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How citizen science can help to solve the global freshwater crisis

High intensity interval training attenuate insulin resistance in diabetic rats accompanied by improvements in liver metabolism and spexin signaling

Abstract Spexin (SPX), a recently identified adipokine, shows potential in enhancing insulin sensitivity, offering promising implications for metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on insulin resistance through liver gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipogenesis in Type 2 diabetic rats with a special focus on the role of SPX. In this study, 28 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Healthy Control (CON), Diabetes Control (T2D), HIIT, and Diabetes+HIIT (T2D+HIIT). After diabetes induction (high-fat diet+streptozotocin), the exercise groups underwent an 8-week HIIT protocol. HOMA-β, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, fasting blood sugar, insulin, and SPX were measured in liver and serum. The expression of Galanin/2, FOXO-1, PGC-1α, G6Pase, PEPCK, CPT1A, AMPK, PPARα, ACC, FAS, SREBP-1c, SIRT-1, and inflammatory/antioxidant markers were analyzed in the liver. Our results showed that HOMA-β, QUICKI, insulin, and serum level of SPX levels were higher in T2D+HIIT than T2D group. Similarly, SPX, GALR2, FOXO-1, PGC-1α, CPT1A, PPARα, AMPK, and SIRT-1 levels were higher in the livers of rats in the T2D+HIIT than T2D group. However, HOMA-IR, PEPCK, G6Pase, ACC, FAS, and SREBP-1c levels were lower in T2D+HIIT than T2D group. Also, HIIT+T2D reduced inflammation and increased antioxidants, indicating an improved overall health status of the liver. HIIT benefits diabetic liver with reducing gluconeogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipogenesis while increasing lipolysis. These improvements coincided with elevated hepatic SPX signaling and are associated with reduced insulin resistance. These findings suggest a potential association between HIIT induced SPX signaling modulation in liver and improving insulin resistance, though further mechanistic studies are required to confirm the causality.

Propagation of antibacterial cold atmospheric pressure plasma through small-bore tubing

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) is well documented to have microbicidal properties including against non-pathogenic Escherichia coli. In this feasibility study, a semi-quantitative method was developed to measure bactericidal activity of argon-CAPP (Ar-CAPP). Ar-CAPP susceptibility then was tested for a variety of clinically relevant E. coli strains, both uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and strains resistant to multiple antibiotics. All strains tested were found similarly susceptible to the antibacterial effects of Ar-CAPP. Next, methods were developed to propagate Ar-CAPP through defined lengths of plastic tubing with internal diameters ranging from 0.8 to 3.5 mm. Ar-CAPP propagated throughout all sizes of tubing tested, with visible plasma plumes exiting from the distal ends of the tubing. Bactericidal effects of the plasma efflux were tested against E. coli. Only partial loss of bactericidal activity was seen in tubing efflux plasma compared to control plasma jet plume unobstructed by tubing. Future work will develop bacterial biofilms on the internal surfaces of tubing to determine whether Ar-CAPP will ablate biofilms or kill biofilm bacteria. If successful, Ar-CAPP could further be tested for feasibility of disinfection of urinary catheters and other re-useable insertable medical devices in at-home and hospital settings.

ITK overexpression enhances T cell cytotoxicity against DLBCL through the TCR-Ca2+-Calcineurin-NFAT-IFN-γ pathway

Cost-utility analysis of Coronary Artery Calcium screening to guide statin prescription among intermediate-risk patients in Thailand

Objective This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility of Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) screening for primary prevention in Thai patients with intermediate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, compared to the current practice according to the ACC/AHA 2019 guideline recommendation without the use of a CAC score. Methods A hybrid model combining a decision tree and a Markov model was constructed to compare costs and QALYs from a societal perspective. The model evaluated a target population of statin-naïve individuals aged 40–75 with intermediate CVD risk. We assessed the impact of statin initiation for primary prevention based on the ACC/AHA 2019 guideline with CAC screening compared to without CAC screening over a 35-year time horizon. The service costs and related household expenses were based on the Thai setting. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was compared against the official willingness-to-pay threshold of Thailand (160,000 THB, approximately 4,400 USD per QALY). Probabilistic and additional one-way sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the model and evaluate how variations in key assumptions impact the results. These analyses help determine the reliability of the findings by exploring the extent to which changes in input parameters influence the overall conclusions. Results The CAC screening strategy required an incremental cost of 10,091 THB to gain 0.62 QALYs per person, resulting in an ICER of 16,308 THB per QALY gained. For the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, at the official Thai threshold, the probability of cost-effectiveness was 71% for CAC screening. Sensitivity analyses based on varying the effect of drug adherence, drug cost, incidence of CVD events, and the distribution of CAC scores demonstrated robust cost-effectiveness favouring CAC screening. Conclusion CAC screening strategy is cost-effective in the Thai context, especially when the cost of screening and high-potency statins is low.

