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The inner critical voice among university students and patients with depression – A linguistic analysis of self-criticism

Self-criticism is considered an important vulnerability factor for the development and maintenance of psychopathological symptoms. Mostly assessed as trait via self-report, information about its linguistic features is rare. The following study explored individual differences of self-criticism of 184 university students (84.2% female) and 45 inpatients in treatment for a depressive disorder (62.2% female). Participants verbalized self-critical thoughts after a standardized induction of negative emotions, talking out loud to themselves as their “inner critic”. Participants’ self-criticism was analyzed by conducting a linguistic analysis with a quantitative word count tool (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count – LIWC). Self-criticism was also measured with an established self-report instrument, alongside measures of self-compassion and depressive symptoms for validation. Non-parametric Spearman rank correlations between the linguistic features of the “inner critic”, self-reported self-criticism, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms have been conducted. Furthermore, group differences between university students and patients have been explored. In both subsamples, small significant relations between the language categories and self-reported self-criticism, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms became evident, ranging from |ρ| = .13 to |ρ| = .39. There were slightly different patterns in students and patients, indicating qualitative differences in clinically relevant self-criticism and non-pathogenic self-reflection. University students used significantly fewer pronouns than patients with depression when acting as their “inner critic” ( t  = −5.14, p  < .001) and less negative emotion words ( t  = −4.19, p  < .001), particularly words indicating sadness ( t  = −3.18, p  = .003). Employing different assessment methods of self-criticism and comparing clinical and non-clinical samples adds valuable information for a better understanding of the cognitive-affective processes underlying self-criticism. The results can inform clinical practice and public mental health strategies aimed at promoting mental health and preventing or treating mental disorders.

Blood RNA biomarkers and a point-of-care elastase assay for detecting host immune activation in suspected sepsis: Trajectory matters

Introduction/Hypothesis The chances of survival from sepsis are improved by early diagnosis and treatment. In the prospective SENSOR study, RNA biomarkers of innate immune neutrophil activation were examined in emergency department (ED) patients triggering an automated sepsis alert. We hypothesized that higher levels of blood RNA biomarkers related to neutrophil activation would be associated with progression to more severe forms of sepsis. Methods Adult patients in the ED triggering a sepsis alert were consented, enrolled, and study samples were obtained during the ED visit. Additionally, study samples were collected from a convenience sample of 16 adult non-ED controls and 8 other adults with self-described infectious illnesses. Blood samples were drawn in RNA preservative (Tempus) and whole blood RNA was analyzed by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for RNA transcripts related to neutrophil response to infection by bacterial (DEFA1; ALPL, IL8RB/CXCR2), and viral (IFI27, RSAD2) pathogens. Bacterial burden in blood was quantitated by ddPCR of 16S ribosomal DNA. Separately, neutrophil elastase was measured in immunomagnetically captured CD66b+ neutrophils by a novel point-of-care device. Results Patients were grouped using both ‘Sepsis-2’ SIRS criteria, adjudicated by independent physicians, and ‘Sepsis-3’ criteria which uses a qSOFA score for categorizing the severity of illness. Across 72 enrolled sepsis alert patients, 62.5% showed positive RNA biomarkers for bacterial infection, and 8.3% were positive for viral markers, with only 2 cases that showed only a viral signal. Septic patients showed a 4-fold increase in RNA markers vs. those without infection (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in RNA levels between those with sepsis vs those with more severe forms of sepsis. Likewise, RNA biomarker levels did not discriminate patients with qSOFA≥2 from qSOFA = 1. In a subset of patients with zero and three hour blood samples (n = 27) it was found that changes in RNA levels (up or down), or neutrophil elastase activity, was strongly associated with progression to more severe forms of sepsis or a qSOFA score of ≥2. Conclusions Patients progressing to more severe forms of sepsis did not have higher absolute levels of neutrophil activation RNA biomarkers (or higher bacterial burden in blood) compared to patients with sepsis. However, a change in RNA biomarkers or elastase between zero and three hours was strongly indicative of progression to more severe forms of sepsis.

