Browse Articles

Periodic Trends in M–Fe Interactions across an Isostructural and Isoelectronic Series of [MFe₃S₄] Clusters (M = V, Cr, Mo, W)

The deciduous genital spines of the moth Peridea anceps (Goeze, 1781): Potential socially transferred materials

The genitalia of Lepidoptera are complex structures that evolve rapidly and divergently. The endophallus of many lepidopterans is ornamented with elaborate sclerotized structures known as cornuti. In some species, the cornuti are deciduous and remain within the female genital tract after copulation; the function of these structures is virtually unknown. These structures are a peculiar potential type of secondary “socially transferred material” (the primary materials are spermatozoids, i.e., genetic material), because they probably influence the physiology and behaviour of receivers (i.e., females) but are not molecules that function as allohormones. Such influence could be achieved by acting as mating plugs or via mechanical stimulation of females. The most intriguing and bizarre deciduous cornuti are the so-called caltrop cornuti, star-shaped structures, composed of several rays radiating from a central mass. Despite the presence of caltrop cornuti in at least 400 species, there are no studies of their microscopic structure and mechanism of dislodgement and transference to the female. In this study, we describe in detail the general and microscopic structure of the caltrop cornuti and associated structures of the prominent moth Peridea anceps (Notodontidae). We provide quantitative data of the cornuti and, for the first time, we explain the processes of detachment and transference to the female genital tract; we also describe their distribution inside the female genitalia. We discuss the possibility that one of the functions of deciduous caltrop cornuti is protection against sperm competition, as well as their potential influence on other aspects of the behaviour and physiology of females via mechanical stimulation.

Daily briefing: How bad are ultra-processed foods, really?

Early childhood caries intervention in Aboriginal Australian children: Follow-up at child age 9 years

Objective Dental caries is one of the most common preventable diseases among Indigenous children. The study aimed to estimate the efficacy of an Early Childhood Caries (ECC) intervention among Aboriginal Australian children over 9 years, and to explore potential risk factors associated with dental caries among Indigenous Australian children. Methods Data were from a randomized controlled trial conducted in South Australia, Australia. Four hundred and forty-eight women pregnant with an Aboriginal child were randomly allocated to either an immediate (II) or delayed (DI) intervention group between January 2011 and May 2012. The immediate intervention comprised (1) provision of dental care to mothers during pregnancy; (2) application of fluoride varnish to teeth of children at ages 6, 12; and 18 months; (3) motivational interviewing delivered in conjunction with; and (4) anticipatory guidance. Mothers/children in the DI group received the same intervention commencing at child aged 2 years. Follow-ups occurred when children were aged 2-, 3-, 5-, 7- and 9-years. In this analysis, outcomes were severity of caries experience: mean dmft/DMFT at child aged 9 years. Dependent variables included mothers’ baseline and seven years follow-up characteristics (age, education level, source of income, residential location, smoking and alcohol status) and children’s birth and feeding, and dental behaviours characteristics (sex, gestation, birth weight, breastfeeding status and sweet food consumption, and frequency of tooth brushing). Multivariable log-Poisson regression models with robust standard error estimation were applied as a statistical model to estimate multivariable relationships of dental caries and other covariates. Risk ratios (RRs) with their 95%CI were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by using the inverse-probability-of censoring weighting (IPCW) to overcome the loss-follow-up issues. Results Data were available for 367 (II = 180 and DI = 187) children at age 9 years. The mean dmft was 3.41 (95% CI: 2.95–3.87) and DMFT was 0.31(95%CI: 0.22–0.41). In multivariable modelling, mean dmft was higher (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01–1.26) among DI children than II children, but there were no significant differences in the permanent dentition. Risk factors for caries severity in both the primary and permanent dentition included lower mothers’ education level (<12 years level: dmft; RR = 1.56, 95% CI:1.31–1.86; and ‘Trade or TAFT: DMFT: RR =3.40, 95%CI: 1.16-9.98). Other risk factors for dental caries experience in the primary dentition included preterm birth, low birth weight, child not breastfed and sugar consumption more than 10%, and in permanent dentition was self-rated ‘fair/poor’ or ‘Good’ children’s oral health, compared with self-rated ‘Excellent/very good’ oral health. Conclusion The present study suggests that, within this cohort, initiating an early childhood caries intervention during pregnancy and infancy may be associated with lower caries experience in the primary dentition by age 9 years compared to a later start. Low maternal education level was associated with caries severity in both primary and permanent dentitions. Sugar consumption, a modifiable risk factor, greater than 10% was an important contributor to dental caries in primary teeth.

