Browse Articles

Pex3 promotes formation of peroxisome-peroxisome and peroxisome-lipid droplet contact sites

Abstract Peroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles that mediate central metabolic functions, such as fatty acid β-oxidation, as well as diverse tissue- and organism-specific processes. Membrane contact sites, regions of close apposition with other organelles for direct communication, are central to several aspects of their life cycle. Pex3 is a conserved multifunctional peroxisomal transmembrane protein that is involved in the insertion of peroxisomal membrane proteins, in pexophagy, and in the formation of membrane contact sites. Here, we show that high Pex3 levels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae induce the formation of peroxisome clusters surrounded by lipid droplets, mediated by peroxisome-peroxisome and peroxisome-lipid droplet contact sites. This clustering occurs independently of Pex3 partners in other processes Pex19, Inp1, and Atg36. The cytosolic domain of Pex3 binds peroxisomes, suggesting a direct role in homotypic contact site formation. Lipid droplet-peroxisome contact sites require the lipid droplet-localized triacylglycerol lipase Tgl4, which is enriched at this interface along with other lipases. Pex3 overexpression in Drosophila melanogast er similarly alters peroxisome and lipid droplet morphology and promotes contact site formation. Together, our results offer novel molecular insights into homotypic peroxisome contact sites and peroxisome-lipid droplet contact sites across species.

Perceptual-cognitive skills and talent development environments in soccer: A scoping review

Perceptual-cognitive skills are a key performance component within professional soccer. Consequently, their role within talent development environments has gained increasing attention. Despite this growing interest, research linking perceptual-cognitive skills to the talent development process remains relatively limited. The present study provided a scoping review examining perceptual-cognitive skills within soccer-specific environments within the last three decades, with a particular focus on outcomes relevant to talent development contexts. Following PRISMA guidelines, specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were set, where 55 studies were included in the final review. Narrative analysis identified key themes in the literature, including visual search behaviours, cognitive capabilities, performance, and methodologies. These themes are discussed with areas for future research identified to support the work of stakeholders in talent development contexts (e.g., coaches, scouts, academy directors), to re-direct future research efforts to further bridge the gap between science and application.

Intrapleural injection of bupivacaine liposome for pain management after thoracoscopic surgery

ECDD-S16, a synthetic derivative of cleistanthin A, suppresses pyroptosis in Burkholderia pseudomallei-infected U937 macrophages

Background Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by an intracellular Gram-negative bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is a common cause of community-acquired sepsis in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The mortality rate in acute melioidosis patients, which is caused by sepsis, is very high (47.1%). Therefore, reducing inflammation may lead to the treatment of patients with acute melioidosis. Previously, ECDD-S16 was reported to be a potential compound for inhibiting inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis). Objective In this study, we further investigated the involvement of ECDD-S16 in pyroptosis induced by B. pseudomallei in the U937 human macrophage cell line. Methods To investigate the biological activity of ECDD-S16, U937 macrophages were infected with B. pseudomallei before treatment with the compound. The expression of pyroptosis marker was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, western blotting and ELISA assay. Additionally, the intracellular growth of B. pseudomallei was examined by CFU determination. Furthermore, colocalization of the bacteria with phagosome acidification was observed by immunofluorescent staining. Results The results showed that ECDD-S16 decreased LDH release and levels of pyroptosis-related proteins in B. pseudomallei-infected cells by inhibiting phagolysosome acidification. Moreover, the attenuation of pyroptosis did not interfere with the intracellular survival of B. pseudomallei in U937 macrophages. Conclusion Our findings indicated that ECDD-S16, a novel compound, interferes with caspase-1/4/5 activation, which may lead to the prevention of sepsis in acute melioidosis patients.

Identifying propionate metabolism-related genes as biomarkers of sepsis development and therapeutic targets

Children and adolescents with overweight or obesity exhibit poor cardiorespiratory performance and elevated energy expenditure during an exercise task

