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Expression of Concern: Identification and In-Silico study of non-synonymous functional SNPs in the human SCN9A gene
The mid-career reset: how to be strategic about your research direction
The lived experience of adolescents with X-linked hypophosphataemia treated with burosumab at end of skeletal growth: a mixed-methods analysis
X-linked hypophosphataemia is a rare, genetic, lifelong disorder caused by phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homologue X-linked pathogenic variants and, if left untreated, is associated with a progressive accumulation of musculoskeletal manifestations. Burosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 and directly inhibits its activity, thereby correcting the abnormal phosphate homoeostasis in people with X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH). The efficacy and safety of burosumab has been demonstrated in a programme of clinical trials in children and adults. Few data describe the experience of adolescents with XLH receiving burosumab treatment before and after skeletal growth ends. This prospective, multicentre, mixed-methods study described the lived experience of adolescents with XLH treated with burosumab at the end of skeletal growth (NCT05181839). Using patient-reported outcomes, wearable devices, and interviews, we found low median symptom severity scores for pain (0.00), stiffness (0.00), and fatigue (1.75) on a 0–10 scale. Symptoms were usually triggered by physical activity but rarely interfered with daily life. Some adolescents reported emotional concerns related to XLH and treatment transition. These insights can inform patient support during transition to adult care.
Impact of the duration of farmland restoration on plant communities and soil carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus stoichiometry in the Southern Foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountains, Inner Mongolia
The southern foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountains in Inner Mongolia are one of the 14 contiguous destitute areas in China. The ecological environment in the region is harsh. The implementation of the Grain-for-Green Project is crucial to the restoration and protection of local forest ecosystems. However, the project has some deficiencies in terms of plant communities and soil stoichiometric characteristics. In this study, the southern slope of Daxing’anling Forest in Inner Mongolia was used as the research area, and 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, abandoned land, and farmland after the restoration were comprehensively selected. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dynamic changes in soil stoichiometric characteristics and plant diversity during ecological restoration of this area, explore the influence of soil stoichiometric characteristics on plant diversity. The following results were obtained: (1) In terms of plant communities, plant species increased first and then decreased after returning farmland. In the early stage, pioneer herbs increased, and some species were eliminated due to competition and other factors in the later stage. Shrubs and trees appeared late, and herbs had strong adaptability. (2) In terms of soil stoichiometry, the contents of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were low in the early stage of returning farmland. With the increase in years, SOC increased first and then decreased, and TN increased. The changes in each soil layer were affected by many factors and differed from those of the control. The total phosphorus (TP) content fluctuated, and the ratios of C/N, C/P, and N/P had different trends in varying soil layers with returning farmland and vegetation restoration. (3) In terms of the relationship between vegetation and soil nutrients, SOC was positively correlated with TN, TN was positively correlated with the evenness index, and TP was negatively correlated with some vegetation indexes. This work has important guiding significance for improving soil fertility and plant growth in returning farmland to forest. This work is helpful to realize ecological environment protection and sustainable agricultural development.
Briefing Chat: Are scientists funny? The evidence is in — and it's no joke
Decision-making on preservation effort and inventory volume for fresh retailer under strategic consumer behavior
Based on the theory of rational expectations equilibrium, this study examines the optimal decision-making of fresh retailer under strategic customer behavior. The paper focuses on analyzing the impact of perceived customer value on the retailer’s investment in freshness preservation and configuration in inventory, as well as how market size moderates this influence. The findings reveal that in the face of strategic customer behavior and an increased perception of value for the freshness of products nearing their sell-by date, the retailer tends to lower retail prices, which subsequently affects their enthusiasm for investment in freshness preservation efforts and inventory configuration. The influence of perceived customer value on preservation effort and inventory volume is differential and significantly moderated by market size. When the market size is large, the retailer is inclined to implement optimal preservation measures, but inventory volume may be negatively impacted. With a medium market size, the retailer reduces preservation efforts and inventory levels. However, in situations where perceived customer value is low, the retailer increases inventory volumes. When the market size is small, the impact of strategic customer behavior and perceived customer value on preservation efforts and inventory volumes more pronounced.
The association between dietary inflammatory index and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is a literature-based tool designed to predict inflammation. Previous studies suggest a potential association between the DII and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the relationship between the DII and both the incidence and progression of NAFLD remains unclear. Methods Systematic literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to July 2025. A random-effects model was applied, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity, while Egger’s test was used to assess publication bias. Review Manager 5.4 and STATA 15.0 were employed for statistical analysis. Results Eighteen studies involving 262,468 participants were included. The data indicated a significant association between the DII and NAFLD (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.23–1.44; P < 0.00001) and between the DII and fibrosis (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.20–1.54; P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis identified geographic region and diagnostic criteria as sources of heterogeneity. Egger’s test revealed publication bias for NAFLD. Conclusion A high DII was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD and an increased risk of progression to fibrosis. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, identifier CRD42025632168.