Association between heart rate fluctuation and mortality in intensive care patients with atrial fibrillation

The range and reach of qualitative research in neurosurgery: A scoping review

Following calls for more qualitative research in neurosurgery, this scoping review aimed to describe the range and reach of qualitative studies relevant to the field of neurosurgery and the patients and families affected by neurosurgical conditions. A systematic search was conducted in September 2024 across six databases: Medline via Ebsco; Embase via OVID; PsycINFO via Ebsco; Scopus; Web of Science Core Collection; and Global Health via Ebsco. Eligibility criteria were based on Population, Concept, and Context. The search identified 18,809 hits for screening with 812 included in the final analysis. Seven themes were identified from a content analysis of study aims: 1 Perspectives of living with a neurosurgical condition; 2 Family perspectives; 3 Perceptions of neurosurgery; 4 Perceptions of general healthcare care; 5 Decision making; 6 Advancing neurosurgery; and, 7 Understanding neurosurgical conditions. Traumatology was identified as the most researched sub-specialty (43.2%) yet few studies were led explicitly by a neurosurgeon (1.6%) or those with a neurosurgical affiliation (10.5%). Lead authors were predominantly from high income countries (93.7%), as were most multi-author teams (86.6%). There was a trend towards increasing publication over time; however, only 8.4% of papers were published in neurosurgical specific journals. The data set had an average Field Weighted Citation Impact of 0.96 and Field Weighted Views Impact of 1.11, 18.9% were cited in policy documents in 15 countries. This scoping review provides a comprehensive picture of the current qualitative research base in neurosurgery and suggests ways to improve the conduct and reporting of such studies in the future. Addressing these challenges is crucial if qualitative research is to advance the neurosurgical evidence base in a rigorous way.

A single-cell multi-omics atlas of rice

Optimizing adaptive modulation technique using standard propagation model for enhanced wireless communication channels

Vitamin D enhances antiviral responses in dengue virus-infected macrophages by modulating early-response gene expression

Dengue virus (DENV), the etiological agent of dengue fever, remains a global health concern, leading to severe illness and death in the absence of any definitive cure. Research has shown that vitamin D may reduce DENV replication in vitro and that dengue patients with low or deficient vitamin D levels are at higher risk of severe dengue. Studies indicate that viral replication is inhibited in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) differentiated in the presence of vitamin D (D3MDM), suggesting that vitamin D may prevent DENV entry into host cells. However, despite these findings, the role of vitamin D in regulating the temporal expression patterns of genes as early, mid, and late transcriptional profile of DENV-infected macrophages remains unclear. Therefore, utilizing a kinetic transcriptomic profile is crucial. This approach provides detailed insights into the dynamic changes in gene expression over time, helping to clarify how vitamin D can modulate the immune response at critical stages of DENV infection. To address the transcriptional dynamics, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of gene expression patterns in MDM and D3MDM infected with Dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2). Utilizing bulk RNA sequencing alongside a standard viral growth curve, we systematically analyzed transcriptional kinetics by selecting key time points: 1.5, 3, 5.5, and 10 hours post-infection (h.p.i.) to monitor early viral entry and replication events and 24 h.p.i. to assess gene expression during peak viral particle production. Our temporal analysis revealed a progressive increase in cellular transcripts within the first hour of infection, with a more pronounced gene expression pattern in DENV-2-infected MDM compared to DENV-2-infected D3MDM at this early stage. Enrichment analysis indicated a reduced inflammatory response in DENV-2-infected D3MDM. Additionally, transcription factor analysis suggested diminished NF-κB signaling, but enhanced IRF5 activity was elevated in the DENV-2-infected D3MDM. High-dimensional clustering analysis identified nine unique gene clusters across both macrophage types, with notable upregulation of genes associated with antiviral activity, including IDO1, ISG20, OASL, IFI44L, RSAD2, IFIT1, MX1, EPSTI1, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in DENV-2-infected D3MDM at 1.5 h.p.i., suggesting an enhanced early antiviral response. These findings indicate that vitamin D modulates the magnitude and diversity of the early transcriptional responses, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic option to mitigate DENV severity.

