Search Results (135)

Alphaviruses are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and cause large-scale epidemics worldwide. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection can cause febrile seizures known as chikungunya fever (CHIKF), which ultimately leads to severe joint pain and myalgia. While a vaccine has recently been introduced against CHIKV, at present, no anti-viral drug is available. CHIKV, like other alphaviruses, has a short 6K protein capable of forming an ion channel. Blocking this ion channel with drugs can therefore serve as a potential way to curtail CHIKV infection. To that end, we screened a repurposed drug library using three bacteria-based channel assays to detect blockers against 6K viroporin, yielding several hits. Interestingly, several of the blockers were able to inhibit the 6K protein from the similar Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), while others were not, pointing to structural specificity which may be explained by modeling studies. In conclusion, our study provides a starting point for developing a new route to potentially inhibit CHIKV. Full article

This study developed antimicrobial composite coatings from gelatin (GL) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) functionalized with carvacrol (CA) as a natural alternative for the preservation of strawberries. Films incorporated with 0%, 1.5%, and 3% CA were characterized by their physical, mechanical, and structural properties. The addition of CA significantly improved opacity, tensile strength, elongation-at-break, and thickness, while reducing water vapor permeability, moisture content, and solubility (p < 0.05). Spectroscopy and microscopy also confirmed CA’s uniform dispersion within the matrix. During 14 days of storage at 4 °C, strawberries coated with GL/CMCS/CA-3% significantly reduced weight loss (50.91%) and fungal contamination, improved firmness (79.31%), and maintained color and pH. Conversely, uncoated strawberries showed rapid declines in soluble solids, acidity, phenolics, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). Microbial growth was effectively suppressed in coated fruits, while sensory profiles were drastically impaired in uncoated samples at the end of storage (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that GL/CMCS/CA coatings can effectively preserve strawberry quality and extend shelf life without synthetic preservatives. Full article

Hyperpolarization (HP) techniques, such as Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization (PHIP), Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE), and dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (d-DNP), significantly enhance the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for chemical analysis and metabolic imaging. However, the high cost of equipment, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, limits accessibility of hyperpolarization for the broad scientific community. In this work, we aim to mitigate some of the challenges by developing a cost-effective solution for parahydrogen (pH₂)-based PHIP and SABRE HP methods. A custom coil-winding machine was designed to fabricate solenoid magnet coils, which were then evaluated for their magnetic field profiles, demonstrating a high degree of magnetic field homogeneity. A model ¹H SABRE experiment successfully implemented the constructed solenoid, achieving efficient hyperpolarization. Additionally, the solenoid magnet can be utilized for in situ detection of hyperpolarization when integrated with a low-field NMR spectrometer, reducing the total setup cost to a few thousand dollars. These findings suggest that our approach makes HP technology more affordable and accessible, potentially broadening its applications in chemical and biomedical research, as well as educational settings involving undergraduate student researchers. This work provides a practical pathway to lower the financial barriers associated with pH₂ HP setups. Full article

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF-V) and Ebola virus are lethal pathogens that cause widespread outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever. Both diseases can be transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, but as an arbovirus, CCHF-V is primarily transmitted through tick bites. Both of these viruses are classified as Risk Group 4 due to the appreciable health threat they pose. To date, there are few effective treatments available to combat these deadly hemorrhagic fevers. Consequently, identifying and characterizing ion channels (viroporins) encoded in the viral genomes may lead to potential targeted drug development. Therefore, using bacteria-based genetic assays, two viroporin candidates from CCHF-V and Ebola have been examined, and their proposed structures have been modeled to aid in further drug discovery. The results indicate that CCHF-V-gp exhibits channel activity, which is indistinguishable from established viroporins found in other viruses. In contrast, our experimental approach was unable to uncover a viroporin candidate in the Ebola virus. Full article

