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Differential analysis of Short chain fatty acids incubation in autistic organoids based on transcriptome sequencing

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulty with social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interest, or activities. We hypothesized that a dysregulation in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism induces metabolic dysregulation and proinflammatory responses, which collectively contribute to the social behavioral deficits observed in early childhood. Herein, by high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of the whole transcriptome, including GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, we analyzed global gene expression differences in ASD cerebral organoids exposed to different SCFAs. The ASD cerebral organoids were divided into three groups: the ASD group (control), the acetate-treated group (Z group), and the butyrate-treated group (J group), with three biological replicates per group. Organoids were treated with 100 μM sodium acetate or 100 μM sodium butyrate from day 16 to day 23 of cortical differentiation, for a total duration of 7 days. GO functional annotation revealed that acetate treatment primarily altered gene expression related to differential regulation, whereas butyrate exposure activated immune-related processes. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that butyrate treatment was associated with enrichment of the TGF-β immune-related signaling pathway in ASD organoids, whereas acetate treatment primarily affected molecular functions such as transcriptional regulation, catalytic activity, and membrane permeability.

Optimizing oil productivity by immiscible CO2 and N2 injection comparison of the Asmari formation in southeastern Iraq

Identification of non-cardiomyocytes marker genes in patients with diabetes and cardiomyopathy through single-cell analysis

Background Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a diabetes-related myocardial disorder causing fibrosis, hypertrophy, and progressive diastolic and systolic dysfunction. This study aims to explore how metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic mechanisms in non-cardiomyocytes drive DCM to reveal new therapeutic targets. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to investigate the role of non-cardiomyocytes in DCM, enabling the identification of cell types, gene expression dynamics, and intercellular communication networks in patients with type 2 diabetes. The scRNA-seq data were obtained from the GEO to investigate cell-type-specific contributions and heterogeneity across tissues. Metabolic pathway scores were calculated using scMetabolism. Moreover, cell trajectory analysis and cellular communication studies were performed to examine shared and disease-specific cell populations in diabetes and cardiomyopathy. CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell migration and invasion assays were preformed to explore the function of PTPRC in HUVECs. Results Using SingleR annotation, we identified eight distinct cell types, with NK cells and smooth muscle cells representing the shared cell populations across both diseases. Cell trajectory analysis revealed three distinct branches based on gene expression over pseudotime, and the top differentially expressed genes in each cell type clustering into six categories. Metabolic pathway analysis predicted that epithelial cells, macrophages, and neurons as the most metabolically active across multiple pathways, highlighting metabolic heterogeneity among patient samples. Additionally, four key signaling pathways associated with NK cells and smooth muscle cells were predicted to emphasize the divergence in gene expression across cell types. PTPRC is implicated in diabetes and cardiomyopathy and functions as a positive regulator of HUVEC viability, clonogenic growth, migration, and invasion. Conclusion This study demonstrates significant heterogeneity among non-cardiomyocytes in patients with diabetes and cardiomyopathy, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutic interventions to address these differences.

Optimizing high mass flow parameters for high rate laser metal deposition of dense tungsten carbide iron composites

Abstract Laser metal deposition (LMD) is a vital technology for the repair and surface protection of large-scale engineering components. Yet, its broader adoption within Industry 5.0 remains constrained by low deposition rates and the propensity for defects when high ceramic reinforcement fractions are employed. This study examined the LMD of an Fe-based self-fluxing alloy reinforced with 50 wt% WC at powder feed rates ( F ) of 45–140 g/min, laser energy densities ( E ) of 7.5–15 J/mm 2 , and interaction times ( T ) of 0.022–0.045 s. Systematic variation of scanning speed ( v ) and powder feed rate ( F ), supported by ANOVA, identified a stable processing window characterized by low energy density, short interaction time, and high F . Within this window, the dense powder stream produced a pronounced shielding effect that limited dilution to <10 %, suppressed excessive carbide dissolution, and stabilized the melt pool, yielding fully dense, near-defect-free deposits with uniformly distributed, largely intact spherical WC particles and only localized interfacial dissolution. At the optimum condition ( E = 12 J/mm 2 , F = 90 g/min), matrix hardness reached 550 HV through dendritic refinement and secondary carbide precipitation, while build rate and melting efficiency were simultaneously maximized. These outcomes enable thick, high-integrity layers at industrially relevant productivity levels. This achievement directly advances circular manufacturing by enabling high-rate, near-defect-free remanufacturing and protective coating strategies that extend component service life, reduce virgin-material consumption, and lower embodied energy. The results thereby align LMD with Industry 5.0 human-centric production and contribute measurably to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through enhanced resource efficiency and sustainable materials use in the energy, automotive, and heavy-industry sectors.