The association between psoriasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Mediation analysis involving inflammatory biomarkers among U.S. adults
Background Psoriasis has been observed to be associated with an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, investigating novel mediators that influence the relationship between psoriasis and NAFLD is essential, given their complex interconnection. Currently, it remains unclear whether inflammatory biomarkers play a mediating role in this association. Methods Data from adults aged 20–60 years were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was conducted between 2003–2006 and 2009–2014. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between psoriasis and NAFLD across three different models. Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed to explore potential nonlinear and independent relationships between psoriasis and NAFLD. Mediation analysis was conducted to determine whether the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), two inflammatory markers, mediate the relationship between psoriasis and NAFLD. Results A total of 9,439 participants were included in the study, of whom 3,961 had NAFLD, with a weighted prevalence rate of 41.96%. Compared with participants without psoriasis, those with psoriasis had a greater prevalence of NAFLD, reaching 50.99%. In all three models, psoriasis was positively associated with the risk of NAFLD, and a significant dose‒response relationship was observed (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that, in the adjusted models, Ln-SII and Ln-NLR statistically mediated the association between psoriasis and NAFLD, with percentages of 8.52% and 3.58%, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion Psoriasis is positively associated with the occurrence of NAFLD, and the SII and NLR play key mediating roles in the relationship between psoriasis and NAFLD.
Two-stage scheduling optimization model for taxiways on the basis of time slot derivation
The continuous growth in air traffic at civil airports has placed significant economic pressure on surface operations. Consequently, strategic adjustments to departure schedules and optimization of taxiing routes have become essential to reduce operational costs. This study proposes a two-stage optimization framework aimed at minimizing surface operation expenditures. In the first stage, a dynamic pushback slot control (DPSC) strategy is employed to regulate departure sequences. The second stage enables preplanning of taxi routes for both arriving and departing aircraft by optimizing the taxiway control threshold, thereby refining the pushback slots for departing flights. To support route planning, multiple taxiing configurations are generated for different departure intervals. To improve solution quality and mitigate ground conflicts, an improved ant colony algorithm (IACA) incorporating a negative feedback mechanism is developed. Experimental results show that, compared to a baseline scenario without departure control, the proposed framework reduces taxiing costs by 17.8%, yielding an optimized total cost of USD 8,163.44. Furthermore, relative to strategies without the negative feedback mechanism, the proposed approach achieves an average cost saving of USD 1,412.71. These results demonstrate that the proposed framework provides superior economic benefits while simultaneously improving operational safety and efficiency.
Daily briefing: Why stress causes eczema to flare up in mice
Cognitive function is associated with risk of conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study
Background Predicting conversion from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is critical for managing people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Cognitive function has been linked to disease progression in RRMS, yet its association with conversion to SPMS remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess this relationship using the newly developed DAAE score to calculate the risk of conversion to SPMS. Methods The risk of conversion over five years was assessed using the DAAE score (0–12), and the PwMS were categorized into very-low-to-low and medium-to-high risk groups. Cognitive function was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II). Pairwise correlations and hierarchical linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between cognition and conversion risk. Results A total of 217 PwMS were included (very low to low = 185, medium to high = 32). The DAAE score was moderately correlated with SDMT and BVMT-R and weakly correlated with PASAT and CVLT-II. Multivariable linear regressions found SDMT (beta = −0.125, 95%CI: −0.155, −0.096, p-value < 0.001), BVMT-R (beta = −0.157, 95%CI: −0.200, −0.114, p-value < 0.001), PASAT (beta = −0.084, 95%CI: −0.111, −0.057, p-value < 0.001), and CVLT-II (beta = −0.088, 95%CI: −0.125, −0.050, p-value < 0.001) were independently associated with the risk of conversion. Among these, SDMT (beta = −0.093, 95% CI: −0.133 to −0.054, p-value < 0.001) was the most robust predictor of conversion risk. Conclusion In conclusion, low cognitive performance across the BICAMS battery and the PASAT, with the SDMT as the most robust predictor, is associated with an increased risk of conversion from RRMS to SPMS. By demonstrating this association through a machine-learning framework, the present study supports the integration of standardized neuropsychological assessments into routine clinical practice as tools for monitoring conversion risk in PwMS, beyond conventional clinical measures.
