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The wrapping Epanechnikov exponential distribution: A novel flexible model for asymmetric circular data

PLoS ONE Sakhr A. S. Alotaibi, Nora Muda, Ahmad M. H. Al-khazaleh et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331906

This study introduces the Wrapped Epanechnikov Exponential Distribution (WEED), a novel circular distribution derived from the Epanechnikov exponential distribution. The probability density function and cumulative distribution function are presented, together with a comprehensive analysis of its properties and parameters, including the characteristic function and trigonometric moments. Parameters are estimated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). A simulation study with 10,000 samples demonstrates the consistency of the MLE method, with bias decreasing from 0.14221 to 0.03203 and MSE improving from 0.03456 to 0.00163 for β=1 as sample size increases from N = 30 to N = 500. Applications to real-world datasets confirm WEED’s superior flexibility compared to established models, achieving lower AIC values across multiple datasets (Wind direction: 100.72 vs. 112.907; Turtle orientation: 142.764 vs. 145.254; Fisher-B5: 77.6998 vs. 79.833) when compared with the Wrapped Exponential Distribution (WED). Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests further support WEED’s improved goodness-of-fit, with consistently lower test statistics across all datasets. This work contributes to the field of circular statistics by providing a promising tool for modeling asymmetric circular data with enhanced flexibility and accuracy.

The kinetics of nsp7-11 polyprotein processing and impact on complexation with nsp16 among human coronaviruses

Nature Communications Kira Schamoni-Kast, Boris Krichel, Tomislav Damjanović et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61554-y

Abstract In coronavirus (CoV) infection, polyproteins (pp1a/pp1ab) are processed into non-structural proteins (nsps), which largely form the replication/transcription complex (RTC). The polyprotein processing and complex formation is critical and offers potential therapeutic targets. However, the interplay of polyprotein processing and RTC-assembly remains poorly understood. Here, we study two key aspects: The order of polyprotein processing by viral main protease Mpro and its influence on complex formation with the methyltransferase nsp16. Moreover, we establish an approach to determine rate constants k from cleavage sites in structured CoV polyprotein based on native mass spectrometry (MS). The high sensitivity and precision of our method allow quantification of multi-reaction kinetics of nsp7-11 processing from four human pathogenic CoV species. The experimentally determined rate constants are put into perspective with a comprehensive analysis of primary sequences and structural models, revealing distinct cleavage mechanisms for each site based on their local structural environments. Our systematic approach provides a blueprint for kinetic analysis of complex multi-cleavage reactions.

Psychosocial predictors of mobbing and burnout in para-athletes: Insights for mental health

PLoS ONE Yeliz Ay Yıldız, Gokhan Buyukluoglu, Nihan Buyukluoglu et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331612

Para-athletes may experience psychological challenges such as mobbing and burnout, which can impair their performance, motivation, and well-being. Despite the inclusive goals of the Paralympic Movement, recent evidence suggests that para-athletes are not immune to negative psychosocial experiences. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mobbing exposure and burnout among para-athletes and to identify demographic and psychological predictors of mobbing. This cross-sectional study included para-athletes aged 18–45 with at least two years of sports experience. Participants completed an online survey including demographic variables, the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R), and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). Statistical analyses included group comparisons, correlation tests, and linear regression modeling to explore factors associated with mobbing exposure. A total of 93 para-athletes participated. NAQ-R scores varied significantly by age and showed positive correlations with ABQ-PEE (physical/emotional exhaustion) and ABQ-SD (sport devaluation) scores. Regression Analysis, Adjusted R² = 0.296. Model was significant (F(9,83)=4.10, p < 0.001). Significant predictors, ABQ-SD (β = 0.312, p = 0.004), education level (β = 0.278, p = 0.011). Regression analysis revealed that higher ABQ-SD and educational level were significant predictors of increased mobbing exposure. ABQ-SD and education level are key predictors of mobbing and burnout in para-athletes, revealing that negative interpersonal dynamics persist even in para-sport environments. Targeted anti-mobbing strategies and tailored psychological support are essential to protect mental health and enhance the athletic experience.

