Browse Articles

Molecular epidemiological characteristics of coxsackievirus A6 in Jinhua, China, 2019–2023

Heart failure induced by isoproterenol: A comparison of two doses and two delivery methods in C57BL/6J mice

Heart failure (HF) modeling requires standardized protocols to ensure translational relevance. Despite the widespread use of isoproterenol (ISO)—a β-adrenergic agonist—in HF modeling, methodological inconsistencies in dosing and administration routes limit reproducibility. This study evaluated the effects of subcutaneous (SC) and intraperitoneal (IP) administration of ISO at two literature-established doses (5 and 60 mg/kg/day for 14 days) on cardiac remodeling in C57BL/6J mice, aiming to identify the optimal protocol for HF modeling. Using a factorial design, male C57BL/6J mice aged 6–8 weeks were divided into six cohorts: (1) SC saline control, (2) IP saline control, (3) SC 5 mg/kg ISO, (4) IP 5 mg/kg ISO, (5) SC 60 mg/kg ISO, and (6) IP 60 mg/kg ISO, with daily administration for 14 days. High-dose ISO (60 mg/kg/day) induced a 25% mortality rate in both SC and IP cohorts, yet IP administration exhibited marked inter-individual variability, undermining model reliability. Echocardiography revealed SC 5 mg/kg group induced stable systolic dysfunction accompanied by left ventricular dilation, while maintaining 100% survival. This cohort also displayed significantly elevated hypertrophy indices. Histopathological quantification suggested that SC 60 mg/kg induced extensive fibrosis. All ISO-treated groups showed upregulated myocardial hypertrophy markers and approximately 2-fold elevation in serum NT-proBNP levels. In summary, SC 5 mg/kg/day regimen not only ensures reliable phenotype induction but also reduces animal attrition, offering a robust platform for investigating CHF mechanisms and accelerating therapeutic development.

Molecular characterization of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli in two different wastewater treatment plants in Hatay Province, Türkiye

Who gets what, where: To what extent are inequalities in distribution of Norwegian child welfare service measures related to spatial and temporal variation

Inequality has long been a persistent issue, but it has intensified since the turn of the millennium and is now considered one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Even in Norway, which is traditionally considered an egalitarian society, there is an increase in income inequalities. Inequality disproportionately affects marginalized groups; one especially marginalized group is young people with experience in child welfare services. Traditionally, inequality in child welfare services has been explored from individual or family perspectives. However, it has been argued that spatial and temporal dimensions also influence the distribution of these services. This paper looks beyond individual and family factors by examining how temporal and spatial factors affect distribution of child welfare services in Norway. Using registry data for individuals born in Norway in 1995 and 2005, the study combines logistic regression analysis with hotspot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) in GIS. The findings reveal that both spatial and temporal factors significantly influence the distribution of child welfare services in Norway. In particular, living in rural municipalities is associated with reduced access to services. As a result, the national principle of equal access to services across all regions is not being upheld.

Optimizing driving waveforms to enhance inkjet printing speed

Estimating psychophysiological loads by repeated temperature steps on humans using a state–space model

Humans are exposed to daily temperature differences indoors and outdoors worldwide; however, the associated risks to health and fatigue remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the psychophysiological loads by repeated short-term temperature differences on Japanese individuals. Herein, 28 healthy individuals were repeatedly moved between two temperature environments, and their psychological/physiological responses to temperature differences in the environment were recorded [T 26-26 (control), T 26-31 (5 °C step), T 26-36 (10 °C step), and T 21-36 (15 °C step)]. We precisely estimated the accumulated effects (load) of repeated temperature steps using a Bayesian state–space model, and distinguished them from the direct effects of environmental changes. The Load to the autonomic nervous system was continuously enhanced (decreased high-frequency of RRI and increased low-frequency/high-frequency of RRI) in the trials with temperature steps, while it was less under the T 21-36 (15 °C step) than under the T 26-36 (10 °C step) condition. These findings could help formulate fatigue management approaches and recommend best practices to minimise adverse health effects related to sudden and uncontrollable environmental temperature steps/changes in everyday scenarios on the public.

