PLoS ONE最新文献

Candida albicans, a pathogenic fungus implicated in early childhood caries (ECC), plays a crucial role in oral health. While its colonization usually begins at birth, the extent of maternal involvement in yeast transmission to their offspring, particularly across different racial groups, remains unclear. Studies have shown elevated levels of C. albicans in both mothers and children, with genetically related fungal strains, suggesting maternal transmission, but the racial component, notably higher levels in Black children, lacks thorough investigation of underlying factors. Our research aimed to address this gap by investigating how maternal and demographic factors such as socioeconomic status and oral health affect C. albicans levels in infants across Black and non-Black populations. Employing a partial linear semiparametric mixed-effects model (PLSMM) with variable selection and race-based stratification, we identified predictors that have different effects depending on the infant's race among a large pool of predictors. Through this stratified analysis, we aimed to discern crucial factors significantly contributing to C. albicans colonization while minimizing the impact of irrelevant or redundant variables. In this stratified analysis, exclusive breastfeeding ([Formula: see text]) and maternal marriage ([Formula: see text]) were significant predictors among non-Black infants, while maternal employment ([Formula: see text]) and post-delivery maternal C. albicans ([Formula: see text]) were significant among Black infants. Our findings highlighted race-specific associations between C. albicans levels in children and factors such as breastfeeding practices, marital status, maternal oral hygiene, and maternal C. albicans levels. Our study underscores the importance of race-specific considerations in understanding C. albicans colonization in infants, offering insights for tailored interventions and healthcare strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Maintaining appropriate levels of carbon and nitrogen in soils is critical to the maintenance of productivity in agricultural systems. However, results vary from studies on the influence of land management, such as livestock grazing, on soil carbon and soil nitrogen. A large-scale study was implemented to quantify relationships between soil carbon, nitrogen, carbon:nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio), grazing regimes, and vegetation cover at sites on farms in south-eastern Australia, sampled in 2011 and 2022. Three grazing regimes were examined: total livestock exclusion, rotational grazing (limited duration grazing up to 45 days annually), and (continuous) set stocking rate grazing. Statistically modelled mean values for soil carbon (2011: 3%, 2022: 3.73%), nitrogen (2011: 0.21%, 2022: 0.34%), and C:N ratio (2011: 13.9, 2022: 14.3) were greater in 2022 than 2011. Soil carbon and nitrogen were greater in 2022 than 2011 in continuous grazing sites, with less pronounced time period differences in grazing exclusion and rotational sites. The C:N ratio was significantly greater in 2022 than 2011 in grazing exclusion sites (2011: 13.73, 2022: 14.58) and rotational grazing sites (2011: 13.87, 2022: 14.49), but less in 2022 (13.59) relative to 2011 in continuous grazing sites (14.31). There were inconsistent (sometimes positive, sometimes negative) empirical relationships between grazing regimes and vegetation measures as well as relationships between vegetation measures and soil carbon, soil nitrogen, and C:N ratio. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed limited evidence for soil carbon changes in response to vegetation attributes impacted by grazing regimes. Lower values of soil nitrogen and higher values for the C:N ratio at grazing exclusion sites were mediated by an increase in sapling abundance. SEM also identified an influence of rainfall on vegetation attributes, some of which were associated with soil properties.

Since its introduction, Black's theory of legal behavior (BBL) has been widely applied in empirical studies to analyze legal decision-making and dispute resolution. However, its applicability in non-Western contexts remains underexplored. This study examines the extent to which Black's theory explains dispute resolution choices in China. Drawing on nationally representative data from the 2013 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this research systematically investigates how five social dimensions-stratification, morphology, culture, organization, and alternative social control-shape individuals' choices in resolving disputes. Conflict resolution strategies are categorized into four levels: silent endurance, direct communication, third-party mediation, and litigation. These categories are coded ordinally to reflect increasing degrees of the quantity of law involved. The findings indicate that while BBL offers a useful analytical framework, it does not fully account for all observed patterns. Some apparent alignments between the theory and empirical data may be influenced by challenges in operationalizing key social dimensions and the complex interactions among them. However, these deviations do not necessarily refute Black's theory; rather, they highlight the need for further refinement in its application to diverse socio-legal contexts.

In 2022 Illinois voters were faced with a ballot measure asking them whether they supported adding a Workers' Rights Amendment (WRA) to the state constitution. Despite countervailing forces that might have made passage difficult, the amendment passed. We explore whether support for collective bargaining rights and union protections followed a predictably partisan pattern in Illinois, or whether support for the amendment was shaped by arguments, endorsements, or other voter demographics. Fielding a survey experiment with a representative sample of 1,000 Illinois voters, we find that Democrats were more likely to support the WRA in general, but that Republicans were more likely to support it following exposure to rights-based arguments emphasizing better pay, benefits, and conditions for workers. We also find that Democrats were more likely to support it following exposure to public sector union endorsements, but that private sector endorsements did not sway Republicans. More broadly, these findings suggest future opportunities to influence potentially skeptical audiences when it comes to ballot measures related to the labor movement.