A terahertz graphene-metamaterial sensor for highly sensitive detection of trace pesticide metaldehyde

To address the demand for rapid detection of trace metaldehyde pesticide residues in agricultural products such as Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (D. officinale), this paper proposes and validates a high-sensitivity metal-graphene hybrid metamaterial sensor, which exhibits significant advantages in the field of pesticide residue detection. The sensor consists of a quartz substrate, periodic gold array, polyimide (PI) spacer layer, and few-layer graphene, and is fabricated using standard micro-nano processing technologies. Utilizing a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system, the reflection spectra of the sensor in response to metaldehyde solutions with different concentrations (0–2400 pg mL -1 ) were measured in the 0.6–1.5 THz frequency band. The results indicate that compared with the bare metamaterial, the introduction of graphene significantly enhances the sensor’s sensitivity, and its resonance intensity decreases noticeably with the increase in metaldehyde concentration. Simulation analyses reveal the existence of the toroidal dipole resonance mode and the mechanism by which the graphene layer induces a resonant red shift by increasing the effective capacitance, while confirming that the regulation of graphene’s Fermi energy level can dynamically modulate the resonance intensity. Experimental measurements show that the hybrid metamaterial sensor achieves a minimum detection limit of 100 pg mL -1 for metaldehyde, with a rapid response in the low concentration range (0–200 pg mL -1 ). This high sensitivity is primarily attributed to the effective modulation of the dielectric environment on the graphene surface by the monolayer adsorption of analytes at low concentrations. The sensor developed in this study exhibits excellent performance, providing an effective technical solution for the rapid screening of pesticide residues in the safety inspection of agricultural products such as D. officinale.

“We must work tirelessly to promote …”: Mediating interpersonal commitment to material processes in English translation of Chinese political discourse

Evaluative items have been central in political translation studies. This paper extends previous research by focusing on “circumstances + material processes” expressions through data extracted from Chinese-English parallel corpus of Xi Jinping ’s discourse. Using re-instantiation as its descriptive framework, this research imported into Excel 1686 concordance lines for annotation to reveal how and why certain translation shifts occur. Results show that a clear shift occurs in the translation of the circumstances. Zero forms are employed to reduce interpersonal commitment in translation, while verbs and adjectives are more likely to be used to raise it. The study identifies rhetorical and political motivations for these translation choices. It is hoped that the linguistics-grounded corpus approach provided in this paper could be applied to translation research on other grammatical domains or text types.

Developing a pricing model for general medical consultation services among private consulting rooms in Harare, Zimbabwe

Background There are often variations around setting tariffs or prices for payment of general medical consultation services between the medical insurance industry, the medical association, and the private health care providers. Differences in these tariffs have an impact on both the public and private health care sectors. The research study aimed to develop a pricing model for consultation services and ascertain the ideal price that should be charged for those services. Materials and methods An analytical cross-sectional study design was utilized to collect data through a questionnaire for the input costs of operating a surgery as well as the consultation fee charged by General Medical practitioners who participated in the study. The recruitment period for this study was from 13 September 2023, to 29 September 2023, during which 170 medical practitioners completed the online questionnaire. Eight independent variables were analyzed in the study using Stata (version 14) to build a multiple linear regression model with the capability of predicting the mean consultation fee. The variables were registration fees, rental, cost of equipment, cost of consumables, salaries, utility costs, number of patients seen and actual profit. Results A total of 170 General Medical Practitioners participated in the study. The variables which met the multiple linear regression assumptions that were included in the model were consumables, salaries, utilities, number of patients seen by doctor and actual profit made by the consulting room. The estimated ideal consultation fee, which was obtained using empirical data from the 170 surgeries sampled was US$23.28. Profit levels varied significantly by both suburb density (p < 0.001) and patient volume (p < 0.001), indicating the importance of geographic and operational factors in practice profitability. Conclusion The developed model aimed to provide a transparent basis for determining consultation fees, thus helping to assure affordability, access, and financial sustainability for both practitioners and patients. However, the model did not consider the value of the training, skills, knowledge and experience of the Medical Practitioner. Therefore, further research is required to come up with a consultation fee that is affordable and sustainable for both practitioners and patients.

First evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of Phelsuma inexpectata (Gekkonidae), a critically endangered gecko endemic to Reunion Island

The Manapany day gecko, Phelsuma inexpectata , is a critically endangered reptile endemic to Reunion Island (Southwestern Indian Ocean region). In the present study, we provide the first in-depth insights into the genetic diversity and population structure of the species across its main geographic range, limited to a narrow 14–km littoral fringe in the south of the island. We used two mitochondrial genes and twenty microsatellite loci to genotype 452 geckos sampled in anthropized and natural sites. Compared to other insular species of the Phelsuma genus, P. inexpectata displays a low genetic diversity with nine mitochondrial haplotypes detected, and based on the nuclear markers, a mean number of alleles ( N a ) of 2.8 ± 0.3, and an observed ( H o ) and expected heterozygosity ( H e ) reaching a maximum of 0.353 ± 0.053 and 0.345 ± 0.046 per site, respectively. For most sites, no significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were detected. Along the limited distribution of P. inexpectata, isolation-by-distance patterns and geographical population structures were found with low first-generation migrants between sites. Genetic diversity distribution and structure are likely shaped by historical processes, including the fragmentation and isolation of relict populations, and anthropogenic-mediated colonization of novel habitats. The fine-scale population differentiation and genetic structuring, combined with the limited dispersal capacity of P. inexpectata , highlight the vulnerability of local gecko populations to extinction in the face of habitat fragmentation and loss. The low genetic diversity of P. inexpectata could limit its evolutionary potential and make it vulnerable to stochastic changes in its environment. Hence, efforts to conserve the genetic diversity should be strengthened, notably in natural sites harboring an original and remarkable genetic diversity.

Assessment of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections and the diagnostic performance of the circulating cathodic antigen test among schoolchildren in Tulla district, Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia

Background STH and S. mansoni pose significant public health challenges in regions with inadequate sanitation. Existing research on S. mansoni intensity remains limited in the study area. S. mansoni diagnosis traditionally relies on the KK method, though the POC-CCA urine test offers a rapid alternative with high sensitivity. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of S. mansoni and STH infections. It also evaluated the intensity of S. mansoni and compared the performance of the POC-CCA test to that of KK. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among schoolchildren in the Tulla district, Sidama region, from April to June 2024, using a purposive sampling approach. Data were collected through pre-structured questionnaires, and stool samples were analyzed using the KK method, while urine samples were analyzed with the POC-CCA technique. A logistic regression model was employed to examine potential associations between infections and risk factors, the Kappa statistic assessed agreement between tests, and the McNemar chi-square test compared the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic methods. Result The prevalence of S. mansoni with two combined tests was 36.5% (20.1% by KK and 34.4% by POC-CCA). Activities like irrigation, swimming, and bathing showed significant associations with S. mansoni infection. The prevalence of STH was 48.8%, with A. lumbricoides (34%) as the most common, followed by T. trichuria (8.2%), hookworm (5.7%), Taenia species (1.3%), H . nana (0.6%), and E.vermicularis (0.2%). Factors like hand washing, fingernail trimming, lack of latrines, and educational status were significantly linked to STH infections. The POC-CCA test demonstrated higher sensitivity (89.6%) than the KK technique (McNemar test χ²m = 52.3, p < 0.001). Conclusions The moderate prevalence of S. mansoni and STH infections, coupled with socio-demographic factors, behaviours, hygiene practices, and sanitation issues associated with these infections, highlights the need for additional control measures beyond deworming. Implementing a highly sensitive POC- CCA test alongside the KK method in low-endemic areas could improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance disease management outcomes.

Water pressure effect and influence mechanism of coal mechanical property degradation under mine water immersion conditions

This study investigates the hydro-pressure effects and degradation mechanisms of coal under mine water immersion using a self-developed pressurized water soaking system. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted on water-saturated coal samples to analyze their mechanical behavior under varying water pressures. The results demonstrate that both the strength and elastic modulus of coal samples decrease with increasing immersion pressure. During loading, multiple deformation localization zones develop, and the elastic energy stored in the load-bearing structure diminishes as water pressure rises, reducing its energy storage capacity. Therefore, in the process of plastic deformation, the externally applied energy contributes more to the macroscopic and microscopic damage. When the material is immersed in high-pressure water, its failure mode will shift from tensile dominant to tensile shear composite mechanism, which not only exacerbates internal damage but also significantly accelerates the deterioration process of the fracture surface. Quantitative analysis shows that both surface porosity and probability entropy are positively correlated with immersion pressure. Furthermore, increasing water pressure enhances the pressure-driven water-coal interaction, particularly in acidic mine water environments, leading to the softening, argillization, and dissolution of hydrophilic clay minerals, thereby reducing their relative content. These findings provide theoretical insights for optimizing coal mine hydraulic technologies, enhancing gas extraction efficiency, and ensuring underground stability.

