Browse Articles

Expression of Concern: Chemopreventive Activity of Ferulago angulate against Breast Tumor in Rats and the Apoptotic Effect of Polycerasoidin in MCF7 Cells: A Bioassay-Guided Approach

Imaging interface-controlled bulk oxygen spillover

Experimental and simulation study of advanced injection strategies in an ammonia-diesel dual‑fuel engine for performance and combustion evaluation

Spatiotemporal interaction of tef head smudge disease (Curvularia spp.) and tef (Eragrostis tef) in the Western Amhara Region, Ethiopia, under the moderate (SSP245) and extreme (SSP285) climate change scenarios

Tef is an important food security orphan crop in the Western Amhara Region, Ethiopia. However, its production is constrained by tef head smudge disease caused by Curvularia spp . Therefore, this study aims to model the spatiotemporal dynamics of tef head smudge disease and tef, as well as their spatiotemporal interaction. Therefore, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the current and projected geographic distribution of tef head smudge disease and tef by 2050 and 2070 under SSP245and SSP285 climate change scenarios using the MaxEnt model. The model has achieved 89.3% – 90.5% accuracy for tef and over 93% accuracy for tef head smudge disease across the current and future climate change scenarios. Tef is predicted to cover 33% of the Western Amhara region under the current climate scenario. However, its projections indicate shifts to 23.1% under SSP245 and 40.6% under SSP285 by 2050. By 2070, tef is projected to cover around 33.7% and 19.97% of the region under SSP245 and SSP285, respectively. Tef head smudge disease is predicted to occur on about 10,951 ha of land under the current climate change scenario. However, its distribution is predicted to be 6,361 ha and 18,812 ha by 2050 under SSP245 and 285, respectively. However, tef head smudge disease and tef are predicted to overlap on 9,659 ha of land under the current climate change scenario. This overlap is expected to increase to around 15,846 hectares (SSP285) by 2050, but decrease to 3,334 hectares (SSP285) by 2070. This study highlights the compounded challenges of climate change and disease pressure on tef production. Therefore, this research provides critical insights for policymakers and researchers to enhance resilience in tef cultivation and safeguard food security in the face of climate change.

Humidity may amplify the temperature-related health risks in the context of climate change

Co-design of Lifestyle6, a digital tool targeting multiple health behaviour changes for cancer risk reduction and early detection support

Up to 40% of all cancers diagnosed could be prevented through the uptake of healthy lifestyle behaviours. This paper describes the co-design of a novel community-centric digital programme for cancer prevention and early detection support. Twenty-two community panel members partook in a series (i.e., three group-based sessions followed by one individual session) of iterative online workshops to co-design the programme. Based on established Design Thinking principles, the workshops aimed to i) identify barriers to access and use of existing cancer prevention information and support, ii) explore consumers’ needs and preferences for information and support related to cancer risk reduction and early detection, iii) generate ideas for a digital solution to address those, and iv) seek panel members’ feedback on a digital prototype developed in line with the insights from previous stages. The key barriers to accessing cancer prevention and screening support identified by the panel included limited availability and knowledge of cancer-specific resources alongside a paradoxical information overload regarding generic options. Panel members expressed concerns about information accuracy and relevance, while time constraints, financial limitations, and motivation deficits further impeded resource engagement. Regarding prototype preferences, participants prioritised accessibility, diversity, communication and connectedness, usability, and personal relevance as essential design elements. Digital solutions for cancer prevention and screening support should offer a customised experience, while catering for varying practical constraints and motivational challenges.

Early retinal disease detection from fundus images using deep neural networks

Molecular characterization of the prevalent soil-transmitted helminths in Narathiwat Province, southern Thailand

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are prevalent in tropical regions, including southern Thailand. However, limited data on their abundance in this area and molecular characteristics exist. This study evaluated 210 fecal specimens from the Narathiwat Province to determine the molecular profiles of STHs. Microscopic examination revealed that the predominant STHs were Trichuris spp. and Ascaris spp., with prevalences of 14.76% and 6.67%, respectively. Based on ITS1 sequencing, two haplotypes of Ascaris spp. were identified, classified as A . lumbricoides and A . suum . ITS1-based phylogeny revealed two distinct lineages: A . lumbricoides , which clustered with isolates from humans and primates, and A . suum , with genetic similarity to isolates from humans and animals. Classification based on the A. lumbricoides cox1 gene revealed five distinct haplotypes, including haplotype G, which exhibited high genetic similarity to A. suum isolates from pigs. In Trichuris spp., 18S rRNA sequencing identified four haplotypes that clustered with the reference isolates from humans and formed lineages distinct from the Trichuris spp. that infect animals. Analysis of the cox1 sequences of T. trichiura revealed four haplotypes clustering into distinct clades, which were genetically similar to reported human isolates but clearly differentiated from animal isolates. Pairwise F ST analysis revealed remarkable genetic variations within the populations of Ascaris and Trichuris spp., indicating potential species complexity. These findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence, genetic diversity, and molecular epidemiology of STHs in southern Thailand, which are vital for guiding further research to inform the control and prevention approaches in this endemic area.

