-contact prelithiation technique. Full article

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is a re-emerging therapy for the treatment of cancer, and the development of new neutron-reactive nuclei carriers with enhanced efficiency is of great importance. In this work we propose three new boron-based solid compounds, of formulas [Ca(H₂O)₆](C₁₄H₈O₆B)₂ (CaSB), [Cu(C₁₄H₈O₆B)] (CuSB), and [Li(C₁₄H₈O₆B)(H₂O)] (LiSB), usable as nanoparticles for the carriage of the ¹⁰B isotope. The copper atom in CuSB was introduced because it is known that its presence magnifies the effect of the radiation on cells. Furthermore, the lithium atom in LiSB also allows us to include the ⁶Li isotope, which can take part in the nuclear reactions, enhancing the efficiency of the anti-cancer treatment. The compounds were characterized with single-crystal X-ray diffraction to compare the densities of the reactive isotopes in the materials, a key parameter related to the efficiency of the materials. In this work, we used a computational method to calculate the dose absorbed by a tumor mass treated with nanoparticles of the compounds in order to select the most efficient one for the therapy. The results reported in this work are encouraging. Full article

Background/Objective: Historically, immunization programs have focused on infants, children, and women of reproductive age. COVID-19 vaccination prompted countries to vaccinate adults. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a global overview of adult immunization policies post COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We summarized WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommendations by adult group and analyzed the data reported in 2024 (2023) by WHO Member States (MS) via the WHO/UNICEF electronic Joint Reporting Form on Immunization (eJRF) on national immunization schedules, and from other sources by WHO region and income group. Results: WHO policy recommendations exist for most of the licensed vaccines targeting adults; however, the inclusion in national immunization schedules is higher in high-income (HICs) and middle-income (MICs) countries. For pregnant women, 90% of MS reported vaccination against COVID-19 (65% in low-income countries [LICs]), 63% against tetanus-containing vaccines (73% in LICs), 57% against influenza (4% in LICs), and 21% against pertussis-containing vaccines (all MICs and HICs). For health workers, 91% against COVID-19 (92% in LICs), 59% against influenza (4% in LICs), and 25% against hepatitis B (10% in LICs). For adults with chronic diseases, COVID-19 vaccination data were not available, 58% against influenza, and 23% against pneumococcal disease. For older adults, more than 90% of MS across all income groups reported COVID-19 vaccination, 59% against influenza (8% of LICs versus 89% of HICs), 17% against pneumococcal, and 7% against herpes zoster (HZ). Conclusion: The disparities in adult immunization policies across income groups highlight the need to improve access and strengthen vaccination efforts. A life course approach is essential to maximize the full potential of immunization across all ages. Full article

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) occurred in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024. The conference’s central topic was Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). It has been said that COP 29 developed into a “climate finance COP” to get wealthier countries to finance actions in poorer countries to remedy damage from the effects of the increasing emissions of greenhouse gases. The final agreement was not as ambitious as hoped for. In this study, the discrepancies between the fourteen regions of the countries of the world have been analyzed with a focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). The discrepancies between high-income countries (HICs) and OECD (The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, as well as between low-income countries (LICs) and Africa, are presented. Where LICs and Africa, over the last 24-year period, virtually complied with the climate action goals (SDG 13), the HICs and OECD countries were far behind. A similar discrepancy is noted in sustainable production and consumption (SDG 12). The data show no indication that the increasing innovation in the HICs and OECD countries is reflected in increased sustainable production and consumption or increased compliance with climate action goals. One of the outcomes of the Baku COP 29 meeting was that wealthier countries should finance the remediation of the increasing effects of global temperature increase on the poorer countries, thus enabling them to continue without changing their habits. Full article

The study of pore structure regulation methods has always been a central focus in enhancing the capacitance performance of porous carbon electrodes in lithium-ion capacitors (LICs). This study proposes a novel approach for the synergistic regulation of the pore structure in porous carbon using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin and boric acid (BA). PF and BA are initially dissolved and adsorbed onto porous carbon, followed by hydrothermal treatment and subsequent heat treatment in a N₂ atmosphere to obtain the porous carbon materials. The results reveal that adding BA alone has almost no influence on the pore structure, whereas adding PF alone significantly increases the micropores. Furthermore, the simultaneous addition of PF and BA demonstrates a clear synergistic effect. The CO₂ and H₂O released during the PF pyrolysis contribute to the development of ultramicropores. At the same time, BA facilitates the N₂ activation reaction of carbon, enlarging the small mesopores and aiding their transformation into bottlenecked structures. The resulting porous carbon demonstrates an impressive capacitance of 144 F·g⁻¹ at 1 A·g⁻¹ and a capacity retention of 19.44% at 20 A·g⁻¹. This mechanism of B-catalyzed N₂-enhanced mesopore formation provides a new avenue for preparing porous carbon materials. This type of porous carbon exhibits promising potential for applications in Li-S battery cathode materials and as catalyst supports. Full article