A fault diagnosis method for rotating machinery components based on enhanced YOLO v8 and integrated attention mechanism

Accurate fault diagnosis of rotating machinery components is the key to ensuring the safe operation of the mechanical system. Aiming at problems such as inaccurate detection of small target fault features and loss of fault information in the process of advanced feature extraction that exist in conventional machine learning and traditional deep learning methods in the fault diagnosis of rotating machinery, this paper improves the YOLO v8. It proposes a YOLO v8-C-OD fault diagnosis method. Firstly, the original vibration signal is transformed into a time-frequency image with enhanced fault features using continuous wavelet transform (CWT) based on Morlet wavelet as the optimal wavelet basis (WBF) to form an experimental sample. Secondly, the C2F module in YOLO v8 Backbone is improved by introducing Omni-dimensional Dynamic Convolution (ODConv) into C2F to dynamically adjust the weight of each convolution kernel to enhance the fault feature extraction capability. Finally, the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) is fused into YOLO v8 to suppress unnecessary features and significantly improve the model fault diagnosis rate. Finally, experiments conducted on datasets such as those from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and Jiangsu Qianpeng Diagnostic Engineering Co. show that the fault classification diagnosis accuracy of this method reaches 100% and 99.75%, respectively, which outperforms existing state-of-the-art models. This study introduces a novel fault diagnosis method and provides a valuable reference for the fault diagnosis of aircraft and industrial rotating machinery components.

Optimizing soil quality and rhizosphere ecology to enhance Annona squamosa yield and quality through water-fertilizer-mulching synergy

To address the decline in Annona squamosa yield and quality in Yunnan Province resulting from inadequate irrigation and excessive fertilization, this study was focused on the interaction mechanism between rhizosphere micro ecology and fruit production of Annona squamosa , aiming to explore schemes to improve soil health and realize sustainable management of fruit trees. Based on field experiments conducted in 2022−2023, a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experimental design was developed (Irrigation: W1/W2/W3 for field water holding capacity is 55/75/85%; fertilization: F1/F2/F3 is 1666/2083/2500 kg·ha -1 ; mulching: A1/A2/A3 is no mulching/grass/straw mulching). The results indicated that irrigation and fertilization methods combined with mulching significantly influenced soil nutrient levels, and W2F3A1 treatment showed higher nutrient content at multiple growth stages. The activity of soil urease, phosphatase and catalase in soil reached its highest level under the W2F2A3 method. Analysis of microbial communities revealed that different treatments significantly affected the population size and diversity, with the highest microbial abundance observed under the W3F3A2 treatment. In terms of fruit quality, W2F2A3 treatment significantly increased the weight and yield of single fruit, and also stood out for soluble solids, soluble sugars, vitamin C content, and sugar-to-acid ratio. A close correlation was observed among soil nutrients, enzyme function and microbial community structure, on the one hand, and indicators of the quality of Annona squamosa fruit, on the other. Additionally a water-fertilizer-mulching evaluation algorithm based on PCA-GRA confirmed that W2F2A3 was the optimal solution. This study revealed the mechanism by which water, fertilizer, and mulching in orchards synergistically drive the regulation and optimization of rhizosphere micro ecology, clarified the key pathways through which straw mulching promotes nutrient cycling by regulating enzyme activity and microbial functions, and proposed the W2F2A3 optimization scheme, which provided a practical model for ecological restoration and economic benefits in green fruit tree cultivation.

Co-evolution of groups and opinions in an agent-based model

This study explores a model for the co-evolution of opinions and groups, related to opinion polarization and group identity in opinion dynamics. While traditional models focus on pairwise interactions, we incorporate the notion of groups thereby allowing agents to identify other agents as in-group or out-group. By modifying key parameters we examine how understanding interactions as in-group or out-group affects the convergence or divergence of opinions. Our findings reveal that attitude towards out-group plays a leading role in the polarization of such systems, while in-group interactions can temper extreme opinion shifts or even fragment groups. This model offers an understanding of the complex interplay between group identification and polarization, providing a contribution to ongoing debates about segregation and sectarianism in public and private spheres.