The periodontal pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum is associated with disease severity in multiple sclerosis

Lookback supports semi-parallel, just-in-time processing in second language written composition

Purpose Competent written production results from semi-parallel processes that flow from content determination to finger movement. Information from upstream processes that is not used immediately is easily lost. This disruption is more likely when a writer composes in a language in which they lack expertise (L2) than when they compose in their first language (L1). Looking back into text-just-written may serve to maintain fluent processing. Our research determined whether patterns of hesitation (pausing) and lookback in L1 and L2 writing were consistent with this theory. Method 39 university students composed argumentative texts by keyboard in L1 (English) and L2 (non-expert Spanish). Participants’ keystrokes were logged, and eye movements were tracked to determine when they looked back into their already-written text, and what text was fixated. Analysis focused just on cases where hesitation occurred in the absence of error correction. Results Students hesitated more frequently and for longer when writing in L2. Lookback in L2 was more common and deeper within existing text before and within words. Lookback at start of sentences was relatively frequent in both L1 and L2, but more extensive in L2. Conclusion Findings are consistent with lookback serving to refresh memory for what to write next.

Heterogeneity of white matter hyperintensities in Alzheimer’s disease captured by multimodal neuroimaging

Chinese music teachers value effectiveness, social, and facilitating factors over ease of use in ICT integration: A PLS-SEM study

The integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in education has been widely acknowledged for its potential benefits. However, there is limited understanding of the factors influencing ICT integration among Chinese music teachers. This research explored technology acceptance among China’s music teachers via the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to bridge existing knowledge gaps. A survey was conducted with 83 music teachers who used ICT in their teaching. Partial least squares structural equation modelling with effect size estimation revealed that Chinese music teachers’ Behavioural Intention to use ICT was the strongest predictor of their actual Usage Behaviour. Performance Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions positively influenced Behavioural Intention but did not directly impact Usage Behaviour, suggesting an indirect effect through shaping teachers’ willingness to use ICT. Effort Expectancy had no effect on either Behavioural Intention or Usage Behaviour, though multigroup analysis revealed this relationship varied by teacher age and experience. This study demonstrates the applicability of the UTAUT model in understanding ICT integration among Chinese music teachers. The findings highlight the need to prioritise demonstrating benefits of ICT, creating supportive environments, and providing adequate resources and training for ICT in music education, with implementation strategies tailored to teachers’ demographic characteristics. These findings suggest potential strategies for fostering technology integration in music education contexts.

Sexual dimorphism in 137Cs accumulation after chronic low dose exposure in mice

Ultraviolet–visible spectral characterization and ANN modeling of aqueous sugar solutions: Clinical and environmental perspectives

The characterization of aqueous sugar solutions using optical techniques offers a non-invasive, rapid, and reagent-free approach for concentration monitoring in both analytical and environmental contexts. In this study, aqueous D-glucose solutions at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 10, 20, and 40 g/mL were analyzed using an ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared spectrophotometer across the 200–1020 nm wavelength range. Although glucose exhibits inherently low absorbance in this spectral domain due to the absence of strong chromophoric groups, measurable trends were observed—particularly in the ultraviolet region below 400 nm—consistent with theoretical expectations based on the Beer–Lambert law. Absorbance intensity increased consistently with glucose concentration, and while no sharp absorbance peaks were detected, subtle spectral variations encoded sufficient information to enable computational modeling. A feed forward artificial neural network was trained on the full spectral dataset and demonstrated high predictive accuracy, achieving a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.98. These findings underscore the potential of integrating ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy with machine learning techniques for real-time, label-free detection of glucose and similar analytes. The approach not only supports the development of fast and accurate monitoring systems in clinical and industrial settings but also lays the groundwork for future research involving more complex sugar matrices and environmentally relevant applications.

