Search Results (9,552)

We aimed to explore SARS-CoV-2 evolution during in vitro neutralisation using next generation sequencing, and to determine whether sera from individuals immunised with two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (BNT162b2) were as effective at neutralising the variant of concern (VOC) Delta (B.1.617.2) compared to the earlier lineages Beta (B.1.351) and wild-type (A.2.2) virus. Using a live-virus SARS-CoV-2 neutralisation assay in Vero E6 cells, we determined neutralising antibody titres (nAbT) against three SARS-CoV-2 strains (wild type, Beta, and Delta) in 14 participants (vaccine-naïve (n = 2) and post-second dose of BNT162b2 vaccination (n = 12)), median age 45 years [IQR 29–65]; the median time after the second dose was 21 days [IQR 19–28]. The determination of nAbT was based on cytopathic effect (CPE) and in-house quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to confirm SARS-CoV-2 replication. A total of 110 representative samples including inoculum, neutralisation breakpoints at 72 h, and negative and positive controls underwent genome sequencing. By integrating live-virus neutralisation assays with deep sequencing, we characterised both functional antibody responses and accompanying viral genetic changes. There was a reduction in nAbT observed against the Delta and Beta VOC compared with wild type, 4.4-fold (p ≤ 0.0006) and 2.3-fold (p = 0.0140), respectively. Neutralising antibodies were not detected in one vaccinated immunosuppressed participant and the vaccine-naïve participants (n = 2). The highest nAbT against the SARS-CoV-2 variants investigated was obtained from a participant who was vaccinated following SARS-CoV-2 infection 12 months prior. Limited consensus level mutations occurred in the various SARS-CoV-2 lineage genomes during in vitro neutralisation; however, consistent minority allele frequency variants (MFV) were detected in the SARS-CoV-2 polypeptide, spike (S), and membrane protein. Findings from countries with high COVID-19 incidence may not be applicable to low-incidence settings such as Australia; as seen in our cohort, nAbT may be significantly higher in vaccine recipients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Monitoring viral evolution is critical to evaluate the impact of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants on vaccine effectiveness, as mutational profiles in the sub-consensus genome could indicate increases in transmissibility and virulence or suggest the development of antiviral resistance. Full article

The ecological interface between grasslands and farmlands forms a critical landscape component, significantly contributing to the stability and functioning of ecosystems within the agro-pastoral transition zone of northern China. Nevertheless, the variation patterns and interactions between soil physicochemical attributes and microbial community diversity at this interface remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated nine sites located within 50 m of the grassland–farmland boundary in the Songnen Plain, northeastern China. We assessed the soil’s physicochemical properties and the composition of bacterial and fungal communities across these sites. Results indicated a declining gradient in soil physicochemical characteristics from grassland to farmland, except for pH and total phosphorus (TP). The composition of bacterial and fungal communities differed notably in response to contrasting land-use types across the ecological interface. Soil environmental variables were closely aligned with shifts observed in bacterial and fungal assemblages. Concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN), and available potassium (AK) exhibited inverse correlations with both bacterial and fungal populations. Alterations in microbial community composition were significantly linked to TN, TP, total potassium (TK), AN, AP, AK, and soil pH levels. Variability in soil properties, as well as microbial biomass and diversity, was evident across the grassland–cropland boundary. Long-term utilization and conversion of grassland into cultivated land altered the soil’s physicochemical environment, thereby indirectly shaping the structure of microbial communities, including both bacteria and fungi. These findings provide a valuable basis for understanding the ecological implications of land-use transitions and inform microbial-based indicators for assessing soil health in agro-pastoral ecotones. Full article

