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Flash droughts exacerbate global vegetation loss and delay recovery
Effects of iodine and selenium biofortification on Ocimum basilicum L. nutritional quality
High-risk human papillomavirus genotypes among women of hill districts in Bangladesh
Knowledge on the distribution of type specific HPV (Human papillomavirus) genotypes in female cervix is crucial to identify women who are at a higher risk of developing cancer. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of High-risk HPV genotypes among women of three Hill districts of Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1st January and 30th June 2024 among 1602 selected married asymptomatic tribal and nontribal women (30–60 years of age) at three Hill districts. Partial genotyping of HPV DNA specimens which detects the presence of 14 high-risk genotypes (including individual HPV-16, HPV-18, and others as a pooled group) was performed at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). Women with previous treatment of cervical precancer and cancer, hysterectomy, cervical amputation and pregnancy were excluded. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 25.0, employing Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests and P value <0.05 were considered significant. HR-HPV prevalence’s were expressed as proportions. The influence of HR-HPV infection and socio-demographic factors was assessed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The overall HR-HPV prevalence was 2.7% (n = 44) and 0.8% (n = 13) were tested positive for HPV16, 0.2% (n = 4) for HPV18 and 1.6% (n = 26) for ‘Other HR-HPV’ types. No significant difference of HR-HPV prevalence was observed among the three districts (p-value = 0.352) and among tribal (2.4%) and non-tribal/Bengali (3.2%) women (p-value>0.05). Higher number of marriages of the husbands have independent association with HR-HPV positivity showing an odds ratio of 2.02 (95% CI: 1.07–3.82, p = 0.030). The HR-HPV prevalence in hill districts of Bangladesh is low with independent association of higher number of marriages of the husbands with HR-HPV positivity. These findings may guide policymakers to initiate HR-HPV DNA-based screening and reconsider vaccination strategies in the hill areas, including the introduction of gender-neutral vaccination.
Integration of multiple metabolic pathways supports high rates of carbon precipitation in living microbialites
Chemical composition-driven performance evaluation model for sbs-modified asphalt using multivariate statistical
Comparing RNA extraction protocols from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded microcore samples
The ability to analyze intratumoral heterogeneity is of great interest for both diagnostic and basic research purposes. However, currently available dissection techniques are unsuitable for routine use and hard to access financially. Recently, a novel microcore-based dissection technique has been developed by the company Excilone for studying tissue heterogeneity in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) microcore samples. The use of FFPE biological samples for transcriptomic studies, coupled with their small size, remains a real barrier to dissection applications. The efficacy of five commercially available RNA extraction kits were analyzed on microcores collected from human and mice FFPE tissues. Thirty microcore samples of healthy tissue (human uterus and stomach, and murine liver and spleen) were collected and distributed equally and randomly to the five kits assessed. Microcores were collected directly from paraffin blocks using 200 µm inner diameter needles with a sample depth, variable regarding to tissue type, ranging from 450 to 600 µm. Overall RNA yield and RNA fragmentation were evaluated, and RT-qPCR analyses were carried out after deparaffinization and compared to non-deparaffinization protocols. RNA yields and RNA fragmentation varied considerably between kits and FFPE tissues analyzed. Although the main limitation of this technique is the small initial sample size, differences in qPCR efficiency were also observed. Interestingly, no significant differences were observed between deparaffinized and non-deparaffinized microcore samples. Ultimately, we demonstrate the feasibility of using FFPE microcore samples for sensitive molecular biology applications, both with and without deparaffinization. The importance of setting up an optimized workflow was emphasized by significant differences observed in outcomes of the different protocols.
Gigahertz-frequency acousto-optic phase modulation of visible light in a CMOS-fabricated photonic circuit
Transcriptome analysis of orbital tissue in thyroid eye disease uncovers key pathogenic mediators
Cooperative environmental engineering via biofilm formation can stabilize consumer-resource systems
Cooperation can stabilize consumer-resource dynamics, preventing over-exploitation driven by individual self-interest. The maintenance of cooperation in such systems is often attributed to individual-level behaviors, such as punishment of defectors, however, an alternate and under-explored path to stability involves environmental engineering by cooperative consumers, who may modify the environment to favor cooperators. Microbial biofilms are an important instance of cooperative resource use involving environmental modification. Here, we demonstrate that biofilms can stabilize cooperative populations against cheating by giving preferential access of resources to cooperators, ensuring positive growth rates for cooperators when rare. We show that collective environmental modification offers pathways to stability across a broad parameter space, encompassing a range of rates for physiological processes, social behaviors, and environmental interactions. Including cooperative environmental modification in models of consumer-resource dynamics opens novel directions for understanding and managing ecological and evolutionary dynamics in social systems.