Racial stereotypes bias the neural representation of objects towards perceived weapons

Nature Communications DongWon Oh, Henna I. Vartiainen, Jonathan B. Freeman Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63381-7

Cohort profile: The Multiethnic Lifestyle, Obesity and Diabetes Registry in Malaysia (MeLODY) retrospective cohort in a middle-income country in Southeast Asia

PLoS ONE Sarkaaj Singh, Anis Syazwani Abd Raof, Jian-Wen Samuel Lee-Boey et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331571

There is a lack of longitudinal data on type 2 diabetes (T2D) in low- and middle-income countries. We leveraged the electronic health records (EHR) system of a publicly funded academic institution to establish a retrospective cohort with longitudinal data to facilitate benchmarking, surveillance, and resource planning of a multi-ethnic T2D population in Malaysia. This cohort included 15,702 adults aged ≥ 18 years with T2D who received outpatient care (January 2002-December 2020) from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The mean age of participants was 54.3 ± 12.6 years, with a T2D duration of 12.7 ± 4.8 years, HbA1c of 8.9 ± 2.6%, body mass index of 28.2 ± 6.2 kg/m2, and 47.4% were men. The top three comorbidities were dyslipidaemia (87.1%), overweight/obesity (69.4%), and hypertension (62.6%). The proportion of participants achieving HbA1c < 7%, blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 2.6 mmol/L was 27.8%, 24.8%, and 24.5%, respectively. The most common treatments were metformin (62.4%), sulfonylurea (32.8%), and insulin (32.7%). Given the lack of implementation of urinary albumin:creatinine ratio for early detection, chronic kidney disease (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73m2) was underestimated at 7.5%. These findings highlight opportunities for improved data collection in a middle-income country in Southeast Asia. Apart from trend analysis, this cohort will be prospectively followed for ongoing benchmarking, surveillance, and ascertainment of clinical events, including death.

Amazon forest resistance to drought is increased by diversity in hydraulic traits

Nature Communications Liam Langan, Simon Scheiter, Thomas Hickler et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63600-1

Abstract The unique biodiversity and vast carbon stocks of the Amazon rainforests are essential to the Earth System but are threatened by future water balance changes. Empirical evidence suggests that species and trait diversity may mediate forest drought responses, yet little evidence exists for tropical forest responses. In this simulation study, we identify key axes of trait variation and quantify the extent to which functional trait diversity increases tropical forests’ drought resistance. Using a vegetation model capable of simulating observed tropical forest drought responses and trait diversity, we identify emergent trade-offs between water-related traits (hereafter hydraulic traits) as a key axis of variation. Our simulations reveal that higher functional trait diversity reduces site-scale biomass loss during sudden catastrophic drought, i.e., a 50% precipitation reduction for four and seven years, by 17% and 32%, respectively, and continental-scale biomass loss due to severe chronic climate change-associated precipitation reductions, i.e., RCP8.5, constant CO2 at 380 ppm, and a 50% precipitation reduction over 100 years, by 34%. Additionally, we find that functional trait diversity-mediated biomass resistance is stronger under more severe drought conditions. These findings quantify the essential role of hydraulic-trait diversity in enhancing tropical forest drought resistance and highlight the critical linkages between biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

AHL-based QS signalling promotes uropathogenic Escherichia coli settlement through the de-repression of biofilm formation by SdiA

PLoS ONE Celia Mayer, Fadi Soukarieh, Manuel Simões et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328837

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are among the first pathogens to colonise in catheter and non-catheter-associated urinary tract infections. However, these infections are often polymicrobial, resulting in multi-species infections that persist by forming biofilms. Living within these highly antimicrobial tolerant communities, bacteria can establish intra- and inter-specific interactions, including quorum sensing (QS)-mediated signalling mechanisms, which play a key role in biofilm establishment and maturation. Although E. coli does not produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), it possesses an orphan LuxR-type receptor, SdiA, which can bind these QS signals released by other Gram-negative bacteria, modulating several virulence-associated phenotypes including biofilm formation. Despite biofilms being considered a major public health challenge due to their persistence and resilience, the knowledge of the SdiA role in biofilm regulation and UPEC fitness in mixed biofilms is limited compared to enteropathogenic E. coli. We have used a ΔsdiA mutant and phenotypic analysis to investigate the SdiA influence on UPEC single and mixed biofilms with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. SdiA was found to inhibit UPEC biofilm and addition of AHLs enhanced E. coli surface colonisation via SdiA-mediated de-repression of biofilm. We also confirmed the low specificity of SdiA for AHLs, demonstrating the SdiA importance in tightly regulating the UPEC free-living and biofilm-associated lifestyles.

