Browse Articles

Expression of Concern: HIF-1 inhibition reverses opacity in a rat model of galactose-induced cataract

Trypanosoma vivax elicits both Th1 and Th2 immunological responses in experimentally infected cattle

Bovine trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma vivax is a health problem of economic importance in South America. In Ecuador, the presence of T. vivax was first reported in 2018; however, the isolates found in Ecuador are still being studied, mainly on issues related to virulence, pathogenicity, and immune response. To this end, this study aimed to evaluate the cellular and humoral adaptive immune response in vivo in experimentally infected cattle with T. vivax. The study lasted 42 days (with samples collected twice weekly) and was conducted in two cattle experimentally infected with an isolate of T. vivax circulating in Ecuador (TvET1) and two uninfected cattle as controls. Parasitemia was determined by the Brener method and relative gene expression (RGE) of six cytokines was evaluated by RT-qPCR to determine the Th1 response (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12) and the Th2 response (IL-4 and IL-10). Additionally, the total IgG and the IgG1 (Th2) and IgG2 (Th1) subclasses levels were measured using an in-house iELISA. During the study, the animals exhibited four parasitemia peaks concomitant with the cytokines IFN-γ and IL-10. These cytokines, like TNF-α, showed a significant RGE increase (p < 0.05) in infected animals. The presence of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 was significant (p < 0.05) in infected animals, and presented a solid monotonic relationship over time. The predominant immunoglobulin subclass was IgG1, and we found that this response was similar to the total IgG. The present study allowed us to highlight the Th response of cattle to T. vivax infection, which is polarized into both a Th1 and a Th2 response. This information contributes to understanding the host-pathogen interaction with strains circulating in Ecuador. The thoroughness of our study can provide the needed knowledge to develop new diagnostic tests and even possible alternatives for vaccine development.

Adaptation and validation of the modified weight bias internalization scale (WBIS-M) in Brazilian adults

Internalized weight stigma refers to individuals’ self-stigmatization, leading to self-devaluation. This research aimed to conduct an adaptation and validation study of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M) for Brazil. A sample of 418 adults (253 women; mean age = 30.8 years, SD = 10.4) completed the WBIS-M and measures of anti-fat attitudes, body image, disordered eating, binge eating, and self-esteem. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to examine the factor structure of the WBIS-M. Measurement invariance across gender was tested with multigroup CFA. Internal consistency was assessed using omega and alpha. Relationships between the WBIS-M scores and external measures were analyzed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations, t-tests, and Cohen’s d for effect size. EFA and CFA showed that the 10-item and 1-factor WBIS-M model fit reasonably well (CFI and TLI ≥ .98, SRMR ≤ .06, although RMSEA ≤ .12). Full metric and full scalar invariance evidenced equivalence across genders. The internal consistency reliability coefficients were satisfactory (α and ω = .94). A higher WBIS-M score was linked to greater body dissatisfaction, restrictive/compensatory behaviors, food/weight concerns, binge eating severity, and lower self-esteem. Women and those with a higher BMI had higher WBIS-M scores. Finally, the Brazilian WBIS-M’s 10-item score is a valid and reliable measure for assessing weight self-stigma in adults.

Rumble in the Miocene: terror bird versus caiman

National and sub-national sero-epidemiology of immunoglobulin G against SARS-CoV-2 in Iran in 2021

Multiple factors challenge PCR test results for COVID-19 infection, and only symptomatic cases have been tested. Thus, a population-based seroprevalence study was necessary to determine the extent of missed cases. The objective of this study was to achieve a realistic infection rate in Iran and probe into some explanations behind being infected or not. In this population-based cross-sectional study, 16,610 adults aged more than 25 with valid serology sample results from 31 provinces from February to April 2021 were included. According to the ELISA kits based on the N antigen of SARS-CoV-2, the seroprevalence of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 in Iran was 20.63% (19.71–21.56) and 16.25% (15.11–17.41) based on two different corrections. The age-standardized seroprevalence was relatively high among Kurdistan [30.29% (26.04–34.55) and 28.31% (23–33.61)] and West Azarbayejan [29.33% (24.85–33.8) and 27.11% (21.52–32.68)]. Smoking, higher education, being underweight, male, and single were protective factors, and higher daily interactions was a risk for seropositivity. It is evident that reported infection rates have been misleading. Furthermore, several intervenable factors can predict the risk of infection.