The global population surge and continuously rising energy demand have led to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves. Over-exploitation of non-renewable fuels is responsible for the emission of greenhouse gases, air pollution, and global warming, which causes serious health issues and ecological imbalance. The present study focuses on the potential of algae-based biofuel as an alternative energy source for fossil fuels. Algal biofuels are more environmentally friendly and economically reasonable to produce on a pilot scale compared to lignocellulosic-derived biofuels. Algae can be cultivated in closed, open, and hybrid photobioreactors. Notably, high-rate raceway ponds with the ability to recycle nutrients can reduce freshwater consumption by 60% compared to closed systems. The algal strain along with various factors such as light, temperature, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and pH is responsible for the growth of biomass and biofuel production. Algal biomass conversion through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) can achieve higher energy return on investments (EROI) than conventional techniques, making it a promising Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–6 pathway toward circular biorefineries. Therefore, algal-based biofuel production offers numerous benefits in terms of socio-economic growth. This review highlights the basic cultivation, dewatering, and processing of algae to produce biofuels using various methods. A simplified multicriteria evaluation strategy was used to compare various catalytic processes based on multiple performance indicators. We also conferred various advantages of an integrated biorefinery system and current technological advancements for algal biofuel production. In addition to this, policies and market regulations are discussed briefly. At the end, critical challenges and future perspectives of algal biorefineries are reviewed. Algal biofuels are environmentally friendly as well as economically sustainable and usually offer more benefits compared to fossil fuels. Full article

In this work, alkylammonium-functionalized hollow mesoporous silica as a nonocarrier of drugs was synthesized to realize enhanced cancer therapy by pH stimuli for sustained drug release. First, functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Hollow MSNs) were synthesized using dodecyl dimethyl(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (DDAPS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and triethanolamine as structure-directing agents, while tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and N-trimethoxysilypropyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (TMAPS) were used as silica sources under basic condition via the sol–gel process. The structure and morphology of the alkylammonium-functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Hollow MSN-N⁺CH₃) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption–desorption analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The functionalized hollow MSNs had a particle size of about 450 nm and a shell thickness of about 60 nm with uniform size. The nanoparticle had a surface area of 408 m²g⁻¹, pore volume of 0.8 cm³g⁻¹, and a uniform pore diameter of 45.9 Å. In the cancer cell viability test with a MCF-7 cell, fludarabine-incorporated and alkylammonium-functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Flu/Hollow MSN-N⁺CH₃) showed excellent cancer cell death comparable with pure fludarabine drug with the controlled drug release by pH stimuli. It is suggested that our current materials have potential applicability as pH-responsive nanocarriers in the field of cancer therapy. Full article

Understanding how environmental conditions affect broiler comfort across different seasons is crucial for enhancing welfare in commercial poultry production. This study aimed to identify the relationship between housing environment, litter conditions, and broiler discomfort at different growth stages using data collected from two flocks reared during winter and summer. Environmental variables (temperature, humidity, ammonia, pH, and CO₂) and broiler responses were recorded and analyzed weekly. Discomfort was defined as a binary variable based on threshold deviations in temperature and air quality. Non-parametric statistical tests and a Random Forest model were employed to explore associations and predict comfort status. Results showed that discomfort was significantly higher during winter, particularly in weeks 1 and 6, likely due to thermal instability and rising ammonia levels. Summer flocks exhibited more stable comfort profiles. The predictive model achieved a high test accuracy (97.1%) and identified broiler weight, ammonia, and temperature as the strongest predictors of discomfort. Weekly discomfort patterns and feature importance analyses revealed critical intervention points and variables. These findings provide actionable insights for automating welfare monitoring in commercial broiler production, offering valuable information for season-specific management strategies and demonstrating the potential for integrating predictive models into automated welfare monitoring systems to support precision livestock farming. Full article