Thresholds and emergent processes of visual consciousness on color and category in preschoolers and adults

Evaluation of the novel HEalthy Lifestyle Project (HELP) youth mental health e-intervention for lifestyle behaviour change and mental healthcare system impact: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Background Youth mental health is in crisis: suicide and self-harm doubled from 2019–2022; youth wait 8–12 months for care; 75% of youth with mental illness do not get care. Sleep, physical activity, and screen time impact mental wellbeing; lifestyle factors addressed with 95% of youth receiving mental health care. The virtual, asynchronous HELP (HEalthy Lifestyle Project) resource could enable step-by-step lifestyle behaviour change with or without professional support. HELP was collaboratively developed with youth experiencing mental distress, parents, and clinicians. Methods Youth 12–17 seeking mental health services will be randomized to receive six months of immediate HELP e-resource access or a waitlist control (ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT06232733). The primary outcome is emotional health (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire total score). Secondary outcomes include behaviour change readiness, sleep, physical activity, screen time, and quality of life. All outcomes will be assessed at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Healthcare system utilization, extracted from health records at 18 months, will be compared relative to intervention access and compliance between participants and matched controls. Discussion The HELP e-resource offers an accessible, stigma-free option for lifestyle support that could be widely available to youth experiencing mental distress. Healthy lifestyle behaviour change is a low-risk intervention that youth can access independently, or with support, whenever they are ready to engage, without waiting for specialist services. Healthy lifestyle behaviour change can enhance mental well-being and readiness to engage in treatment. Such changes could reduce the need for specialist support, alleviating an overburdened youth mental healthcare system.

IGF-1 regulates cancer cell immune evasion in prostate cancer

Abstract Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is associated with prostate cancer (PCa) development and lethality and exhibits immunosuppressive properties in other models. We investigated IGF-1’s tumor-intrinsic immune effects in PCa to understand mechanisms underlying its poor immunotherapy response. Transcriptional profiling of human (DU145, 22Rv1) and murine (Myc-CaP) PCa cells revealed that IGF-1 suppresses cytokine signalling, antigen processing and presentation, and additional immune regulatory pathways. We further examined the expression of components involved in cancer cell recognition and immune evasion: the antigen processing machinery and PD-L1 checkpoint. IGF-1 downregulated key elements such as transporters associated with antigen processing (TAPs), endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase-1 (ERAP-1), and Class I β2-microglobulin, without significantly altering Class I allele expression. These changes were associated with reduced surface presentation of Class I complexes on Myc-CaP cells, suggesting disrupted peptide transport, processing, and/or presentation. In contrast, IGF-1 upregulated the immune checkpoint CD274 (PD-L1) via IGF receptor/AKT/ERK-dependent signalling. Analysis of TCGA Firehose Legacy PCa data showed higher CD274 expression in tumors with elevated IGF1 and IGFBP5. Multiplex immunofluorescence in primary PCa confirmed increased PD-L1 in patients with high serum IGF-1, supporting its role in immune evasion. Overall, these findings reveal a novel IGF-1-driven immunosuppressive mechanism that may underlie PCa’s resistance to immunotherapy.

Performance and tolerance of Moringa stenopetala exposed to drought stress during germination and growth