Discovery of a selective alpha-kinase 1 inhibitor for the rare genetic disease ROSAH syndrome

Nature Communications Jieqing Fan, Danyang Liu, Zhu Ming et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63731-5

Abstract ROSAH (retinal dystrophy, optic nerve edema, splenomegaly, anhidrosis, and headache) syndrome is a rare genetic disease caused by variants in alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1) resulting in downstream pro-inflammatory signaling mediated by the TIFA/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway. Here, we report the design of an ALPK1 inhibitor, DF-003, with pharmacokinetic properties suitable for daily oral dosing. In biochemical assays, DF-003 potently inhibits human ALPK1 (IC50 = 1.5 nM) and the ROSAH disease-causing mutant ALPK1[T237M] (IC50 = 16 nM). When tested against a panel of 394 human kinases, DF-003 exhibits ≥860-fold selectivity over the closest kinase. In cell-based assays, DF-003 suppresses inflammatory cytokine signaling mediated both by wild-type ALPK1 and the disease-causing ALPK1[T237M] mutant. Using mice heterozygous for wild-type human ALPK1 and ALPK1 T237M established to model ROSAH syndrome that exhibit retinal microglial infiltration, astrocyte activation, and inflammatory cytokine upregulation in the retina, optic nerve, and cortex, we show that orally administered DF-003 is sufficient to inhibit these inflammatory phenotypes.

ICTUSCOG: Poststroke cognitive impairment following nondisabling stroke: Study protocol of a spanish multicentre prospective cohort study

PLoS ONE Cristina Moreno-Loscertales, Paula Canasto-Jiménez, Mario Bautista-Lacambra et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0330255

Background Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with frequent cognitive sequelae affecting up to 60% of stroke survivors. Despite the high prevalence of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), early detection remains underemphasized in clinical practice, with limited focus on broader neuropsychological and affective symptoms. Stroke elevates dementia risk and may act as a trigger for progressive neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and the interaction between vascular and degenerative pathways are poorly understood. The ICTUSCOG study aims to address these gaps by determining the incidence, predictors and progression factors of PSCI in a prospective, multicenter cohort of nondisabling stroke patients. The work will explore distinct patient profiles, evaluate the role of biomarkers, and develop a predictive model to identify at risk individuals. Methods ICTUSCOG is a five-year observational project involving four Spanish centres. Recruitment began in 2022 and includes consecutive patients aged 18–75 with no prior cognitive impairment and nondisabling stroke. Participants undergo detailed neuropsychological, functional, and neuroimaging assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Key data include stroke characteristics, vascular risk factors, advanced neuroimaging metrics, and biological biomarkers. Neuropsychological assessments incorporate domain-specific validated tools tailored for stroke patients. Discussion The study will quantify the incidence of early and late PSCI, identify predictors of progression, and characterise cognitive profiles. Multivariate models and clustering techniques will explore interactions among clinical, biological and imaging data. A predictive model will be developed and validated for clinical use. ICTUSCOG will provide critical insights into the mechanisms and trajectories of PSCI, informing prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation strategies. The work aims to establish predictive tools and care pathways to mitigate the burden of cognitive impairment in stroke survivors.

Sub-diurnal asymmetric warming has amplified atmospheric dryness since the 1980s

Nature Communications Ziqian Zhong, Hans W. Chen, Aiguo Dai et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63672-z

Abstract Rising atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD)—a measure of atmospheric dryness, defined as the difference between saturated vapor pressure (SVP) and actual vapor pressure (AVP)—has been linked to increasing daily mean near-surface air temperatures since the 1980s. However, it remains unclear whether the faster increases in daily maximum temperature (Tmax) relative to daily minimum temperature (Tmin) have contributed to rising VPD. Here, we show that the faster rise in Tmax compared with Tmin over land has intensified VPD from 1980 to 2023. This sub-diurnal asymmetric warming has driven a larger SVP increase than would occur under uniform temperature rise, while AVP is more strongly influenced by Tmin. Using reanalysis data, we estimate that asymmetric warming has contributed an additional ~18% to the increase in global land VPD. Sub-daily station observations corroborate this pattern, with asymmetric warming accounting for ~30% of VPD intensification across all stations. Our findings indicate that sub-diurnal asymmetric warming has substantially amplified global warming’s effect on atmospheric dryness over the past four decades, with significant implications for terrestrial water availability and carbon cycling.