Plasma metabolomic signature of breastfeeding and risk of cardiometabolic diseases
Energy transfer and multicolour photoluminescence in phosphors La2O3 doped by Tm3⁺, Ho3⁺, and Eu3⁺ for white LED and security applications
Lactate dehydrogenase is an indicator for outcomes of short-term and long-term in septic patients
Objective The association between lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and clinical outcomes in sepsis was explored based on MIMIC-IV database. Methods This was a retrospective study. Models including unadjusted model and adjusted models were performed for exploring the association of LDH with 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality. The smooth fitting curves were constructed by using generalized additive model. The predictive value of LDH for clinical outcomes in sepsis was evaluated. The statistical software of EmpowerStats ( http://www . empowerstats. com) and R ( http://www.R-project.org ) were applied for analysis. Results 6775 sepsis patients were included. After adjusted for all potential confounders, for every 100 IU/L increment in LDH, the risk of 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality increased by 11% (odds ratio (OR)=1.11, 95%CI:1.08–1.13, P < 0.0001) and 12% (OR=1.12, 95%CI:1.09–1.14, P < 0.0001), respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of LDH for predicting mortalities of 30-day and 1-year were 0.667 (95%CI:0.652–0.681) and 0.646 (95%CI: 0.632–0.660), respectively. Conclusion LDH was positively correlated with 30-day and 1-year mortalities in sepsis and the relationship was nonlinear.
Tunable colloidal swarmalators with hydrodynamic coupling
Abstract Swarmalators - entities that combine swarming with synchronization - offer a powerful framework for understanding systems where spatial organization and internal degrees of freedom are bidirectionally coupled. Such interplay arises in diverse natural and engineered systems, from Japanese tree frogs and magnetic domain walls to robotic swarms. In contrast to an established theoretical framework, experimental realizations with tunable coupling between motion and phase remain elusive. Here, we present a controllable swarmalator system based on feedback-controlled self-propelling colloidal particles orbiting around reference points and interacting via hydrodynamic flows. We show that synchronization and spatial dynamics co-evolve, giving rise to collective states including synchronized clusters, rotating aggregates, and dispersive phases using a single control parameter. A rapid change of this parameter between regimes of attractive and repulsive phase-mediated interactions yields dynamic regimes inaccessible to systems with static interactions. Simulations incorporating squirmer and lubrication forces support our findings. We also find a new interaction channel through synchronization-dependent forces perpendicular to the connection axis between swarmalators. In general, our platform provides a versatile testbed for probing swarmalator physics but also offers novel strategies for the design of self-organizing active matter.
Bioactive aporphines and flavonoids from a fermented beverage target metabolic inflammatory pathways in obesity and type 2 diabetes
Abstract The global syndemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) demands safe, multi-targeted dietary interventions. FH03FS, a sterilized fermented beverage blended from five medicinal food homologous (MFH) plants, represents a promising candidate. However, the phytochemical profile and mechanistic basis for its potential efficacy remain uncharacterized. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis of FH03FS revealed a wide spectrum of compounds. Ten key bioactive ingredients, primarily aporphines and flavonoids, were identified as the primary active components based on favorable pharmacokinetic properties. In silico Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) profiling indicated high gastrointestinal (GI) absorption and low toxicity risks for these compounds. Network pharmacology demonstrated the modulation of core pathways driving metabolic inflammation. Molecular docking preliminarily identified multiple high-affinity interactions between the bioactive compounds and core targets. The exceptional stability and strong binding of representative complexes, notably Morin-ESR1 and Asimilobine-PPARG, were further validated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This study demonstrates that FH03FS, rich in aporphines and flavonoids, exerts multi-target effects against obesity and T2D. Our findings thereby provide a phytochemical and mechanistic foundation for its development as a ready-to-consume functional beverage and offer testable hypotheses for future validation.
Quality of referral system and associated factors among referred clients referred to dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, Northeast, Ethiopia
Background An effective referral system acts as a connection among the three tiers of healthcare in Ethiopia, ensuring the seamless provision of appropriate health services. The success of the referral system is a key factor influencing the overall quality and strength of healthcare delivery. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality of the referral system and associated factors among referred clients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 413 referred patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 15, 2023, to February 15, 2023. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data entry and processing were performed using EpiData version 4.4.2 and exported to SPSS version 26.0 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the quality of the referral system. Crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR), along with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated. A p-value < 0.05 in the final model was considered statistically significant. This study assessed the referral system’s structure (forms, transport registers, focal persons), process (14 referral paper components like patient details and reasons), and outcomes (patient satisfaction surveys). Result The overall quality of the referral system to Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was 62.5% (95% CI: 57.6%–66.8%). The overall input quality of the referral system was 90.3% (95% CI: 87.7%–93.2%), and the overall process quality was 88.3% (95% CI: 86.5%–91.6%). Patient satisfaction was 44.6% (95% CI: 40.0%–49.2%). Transport mode was significantly associated with the quality of the referral system: patients transported by ambulance [AOR: 6.59, 95% CI: 3.49–12.43], by vehicle [AOR: 5.62, 95% CI: 2.33–10.52], by public taxi [AOR: 3.82, 95% CI: 1.25–8.65], and those referred from rural areas [AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.19–0.56]. Conclusion Generally, a significant proportion of referred clients received poor referral quality. Improvements are needed by establishing and facilitating a transportation mechanism and a feedback system.
