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An insulin-like peptide specific for a cockroach male reproductive gland

The insulin-IGF-signalling (IIS) pathway plays crucial roles in animal physiology. In insects, this pathway uses multiple ligands, insulin-like peptides (ILPs), and a smaller number of insulin receptors (InRs). Consequently, much of the regulation of IIS pathway activity is driven by the expression of ILPs, its timing, tissue specific expression, and mode of action: endocrine, paracrine, or autocrine. In the adult male of the cockroach Blattella germanica, tissue expression and the regulation in relation to food restriction of the ILPs BgILP1–7 is similar to that observed in females. However, we identified the expression of BgILP8, an ILP absent in females, in the conglobate gland of males and only in this organ. BgILP8 expression in the conglobate gland is high during the initial days of adulthood and is reduced under starvation. The conglobate gland is a male sexual gland specific to cockroaches, involved in spermatophore formation. It consists of branches of coiled tubules that merge into a main collecting tubule, which opens into the ejaculatory duct. Each tubule is lined with a layer of secretory cells, each of them traversed by small ductules made of cuticle and actin fibers, through which the secretions are released. Decreasing BgILP8 levels through RNAi resulted in a reduction in the size of secretory cells, although the total protein extracted remained unaffected. A comparison of the transcriptomes of control and BgILP8-depleted glands revealed only small differences. Further, comparing genes expressed in the conglobate gland to those expressed in adult females provided a list of putative conglobate gland-specific genes. Our results suggest that BgILP8 plays a role in the development of the conglobate gland. However, a potential function in other male organs or its possible transfer to the female in the copulation cannot be ruled out.

Geographical diversity of peer reviewers shapes author success

Scientific institutions like funding agencies and journals rely on peer reviewers to select among competing submissions. How does the geographical diversity of reviewers affect which authors are selected? If reviewers typically favor submissions from their own countries, but reviewers from only some countries are well represented in the reviewer pool, this can create a “geographical representation bias” favoring authors from those well-represented countries. Using administrative data on 204,718 submissions to 60 STEM journals from the Institute of Physics Publishing, we find support for representation bias. Reviewers from the same country as the corresponding author are 4.78 percentage points more likely to review positively compared to other reviewers of the same manuscript. Authors from the United States of America, China, and India are 8 to 9 times more likely to be evaluated by same-country reviewers compared to less-represented countries with similar incomes. Furthermore, an instrumental variables analysis of an anonymization policy shock shows that anonymizing submissions does not significantly reduce same-country homophily. Thus, investments in reviewer diversification may be necessary to mitigate the structural advantage of authors from major science-producing countries and avoid blind spots in collective knowledge.

Inflammatory markers guide early risk stratification and prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction

In vitro detection of canine anti-human antibodies following intratumoral injection of the hu14.18-IL2 immunocytokine in spontaneous canine melanoma

Background Canine and human malignant melanoma are naturally occurring cancers with many similarities, making the dog an important parallel patient population to study both diseases. However, development of canine anti-human antibodies (CAHA) needs to be considered when evaluating humanized biotherapeutics in dogs. Objectives Characterize CAHA in sera from dogs with spontaneous melanoma receiving radiotherapy and intratumoral immunocytokine (IT-IC) with humanized 14.18-IL2. Methods Serum samples were obtained pre-treatment and at several post-treatment times from 12 dogs with locally advanced or metastatic melanoma treated with radiotherapy to the primary site and regional lymph nodes (when clinically involved) followed by IT-IC of humanized 14.18-IL2. Two CAHA assays were developed. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect antibodies against the humanized IgG component of hu14.18-IL2. A flow cytometry assay was developed to determine the ability of CAHA to inhibit binding of a mouse anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody to its target. Results Post-treatment sera from 7 of 12 dogs developed CAHA levels over pre-treatment that were identified by ELISA as significant increases at Day 30 and/or Day 60. Day 10, Day 30, and Day 60 post-treatment sera from 10 of 12 dogs significantly inhibited the binding of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody to its target compared to pre-treatment. Significant binding inhibition was also detected in 2 of 12 dogs after local RT but before IT-IC (Day 1). Normal canine sera did not mediate binding inhibition. Conclusions This study advances CAHA detection strategies and reports the kinetics of CAHA following IT-IC in dogs with spontaneous melanoma.