Photochemistry of Sulfur Dioxide Mediated by Charge Transfer through Intermolecular Chalcogen Bonds

Daily and seasonal human mobility modulates temperature exposure in European cities

Extreme temperatures pose a serious threat to human health, especially in urban areas where the majority of the world population is living. Temperature-related risks are exacerbated by urban-induced warming but existing exposure assessments rely on a static residential population, thus overlooking space-time changes in population density and their covariation with urban temperatures. Here we combine 1-km monthly daytime and nighttime population estimates for 80 European cities with existing high-resolution urban climate simulations to quantify the impact of daily and seasonal mobility on residents’ exposure to heat and cold. Using city-specific exposure-response curves and the respective minimum mortality temperatures as thresholds to define hazardous conditions we calculated that, on daily timescales, commuting towards city centers causes a 7.8% average increase (IQR:1.0-12.9%) in summer heat exposure but, during winter, it provides a slight protective effect against cold. On seasonal timescales, changes in total population are out of phase with the temperature cycle in most European cities, leading to a lower exposure to heat, with the exception of touristic destinations where exposure increases, on average, by 0.9% during the warmest months. These results highlight the key role of human mobility for heat risk assessment and adaptation and they reveal the existence of general exposure trends that hold across diverse cities and climates.

Migrating Group Strategy for Remote Functionalization of Seven-Membered Rings

Experts contributions to the development of a non-sugar sweeteners warning label for Brazilian food products

The consumption of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) has been associated with potential health risks, including glucose intolerance, alterations in the intestinal microbiota which lead to metabolic abnormalities including pancreatic endocrine dysfunction, aggravation of kidney disease, increased risk of cancer and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In Brazil, the presence of NSS in ultra-processed food products (UPFP) is only reported in ingredient lists, which Brazilian consumers struggle to locate and understand. On the other hand, countries such as Argentina and Mexico have implemented a cautionary legend for NSS in packaged foods and beverages. This study aimed to evaluate expert opinion on the design attributes of NSS warning labels intended to inform consumers about the presence of these sweeteners in packaged foods and beverages sold in Brazil. For this purpose, a panel of experts was conducted to discuss, judge and decide on the technical aspects of readability, visibility, attention, perceived healthiness and health risk of the proposed warning labels for NSS in packaged foods and beverages in Brazil. Based on the specific attributes, the experts identified two NSS warning messages as the most suitable: ‘Attention: contains non-sugar sweetener — not recommended for children and for weight control’ and ‘Attention: contains non-sugar sweetener’. According to the experts, these messages should be displayed as front-of-package warnings in black rectangular boxes with white text, beginning with the signal word ‘Attention’ and positioned on the main panel near the Brazilian front-of-package nutrition labeling. The study provides interdisciplinary evidence and expert insight, to support the development of NSS warning labels in Brazil.

The diversity of microbial enzymes that turn a pollutant into an inert gas

Cobalt(0)-Catalyzed Isomerization of Allylamines Promoted by Monodentate Benzofuran Phosphines

Adaptive force-position-speed collaborative process planning and roughness prediction for robotic polishing

In this study, an adaptive force-position-speed collaborative process planning framework for robot polishing was proposed to improve the stability of the robot polishing process. The material removal model based on Preston’s theory was studied, and the factors of polishing pressure, tool speed, feed speed, and sandpaper type were considered to design the manual polishing experiment. The improved Dung Beetle Optimization algorithm, Back Propagation Neural Network, Finite Element Analysis, and Response Surface Methodology provide a strong guarantee for the selection of robot polishing process parameters. For curved workpieces, the curvature adaptive interpolation method is introduced to generate trajectories. An adaptive impedance control strategy is implemented to enhance force control, and PD iteration and RBF neural networks are used to ensure stable contact force and accuracy. The experimental results show that the root mean square error (RMSE) accuracy of the established roughness prediction model reaches 0.0001 µm, the proposed force control method is more stable, and the surface roughness is reduced by 20.79% on average compared to the baseline method, which proves the effectiveness of the framework in achieving high precision and high efficiency of robot polishing.