Background: Helcococcus kunzii, a facultative anaerobe and Gram-positive coccus, has been documented as a cunning pathogen, mainly in immunocompromised individuals, as evidenced by recent clinical and microbiological reports. It has been associated with a variety of polymicrobial infections, comprising diabetic foot ulcers, prosthetic joint infections, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and bloodstream infections. Despite its emerging clinical relevance, no licensed vaccine or targeted immunotherapy currently exists for H. kunzii, and its rising resistance to conventional antibiotics presents a growing public health concern. Objectives: In this study, we employed an integrated subtractive proteomics and immunoinformatics pipeline to design a multi-epitope subunit vaccine (MEV) candidate against H. kunzii. Initially, pan-proteome analysis identified non-redundant, essential, non-homologous, and virulent proteins suitable for therapeutic targeting. Methods/Results: From these, two highly conserved and surface-accessible proteins, cell division protein FtsZ and peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase FtsW, were selected as promising vaccine targets. Comprehensive epitope prediction identified nine cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL), five helper T-lymphocyte (HTL), and two linear B-cell (LBL) epitopes, which were rationally assembled into a 397-amino-acid-long chimeric construct. The construct was designed using appropriate linkers and adjuvanted with the cholera toxin B (CTB) subunit (NCBI accession: AND74811.1) to enhance immunogenicity. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed persistent and high-affinity ties amongst the MEV and essential immune receptors, indicating a durable ability to elicit an immune reaction. In silico immune dynamic simulations predicted vigorous B- and T-cell-mediated immune responses. Codon optimization and computer-aided cloning into the E. coli K12 host employing the pET-28a(+) vector suggested high translational efficiency and suitability for bacterial expression. Conclusions: Overall, this computationally designed MEV demonstrates favorable immunological and physicochemical properties, and presents a durable candidate for subsequent in vitro and in vivo validation against H. kunzii-associated infections. Full article

Hydrogels are water-rich polymeric networks mimicking the body’s extracellular matrix, making them highly biocompatible and ideal for precision medicine. Their “tunable” and “smart” properties enable the precise adjustment of mechanical, chemical, and physical characteristics, allowing responses to specific stimuli such as pH or temperature. These versatile materials offer significant advantages over traditional drug delivery by facilitating targeted, localized, and on-demand therapies. Applications range from diagnostics and wound healing to tissue engineering and, notably, cancer therapy, where they deliver anti-cancer agents directly to tumors, minimizing systemic toxicity. Hydrogels’ design involves careful material selection and crosslinking techniques, which dictate properties like swelling, degradation, and porosity—all crucial for their effectiveness. The development of self-healing, tough, and bio-functional hydrogels represents a significant step forward, promising advanced biomaterials that can actively sense, react to, and engage in complex biological processes for a tailored therapeutic approach. Beyond their mechanical resilience and adaptability, these hydrogels open avenues for next-generation therapies, such as dynamic wound dressings that adapt to healing stages, injectable scaffolds that remodel with growing tissue, or smart drug delivery systems that respond to real-time biochemical cues. Full article

Due to the prevalence of plastic-packaged foods, as well as the need for real-time food monitoring by consumers, reducing plastic pollution is essential for a healthier environment and nutrition. For these reasons, in this work, biodegradable pH-responsive chitosan films enriched with wine lees-derived anthocyanins were produced, and their pH sensitivity was thoroughly evaluated. Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction using ethanol/water mixtures as conventional solvents was conducted and the optimal conditions (regarding total anthocyanin content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity) were used to perform a screening of extraction with 16 different Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents. Among them, choline chloride: butylene glycol (1:4), at a concentration of 50% v/v in water, demonstrated the highest anthocyanin recovery and was selected for the preparation of the films. The resulting films exhibited an excellent colorimetric response to pH changes, with a color difference (ΔE) exceeding 6.8 at all tested pH values, improved mechanical properties, nearly zero UV permeability, and their antioxidant activity increased by up to 6.1-fold compared to pure chitosan film. Finally, the film was applied in detecting the freshness of pork meat, exhibiting a ΔE of 15.3. The results demonstrate that the developed film is a promising alternative for intelligent, bioactive, and biodegradable food packaging for food applications. Full article