Social support and health related quality of life among older people in covid-19 pandemic: The mediating role of resilience

Background During emergencies and crises, comprehending the influence of various factors on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults is crucial for enhancing it. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between social support and health related quality of life. Methods In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 341 older adults over 60 years participated, in 2023. Vaux’s social support questionnaire, SF-36 health-related quality of life questionnaire, and Conner and Davidson’s resilience questionnaire were used. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to determine the role of resilience as a mediator between social support and HRQoL. Statistical analysis of data was performed using STATA 14.2 software. Results Based on the results, a one-unit increase in social support is associated with a 0.44-unit increase in resilience (β = 0.44) and a 0.24- unit increase in HRQoL (β = 0.24) on average. Furthermore, considering the mediating role of resilience, a one-unit increase in social support contributes 0.097- units directly (β = 0.097) and 0.12- units indirectly (β = 0.12) to HRQoL on average. The total effect of social support on HRQoL was also significant (β = 0.22). Conclusion Considering the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between social support and HRQoL among older people during the Covid-19 pandemic and the possibility of emergencies and pandemics in the future, it is necessary to carry out interventions focusing on improving resilience skills to make social support more effective in the elderly and to improve the quality of life related to health.

Emollient ditrimethylolpropane tetracaprylate penetrates the stratum corneum and maintains hydration without disrupting lipid structure

Abstract Emollients are essential for skin hydration, yet the relationship between their penetration into the stratum corneum (SC) and moisturizing efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of the ester oil, ditrimethylolpropane tetracaprylate (DTTC), focusing on its persistent hydration effect and its interaction with SC lipids. We compared DTTC with other emollients and an occlusive benchmark using in vivo assays, permeability studies, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vivo, DTTC produced a superior and sustained hydrating effect after wash-off, without disrupting barrier function. Permeability analyses confirmed that DTTC penetrates and is retained within SC, in contrast to less persistent or non-penetrating agents. Furthermore, DSC showed that DTTC integrates into a model SC lipid matrix with high compatibility and minimal structural disruption. We conclude that the superior performance of DTTC reflects a dual mechanism: effective penetration and retention within SC, together with structurally compatible integration into the intercellular lipid matrix. This highlights a pathway to long-lasting hydration beyond simple surface occlusion and provides a basis for the rational design of advanced emollients.

Prevalence and determinants of cigarette smoking and smoking frequency among people with tuberculosis in Lesotho: Evidence from a nationwide cross-sectional survey