Discovery of novel SND1 inhibitors by in silico–based molecular docking and dynamics simulation methods for managing hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the life–threatening cancers in the current decade. Earlier reports suggest that protein arginine methyl transferase 5 (PRMT5) is also linked with HCC, and the symmetrically dimethylated arginine marks created by PRMT5 are read by the Staphylococcal nuclease domain-containing protein 1 (SND1), which eventually can drive HCC development. Indeed, as no inhibitors have been ascertained for SND1, we aimed to screen for new inhibitors with specificity and high affinity towards the active site of SND1. In this study, we first used the Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA) dataset to evaluate the expression of SND1 in HCC. Accordingly, SND1 is the highly overexpressed gene in HCC and its overexpression affects the overall survival of HCC patients. Then, we employed a virtual screening approach to identify potential inhibitors from the ASINEX database. We utilized molecular docking to single out the potential top hits based on the docking score and mode of interaction with the SND1 active site. In the prediction, we found [4–(5,6,7,8–tetrahydro–4 H–cyclohepta[c][1,2]oxazol–3–yl)piperidin–1–yl]–[4–(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methanone (TOP1: -10.4 kcal/mol) and 1–[2–hydroxy–2–(1–methylsulfonyl–3,4–dihydro–2 H–quinolin–6–yl)ethyl]–4–(4–methylphenyl)piperidin–4–ol (TOP2: -10.3 kcal/mol) as promising candidates than reference compound (STD: -4.6 kcal/mol). Further molecular dynamics simulations and a pharmacokinetic properties study indicate that TOP2 exhibits a more stable binding with the SND1 active site and complies with Lipinski’s rule of five for drug-likeness, with no observed toxicity and good pharmacokinetic properties.

Analyzing patient perspectives on orthodontic treatment through social media hashtags

Social media has become a key platform for health-related communication and patient experience sharing. In orthodontics, analyzing patient-generated content on social media helps uncover perceptions, motivations, and concerns related to treatment. Understanding the most commonly reported complaints allows orthodontists to offer solutions, enhancing overall patient satisfaction with treatment The objective of this study is to identify and categorize patient views on orthodontic treatment across social media, providing a broader understanding of global patients’ perspectives. The search was carried out on Instagram and X platforms using the hashtags #braces, #invisalign, #orthodontics, and #orthodontist. Data were collected over a seven-week period without restriction on languages or geographical locations. The qualitative analysis focused involved thematic categorization of posts content, while quantitative analysis used Pearson chi-square tests with Bonferroni-adjusted values, with a significance level of p < 0.05. A total of 18,605 posts were analyzed, with 96.60% (17,971 posts) from Instagram, and 3,4% (634 posts) from X platforms. Of the posts analyzed, 89.52% were made by dentists or dental clinics, 3.86% by dental product companies, and only 0.82% by patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Five main themes were identified in patient posts: “positive accounts of orthodontic treatment” (40.53%), “enthusiasm about starting treatment” (20.26%), “reports of anxiety due to orthodontic treatment” (19.60%), “complaints and limitations about treatment” (16.34%), and “neutral accounts of orthodontic treatment” (3.27%). No statistically significant associations were found in the nature of content between the two platforms (p > 0.05). Dentists and clinics dominate social media discussions on orthodontics. Among patient-shared content, ‘positive experiences’ were the most frequently mentioned. No significant differences were observed between platforms in the type of posts analyzed.

Genetic and environmental determinants of streaming and aggregation in Myxococcus xanthus

Abstract Under starvation conditions, a spot of a few million Myxococcus xanthus cells on agar will migrate inward to form aggregates that mature into dome-shaped fruiting bodies. This migration is thought to occur within structures called ‘streams,’ which are considered crucial for initiating aggregation. The prevailing traffic jam model hypothesizes that intersections of streams cause cell crowding and ‘jamming,’ thereby initiating the process of aggregate formation. However, this hypothesis has not been rigorously tested, in part due to the lack of a standardized, quantifiable definition of streams. To address this gap, we captured time-lapse movies and conducted fluorescent cell tracking experiments using wild-type and two motility-deficient mutant M. xanthus strains. By quantitatively defining streams and developing a novel stream detection mask, we show that streams are not essential for nascent aggregate formation, though they may accelerate the process. Moreover, our results indicate that streaming has a genetic component: disrupting only one of the two M. xanthus motility systems hinders stream formation. Together, these findings challenge the idea that stream intersections are required to drive aggregate formation and suggest that M. xanthus aggregation may be driven by mechanisms independent of streaming, highlighting the need for alternative models to fully explain aggregation dynamics.

