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PloS One 2024This paper presents research on the assessment of the radioecological state of plant cover surrounding two research reactor facilities located within the Semipalatinsk...
This paper presents research on the assessment of the radioecological state of plant cover surrounding two research reactor facilities located within the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) as examples of nuclear fuel cycle facilities (NFC). Source data on the concentrations of artificial radionuclides in the plant cover were obtained. Quantitative values for 137Cs, 241Am, and 239+240Pu activity concentrations were determined in plants across the perimeters of the facilities, indicating that these compounds may be present in the associated media from the perspective of accumulative bioindication. The values determined for artificial radionuclides in the 'soil‒plant' system around the researched NFC facilities were attributed to radioactive contamination of the STS territory.
Topics: Radiation Monitoring; Radioisotopes; Plants; Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; Cesium Radioisotopes; Nuclear Reactors; Nuclear Power Plants
PubMed: 38954696
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306531 -
PloS One 2024The Precautionary Approach to Fisheries Management requires an assessment of the impact of uncertainty on the risk of achieving management objectives. However, the main...
The Precautionary Approach to Fisheries Management requires an assessment of the impact of uncertainty on the risk of achieving management objectives. However, the main quantities, such as spawning stock biomass (SSB) and fish mortality (F), used in management metrics cannot be directly observed. This requires the use of models to provide guidance, for which there are three paradigms: the best assessment, model ensemble, and Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE). It is important to validate the models used to provide advice. In this study, we demonstrate how stock assessment models can be validated using a diagnostic toolbox, with a specific focus on prediction skill. Prediction skill measures the precision of a predicted value, which is unknown to the model, in relation to its observed value. By evaluating the accuracy of model predictions against observed data, prediction skill establishes an objective framework for accepting or rejecting model hypotheses, as well as for assigning weights to models within an ensemble. Our analysis uncovers the limitations of traditional stock assessment methods. Through the quantification of uncertainties and the integration of multiple models, our objective is to improve the reliability of management advice considering the complex interplay of factors that influence the dynamics of fish stocks.
Topics: Fisheries; Animals; Fishes; Uncertainty; Biomass; Models, Theoretical; Conservation of Natural Resources; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 38954695
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302576 -
PloS One 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and the use of probiotics on the treatment of halitosis. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and the use of probiotics on the treatment of halitosis.
METHODS
Fifty-two participants, aged from 18 to 25 years, exhaling sulfhydride (H2S) ≥ 112 ppb were selected. They were allocated into 4 groups (n = 13): Group 1: tongue scraper; Group 2: treated once with aPDT; Group 3: probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 (6.7 x 108 CFU) and xylitol (280mg), 3 times a day after meals, for 14 days; Group 4: treated once with aPDT and with the probiotic capsule for 14 days. Halimetry with gas chromatography (clinical evaluation) and microbiological samples were collected from the dorsum of the tongue before and after aPDT, as well as after 7, 14, and 30 days. The clinical data failed to follow a normal distribution; therefore, comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test (independent measures) and Friedman ANOVA (dependent measures) followed by appropriate posthoc tests, when necessary. For the microbiological data, seeing as the data failed to follow a normal distribution, the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was performed with Dunn's post-test. The significance level was α = 0.05.
RESULTS
Clinical results (halimetry) showed an immediate significant reduction in halitosis with aPDT (p = 0.0008) and/or tongue scraper (p = 0.0006). Probiotics showed no difference in relation to the initial levels (p = 0.7530). No significant differences were found in the control appointments. The amount of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola were not altered throughout the analysis (p = 0.1616, p = 0.2829 and p = 0.2882, respectively).
CONCLUSION
There was an immediate clinical reduction of halitosis with aPDT and tongue scraping, but there was no reduction in the number of bacteria throughout the study, or differences in the control times, both in the clinical and microbiological results. New clinical trials are necessary to better assess the tested therapies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinical Trials NCT03996044.
Topics: Humans; Halitosis; Probiotics; Adult; Photochemotherapy; Male; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Ligilactobacillus salivarius; Tongue; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 38954692
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297351 -
PloS One 2024In Europe, two fastidious phloem-limited pathogens, 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' (16SrXII-A) and 'Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus', are associated with...
