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Polyethylene oxo-degradable composites containing antibacterial substances in the form of vegetable oils: geranium, clove and eucalyptus as well as a mixture of nanoAg with nanoCu were discussed. Antibacterial fi lm: PE-0, PE- 1A, PE-2B, PE-3C, PE-4D properties were verifi ed according to ISO 22196:2011 “Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastic and other non-porous surfaces” for the two standard bacteria species of E. coli and S. aureus, whereas water vapour permeability tests (Pv) were carried out acc. ISO 15106-2007 “Plastics. Foils and plates. Determination of water vapor transmission rate. Part 1: Humidity sensor method”. Film marked PE-4D showed the best antibacterial features and good barrier properties.

Abstract Micronuclei (MN) can form through many mechanisms, including the breakage of aberrant cytokinetic chromatin bridges. The frequent observation of MN in tumors suggests that they might not merely be passive elements but could instead play active roles in tumor progression. Here, we propose a mechanism through which the presence of micronuclei could induce specific phenotypic and functional changes in cells and increase the invasive potential of cancer cells. Through the integration of diverse in vitro imaging and molecular techniques supported by clinical samples from patients with prostate cancer (PCa) defined as high-risk by the D’Amico classification, we demonstrate that the resolution of chromosome bridges can result in the accumulation of Emerin and the formation of Emerin-rich MN. These structures are negative for Lamin A/C and positive for the Lamin-B receptor and Sec61β. MN can act as a protein sinks and result in the pauperization of Emerin from the nuclear envelope. The Emerin mislocalization phenotype is associated with a molecular signature that is correlated with a poor prognosis in PCa patients and is enriched in metastatic samples. Emerin mislocalization corresponds with increases in the migratory and invasive potential of tumor cells, especially in a collagen-rich microenvironment. Our study demonstrates that the mislocalization of Emerin to MN results in increased cell invasiveness, thereby worsening patient prognosis.

Abstract Recent Ebola outbreaks underscore the importance of continuous prevention and disease control efforts. Authorized vaccines include Merck’s Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) and Johnson & Johnson’s two-dose combination (Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo). Here, in a five-year follow-up of the PREVAC randomized trial (NCT02876328), we report the results of the immunology ancillary study of the trial. The primary endpoint is to evaluate long-term memory T-cell responses induced by three vaccine regimens: Ad26–MVA, rVSV, and rVSV–booster. Polyfunctional EBOV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses increase after Ad26 priming and are further boosted by MVA, whereas minimal responses are observed in the rVSV groups, declining after one year. In-vitro expansion for eight days show sustained EBOV-specific T-cell responses for up to 60 months post-prime vaccination with both Ad26-MVA and rVSV, with no decline. Cytokine production analysis identify shared biomarkers between the Ad26-MVA and rVSV groups. In secondary endpoint, we observed an elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines at Day 7 in the rVSV group. Finally, we establish a correlation between EBOV-specific T-cell responses and anti-EBOV IgG responses. Our findings can guide booster vaccination recommendations and help identify populations likely to benefit from revaccination.

The development of the macrolepidopteran fauna (butterflies and macro moths) of the diluvial landscapes around Eberswalde is updated until 2023: Changes in the number of species: Fourteen species were recorded for the first time in the area during the observation period: Pieris mannii (Pieridae), Korscheltellus lupulina (Hepialidae), Synanthedon mesiaeformis (also first record for Germany and the state of Brandenburg), Pyropteron triannuliformis (Sesiidae), Lasiocampa quercus (Lasiocampidae), Eilema caniola, Eublemma purpurina (Erebidae), Amphipyra perflua, Caradrina kadenii, Dicycla oo, Mythimna vitellina (Noctuidae), Isturgia arenacearia, Idaea rusticata, Horisme radicaria (Geometridae). Reliable first records from earlier times are now available for four further species: Pyronia tithonus (Nymphalidae, Satyrinae; historical record), Morpho helenor peleides (Nymphalidae; alien species), Euplagia quadripunctaria (Erebidae), Spodoptera exigua (Noctuidae; alien species). Ten species that had been presumed extinct in the area were rediscovered, including, as particularly noteworthy rediscoveries, the large wall brown Lasiommata maera after 66 years, and the noctuid moths Schrankia taenialis after 36 years, Hyppa rectilinea after 33 years, Apamea furva after 23 years and Hadena perplexa after 27 years. Nine species of the former species inventory are presumed extinct. Knowledge on the biology of the species, their distribution in the area and current changes in phenology is updated.