Long-term economc burden and related influencing factors of pediatric cataracst: A population-based study in South Korea

Pediatric cataracts are a significant cause of childhood blindness, requiring long-term management. This study evaluated the economic burden of pediatric cataract surgery in South Korea and identified factors influencing the medical costs, particularly in patients with complications after cataract surgery. We used National Health Insurance Service claims data, covering the Korean population, including pediatric patients (aged ≤5 years) who underwent cataract surgery between 2004 and 2011. We measured healthcare resource utilization (outpatient, inpatient, and emergency department visits) and cataract-related medical costs over an 8-year follow-up after cataract surgery. We further explored factors influencing medical costs using a generalized linear model. A total of 1297 pediatric patients (mean age: 2.2 years, 56.8% male) were included. Over 8 years, patients had an average of 30 outpatient visits, 2.7 inpatient visits, and 3 emergency department visits. The total average medical cost over 8 years was $2,391 per patient, with significantly higher costs in those developed retinal detachment ($7729) or glaucoma ($8,821) developed after the surgery. Additionally, higher costs were associated with older age at surgery, higher income, the presence of postoperative complications, and multiple surgeries. Pediatric cataract surgery resulted in a considerable long-term economic burden, particularly when accompanied by postoperative complications. This study provides real-world evidence underscoring the need for improvement in pediatric cataract management to ensure optimal care for young patients at risk of vision impairment.

Systematic selection of best performing mathematical models for in vitro gas production using machine learning across diverse feeds

Abstract In vitro gas production (GP) is commonly used to evaluate ruminant feed, yet its accurate interpretation requires robust mathematical modeling. This study systematically explores a wide array of nonlinear models to explain GP dynamics across various feed types, addressing the question: how can efficient and versatile models that accurately represent GP profiles be identified? We hypothesized that distinct feed types exhibit unique GP characteristics, effectively captured by specific models, and that statistical and machine learning methodologies can streamline model selection. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset derived from 849 unique GP profiles across concentrate feed categories—including cereal and leguminous grains and processed protein feeds—21 candidate models were rigorously evaluated based on their goodness-of-fit metrics, with a particular emphasis on Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) for model selection. A group of three models—namely Burr XII, Inverse paralogistic, and Log-logistic—consistently emerged as top performers, demonstrating high generalizability and predictive power across feed types. Notably, our analysis indicated that model type significantly influenced GP predictions, surpassing the impact of feed type characteristics. This research establishes a decision-making framework for model selection and sets the stage for further investigations linking in vitro GP parameters to in vivo digestibility, ultimately enhancing ruminant nutrition strategies.

Light microscopy image segmentation using active contours driven by local image information for environmentally friendly fired-clay bricks design and characterization

This study proposes an innovative approach for the recycling of dry wastewater sludge in the production of fired clay bricks, aiming to create environmentally friendly and cost-effective building materials. Consequently, the proposed research focuses on optimizing the thermal and mechanical properties of ceramic bricks, while incorporating sewage sludge as a pore-forming agent in brick manufacturing process. For the assessment of porosity in ceramic brick mixtures with varying volumetric proportions of ash, clay and wastewater sludge, a novel method for microscopy image analysis is proposed. This advanced image segmentation method uses active contours driven by local image information to accurately estimate brick porosity from light microscopy images, coping with light reflections, intensity inhomogeneity, and the defocus effect present on the sample surface. The thermal properties of the ceramic blocks were assessed using non-contact infrared lock-in thermography and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained results indicate that incorporating sewage sludge increases porosity, thereby improving the material’s insulating properties, with the cost of reduced mechanical strength. Nevertheless, the compressive strength for a mixture containing 15% of sewage sludge meets the criteria for the production of first-class bricks, according to ASTM C62 standards for brick manufacturing. The present study demonstrates that incorporating sewage sludge into fired clay ceramic bricks production is a feasible and sustainable approach, offering significant advantages for waste management and promoting energy-efficient building design.