Analytical solutions for light propagation of LED

Analytical solutions of diffusion theory for light propagation in turbid media are essential for optical diagnostics and therapeutic applications, including cerebral oximetry, hemodynamic monitoring, and photostimulation. While existing solutions work reasonably well for collimated light sources—lasers and optical fibers—analytical solutions for LEDs remain missing, despite the growing use of LEDs in wearable and implantable bioelectronics. We present a method to solve the diffusion theory and derive analytical solutions for two biomedically relevant configurations: 1) surface-mounted LEDs on semi-infinite media (e.g., wearable devices) and 2) embedded LEDs in infinite media (e.g., implantable devices). Beyond a distance of 4 times the scattering length of the medium to the LED source, our analytical solutions are reasonably accurate, within 6% error for 1) and 3% for 2). This represents significant improvements over existing analytical solutions, characterized by 26% and 15% error, respectively. Using our analytical solutions, we derive tissue optical properties ( μ a and μ s ′ ) from diffuse reflectance results with <7% error, and we determine the irradiance threshold for photostimulation, aligned with experimental optogenetic activation data. Our analytical solutions are readily adaptable to various biomedical applications, offering a rigorous theoretical foundation for next-generation LED-based bioelectronics, to enable more accurate optical diagnostics and therapies in clinical applications.

Enhanced power sharing and voltage regulation for islanded nano-satellite DC microgrids in spinning flight scenarios

Global and Chinese epidemiologic study of polycystic ovary syndrome in women of childbearing age, 1990–2021, and projections to 2035: Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study

Objective The aim of this study was to synthesize and analyze the burden of disease of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women of reproductive age globally and in China from 1990 to 2021. Methods The study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database, which contains detailed epidemiologic information from 204 countries and territories. Incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were assessed. Bayesian age-period cohort modeling was applied to project trends in the burden of disease up to 2035. Results Global trend: the incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increased slightly from 58.84/100,000 in 1990 to 60.30/100,000 in 2021. there was a significant increase in prevalence of 29.66% and an increase in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 28.37%. Trends in China: Despite a slight decrease in prevalence (−1.96%), the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the number of DALYs in China increased substantially by 86.95% and 86.56%, respectively. Sociodemographic impact: Countries with higher sociodemographic indices tend to face a higher burden of PCOS. Future projections: BAPC model projections suggest that the prevalence of PCOS will continue to increase globally and in China through 2035. Conclusion These findings highlight the growing public health challenge posed by polycystic ovary syndrome and emphasize the need to strengthen early identification, health management, and lifestyle interventions, especially in areas with high SDI.

Correction for Kuo et al., A proteomic signature of healthspan

Attitudes and knowledge of pain specialists in Israel regarding sexual health in chronic pain patients

Body mass index and critical care outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients—A national cohort study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant global mortality. Obesity is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. This study examined the relationship between BMI, clinical interventions, and outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients using pre-vaccine national data. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using de-identified electronic health records from the HCA Healthcare database, comprising 149 hospitals across 18 U.S. states. Adults (≥18 years) hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 1 and December 31, 2022, were included. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality or discharge to hospice, analyzed by BMI category. Secondary outcomes included inpatient mortality, need for mechanical ventilation or tracheostomy, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU (Intensive Care Unit) length of stay. Results Out of 38,321 hospital encounters, 21,996 met the inclusion criteria. Unadjusted analyses showed no significant differences in rates of all-cause mortality or hospice discharge across BMI categories. However, obese patients had higher rates of mechanical ventilation (7.8% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.001), tracheostomy placement (1.2% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001), longer duration of mechanical ventilation (mean 11.5 ± 15.1 vs. 6.8 ± 8.7 days, p < 0.001), and longer ICU stays (8.3 ± 10.4 vs. 5.1 ± 6.4 days, p < 0.001) than normal BMI patients. In adjusted analyses controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and comorbidities, obesity was independently associated with increased odds of all-cause mortality or hospice discharge (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.08–1.55, p < 0.05), inpatient mortality (OR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.34–2.08, p < 0.001), need for invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.31–1.82, p < 0.001), and tracheostomy placement (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.03–2.41, p < 0.05). Obesity was a significant predictor of longer duration of mechanical ventilation (β = 3.67 days, 95% CI: 1.28–6.06, p < 0.001) and ICU stay (β = 2.90 days, 95% CI: 2.08–3.72, p < 0.001). Conclusion Obesity was independently associated with increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. These findings highlight the importance of BMI as a prognostic factor in acute COVID-19 management.

