Journals
2025 EN
Kamila Sreejata · Dey Koushik Kumar · Chattopadhyay Ansuman
ABSTRACT In polluted water, cooccurrences of two carcinogens, arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr), are extensively reported. Individual effects of these heavy metals have been reported in kidney of fishes, but underlying molecular mechanisms are not well established. There is no report on combined exposure of As and Cr in kidney. Thus, the present study investigated and compared individual and combined effects of As and Cr on zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) kidney treating at their environmentally relevant concentrations for 15, 30, and 60 days. Increased ROS levels, lipid peroxidation, GSH level, and decreased catalase activity implied oxidative stress in treated zebrafish kidney. Damage in histoarchitecture in treated groups was also noticed. The current study involved gene expression study of Nrf2, an important transcription factor of cellular stress responses along with its negative regulator Keap1 and downstream antioxidant genes nqo1 and ho1 . Results indicated activation of Nrf2‐Keap1 pathway after combined exposure. Expression pattern of ogg1 , apex1 , polb , and creb1 revealed the inhibition of base excision repair pathway in treatments. mRNA expression of tumor suppressor genes p53 and brca2 was also altered. Expressional alteration in bax , bcl2 , caspase9 , and caspase 3 indicated apoptosis (intrinsic pathway) induction, which was maximum in combined group. Inhibition of DNA repair and induction of apoptosis indicated that the activated antioxidant system was not enough to overcome the damage caused by As and Cr. Overall, this study revealed additive effects of As and Cr in zebrafish kidney after chronic exposure focusing cellular antioxidant and DNA damage responses.
Journals
2025 EN
Islam Shehnaz · Mukherjee Sunanda · Sarkar Olivia
+2 more
ABSTRACT Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) poses a major health risk due to its high solubility and cell permeability, often exceeding permitted drinking water limits globally. Research has highlighted a strong correlation between Cr (VI) exposure through drinking water and increased cancer rates, particularly in near chrome industries. Our previous research demonstrated that chronic low‐dose Cr (VI) exposure (2, 5 and 10 ppm) via drinking water stimulated hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. In this study, we investigated the effects of the same doses over 4 and 8 months on the brain and kidney tissues of Swiss albino mice. It was found that oxidative stress markers, including catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, were significantly elevated in both the tissues post‐treatment. Prolonged exposure to Cr (VI) led to DNA fragmentation and a reduced organo‐somatic index in the affected tissues. Additionally, histoarchitectural alterations were observed in the brain and kidney. Apoptotic gene expression was significantly upregulated after 8 months of exposure, confirmed by immunohistochemical studies indicating apoptosis. DNA repair genes ( Rad51 , Mutyh , Ogg1 , and Mlh1 ) and genes coding enzymes regulating epigenetics ( Sirt1 , Dnmt1 , Kdm1a , and Ezh2 ) showed significantly varied expression patterns compared to control. Methylation‐specific PCR revealed DNA hypermethylation as a factor in the transcriptional reduction of specific DNA repair genes in these tissues. This study denotes that long‐term low‐dose Cr (VI) exposure not only surges oxidative stress and changes histoarchitecture and gene expression but also results in epigenetic modifications via DNA hypermethylation, impacting organs like the brain and kidney.
Journals
2025 EN
Jahn Alex E. · de Angeli Dutra Daniela · Bell Jeffrey A.
+9 more
Avian haemosporidians are a diverse group of parasites that infect birds worldwide and have been a major focus of research for decades. Yet, few studies have identified the drivers of infection at the intraspecific host level. We aimed to study the drivers of prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites infecting a common North American songbird species, the American robin Turdus migratorius , which breeds across most of the continent. We found little seasonal variation in haemosporidian prevalence in robins, although we detected a significantly positive relationship between robin breeding latitude and co‐infection with different haemosporidian parasite lineages. Additionally, robins infected with Plasmodium had substantially better body condition than uninfected robins, which could be due to migratory culling. We detected 31 haemosporidian lineages among the robins we sampled, of which eight were novel. When matched against known haemosporidian lineages, our results suggest that robins harbor a higher diversity of haemosporidian parasites than previously known. The results of this study suggest that comparisons of common, widespread bird species such as robins across their range could help unveil novel aspects of the haemosporidian–host relationship and how such a relationship may change under current and future rapid environmental change.