Enterococci are common human commensals but can cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients. Enterococcus faecium is a notable example, capable of acquiring resistance to multiple antibiotics, including the critically important drug vancomycin. Such strains, known as vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VRE), are routinely detected in clinical laboratories using phenotypic assays. However, some isolates carry vancomycin resistance genes yet remain phenotypically susceptible; these are termed vancomycin variable enterococci (VVE). Because phenotypic assays may fail to identify VVE, patients treated with glycopeptides risk developing undetected VRE infections. VVE have been reported in Scandinavia and Japan, but their prevalence in the Netherlands remains largely unknown. To address this gap, two large Dutch clinical microbiology laboratories collaborated to screen enterococcal isolates for vancomycin resistance genes using molecular assays. Among 477 isolates tested, six carried van genes while remaining vancomycin-susceptible. Three of these subsequently developed vancomycin resistance in vitro. All three were Enterococcus faecium ST117 strains carrying a chromosomal vanB2 operon, likely linked to the same outbreak. Genomic analysis revealed three mutations in the van operon regulator proteins: vanR (T189K) and vanS (G253C, L282V). We conclude that: (1) VVE are present in the Dutch population and may spread between patients; (2) VVE can develop into VRE upon vancomycin exposure; (3) specific mutations in regulatory proteins may underlie this phenotype; and (4) diagnostic policies should balance the low prevalence of VVE against their potential to cause severe complications, using sensitive molecular tests when appropriate. Our findings emphasize the importance of surveillance in revealing hidden threats and guiding clinical microbiology strategies, particularly with respect to VVE as precursors of VRE.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major challenge in treating infections such as pneumonia and typhoid fever, necessitating novel therapeutics. Plant-derived natural products provide a promising alternative. This study evaluated dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of Dipsacus inermis against six bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Enterobacter aerogenes. Antibacterial activity was assessed following standardized CLSI guidelines for both zone of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The DCM extract demonstrated superior activity, with ZOI values of 17.87 ± 0.23 mm (S. aureus and E. aerogenes) and 16.83 ± 0.29 mm (S. typhi), and MICs of 1.562 mg/mL (B. subtilis and E. aerogenes) and 12.5 mg/mL (S. aureus, S. typhi, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa). One-way ANOVA followed by pairwise post-hoc comparisons confirmed significant differences among extract concentrations and relative to the reference control, highlighting dose-dependent potency. GC-MS and HPLC analyses identified multiple bioactive compounds, primarily terpenoids and steroids. All identified compounds were subjected to in silico studies against DNA gyrase B, tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, PBP2X, PBP4, and DHFR. Compounds DI10 and DI31 emerged as potent multi-target leads, while DI22 exhibited selective activity against PBP4. ADMET profiling indicated favorable pharmacokinetics, high intestinal absorption, and minimal toxicity risks. DFT and MESP analyses revealed electronic features and reactive sites critical for ligand-protein interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable protein-ligand complexes, with RMSD stabilizing at 1.5-2.5 Å, compact conformations (Rg: 16.3-21.6 Å), persistent hydrogen bonds, and favorable binding free energies (-45 to -52 kcal/mol) via MM-PBSA. These integrated in vitro and in silico findings indicate that DCM-derived compounds, particularly DI10 and DI31, are primarily responsible for the observed antibacterial activity and represent promising candidates for antimicrobial drug development.

Relict species are important targets for biodiversity conservation and biogeographical research. The rock ptarmigan, Lagopus muta, which is distributed across the circumpolar region, is also found as relict populations in high mountain areas of mid-latitude regions worldwide. In Japan, isolated populations occur in the high mountain areas of Honshu Island. The Japanese L. muta japonica is threatened with extinction due to its fragmentation into multiple distribution areas, including regions where populations have already become extinct. To clarify the phylogenetic origin of the Japanese population, we conducted a mitochondrial genome-based phylogenetic analysis using museum specimens, including samples that are over 100 years old. A literature survey of the distribution areas near Japan suggested that the northern Kuril Islands represent the closest distribution area, although an alternative theory proposes that Primorsky Krai, on the eastern edge of the Eurasian continent, is nearest. Although the extracted DNA fragments were very short, we successfully determined the complete mitochondrial genome for all 18 individuals. Among the various mitochondrial regions, the control region and ND5 exhibited the greatest diversity. Network analysis of the control region from 209 individuals across all distribution areas worldwide indicated that the Japanese population is endemic, whereas no clear regional differentiation within Japan was observed in either the control region or the entire mitochondrial genome. Divergence time estimation suggests that the Japanese population diverged approximately 80,000-120,000 years ago, before the Last Glacial Maximum. This study demonstrates that useful genetic information can be recovered from degraded DNA even from specimens stored under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions in Japan, and provides a basis for re-evaluating the evolutionary history and regional genetic independence of L. muta.