Syngenetic fluid inclusions in natural diamonds are indicators of the composition of fluids responsible for growth and crystallization conditions. The chloride concentration in saline fluid inclusions of natural diamonds reaches 50 wt%. We study the dissolution of diamonds in the H₂O-KCl-NaCl system at temperatures of 1200 °C and 1400 °C and a pressure of 5.5 GPa using a BARS high-pressure multi-anvil apparatus. Two scenarios of diamond dissolution were experimentally investigated: (i) metasomatism by saline brines at high oxygen fugacity of the magnetite–hematite buffer; (ii) interaction with reduced carbon-unsaturated water–chloride fluid at low fO₂ imposed by the iron–wüstite buffer. It is found that the presence of alkaline chlorides in the aqueous fluid significantly accelerates diamond dissolution at high oxygen fugacity but inhibits the process under reduced conditions. The morphology of diamond dissolution features is controlled by the presence of water in the fluid over the entire range of the studied P-T-fO₂ conditions. Experimental results indicate that the interaction with oxidizing highly saline fluids during metasomatic events could negatively affect diamond preservation in mantle rocks and eventually lead to the formation of uneconomic kimberlites. Under reducing conditions, water–chloride fluids favor diamond preservation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The success of artificial reproductive technologies (ARTs) depends on different factors, such as patient-specific reproductive features, ovarian response to stimulation, oocyte and embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. This study aimed to evaluate their association with oocyte yield, fertilization, endometrial thickness, and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A prospective clinical study included 128 women undergoing IVF/ICSI. Baseline hormone levels (E2, P4, FSH, LH, AMH) were assessed prior to stimulation. E2 levels were monitored during stimulation, and P4 was measured on the day of oocyte retrieval. Patients were grouped based on P4 levels (<2 ng/mL vs. ≥2 ng/mL). IVF outcomes and endometrial characteristics were statistically analyzed. Results: Lower P4 levels (<2 ng/mL) on the day of oocyte retrieval were significantly associated with higher fertilization rates (p < 0.003), more fertilized oocytes (p < 0.001), and increased pregnancy rates (p < 0.001). Elevated P4 (≥2 ng/mL) correlated with a higher frequency of thin endometrium (<7 mm, p < 0.007). E2 levels on the hCG trigger day correlated positively with the number of retrieved and mature oocytes and fertilization outcomes (p < 0.05). Patients who achieved pregnancy had lower P4 and BMI, and higher E2, AMH, and endometrial thickness. ROC identified a P4 threshold of 1.99 ng/mL with moderate predictive value. Conclusions: Elevated progesterone levels on the day of oocyte retrieval negatively impact fertilization and pregnancy outcomes, likely due to impaired endometrial receptivity. Combined assessment of P4, E2, AMH, and endometrial thickness may enhance embryo transfer planning and improve IVF success rates. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of TiAB, a compound based on silver-bound titanium dioxide, against clinical isolates from dermatological infections. Methods: We tested 155 strains clinically isolated from ulcers and skin infections, including MRSA, ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, and P. aeruginosa. MIC and MBC values were determined using broth microdilution according to CLSI guidelines. Time-kill assays were performed at 0.5×, 1×, and 2× MIC. Median values were used to describe susceptibility profiles. Results: TiAB exhibited strong bactericidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including ESBL-positive E. coli and K. pneumoniae, with complete killing at 2× MIC (4–8%) within 4–8 h. Gram-positive pathogens exhibited higher MICs (≥8%) and limited response within 24 h; however, extending exposure to 48 h resulted in enhanced activity. Conclusions: TiAB exhibited in vitro bactericidal activity with median MIC values ranging from 1% to 2% (w/v) against Gram-negative clinical isolates such as E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and 2% to 4% against Gram-positive strains including MRSA. Time-kill assays confirmed ≥3 log₁₀ CFU/mL reductions for Gram-negative bacteria at 2× MIC within 24 h. These results suggest TiAB’s potential as a topical antimicrobial agent, though further in vivo studies are needed to validate its safety and efficacy. Full article

Background: Haemophilus influenzae (Hi), a Gram-negative bacterium, is divided into two broad categories: encapsulated and non-capsulated isolates, also called non-typeable Hi isolates (NTHi). NTHi has become prevalent since the introduction of the vaccine against Hi of serotype b. Hi can cause local infections on respiratory mucosal surfaces and urogenital infections, which can lead to septic abortion in pregnant women. It can also cause invasive infections such as meningitis and septicemia. Moreover, NTHi isolates are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Vaccines targeting NTHi are not yet available. As these NTHi isolates are not encapsulated, vaccines should target proteins at the bacterial surface. However, vaccine development is hindered by the high variability of these proteins. We aimed to identify conserved outer membrane proteins (OMPs) for vaccines against NTHi. Methods: We analyzed core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) of 1144 genomes of Hi collected between 2017 and 2022 and, of these, identified 514 conserved genes that encoded OMPs. We focused on two specific OMPs: Haem1295, encoding the protein P5 (P5), and Haem1040, encoding the protein 26 (P26). P5 is known to bind human complement regulatory protein factor H (FH), while both P5 and P26 are involved in enhancing immune responses. The genes encoding these proteins were cloned, overexpressed, purified, and tested in both active and passive protection models using systemic infection in mice. Results: P5 and P26 were found to be immunogenic during human infections. Vaccination with these proteins conferred protection against both homologous and heterologous NTHi isolates in mice, suggesting broad cross-protection. Conclusions: P5 and P26 are promising vaccine candidates showing cross-protection against NTHi and offering the additional benefit of targeting bacterial virulence factors, enhancing vaccine efficacy against NTHi isolates. Full article

