Search Results (108)

Objectives: Research on the immunocastration vaccine is of great significance for animal management. In this study, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) ferritin nanoparticle vaccine was constructed using Spy Catcher-Spy Tag (SC-ST) as a delivery system; Methods: The Spy Catcher was constructed to fuse with the expression vector pET-30a-SF of ferritin nanoparticles. Two polypeptides, STG1: Spy Tag-GnRH I-PADRE and STG2: Spy Tag-GnRH I-GnRH II, coupled to SF in vitro to form two nanoparticles, were designed and synthesized to detect castration effects in mice. We mixed them with the adjuvant MONTANIDE ISA 206 VG to explore the adjuvant’s effect on immunogenicity; Results: All immunized groups produced anti-GnRH specific antibodies after the second immunization, which was significantly higher in the immunized group and the combined adjuvant group than in the control group, and the immune response could still be detected at the 12th week. The concentrations of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone in serum were significantly decreased. The number of sperm in the epididymis of mice in each immune group was significantly reduced, and the rate of sperm deformity was high; Conclusions: The two ferritin-based GnRH nanoparticles developed in this study can significantly cause testicular atrophy, decreased gonadal hormone concentration, decreased sperm count, and increased deformity rate in male mice. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting their potential application in animal immunocastration. Full article

The tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) phenomenon is characterized by a temporary inability to retrieve a word despite a strong sense of familiarity. While extensive research has linked phonological processing to TOT, the exact nature of this relationship remains debated. The “blocking hypothesis” suggests that the retrieval of target words is interfered with by phonological neighbors, whereas the “transmission deficit hypothesis” posits that TOT arises from insufficient phonological activation of the target words. This study revisited this issue by examining the relationship between the microstructural integrity of the phonological processing brain network and TOT, utilizing graph-theoretical analyses of neuroimaging data from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN), which included diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data from 576 participants aged 18–87. The results revealed that global efficiency and mean degree centrality of the phonological processing network positively predicted TOT rates. At the nodal level, the nodal efficiency of the bilateral posterior superior temporal gyrus and the clustering coefficient of the left premotor cortex positively predicted TOT rates, while the degree centrality of the left dorsal superior temporal gyrus (dSTG) and the clustering coefficient of the left posterior supramarginal gyrus (pSMG) negatively predicted TOT rates. Overall, these findings suggest that individuals with a more enriched network of phonological representations tend to experience more TOTs, supporting the blocking hypothesis. Additionally, this study highlights the roles of the left dSTG and pSMG in facilitating word retrieval, potentially reducing the occurrence of TOTs. Full article

This study develops and tests an integrated structural equation model (SEM) linking Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC), residents’ quality of life (QoL), and community participation in sustainable tourism governance (STG) across three emerging island destinations in Aceh, Indonesia. Drawing on survey data from 1266 residents, we employ confirmatory factor analysis and covariance-based SEM to (1) assess the direct effects of TALC-derived dimensions on residents’ QoL; (2) examine the influence of residents’ QoL on governance participation; and (3) evaluate both direct and indirect pathways linking TALC to STG. Rather than distinct life cycle stages, we conceptualize and measure residents’ perceptions of destination maturity based on key TALC dimensions, such as infrastructure development, tourism intensity, and institutional coordination. Results indicate that higher perceived destination maturity is positively associated with residents’ QoL (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), and that residents’ QoL strongly predicts governance participation (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). TALC dimensions also directly affect STG (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), with residents’ QoL partially mediating this relationship and accounting for 22.4% of the total effect. Multigroup SEM reveals consistent effect patterns across Weh, Pulo Aceh, and Simeulue. These findings illustrate how TALC-informed perceptions of destination maturity relate to residents’ quality of life and governance participation, suggesting that perceived well-being may play an important role in shaping community engagement in small-island tourism contexts. Full article