The following paper investigates the impact of racial differences on societal and political attitudes among secular individuals in the United States. Using data from the 2014 American Mosaic Project, our analyses focus on the relationships between secularity, race, and comfort with conservative Christian and atheist views, as well as opinions on whether the president should be religious. The results indicate substantial variation in these attitudes across racial groups, with secular non-Whites displaying unique sociopolitical preferences compared with their White counterparts. This challenges the oversimplified view of secularity as a predominantly White, liberal phenomenon, uncovering a more complex interplay between race, secularity, and sociopolitical orientations. These findings contribute to the sociology of religion by highlighting the diverse ways in which secular and religious identities intersect with race in contemporary American society, offering insights valuable for scholars, policymakers, and social activists in an increasingly secular age. Full article

Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulphate, holds global significance due to its wide range of industrial applications. It plays a crucial role as a weighting agent in drilling fluids for the oil and gas industry, in radiation shielding, and as a filler in paints and plastics. Although there are significant deposits of the mineral in commercial quantities in Nigeria, the use of barite of Nigerian origin has been low in the industry due to challenges that require further research and development. This research employed nanoindentation experiments using a model Ti950 Tribo indenter instrument equipped with a diamond Berkovich tip. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), we gained information about the structure and elements in the samples. The load–displacement curves were examined to determine the hardness and reduced elastic modulus of the barite samples. The SEM images showed that barite grains have a typical grainy shape, with clear splitting lines and sizes. XRD and EDX analysis confirmed that the main components are chlorite, albite, barium, and oxygen, along with small impurities like silicon and calcium from quartz and calcite. The average hardness of the IB3 and IB4 samples was 1.88 GPa and 1.18 GPa, respectively, meaning that the IB3 sample will need more energy to crush because its hardness is within the usual barite hardness range of 1.7 GPa to 2.0 GPa. The findings suggest further beneficiation processes to enhance the material’s suitability for drilling and other applications. Full article

While prime editing offers improved precision compared to traditional CRISPR-Cas9 systems, concerns remain regarding potential off-target effects, including epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation. In this study, we investigated whether prime editing induces aberrant CpG methylation patterns. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing revealed overall methylation similarity between Cas9-edited, and PE2-edited cells. However, localized epigenetic changes were observed, particularly in CpG islands and exon regions. The PE2-edited group showed a higher proportion of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in some coding sequences compared to controls and Cas9-edited samples. Notably, CpG island methylation reached 0.18% in the PE2 vs. Cas9 comparison, indicating a higher susceptibility of these regulatory elements to epigenetic alterations by prime editing. Molecular function analyses including Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses further revealed enrichment in molecular functions related to transcriptional regulation and redox activity in PE2-edited cells. These findings suggest that prime editing, while precise, may introduce subtle but functionally relevant methylation changes that could influence gene expression and cellular pathways. In summary, prime editing can induce localized DNA methylation changes in human cells, particularly within regulatory and coding regions. Understanding these epigenetic consequences is critical for the development of safer and more effective therapeutic applications of genome editing technologies. Full article

In separate traditions in the HB, the Rephaim are presented either as a living group of gigantic warriors or as shadowy figures of the underworld of Sheol. They are referred to as the rp’um in earlier Amorite Ugaritic texts, in which their role and status are much debated. This paper offers a hypothesis that, first, tracks rp’um/Rephaim antecedent traditions from the Sumerian heroic and funerary practices adopted by the Amorites to the tradition of the rp’um of the Ugaritic literature, and then tracks them on to the HB, through the Amorite connection to Mlk/Molech, in two different regional traditions found in the HB. Literary analysis and cross-cultural evidence regarding the Amorites are used to demonstrate the plausibility of this hypothesis. This paper also puts forth that: the name Hammurapi is a reference to a funerary practice and is a titular name; rpi is employed in its more basic sense of meaning “to restore/mend”; rp’um, following Good, is the passive participle, “restored/healed ones”; and Deut 2:10–11 and the biblical King Og texts do not support the Israelites having encountered living Rephaim warriors. Tracking the heroic and death-culture traditions shows that the antecedents to the biblical Rephaim were likely originally heroic-age warriors who, upon death, were cared for and were appealed to through funerary rituals for some benefit. However, these Amorite traditions were not fully understood by the Israelites when they encountered them and appropriated aspects in their representation of the Rephaim. Full article