Background Low- and middle-income countries face a significant dual burden of tuberculosis (TB) and cigarette smoking. Nevertheless, studies examining the prevalence and determinants of smoking status and frequency among people with TB (PWTB) are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa, including Lesotho. Therefore, this study evaluated the prevalence and determinants of smoking status and frequency among people with TB in Lesotho. Methods Data on people with TB from the 2023 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey were used in this study (n = 326). The data were adjusted for sampling weight, stratification, and cluster sampling design. The outcome variables were smoking status and smoking frequency (daily smoking and occasional smoking). The independent variables included socio-demographic factors, household characteristics, alcohol use, TB-related stigma, and mental health status. We evaluated the association between outcome and predictor variables using Pearson’s chi-squared test and complex sample logistics regression. Statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Results The prevalence of cigarette smoking among PWTB is 23.8%. The prevalence of daily and occasional smoking among PWTB is 17.3% and 6.5%, respectively. Being male (AOR = 107.48, 95%CI:22.65-510.03, p < 0.001), no media exposure (AOR = 3.65, 95%CI:1.43-9.30, p = 0.007), and alcohol use (AOR = 6.98, 95%CI:2.21-22.05, p = 0.001) increased the odds of smoking among PWTB. Being male (AOR = 211.28, 95%CI:25.86-1725.91, p < 0.001), no media exposure (AOR = 3.95, 95%CI:1.27-12.26, p = 0.018), and alcohol use (AOR = 15.10, 95%CI:3.36-67.89, p < 0.001) increased the odds of daily smoking among PWTB. Being male (AOR = 39.98, 95%CI:4.76-335.88, p = 0.001) increased the odds of occasional smoking among PWTB. Depression did not significantly influence smoking status of people with TB. Conclusion The prevalence of smoking among PWTB is high in Lesotho. Our findings underscore the importance of gender-sensitive tobacco use prevention and control interventions among PWTB, an inclusive and adequately funded long-term plan for best-practice anti-tobacco media campaign, and integrating management of substance use disorder into TB control policy and routine TB care in Lesotho.

Quantitative detection of macrophage activation in osteosarcoma comparing 18F-FDG PET/CT with ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI

Contemporary high resolution European forest structure assessed using tree-level National Forest Inventory data

This exploratory study presents an objective and consistent approach for assessing forest structure across multiple European countries, focusing on the distributions of tree species and tree diameter at breast height (DBH) as assessed by European National Forest Inventories (NFIs) and one landscape inventory. We distinguish six structural classes, ranging from mono-specific plots with a narrow (regular) DBH distribution to multi-species plots with a wide (irregular) DBH distribution. We used tree level data on basal area, species, and diameter, from 18 countries, and harmonised the data as much as possible by adopting a common diameter measurement threshold and by scaling the different plot radii to one ha. Data from 255,418 inventory plots indicate that roughly half of the forests are dominated by a single-species, while the other half consists of multiple-species. According to our approach, the predominant structural type in the surveyed countries is characterized by single-species dominance (56%) and a narrow DBH distribution. The relatively small plot radii across inventories and the diameter threshold of 10 cm also contribute to dominance of this structural type. The single-species regular class was the most prevalent ranging from 35.8% in Switzerland to 79.7% in Spain. The second most important was the multiple-species regular class, present on 37.7% of the forest area. Although the plots are not weighed to the full forest area, these results indicate a regular forest structure on 94% of Europe’s forests. The distribution of forest area per country over the categories varied only moderately. A shortcoming of a groundbased study is the challenge of harmonisation due to the different plot design of NFIs, showing a range in the plot radii from 9 to 25 meters hampering the comparison between countries. The results as presented at 0.2 degrees resolution (approximately 20 x 20 km) provide insight into forest structure in a consistent manner and can be updated in the future based on new releases of forest inventories. Although we did not study the effect of forest management on the current structure, these results are a basis to report temporal and spatial effects of management changes at this semi-high resolution, highly relevant to the EU Nature Restoration Law. We see this spatially explicit result as very promising, with advantages compared to the alternative of highly aggregated international statistics.