Background: There is a certain degree of overlap between persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) (ICD-11) and anxiety disorders (ANX) with regard to the phenomenological, pathological and neurobiological characteristics of both conditions. The implementation of an integrative psychotherapy programme may potentially result in the generation of synergistic effects across both patient groups. Objectives: This study assessed (1) whether psychological mechanisms similarly influence symptom severity in PPPD and ANX group, (2) the effectiveness of psychotherapy, and (3) potential neurofunctional biomarkers. Methods: Patients with PPPD (n = 14) and ANX (n = 20) underwent an integrative psychotherapy programme with balance training and mindfulness-based interventions. Emotional and neutral pictures were presented during MRI scans before and after therapy, with healthy controls (HC = 29) for comparison. Clinical and psychological questionnaires were administered, and brain activity was analysed in key regions. Results: The only diagnostic difference in the direct comparison between patients with PPPD and with ANX were the vertigo intensity values before and after therapy. PPPD with comorbid anxiety disorder had significantly more fear of physical symptoms than patients without comorbid anxiety disorder. PPPD showed no change regarding vertigo intensity (VSS), anxiety, or depression scores, but reported decreased impact of vertigo on social functioning (VHQ), and improved personal control after therapy (IPQ). By contrast, anxiety, dizziness, depression, alexithymia, and IPQ scores were significantly reduced after therapy in the ANX group. Neuroimaging revealed decreased activity in the hippocampus and superior temporal gyri (STG) in the PPPD group post-therapy as compared to the pre-therapy measurement, while the ANX group showed reduced activity in the insula, thalamus, hippocampus, and inferior frontal gyrus. Compared to the ANX and HC groups, patients with PPPD showed increased activity in the supramarginal gyrus and STG, both of which could serve as biomarkers for PPPD patients but need to be further validated. Conclusions: Anxiety and vertigo may reinforce each other in PPPD, as symptoms persisted post-therapy, whereas ANX patients improved significantly. Nevertheless, there is some evidence for a successful management of symptoms in the PPPD group. Findings are limited by small sample size and require further research. Full article

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, resulting in α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) deficiency and progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Current therapies, such as enzyme replacement and chaperone therapy, have limitations, including incomplete biodistribution and mutation-specific efficacy. Gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors presents a promising alternative. Methods: In this study, we assessed the dose-dependent effects of AAV8 and AAV9 vectors encoding human GLA in Gla knockout (Gla^−/y) mice by measuring α-Gal A activity and monitoring safety. To evaluate therapeutic efficacy, symptomatic Fabry mice (G3S^Tg/+Gla^−/y) were used. Results: AAV9-GLA produced significantly higher and more sustained enzyme activity than AAV8-GLA across plasma, liver, heart, and kidney. In symptomatic mice, AAV9-GLA achieved superior reductions in serum Gb3 and lyso-Gb3 levels, greater Gb3 clearance in heart and kidney tissues, and improved proteinuria. Anti-GLA IgG titers remained below threshold for the first four weeks and increased modestly by week eight, indicating a limited humoral immune response. No significant clinical signs or weight loss were observed in Gla^−/y mice over the 3.5-month study period, supporting the favorable safety profile of AAV-mediated gene therapy. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that AAV9 provides enhanced biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy compared to AAV8, supporting its potential for the treatment of Fabry disease. Full article

The efficient separation of chalcopyrite from molybdenite is crucial for the utilization of copper–molybdenum ores and is inevitably influenced by the presence of metal ions in the pulp. However, the underlying impact mechanisms remain unclear. This study systematically investigated the influence of Cu²⁺ on the flotation separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite, with sodium thioglycolate (STG) as a depressant. Flotation experiments revealed that Cu²⁺ in the STG system significantly reduced molybdenite recovery and hindered selective separation. Characterization using contact angle, zeta potential, and UV–Vis analysis demonstrated that the presence of Cu²⁺ triggered STG adsorption on the molybdenite surface, thereby increasing its hydrophilicity. XPS analysis showed that Cu²⁺ adsorbed onto the molybdenite surface as Cu(I), creating reactive sites for the –SH or –COO⁻ groups in STG. This interaction forms a stable molybdenite–Cu(I)–STG complex through chemisorption, significantly suppressing molybdenite flotation. DFT calculations further demonstrated that Cu²⁺ enhanced the reactivity between STG and molybdenite. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the influences of Cu²⁺ on the flotation separation between chalcopyrite from molybdenite, providing valuable insights into further optimizing copper–molybdenum flotation separation processes. Full article