Efficient removal of arsenic (V) and methyl orange from aqueous solution using hollow magnetic chitosan composite microspheres: Low arsenic concentration, high adsorption capacity, and minimal adsorbent requirement

In this study, hollow Fe 3 O 4 -SiO 2 -chitosan adsorbent with an optimal chitosan concentration of 2% (w/v) was synthesized to enhance arsenic (V) adsorption performance from low-concentration aqueous solutions. The hollowing process was used to enhance the surface area of the adsorbent and compensate for the surface area reduction of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles induced by SiO 2 and chitosan coating layers. Furthermore, the adsorption properties of organic pollutants were evaluated using methyl orange as the adsorbate. The microspheres underwent systematic characterization, and their arsenic (V) and methyl orange adsorption capacities were evaluated under various influencing factors. The results indicated improved surface area (202.174 m 2 /g) compared to non-hollow magnetic adsorbents (110 m 2 /g) reported in previous studies. Complete arsenic (V) removal (100%) was achieved within 60 minutes at a concentration of 0.2 mg/L, using an adsorbent dose of 0.012 g at pH 5. The optimal adsorbent doses for methyl orange (0.1 g/L) and arsenic (V) (0.5 g/L) were notably lower than those reported in previous studies. The electrostatic attraction was likely the dominant mechanism for arsenic (V) adsorption, whereas methyl orange adsorption may involve n-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Langmuir isotherm, with maximum adsorption capacities of 175.086 mg/g for arsenic (V) at pH 5 and 2399.910 mg/g for methyl orange at pH 3. The adsorbent showed significant potential for removing arsenic (V) and methyl orange, particularly from acidic wastewater. Moreover, the adsorbent maintained significant portion of its initial adsorption capacity for As(V) and methyl orange even in the presence of competing anions such as phosphate, sulfate, chloride, and nitrate. After four adsorption–desorption cycles, it retained over 90% of its adsorption capacity, demonstrating excellent selectivity, stability, and strong potential for the effective removal of both As(V) and methyl orange from aqueous solutions.

The protective influence of Astragalus on rat models of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a high-risk hypertensive syndrome of pregnancy that occurs in the middle to late stages of pregnancy (after 20 weeks) and has become a major risk factor for maternal and fetal health and safety. Studies have shown that some components of Astragalus possess antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, which are beneficial in various diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Astragalus on preeclampsia-like symptoms in a rat model that was induced using NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Pregnant rats were evaluated for blood pressure, 24-hour urinary protein excretion, the number of surviving and resorbed fetuses, placental diameter and weight, as well as fetal body length and weight. Placental growth factor (PLGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Placental and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite, as well as serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, were measured. The expression of mRNA B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and caspase-3 were examined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and proteins expression were assessed using Western blot analysis. The results showed that Astragalus treatment can effectively improve the symptoms and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a PE rat model. Meanwhile, it has no adverse effects on normal pregnant rats and fetuses. Furthermore, the observed effects of Astragalus were associated with a reduction in oxidative damage, improved vascular endothelial function, and inhibition of the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 apoptosis pathway. This research indicate that Astragalus could serve as a promising candidate for treating PE.

Redirecting patients from the pediatric emergency department to community locations for care: A qualitative study of healthcare professional and leader perspectives

Objectives Emergency department (ED) to community (ED2C) programs, which redirect patients from the pediatric ED to community healthcare professionals represent a promising strategy to reduce the impact of non-urgent visits on the pediatric ED. Given an ED2C program’s potential impact on various care professionals, we completed a qualitative study to explore key informants’ attitudes and perceptions of pediatric ED2C programs. Methods We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with key informants in British Columbia, Canada. Participants included: pediatric ED staff – triage nurses and physicians; community professionals – pediatricians and family physicians; and health system leaders responsible for pediatric and emergency care in British Columbia. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, de-identified, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis within an interpretive description framework. A visual model was developed to depict key themes in attitudes and perceptions towards pediatric ED2C programs. Results We interviewed 24 participants: 6 community professionals, 11 pediatric ED professionals, and 7 healthcare leaders. Participants viewed the ED2C program as a valuable solution to address pediatric system strain provided that systemic barriers are addressed, and both emergency and community settings are equipped with adequate training and resources. Participants emphasized the need for clear guidelines on eligibility and operations to build confidence and enhance program effectiveness. Conclusions Our findings suggest there is support for ED2C programs as a means to reduce the impact of non-urgent pediatric ED visits and strengthen community-based care. Successful implementation will require coordinated planning, resource investment, and clear operational frameworks.