Summary: Besides neutralizing antibodies, which are considered an important measure for vaccine immunogenicity, Fc-mediated antibody functions can contribute to antibody-mediated protection. They are strongly influenced by structural antibody properties such as subclass and Fc glycan composition. We here applied a systems serology approach to dissect humoral immune responses induced by MVA-MERS-S, an MVA-vectored vaccine against the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Building on preceding studies reporting the safety and immunogenicity of MVA-MERS-S, our study highlights the potential of a late boost, administered one year after prime, to enhance both neutralizing and Fc-mediated antibody functionality compared to the primary vaccination series. Distinct characteristics were observed for antibodies specific to the MERS-CoV spike protein S1 and S2 subunits, regarding subclass and glycan compositions as well as Fc functionality. These findings highlight the benefit of a late homologous booster vaccination with MVA-MERS-S and may be of interest for the design of future coronavirus vaccines.

Abstract Introduction Benign breast disease (BBD) and high mammographic breast density (MBD) are prevalent and independent risk factors for invasive breast cancer. It has been suggested that temporal changes in MBD may impact future invasive breast cancer risk, but this has not been studied among women with BBD. Methods We undertook a nested case–control study within a cohort of 15,395 women with BBD in Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW; 1970–2012, followed through mid-2015). Cases (n = 261) developed invasive breast cancer > 1 year after BBD diagnosis, whereas controls (n = 249) did not have breast cancer by the case diagnosis date. Cases and controls were individually matched on BBD diagnosis age and plan membership duration. Standardized %MBD change (per 2 years), categorized as stable/any increase (≥ 0%), minimal decrease of less than 5% or a decrease greater than or equal to 5%, was determined from baseline and follow-up mammograms. Associations between MBD change and breast cancer risk were examined using adjusted unconditional logistic regression. Results Overall, 64.5% (n = 329) of BBD patients had non-proliferative and 35.5% (n = 181) had proliferative disease with/without atypia. Women with an MBD decrease (≤ − 5%) were less likely to develop breast cancer (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.64; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.38, 1.07) compared with women with minimal decreases. Associations were stronger among women ≥ 50 years at BBD diagnosis (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.25, 0.92) and with proliferative BBD (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.11, 0.99). Discussion Assessment of temporal MBD changes may inform risk monitoring among women with BBD, and strategies to actively reduce MBD may help decrease future breast cancer risk.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have tremendous therapeutic potential in various biomedical fields, such as targeted therapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy and cancer diagnostics. The unique physicochemical properties of AuNPs depend on the size, shape, aggregation, surface charge and functionalization of their surface. The type and conditions of synthesis here have a significant impact on these parameters. Biosynthesis using plant extracts makes it possible to obtain environmentally friendly gold nanoparticles with greater stability and better biocompatibility than those obtained by a chemical process. Bioactive components of plant extracts, in addition to reducing properties, also play a stabilizing role for nanoparticles. Moreover, their specific biological activity may act synergistically with the anticancer properties of AuNPs. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising method for treating cancer due to its low-invasive nature, high selectivity and precision. Nanoparticles are usually used as photothermal agents due to their properties. The use of gold nanoparticles, obtained and modified by biosynthesis from plant extracts, in photothermal cancer therapy (PTT) can reduce the toxicity of nanoparticles and increase the therapeutic efficacy of this method. The combination of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles, which can act as non-toxic carriers of drugs and biomarkers, with photothermal therapy and imaging techniques (e.g.: computed tomography, X-ray) represent potentially effective theranostic agents for cancer treatment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the literature data and to introduce the novel and current issue of the application of biogenic AuNPs in photothermal cancer therapy.Based on the current research, the biosynthesis of AuNPs using plant extracts was described and the parameters that had a significant impact on their physicochemical properties, which determine the toxicity, biocompatibility, biodistribution and stability of nanoparticles, were characterized. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of biogenic AuNPs on exemplary cancer cell lines was demonstrated, and the advantages and disadvantages of biosynthesis and promising results of clinical studies on the use of gold nanoparticle products in cancer therapies were presented.