Dural ectopic lymphatic structures accumulate during aging and exhibit dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases

The meninges serve as a critical interface between the peripheral immune system and the central nervous system, playing a crucial role in maintaining parenchymal homeostasis. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyloidosis and tauopathies, are marked by the accumulation of extracellular neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular tau tangles, respectively, leading to neuronal cell death and cognitive decline. The role of the adaptive immune response in these pathologies remains under debate. Adaptive immune cells can manifest as ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS), which resemble secondary lymphoid organs, and form at sites of inflammation or pathology. While ELSs can support immune responses against infections or tumors, they may also have detrimental effects in certain pathological conditions. To explore whether meningeal ELS are implicated in aging and neurodegeneration, we analyzed the meninges of aged wild-type mice and mouse models of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, tauopathy, and Down syndrome-related neurodegenerative disorders. Our findings suggest that the accumulation of dural ELS varies according to age, brain pathology, and sex. Meningeal myeloid cells may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of ELS during aging. These results demonstrate the potential contribution of meningeal ELS to healthy aging and neurodegenerative conditions, offering directions for future research.

Log odds of positive lymph nodes as a prognostic marker in resectable triple negative breast cancer

Foliar application of fullerenol and zinc oxide nanoparticles improves stress resilience in drought-sensitive Arabidopsis thaliana

This study aimed to characterise the chemical properties of fullerenol nanoparticles (FNP) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO nano), as well as their physiological and molecular effects following foliar application on Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, we explored the potential synergistic impact of combining ZnO nano with FNPs to enhance plant resilience under drought stress conditions. Chemical characterisation confirmed the successful formation of a stable FNP-ZnO aggregate. The previously established biostimulatory effects of fullerenol at micromolar concentrations were reaffirmed, highlighting its unique chemical properties. We demonstrated that a low dose (10 mg/L) of ZnO nano, used as a foliar application for the first time in Arabidopsis thaliana, positively influenced drought stress acclimatization. Our findings indicate that FNP and ZnO alleviate oxidative stress by mitigating the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulating antioxidant enzyme activities, and stabilising redox balance. Photosynthetic performance, stomatal conductance and water-use efficiency were optimized, particularly through fullerenol application, due to its unique antioxidative and hygroscopic properties. We further analyzed the expression of selected drought-response genes involved in ABA-dependent and ABA-independent water deficit acclimation in Col-0 wild-type and pp2ca-1 drought hypersensitive mutant backgrounds. Our results revealed distinct gene expression changes in response to nanoparticle treatments, demonstrating modulation of ABA signaling and stress-related transcription factors. The combined application of FNP and ZnO exhibited unique, synergistic protective effects in drought acclimation. Future research will further elucidate the direct mechanisms linking these physiological outcomes to specific nanoparticle properties, paving the way for innovative strategies in sustainable agriculture.

Remote analysis and management of sweat biomarkers using a wearable microfluidic sticker in adult cystic fibrosis patients

Sweat parameters such as volume and chloride concentration may offer invaluable clinical insights for people with CF (PwCF). Pilocarpine-induced sweat collection for chloridometry measurement is the gold standard for a CF diagnosis, but this technique is cumbersome and not suitable for remote settings or repeat measurements. We have previously reported the utility of a skin-interfaced microfluidic device (CF Patch) in conjunction with a smartphone image processing platform that enables real-time measurement of sweating rates and sodium chloride loss in laboratory and remote settings. Here, we conducted clinical studies assessing the accuracy of the CF Patch compared to chloridometry when using pilocarpine to induce sweat. We also tested the feasibility and accuracy of exercise-induced sweat chloride measurements in PwCF and healthy volunteers (HV). In the laboratory, using either pilocarpine or exercise to induce sweat, the CF Patch demonstrated strong correlations with sweat chloride measured by pilocarpine-induced chloridometry. In remote settings, exercise-induced sweat chlorides measured using the CF patch were strongly correlated with in-laboratory exercise-induced CF patch sweat chlorides in HV but had a weaker correlation in PwCF. For PwCF on CFTR modulators, there was greater day-to-day variability in sweat chloride compared to HV, which highlights the limitations of assessing CFTR modulator efficacy and pharmacodynamics based on a single in-laboratory chloridometry measurement. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that the CF Patch is suitable as a remote management device capable of measuring serial sweat chloride concentrations and offers the potential of monitoring the efficacy of CF medication regimens but should not replace pilocarpine-based chloridometry for making a CF diagnosis.

Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation over human middle temporal complex reduces spatial accuracy of continuous visuomotor performance

Supporting international medical graduates–what can be done better? A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study

