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Smart photonic crystal fiber optical sensor for tuberculosis detection with machine learning integration

Measuring geographic proximity and continuity with family medicine at end-of-life: Protocol for a population-level retrospective cohort study using Canadian Health Administrative Data

Background Family physicians play an important role in coordinating care for medically complex patients, especially during the end-of-life (EOL) period. While continuity of care (COC) is a routinely measured care quality indicator, the influence of geographic proximity to family physicians on EOL COC has not been studied in the Canadian context. Existing research has focused on rurality indicators instead of individual-level proximity measures. Objectives This study objectives are to: (1) measure the association between patients’ geographic proximity to their family physician and COC during the patients’ last year of life; and (2) measure the association between geographic proximity and the number of days spent in the community and palliative homecare services referral in the last year of life, and place of death. Methods We will conduct a population-level retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative data from ICES in Ontario, Canada, of adults who died between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024. Geographic proximity to the rostered family physician will be calculated in the shortest travel distance and time from the patient’s residence to the physicians primary practice location, considering road, transit, and walking infrastructure. COC will be measured using three indices: Usual Provider of Care, Modified Bice-Boxerman, and Relative Variance indices, based on outpatient visits in the last year of life. EOL outcomes will include days spent in the community, referral to palliative home care, and place of death. Multivariate regression will measure associations between proximity and outcomes, adjusting for relevant patient-level characteristics. Expected outcomes We hypothesize that patients living closer to their family physician will experience higher COC and improved healthcare outcomes at the end of life. Findings have the potential to inform health policy and planning aimed at improving equitable geographic access to family medicine during the late stages of life.

In-silico investigations of bioactive compounds from ginger against Lassa fever virus nucleoprotein

Design and experimental study of a precision fluid hill-drop planter for maize

The study presents the design of a precision maize hill-drop dibbler based on fluid control and zero-speed seeding theory, developed to overcome challenges of poor planting precision, seed damage, limited terrain adaptability, and low water-use efficiency in maize cultivation across the hilly regions of Southwest China. To this end, a novel precision fluid hill-drop planter was designed, integrating fluid control with zero-speed seeding theory. The device employs a seed-liquid separation and terminal mixing design, where a crank-connecting rod-driven piston pump ensures precise fluid delivery. A direct comparative experimental framework was established, evaluating the proposed planter against a traditional spoon-wheel seeder under identical bench-test conditions. Performance was assessed through CFD-DEM coupled simulation and systematic experiments across multiple dimensions: seeding precision (qualified, multiple, and miss index), hill-forming characteristics, and fluid performance (water application per hill, seed bounce distance). The comparative results demonstrated that within an operating speed range of 1.2 ~ 1.6 m/s, the new planter achieved a qualified index exceeding 91%, a significant improvement of 12.5% over the conventional device. The seed bounce distance was controlled within 5.4 mm, representing a 63.2% reduction. Furthermore, the system exhibited excellent operational stability, with a coefficient of variation for water application per hill of less than 2% and a check valve leakage rate below 3%. Through collaborative parameter optimization, breakthrough indicators were achieved: a 94.8% seed-water coincidence rate and a hill spacing deviation of no more than 1.0%. This research validates the proposed planter’s superior performance and reliability, providing an effective technical solution to enhance sowing uniformity and water-use efficiency in complex terrain.

Enhancing breast magnetic resonance imaging segmentation with a federated semi-supervised approach

Proinflammatory gene and protein expression alterations in human limbal aniridia fibroblasts

Aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK) results from the paired box 6 (PAX6) gene haploinsufficiency, leading to depletion of limbal epithelial stem cells, persistent inflammation and a gradual loss of vision. Although fibroblasts are acknowledged as sentinel cells initiating corneal inflammation, their contribution in the chronic inflammatory state of AAK remains unexplored. Our study aims to compare PAX6 and inflammatory cytokine expression in limbal fibroblast cells (LFCs) of corneal donors and aniridia patients (AN-LFCs). Furthermore, we subjected LFCs and AN-LFCs to LPS and cobalt chloride (CoCl 2 ), to investigate specific inflammatory reactions. Following isolation and culture, primary LFCs ( n  = 7) and AN-LFCs ( n  = 7) were subjected to a 24-hour treatment with E. coli LPS or a 48-hour exposure to CoCl 2 as a chemical oxidative stress (OS) inducer. Subsequently, PAX6 as well as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and VEGF gene expression was examined by qPCR. Corresponding protein levels were assessed by ELISA from the cell culture supernatants. AN-LFCs exhibited similar PAX6 mRNA levels as normal LFCs ( p  ≥ 0.38). Notably, LPS treatment ( p  ≤ 0.02), but not CoCl 2 , significantly enhanced PAX6 expression. Untreated AN-LFCs showed higher IL-6 mRNA ( p  = 0.002) and protein levels ( p  = 0.009) but lower TNF-α protein expression ( p  = 0.016) than LFCs. When exposed to LPS, AN-LFCs exhibited higher IL-1β mRNA ( p  = 0.0008), as well as IL-6 protein expression ( p  = 0.029) than normal LFCs. Under OS, an elevated IL-6 protein ( p  = 0.010) was observed in AN-LFCs compared to LFCs. Our study revealed inflammatory gene and protein expression alterations in AN-LFCs, that could be involved in the stromal niche perturbations seen in AAK.

Thermophilic and mesophilic sulfate reduction by rare biosphere bacteria in acidic metal-bearing mine wastes from the temperate climate zone

Experimental study on water-heat-salt migration and deformation characteristics of subgrade filler during freeze-thaw cycles in Northwestern China

The seasonal freeze-thaw action of saline soils in Northwestern China deteriorates embankment material properties, thereby adversely affecting train ride comfort and increasing railway maintenance expenditures. To explore the mechanism of sulfate erosion on subgrade fillers, soil column freeze-thaw cycling tests were conducted with the background of the arching disease in the transition sections of ballastless railway culverts in Northwestern China. The water-temperature-salt migration and deformation characteristics of subgrade filler during freeze-thaw cycles are investigated. The results show that the magnitudes of temperature variations decrease upon increasing the distance from the top. Additionally, under alternating hot and cold cycles, a temperature lag occures at the lower sensors. For the multi-layer soil column, the water content increases with the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The salt content in the multi-layer soil column gradually migrates upward upon increasing the number of freeze-thaw cycles, and the overall salt content continuously increases, reaching the top of the column by the 5 th cycle. During both single-layer and multi-layer freeze-thaw cycles, the accumulated residual deformation increases with the number of cycles. Component analysis and microstructural examinations reveal the formation of ettringite and gypsum within the samples, which are related to water-heat-salt migration.

A ten-year drive to credit authors for their work — and why there’s still more to do

Spatiotemporal variation, multi-scenario simulation, and driving factors analysis of habitat quality based on FLUS-InVEST and Geodetector models for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, China

Determination of appropriate time for establishing a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis induced by bilateral oophorectomy: From bibliometric analysis to animal experiment

Objective This study aimed to investigate the optimal age for developing a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis via bilateral oophorectomy. Moreover, the timing and effectiveness of the established model was monitored to provide scientific foundation to guide future research aimed investigating the timing and model selection in various interventions and treatments. Methods Data from animal experiments investigating postmenopausal osteoporosis published in the past 10 years were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The obtained data were imported into Excel, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer software and screened to identify high-frequency animal models. The sexual maturation status of these high-frequency animals at different ages was examined through vaginal smear HE staining, measurement of serum estrogen (E2) levels, and examination of ovarian uterine morphology. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in sexually mature animals, and the HE staining assay was carried out on vaginal smears for five consecutive days starting from the fourth day post-operation to confirm the success of the ovariectomy. Subsequently, alterations in bone mineral density and bone histopathology were dynamically analyzed at 6-, 9-, and 12-weeks post-operation, which enabled us to systematically evaluate the model’s effectiveness. Result The search identified 668 articles and bibliometric analyses demonstrated that the C57BL/6j mice were the most frequently used species, accounting for 44.3%, with the 8-week-old C57BL/6j mice being the most common (n = 139, 34.75%). Mice at different weeks of age were selected as the subjects of sexual maturation test. It was observed that there were no marked changes in estrous cycle in the vaginal smear of 4w and 6w groups, but notable cellular changes and estrous cycle fluctuations were observed in the vaginal smear of 8w, 10w and 12w. The serum level of E2 was not significantly different between the 4w and 6w groups, but the level of E2 in the 8w, 10w and 12w groups was significantly higher relative to that of the proestrus and diestrus (P < 0.05). Moreover, the ovaries of the 4w and 6w groups were smaller and flat, most of them were primordial follicles and primary follicles, without discernable a corpus luteum. The ovaries of the 8, 10 and 12w groups were enlarged and full, with mature follicles and corpus luteum detected in the 8w and 12w groups. In the time monitoring experiment, the results vaginal smear of the sham operation group revealed a complete estrus cycle, but it was irregular in the model group. Mice in the sham operation group exhibited full uterine shape, thick uterine body, which appeared fleshy pink. In addition, the uterine shape of the models in all groups following bilateral ovariectomy exhibited atrophic, irregular, thin, and gray. The trabecular bone in the model groups was disorderly, broken, and decreased compared to those of the sham operation group. At 9 and 12 weeks, the trabecular bone fracture disorder was severe in the model group; however, the number of trabecular bones was not significantly different between the 9-week model group and the 12-week model group. Furthermore, bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and trabecular bone number (Tb.N) were comparable between the 6-week model group and the sham operation group. In contrast, the BMD, BV/TV, and Tb.N in the 12-week model group exhibited a modest but non-significant decrease relative to the 9-week model group. The concentration level of BALP and TRACP-5b did not differ significantly between the 6-week model group and the sham operation group. In contrast, BALP was significantly lower in the 9-week and 12-week model groups compared to levels in the sham operation group, while the levels of TRACP-5b in the 9-week and 12-week model groups were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group(P < 0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates that, at 8 weeks of age, C57BL/6J mice are the most suitable animal model for bilateral ovariectomy, owing to their stable maturity. A postmenopausal osteoporosis model can be established 9 weeks after the initial operation, which can facilitate further research on postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Intra-scale interaction and cross-scale fusion network for detecting the progression of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease

Sugar-sweetened beverage/snack consumption and its determinants among infant and young children aged 6–23 months in twelve Sub-Saharan African countries: Evidence from 2019–2023 Demographic Health Survey data

Background Sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks are limited in nutritional value. Excess consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks in early childhood is associated with inadequate micronutrient intake, being overweight or obese, and developing chronic diseases later in life. There is scarcity of information specific to sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks consumption prevalence and its determinants in Sub-Saharan Africa Countries. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of sugar-sweetened beverage or snack consumption and its determinants among infants and young children aged 6–23 months. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted using demographic and health survey data conducted from 2019 to 2023 from twelve Sub-Saharan African countries. A weighted sample of 23,145 children aged 6–23 months was included in the study. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the dependent variable. The level of statistical significance was declared with a p-value < 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Results The pooled prevalence of Sugar-sweetened beverage or snack consumption was 25.40% (95% CI: 24.84% − 25.96%). In multilevel multivariable logistic regression analysis, children aged between 9−11(AOR = 1.95 95% CI: 1.62, 2.35), 12–17(AOR = 2.83; 95% CI: 2.26, 3.54), and 18−23 months (AOR = 3.77;95% CI: 3.07, 4.63), media exposure (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI:1.28, 1.98), children from households with middle (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.73) and rich (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.87, 2.85) wealth status, post natal checkup (AOR = 1.18; 95%CI:1.05,1.33), maternal ANC visit (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.22), and high community media exposure ((AOR = 2.22;95%CI:1.65,5.81) were positively associated significant factors whereas currently breast feeding children (AOR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.59,0.82), older age at first birth (AOR = 0.88,95% CI: 0.81, 0.96), presences of more than one under-5 children in the household (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.99), mothers don’t perceive distance to health facility as big problem (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI:0.76, 0.98), and children reside in rural (AOR = 0.83;95%CI:0.68,0.95) were negatively associated with sugar sweetened beverage or snack consumption. Conclusion In this study, one out of four children consumed sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks. Current age of child, current breastfeeding status of child, media exposure, wealth index, maternal age at first birth, post natal checkup, maternal ANC visit, number of under-five children in the household, distance to health facility, place of residence, and community level media exposure were significant factors with sugar-sweetened beverage or snack consumption. Therefore, it is recommended to raise awareness about the health risks of sugar-sweetened beverage and snack consumption, enforce restrictions on their advertisement, strengthen nutrition-focused counseling within maternal and child health services with special attention for older age children, promote breastfeeding, and give special attention to challenges related to health facility accessibility, and support for young mothers.