Lead contamination in the environment affects both humans and animals. Even with the decrease in manufactured items containing lead, contaminants persist in the landscape and may enter the food supply through animal products. In cattle, lead poisoning is associated with economic losses due to mortality and treatment costs and poses a health risk to consumers. A dairy herd was exposed to lead through feed that was contaminated with a 12-volt battery from a mixer wagon. Lead concentrations in blood and milk samples were examined over 289 days. A 2 ng/mL threshold for lead in milk was utilized to release affected cows back into the milking herd. After 289 days of surveillance, one of the five cows under milk surveillance was yet to meet this threshold. Milk lead concentrations greater than 2 ng/mL can result in lead intakes exceeding 2.2 µg/day limits for young children in the highest milk consumption group. Lead is not routinely assessed in fluid milk as a quality control step prior to processing in the United States, yet interstate commerce justifies a need for harmonized protocols for routine lead surveillance of the general milk supply and enhanced surveillance and quarantine for known food-animal exposures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hispanic immigrants (HIs) in the U.S.A. are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer compared to other groups, at least partly due to low HPV vaccination rates. The aim of this study was to investigate strategies to improve HPV vaccine attitudes and intent of HIs in the U.S.A. by developing and testing the effectiveness of video-based interventions. Methods: This study employed a two-phase mixed-methods approach. In the first phase, focus groups with new and established HIs explored perspectives, concerns about HPV vaccination, types of information to include in a video intervention, and how an effective intervention should be designed. Findings from the focus groups guided the creation of seven short educational videos, including a summary video and a testimonial-based video, addressing key questions about HPV and its vaccine. The second phase, which involved a nationwide survey of 1500 Spanish-speaking HIs, revealed a significant change in overall HPV vaccine attitude generally, and a significant increase in both HPV vaccine intent and attitudes among parents of unvaccinated children. Results: Regression analysis revealed general vaccine attitudes (β = 0.620, p < 0.001), English proficiency (β = 0.066, p = 0.01), and gender (β = −0.072, p = 0.002), as significant predictors of attitudinal changes. Notably, females exhibited less favorable post-intervention attitudes compared to males. Additionally, perceived care from video creators was a strong predictor of normalized gains in vaccine attitudes (β = 0.270, p < 0.001). Video content effectiveness varied; the video addressing vaccine side effects demonstrated the highest impact on attitude improvement. Testimonials and the summary video were also effective in fostering positive changes in attitudes. Despite differences in trust levels between new and established immigrants, both groups valued culturally tailored, Spanish-language information from credible sources. Conclusion: Addressing language and cultural barriers can improve trust in healthcare interventions among Hispanic immigrants in the U.S.A. Public health initiatives should consider these factors to more effectively reduce HPV vaccine hesitancy in this population. Full article

The Old Assyrian archive from Kanesh, dated to ca. 1950–1850 BCE, has yielded a letter that refers to the consultation of the spirits of the dead (eṭemmū), thus making it the world’s oldest actual attestation of necromancy. However, whereas the immediate context mentions the šā’ilātum, ‘the women dream interpreters’, and the bāriātum, ‘the women omen interpreters’, a necromantic professional is lacking in relation to the questioning of the eṭemmū. Earlier studies have explained this discrepancy by suggesting that necromancy was part of the skill set of the aforementioned female professionals, or that the communication with the spirits happened directly, without the immediate involvement of a skilled specialist. The present article rather argues that the term eṭemmu, ‘spirit of the dead’, had a wider semantic range than hitherto held. In rare cases, it could also designate a necromancer. This proposal is supported by an identical semantic phenomenon in another ancient Semitic language. The biblical Hebrew terms ʼōbôt and yidd^e‘ōnîm not only refer to the spirits of the dead but also to necromancers. The same might be argued for the apparent Hebrew cognate of Akkadian eṭemmū, the hapax legomenon ’iṭṭîm in Isaiah 19:3. On the strength of the findings presented in this study, it is concluded that the fleeting blending of the spirit with the necromancer lies at the heart of this semantic merger. Full article