Abstract Background Empirical evidence shows that 4.6–6.3% of all women develop a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and approximately 10–15% postpartum depression (PPD) following childbirth. This study explores the relationship between delivery mode and the occurrence of PTSD and PPD, specifically examining four distinct caesarean section (CS) modes: primary on maternal request (Grade 4), medically indicated primary (Grade 3), secondary CS from relative indication (Grade 2) and emergency secondary CS (Grade 1), compared to vaginal and assisted vaginal delivery (AVD). The research aims to understand how these six subcategories of delivery modes impact PPD and PTSD levels. Common predictors, including the need for psychological treatment before childbirth, fear of childbirth, planning of pregnancy, induction of labor, birth debriefing, and lack of social support after childbirth, will be analyzed to determine their association with postpartum mental health outcomes. Methods The study was planned and carried out by a research team of the psychology department at the Medical School Hamburg, Germany. Within an online-study (cross-sectional design) N = 1223 German speaking women with a baby who did not die before, during or after birth were surveyed once between four weeks and twelve months postpartum via an anonymous online questionnaire on demographic and gynecological data, delivery mode, PTSD (PCL-5) and PPD (EPDS). Results For both psychiatric disorders, ANOVA revealed significant differences between delivery mode and PPD and PTSD. With weak effects for PPD and medium to strong effects for PTSD. Post-hoc tests showed increased levels of PPD for two CS types (Grade 1, Grade 3) compared to vaginal delivery. For PTSD, secondary CS from relative indication (Grade 2), emergency secondary CS (Grade 1) and assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) were associated with elevated levels of PTSD. Regression analysis revealed delivery mode as a significant predictor of EPDS- (medium effect size) and PCL-5-Score (medium to high effect size). Limitation Delivery was considered as the potential traumatic event, and any previous traumas were not documented. Additionally, the categorization of delivery modes relied on subjective reports rather than medical confirmation. Conclusion The study highlights the influence of delivery mode on the mental health of postpartum mothers: different modes influence postpartum disorders in various ways. However, the definition of delivery mode was only stated subjectively and not medically confirmed. Further research should investigate which aspects of the different delivery modes affect maternal mental health and explore how the perception of childbirth may be influenced by specific delivery experiences.

The conceptualization of multiliteracies initiated by the New London Group (NLG, 1996) emphasized the situated nature of language use as a socially complex network of multimodal engagement. Inspired by this view of language and literacy, computer-assisted language learning and second language acquisition scholars have advocated for a broader scope of second language learning to include the development of multiliteracies (Reinhardt & Thorne, 2019; Warner & Dupuy, 2018). In this conceptual article, we explore the potential affordances of immersive virtual reality (IVR) for the development of multiliteracies. As we attempt to construct a working theory of IVR as a catalyst for understanding and creating multiple forms of language in use, we draw on existing literature as well as on data from our multi-year study of multilingual adolescents engaging in multimodal activities using the Meta Quest headset. The interactions between adolescents and researchers were designed to maximize key IVR affordances (embodied cognition, presence, agency, and contextualization), and examples from the IVR sessions suggest how the adolescents are developing multiliteracies. We conclude with ideas for future research that focus on empowering L2 learners to express themselves as they develop the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in multimodal literacies.

Dicarboxylic fatty acids are generated in the liver and kidney in a minor pathway called fatty acid m-oxidation. The effects of consuming dicarboxylic fatty acids as an alternative source of dietary fat have not been explored. Here, we fed dodecanedioic acid, a 12-carbon dicarboxylic ([DC.sub.12]), to mice at 20% of daily caloric intake for 9 weeks. [DC.sub.12] increased metabolic rate, reduced body fat, reduced liver fat, and improved glucose tolerance. We observed [DC.sub.12]-specific breakdown products in liver, kidney, muscle, heart, and brain, indicating that oral [DC.sub.12] escaped first-pass liver metabolism and was utilized by many tissues. In tissues expressing the 'a' isoform of acyl-CoA oxidase-1 (ACOX1), a key peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation enzyme, [DC.sub.12] was chain shortened to the TCA cycle intermediate succinyl-CoA. In tissues with low peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation capacity, [DC.sub.12] was oxidized by mitochondria. In vitro, [DC.sub.12] was catabolized even by adipose tissue and was not stored intracellularly. We conclude that [DC.sub.12] and other dicarboxylic acids may be useful for combatting obesity and for treating metabolic disorders., Introduction Changes in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function are noted across the spectrum of human diseases. First, there are numerous inborn errors of metabolism where chronic energy deficits and the [...]