Journals
2025 EN
GustaniBuss Emanuele · Buss Carlos Eduardo · Biagi Carlos Alberto Oliveira de
+35 more
ABSTRACT The Gamma and Delta variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS‐CoV‐2 drove the second and third wave in Brazil and significantly intensified the number of cases and deaths. In this study, we investigate the timeline and origins of the Gamma and Delta variants using a spatiotemporal analysis based on 1508 genomes collected between March and September 2021 from health administrative regions in Paraná state, Brazil. Our findings indicate that community transmission of Gamma‐P.1 began in late 2020, with substantial contributions from the Northeast and North regions. In contrast, our analysis of the Delta‐AY.101 genomes underscored the crucial role of Paraná in national‐level transmission dynamics beginning in late March 2021. At a local level, the movement estimates inferred from the monophyletic clades showed that the Curitiba health region was the primary source for Gamma‐P.1, with a substantial contribution from Londrina. This health‐region also emerged as an important hub for Delta‐AY.101. Our phylogeographical GLM analysis demonstrates that air travel fluxes and population size at the origin of locations were the strongest predictors of shaping SARS‐CoV‐2 dispersal dynamics within Paraná. In addition, viral load analysis suggests that Gamma‐P.1 and Delta‐AY.101 may have maintained a similarly high transmissibility potential throughout the evaluated months, providing insights into the prolonged co‐circulation dynamics. Our study underscores the relevance of understanding SARS‐CoV‐2 introductions and regional circulation contributions at the country level to enhance public health preparedness and strengthen local surveillance programs.
Journals
2025 EN
Urban Kamila · Urban Marek
ABSTRACT Criticism has been raised about creativity researchers narrowing their focus solely to the cognitive processes within individuals. To address these concerns, this case study seeks to expand the scope of creativity research by delving into metacognitive, motivational, and emotional processes involved in collaborative creative problem‐solving. The present study applies the concepts of self‐regulation, co‐regulation, and socially shared regulation to a real‐world case study: the documentary The Beatles: Get Back . Observational footage of the band rehearsing and creating new songs for their live show is analyzed within a socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) framework. Theory‐driven coding identified individual facets of self‐regulation, co‐regulation, and socially shared regulation during collaborative creative problem‐solving. The analysis revealed initial problems with self‐regulation, especially motivation and emotion regulation, inhibiting collaboration. However, co‐regulatory prompts between group members facilitated a shift toward more productive socially shared regulation where the band collectively negotiated goals, plans and ideas. An examination of spontaneous interactions highlighted the interplay between individual self‐regulation and socially constructed regulation shaping real‐world creative collaboration. Individual metacognitive skills, motivation, and emotions, as well as socially shared group dynamics enabled the members to regulate uncertainty and obstacles in collaborative creative problem‐solving.
Journals
2025 EN
Urban Marek · Urban Kamila
ABSTRACT Creative problem‐solving skills are essential for navigating complex, non‐routine challenges, enabling individuals to create unique goals, execute innovative procedures and generate original outcomes. While the link between metacognitive skills and the creativity of outcomes was established only recently, further exploration is required to understand their interplay in complex problem‐solving. This explanatory sequential mixed‐methods study investigated the role of metacognition in solving two ill‐defined problem‐solving tasks: an experimental Product Improvement Task and an ecologically valid semestral essay. Seventeen undergraduates performed tasks and provided monitoring judgments. Based on the originality of outcomes and accuracy of judgments, three clusters of students were identified: skilled and unaware students underestimating high performance, unskilled and unaware overestimating low performance, and unskilled but aware accurately monitoring low performance. Subsequent in‐depth interviews investigated the essay writing process of each cluster. Skilled students effectively utilized metacognitive knowledge, created a unique problem representation, and gathered and synthesized new information to develop essay drafts that were debugged and evaluated. Unskilled and unaware students exhibited deficits in strategy knowledge and had poor metacognitive skills. Unskilled but aware students exhibited low self‐efficacy and motivation to perform. These findings emphasize the need for targeted metacognitive and motivational interventions for different clusters of students.
Journals
2025 EN
Nowak Artur · Wlizło Kamila · Komaniecka Iwona
+6 more
ABSTRACT Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimise cultivation conditions showed that Trichoderma koningiopsis EPS biosynthesis depended on an alkaline pH (>9.0) and a high nitrogen concentration (≥20 g/L). This resulted in a yield increase of over 60% compared to the control conditions. Three wall polymer fractions were extracted from the obtained biomass: cold water soluble (WPSZ), hot water soluble (WPSC), and alkali soluble (WPSNaOH). These accounted for 13.3, 1.8, and 20.2% of the dry weight of the mycelium, respectively. Structural analyses revealed that the obtained EPS was mannan, with the WPS fractions consisting predominantly of (1→4)‐Glc residues branching at the (1→3,6) and (1→4,6) positions. FT‐IR and FT‐Raman analyses revealed that α‐bonds predominated in the WPSZ and WPSC fractions, whereas β‐bonds predominated in the EPS and WPSNaOH fractions. This was confirmed by NMR analysis. The obtained polymer fractions (PS) exhibited antioxidant properties using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods, as well as the ability to bind bisphenol A from an aqueous environment. The most significant property of PS polymers is their ability to reduce germination and inhibit mycelial growth of the phytopathogenic Fusarium culmorum strain. These polymers exhibit various bioactive properties and have potential applications in many areas of human life.