Light and ultrasound activated precision: a novel water-soluble BODIPY-mediated sono-photosensitizer in SPDT for breast cancer treatment

Abstract Remarkable results have been achieved by using the synergistic effect of light and ultrasound in sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT). This application, which has been defined as a combination treatment method in recent years, aims to increase the amount of singlet oxygen produced by sono-photosensitizers. This research aims to assess the singlet oxygen generation potential of BODIPY compounds through the utilization of the SPDT method. Motivated by this fact, we synthesized and characterized a new water-soluble BODIPY compound doped with a heavy-atom and a distyryl moiety. The singlet oxygen production capacities of the compounds were investigated both photochemically and sono-photochemically. To assess their biological performance, in vitro studies were conducted using the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were determined by MTT and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays, while ROS generation was detected using DHE staining under confocal microscopy. MnSOD and GPX1 expression levels were analyzed to evaluate mitochondrial antioxidant responses. The results demonstrated that both BODIPY compounds significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis under SPDT, accompanied by increased MnSOD and GPX1 expression. In addition, molecular docking studies were conducted to evaluate the binding interactions of the newly synthesized compounds with the EGFR target protein, providing insight into their potential as multifunctional agents with both photodynamic and molecular-targeting capabilities. Molecular docking results demonstrated that the newly synthesized compounds possess markedly higher EGFR binding affinity than cisplatin, supported by lower binding energy values and stronger active-site interactions. These findings suggest that the synthesized BODIPY derivatives act as efficient sono-photosensitizers capable of inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis, highlighting their potential as promising agents for cancer therapy. Although BODIPY derivatives are well known as photosensitizers in PDT, their potential as sono-photosensitizers in SPDT has been rarely explored. This study therefore addresses an important gap by assessing the SPDT efficacy of newly synthesized water-soluble BODIPY derivatives in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Cross-species transcriptomics identify mineralocorticoid receptor pathway overactivation as a central driver of ocular rosacea

Abstract Ocular rosacea (OR) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the ocular surface frequently associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), with limited therapeutic options and an underexplored pathophysiology. Here, we uncover the pivotal role of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) pathway overactivation in driving MGD and OR. Analysis of eyelid tissues from OR patients revealed increased MR expression and altered local corticosteroid metabolism, associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired meibocyte renewal. Using a transgenic rat model overexpressing human MR, we demonstrate that MR overactivation initiates subclinical MGD and, with aging or ultraviolet-B exposure, drives a full OR-like phenotype characterized by gland dropout, oxidative and mitochondrial stress, immune infiltration, epithelial barrier disruption, and secondary corneal damage. Cross-species transcriptomic integration of rat, human MGD, and rosacea datasets identified a conserved MR-dependent gene signature, highlighting S100A9 as a specific downstream target and biomarker of MR activation. Local pharmacological MR antagonism suppressed S100A9 expression. These findings establish MR overactivation as a unifying pathogenic driver of MGD and OR and identify MR blockade as a promising therapeutic strategy, with S100A9 as a candidate biomarker for patient stratification and treatment monitoring.

Predominance of antimicrobial resistance genes and high-risk clones among Gram negatives from clinical sources in Accra-Ghana

Gram-negative bacteria species cause increasing levels of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Enhanced surveillance efforts are required to inform treatment decisions and monitoring of the rise and spread of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) clones, especially on the African continent, where antimicrobial resistance is known to be least tackled and controlled. In this study, whole genome sequencing was used to investigate a collection of Gram negatives recovered from clinical sources. Bacterial species were identified by Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometry. Whole genome sequencing was performed using the Miseq illumina platform, and sequence data were analysed using free online bioinformatics tools.  Of the 182 isolates investigated, 62 resistant to at least one antibiotic were selected for whole genome sequencing. Among these, Escherichia coli (n=21; 33.87%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=13; 20.97%) were the predominant Enterobacterales, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9/16; 56.25%) was most common among non-Enterobacterales. The 62 Isolates sequenced were from wound (n=37),  urine (n=19), blood (n=5), and pus (n=1). In total, 49 isolates were found to exhibit multidrug resistance (MDR). Genomic analysis revealed 126 resistance gene types, with beta-lactamase-encoding genes being the most common (56/126; 44.44%), detected in 90.32% (56/62) of organisms. K. pneumoniae (13/13; 100%) and Klebsiella oxytoca (1/1; 100%) exhibited coexisting OqxA and OqxB efflux pump genes. All E. coli isolates carried the MDR gene mdf(A) . An Enterobacter kobei wound isolate carried the colistin resistance gene mcr-10 . The quaternary ammonium compound resistance gene qacE was present in 50% (31/62) of isolates. Additionally, 41.94% (26/62) of isolates harbored the traT  virulence gene.. High-risk clones detected included MDR ST131 E. coli serotype O25:H4 (6/21; 28.57%), ST15 and ST147 K. pneumoniae , and ST244 P. aeruginosa . Salmonella enterica serovars Lille and Typhi recovered from blood were also identifed. The study revealed high risk clones of Gram negatives carrying multiple AMR and virulence genes. The detection of MDR pathogens and global high-risk clones, highlights the need for effective surveillance and the use of whole genome sequencing to strengthen antimicrobial resistance monitoring in our setting.