Behavioral insights into audience satisfaction: analyzing emotional and cognitive factors in K-culture dance engagement

Despite growing interest in Korean traditional dance through the Korean Wave (Hallyu), empirical research on audience satisfaction remains limited. This study examines how personal orientation, emotional/cognitive responses, and environmental factors influence audience satisfaction, grounded in Expectancy-Disconfirmation Theory and the Tripartite Model of Attitude. We surveyed 272 audience members (65.8% male; ages 20–59) attending a Korean traditional dance performance using a validated 20-item questionnaire (Cronbach’s α ≥ 0.78). Data collection included IRB approval, informed consent, pilot testing (N = 45), and comprehensive validity testing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that cognitive appreciation (β = 0.368, p < 0.001), emotional response (β = 0.289, p < 0.001), and environmental quality (β = 0.357, p < 0.001) collectively explained 72% of variance in satisfaction. Gender showed weak effects (β = 0.02, p < 0.05), while age, marital status, and occupation were non-significant. Quantile regression confirmed robust effects across all satisfaction levels. This research advances audience satisfaction theory by demonstrating that psychological experiences—not demographics—drive satisfaction universally across audience groups. The strong environmental effect in this Korean context suggests cultural contingencies in aesthetic experience. These findings provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for enhancing traditional performing arts experiences, though single-event sampling and self-report limitations necessitate future multi-site longitudinal research.

Impact of rAAV-shRNA treatment targeting mechanosensitive Ilk1 and Fermt2 in a mouse model of sepsis-induced muscle weakness

Introduction Intensive-care-unit-acquired-muscle-weakness is a debilitating complication of sepsis, characterized by loss of muscle mass and functionality. Immobilization is an important trigger, but the role of disturbed mechanical signaling is incompletely understood. In health, the integrin-receptor-complex with key components Kindlin2 (KIND2/ Fermt2 ) and integrin-linked-kinase (ILK/ Ilk1 ) converses mechanical forces into biochemical signals to regulate muscle mass. We hypothesize that this complex, through key elements KIND2 and ILK, plays a role in sepsis-induced-muscle-weakness. Methods AAV2/9-vectors expressing shRNA-sequences against Ilk1, Fermt2 or noncoding-control-gene were injected in tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of 24w-old male C57BL/6J mice. Two-weeks-post-injection, after knockdown validation, mice were made septic by cecal ligation and puncture. Five-days-post-sepsis muscle force, mass and fiber size were quantified and expression of mechanosensitive elements and downstream pathways of the integrin-receptor-complex was assessed. Results Two-weeks-post-injection the respective sh-targets were strongly suppressed (mRNA Ilk1 –44%, Fermt2 –76%, protein ILK −34%, KIND2–70%). In rAAV-sh- controls , sepsis induced upregulation across TA and EDL muscle of Ilk1 and Fermt2 and integrin-receptor-complex-related genes Itga 7, ItgB1 , Tln1 , Lims1, Lims2, Parva ( P < 0.001 ), whereas in SOL muscle Lims1, Lims2 and Fermt2 were not and Vcl1 ( P < 0.001 ) was upregulated. In TA and EDL, but not in SOL, rAAV-sh Ilk1 and rAAV-sh Fermt2 attenuated upregulation of respective targets down to healthy controls, but without affecting expression of other integrin-receptor-complex-related genes. TA muscle force or weight were not affected by rAAV-sh Ilk1 or rAAV-sh Fermt2 ( P > 0.05 ), whereas muscle fiber size reduction (−20.7% in Sepsis shControl) was attenuated up to −13.4% (Sepsis sh Ilk1 , P < 0.001 ) and −12.3% (Sepsis sh Fermt2 , P < 0.001 ). Sepsis or sh-treatment did not shift TA fiber types. Expression of markers of atrophy, inflammation, autophagy, protein synthesis and regeneration were affected by sepsis, but not by sh-treatment. Only markers of metabolism Slc2a4 ( P < 0.05) and Rac1 ( P < 0.01 ) were further affected by sh-treatment. Conclusions Sepsis induced upregulation of integrin-receptor-complex-related genes but attenuating the upregulation of Ilk1 or Fermt2 did not affect the development of muscle weakness, although muscle fiber size was better preserved, arguing against a key role for Ilk1 or Fermt2 .