This study involves 32 adults with upper cross syndrome (UCS). The experimental group was asked to perform scapular stabilization accompanied by breathing training (SBG). The comparison group was asked to perform scapular stabilization accompanied by thoracic exercises (STG). After four weeks of exercise, changes in the pressure pain threshold (PPT), respiration function, and lower chest expansion (LCE) were measured again. Methods: A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to investigate the interaction between the measurement period and measurement group, as well as the intra-group effect throughout the measurement period. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Bonferroni post hoc corrections were used to analyze the intra-group differences before and after the effect of the interventions (α = 0.025). Results: A significant difference in within-group effect validation was found when comparing the time of change between the two groups before and after the intervention. There was no significant difference in the interaction effect depending on the time and group (p > 0.025). Conclusions: Scapular stabilization combined with breathing training or thoracic exercises effectively reduces pain and improves respiratory function in upper cross syndrome. Full article

Understanding human cortical neurodynamics is increasingly important, as highlighted by the European Innovation Council, which prioritises tools for measuring and stimulating brain activity. Unravelling how cytoarchitecture, morphology, and connectivity shape neurodynamics is essential for developing technologies that target specific brain regions. Given the dynamic and non-stationary nature of neural interactions, there is an urgent need for non-linear signal analysis methods, in addition to the linear ones, to track local neurodynamics and differentiate cortical parcels. Here, we explore linear and non-linear methods using data from a public stereotactic intracranial EEG (sEEG) dataset, focusing on the superior temporal gyrus (STG), postcentral gyrus (postCG), and precentral gyrus (preCG) in 55 subjects during resting-state wakefulness. For this study, we used a linear Power Spectral Density (PSD) estimate and three non-linear measures: the Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD), a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), and a one-shot learning model. The PSD was able to distinguish the regions in α, β, and γ frequency bands. The HFD showed a tendency of a higher value in the preCG than in the postCG, and both were higher in the STG. The 1D-CNN showed promise in identifying cortical parcels, with an 85% accuracy for the training set, although performance in the test phase indicates that further refinement is needed to integrate dynamic neural electrical activity patterns into neural networks for suitable classification. Full article

Temperature changes strongly affect apple development and quality. In this study, we analyze the relationships between the main factors modulating both of the aforementioned processes in the fruits of four apple cultivars. We assessed three-dimensional data concerning the expression profile (fold change) of eight genes related to fruit ripeness regulation (involved in the cell respiration process and sorbitol metabolism as well as encoding cell kinase receptors) and fruit parameters such as fruit weight, ethylene concentration, concentration of soluble solids and acidity, which are affected by seasonal temperature variations (2018–2020). We observed that low temperatures (before the apple ripening phase) promoted an increase in gene activity and improved the fruit quality of the following cultivars: early-flowering/mid-ripening ‘Pink Braeburn’ and ‘Pinokio’, early-flowering/late-ripening ‘Ligol’ and late-flowering/late-ripening ‘Ligolina’. We confirmed the positive effect of low temperatures on the activity of the AAAA1, AALA1, StG and AAXA genes and on the evaluated fruit quality parameters, and we confirmed their dependence on the genotype of the studied cultivars. The obtained results shed light on the complexity of the variability mechanism in fruit features and fruit harvest dates. This knowledge may improve breeding programs for the production of better-quality apples. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength and is associated with aging. Recently, its links with the gut–muscle axis have been reported, suggesting that probiotics could influence muscle health. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the protective roles of two lactic acid bacteria strains, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus ST-G30 (ST-G30) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPc-G110 (LPc-G110), on skeletal muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone (DEX) in C2C12 myotubes. Results: Our results demonstrated that ST-G30 significantly alleviated DEX-induced myotube atrophy by increasing the myotubes’ diameter (25.95 ± 1.28 vs. 15.30 ± 0.30 μm, p < 0.01), improving the fusion index (48.35 ± 1.75 vs. 22.16 ± 2.36%, p < 0.0001), and increasing the protein content (1.78 ± 0.02 vs. 1.56 ± 0.01 mg/mL, p < 0.05) and myotube length (0.61 ± 0.05 vs. 0.33 ± 0.01, p < 0.05), whereas LPc-G110 showed no significant effect on these phenotypes (p > 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis reveals that ST-G30 modulates critical signaling pathways and biological processes related to skeletal muscle health. In the current study, KEGG enrichment analysis and WGCNA enabled identification of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as a key regulator of these processes, highlighting its essential role in mitigating DEX-induced muscle atrophy. Furthermore, the overlapping DEGs associated with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway showed strong correlations with muscle atrophy-related indices. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of ST-G30 as a promising anti-muscle atrophy supplement and provide valuable insights for developing strategies to prevent and treat glucocorticoid-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Full article

