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How can universities train the skilled workers of tomorrow?

Intracellular pH links energy metabolism to lymphocyte death and proliferation

Identification and verification of hub biomarkers and immune-related pathways participating in the trabecular meshwork after using corticosteroid

Background Clinically, ocular application of corticosteroids is common.But it always result in higher Intraocular pressure (IOP).The potential molecular events are not clearly explained.It was reported that immune cells may cause higher IOP.This study aimed to identify the central gene and immune-related pathways in ocular tissue treated with corticosteroids. Methods The GSE124114 and GSE37474 was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database. Hub gene were acquired by differential expression analysis (DEGs).Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified hub gene modules associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).CIBERSORT was utilized to evaluate the presence of immune cells in ocular tissue.R (version 3.6.1) was used to carry out enrichment analysis for DEGs.The STRING database constructed the protein-protein interaction network for differentially expressed genes (DEGs).The expression of hub genes was validated using the combined datasets GSE6298 and GSE65240. ROC analysis was conducted for clinical diagnosis in patients with elevated IOP. Results 30 DEGs were recognized. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed that these DEGs were mainly associated with the positive regulation of cytokine production and pathways related to phenylalanine metabolism.Two hub modules were enriched in the rheumatoid arthritis and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways associated with diabetic complications. Analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network identified TSC22D3 and FKBP5 as related hub genes. Analysis of immune infiltration indicated a significant association between TSC22D3 and Macrophages M0 (R = 0.75, p = 0.018).The result of ROC for FKBP5 was 0.913.Consolidated GSE6298, GSE65240 database verified that FKBP5 gene was associated with IOP.In the results of qPCR, relative mRNA level of FKBP5 were incread. Conclusions Two key genes (TSC22D3, FKBP5) are involved in the molecular mechanisms in corticosteroids-induce higher IOP. TSC22D3 was probably associated with the immune response in ocular tissue. FKBP5 may be a potential novel diagnostic gene for higher IOP.

The perplexing body plan of arrow worms decoded

Inter-brain neural dynamics in biological and artificial intelligence systems

Monte Carlo simulation for evaluating and optimizing the efficiency of BR and QIR maintenance strategies

Immersive virtual reality simulation for undergraduate nursing students: Enhancing mental health care for migrants - A mixed method study protocol

The evolving field of nursing education increasingly integrates innovative methods such as immersive virtual reality (IVR) to improve training outcomes. This protocol paper outlines a study that addresses a significant gap by using IVR to improve mental health care training for undergraduate nursing students, focusing particularly on migrants who frequently encounter access barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and cultural differences. Traditional training methods frequently fail to provide the experiential learning necessary for nursing students to develop deep empathy, cultural competence, cultural humility, and advanced communication skills. A multi-phase, sequential explanatory mixed methods design will be employed in this study, which encompasses three phases: development of IVR simulation, a one-group pre- and post-quasi-experimental design, and an interpretive description approach. Participants will include undergraduate nursing students from the University of Saskatchewan and McGill University. In Phase 1, an integrative review will establish the foundation for the simulation, the findings of which will inform the design of initial simulation drafts on the Unity platform. These drafts will be reviewed by an advisory committee, consisting of migrants experiencing mental health challenges, nursing students, educators, and nurses specialized in migrant health care. Feedback from the committee will be integrated before progressing to Phase 2. Phase 2 involves collecting data through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires completed by participants. This data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to assess the impact of the IVR simulation and to inform the next phase of the study. In Phase 3, participants will engage in semi-structured interviews. This phase will employ concurrent data collection and analysis along with constant comparative analysis in an iterative process. Following separate analyses of quantitative and qualitative data, the results will be synthesized to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the findings. The expected outcomes include greater acceptance of IVR as a training tool, positive shifts in student attitudes and behaviours towards migrants with mental health difficulties and enhanced cultural competence. This innovative approach could standardize the use of IVR in nursing curricula, making it a fundamental component of nursing education aimed at preparing students for a diverse and inclusive healthcare environment.

Elementary 3D organization of active and silenced E. coli genome

Abstract Unravelling how genomes are spatially organized and how their three-dimensional (3D) architecture drives cellular functions remains a major challenge in biology1,2. In bacteria, genomic DNA is compacted into a highly ordered, condensed state called nucleoid3–5. Despite progress in characterizing bacterial 3D genome architecture over recent decades6–8, the fine structure and functional organization of the nucleoid remain elusive due to low-resolution contact maps from methods such as Hi-C9–11. Here we developed an enhanced Micro-C chromosome conformation capture, achieving 10-base pair (bp) resolution. This ultra-high-resolution analysis reveals elemental spatial structures in the Escherichia coli nucleoid, including chromosomal hairpins (CHINs) and chromosomal hairpin domains (CHIDs). These structures, organized by histone-like proteins H-NS and StpA, have key roles in repressing horizontally transferred genes. Disruption of H-NS causes drastic reorganization of the 3D genome, decreasing CHINs and CHIDs, whereas removing both H-NS and StpA results in their complete disassembly, increased transcription of horizontally transferred genes and delayed growth. Similar effects are observed with netropsin, which competes with H-NS and StpA for AT-rich DNA binding. Interactions between CHINs further organize the genome into isolated loops, potentially insulating active operons. Our Micro-C analysis reveals that all actively transcribed genes form distinct operon-sized chromosomal interaction domains (OPCIDs) in a transcription-dependent manner. These structures appear as square patterns on Micro-C maps, reflecting continuous contacts throughout transcribed regions. This work unveils the fundamental structural elements of the E. coli nucleoid, highlighting their connection to nucleoid-associated proteins and transcription machinery.