Several studies conducted worldwide have reported on the effectiveness of consistent condom use with lubricants in preventing HIV transmission and acquisition; however, men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV burden. They are stigmatized, discriminated against, and criminalized, leading to social isolation, reduced access to health care, and inadequate targeted interventions. The dissemination of HIV prevention tools such as condoms and lubricants is also mainly focused on the general population, and this approach overlooks the specific needs and vulnerabilities of MSM. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of consistent condom use with lubricants among MSM in Ghana. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Ghana Men’s Study II dataset involving 4095 MSM aged 18 years and above. De-identified data were imported into STATA (College Station, TX, USA, software version 17) for data analysis. Descriptive analysis was performed to describe relevant characteristics of the study population. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for significant variables in bivariate analysis to determine the associated factors of consistent condom use with lubricants. All the statistical analyses were performed at a 95% confidence interval, with significant differences at p < 0.05. The prevalence of consistent condom use with lubricants during penetrative anal sex was highest with male partners (44.9%), followed by female partners (40.0%), and all sexual partners (38.9%), respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, having a senior high school education (AOR: 1.76; 95% CI: 0.88–3.12, p = 0.039), tertiary education or higher (AOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 0.86–3.23, p = 0.041), being an insertive sex partner (AOR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02–1.56, p = 0.029), being a sex worker (AOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.00–1.98, p = 0.048), buying sex from other males (AOR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03–1.70, p = 0.027), being a light drinker (AOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.42–0.68, p < 0.001), being a moderate drinker (AOR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30–0.78, p = 0.003), and possessing good HIV knowledge (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.46–2.20, p < 0.001) had higher odds of consistent condom use with lubricants. Being Islamic (AOR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.49–0.87, p = 0.004), having a low income (AOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.42–0.77, p < 0.001), and easy access (AOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.37–0.72, p < 0.001) to condoms were positively associated with consistent condom use. This study found a low prevalence of consistent condom use with lubricants among the MSM population in Ghana. The study also found a range of socio-demographic, behavioral, and structural factors associated with consistent condom use with lubricants. This calls for very specific and unique public health interventions, such as developing a predictive model to identify and mitigate barriers to consistent condom use with lubricants. Full article

In addition to energy storage, adipose tissue communication to other organs plays a key role in regulating organismal physiology. While the link between adipose tissue dysfunction and pathophysiology, including diabetes, chronic inflammation, and infertility, is clear, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these associations have not been fully described. We use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to better understand how adipose tissue communicates to the ovary. In this study, we utilized D. melanogaster’s robust genetic toolkit to examine the role of five adipokines known to control larval growth during development, CCHamide-1, CCHamide-2, eiger, Growth-blocking peptide 3, and unpaired 2 in regulating oogenesis. We show that the adult fat body expresses these “larval” adipokines. Our data indicate that ovarian germline stem cell maintenance does not require these adipokines. However, adipocyte-derived CCHamide-1, eiger, Growth-blocking peptide 3, and unpaired 2 influence early and late germline survival as well as ovulation. Thus, this work uncovers several adipokines that mediate fat-to-ovary communication. Full article

The “Infinity” foot controller for controlling prosthetic arms has been improved in this paper in several ways, including a foot sleeve that enables barefoot use, an improved sensor-controller unit design, and a more intuitive control scheme that allows gradual control of finger actuation. Furthermore, the “Persistence Arm”, a novel transradial prosthetic arm prototype, is introduced. This below-the-elbow arm has a direct-drive wrist actuation system, a thumb design with two degrees of freedom, and carbon fiber tendons for actuating the four forefingers. The manufactured prototype arm and foot controller underwent various tests to verify their efficacy. Wireless transmission speed tests showed that the maximum time delay is less than 165 ms, giving almost instantaneous response from the arm to any user’s foot control signal. Gripping tests quantified the grip and pulling forces of the arm prototype as 2.8 and 12.7 kg, respectively. The arm successfully gripped various household items of different shapes, weights, and sizes. These results highlight the potential of foot control as an alternative prosthetic arm control method and the possibility of new 3D-printed prosthetic arm designs to replace costly prostheses in the market, which could potentially reduce the high rejection rates of upper limb prostheses. Full article