‘Unaffordable’ visa price hike threatens Australia’s researcher pipeline
Intrinsic mechanisms and microenvironmental cues fine-tune plasticity of esophageal progenitors
Sexual harassment protocols at the European universities: An overview of key components and recommendations for improvement
Protocols against sexual harassment (SH) have been widely adopted in European universities as part of a broader structural gender approach in higher education and research institutions. However, existing literature indicates that these protocols have often been insufficient. In particular, there is a lack of effective restorative measures that address the needs of both survivors and perpetrators of SH. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare SH protocols across seven European universities and to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving the management of SH in higher education. The study adopts an intersectional perspective, recognising how overlapping social factors (such as gender, ethnicity, disability, or migration status) shape experiences of SH. This study employed a qualitative content analysis, using content analysis of 10 SH protocols from seven European universities. The results show that some universities provide comprehensive protocols that include procedural, preventive, and reparative measures. However, others have protocols with significant shortcomings. These include limited implementation, diffuse procedures, and a lack of practical application of an intersectional approach. Main recommendations include offering multiple and accesible reporting and support resources, appointing a single case coordinator to accompany survivors throughout the entire process, and enhancing cooperation between departments and specialised external services addressing SH and sexual violence (SV).
Single-cell multiomics uncovers an endothelial mechanosensitive PIEZO1-IL-33 axis driving pulmonary fibrosis
IVA-FL: An information-value-aware federated learning framework for Privacy-Preserving Financial data Risk Management
Federated Learning (FL) has emerged as a critical paradigm for enabling financial institutions to collaboratively train models while preserving data privacy. However, a fundamental challenge arises when applying Differential Privacy (DP) to financial risk management tasks characterized by severe class imbalance. The uniform noise injection of standard DP mechanisms disproportionately submerges the critical risk signals from rare events such as fraud or default. To address this, we introduce IVA-FL (Information-Value-Aware Federated Learning), a novel framework that shifts the privacy preservation paradigm from data-agnostic optimization to a value-driven approach. IVA-FL integrates three synergistic mechanisms: 1) an Information Value Scoring (IVS) mechanism that dynamically quantifies the importance of each sample based on real-time training loss; 2) an Adaptive Gradient Processing module that applies tailored clipping and smoothing strategies to rescue high-value gradients; and 3) an Adaptive Noise Injection mechanism that intelligently reallocates the scarce privacy budget to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of critical risks. Comprehensive experiments on multiple financial datasets demonstrate that IVA-FL significantly outperforms state-of-the-art baselines in both standard metrics (Recall, AUC) and practical risk assessment indicators (KS Statistic, Brier Score), especially under strict privacy constraints. Furthermore, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness against Data Heterogeneity (Non-IID) and superior adaptability in advanced scenarios involving feature heterogeneity and concept drift. Our work presents a robust, high-utility solution for privacy-preserving financial risk management.
I paused my PhD for 11 years to help save Madagascar’s seas
Modified letrozole vs GnRH antagonist protocols in ovarian aging women for IVF: an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Use of a specific set of learner-centered evidence-based teaching practices correlates with higher exam performance across seven STEM departments
Myriad studies support the claim that active learning improves student academic performance in STEM, yet lecture remains the dominant form of instruction. Many faculty offer multiple reasons for not using active learning with many expressing confusion as to what active learning is. In an effort to better understand how specific elements of active learning might contribute to enhanced academic performance, we used a more fine-grained classroom observation tool, PORTAAL, to observe teaching practices across 146 STEM courses. We used a principal component analysis to identify specific sets of teaching practices and we found a continuum of implementation of teaching practices that ranged from instruction-centered to learner-centered. The instruction-centered practices included high Bloom’s level questions, students working alone, instructors answering and explaining questions, and providing alternative answers. The learner-centered practices were volunteer or randomly-called students explaining answers, instructors prompting students’ logic, and instructors giving positive feedback. Using a linear mixed model to analyze the data from all courses, we found medium and medium-high levels of learner-centered teaching practices correlated with higher student exam performance compared to instruction-centered practices. We also analyzed interactions of both binary gender and first generation status with learner-centered teaching on exam scores. We propose that when instructors use these learner-centered practices, they shift the responsibility of the intellectual work of the problem—the learning—to the students. As even moderate levels of these learner-centered practices have a positive correlation with exam performance, faculty may incorporate these few key elements of learner-centered practices into their own teaching to enhance student learning.