Terrorism-related disasters (TRDs) continue to exert profound and recurring pressures on healthcare systems, particularly in vulnerable regions like Pakistan. Although pharmacists are increasingly recognized as an essential component of disaster management, there is a clear gap in the literature regarding their preparedness, experience, and specific roles in responding to TRDs particularly in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the preparedness, experiences, and response strategies of pharmacists managing TRDs at the Trauma Centre of Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan. A qualitative design was adopted, guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with pharmacists (n = 10) providing services at the Trauma Centre. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, validated by participants, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Analysis revealed five overarching themes: (1) pharmacists' experiences with terrorism-related incidents and existing response mechanisms; (2) professional and personal responses to emergencies, reflecting both commitment and psychological burden; (3) preparedness challenges, including lack of disaster management training, limited awareness of policies and protocols, and inadequate understanding of triage and coordination; (4) barriers such as security risks, pharmacy curriculum deficiencies, insufficient experiential learning, and minimal involvement in planning and management activities; and (5) recommendations for strengthening capacity, including revising curricula, implementing structured training programs, conducting regular disaster drills, and expanding pharmacists' roles in preparedness and response. Findings revealed a pronounced lack of formal training in disaster management, limited awareness of protocols and triage systems, and minimal involvement of pharmacists in planning and coordination activities. Despite strong professional commitment and frontline engagement, pharmacists' contribution remain constrained by educational, structural, and policy-level shortcomings. The study highlights the urgent need for integrating disaster management into pharmacy curricula, implementing structured training programs and regular disaster drills, and expanding pharmacists' roles within institutional and national disaster preparedness frameworks.

Remote tropical islands host unique ecosystems with rare species that have been historically affected by habitat degradation and species introductions, and now by climate change. However, we know little about the current ecological conditions of remote island ecosystems, particularly after the abandonment of commercial land uses. The Southern Line Islands, Kiribati, are among the least studied island groups in the Pacific. These islands have a history of land use, including guano extraction and coconut plantations (1800s to early 1900s), but have no current human uses or habitation. They have been exposed to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, particularly the strong 2015-2016 event. We studied the vegetation of Flint Island, Millennium Atoll, and Vostok Island to assess vegetation succession since the cessation of land-use, and whether they have been impacted by ENSO. Specifically, we drew on field surveys and satellite images from 2009 and 2021, and assessed changes in floristic characteristics between (i) current and historic surveys; (ii) islands with different land-use histories; and (iii) before and after the 2015-2016 ENSO. We found that extant species richness differed from the historic studies, due in large part to the disappearance of some non-native species on Millennium and Flint, and the emergence of some previously undocumented native species across the islands. Species composition differed across islands; Vostok Island has few species compared to Flint or Millennium due to its diminutive size, and remains dominated by Pisonia forest. There were few differences in plant species frequency and composition for the islands between 2009 and 2021, but normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values and land-use classification showed some evidence of dry conditions after the 2015-2015 ENSO. We conclude with recommendations for management of non-native species to support regeneration of the native ecosystems of the Southern Line Islands, with implications for other Pacific islands.

Background: The coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and malaria presents a significant public health concern, particularly in malaria-endemic regions. T2DM's immunomodulatory effects may influence immune responses to infectious diseases, but its impact on naturally acquired antibodies against malaria vaccine candidate antigens remains unclear. This study investigated how T2DM-malaria comorbidity affects IgG responses to malaria vaccine candidate antigens (GLURP-R2, GLURP-RO, MSP3, MSP1, AMA-1 and CSP) among individuals in the Central Region of Ghana.

Methods: This hospital-based case-control study recruited a total of 144 participants 40 with diabetes, 25 with both diabetes and malaria, 41 with malaria only, and 38 controls (hospital staff without malaria or diabetes matched by age and sex). Malaria status and parasitaemia were confirmed using microscopy, blood glucose levels were measured via glucometer, and antibody levels were quantified using indirect ELISA. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods.

Results: Patients with malaria-diabetes comorbidity exhibited significantly higher parasitaemia levels compared to those with malaria alone [1702 (IQR1 = 926.50, IQR3 = 4102) vs. 932 (IQR1 = 722.50, IQR3 = 1321), p = 0.02]. Relative to the negative control group, IgG responses to GLURP-R2 were markedly elevated, showing a 1.60-fold increase in the comorbidity group (β = 0.47 [95% CI: 0.10-0.83], p = 0.01) and a 1.43-fold increase in the malaria-only group (β = 0.36 [95% CI: 0.04-0.69], p = 0.03). Among individuals with comorbidity, IgG levels to GLURP-R0 and MSP1 were also 1.43-fold higher (β = 0.36 [95% CI: 0.03-0.68], p = 0.03) and 1.42-fold (β = 0.35 [95% CI: 0.09-0.61], p < 0.05), respectively. Conversely, antibody responses to MSP3, AMA1, and CSP did not differ significantly between the study groups (p > 0.05). In the multivariate regression model adjusted for age and sex, individuals with comorbidity exhibited significantly elevated IgG responses, showing a 1.38-fold increase to GLURP-R0 (β = 0.32 [95% CI: 0.07-0.59], p = 0.027) and a 1.34-fold higher response to MSP1 (β = 0.29 [95% CI: 0.02-0.47], p = 0.048), relative to the malaria-only group.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that diabetes may enhance malaria parasite multiplication while also augmenting IgG antibody responses to malaria vaccine candidate antigens in individuals with comorbidity. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms by which diabetes influences antibody responses to malaria infection and its potential implications for malaria vaccine development.