Preserved and non-preserved social attentional processes in Autism and developmental language disorder at early ages

Grid carbon intensity drives the electricity-related carbon footprint of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a cross-jurisdiction modelling study

Whole-genome sequencing reveals high-risk ESBL and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales on maternity ward surfaces in Cameroon

Abstract The hospital environment is increasingly recognized as a critical reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. In sub-Saharan Africa, maternity wards represent high-risk settings where environmental contamination poses a direct threat to vulnerable mothers and neonates. Despite this, there is a significant lack of data integrating phenotypic resistance with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to understand antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in these settings. This study characterized the AMR patterns and genomic features of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated from maternity ward surfaces in Yaounde, Cameroon. A cross-sectional environmental study was conducted across four maternity wards. Isolates were identified via standard microbiological methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 13 antibiotics was performed following European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) 2024 guidelines. Short-read WGS was utilized to identify sequence types (STs), plasmid incompatibility groups, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and virulence factors. Plasmid-ARG association networks were constructed to visualize resistance dynamics. Nineteen ESBL-producing Enterobacterales were identified, comprising 15 E. coli and four Klebsiella spp. isolates. High levels of multidrug resistance were observed against ciprofloxacin, penicillins, and third-generation cephalosporins. While the isolates remained sensitive to colistin and imipenem, alarming resistance to meropenem was detected. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of globally disseminated high-risk lineages, including E. coli ST131, ST1193, and ST410, alongside K. pneumoniae ST1324 and K. quasipneumoniae ST489. Critical resistance determinants, including ESBLs, AmpC enzymes, and carbapenemases ( bla NDM , bla OXA-48-like ), were associated with epidemic plasmids such as IncF, IncA/C2, and IncL/M. Additionally, the isolates harboured virulence factors characteristic of extraintestinal pathogenic Enterobacterales . The widespread presence of high-risk carbapenemase-producing clones on maternity ward surfaces identifies the hospital environment as a significant AMR reservoir in Yaounde. These findings highlight the urgent need for reinforced infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, robust antimicrobial stewardship, and the integration of genomic surveillance to safeguard highly susceptible maternal and neonatal populations from life-threatening infections.

Forecasting of PM2.5 concentration based on variational mode decomposition and deep learning

Understanding indeterminate HIV serology through antigen-band pattern analysis of INNO-LIA and recomLine HIV confirmatory assays

Linalool exhibits potent antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

A graph-based evaluation framework for smart disaster response systems using IoT design quality metrics

An end-to-end deep learning framework with nonstationary weighting strategy for enhancing reservoir landslide displacement prediction

Multimodal age-dependent diffusion-MRI analysis of the neocortex in a rat model of cortical dysplasia

Apodized fiber Bragg grating filters for efficient QKD channel separation in QKD-over-DWDM systems

Study on the effects of ecological cognition and organizational support on the willingness and behavior of farmers in arid areas to participate in shelterbelt management

Abstract Farmland shelterbelts serve as a crucial ecological barrier for agricultural production operations in ecologically fragile rural areas. Farmers’ participation in the management and protection of these shelterbelts is a key prerequisite for ensuring the sustained and effective realization of their ecological benefits. Based on the social-ecological system framework and interactive determinism theory, this study focuses on 322 farming households in Wensu County, Xinjiang, and employs a bivariate Probit model to explore the effects of ecological cognition and organizational support on farmers’ willingness and behavior to participate in shelterbelt management, as well as generational differences. The findings indicate that: (1) Within ecological cognition, both ecological knowledge and ecological responsibility significantly promote farmers’ willingness and participation behavior; however, ecological values have a negative impact on some participation willingness and behavior due to farmers’ perception of economic losses from the shelterbelt “negative edge effect.” (2) In terms of organizational support, both instrumental support and emotional support significantly and positively influence farmers’ willingness and participation behavior. (3) Organizational support partially moderates ecological cognition. However, neither type of support can mitigate the negative impact of ecological values. (4) Regarding generational differences, younger farmers are more influenced by ecological knowledge and instrumental support, whereas older generations rely more on ecological responsibility and instrumental support. Based on these results, this paper recommends strengthening the cultivation of farmers’ ecological cognition, implementing multiple measures to alleviate the negative edge effect of shelterbelts, and improving a dual-dimensional organizational support mechanism combining emotional and instrumental support to promote the long-term management and protection of shelterbelts.