In Europe, two fastidious phloem-limited pathogens, 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' (16SrXII-A) and 'Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus', are associated with rubbery taproot disease (RTD) and syndrome basses richesses (SBR) of sugar beet, respectively. Both diseases can significantly reduce yield, especially when accompanied by root rot fungi. This study investigates the presence, geographic distribution and genetic traits of fastidious pathogens and the accompanying fungus, Macrophomina phaseolina, found on sugar beet across four geographically separated plains spanning seven countries in Central Europe. The survey revealed variable incidences of symptoms linked to these fastidious pathogens in the Pannonian and Wallachian Plains, sporadic occurrence in the North European Plain, and no symptomatic sugar beet in the Bohemian Plain. Molecular analyses unveiled the occurrence of both 'Ca. P. solani' and 'Ca. A. phytopathogenicus' throughout Central Europe, with a predominance of the phytoplasma. These fastidious pathogens were detected in all six countries surveyed within the Pannonian and Wallachian Plains, with only a limited presence of various phytoplasmas was found in the North European Plain, while no fastidious pathogens were detected in Bohemia, aligning with observed symptoms. While 16S rDNA sequences of 'Ca. P. solani' remained highly conserved, multi-locus characterization of two more variable loci (tuf and stamp) unveiled distinct variability patterns across the plains. Notably, the surprising lack of variability of tuf and stamp loci within Central Europe, particularly the Pannonian Plain, contrasted their high variability in Eastern and Western Europe, corresponding to epidemic and sporadic occurrence, respectively. The current study provides valuable insights into the genetic dynamics of 'Ca. P. solani' in Central Europe, and novel findings of the presence of 'Ca. A. phytopathogenicus' in five countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Serbia, and Romania) and M. phaseolina in sugar beet in Slovakia. These findings emphasize the need for further investigation of vector-pathogen(s)-plant host interactions and ecological drivers of disease outbreaks.
Topics: Beta vulgaris; Europe; Plant Diseases; Phytoplasma; Phloem; Phylogeny; Ascomycota; Geography; Prevalence
PubMed: 38954690
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306136 -
PloS One 2024Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an extremely aggressive neoplasm, with many challenges to be overcome in order to achieve a truly effective treatment. It is characterized...
INTRODUCTION
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an extremely aggressive neoplasm, with many challenges to be overcome in order to achieve a truly effective treatment. It is characterized by a mostly immunosuppressed environment, with dysfunctional immune cells and active immunoinhibitory pathways that favor tumor evasion and progression. Thus, the study and understanding of the tumor microenvironment and the various cells subtypes and their functional capacities are essential to achieve more effective treatments, especially with the use of new immunotherapeutics.
METHODS
Seventy cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma divided into two groups 43 with resectable disease and 27 with unresectable disease were analyzed using immunohistochemical methods regarding the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2), and human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) molecules as well as the populations of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and M2 macrophages (MM2). Several statistical tests, including multivariate analyses, were performed to examine how those immune cells and immunoinhibitory molecules impact the evolution and prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
RESULTS
CD8+ T lymphocytes and M2 macrophages predominated in the group operated on, and PD-L2 expression predominated in the unresectable group. PD-L2 was associated with T stage, lymph node metastasis, and clinical staging, while in survival analysis, PD-L2 and HLA-G were associated with a shorter survival. In the inoperable cases, Tregs cells, MM2, PD-L1, PD-L2, and HLA-G were positively correlated.
CONCLUSIONS
PD-L2 and HLA-G expression correlated with worse survival in the cases studied. Tumor microenvironment was characterized by a tolerant and immunosuppressed pattern, mainly in unresectable lesions, where a broad positive influence was observed between immunoinhibitory cells and immune checkpoint proteins expressed by tumor cells.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Male; Female; Adenocarcinoma; Middle Aged; Aged; Tumor Microenvironment; B7-H1 Antigen; HLA-G Antigens; Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 2 Protein; Prognosis; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Adult; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Aged, 80 and over; Macrophages
PubMed: 38954689
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305648 -
PloS One 2024Autoimmune diseases affect 5-10% of the global population and cause chronic pain and impaired functionality. Chronic pain management involves pharmacological and...
BACKGROUND
Autoimmune diseases affect 5-10% of the global population and cause chronic pain and impaired functionality. Chronic pain management involves pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, with non-pharmacological options gaining attention as safe, effective, and cost-effective alternatives. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these therapies in African patients with autoimmune diseases, as existing evidence varies.
METHODS
This review protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42023449896). Electronic databases (PubMed, Africa Index Medicus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) will be used for searching published articles. The study will use R for data synthesis, employing a random-effects meta-analysis approach to calculate pooled effect sizes, assess heterogeneity using the I2 statistic, and evaluate publication bias. In conclusion, this protocol aims to fill the knowledge gap on non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain in patients with autoimmune diseases in Africa. It will potentially enhance evidence-based decision-making to improve pain management and, hence, the quality of life of people with autoimmune diseases in Africa.
Topics: Humans; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Chronic Pain; Autoimmune Diseases; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Africa; Pain Management; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38954682
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306564 -
PloS One 2024In this research, we employ the potent technique of Lie group analysis to derive analytical solutions for the (3+1)-extended Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (3D-EKP) equation....
In this research, we employ the potent technique of Lie group analysis to derive analytical solutions for the (3+1)-extended Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (3D-EKP) equation. The systematic application of this method enables the identification of Lie point symmetries associated with the equation, leading to the derivation of an optimal system of one-dimensional subalgebras relevant to the equation. This optimal system is utilized to obtain several invariant solutions. The Lie group method is subsequently applied to the reduced governing equations derived from the given equation. We complement our findings with Mathematica simulations illustrating some of the obtained solutions. Furthermore, a direct approach is used to investigate local conservation laws. Importantly, our study addresses a gap in the exploration of the 3D-EXP equation using group theoretic methods, making our findings novel in this context.