Temporal phenotyping of neutrophils in post-cardiac arrest syndrome and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted resuscitation: A pilot study

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the immune response during cardiac arrest, as well as the role of the innate immune system—particularly neutrophils—in the pathophysiology of post-cardiac arrest syndrome, remains underexplored. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the immune response in the pathology of post-cardiac arrest syndrome. This study included eight patients who experienced cardiogenic cardiopulmonary arrest and were treated for at least 1 week. Blood samples were collected immediately after the return of spontaneous circulation (day 0), as well as on days 1, 3, and 7. These patients formed the post-cardiac arrest syndrome group, and blood samples from five healthy volunteers served as controls. Neutrophil function over time was analyzed using CyTOF ® mass cytometry. Furthermore, patients in the post-cardiac arrest syndrome group were divided into extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and non-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation groups according to whether they received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during resuscitation. Cytokine levels were compared between the two groups using LUMINEX ® . Three patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Compared with the control group, the post-cardiac arrest syndrome group showed fewer CD177-negative neutrophils and fewer strongly leukotriene B4 receptor 1-positive neutrophils. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group had more CD177-negative neutrophils and fewer CD16-seropositive neutrophils than the non-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group. Differences in serum cytokine levels between the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and non-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation groups were noted, with certain cytokines, including interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, decreasing over time only in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group. As the first in-depth immunological investigation of post-cardiac arrest syndrome, including neutrophil phenotyping, this study may inform clinical practices related to patient management and treatment strategies following cardiac arrest.

Implementation of a clinical interview guide to Multidimensional needs assessment in Palliative care (MAP): A multicenter mixed-methods feasibility study

Background A recent systematic review highlighted the lack of consensus on the needs that should be assessed in palliative care to develop the initial therapeutic plan. An agreed clinical interview guide for Multidimensional needs Assessment in Palliative Care (MAP) has recently been proposed. Objective To evaluate the feasibility of implementing the MAP guide in clinical practice. Methods A multicenter explanatory sequential mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted, assessing five indicators: a) acceptability to patients and family members (assessed by phone); b) participation (proportion of eligible patients assessed); c) applicability (time to administer); d) clinical utility as perceived by physicians; and e) implementation in practice. Twenty-four palliative care physicians across 10 services (outpatient, in-patient, domiciliary care) administered the MAP guide in 239 initial assessments of patients with advanced cancer. A focus group was conducted with 17 of the physicians to gather insights. Results Indicators of acceptability, participation, applicability, and perceived clinical utility were fulfilled in over 90% of interviews. Implementation fell just short of the criterion (78% of needs assessed vs. 80% threshold). Patients and families provided highly positive feedback on the appropriateness of the MAP guide. Physicians found it flexible and easy to integrate into clinical practice, helping them structure the initial assessment and offer a much more comprehensive assessment of patients’ needs. Conclusions The study supports the feasibility of using the MAP guide to explore palliative care needs. The MAP guide can help ensure that professionals do not overlook unmet needs, which could increase suffering and undermine quality of life.

Regrafting submillimeter-scale ferromagnetic soft continuums

Abstract Submillimeter-scale ferromagnetic soft continuums (FSCs) own innate skills in performing desirable and delicate bending for confined space navigation, especially in biological lumens. However, such tiny structures are difficult to endow with complex designs, thereby challenging to realize more sophisticated functions for various purposes, especially in vivo therapies and manipulations. Inspired by grafting for muscles and plants, we propose submillimeter-scale FSCs that can actively divide into pieces at any region, and conversely, the pieces can actively graft to each other to form the original structure or novel shapes. We define these functions as regrafting, comprising self-division and self-mergence. Implementing regrafting implies actively switching between two opposing characteristics: sufficient continuum structural strength for steering loads and a low fracture strength for division and mergence. Therefore, we developed ferromagnetic thermoplastic soft materials to replace the widely applied thermoset materials for continuums and shed the commonly required coating layers. Being made of the ferromagnetic material family that can undergo reversible elastomer-fluid transitions, the proposed FSCs can perform arbitrary division-mergence and navigate confined spaces for multiple endoscopic tasks in one go. Endowed with enhanced flexibility and reconfigurability in situ by regrafting, the proposed FSCs may open a multifunctional path for operating a wider range of biomedical tasks.