Comparative analysis of muscle pathologies and metabolic signaling in mouse models of mitochondrial dysfunction

Spinal cord structural and functional architecture and its shared organization with the brain across the adult lifespan

Abstract The spinal cord connects the brain to peripheral systems. Yet its integration with cerebral networks remains a key neuroscience question. Capturing structural and functional central nervous system (CNS) changes throughout the lifespan is essential for characterizing healthy and pathological aging. Leveraging a unique multimodal dataset combining spinal and cerebrospinal imaging, we jointly mapped the spinal cord structural and functional architecture across adulthood. Our results revealed age-related changes across these modalities and identified organizational principles shared with the brain. These changes were most pronounced in the somatosensory pathway, with microstructural decline coupled to shifts in functional connectivity and local spontaneous activity as aging progresses. Extending analyses to the brain uncovered convergent CNS-wide aging mechanisms, including gray matter loss, decreased functional segregation, and increased spontaneous activity, highlighting shared neural aging trajectories. Together, our findings provide a systems-level view of the age-related alteration in the CNS, offering a foundation for future studies investigating potential imaging markers of sensorimotor dysfunction.

An empirical network study of the antimalarial supply chain in Ghana

A survey of a sample of Ghanaian pharmacies was undertaken to trace the antimalarial drug supply chain. We sampled antimalarial drug outlets in 6 districts across Ghana and traced their immediate suppliers. A third level of the supply chain was obtained by visiting these intermediate suppliers and finding who supplied them. This proved sufficient to track the supply of antimalarial drugs to major manufacturers or importers. We then used techniques of network analysis to study features of the supply chain. By mapping the network to a real geography we demonstrate that the network has a hub and spoke structure, and is dominated by companies in Accra, with a secondary hub in Kumasi. Regional centres such as Tamale and Cape Coast are of lesser significance. We used a range of network measures to analyse the network data provided by the survey. Degree distribution analysis suggests that one company, which appears to deliver direct to many customers, has a particularly dominant position in the network. However, PageRank analysis identifies a different company as being more influential. This company uses a different supply model, via intermediaries, which means that it has fewer direct links to retailers. Mathematical analysis reveals that the distribution network (defined by in-degree distribution over nodes) is scale free (Pareto-type), a characteristic of an unregulated free market for sellers. By contrast, the purchasing network (defined by out-degree distribution) appears to be more log-normal, showing limited agency for individual buyers. It is interesting that a single mathematical measure can capture the different challenges faced by sellers and buyers. Understanding the structure of Ghana’s private antimalarial supply chain provides crucial insights for strengthening medicine distribution systems in other low and middle income countries. Mapping such networks can inform global strategies to improve equitable access and ensure medicine quality.

Parental expectations and nocebo by proxy effects in adolescent orthodontic treatment outcomes

Evaluating clinical competencies of large language models with a general practice benchmark

Correction: Turning the tide on turnover: The impact of empowering leadership on the work-family spillover of managers

AI needs solid botanical data more than ever

Evaluating the effectiveness of satellite image super-resolution for road quality monitoring

Intrinsic annealing in a hybrid memristor-magnetic tunnel junction Ising machine

Abstract Hardware implementations of the Ising model offer promising solutions to large-scale optimization tasks. In the literature, various nanodevices have been shown to emulate the spin dynamics for such Ising machines with remarkable effectiveness. Other nanodevices have been shown to implement spin-spin coupling with compact footprint and minimal energy dissipation. However, an ideal Ising machine would associate both types of nanodevices, and they must operate synergistically to support annealing: a progressive reduction of machine stochasticity that allows it to settle to an energy minimum. Here, we report an Ising machine that combines two nanotechnologies: memristor crossbar – storing multi-level couplings – and stochastic magnetic tunnel junction (SMTJ), acting as thermally driven spins. Because the same read voltage that interrogates the crossbar also biases the SMTJs, increasing this voltage automatically lowers the effective temperature of the machine, providing an intrinsic, analog-native annealing technique. Operating at zero magnetic field, our prototype consistently reaches the global optimum of a 24-vertex weighted MAX-CUT and a 10-vertex, three-color graph-coloring problem using an externally implemented feedback loop. Given that both nanotechnologies in our demonstrator are CMOS-integrated, this approach is compatible with advanced 3D integration, offering a scalable pathway toward compact, fast, and energy-efficient large-scale Ising solvers.