Efficacy and mechanism of high-purity HAMCC combined with CGF in promoting the repair of radiation-induced skin and soft tissue damage

PLoS ONE Xiaohao Hu, Anru Liang, Tongling Zhao et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0330078

Radiotherapy, a prevalent and effective treatment for various malignancies, often causes collateral damage to normal skin and soft tissues in the irradiated area. To address this, we developed a novel approach combining SVFG-modified adipose-derived high-activity matrix cell clusters (HAMCC) with concentrated growth factors (CGF) to enhance regeneration and repair of radiation-induced skin and soft tissue injuries. Our study included cellular assays, wound healing evaluations, and histological analyses. In the inflammatory wound healing environment, this treatment reduced ROS and 8-oxo-dG expression while increasing four antioxidant-related proteins (Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, AKR1C1), thereby suppressing oxidative stress and improving wound healing efficiency. Additionally, the HAMCC and CGF combination promoted collagen expression and rearrangement and accelerated angiogenesis. This innovative treatment presents a promising strategy for regenerating and repairing radiation-induced skin and soft tissue damage.

Cannabis impacts female fertility as evidenced by an in vitro investigation and a case-control study

Nature Communications Cyntia Duval, Brandon A. Wyse, Noga Fuchs Weizman et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63011-2

Microbial quality assessment of Niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica (Linnaeus f.) Cassini) oil in Gondar city: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE Lamrot Yohannes, Tsegaye Adane Birhan, Mastewal Endalew et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331546

Foodborne diseases pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. The increasing availability of edible oils in the market, combined with Ethiopia’s lack of stringent quality control and regulatory oversight, raises concerns about their safety. This inadequacy in regulation may contribute to microbial contamination, leading to potential public health risks. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2021. Twelve samples of Niger seed oil (Guizotia abyssinica (Linnaeus f.) Cassini) were collected using a universal sampling technique. In the microbiology laboratory, the samples were aseptically examined for bacterial and fungal contamination using standard microbiological methods and procedures. The collected data were entered and analyzed using Stata Version 14. Mean values and standard deviations were computed, and the results were presented in text and tables. Microbial analysis of the 12 Niger seed oil (Guizotia abyssinica (Linnaeus f.) Cassini) samples revealed varying levels of bacterial, mold, and coliform contamination. The identified bacterial species included Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus were the predominant fungal isolates. The total aerobic bacterial count ranged from 1.3 × 103 to 9.2 × 104 cfu/ml, with the highest recorded mold count reaching 4 × 10⁵ cfu/ml. Additionally, both total and fecal coliform isolates were detected in the samples. The presence of these microorganisms suggests that the oil processing, production, handling, and storage systems lack proper hygienic handling practices. This finding highlights the urgent need for stringent hygiene measures, enhanced quality control protocols, and strict adherence to food safety regulations throughout the production and distribution processes.

DelGrad: exact event-based gradients for training delays and weights on spiking neuromorphic hardware

Nature Communications Julian Göltz, Jimmy Weber, Laura Kriener et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63120-y

Abstract Spiking neural networks (SNNs) inherently rely on the timing of signals for representing and processing information. Augmenting SNNs with trainable transmission delays, alongside synaptic weights, has recently shown to increase their accuracy and parameter efficiency. However, existing training methods to optimize such networks rely on discrete time, approximate gradients, and full access to internal variables such as membrane potentials. This limits their precision, efficiency, and suitability for neuromorphic hardware due to increased memory and I/O-bandwidth demands. Here, we propose DelGrad, an analytical, event-based training method to compute exact loss gradients for both weights and delays. Grounded purely in spike timing, DelGrad eliminates the need to track any other variables to optimize SNNs. We showcase this key advantage by implementing DelGrad on the BrainScaleS-2 mixed-signal neuromorphic platform. For the first time, we experimentally demonstrate the parameter efficiency, accuracy benefits, and stabilizing effect of adding delays to SNNs on noisy hardware. DelGrad thus provides a new way for training SNNs with delays on neuromorphic substrates, with substantial improvements over previous results.

Scenario simulation analysis of urbanization spatial pattern optimization promoting regional coordinated development: A case study of Guizhou, China

PLoS ONE Yuzhu Meng, Mingyue Wang, Shu Shang et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0330821

This research delves into the optimization of urbanization spatial patterns in Guizhou Province, China. The findings reveal that with regional coordinated development as the central objective and the optimization of urbanization spatial patterns as the strategic focus, a research framework encompassing “temporal and spatial evolution of urbanization - identification and summation of pain points and difficulties - scenario simulation and optimization - strategic goal selection” is utilized to specifically tackle issues pertaining to urbanization spatial patterns. Through the construction of diverse scenarios and rigorous research analysis, an implementation pathway is derived, advocating for “strengthening the central region of Guizhou, fostering urban agglomeration development, reinforcing developmental support points, and promoting regional coordinated development.” This pathway is then applied to the optimization of urbanization spatial patterns in Guizhou. The study proposes the establishment of a “one body with two wings” urbanization spatial pattern, with Guiyang as the primary core and Zunyi, Liupanshui, Bijie, Anshun, Duyun, and Kaili serving as support points for Guizhou’s primary development zone. Furthermore, urban clusters centered on Xingyi in southwestern Guizhou and Tongren in northeastern Guizhou are projected to gradually emerge. The remaining regions will undergo coordinated development, ultimately contributing to the realization of overall regional coordinated development.