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is essential for cardiovascular and metabolic health at any age. High levels of CRF are linked to better performance in sports and daily activities among children and adolescents. Conversely, being overweight or obese is associated with lower CRF, which can lead to decreased daily energy expenditure and reduced physical activity. This study aims to investigate CRF performance and energy expenditure in response to an exercise task among children and adolescents. Methods The sample consisted of 242 children and adolescents aged 8–16 years, categorized by healthy weight, overweight, obesity, and levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (low or high). Assessments included nutritional status (body mass index as Z-score), blood pressure (measured in mmHg), and electrocardiograms. Maximal oxygen consumption and ventilatory thresholds were measured using a modified Balke protocol. After initial screening, all participants performed an exercise task that involved stepping up and down on a 2-step footstool at a rate of 30 steps per minute (60 bpm) for 3 minutes. Results Significant differences were observed in maximal oxygen consumption values between boys and girls across different weight categories: healthy weight (♀ 35.0 ± 5.9 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ; ♂ 38.8 ± 6.1 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ), overweight (♀ 32.7 ± 5.2 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ; ♂ 35.9 ± 5.3 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ), and obesity (♀ 27.6 ± 6.3 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ; ♂ 32.8 ± 5.8 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ) (p < 0.05). Both overweight and obese boys and girls showed a higher percentage of maximal oxygen consumption at ventilatory threshold 1, along with increased heart rate, perceived exertion, and percentage of maximal oxygen consumption during the exercise task. Their recovery was less efficient, as indicated by the Ruffier and Dickson indices. Additionally, low CRF was associated with higher oxygen consumption at both ventilatory thresholds, elevated heart rate, and poorer scores on the Ruffier and Dickson indices. Regarding energy expenditure during the exercise task, overweight and obese participants exhibited a higher energy cost rate and perceived exertion compared to those of healthy weight. Conclusions Our findings indicate that both overweight and obese girls and boys have lower levels of CRF. These children also engaged in exercise at a higher intensity and expended more energy, with longer recovery times for their heart rates. Furthermore, our results suggest that low CRF levels are linked to these factors.

Boundary delineation and stability assessment of post-inrush water-immersed coal pillars based on integrated microseismic monitoring and field analysis

The strategic role of human resource managers in shaping decision-making in Ethiopia

This study thoroughly examines the role of human resource managers in shaping decision-making within the manufacturing sector in Ethiopia. Employing a mixed-methods research design, data were gathered from 282 human resource directors using structured questionnaires and supplemented by 24 in-depth interviews. The quantitative analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Mann-Whitney U test to explore orientations and differences across sectors, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis to capture the nuanced perspectives of Human Resource (HR) managers. The findings reveal a widespread recognition of HR as a strategic asset, with the majority of respondents advocating for greater integration of HR into organizational strategic planning. Nevertheless, the study uncovered significant sectoral disparities in the degree of HR managers’ involvement in strategic decision-making. Notably, the textile and clothing industries reported higher levels of HR representation in strategic discussions compared to the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, where HR’s role was less pronounced. Additionally, the research identifies a critical gap in the formalization of HR strategies, with many organizations lacking documented, comprehensive HR plans. This absence of formalized HR frameworks limits the strategic potential of HR departments, restricting their ability to contribute effectively to organizational performance. The study underscores the critical need for bridging the gap between strategic intent and actionable HR practices is crucial for achieving sustained competitive advantage in the manufacturing sector.

Results of an European survey on the management of perimesencephalic nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract Based on the current guidelines, there is no consensus on inpatient treatment including cerebral vasospasm prophylaxis and follow-up imaging for perimesencephalic nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (NASAH). To evaluate the daily practice of neurosurgeons within the Vascular Section of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) an online survey was performed from February 2023 to June 2023. Thirty-two questionnaires were answered from eighteen different countries. Most answers were provided from employees of University Hospitals ( n  = 27; 84.4%). Up to five NASAH cases per year were reported by 10 (31.3%), another 12 (37.4%) treat more than 20 cases. The majority of contributors (65.6%) estimate the complication rates in NASAH to be less than 2%. Inpatient monitoring was significantly influenced by the initial presentation and the distribution of blood observed in the CT scan, with significantly more patients being admitted to the intensive care unit in case 3 ( p  = 0.011) compared to case 1. Further, the therapeutic approaches differ in the blood pressure monitoring ( p  = 0.08). However, this finding did not achieve statistical significance. In case 1 and case 2 neither cerebral vasospasm prophylaxis nor transcranial doppler sonography is performed in 11 centers (34.4%) which decreases statistically significantly in case 3 ( n  = 2; 6.3%; p  = 0.0014). This study confirms that, the amount of blood in the first native CT scan influences the treatment decision. However, clear intercontinental differences cannot be evaluated due to the small number of participants.

Resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations with changes in burnout and mental well-being among NHS mental health staff in England

Background The pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic placed mental healthcare professionals at an increased risk of burnout and decreased mental wellbeing. Resilience strategies have been put in place as a protective measure, but little is known about how mental wellbeing evolved over time in this group and how resilience affects it. This study aimed to: 1) investigate long-term changes in burnout and mental well-being among mental healthcare professionals working in the National Health Service (NHS) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom (UK); and 2) examine whether baseline resilience levels predicted decreased burnout and increased mental well-being over the course of the pandemic. Methods The study used data from NHS CHECK, a longitudinal cohort study investigating NHS staff mental health and well-being since the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical mental health staff ( n  = 3,289) who completed self-report measures at three time points (baseline, 6 and 12 months later). Baseline surveys were conducted during the initial pandemic peak (April 2020 – June 2020; n  = 543), the initial easing of restrictions (July 2020 – September 2020; n  = 1,098), and the second peak (October 2020 – January 2021, n  = 1,648). Results Mixed model analyses showed that burnout scores increased over time, with higher resilience at baseline predicting lower burnout 6 and 12 months later. However, rises in burnout were most pronounced in the high resilience group. Well-being remained relatively stable over time, with staff with higher resilience at baseline reporting higher well-being over time. Conclusions Resilience was linked with both lower burnout and higher well-being in NHS mental health staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite showing steeper increases in burnout, staff with high initial resilience still maintained lower absolute levels of burnout compared to those with lower resilience. Healthcare organizations should consider providing interventions focusing on organizational factors in addition to individual-level resilience-focused support.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant and postpartum women regarding stress urinary incontinence

Plant attribute extraction: An enhancing three-stage deep learning model for relational triple extraction

Various plant attributes, such as growing environment, growth cycle, and ecological distribution, can provide support to fields like agricultural production and biodiversity. This information is widely dispersed in texts. Manual extraction of this information is highly inefficient due to a fact that it not only takes considerable time but also increases the likelihood of overlooking relevant details. To convert textual data into structured information, we extract relational triples in the form of (subject, relation, object), where the subject represents the names of plants, the object represents the plant attributes, and the relation represents the classification of plant attributes. To reduce complexity, we employ a joint extraction of entities and relations based on a tagging scheme. The task is broken down into three parts. Firstly, a matrix is used to simultaneously match plant entities and plant attributes. Then, the predefined categories of plant attributes are classified. Finally, the categories of plant attributes are matched with entity-attribute pairs. The tagging-based method typically utilizes parameter sharing to facilitate interaction between different tasks, but it can also lead to issues such as error amplification and instability in parameter updates. Thus, we adopt improved techniques at different stages to enhance the performance of our model. This includes adjustment to the word embedding layer of BERT and optimization in relation prediction. The modification of the word embedding layer is intended to better integrate contextual information during text representation and reduce the interference of erroneous information. The relation prediction part mainly involves multi-level information fusion of textual information, thereby making corrections and highlighting important information. We name the three-stage method as “Bwdgv”. Compared to the currently advanced PRGC model, the F1-score of the proposed method has an improvement of 1.4%. With the help of extracted triples, we can construct knowledge graphs and other tasks to better apply various plant attributes.

The role of Sb-over-Te ratio on the structural evolution of GeSbTe phase-change materials

SIMPROV: Provenance capturing for simulation studies

Improving interpretability and reusability has become paramount for modeling and simulation studies. Provenance, which encompasses information about the entities, activities, and agents involved in producing a model, experiment, or data, is pivotal in achieving this goal. However, capturing provenance in simulation studies presents a tremendous challenge due to the diverse software systems employed by modelers and the various entities and activities to be considered. Existing methods only automatically capture partial provenance from individual software systems, leaving gaps in the overall story of a simulation study. To address this limitation, we introduce a lightweight method that can record the provenance of complete simulation studies by monitoring the modeler in their familiar yet heterogeneous work environment, posing as few restrictions as possible. The approach emphasizes a clear separation of concerns between provenance capturers, which collect data from the diverse software systems used, and a provenance builder, which assembles this information into a coherent provenance graph. Furthermore, we provide a web interface that enables modelers to enhance and explore their provenance graphs. We showcase the practicality of SIMPROV through two cell biological case studies.