Defining appropriate dietary fiber levels is essential for enhancing the sustainability of feedlot lamb production. Optimal dietary fiber levels can enhance meat yield, improve nutrient retention and utilization, and reduce environmental impact. This study aimed to determine the optimal level of dietary fiber to enhance nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, and rumen fermentation in feedlot lambs. Five rumen-fistulated Santa Inês male lambs (40 kg, 7 months old) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Diets contained increasing levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF): 200, 320, 440, 560, and 680 g/kg dry matter (DM), with each period lasting 21 days (total 105 days). Nutrient intake responded quadratically to NDF levels (p < 0.05). Apparent digestibility was significantly affected (p < 0.05), except for crude protein. Feeding (p = 0.001) and rumination times (p = 0.002) increased linearly, while idling time decreased (p < 0.001). Feeder visits declined (p = 0.002), and idling events followed a quadratic trend. Feeding and rumination efficiencies for DM decreased (p = 0.006 and p = 0.010), while NDF rumination efficiency increased (p = 0.014). The ruminal pH rose (p < 0.001), and propionate decreased (p = 0.019); acetate and butyrate showed quadratic responses. Based on intake, digestibility, and fermentation patterns, dietary NDF should be included at 400 g/kg DM to optimize nutrient utilization and rumen function in confined lambs. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different water restrictions on the thermoregulation and blood hematological and metabolite parameters of crossbred Santa Inês ewes in a semi-arid climate. Thirty-two ewes were subjected to four water supply levels (100%, 80%, 60%, and 40%), in a completely randomized design with eight replications. The confinement period lasted 77 days, with 14 days allocated for adaptation. Respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature exhibited a quadratic response. There was an increase in red blood cells and urea. The enzyme alanine aminotransferase decreased linearly with water restriction. Urinary creatinine decreased along with water supply. Regarding urine color characteristics, all groups showed different colors, ranging from clear to cloudy. For the chemical characteristics of urine, a quadratic effect was observed for pH, with the highest value (8.75) at 60%. An increase was observed in total urine proteins and urobilinogen. Crossbred Santa Inês ewes in a semi-arid climate exhibit physiological adaptations to water supply reduction up to 40%. Following an 80% reduction in water supply, animals exhibit mild dehydration, characterized by increased serum urea levels and decreased alanine aminotransferase activity. Full article

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas, with emissions occurring mostly from agricultural soils, especially acidic soils. This research aimed to elucidate the response of soils dominated by nitrification-driven N₂O production to alkaline amendments, given that nitrification is a key process in N₂O emission. This study investigated the impact of an alkaline mineral amendment (CSMP) on N₂O emission, nitrification rate, and functional gene abundance. Using a robotic automated incubation system, CSMP both alone and in combination with urea was applied to two acidic soils (CL: pH 5.81; WS: pH 4.91). The results demonstrated that, relative to the CK, the CSMP-only treatment significantly increased N₂O emissions by 18.4-fold in these acidic soils, with a 61.6-fold increase in the U + CSMP treatment. This very large increase was driven by a rise in AOB-amoA abundance and a concurrent decline in AOA-amoA, which was confirmed by structural equation modeling, which showed that the increase in pH strongly influenced N₂O emission primarily through AOB-amoA. Although CSMP is effective for reversing soil acidification, its use must be carefully managed to prevent stimulation of N₂O emissions. Future strategies should explore combining CSMP with approaches that can mitigate nitrification while maintaining its soil improvement benefits. This study provides critical insights for developing balanced management practices that address both soil health and climate change mitigation in acidic agricultural systems. Full article