Activation and proliferation profiles of M.tuberculosis specific dual functional CD4+T cells from smear negative pulmonary TB patients

Background Tuberculosis is a major public health challenge in the resource-limited endemic setting of sub-Saharan Africa. The diagnostic challenge becomes worse for smear-negative TB cases. Even if efforts for non-sputum-based TB diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, there was limited data on blood-based immunological biomarkers among smear-negative PTB patients.Therefore, we assessed the phenotypic profile (HLA-DR, CD-38, Ki-67) of M. tuberculosis specific CD4 + T cells expressing dual IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines from smear negative PTB patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methodology An institutional-based longitudinal cohort study was conducted in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, on new smear-negative PTB who were adult and HIV-negative in comparison with multiple comparator groups. A total of 149 (confirmed patients with non-TB respiratory disease −33, smear-negative TB-29, smear-positive TB-34, apparently healthy – 53) study participants was enrolled. The expression level of activation (HLA-DR, CD-38) and proliferation (Ki-67) markers from dual IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines expressing PPD specific CD4 + T cells were assessed after surface and intracellular cytokine staining. To confirm the presence of M. tuberculosis , MGIT/LJ culture, PCR, and smear microscopy were performed. Result The overall level of HLA-DR and CD-38 expression in smear-negative and positive pulmonary TB patients were substantially higher than that of confirmed non-TB respiratory illness, apparently healthy QFT positive and negative study participants (p-value = 0.0127, p-value < 0.0001, p-value = 0.0043, p-value <0.0001, respectively) before commencing anti TB treatment. Also, among the smear-negative and positive pulmonary TB cohort, the expression of CD-38, HLA-DR, and HLA-DR + CD-38 + expression was reduced in the second month and six-month cohort compared with baseline data (p-value= < 0.0001, p-value = 0.00365, p –value = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion In this study, we found the diagnostic and prognostic potential of activation markers, particularly CD-38, in smear-negative PTB patients from dual M. tuberculosis-specific IFN-γ + TNF-α+ cytokine producing CD4 + T cells in both the presumed ex vivo and antigen-specific stimulation assays.

AI-powered brain device allows paralysed man to control robotic arm

These ‘glass straw’ optical fibres could speed up the Internet

Daily briefing: Epigenetic atlas shows how ageing tweaks DNA

An open-source replication for fast and accessible light propagation modeling in brain tissue

Light simulations hold great potential for advancing optical techniques in neuroscience. They facilitate the in-silico refinement of optical stimulator designs and enable simulations of optical recordings from computational brain models, aiding neuroscience in forming a mechanistic understanding of brain circuitry. However, many published light models are inaccessible due to unavailable source code and documentation or are impractical due to excessive computational demands. To address these challenges, we replicate and enhance the efficient and accurate light simulation model by Yona et al. [1], which was previously available only in compiled form accompanied by sparse documentation. In this work, we resolve ambiguities in the original model, correct errors that caused discrepancies between simulations and published results, improve computational efficiency by an order of magnitude, and open-source all the resulting code and detailed documentation. These enhancements enable simulations of cortical volumes exceeding 1 mm3 to run in seconds on standard laptop hardware. Our model software provides an accessible, adaptable, and rapid light simulation tool, which adheres to FAIR principles to ensure future-proof and broad utility for the neuroscience community.

Many faces of FoMO: A qualitative in-depth investigation of context-specific experiences, emotions, and coping strategies

This study examines how individuals experience fear of missing out (FoMO) across online and offline contexts and the strategies they use to cope. Sixteen individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) with participants aged 18–35 revealed three categories of FoMO: (1) FoMO related to social media, (2) offline FoMO intensified by social media, and (3) solely offline FoMO. Each category features distinct emotional and behavioral responses, with universal coping strategies like distraction, self-reflection, and support-seeking, alongside social media-specific methods such as limiting information access and engaging in a social media detox. This study uniquely encompasses multiple FoMO contexts within a single framework, providing a more comprehensive view of FoMO’s emotional and behavioral impacts. Findings broaden the understanding of FoMO beyond social media, offering valuable insights for mental health professionals and social media platforms in addressing its diverse effects on well-being.

The crystal structure of Thermus thermophilus UMP kinase complexed with a phosphoryl group acceptor and donor

Nucleoside monophosphate kinases play crucial roles in biosynthesis and regeneration of nucleotides. Prokaryotic UMP kinase belongs to a family of amino acid kinases but not to other nucleoside monophosphate kinases. Although many structures of prokaryotic UMP kinase have been determined, limited structural information has been available on the conformational changes along the reaction and allosteric pathways. We determined the crystal structure of UMP kinase of an extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus HB8 in ADP-UDP–bound form at 2.6-Å resolution. The structure of the ADP-UDP complex is the first structure of bacterial UMP kinase with a phosphoryl group donor and an acceptor. Upon simultaneous binding of ADP and UDP, the loop near ADP moved toward the active site without global open-closed conformational changes, compared to the ligand-free and UDP-bound forms. Such a shift was not observed for archaeal UMP kinases but had some similarities to those in other amino acid kinase families of enzymes.