Stable preservation and recovery of methylation marks from FTA elute cards in species with nucleated red blood cells using a customized DNA extraction method

Specialized chemically-coated paper cards, such as Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards, provide simple and reliable storage of nucleic acids by protecting DNA from degradation. Owed to their simplicity, FTA cards are widely used in clinical testing, forensic science and specimen archives. Originally developed for PCR-based applications that only require short DNA fragments, FTA cards are now being explored as an avenue for whole-genome and epigenetic sequencing applications. FTA cards and their corresponding DNA extraction protocols have not kept pace with advances in sequencing technologies. Because the initial protocols developed for FTA cards were geared towards applications using PCR amplification of short fragments, they typically yield low molecular weight DNA. This issue is particularly pronounced for FTA elute cards where heat-based elution at 95°C leads to DNA denaturation and fragmentation. Isolation of DNA from nucleated blood deposited onto FTA elute cards poses an additional challenge when compared to FTA classic cards, because hemoglobin is irreversibly bound to the card matrix, making the majority of DNA present in nucleated blood inaccessible. Here, we describe an easy, fast, and inexpensive protocol to extract high molecular weight DNA (>10 kb) of nucleated blood stored on FTA elute cards suitable for most genomic library preparations including those that interrogate DNA methylation. Our protocol yields a 14-fold increase in yield compared to numerous alternatives. Using our protocol, we demonstrate that high molecular weight DNA can still be extracted even after storage at ambient temperature for over a decade. Moreover, we show that DNA methylation marks are preserved on FTA elute cards, broadening the utility of FTA elute cards. This opens possibilities for (epi-)genomic studies using historical samples and enabling specimen collection where access to chemicals or cryogenic storage is limited – reducing project costs and extending collection opportunities into remote areas.

GFP-on mouse model for interrogation of in vivo gene editing

Abstract Gene editing technologies have revolutionized therapies for numerous genetic diseases. However, in vivo gene editing hinges on identifying efficient delivery vehicles for editing in targeted cell types, a significant hurdle in fully realizing its therapeutic potential. A model system to rapidly evaluate systemic gene editing would advance the field. Here, we develop the GFP-on reporter mouse, which harbors a nonsense mutation in a genomic EGFP sequence correctable by adenine base editor (ABE) among other genome editors. The GFP-on system was validated using single and dual adeno-associated virus (AAV9) encoding ABE8e and sgRNA. Intravenous administration of AAV9-ABE8e-sgRNA into adult GFP-on mice results in EGFP expression consistent with the tropism of AAV9. Intrahepatic delivery of AAV9-ABE8e-sgRNA into GFP-on fetal mice restores EGFP expression in AAV9-targeted organs lasting at least six months post-treatment. The GFP-on model provides an ideal platform for high-throughput evaluation of emerging gene editing tools and delivery modalities.

An analysis of knowledge, attitude and practice gaps in scientific buffalo husbandry

Buffalo husbandry remains vital to India’s dairy sector, yet adoption gaps hinder productivity. This study assesses knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among 380 buffalo farmers in India, revealing critical disparities. While awareness was relatively high in key areas—heat detection (79.4%), mastitis identification (77.4%), and balanced feed (77.9%)—practice rates lagged severely (32.9–44.7%), with the widest gap in silage-making (71.5% awareness vs. 32.9% adoption, a 38.6-point deficit). Cluster analysis identified five farmer segments, highlighting adoption disparities: smallholders (36.8% of the sample) practised only 25% of techniques despite moderate knowledge, while commercial farmers (7.9%) achieved 90.5% adoption. Chi-square tests confirmed education (OR=3.4, p < 0.001) and herd size (OR=2.4, p < 0.01) as the strongest KAP predictors, with logistic regression underscoring income’s pivotal role (OR=4.3 for practices). In order to bridge gaps, the study proposes three strategies: (1) targeted training for smallholders through farmer groups, (2) subsidized input bundles (feed, minerals) paired with mobile-based advisories, and (3) market incentives for quality milk to reward adoption. Findings stress the need to replace blanket extension approaches with segmented interventions addressing structural barriers (credit, vet access) and attitudinal resistance (silage scepticism, vaccine hesitancy). Policy action should prioritize doubling frontline extension staff and integrating cooperatives with digital tools to scale solutions.