Local activity alterations in individuals with autism correlate with neurotransmitter properties and ketamine-induced brain changes

Nature Communications Pascal Grumbach, Jan Kasper, Joerg F. Hipp et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63857-6

Abstract Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with altered resting-state brain function. An increased excitation-inhibition ratio is discussed as a pathomechanism but in-vivo evidence of disturbed neurotransmission underlying functional alterations remains scarce. We compare local resting-state brain activity and neurotransmitter co-localizations between autism (N = 405, N = 395) and neurotypical controls (N = 473, N = 474) in two independent cohorts and correlate them with excitation-inhibition changes induced by glutamatergic (ketamine) and GABAergic (midazolam) medication. Autistic individuals exhibit consistent reductions in local activity, particularly in default mode network regions. The whole-brain differences spatially overlap with glutamatergic and GABAergic, as well as dopaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission. Functional changes induced by NMDA-antagonist ketamine resemble the spatial pattern observed in autism. Our findings suggest that consistent local activity alterations in autism reflect widespread disruptions in neurotransmission and may be resembled by pharmacological modulation of the excitation-inhibition balance. These findings advance understanding of the neurophysiological basis of autism. Trial registration number: ACTRN12616000281493

Evaluation of diagnostic measurements in patients with non-specific complaints: A secondary analysis after implementation of a care-pathway in the emergency department

PLoS ONE M. G. A. M. van der Velde, M. A. C. Jansen, H. R. Haak et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331060

Background Older patients presenting with nonspecific complaints (NSC) in the Emergency Department (ED) pose diagnostic challenges. The lack of clear symptoms leads to high misdiagnosis rates, extended hospital stays, and functional impairment. However, limited research exists on diagnostic test utilization for this population. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted on data from 399 older patients (aged 70+) at two hospitals in the Netherlands. These patients presented with NSC and were assessed using a standardized care-pathway that included diagnostic tests such as blood tests, ECGs, chest X-rays, and bladder ultrasounds. Data from a control group (164 patients) and an intervention group (235 patients) were compared, focusing on adherence to the diagnostic pathway, test frequency, and clinical outcomes. Results The intervention group showed significantly greater use of several diagnostic tests compared to the control group, specifically calcium, TSH, glucose, ALAT, ECGs, chest X-rays, and bladder ultrasounds. Notably, abnormal findings were relatively low across tests, particularly for ALAT, TSH and calcium. Urinalysis, chest X-rays and ECGs were used more frequently and identified clinically significant findings. Head CT scans were used more frequently in the intervention group, though not statistically significant. Conclusion We recommend a standardized laboratory work-up for patients presenting with NSC. There is no justification for the routine use of ALAT, TSH and calcium measurements. We also recommend to incorporate bladder scans into routine care, and continuing the standardized use of ECGs, chest X-rays and urinalysis. Head CT scans, on the other hand, should be based on individualized clinical decisions. Trial number: Dutch Trial register, number NL8960.

Prevalence and predictors of viral load non-suppression among adolescents on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy: A cross-sectional study from three urban clinics, Soroti City

PLoS ONE Connie Nait, Simple Ouma, Saadick Mugerwa Ssentongo et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331835

