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Climate impacts are real — denying this is self-defeating
Investigation of gate dielectric interface on contact resistance of short channel organic thin film transistors (OTFT)
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the interfacial properties on the performance of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with a hybrid dielectric of Al2O3/PVP compared to single-layer dielectrics of Al2O3 and PVP. The analyses were performed using the 2D Silvaco Atlas numerical simulator, which conducted a detailed numerical investigation into how varying the thickness ratio of Al2O3 and PVP in the dielectric affects contact resistance and off-state current in short-channel OTFTs. High-K dielectric materials, such as Al2O3, offer low threshold voltages but lead to increased contact resistance and leakage current, while low-K dielectrics like PVP reduce leakage current but suffer from lower mobility and higher contact resistance. By utilizing a hybrid Al2O3/PVP dielectric, we successfully reduced the contact resistance to 4.84 KΩ.cm2, as extracted from VDS-ID characteristics at a gate voltage of -2V. Additionally, contact resistance significantly influenced the off-state current, particularly in devices of short channel length (1 μm). The PVP layer, with thicknesses ranging from 2.4 nm to 4.2 nm, effectively reduced charge carrier traps at the semiconductor/dielectric interface, enhancing mobility. Furthermore, hysteresis effects were examined through C-V characteristics by sweeping the gate voltage from -3V to +3V. These findings highlight the trade-offs in optimizing PVP thickness to balance interface quality and electrical performance in hybrid dielectric OTFTs.
Epithelial cell membrane perforation induces allergic airway inflammation
Correction: Analysis of coupling in geographic information systems based on WASPAS method for bipolar complex fuzzy linguistic Aczel-Alsina power aggregation operators
AI expands the repertoire of CRISPR-associated proteins for genome editing
Correction: Scoping review and interpretation of myofascial pain/fibromyalgia syndrome: An attempt to assemble a medical puzzle
Scientists take on Trump: these researchers are fighting back
Factors associated with aspirin resistance in diabetic patients: A metabolic and inflammatory profile analysis
Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is strongly linked to both first-time and recurrent atherosclerotic thrombotic events. Although aspirin (ASA) is commonly used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, studies have shown that ASA does not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in DM patients. This inconsistency highlights the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms of ASA resistance. Therefore, this study investigates the factors associated with aspirin resistance in DM patients, aiming to offer insights for improving cardiovascular disease prevention in this group. This study specifically investigated biochemical aspirin resistance, defined as inadequate suppression of thromboxane biosynthesis. Methods This prospective case-control study enrolled 53 DM patients and 66 age-/sex-matched healthy controls. Baseline metabolic-inflammatory markers—including BMI, LDL-C, cystatin C (CysC), hs-CRP, and HOMA-IR—were assessed alongside urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11dhTxB2) levels pre- and post-aspirin intervention (81–100 mg/day × 7 days). Biochemical aspirin resistance was defined as post-administration urinary 11dhTxB2 ≥ 1500 pg/mg creatinine, reflecting inadequate suppression of total body thromboxane biosynthesis. Group comparisons utilized nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U) for skewed variables and χ2 tests for categorical data. The influencing factors of ASA resistance were investigated through univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis, with multiple linear regression analysis being applied to model the Δ11dhTxB2 (post- vs. pre-administration difference). Results Compared to age-/sex-matched controls, diabetic patients exhibited significantly elevated metabolic-inflammatory markers (BMI, LDL-C, CysC, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR; all P < 0.01) and 60% higher baseline urinary 11dhTxB2 levels (2,324.58 vs. 1,452.51 pg/mg creatinine; P = 0.001), with persistent post-ASA disparity (1,205.31 vs. 1,058.02 pg/mg creatinine; P = 0.007). Biochemical aspirin resistance prevalence was 2.7-fold higher in diabetes (20.8% [11/53] vs. 7.6% [5/66]; P = 0.036). Univariate analysis linked Pre-11dhTxB2,higher BMI, hs-CRP, and HOMA-IR to ASA resistance (all P < 0.05), though multivariable logistic regression showed nonsignificant trends. Logistic regression analysis revealed that each unit increase in baseline 11dhTxB2 was associated with a 0.2% increase in the odds of aspirin resistance. Multivariable linear regression identified systemic inflammation (hs-CRP: B = 2,147.6, P < 0.001) and higher BMI (BMI: B = 204.9, P = 0.021) were strongly associated with attenuated thromboxane suppression (Δ11dhTxB2). Conclusion Patients with diabetes exhibit heightened thromboxane biosynthesis and a markedly elevated prevalence of biochemical aspirin resistance compared to healthy individuals, underscoring a prothrombotic phenotype linked to metabolic-inflammatory dysregulation. Higher BMI and systemic inflammation emerged as key factors associated with attenuated aspirin efficacy, suggesting platelet activation pathways beyond conventional COX-1 inhibition or involving non-platelet sources. Early identification of platelet hyperreactivity, coupled with targeted metabolic control and anti-inflammatory strategies, may refine personalized cardiovascular prevention in this high-risk population,while acknowledging that persistent urinary 11dhTxB2 elevation post-aspirin likely reflects significant non-platelet thromboxane generation.