Moringa stenopetala is a rapidly growing, unappreciated tree regarded as the “miracle tree” for its food, feed, and medicinal benefits. It appears to be a versatile and promising species for use under changing conditions. However, the biological response of Moringa stenopetala, a valuable but underutilized species, to drought remains unclear during its early growth stages. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses of M. stenopetala seedlings to different levels of drought stress induced by PEG-6000. Four concentrations of PEG-6000 (0, 4, 8, and 12 percent) were applied to evaluate the effect of water deficit on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of M. stenopetala . The results indicated that the water potential exhibited a statistically significant impact on the germination rate (82.5%) and the mean germination time. The osmotic potential of the PEG solution was found to have a significant impact on germination speed (93%), the kinetics of germination (39%), the germination index (102%), and the germination vigour index (91.25). The study further revealed a positive correlation between water stress and increased stem growth and root length. Concurrently, proline content exhibited a substantial decrease, directly proportional to the stress level incurred. The accumulation of soluble sugars in the leaves exhibited variation according to stress levels. Drought indices revealed that the moderate treatment of PEG gave the highest GSI (1.325), STI (1.325), MPI (0.93), and HM (0.906), indicating drought tolerance and potential regular growth under drought stress. PCA visualized the most relationships among the studied traits of Moringa under drought stress, revealing distinct groupings and key indicators of drought tolerance, where the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explain most data variation (83%). These conclusions emphasize the adaptive ability of Moringa under drought stress conditions, besides proving its application as a drought-resilient crop.

Transthoracic echocardiography for evaluating cardiac parameters in growing piglets

Evaluating the effectiveness of the “Double Reduction” education policy in China: A study using web scraping, sentiment analysis, and spatial regression

Background The implementation of China’s “Double Reduction” (DR) policy, which aims to alleviate academic and extracurricular burdens, has received considerable attention. However, there has been limited evaluation of public satisfaction with the policy, particularly from a regional and multi-dimensional support perspective. This study aims to assess DR policy satisfaction from Chinese public, through a comprehensive “government–market–school” perspective. Methods Combining the web scraping technology and sentiment analysis technology, this study captures 2,475,833 Weibo posts from 31 provinces in China related to DR policy. The causal relationship is discussed through spatial regression after controlling for spatial endogeneity. Results The findings indicate that Chinese residents generally express positive satisfaction with the DR policy, however, substantial regional disparities persist. Provinces in the western and central regions exhibit lower increases in DR policy satisfaction (DRS) compared to those in the eastern region. All three dimensions—political, market, and educational support—have significant positive effects on DRS. Moreover, the results reveal positive moderations among the three types of support. Political support exerts a stronger influence on DRS in western provinces, whereas market support plays a more prominent role in eastern provinces. No significant interprovincial variation is observed for the effects of educational support. Conclusions The study highlights the crucial role of political, market, and educational support in shaping public satisfaction with the DR policy. These findings suggest that targeted interventions are needed to address regional disparities, particularly in underdeveloped areas. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of the DR policy across diverse socio-economic contexts.

Research on surrounding rock control technology for gob-side entry in close-distance lower coal seam

Co-development of an acceptance and commitment therapy-based intervention to increase intrinsic motivation of adolescents to change weight: The AIM2Change study

Childhood obesity levels continue to rise, with significant impact on individuals and the NHS. The ‘Complications of Excess Weight’ (CEW) clinics provide support to young people with complications of their weight. Our objective was to co-develop, with young people, a new intervention; AIM2Change, to enable young people to develop their intrinsic motivation to manage weight, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with a person-centred approach. Young people from the Care of Childhood Obesity (CoCO) clinic in Bristol, UK, were recruited to co-develop this intervention. The study was registered on ISRCTN (ISRCTN16607863). The seven-session, ACT-based intervention was delivered one-to-one, securely online. Qualitative interviews were conducted after each intervention session was delivered. Qualitative data were coded and reviewed regularly to make iterative changes to individual sessions and the overall programme. Fourteen co-developers were recruited, of whom nine completed the co-development process (female = 4; median age (IQR)=15(1.5); 4 with a parent; Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) median = 3.5, range = 1–10). Iterative changes made during co-development included introducing an earlier focus on eating behaviour and body image, with more practical activities to increase engagement. Thematic analysis of co-developer feedback identified four themes: theoretical understanding; delivery and receipt of therapy; view of strategies and engagement; real world benefits of co-development process. Framework analysis was conducted to map data pertaining to these themes into matrices according to each participant and session. Insights from the co-development process have shaped AIM2Change to optimise the intervention’s value, relevance and acceptability. Findings suggest that AIM2Change meets an unmet need in delivery of current childhood weight management services.