Background Despite advances in HIV care, viral load suppression (VLS) among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Uganda continue to lag behind that of adults, even with the introduction of dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimens, the Youth and Adolescent Peer Supporter (YAPS) model, and community-based approaches. Understanding factors associated with HIV viral load non-suppression in this population is critical to inform HIV treatment policy. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of viral load non-suppression among ALHIV aged 10–19 years on DTG-based ART in Soroti City, Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among 447 ALHIV attending three urban HIV clinics in Soroti City. Data were abstracted using a structured questionnaire and analyzed in STATA 15.0. Modified Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to identify predictors of viral load non-suppression. Adjusted relative risks (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results Of the 447 participants, 53.5% were female, with a median age of 16 years (IQR: 14.0–17.6). The majority (72.9%) were from Soroti district and had been on DTG-based ART for a median of 42.5 months (IQR: 37.0–48.0). Most were receiving multi-month dispensing (MMD) (75.2%) and were active in care (98%). The prevalence of viral load non-suppression was 19.2% (86/447). Independent predictors of non-suppression included older age (15–19 vs. 10–14 years) (aRR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.08–2.67), male sex (aRR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.05–2.11), prior non-suppression before switching to DTG (aRR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.19–2.59), use of non-fixed dose DTG regimens (aRR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.23–3.33), history of poor adherence (aRR: 4.36; 95% CI: 2.05–9.26), and not receiving MMD (aRR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.93–4.15). Conclusion Nearly one in five adolescents on DTG-based ART in Soroti City had viral non-suppression, despite optimized treatment regimens. Targeted interventions−particularly enhanced adherence counseling for older and male adolescents, expanding MMD coverage, and provision of fixed-dose regimens−are urgently needed to improve VLS among ALHIV. These findings underscore the need for adolescent-centered HIV care strategies to close the viral suppression gap and advance progress towards epidemic control.

Nutritional supplement containing a nuclear fraction of bovine thymus gland increases the circulating levels of spermidine

PLoS ONE Natalia Surzenko, Ashley Dominique, Taleen Hanania et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331813

Polyamines (PAs), including spermidine, spermine and their precursor, putrescine, are ubiquitous molecules that are vital for a variety of physiological processes. Recently, PAs gained research attention because of their roles in promoting longevity and preventing age-related diseases. Circulating and tissue levels of PAs appear to decline with age, while higher intake of PAs in humans is correlated with better health during aging. Many foods, including plants and offal (organ meats), are good sources of dietary PAs, but are consumed much less in regions with prevailing Western diets. Elevating the circulating levels of PAs through dietary supplementation with PA-rich plant extracts or foods, on the other hand, has proven to be challenging, most likely due to their low bioavailability. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of nutritional supplements derived from bovine glandular tissues and/or plant material in elevating blood and tissue levels of spermidine, spermine and putrescine in adult rats. We detected appreciable amounts of PAs in the following materials: 1) spermidine-rich supplement (SRS), containing wheat germ, 2) a cytosolic fraction extract of bovine thymus gland (Thymus Cytosolic Fraction – TCF) and 3) a nuclear fraction extract of bovine thymus gland (Thymus Nuclear Fraction – TNF). We showed that all three PA-containing supplements also contain liposomes, with TNF displaying the largest amounts of liposomal PAs, as well as RNAs, among the tested supplements. We demonstrated that oral administration of SRS, TCF and TNF induce rapid changes in blood PA concentrations. Finally, we showed that TNF supplement is superior to SRS and TCF in elevating the levels of spermidine in the blood, liver and heart following a 28-day supplementation period. Considering the importance of PAs in prevention of age-related disease, supplementation with TNF could be a plausible approach towards the maintenance of proper cellular PA homeostasis during aging.

Social-ecological goals and outcomes of public engagement for recovery of endangered and threatened rockfishes (Sebastes spp.)

PLoS ONE Anne H. Beaudreau, Dayv Lowry, Jennifer Blaine et al. Sep 09, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331686

Natural resource management agencies commonly conduct outreach and engagement with the public, with the goals of raising awareness, educating constituents, encouraging compliance with rules, and supporting future participation in management processes. In Washington, USA, significant effort was invested over more than a decade to inform and engage recreational anglers and divers, and the broader public, in recovery efforts related to rockfish species (Sebastes spp.) listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We developed a novel evaluative framework using mixed methods to assess outreach and engagement efforts related to ESA-listed rockfishes from 2010 to 2022. We triangulated qualitative and quantitative data from interviews and surveys to: summarize the scope, content, goals, and intended audiences for rockfish-related outreach and engagement; examine practitioner perspectives regarding the effectiveness and challenges of rockfish-related outreach and engagement; assess anglers’ current understanding about rockfish management status and fishing regulations, drawing comparisons to the time of the ESA listings where possible; and synthesize strengths and weaknesses of past outreach and engagement to guide future efforts. We found that a portfolio of outreach and engagement approaches will likely be most effective for reaching a diverse audience and meeting multiple social goals. Additionally, community-engaged collaborations allow for a deeper discourse that builds trust, knowledge, and shared stewardship. Finally, strategic partnerships and capacity-building will continue to be important for meeting outreach and engagement goals. These results will help guide future efforts that are tailored to best meet the evolving needs of rockfish recovery.