A multi-agent reinforcement learning framework for exploring dominant strategies in iterated and evolutionary games
Abstract Exploring dominant strategies in iterated games holds theoretical and practical significance across diverse domains. Previous studies, through mathematical analysis of limited cases, have unveiled classic strategies such as tit-for-tat, generous-tit-for-tat, win-stay-lose-shift, and zero-determinant strategies. While these strategies offer valuable insights into human decision-making, they represent only a small subset of possible strategies, constrained by limited mathematical and computational tools available to explore larger strategy spaces. To bridge this gap, we propose an approach using multi-agent reinforcement learning to delve into complex decision-making processes that go beyond human intuition. Our approach has led to the discovery of a strategy that we call memory-two bilateral reciprocity strategy. Memory-two bilateral reciprocity strategy consistently outperforms a wide range of strategies in pairwise interactions while achieving high payoffs. When introduced into an evolving population with diverse strategies, memory-two bilateral reciprocity strategy demonstrates dominance and fosters higher levels of cooperation and social welfare in both homogeneous and heterogeneous structures, as well as across various game types. This high performance is verified by simulations and mathematical analysis. Our work highlights the potential of multi-agent reinforcement learning in uncovering dominant strategies in iterated and evolutionary games.
A biocompatible propolis pollen and ZnO nanorod composite with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity
Changes in quality of life over time through the lens of young people aged 18–24 in 2016 in Gauteng Province of South Africa
Young people in South Africa face many challenges that include high unemployment, economic hardships, high rates of crime, alcohol and substance abuse, violence, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Quality-of-life (QoL) surveys done over time help identify the challenges faced by this group and help with designing appropriate programmes to mitigate these challenges. The study aimed to assess changes in the QoL of young people aged 18 to 24 in 2016, using a 32 to 38-year-old cohort as a comparison group. Mixed effects regression models with time and age-group interaction terms were used to assess changes in QoL between 2016 and 2024 for the two age groups using four unlinked surveys. Marginal QoL mean scores decreased from 62.5 in 2016 to 59.2 in 2024 for youth living in Gauteng province, South Africa, while for the older cohort, the mean score initially increased from 62.5 to 64.2 between 2016 and 2018 but had decreased to 60.1 by 2024. QoL scores for the older age group were marginally higher compared to the younger group in 2018 (64.2 vs 63.5), 2021 (61.6 vs 60.9), and 2024 (60.1 vs 59.2). Among youth, the following QoL domains contributed to the observed decrease in overall QoL scores: satisfaction with government, life satisfaction, health status, and satisfaction with public services, with the only noticeable consistent increase observed in the participation domain. There were noticeable increases in the marginal mean scores for the socio-economic status domain for the older cohort after the COVID-19 epidemic, with the opposite observed among the young age group. Young people in the Gauteng province of South Africa are generally discontented and dissatisfied with life as they age. Challenges with unemployment, safety, violence, and mental health need to be urgently addressed to avoid possible unrest, as observed before and elsewhere in the country.
Mature fault mechanics revealed by the highly efficient 2025 Mandalay earthquake
Abstract Understanding the causes of variability in earthquake rupture characteristics, particularly the distribution of shallow slip and the extent of off-fault deformation, is crucial for refining seismic hazard models and understanding fundamental rupture mechanics. The 28 March 2025 magnitude 7.7 earthquake on Myanmar’s Sagaing fault, the largest instrumentally recorded event in the region, is an extreme example of rupture behavior on mature, geometrically simple strike-slip systems. Here, we use Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and optical satellite imagery to characterize the coseismic surface deformation field and infer the slip distribution along its ~500-km rupture. Our results reveal a remarkably sharp surface rupture with effectively zero shallow slip deficit along its entire length; peak slip consistently occurred at or near the surface, contrasting sharply with recent large earthquakes on less mature faults with significant off-fault deformation and shallow slip deficit. Furthermore, while the rupture smoothly propagated through seismic gaps, we show that it also re-ruptured segments previously broken in 1929, 1930 and 1956, but with reduced slip in these zones – consistent with a slip-predictable model. These observations highlight that rupture processes on mature plate boundary faults can be highly efficient, with implications for seismic hazard assessment on similar strike-slip fault systems worldwide.