Coping with rejection as a sperm donor: A qualitative study of the personal impact of rejection and new health information

Purpose The demand for sperm donation is increasing, yet only a small percentage of applicants are accepted, and little attention has been given to those who are rejected. The application process may reveal new medical or genetic information with potential personal and emotional consequences. The aim of this study was to explore how men experience rejection as sperm donors, including how they cope with the rejection and integrate potential new information into their lives. Methods We conducted qualitative, in-depth interviews with 19 men rejected as sperm donors. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Some men received new medical information that raised significant concerns, particularly regarding their health, fertility, and family. However, for most it was not the reason for rejection that affected them most, but the rejection itself. They had begun to identify as donors, and being turned down felt like a blow to their sense of self. Over time, participants used different coping strategies: information seeking, actionable reasoning, positive reframing, normalizing, and postponing. Although the experience was personally and emotionally challenging for many, it ultimately did not have a lasting negative impact on their lives. Conclusions Sperm donation is not only a medical act but also tied to social identity, with rejection having personal and emotional consequences. For men whose rejection is based on new medical information that causes significant concerns, sperm banks should support rejected donors and help them exit the process positively. Further research is warranted to find out how this can be done.

Shift from visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue in Cyp17a1-knockout rats prevents the progression of metabolic syndrome

In this study, we investigated the effects of Cyp17a1 gene knockout (KO) on obesity and metabolic syndrome. Cyp17a1 KO in rats using CRISPR-Cas9 resulted in sex dimorphism and obesity, and interestingly, site-specific accumulation was found in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Surprisingly, an insulin tolerance test and oral glucose tolerance test did not show any issues with insulin sensitivity and secretion despite hyperglycemia. In addition, Cyp17a1 KO rats showed normal plasma insulin and free fatty acid levels compared to wild-type rats, and blood biochemistry analysis revealed normal triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Cyp17a1 KO adipose-tissue-derived stem cells from SAT showed increased expression of KLF5, an early adipogenesis marker, which implies enhanced adipogenic potential in SAT. When gene expression associated with lipid, glucose, and insulin metabolism as well as inflammation in adipose tissue was examined, a metabolic shift to SAT was discovered in the Cyp17a1 KO group. In conclusion, in the Cyp17a1 KO rat models we generated for the first time, the phenotype promoted by obesity reflected metabolically healthy obesity hypothesis, but this did not exhibit metabolic syndrome-like features due to enhanced metabolism in the SAT.

Socio-structural determinants of burn injuries in Africa: The role of social inequality, informal housing, and access to clean cooking energy technology

In many African countries, burn injuries often lead to chronic disability, psychological trauma and socio-economic hardship. These consequences have a long-term impact on people’s well-being and livelihoods. It is argued that the contributions of selected socio-structural determinants to burns are an important focus especially for population prevention measures. Therefore, this study examines the contribution of key socio-structural determinants to the non-fatal burden of burn injuries in Africa, with a focus on social inequality, informal housing and access to clean cooking energy technologies. The study applies the panel correlated standard errors regression, ordinary least squares regression with robust standard errors with adjusted predictions and marginal effects plots, and the least squares dummy variables analysis using panel data of all five regions of Africa for the period 2000–2022. The study finds that social inequality and informal housing exacerbate the burden of burn injuries in Africa. Conversely, access to clean cooking energy technology reduces this burden. The findings are confirmed by robustness checks. In this regard, the study recommends policies that lower structural inequities to reduce the risk of burns for vulnerable populations. This involves concretizing strategies to reduce poverty and providing more appropriately targeted social safety nets. There is also a need for region-specific strategies that tackle inequality, improve energy accessibility, and enhance housing conditions as a means of mitigating burn-related hazards across Africa.

Preparation of silver-loaded metal-organic frameworks as a novel agent for arresting dental caries of primary teeth