Women’s lived social-cultural and clinical experiences and navigation process after stillbirth in Dodoma Region, Tanzania: A phenomenological study

Background In Tanzania, stillbirth is a public health challenge. The care provided to women after stillbirth does not reflect standards. Little is known on view of the social and clinical human experience surrounding this tragedy. This study explored women lived social-cultural and clinical experiences and the navigation process after stillbirth in Dodoma. Method A phenomenological qualitative approach was conducted from February 15, 2024, to May 30, 2024, involving in-depth interviews with 12 informants (postnatal women) who were purposefully selected, achieving data saturation at 9 informants. Data were transcribed verbatim, manifest coded, and analysed using conventional content analysis. Subsequently, sub-categories and main categories were generated. At the theorizing phase, the conceptual interpretation of categories and subcategories were used to generate the conceptual framework that describes the phenomenon of women’s navigation process from the experienced life challenges towards maintaining the overall well-being after stillbirth. Results The study identifies six main categories of exposure, each with three subcategories: ① Unsatisfactory medical care (dissatisfaction with medical care, neglected bereavement care, and improper breaking of information); ② Diversity and adversity in cultural practices (dominance of elders’ power, diversity of cultural practice and emotional responses); and ③Diversity in social practices (diversity of social responses towards the news, diversity in social responsibilities and diversity experience after social responses), ④ Meaning constructed after still birth (unpleasant phenomenon of stillbirth, all suffering for nothing, the baby could be saved), ⑤ Mental and physical health challenges (anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and physical burden of still birth), ⑥ Navigating the stillbirth experiences (self-coping, social support and hospital support). Conclusion The study found that women who experience stillbirth face significant social, cultural, and psychological challenges that impact their perception and meaning of their world and their mental wellbeing. Ultimately, they invariably navigate to a state of well-being. This highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive interventions and dedicated healthcare and social support systems to help mothers recover smoothly and swiftly.

The impact of assisted reproductive technologies versus natural conception on neonatal intensive care unit admission: A retrospective cohort analysis

Background The rapid advancement of assisted reproductive technology (ART), coupled with the increasing prevalence of advanced maternal age, has led to a global rise in ART-conceived neonates. Whether these reproductive methods affect neonatal health outcomes, particularly regarding the risk of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, has become a critical concern in perinatal medicine. Objective This study aimed to compare the risk of NICU admission between neonates conceived naturally and those conceived through ART in a large cohort population, with important implications for optimizing perinatal care and improving neonatal outcomes. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the baseline data of 3,867 singleton mothers and their neonates, who were either pregnant through ART or spontaneous conception, at a tertiary maternity hospital in Zhejiang Province from 2022 to 2024. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to match seven potential confounders that might affect the outcomes. Logistic regression analyses (univariate and multivariate, pre- and post-PSM) assessed the association between gestation mode and NICU admission risk, with additional multivariable-adjusted models for deeper investigation.Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted pre- and post-PSM to explore how the mode of gestation impacts the risk of neonatal NICU admission in different population subsets. Finally, PSM was applied to five maternal factors (age, BMI, gestational weeks, gravidity,parity, and pregnancycomplications). Differences in neonatal characteristics, such as gestational weeks, birth weight, delivery method, and delivery-related hemorrhage, were compared across different gestational modes pre- and post-PSM using box scatter plots.We also performed mediation analysis to assess the potential mediating effects of confounding factors, including the mode of delivery and gestational weeks. Results Among 3,867 births, 265 neonates were admitted to the NICU. Restricted cubic spline logistic regression analyses demonstrated that ART-conceived neonates had a lower risk of NICU admission compared to naturally conceived neonates, both before and after PSM.This may be attributed to enhanced prenatal monitoring and selective embryo transfer in ART pregnancies, which could mitigate adverse perinatal outcomes. Subgroup analyses before PSM identified an interaction between cesarean section and ART, which was not observed after PSM.Overall, the results of the subgroup analyses suggest that neonates born through ART have a lower risk of NICU admission across various population subgroups. Box scatter plots showed that ART-conceived neonates had shorter gestational weeks, lower birth weights, higher cesarean section rates, and greater intrapartum hemorrhage (all P < 0.05), with no significant difference in sex distribution (P > 0.05).Additionally, the mediation analysis quantified the effect sizes mediated by delivery mode and gestational age. Conclusion ART-conceived neonates have a reduced risk of NICU admission compared to naturally conceived neonates,potentially due to optimized prenatal care and embryo selection offsetting the risks associated with shorter gestation and lower birth weight.However, the elevated rates of cesarean delivery and intrapartum hemorrhage in ART pregnancies require ongoing clinical attention to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings suggest that while ART may confer neonatal benefits, it carries important maternal risks that warrant consideration in clinical decision-making.