Platinum nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanowall anodes fabricated via top-down approach for abiotic glucose fuel cells

Abstract A glucose fuel cell (GFC) was fabricated using abiotic catalysts supported on carbon nanowalls (CNWs) as the anode electrode. The CNWs were immobilized on a 50 nm-thick patterned Pt thin film and selectively grown on the unmasked regions of heat-resistant spin-on-glass (SOG) films. They were vertically aligned and uniformly spaced at approximately 150 nm through radical injection plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RI-PECVD) at 650 °C. The top and side surfaces of the CNWs, serving as electrically conductive supports, were fully decorated with platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) averaging 1.8 nm in diameter. This decoration was achieved via supercritical fluid chemical deposition (SFCD) using trimethyl(methylcyclopentadienyl)platinum(IV) [(CH₃C₅H₄)Pt(CH₃)₃] as the precursor at 175 °C under a CO₂ pressure of 10 MPa. After etching the SOG films with buffered hydrogen fluoride (BHF) solution, the PtNP-supported CNWs (PtNP/CNWs) were lifted from the masked regions. This method provides a straightforward approach for GFC fabrication. The GFC, incorporating top-down-fabricated PtNP/CNWs as the anode and a carbon nanotube-based cathode, achieved a maximum power density of 25.3 nW/cm².

Lipid droplet distribution quantification method based on lipid droplet detection by constrained reinforcement learning

We previously proposed the lipid droplet detection by reinforcement learning (LiDRL) method using a limited dataset of pathological images. The method automatically detects lipid droplets using reinforcement learning to optimize filter combinations based on their size and grayscale contrast. In this study, we aimed to detect lipid droplets reliably and analyze their distribution patterns across pathological tissue images. For this purpose, we improved the environmental and agent-side functions in LiDRL to obtain a revised method. These improvements increased the stability and robustness of the system, enabling consistent extraction of lipid droplets of similar sizes across all rank levels in the pathological tissue images. We quantified the lipid droplet distribution using average probability density and entropy and visualized it as a heat map. This analysis facilitates the extraction of lipid droplet characteristics that could serve as indicators of liver disease.

Development and characterization of a human papillomavirus-based nanoparticle carrier for heterologous vaccine antigens

Abstract The display of a repetitive array of antigens on the surface of nanoparticles has been shown to effectively trigger the activation of cognate B cells and to increase humoral immune responses. Building on extensive knowledge from the development and clinical use of virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines against Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV), we developed an HPV-based nanoparticle carrier presenting Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) as a heterologous vaccine antigen on the surface. After purification of the L1 capsid protein of HPV-16 from a bacterial expression system and assembly of L1 proteins into VLPs (L1-VLPs), we conjugated HIV-1 Env trimers with the C-terminus to the surface of the nanoparticles (L1-Env) using copper-free click reactions via Dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-terminated linker molecules. These L1-Env nanoparticles activated Env-specific B cells more efficiently than non-conjugated Env in a B cell receptor-dependent manner. In general, immunization of mice with L1-Env nanoparticles resulted in Env- and L1-specific antibody responses without the need for an adjuvant. L1-Env nanoparticles induced significantly higher Env-specific antibody responses in comparison to a control group that received a mixture of Env trimers and uncoupled L1-VLPs. Concurrently, we observed decreased L1-specific antibody responses in comparison to mice that were immunized with uncoupled L1-VLPs suggesting partial shielding of L1 epitopes by conjugated Env trimers. In summary, HPV-based nanoparticles provide an attractive novel approach for combinatorial vaccines against sexually transmitted pathogens.

Exploring the regional layout characteristics of ancient Chinese postal system in coastal areas based on AHP-CRITIC evaluation approach

In ancient China, as the only transmission network, the postal system enabled long-distance delivery of information and supplies, providing information support for the development of ancient society. Delivery efficiency determined whether information and supplies could arrive at the fastest speed, reflected the level of regional transmission capacity, and served as an effective indicator for understanding the underlying logic of the postal system’s regional layout. In this study, the concept of accessibility was introduced into the regional layout analysis of the postal system, and a hierarchical evaluation model was constructed based on the AHP-CRITIC (Analytic Hierarchy Process – Criteria Importance Though Intercriteria Correlation) composite weighting method. Then, the accessibility of the postal system in three typical areas of coastal defense front-line, transportation hub, and administrative center was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and the differential characteristics of their accessibility and regional layout were summarized, so as to explore the layout logic of the postal system during the Ming Dynasty.