Habitat prioritization for bat conservation: A case study in Vietnam
Bats play a vital role in ecosystems through providing essential functions and services, such as pollination and pest control, but they face many threats from anthropogenic activities, climate change, and diseases. While establishing protected areas can be a conservation measure to mitigate bats’ population declines and habitats loss, the effectiveness of current protected areas in conserving bat species remains poorly understood. Using Vietnam as a case, this study aims to evaluate the representation of the existing protected area network for bats in terms of the proportion of their distribution ranges covered and the number of well-covered species. We also identified areas that would improve the representation using the spatial prioritization approach. Our results showed that while Vietnam’s protected area network provides better representation than random allocation, it currently only covers 6.12% of bat distribution ranges on average, leaving the distribution areas of more than 78 (96%) of the 81 species examined in this study insufficiently represented. Through the spatial prioritization, the forests in Central Highlands, western Central Coast, and Northwest were identified as the key regions for bats. Expanding the current network to cover 9% and 30% of the land under the national and global targets could improve the range coverage to 11.89% and 41.99%, respectively, reducing the number of poorly represented bats to 10–23 (12.3–28.4%) species. These findings offer critical insights for conservation practitioners and policymakers into prioritizing resources and efforts for improving conservation of not only bats in Vietnam but also biodiversity in general in other places.
Synthetic data can benefit medical research — but risks must be recognized
Can octopus embryos and juveniles contend with heatwaves?
Heatwaves are emerging climatological threats intensifying by climate change, that pose unprecedented challenges to thermally sensitive marine species. This study investigated the physiological and metabolic responses of O. maya offspring to heatwave conditions, focusing on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and survival. We simulated a critical scenario where females with an optimal thermal history (24°C) laid eggs at the onset of a heatwave, exposing the offspring to optimal (24°C), intermediate (26°C), or high (30°C) temperatures for the entire embryonic development (~45 days) and 30 days post-hatching. Embryos incubated at 30°C showed altered morphometry (reduced mantle and arm lengths) and suppressed routine metabolic rates by the end of embryonic development. Among antioxidants analyzed, total glutathione (GSH) emerged as a key factor in mitigating oxidative stress, supporting previous observations suggesting a key role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) protection. We hypothesized that energy reallocation to stress defense mechanisms compromised developmental processes, resulting in smaller hatchlings with reduced survival and diminished factorial metabolic scope. High-resolution respirometry revealed mitochondrial dysfunction, including increased proton leak and reduced respiratory efficiency, exacerbating oxidative damage and impairing oxygen transport. While some juveniles exhibited metabolic plasticity and elevated ATP production, these responses were insufficient to counteract the long-term costs of thermal stress. These findings suggest that although optimal thermal history, as seen in upwelling zones, may offer temporary protection, prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures could severely compromise reproductive success and population sustainability.
Systematic attribution of heatwaves to the emissions of carbon majors
Abstract Extreme event attribution assesses how climate change affected climate extremes, but typically focuses on single events 1–4 . Furthermore, these attributions rarely quantify the extent to which anthropogenic actors have contributed to these events 5,6 . Here we show that climate change made 213 historical heatwaves reported over 2000–2023 more likely and more intense, to which each of the 180 carbon majors (fossil fuel and cement producers) substantially contributed. This work relies on the expansion of a well-established event-based framework 1 . Owing to global warming since 1850–1900, the median of the heatwaves during 2000–2009 became about 20 times more likely, and about 200 times more likely during 2010–2019. Overall, one-quarter of these events were virtually impossible without climate change. The emissions of the carbon majors contribute to half the increase in heatwave intensity since 1850–1900. Depending on the carbon major, their individual contribution is high enough to enable the occurrence of 16–53 heatwaves that would have been virtually impossible in a preindustrial climate. We, therefore, establish that the influence of climate change on heatwaves has increased, and that all carbon majors, even the smaller ones, contributed substantially to the occurrence of heatwaves. Our results contribute to filling the evidentiary gap to establish accountability of historical climate extremes 7,8 .
An innovative submucosal filler for esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection: A porcine model study (with video)
Background Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) a more challenging procedure. Numerous studies have explored submucosal injection materials from diverse perspectives. However, there is no consensus yet, and further exploration is still required. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel submucosal filler, acetylcysteine, which is commonly used in respiratory medicine, when applied for the first time in ESD procedure of the porcine esophagus. Methods A self-controlled survival study was carried out on porcine model. In each pig, the novel submucosal filler was injected in one part of the esophagus (Experimental group; Group E), while normal saline was injected in another part (Control group; Group C) during the ESD procedure. Additionally, one pig received a submucosal injection of normal saline as a negative control to observe baseline daily movements and pathology following ESD. One month post- ESD, endoscopic and pathological evaluations were conducted to assess wound healing and other vital organs, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the long – term impact and efficacy of the filler in this novel application context. Results The dissection time per unit area in Group E was notably shorter than in Group C (3.79 ± 1.38 minutes vs. 5.79 ± 1.22 minutes; P = 0.004). Group E also required a smaller volume of submucosal filler per unit area than Group C (3.48 ± 1.07 ml vs. 7.48 ± 3.96 ml; P = 0.039). However, There were no significant differences between Group E and Group C regarding the complication rate and thickness of the submucosal layer in the ESD specimens. Pathological evaluation of wound healing and other vital organs demonstrated comparable results in Group E and Group C. Conclusion This novel submucosal filler can expedite the ESD process without increasing the incidence of complications.