Repeated low-level red-light therapy vs. conventional treatments for myopic control in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Evolving funding strategies for research software: Insights from an international survey of research funders

Contemporary research heavily depends on software. Research software, comprising source code, algorithms, scripts, computational workflows, and executables produced during or specifically for research, is crucial in advancing scholarly knowledge. However, this aspect of contemporary research can only thrive if research funders effectively support it. This survey study of international research funders addresses the research questions: 1) How do international funders currently support research software? 2) What challenges are funders aiming to tackle with their research software programs? 3) How successful do funders think their programs are? Survey results reveal a variegated funding landscape for research software, encompassing open-source projects, open-science tools, discipline-specific add-ons, infrastructure software, data science and AI tools, and general technology projects that include research software. Funders reported working to integrate research software into their formal definitions of research, codified in funding models and policies. Funders have been working to revise policies and adopt international frameworks such as ADORE.software to acknowledge research software’s role better. Respondents described innovative funding models designed to support research software more effectively than traditional research funding mechanisms. Supporting Research Software Engineers (RSEs) was another priority. Funding programs aimed to provide financial support, career development, and recognition for RSEs. Fostering collaboration between RSEs and other researchers was a less prevalent but noteworthy target for research funders. Promoting open-science principles and open source software development and maintenance was prioritized by research funders with targeted policies and programs. Overall, the reported initiatives aimed to ensure long-term research software accessibility, sustainability, and impact, with robust community engagement helping to contribute to a more effective research ecosystem. Finally, where funding programs for research software have been running for long enough to make an assessment, these efforts were overwhelmingly viewed as successful by the research funder representatives in our study.

Evaluation of representativeness and sustainability of PCOS rat models induced by letrozole with or without high-fat diet

Abstract This article aimed to evaluate the representativeness and sustainability of a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced by letrozole (LE) with or without a high-fat diet (HFD). Sexually mature SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group (receiving 1% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium + standard chow, n = 9), a letrozole group (receiving LE + standard chow, n = 15), and a letrozole combined with HFD group (receiving LE + HFD, n = 15). After 21 days, model tests were performed based on body weight, estrous cycle, hormone levels, and ovarian histological changes, and successful modeling rats in LE and LE + HFD groups were further divided into two subgroups: an induction continuation group and an induction termination group (n = 6 in each group), respectively, which were treated for an additional 5 weeks. Changes in body weight, hormone levels, metabolic parameters, vaginal cytology, and ovarian histology were compared among the groups. Following 21 days of induction, the LE group exhibited significant differences in body weight, serum testosterone concentration, estrous cycle, and ovarian tissue morphology. The LE + HFD group showed significant increases in serum lipid and insulin levels. Upon subdivision, the PCOS phenotype in the letrozole continuation induction group (LE-con group) persisted, while it gradually subsided in the termination group (LE-ter group). Body weight, fasting insulin levels, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index in the LE + HFD induction continuation group (LE + HFD-con group) were notably higher than those in the LE-con group, and ovarian histology were more severely disrupted. In conclusion, the LE + HFD induced rats more closely mimic the pathological characteristics of clinical PCOS and thus represent a more representative model compared to those induced by LE alone. However, both models tend to recover after discontinuation, indicating that medication should be continued during subsequent treatment to ensure the sustainability of the models.

Sensory discrimination of chemical and temperature stimuli in the acoel Symsagittifera roscoffensis

Environmental cues provide critical sensory information for the survival of animals. Understanding how distinct sensory cues elicit or modulate certain behaviour thus provides insights into the adaptations to rapid and continuous changes in the surrounding world. Intertidal ecosystems are particularly exposed to environmental fluctuations. Due to changing exposure to seawater, animals are subjected to continuous fluctuations of temperature or salinity during the course of day-night and tidal cycles. Animals in intertidal environments show physiological and behavioural adaptations to these changes. Acoel worms constitute an important component of intertidal ecosystems. Symsagittifera roscoffensis, a well-studied species inhabiting the Atlantic coastline, has been extensively described in terms of its anatomy and development, yet its physiological responses remain poorly understood. When the acoel S. roscoffensis are exposed to daylight during the tidal cycle, these animals are found at the surface of sandy beaches, which enhance the exposure of their photosynthetic algal symbionts to light. Moreover, S. roscoffensis shows a strong positive phototaxis as well as both positive and negative geotaxis, both being evolved behavioural adaptations to enhance light exposure for its photosymbiont. Currently little is known about other sensory systems and their functions in this, or any other acoel worm. In this study, we probe sensory capabilities of S. roscoffensis focusing on chemical and temperature cues. Using two-choice and barrier assays, our findings support that S. roscoffensis shows avoidance behaviours to increased temperature and salinity, preferring cooler environments with lower salinity. We demonstrate that early branching bilaterians possess the sensory capacity to identify specific chemical and environmental stimuli, adding to the knowledge that may prove useful in understanding marine ecosystems in a period of global climate change that greatly affects aquatic environments.