BackgroundChildren undergoing allo-HCT are at high risk of EBV-related complications. The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of prophylactic post-transplant rituximab on EBV infection and EBV-PTLD in children after allo-HCT, to determine the risk factors for the development of EBV infection and EBV-PTLD and to determine their outcomes. Additionally, the impact of EBV-driven complications on transplant outcomes was analyzed.MethodsSingle center retrospective analysis of EBV-related complications in pediatric population undergoing allo-HCT, based on strategy of prophylaxis with rituximab. Overall 276 consecutive children, including 122 on prophylaxis, were analyzed for EBV-driven complications and transplant outcomes.ResultsProphylaxis with rituximab resulted in significant reduction of EBV infection (from 35.1% to 20.5%; HR=2.7; p

IntroductionMental health conditions are associated with cognition and physical function in older adults. We examined whether worry and ruminative brooding, key symptoms of certain mental health conditions, are related to subjective and/or objective measures of cognitive and physical (cardiovascular) health.MethodsWe used baseline data from 282 participants from the SCD-Well and Age-Well trials (178 female; agemean = 71.1 years). We measured worry and ruminative brooding using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire and the Ruminative Response Scale-brooding subscale. We assessed subjective physical health using the WHOQOL-Bref physical subscale, and objective physical health via blood pressure and modified versions of the Framingham Risk Score and Charlson Comorbidity Index. With subjective and objective cognition, we utilized the Cognitive Difficulties Scale and a global composite (modified Preclinical Alzheimer’s Cognitive Composite, PACC5, with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV, category fluency, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale-2, and either the California Verbal Learning Test or the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test). We conducted linear regressions, adjusted for education, age, sex and cohort.ResultsWorry and ruminative brooding were negatively associated with subjective physical health (worry: β = −0.245, 95%CI −0.357 to −0.133, p

This study examined the extent to which children's concepts of God correspond with their parents' concepts of God. It also examined how parent-context factors and children's executive functioning relate to parent-child conceptual similarity. Parent-child dyads from varied religious and racial backgrounds participated. Dyads had the greatest conceptual similarity concerning God's mind-dependent functions. Though correspondence between parents and children was lowest concerning God's body-dependent functions, dyads were more similar about those functions when parents engaged in more frequent religious practices with their child and thought God was important. Children's concepts of God were unrelated to religious practices, and parent-child conceptual similarity was unrelated to children's age and executive functioning. Simply put, variation among parents' anthropomorphic concepts of God drove variation in parent-child conceptual similarity. Overall, these findings suggest that embodied concepts of God may be most sensitive to cultural input and that socialization practices provide greater insight into parents' anthropomorphic concepts.

Abstract Translational oncology research strives to explore a new aspect: identifying subgroups that exhibit treatment response even during pre-clinical phases. In this study, we focus on PDX models and their implementation in mouse clinical trials (MCT). Our primary objective was to identify subgroups with different treatment responses using Latent Class Mixed Model (LCMM).We used a public dataset and focused on one treatment, encorafenib, and two indications, melanoma and colorectal cancer, for which efficacy depends on a specific mutation BRAF V600E. One LCMM per indication was implemented to classify treatment responses at the PDX level, analyzing the growth kinetics of treated tumors and matched controls within the PDX models. A simulation study was carried out to explore the performance of LCMM in this context. For both applications, LCMM identified classes for which the higher the proportion of mutated BRAF V600E PDX models the greater the treatment effect, which is aligned with encorafenib use recommendations. The simulation study showed that LCMM could identify classes with large differences in treatment effects. LCMM is a suitable tool for MCT to explore treatment response subgroups of PDX. Once these subgroups are defined, characterization of their phenotypes/genotypes could be performed to explore treatment response predictors.