Journals
2025 EN
Szyller Kamila · Mlynarczyk Grazyna · MlynarczykBonikowska Beata
+4 more
ABSTRACT The beneficial effects of probiotics on the immune system are well established; however, the precise mechanisms underlying their action remain incompletely understood. To date, the impact of probiotics in home mechanically ventilated (HMV) patients has not been investigated. This study evaluated the effects of oral supplementation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 (LGG) on nasal microbiota composition and selected immune parameters in HMV patients. Thirty‐one individuals, following a 3‐month probiotic‐free washout period, received LGG at a dose of 8 × 10 9 CFU/day for 6 months. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months, to assess nasal microflora, Th1/Th2 balance, and levels of IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ. A statistically significant increase in IL‐2 was observed at both 3 and 6 months ( p = 0.0307; p = 0.0001, respectively), along with a transient rise in IFN‐γ at 3 months ( p = 0.0253) and IL‐4 at 6 months ( p = 0.0297). The IFN‐γ/IL‐10 ratio also increased at 3 months ( p = 0.0394). No significant changes were detected in the remaining cytokines or nasal bacterial flora. Notably, none of the participants required antibiotic therapy during the intervention period—contrasting with prior seasons, when at least one course was typically necessary. Given the critical role of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ in anti‐infective immunity, their elevation may indicate enhanced resistance to infection, while increased IL‐4 may reflect modulation of inflammation. These findings suggest that LGG supplementation, due to its safety, affordability, and immunomodulatory potential, may be a valuable adjunctive strategy to reduce infection risk and improve outcomes in HMV patients.
Journals
2025 EN
Daniyarova Kamila R. · Sarkulova Zhanslu N. · Tamadon Amin
+5 more
ABSTRACT Sepsis‐induced endothelial dysfunction, marked by degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx and activation of endothelial cells, plays a pivotal role in the progression to organ failure and mortality. Biomarkers reflecting glycocalyx damage have demonstrated prognostic potential; however, their associations with clinical outcomes remain variable. We systematically evaluated the prognostic utility of glycocalyx‐associated biomarkers (syndecan‐1, heparan sulfate, hyaluronate) and the endothelial activation marker endocan in sepsis with respect to mortality, organ dysfunction, and inter‐study heterogeneity. We included 23 studies through May 2025 encompassing 4529 patients with sepsis. Two independent reviewers extracted data using standardized protocols, including biomarker concentrations and clinical outcomes such as mortality, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and respiratory failure. Risk of bias was assessed using the NOS, with 75% of studies rated as low risk. Elevated syndecan‐1 was significantly associated with increased mortality (nine studies, n = 2167; OR 2.04, 95% CI, 1.66–2.51; p < 0.05; I ² = 84%). Similarly, elevated endocan predicted mortality with a stronger effect size (six studies, n = 435; OR 5.06, 95% CI, 2.52–10.18; p < 0.05) and low heterogeneity. In contrast, syndecan‐1 levels were not significantly associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (OR 2.35, 95% CI, 0.93–5.94; I ² = 94%) or respiratory failure (OR 1.05, 95% CI, 0.27–4.02; I ² = 91%). The majority of studies were ICU‐based (78.3%), primarily adult cohorts (91.3%), with syndecan‐1 the most commonly assessed biomarker (65.2%). Syndecan‐1 and endocan serve as prognostic biomarkers for mortality in sepsis, with endocan demonstrating greater inter‐study consistency.
Journals
2025 EN
Petrželová Kamila · Bárta Ondřej · Héžová Renata
+3 more
Abstract The long‐known dinuclear complexes of the general formula [M(μ‐X)(η 5 ‐Cp*)X] 2 ( 1 – 4 ; M=Rh or Ir, X=Br or I; HCp*=pentamethylcyclopentadiene) represent important intermediates for the preparation of biologically ( e. g ., anticancer or antimicrobial) and catalytically active half‐sandwich rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes. Here we report the optimized rapid microwave‐assisted syntheses of the mentioned dinuclear synthons 1 – 4 . With respect to their following synthetic utilization, we examined their antiproliferative activity in the representative human cancer cell lines, where they did not show any relevant cytotoxicity. However, the iridium complexes 3 and 4 exhibited considerable catalytic activity in a model transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone using propan‐2‐ol as the hydrogen source. The obtained comprehensive data sets can be useful in the evaluation of the ligand effects in complexes prepared from 1 – 4 and used in e. g . bioinorganic and catalytic applications.