Mystery Martian minerals hint at the planet’s complex geochemical past
Practice of opportunistic cervical cancer screening and health education among health workers in Ogun State, Nigeria: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators
Background The burden of cervical cancer is highest in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, where organized cervical cancer screening programs are lacking, opportunistic screening during maternal healthcare visits may enhance screening uptake. This study is aimed at understanding the practice of opportunistic cervical cancer screening and health education, and the barriers and facilitators experienced by health workers practicing in antenatal and postnatal clinics in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods This is a qualitative cross-sectional study. In-depth interviews were conducted among 43 health workers – doctors, nurses and community health extension workers, working in antenatal and postnatal clinics in public primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities selected by quota sampling. A hybrid thematic data analysis approach, combining deductive and inductive methods was employed. Results Health education on cervical cancer prevention was not done in most health facilities. Where cervical cancer health education was practiced, it was done mostly prior to family planning provision, and sometimes at antenatal, postnatal/infant immunization clinics. Facilities for cervical cancer screening was not available in most of the health facilities and patients had to travel long distances to tertiary facilities to have a Pap smear done. Barriers to cervical cancer screening and health education include, high cost of screening, manpower shortage, fear of positive result among patients, poor awareness among patients, and religious and cultural beliefs. The major facilitators to screening and health education mentioned were passion for their work and the desire that no woman should die from preventable cancers. Conclusion To address identified barriers, the government should enhance health worker training, ensure adequate staffing, improve the availability of screening equipment and reagents and make screening free/affordable. Community mobilization efforts should be intensified to increase awareness and promote accessibility. Integrating cervical cancer health education and screening into routine antenatal and postnatal care is essential for improving uptake.
Weight and body composition outcomes with liraglutide in individuals with well-treated hypothyroidism: A retrospective case-control study
Background Hypothyroidism is associated with weight gain. Although levothyroxine therapy restores thyroid hormone levels, its impact on weight loss is modest. Whether individuals with appropriately treated hypothyroidism respond differently to obesity pharmacotherapy remains relative unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate weight and body composition responses to liraglutide in patients with obesity and levothyroxine-treated hypothyroidism compared to matched controls without thyroid disease. Methods In this retrospective case-control study, we included adults with overweight or obesity who were treated with liraglutide between 2017 and 2022 at an academic weight management center. Participants with hypothyroidism on stable levothyroxine therapy were compared to age-, gender-, and BMI-matched controls without thyroid disease. Outcomes include percentage weight change, categorical weight loss thresholds and changes in body composition assessed via bioelectrical impedance. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to identify predictors of weight loss. Results Fifty-three patients with hypothyroidism were compared to 145 controls. After a mean follow-up of 10 months, the percent weight change was similar between groups (−10.8% vs. −8.9%, P = 0.940), as was the proportion of weight reduction from fat-free mass loss (29.9% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.729). A significant proportion in both groups achieved ≥5% weight loss (79.2% vs. 71.0%, P = 0.248). Baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels within the normal range did not correlate with weight outcomes. In univariate analysis, baseline metformin use was associated with greater weight loss (P = 0.042), but this was not significant in multivariate models. Conclusion Liraglutide leads to clinically meaningful and comparable weight loss in individuals with well-treated hypothyroidism and those without thyroid disease. Body composition changes were also similar between groups. These findings help clinicians address a frequently asked question among patients with hypothyroidism about their ability to effectively lose weight.
Redox-driven mineral and organic associations in Jezero Crater, Mars
Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs
Abstract Breast cancer is the second most common cancer globally, with most deaths caused by metastatic disease, often following long periods of clinical dormancy 1 . Understanding the mechanisms that disrupt the quiescence of dormant disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) is crucial for addressing metastatic progression. Infections caused by respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 trigger both local and systemic inflammation 2,3 . Here we demonstrate, in mice, that influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections lead to loss of the pro-dormancy phenotype in breast DCCs in the lung, causing DCC proliferation within days of infection and a massive expansion of carcinoma cells into metastatic lesions within two weeks. These phenotypic transitions and expansions are interleukin-6 dependent. We show that DCCs impair lung T cell activation and that CD4 + T cells sustain the pulmonary metastatic burden after the influenza infection by inhibiting CD8 + T cell activation and cytotoxicity. Crucially, these experimental findings align with human observational data. Analyses of cancer survivors from the UK Biobank (all cancers) and Flatiron Health (breast cancer) databases reveal that SARS-CoV-2 infection substantially increases the risk of cancer-related mortality and lung metastasis compared with uninfected cancer survivors. These discoveries underscore the huge impact of respiratory viral infections on metastatic cancer resurgence, offering new insights into the connection between infectious diseases and cancer metastasis.