In psychological science, replicability—repeating a study with a new sample achieving consistent results (Parsons et al., 2022)—is critical for affirming the validity of scientific findings. Despite its importance, replication efforts are few and far between in psychological science with many attempts failing to corroborate past findings. This scarcity, compounded by the difficulty in accessing replication data, jeopardizes the efficient allocation of research resources and impedes scientific advancement. Addressing this crucial gap, we present the Replication Database (https://forrt-replications.shinyapps.io/fred_explorer), a novel platform hosting 1,239 original findings paired with replication findings. The infrastructure of this database allows researchers to submit, access, and engage with replication findings. The database makes replications visible, easily findable via a graphical user interface, and tracks replication rates across various factors, such as publication year or journal. This will facilitate future efforts to evaluate the robustness of psychological research.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of illnesses which usually present with a chronic clinical picture. NTDs can lead to permanent disability and are often associated with social stigma. In many developing countries where NTDs are endemic, there are no diagnostic tools for the safe storage and transport of biological samples, and there are no specialist diagnostic centers where the samples could be processed. The transport of biological samples (blood, urine) collected in field conditions and brought to laboratories located in developed countries requires the maintenance of the cold chain during transportation. Ensuring temperature control during transport could be problematic or even impossible to achieve; it is also expensive. A helpful solution to this problem is to use the dried matrix spot (DMS) technique, which seems to be a reliable method for collecting biological samples to be used for screening purposes and conducting epidemiological surveillance of NTDs in developing countries. This article is an overview of how DMSs can be used in the diagnosis of most neglected tropical diseases.

This paper presents a study on thermally sprayed coatings. Coatings produced by high-velocity oxygen–fuel spraying HVOF and plasma spraying deposited on the A03590 aluminum casting alloy are tested. The subject of this research concerns coatings based on tungsten carbide WC, chromium carbide Cr3C2, composite coatings NiCrSiB + 2.5%Fe + 2.5%Cr, mixtures of tungsten and chromium powders WC-CrC-Ni, mixtures of carbide powders with the Cr3C2-NiCr + the composite 5% NiCrBSi and WC-Co + 5% NiCrBSi. The aim of this research is to find a coating most resistant to the erosive impact of particles contained in the medium centrifuged by industrial rotors. The suitability of the coating is determined by its high level of microhardness. The hardest coatings are selected from the coatings tested and subjected to abrasion tests against a sand particle impact jet and the centrifugation of a medium with corundum particles. It is found that the most favorable anti-erosion properties are demonstrated by a coating composed of a mixture of tungsten carbide and chromium carbide WC-CrC-Ni powders. It is concluded that the greatest resistance of this coating to the erosive impact of the particle jet results from the synergistic enhancement of the most favorable features of both cermets.

Malaria is a significant health problem in Africa, primarily due to the Plasmodium falciparum species, but this is not the only etiological factor responsible for malaria on the continent. The goal of the present research was to describe asymptomatic malaria cases and to identify Plasmodium species responsible for malaria in the BaAka Pygmies, inhabitants of the Central African Republic (CAR). Screening was realised in the period of August–September 2021 among 308 people, including 74 children and 234 adults reporting to a healthcare facility in Monasao (southwest CAR), an area inhabited by a semi-nomadic tribe of BaAka Pygmies. The study consisted of two phases. Phase I, which was conducted in Africa, consisted of performing malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), taking haemoglobin measurements and collecting blood samples onto Whatman FTA cards for molecular diagnostics. Phase II, which was conducted in Poland, involved molecular tests (RT-PCR) to confirm or rule out malaria infections and to identify Plasmodium species responsible for the infections. mRDTs detected Plasmodium infections in 50.3% of children and 17.1% of adults participating in the study, whereas RT-PCR assays yielded positive results for 59.5% children and 28.6% adults. Molecular tests detected multiple Plasmodium falciparum infections but also three infections with P. malariae, three with P. ovale and one with P. vivax. The obtained results have confirmed numerous asymptomatic Plasmodium infections among the BaAka Pygmies. The rates of asymptomatic malaria cases in adults were twice as high as those in children, which may be indicative of the gradual acquisition of protective immunity with age. The study findings have also demonstrated that although most cases of malaria in Africa are caused by P. falciparum, three other species are also present in the region.