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Retraction: High Glucose Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cells Are Regulated by FoxO3a
Towards velocity-dependent nonlinear elasticity of human forefinger soft tissue for specification construction
Topological magneto-optical Kerr effect without spin-orbit coupling in spin-compensated antiferromagnet
Abstract The magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE), the differential reflection of oppositely circularly polarized light, has traditionally been associated with relativistic spin-orbit coupling (SOC), which links a particle’s spin with its orbital motion. In ferromagnets, large MOKE signals arise from the combination of magnetization and SOC, while in certain coplanar antiferromagnets, SOC-induced Berry curvature enables MOKE despite zero net magnetization. Theoretically, large MOKE can also arise in a broader class of magnetic materials with compensated spins, without relying on SOC - for example, in systems exhibiting real-space scalar spin chirality. The experimental verification has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate such a SOC- and magnetization-free MOKE in the noncoplanar antiferromagnet Co 1/3 TaS 2 . Using a Sagnac interferometer microscope, we image domains of scalar spin chirality and their reversal. Our findings establish experimentally a new mechanism for generating large MOKE signals and position chiral spin textures in compensated magnets as a compelling platform for ultrafast, stray-field-immune opto-spintronic applications.
Methodological review of the design, objectives and sample size of Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) applications that use an external randomised controlled pilot trial design: A protocol
Background The National Institute for Health and Care Research accepts applications for pilot and feasibility studies to their Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme. There has been limited work describing the design practices of these applications and funding status. Knowing some of the qualities which may contribute towards a pilot or feasibility study application successfully gaining funding could help researchers improve the quality of their applications. Therefore, this study describes the protocol for a review looking at the characteristics of funded and non-funded external pilot trial applications. In particular, the primary objective is to describe the planned sample size and sample size justifications. Methods The study will be conducted on 100 applications from Competition 31–37 with a randomised feasibility design, identified and given access to us by RfPB where the lead applicant has consented. We will screen these applications to identify the external pilot trials, first looking through the titles and then the full text. Following this, we will extract data on information such as medical area, study design, objective(s), sample size, sample size justification, and funding outcome stage one and two. Validation will be performed on 20% of the data extracted; discrepancies will be resolved by discussion or a third reviewer will decide if there is no consensus. We will use descriptive statistics to summarise quantitative data, and will analyse qualitative data using thematic analysis. Findings will be summarised through discussion with the project contributors to produce a reader-friendly guidance document. Discussion This work will provide a more complete picture of RfPB external randomised pilot and feasibility trials. The findings will assist researchers when planning their pilot trials, and could help improve the quality of submitted applications. Protocol Registration Open Science Framework protocol registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PYKVG .
Brain connectivity and its relation to cognitive function in patients with post-COVID 19 condition after mild infection
Abstract Neurological symptoms are common in post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) and have been linked to underlying brain alterations. However, in individuals with PCC following a mild infection without hospitalization, such alterations are rarely detected using conventional neuroimaging techniques. This study aims to investigate brain connectivity in patients with PCC with cognitive symptoms after mild COVID-19 infection, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Additional aims were to explore associations between brain connectivity, neuropsychological performance, and self-reported fatigue and emotional status. Patients with PCC ( n = 22) and lasting cognitive symptoms and fatigue were consecutively recruited from a regional rehabilitation unit and compared with a convenience sample of non-symptomatic controls ( n = 19). The assessments were conducted on average 32 months post-infection and included 3 Tesla rs-fMRI, neuropsychological testing, and self-report measures of fatigue (MFI-20), anxiety, and depression (HADS). Patients with PCC had elevated functional connectivity in brain regions associated with the default mode network (DMN) compared to controls. No significant correlations were found between functional connectivity, neuropsychological test performance, fatigue, anxiety, or depression. Our findings suggest persistent alterations in DMN connectivity in PCC with cognitive symptoms and fatigue, underscoring the need for continued larger studies on brain functioning in this patient group. Clinical trial registration : No. NCT06042530.