Topics: Algorithms; Models, Theoretical; Computer Simulation
PubMed: 38954677
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305177 -
PloS One 2024Patients experience emotional distress and hold cardiac misconceptions following ST-elevation myocardial infarction. These issues informed the co-production of Cardiac... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Patients experience emotional distress and hold cardiac misconceptions following ST-elevation myocardial infarction. These issues informed the co-production of Cardiac Brief Intervention with patients and clinicians. The current study will establish a knowledge base for the feasibility of delivering this intervention to patients following ST-elevation myocardial infarction, with a preliminary exploration of impact on associated outcomes (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05848674).
METHODS
A pilot randomised controlled trial incorporating a mixed-methods design will be conducted. Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (number = 40) will be recruited from coronary care units at two hospital centres in Northern Ireland, with participants randomised (1:1) to the intervention or control group. Cardiac Brief Intervention constitutes a nurse-led, short (20 minutes) emotional and educational support discussion with a patient, with a leaflet that serves as a memory-aid. It will be delivered to the intervention group prior to discharge from a coronary care unit. The control group will receive standard care information. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, 4 weeks from diagnosis, and 14 weeks from diagnosis. Feasibility measurements and process evaluation (quantitative and qualitative) will assess the viability of the research design and intervention delivery. Cardiac rehabilitation attendance data will be collected, and participants will complete questionnaires related to associated outcomes. Quantitative data will be reported with descriptive statistics and qualitative data will be analysed using framework analysis, with data integrated to achieve triangulation of findings.
DISCUSSION
Educational and emotional difficulties following ST-elevation myocardial infarction may impede patient outcomes and cardiac rehabilitation participation. These issues informed the co-production of Cardiac Brief Intervention with patients and clinicians. This study will evaluate the feasibility of delivering Cardiac Brief Intervention to patients. These results will inform large-scale definitive testing of the intervention, which may lead to adoption in clinical practice to improve cardiac rehabilitation uptake and patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Pilot Projects; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction; Feasibility Studies; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Northern Ireland
PubMed: 38954674
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306406 -
European Thyroid Journal Jul 2024The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of hand-foot syndrome (HFS) during treatment with two multikinase inhibitors, sorafenib and lenvatinib, in a...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of hand-foot syndrome (HFS) during treatment with two multikinase inhibitors, sorafenib and lenvatinib, in a large group of patients with advanced thyroid cancer. Moreover, we looked for possible associations between HFS occurrence and clinical and pathological features.
METHODS
We retrospectively evaluated 239 patients with advanced thyroid cancer: 165 treated with lenvatinib and 74 with sorafenib. Statistical analysis was performed to verify which features could be correlated with HFS development.
RESULTS
HFS was observed in 35/74 (47.4%) and in 43/165 (26.7%) patients treated with sorafenib or lenvatinib, respectively. The median latency from the drug beginning and HFS appearance was 27 days for sorafenib and 2.9 months for lenvatinib. G3/G4 toxicity was observed in 16/35 (45.7%) patients treated with sorafenib and only in 3/43 (7%) treated with lenvatinib. Drug dose reduction due to HFS was required in 19/74 (25.7%) and 3/165 (1.8%) patients treated with sorafenib and lenvatinib, respectively. HFS occurrence was significantly associated with a longer duration of therapy in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS
HFS was a frequent adverse event during both lenvatinib and sorafenib therapy, with a higher frequency and toxicity grade during sorafenib treatment. HFS was the most frequent reason for drug reduction or discontinuation in patient treated with sorafenib. Early diagnosis of HFS is important to allow early intervention, possibly in a multidisciplinary setting, and to avoid treatment discontinuation, which is highly relevant to obtain the maximum effectiveness of systemic therapy.
PubMed: 38954633
DOI: 10.1530/ETJ-24-0009 -
Genetics and Molecular Biology 2024Leguminous plants can establish endosymbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing soil rhizobacteria. Bacterial infection and nodule organogenesis are two independent but...
Leguminous plants can establish endosymbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing soil rhizobacteria. Bacterial infection and nodule organogenesis are two independent but highly coordinated genetic programs that are active during this interaction. These genetic programs can be regulated along all the stages of gene expression. Most of the studies, for both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, focused on the transcriptional regulation level determining the abundance of mRNAs. However, it has been demonstrated that mRNA levels only sometimes correlate with the abundance or activity of the coded proteins. For this reason, in the past two decades, interest in the role of translational control of gene expression has increased, since the subset of mRNA being actively translated outperforms the information gained only by the transcriptome. In the case of legume-rhizobia interactions, the study of the translatome still needs to be explored further. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the methodologies for analyzing polysome-associated mRNAs at the genome-scale and their contribution to studying translational control to understand the complexity of this symbiotic interaction. Moreover, the Dual RNA-seq approach is discussed for its relevance in the context of a symbiotic nodule, where intricate multi-species gene expression networks occur.
PubMed: 38954532
DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-GMB-2023-0284