Introduction: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) can improve the rational use of antibiotics in hospitals. This study assessed the impact of a multifaceted AMS intervention on antibiotic use and prescribing patterns at three tertiary hospitals in Zambia. Methods: Point Prevalence Surveys (PPS) were conducted in three tertiary hospitals in August 2022 and in October 2023. It was part of a 3-year AMS demonstration project that aimed to optimize the use of antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bloodstream infections (BSIs) in various health sector settings in Zambia. Up to 170 medical records in 2022 and 265 in 2023 were included in the assessment. Results: Overall, the prevalence of antibiotic use in this PPS was 75%. Eighty-one percent (81%) and 71% of patients assessed were on at least one antibiotic in 2022 and 2023, respectively, indicating a decrease of 10%. Similarly, prescribing ceftriaxone, the most prescribed antibiotic, declined from an average of 48% in 2022 to 38% in 2023. Adherence to Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) slightly increased from 42% in 2022 to 45% in 2023. Additionally, antibiotic prescribing was reduced from 1.38 to 1.21. Conclusions: Antimicrobial stewardship had an early positive impact on antibiotic use and adherence to Standard Treatment Guidelines. Full article

Natural variations conferring salt tolerance (ST) are of great value for breeding salt-tolerant rice varieties. The major ST genes, including SKC1, RST1, OsWRKY53 and STG5, have been identified to contain or be associated with a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). However, the distribution and genetic effects of those ST genes in rice cultivars remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the distribution of seven cloned ST genes, including SKC1 (P140A, R184H), RST1 (A530G, E611G), OsWRKY53 (A173G), STG5 (I12S), OsHKT1;1 (L94K), OsHKT2;3 (I77T) and OsSTL1 (P289S), which contain one or two ST-related SNPs in a sequenced Indica/Xian rice population comprising 550 accessions. On the basis of the SNPs, the population was categorized into 21 haplotypes (Haps), each of which contained at least four out of seven ST genes. To precisely evaluate each SNP, grouped rice varieties that only differed at one SNP were chosen from two Haps for salt treatment with 150 mM NaCl for 7 d. The results revealed that RST1^611G showed up to 88.6% improvement in salt tolerance considering the relative shoot fresh weight (rSFW). Alternatively, OsWRKY53^173G, OsHKT2;3^77T, SKC1^140A and SKC1^184H showed an improvement in rSFW of 38.6%, 37%, 27.5% and 19.0%, respectively, indicating that they contribute different genetic effects for ST. OsHKT1;1^94K showed no function with salt treatment for 7 d, but showed a 37.9% rSFW improvement with salt treatment for 14 d. Furthermore, we found that the expression of OsWRKY53^173G was positively correlated with SKC1 and conditionally participated in ST dependent on SKC1^140A. Interestingly, RST1^530A was previously reported to be associated with salt sensitivity, but it was found to be associated with salt tolerance in this study. Overall, our results provide further insight into the mechanism and marker-assisted selection improvement of ST in Indica/Xian rice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder caused by lysosomal accumulation of glycosphingolipids due to the deficiency of α-Galactosidase (α-GAL), which leads to pathology in multiple organ systems. The standard of care is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant native α-GAL protein. Shortcomings of the native α-GAL include low stability, a short circulating half-life, and inadequate uptake by affected tissues that limits the efficacy of ERT and could potentially reduce AAV gene therapy (GT) benefits. Cross-correction by secreted α-GAL is essential for liver-targeted as well as ubiquitous AAV GT due to poor transduction and/or short half-life of some of the significantly affected cell types. Methods: To overcome potential limitations of AAV GT delivering native α-GAL, we used an engineered GLA transgene product to improve enzyme stability and reduce predicted immunogenicity. Results: The stabilized α-GAL variant, Eng-C, had an extended circulatory half-life, allowing for enhanced distribution and efficient uptake by target organs. AAV gene therapy with Eng-C demonstrated significantly greater substrate reduction in the severe Fabry G3Stg/GlaKO mouse model across all affected tissues. Efficacy of the Eng-C AVV GT was equal to or greater than the efficacy of the higher doses of the AAV GT with native α-GAL. Furthermore, this study is the first to demonstrate that the pre-existing pathology in some tissues in G3Stg/GlaKO mice can be reversed with efficient treatment. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that an AAV-based gene therapy expressing an engineered α-GAL with improved stability and lower immunogenicity could be effective at lower doses than other AAV GTs, potentially offering lower safety risks typically associated with high AAV vector doses. Full article