VISTA drives pancreatic tumor progression through modulation of the tumor-associated macrophage polarity
Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies due to its highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which limits effective therapeutic interventions. Here, we demonstrate that V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) plays a crucial role in orchestrating macrophage polarity within the PDAC TME. Using murine PDAC models, we show that VISTA deficiency markedly impairs tumor growth, leading to prolonged survival. Functionally, VISTA deficiency is linked to a shift in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from an immunosuppressive phenotype marked by secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), to one enriched for C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), indicative of a pro-inflammatory state. This shift is accompanied by enhanced recruitment of CXCR3⁺ CD8⁺ T cells with sustained cytotoxic potential, among which terminal exhaustion-like CD8 + T cell states are less prevalent. Additionally, VISTA-deficient TAMs exhibit increased antigen cross-presentation, further amplifying CD8 + T cell response against tumors. These findings are corroborated by human PDAC data, which reflect similar immune reprogramming trends. By defining the role of VISTA in controlling Cxcl9:Spp1 ratio and modulating CD8⁺ T cell dynamics, this study positions VISTA inhibition as a promising strategy to reshape the TME and potentiate anti-tumor immunity in PDAC.
Shaping science: Scholarly motivation and research outcomes in NIH-HEAL funded studies
In 2018, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Helping to End Addiction Long-Term ® (HEAL) Initiative to advance addiction and pain research and clinical practice. The NIH-HEAL Initiative supports investigator-initiated research across diverse focus areas, allowing scientists discretion in selecting research topics, methodologies, and outcomes while still remaining subject to NIH’s peer review process. This study aims to answer the research question: what do investigators of NIH-HEAL funded studies define as important knowledge, particularly in relation to growth in empirical studies and clinical policy? By examining how pain and addiction researchers define what knowledge is important to produce, this study offers novel insight into how research priorities take shape and why this matters for science and clinical practice. To answer this research question, we conducted a directed content analysis of 1,068 NIH-HEAL funded study abstracts published on the NIH RePORTER website. Our findings suggest that while the scope of the NIH-HEAL funded studies is broad, there are common identifiable patterns that exist within the funded research portfolio such as a preference for treating pain and addiction conditions with prescription medication (33.80% of pain studies, 34.17% of opioid use disorder studies) and a narrow focus on intervention efficacy (43.21% of pain studies, 39.22% of opioid use disorder studies). This analysis is important for the scientific enterprise and clinical practice as prior literature has painted research as inherently influenced by the values of a scientist and of their discipline. By identifying what social and empirical problems NIH-HEAL funded investigators identify, their proposed solutions, and the outcomes they prioritize, this study carries important implications for grant-funding agencies, scientists, and the people who need and receive treatment for pain and addiction conditions.
Spatial distribution of selected coastal Sabkhas along the Southern Red Sea Coast of Egypt
Abstract Sabkhas are unique salt flat formations situated along the coastline and have been the subject of extensive scientific inquiry. This study delves into the formation and significance of sabkhas, along the South Red Sea coast of Egypt. Combining field observations, satellite imagery, and GIS analysis, the research unveils the processes shaping these distinct landscapes and their broader impact on the region. The study utilizes Sentinel-2 A imagery and digital elevation models to map salinity and identify optimal methods for salt detection. It further employs advanced data processing techniques to refine land cover classification and identify unique features within four sabkhas along the Red Sea coast: Ras Baghdadi, Marsa Abu Madd, Bir Shalatein-Marsa Himeira, and Diib. Examining these sabkhas reveals intricate details of their topography, hydrology, and sediment composition. The study identifies factors contributing to their individual characteristics, such as structural control, interaction with lagoons, and the influence of wind and aridity. Analysis of satellite data and field observations unveils the presence of salt ponds, dunes, microbial mats, and distinct sediment layers within these formations. Evaporite crystals, halophytic vegetation, and color patterns provide further insights into their formation processes. The study emphasizes that sea level fluctuations, fluvial and aeolian processes, and limited human intervention have shaped the temporal evolution of these sabkhas. However, climate change poses significant future challenges. By highlighting the importance of understanding and preserving these ecologically and economically valuable ecosystems, this research underscores the urgent need for their protection in the face of a changing climate. Graphical Abstract
Tubulin transforms Tau and α-synuclein condensates from pathological to physiological
Adoption and implementation of teleaudiology as a telehealth model in Jordan and Arab countries: A cross-sectional survey
Background and objectives Telehealth is the provision of healthcare services remotely via telecommunications technology. The implementation, clinical applications, and perceived effectiveness of telehealth among audiologists across the Arab region, particularly following its accelerated adoption due to the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2024 among 194 audiologists from multiple countries. A non-probability purposive sampling approach was implemented. The respondents were grouped into providers and non-providers of telehealth services. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, service delivery models, telehealth applications, training background, and perceived challenges. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to identify predictors of teleaudiology adoption. Results 46.9% of the sample reported providing telehealth services. Many of them (69.2%) indicated that they began offering telehealth services following the COVID-19 pandemic. Synchronous delivery was commonly utilised. Younger professionals and those employed in public institutions were more likely to engage in remote service delivery (p< 0.05). Barriers included limited formal training and limited infrastructure. Remarkably, 94% of non-providers expressed interest in implementing teleaudiology in the future. Conclusions The audiologists’ reported perceptions and experiences indicate that teleaudiology remains limited in clinical diagnostic service delivery. Broader integration of teleaudiology practices may benefit from enhanced professional training, the development of standardised guidelines, and investment in technological infrastructure to support access to remote hearing healthcare.