Cyberattacks’ harm to universities is growing — and so are their effects on research

KIAA1429 impairs anti-tumor immunity via regulation of PD-L1 and CD8+ T cells in colorectal cancer

Multi-locus phylogenetic network analysis of Ampelomyces mycoparasites isolated from diverse powdery mildews in Australia and the generation of two de novo genome assemblies

The interactions between powdery mildews ( Ascomycota , Erysiphaceae ), obligate biotrophic pathogens of many plants, and pycnidial fungi belonging to the genus Ampelomyces , are classic examples of specific mycoparasitic relationships. These interactions are common and finely tuned tritrophic relationships amongst host plants, powdery mildews, and Ampelomyces mycoparasites wherever these organisms co-occur in the field. Selected Ampelomyces strains have already been developed as biocontrol agents of powdery mildew infections of some crops. In Australia, their study has received little attention so far. Only a single Ampelomyces strain, included in a whole-genome sequencing (WGS) project, was known from this continent. Here, we report the isolation of 20 more Ampelomyces strains from eight powdery mildew species in Australia. Multi-locus phylogenetic network analyses of all the 21 Australian Ampelomyces strains carried out in combination with 32 reference strains from overseas revealed that the Australian strains belonged to four molecular taxonomic units (MOTUs). All those MOTUs were delimited earlier based on Ampelomyces strains isolated in Europe, North America, and elsewhere. Based on the phylogenetic analyses, two Australian strains belonging to different MOTUs were selected for WGS. Long-read (MinION) and short-read (Illumina) technologies were used to provide genome assemblies with high completeness. Both assemblies have a bipartite structure, i.e., consisted of AT-rich, gene-sparse regions interspersed with GC-balanced, gene-rich regions. These new high-quality assemblies and evidence-based annotations are important resources for future analyses of mycoparasitic interactions to disentangle molecular mechanisms underlying mycoparasitism, possible new biocontrol applications, and naturally occurring tritrophic relationships.

Dosage effect of copy number variation in epilepsy and ten regions of the human brain

Abstract Epilepsy and seizures are common neurological conditions which often manifest with complex symptoms. Several studies including large scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and exome studies have reported several catalogues of genes related to epilepsies and seizure generation. Similarly, there exists several successful studies elucidating the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for the human brain. Here, as one of few studies in the current literature we have analysed and reported the dosage effect of small-to-intermediate length copy-number variants (CNVs) in two epilepsy cohorts characterised for phenotypes such as seizure counts, seizure frequency and remission to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). In addition, we have performed comprehensive CNV based eQTL analysis in different regions of the normal human brain from the United Kingdom Brain Expression Consortium (UKBEC) study. We leveraged all analyses to decipher new genes for epilepsy phenotypes such as seizure frequency and further uncovered genetic controls of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and signalling molecules like G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Importantly, we observed and have reported clustering of cis CNV-QTL signals in specific regions of the human genome such as the chromosome 1p36 proband containing the GNB1 gene or the chromosome 9q22 proband containing NANS. This observed phenomenon of clustering or co-localisation of association signals was further corroborated by our non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) analysis of the UKBEC gene expression data. To conclude, our results here successfully describe in detail the dosage effect of CNVs for epileptic seizures and further elucidates its role in the genomic architecture of gene expression in various regions of the human brain.

Correction: Anti-staphylococcal activity, antibiotic-resistance modulation effects and action of Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae) fruit extracts on the antioxidant system of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Assessing the short-term impacts of in-air firework sounds on marine species in Cape Town, South Africa

Identification and validation of palmitoylation-related signature genes based on machine learning for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men, with challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to tumor heterogeneity. This study identifies palmitoylation-related signature genes as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Integrating GEO datasets, six differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to palmitoylation were identified. Machine learning algorithms (LASSO, RF, SVM) selected three core genes: TRPM4, LAMB3, and APOE. A diagnostic model based on these genes achieved an AUC of 0.929, demonstrating robust accuracy in distinguishing PCa from normal tissues. Functional analysis revealed roles in lipid metabolism and immune modulation, with ssGSEA highlighting correlations between key genes and immune cell infiltration. Experimental validation showed that LAMB3 overexpression suppressed PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while knockdown enhanced these processes. Molecular docking identified diethylstilbestrol as a potential therapeutic agent targeting LAMB3 and APOE. These findings emphasize the clinical relevance of palmitoylation-related genes in PCa diagnosis and therapy, offering novel biomarkers and insights for personalized treatment strategies.