The mini placentas and ovaries revealing the basics of women’s health

A potential bioelectrical impedance equation for estimating skeletal muscle area using computed tomography in colorectal cancer

Equitable AI: Exploring the role of gender in poverty estimation models using geospatial data

Household surveys have been the foundation for poverty measurement in developing countries for the past half-century, but the spatial and temporal gaps in these survey data often limit how well anti-poverty programs can be targeted, monitored, or evaluated. To fill in these gaps, analysts and policymakers increasingly turn to machine learning (ML) methods to predict indices of asset wealth from satellite-based and other geospatial data. However, to date, the potential for gender-related differences in these methods’ performance has not been investigated. We implement a frequently used class of ML models (random forests) relying on readily accessible geospatial data and trained on and validated against a widely used source of asset holdings (a recent round of the Demographic & Health Survey in Ghana). By separately aggregating the asset holdings of female- and male-headed households within each survey cluster, we are able to estimate the distinctions in performance of ML models trained on each of these gender-based asset indices. We find that models trained on data from male-headed households achieve an impressive level of predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.85), while those trained on data from female-headed households achieve reasonable but notably lower accuracy (R2 = 0.75). Roughly half of this gap appears to be driven in large part by the relatively smaller number of female-headed households in the survey sample. While we cannot rule out that the ML models themselves play a role in creating differences in performance across gender, it appears that these gaps may largely be a reflection of the sampling designs of the underlying survey data used as inputs for these models. Our findings confirm that ML models can be used to extend the spatial and temporal scope of these survey data to populations that were not randomly sampled, even while encouraging larger samples of female-headed households in survey designs to improve the predictive accuracy of ML models for female-headed households.

Combat the human-made causes of Spain’s wildfires

Incorporating PET-MIL-101(Fe) within cellulose acetate membrane for thin film microextraction of neonicotinoid insecticides in water

A human-relevant alternative infection model for mucormycosis using the silkworm Bombyx mori

Mucorales fungi cause life-threatening mucormycosis in patients with clinical risk factors, such as immunodeficiency. Moreover, they are resistant to several antifungal drugs, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapies. Traditional mammalian models are expensive and raise ethical concerns, thereby limiting their suitability for large-scale studies. We established a silkworm (Bombyx mori) infection model to investigate the pathogenicity of Mucorales and evaluated its relevance to human infection. Strains of Rhizopus arrhizus, Mucor circinelloides, and Cunninghamella bertholletiae induced fatal infections in the silkworm. Grocott-stained silkworm tissue sections revealed hyphal invasion patterns closely resembling those observed in human mucormycosis. In addition, experimental simulation of clinical risk factors (steroid use and iron overload) significantly reduced the median lethal dose (LD50). Treatment with the antifungal drug isavuconazonium prolonged the survival of R. arrhizus-infected silkworms, suggesting the potential use of this model for novel antifungal screening. LD50 estimation for four R. arrhizus strains revealed up to a 100-fold difference in pathogenicity to the silkworm among the tested strains, corresponding to variations in cell surface characteristics. Interestingly, the presence of high-molecular weight (50–100 kDa) cell surface proteins was associated with high pathogenicity among R. arrhizus strains. In conclusion, the silkworm is a viable, human-relevant alternative model to investigate Mucorales infections, with potential for large-scale antimucormycosis drug screening.

What drove the rise of civilizations? A decades-long quest points to warfare

Comparative analysis of plant morphometric traits, essential oil yield, and quality of Origanum majorana L. cultivated under diverse sustainable organic nutrient management strategies

Abstract Plant nutrition is one of the major factors affecting the production of medicinal plants. This study aimed to assess and compare plant morphometric characteristics, essential oil yield, and composition of Origanum majorana L. irrigated with water of different qualities at two cuts. The greenhouse experiment followed a randomized completely block design of three treatments (T1: water mixed with standard hydroponics solutions A and B, T2: Biofloc wastewater, and T3: aquaculture wastewater) with three replicates per treatment. The results of this study indicated that T1 significantly improved the plant morphometric characteristics, such as plant height, number of branches, fresh weight, and dry weight, compared to other treatments in cut 1 and cut 2. The results of the soil analysis showed that T1 had higher values for the soil bulk density, potassium content, and electroconductivity compared to other treatments. The total phenolic content was significantly higher in T2 than in T1 and T3 in both cuts. However, the essential oil yield in cut 2 was higher than that in cut 1 across all the treatments, with T1 recording higher values, followed by T2 and T3, respectively. The major essential oil constituents in all the treatments were 4-Terpineol (33.95% − 50.24%), γ-Terpinene (3.95% − 15.74%), α-Humulene (3.39% − 10.33%), α-Terpineol (3.72% − 8.37%), and Sabinene (2.16% − 6.31%). In cut 1, the percentage of the major essential oil constituents was in the order T1 > T2 > T3, versus cut 2, which was T3 > T1 > T2. In conclusion, irrigating Origanum majorana with hydroponic solutions enhances plant growth, essential oil yield, and composition. However, irrigating Origanum majorana with Biofloc wastewater could be a feasible alternative for the organic production of marjoram and other high-value medicinal herbs in a sustainable approach.