PTEN deficiency in postnatally developing Purkinje cells disrupts metabolic signaling, leading to dendritic abnormalities and sex-specific behavioral deficits

Editorial Note: HIV risk behavior and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Design and analysis of TwinCardio framework to detect and monitor cardiovascular diseases using digital twin and deep neural network

Abstract World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 17.9 million deaths globally every year due to Cardiovascular Disease or CVD, which includes an array of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, that includes coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and various other conditions. Notably, there has been nearly 30% increase in heart attack cases among individuals aged 25–44 between 2020 and 2023. These alarming trends make it pertinent for a deeper comprehensive integration of precision healthcare with digital twin. With the development of technologies, such as machine learning, cyber-physical systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twin is being applied in various industries as a precision simulation technology from concept to practice. Combining healthcare with digital twin paves the path to a more efficient means of delivering accurate and timely services to patients suffering from heart diseases. However, achieving personalized and precise healthcare management requires humans to be in loop with the digital twin, which will facilitate the integration of the patient’s physical world with the medical virtual world to realize smart healthcare. This work proposes “TwinCardio”—a novel reference framework of digital twin enabled smart health monitoring and “TwinNet”—a customized neural network designed for cardiovascular disease classification and prediction. TwinCardio framework is designed for patient monitoring, diagnosing and predicting the aspects of the health of individuals using on-body sensors. It depicts different layer that describes continuous data acquisition, data simulation, evaluation inline with security protocols thus serving as a base to manufacture smart healthcare models.

Quantifying hot topic dynamics in scientific literature: An information-theoretical approach

Understanding the internal structure of scientific discourse is essential for tracking the evolution of research topics and their conceptual interdependencies. However, existing approaches such as dynamic topic modeling and neural topic models often fail to capture fine-grained semantic shifts among known concepts, or require substantial computational resources. Co-occurrence networks offer a more interpretable alternative, but typically rely on correlation-based weights that lack metric properties, preventing rigorous temporal comparison and topological interpretation. To address this gap, we introduce a metric-based framework for analyzing the evolving structure of concept networks in the scientific literature. Using 10,370 research articles (2010-2023) on international security from JSTOR and PORTICO, we compute the normalized variation of information (NVI) distances to construct annual concept networks with a well-defined geometric structure. We then quantify semantic change using velocity matrices and extract major trends using Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) analysis. Our results reveal that conceptual shifts are concentrated in temporally localized hubs and are not driven by co-occurrence frequency alone, but by contextual information and shared uncertainty between concept distributions. By introducing a scalable, interpretable, and mathematically grounded approach to tracking concept dynamics, this study contributes new tools for topic evolution analysis and offers insight into the structural organization and reconfiguration of knowledge over time.

MAN2A2-related glycosylation defects in autism and cognitive delay

Experimental study on shear behavior of Polyurethane/water glass-filled planar rock joints

Rock joints are widespread in nature and have become a major obstacle to the safe development of underground space. Grouting reinforcement is widely adopted to reduce engineering disasters induced by joint sliding instability. In this study, direct shear tests of Polyurethane/water glass (PU/WG)-filled planar rock joints under constant normal stress conditions were carried out to investigate the effects of normal stress σ n , PU/WG layer and curing time T on the shear behavior, shear strength and surface damage of filled joints. The results show that PU/WG significantly enhances the peak shear strength of rock joints by 270.9% compared to the unfilled planar joints at σ n  = 2 MPa. However, the increase in σ n reduces the improvement of shear strength for PU/WG-filled joint. With the increase of curing time, the shear strength increased rapidly within the first 10 minutes, reaching 0.2–0.31 MPa/min. After the curing time exceeds 60 min, the shear strength enhancement declines significantly. Two typical shear displacement d s and shear stress τ s curves are proposed, related to σ n and filled layer. At low normal stress, such as σ n  = 2 MPa, the τ s decreases sharply after reaching the peak shear stress for the fracture of PU/WG-rock interface. However, under high normal stress conditions, an obvious post-peak yield stage is observed, and the τ s in the residual stage fluctuates within a certain range. High normal stress and PU/WG layer are the two necessary conditions for stick-slip in the residual stage. After shearing, the PU/WG remains largely intact on the upper surface, with few residual layers at the boundary on the lower surface. The PU/WG layer is relatively complete, with local tensile cracks, primarily V-shaped, and a few linear cracks. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanical behavior and reinforcement effect of PU/WG filled in fractured surrounding rocks.