Background International medical graduates (IMGs) are a vital health workforce globally. Several challenges specific to IMGs warrant institutions to make necessary implementations to support their transition to working in host countries. To date, recommendations to support IMGs are frequently postulated based on challenges identified in the literature. However, there is a scarcity of information regarding IMGs’ perceptions of these supports, and how supports can be improved, from an IMG perspective. Methods A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted to deeply understand how current and future supports might enhance the IMG experience. Between October and December 2023, a cross-section of IMGs across Australia were surveyed, recruited through a variety of non-random avenues. Following this, a qualitative phase comprised of interviewing participants. Findings are reported in line with Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study recommendations. Results In total, 192 survey participants and 36 interviewees completed the relevant ‘supports’ section of the survey and semi-structured interview respectively. By collating the results of both the survey and interviews, findings were organized into the following categories: 1) Supports experienced by IMGs in Australia- 1a) Formalised institutional or workplace support, 1b) Informal networks and community support; 2) How institutions can better support IMGs- 2a) Improve operation of bureaucratic systems, 2b) Institutions can better mobilise IMGs by supporting integration and skill development, 2c) IMGs call for changes to reduce discrimination and exploitation risks; 3) How IMGs can better support themselves- 3a) Attitude and adaptation are important, 3b) Be prepared and seek advice early, 3c) Consider life stages. Conclusions IMGs identified a range of useful current and recommended supports in and out of the workplace. In addition, IMGs have a role to play in harnessing their own agency for enhancing their own experiences in host countries. Further research and policy attention is required to ensure that institutions provide fair working conditions, support integration and prioritise cultural safety in the workplace.

Anyon superconductivity from topological criticality in a Hofstadter–Hubbard model

We argue that the combination of strong repulsive interactions and high magnetic fields can generate electron pairing and superconductivity. Inspired by the large lattice constants of moiré materials, which make large flux per unit cell accessible at laboratory fields, we study the triangular lattice Hofstadter–Hubbard model at one-quarter flux quantum per plaquette, where previous literature has argued that a chiral spin liquid separates a weak-coupling integer quantum Hall phase and a strong-coupling topologically trivial antiferromagnetic insulator at a density of one electron per site. We argue that topological superconductivity emerges upon doping in the vicinity of the integer quantum Hall to chiral spin liquid transition. We employ exact diagonalization and density matrix renormalization group methods to examine this theoretical scenario and find that electronic pairing indeed occurs on both sides of criticality over a remarkably broad range of interaction strengths. On the chiral spin liquid side, our results provide a concrete model realization of the long-hypothesized mechanism of anyon superconductivity. Our study thus establishes a beyond-Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer route to electron pairing in a well-controlled limit, relying crucially on the interplay between electron correlations and band topology.

Auxin producing plant growth promoting bacteria enhance temperature stress tolerance in Chilean common bean landraces

Effects of gestational weight gain on emotional and behavioral problems in children: Results from the CLaB study

Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) may influence child neurodevelopment, with potential effects on emotional and behavioral outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between GWG and behavioral problems in children aged 7–8 years. Methods This cohort study used data from the Botucatu Infant Cohort. The first wave (2015–2016) included 656 newborns and their mothers, with maternal GWG classified as insufficient, adequate, or excessive according to National Academy of Medicine guidelines. The second wave (2023–2024) assessed 394 children aged 7–8 years using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to identify emotional and behavioral problems (scores ≥17). We used Poisson regression adjusted for confounders to test whether GWG adequacy (insufficient, adequate, or excessive) was associated with total, internalizing (≥8), and externalizing (≥11) behavioral problems. Results Among 309 children with complete data, 36.2% presented scores indicative of behavioral problems on the SDQ; 37.5% showed internalizing problems, and 27.5% exhibited externalizing problems. When adequate GWG was the reference category, prevalence ratios varied but did not reach statistical significance. However, when excessive GWG was the reference, children of mothers with insufficient weight gain had a higher prevalence of behavioral problems (PR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.02–2.13). In contrast, compared to children whose mothers had adequate weight gain, those whose mothers gained excessive weight had fewer internalizing problems (PR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47–0.94). Conclusion The prevalence of behavioral problems assessed by the SDQ was very high, highlighting a significant issue in the study context. However, our hypothesis that GWG outside recommended ranges could influence behavioral problems in children aged 7–8 years was only partially confirmed. Insufficient GWG was associated with overall behavioral problems (SDQ > 17), while excessive GWG appeared protective against internalizing problems. No association was found between GWG and externalizing problems.

Blood–labyrinth barrier damage mediated by granzymes from cytotoxic lymphocytes results in hearing loss in systemic lupus erythematosus

Hearing loss (HL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been widely reported, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate significant HL in an imiquimod-induced mouse model of SLE, accompanied by blood–labyrinth barrier (BLB) damage in the stria vascularis (SV). We found that cytotoxic CD8 + T lymphocytes and natural killer cells mediate BLB disruption, with granzyme b (Gzmb) acting as the primary factor inducing cell death of the cochlear capillary endothelial cells. Remarkably, inhibiting Gzmb by Serpinb9 significantly alleviates the elevations of hearing thresholds in imiquimod-induced SLE model mice, suggesting a therapeutic target for autoimmune-related HL. Our findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of SLE-related HL and propose Gzmb inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.