The tourism sector is a vital contributor to Thailand’s economy but also a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aims to align Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), established in late 2023, with the nation’s GHG reduction targets. Adapted from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the STGs encompass 17 dimensions and 86 indicators but currently lack explicit quantitative targets. This research identifies key measurable criteria in energy (STGs 7, 11, 13), waste management (STG 12), and water management (STG 6), focusing on data from large hotels to assess their GHG emissions and reduction potential. The findings indicate that implementing STG measures could reduce emissions by 527,291 tCO₂eq, equivalent to 4.80% of the national GHG reduction target, through energy conservation, waste management, and water efficiency measures. Adjusted targets, including an 18.50% reduction in the energy sector (107 hotels), a 21.00% reduction in waste (121 hotels), and a 2.50% reduction in wastewater (14 hotels), could enable large hotels to achieve a reduction of 83,880 tCO₂eq, allowing them to fully meet their assigned reduction responsibilities. Furthermore, this would contribute 0.76% to the national target. This study demonstrates how integrating measurable components into the STG framework can enhance the tourism sector’s role in achieving national climate goals and promoting sustainable practices. Full article

Background: Rejected medical claims pose a significant challenge for healthcare facilities accredited by Tanzania’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Despite the NHIF’s role in reducing out-of-pocket costs, claim rejections have been a persistent issue, largely due to documentation errors, coding mistakes, and non-compliance with NHIF regulations. This study determined the patterns of rejected claims and the strategies employed by NHIF-accredited hospitals to mitigate these challenges. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2024 and used quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study utilized secondary data (August 2023 to January 2024) on the rejected claims from 46 healthcare facilities (HFs) and key informant interviews from the respective selected facilities. Descriptive data analysis was carried out using STATA version 15 and qualitative data analysis was conducted using NViVo2 version 12 software. Results: A total of 46 public (27) and private (19) HFs were included in this study. The data revealed significant variation in the average number of items rejected per claim across HFs, ranging from 0.21 in a regional referral hospital to 1.21 in a zonal hospital. Non-adherence to standard treatment guidelines (STGs) was significantly more common (p < 0.001) in polyclinics, accounting for 17.2% of the items rejected, and with the lowest number (0.8%) seen in zonal hospitals. Overutilization (drugs and investigations) was commonly reported in all HFs, ranging from 12.5% in polyclinics to 31.8% in district hospitals (p < 0.001). Non-applicable consultation charges were only reported in one zonal hospital. To mitigate these rejections, HFs implemented strategies such as immediate error verification, regular communication with NHIF, staff training, technology use, and regular supervision by the internal audit units. Despite these efforts, challenges persisted, particularly those stemming from complex NHIF policies, which account for most rejections in zonal health facilities. Conclusions: There are significant variations in rejection patterns among HFs, with attendance date anomalies, non-adherence to STGs, NHIF pricing, and overutilization being the most common reasons across all HFs. Strategies to address rejections should be tailored to specific health facilities, coupled with electronic systems that will detect errors during patient management. Full article