Ginsenoside Rb1 alleviates endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling in preeclampsia via activation of the PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathway
Integrative epigenomic landscape of Alzheimer’s Disease brains reveals oligodendrocyte molecular perturbations associated with tau
Self-efficacy mediates the relationship between grit and life satisfaction in a sample of employed university students resident in the United Arab Emirates
Balancing academic and professional responsibilities presents unique psychological challenges for employed university students. Most existing literature on this student population has adopted a deficits-approach. However, identifying the strengths inherent in such individuals could offer valuable avenues for informing strategies to reduce their risk of psychological distress. This study examined whether self-efficacy impacts the relationship between grit and life satisfaction among employed university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study was employed with data collected from 242 employed university students residing in the UAE. Participants completed a self-report survey that comprised of measurements of grit, self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Grit was significantly and positively associated with both life satisfaction and self-efficacy. Additionally, self-efficacy was found to significantly mediate the relationship between grit and life satisfaction in this sample of participants. This study identified grit as a potential factor that could be harnessed to improve life satisfaction, through the mediating role of self-efficacy. These findings hold important implications for informing strategies to promote positive mental health outcomes among employed university students who possess the strength of grit.
Corrosion mitigation of carbon steel in acidic solution using ionic liquids based on chemical, electrochemical, and characterization studies
Subcellular proteomics reveals a blueprint for endosymbiont integration in trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei
Abstract The acquisition of endosymbionts is a fundamental process that has driven the evolution of eukaryotes. The tree of life is filled with cases of internalised prokaryotes that have become integrated into their hosts, often forming mutually beneficial relationships. The trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei is one such case, harbouring a single β-proteobacterial endosymbiont. This symbiotic relationship is highly advanced, as evidenced by the identification of host-encoded proteins that are targeted to the bacterium and control its division. To deeper understand this integration, we performed an in-depth subcellular proteomic analysis to determine the compartmental localisation of both host and endosymbiont proteins. Our analysis resolved over 5,000 host proteins and over 400 endosymbiont proteins. We used this rich dataset to identify several novel host-encoded proteins targeted to the bacterium, and validated our predictions using genetic manipulations and microscopy. By mapping the localised enzymatic repertoire, we were able to shed light on metabolic interplay between the two organisms. We confirmed an energetic basis for the previously observed association between the host’s glycosomes and its endosymbiont, and discovered an interaction between the endosymbiont and the host’s acidocalcisomes. This subcellular proteomic dataset provides a comprehensive foundation for future research into the remarkable process of bacterial integration.
Comprehensive post-marketing safety evaluation of atezolizumab: A disproportionality analysis based on individual case safety reports in the FAERS
Atezolizumab is a widely used immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for cancer treatment, and postmarketing testing is important. This study aims to provide a reference for the safe and rational use of drugs in clinical practice by mining and analyzing the adverse event (AE) signals of atezolizumab on the basis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). This research extracted AE reports from the second quarter (Q2) of 2016 to Q2 of 2024 from the FAERS. AEs were standardized and classified on the basis of the System Organ Class (SOC) and Preferred Term (PT) from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) version 23.0. This study utilized disproportionality analysis (DPA) for signal mining and analysis, including the reporting odds ratio (ROR) method, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) method, and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) method. We obtained a total of 3,124 AE signals and identified 640 PTs and 21 SOCs for atezolizumab. The highest signal intensity was systemic immune activation (n = 15, ROR = 449.20, PRR = 449.07, IC = 8.06), and the most frequently reported AEs were death, pyrexia, infectious pneumonia, anaemia, and febrile neutropenia. The top 100 PTs in terms of signal intensity involved a total of 16 SOCs, including those associated with endocrine disorders; respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders; and renal and urinary disorders. This study revealed that AEs in the endocrine, respiratory and urinary systems need to be monitored in clinical practice.