Misfit layered superconductor (PbSe)1.14(NbSe2)3 with possible layer-selective FFLO state

Assessment of economic development of central business districts – A combination multi-criteria evaluation methodology

Background The economic development of central business districts (CBDs) is a key driver of urban economic growth and enhances regional competitiveness. However, existing research predominantly focuses on macro-level analyses, lacking systematic and quantitative indicator systems for detailed evaluation of CBD economic development performance, while studies on urban office buildings or specific CBD components often neglect the broader context of the entire district. Objectives This study aims to propose a multi-criteria evaluation system to effectively evaluate the economic development performance of CBDs, and provide theoretical references for a more comprehensive evaluation of the sustainable CBD growth in other regions. Methods Firstly, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy method are proposed to determine combination weights for each indicator. The VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method is then introduced to rank the economic development performance of CBDs. Finally, a numerical example of Zhejiang province is carried out to validate the results by comparing its rankings with existing methods. Results and conclusion The multi-criteria evaluation of regional CBD economic development showed that the top two cities remained consistent across subjective, objective, and combined weights methods, while discrepancies in rankings for other cities were balanced by the combined weights approach. Meanwhile, minor variations in rankings highlighted the unique advantages of each method. These findings validate the effectiveness of combining subjective and objective methods for assessments. Future research should enhance data comprehensiveness and reliability through fieldwork to further improve the scientific validity of such evaluations.

Oxygen vacancy-induced strengthening and toughening in (K,Na)NbO3-based piezoceramics revealed via nanoindentation

The status in Africa of fall armyworm expressing genetic markers related to infestations of pasture, millet, alfalfa, and rice in the Americas

The establishment of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, in Africa is reported to have caused substantial agricultural losses since its detection in 2016 and subsequent spread into Asia and Australia by 2020. Based on the crops being infested, it appears that the population (C strain) primarily responsible for FAW infestations of corn in the Americas is widespread in Africa but there is uncertainty about the status of the R strain that targets pastures, alfalfa, millet, and rice in the United States. The two strains can only physically be distinguished by molecular markers, with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear Z-chromosome-linked Triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi) gene demonstrated to consistently identify strains in both American continents. However, the COI and Tpi markers are generally in disagreement in the Eastern Hemisphere. This together with conflicting results from whole genome SNP studies creates uncertainty about the strain composition of this invasive population. In this paper the legitimacy of the Tpi markers is supported and used to not only confirm the existence of the R strain in Africa, but to also provide evidence for the introduction of new R strain variants in western Africa since 2017. These findings have implications on the crops at risk in the Eastern Hemisphere and for understanding how the invasion of Africa by FAW occurred.

Black carbon emissions generally underestimated in the global south as revealed by globally distributed measurements

Optimizing ISO standard microbiological techniques for isolating Campylobacter from poultry samples amidst challenges from extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli

Isolation of zoonotic Campylobacter species has been standardized through the ISO 10272:2017 protocol. However, application of the protocol in a LMIC country failed to isolate Campylobacter due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli overgrowth during the Campylobacter selective enrichment phase. The aim of the study was to identify the contaminants and explore ways to mitigate them. A set of 25 non-Campylobacter contaminants isolated from chicken cecal samples grown on modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) during Campylobacter isolation were included. All isolates were screened for species identification and the presence of selected ESBL producing genes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of tazobactam were measured using a microbroth dilution technique. The Campylobacter isolation protocol was then modified to inhibit the contaminants by adding the required tazobactam supplement to Preston broth or to mCCDA. All contaminants were found to be E. coli carrying at least one of the ESBL-producing genes blaTEM, blaCTX or blaSHV. The MIC of tazobactam sodium for ESBL-producing E. coli strains grown in Preston broth was at least 128 mg/L. Preston broth supplemented with tazobactam at 128 mg/L inhibited the growth of ESBL-producing E. coli but did not inhibit the growth of C. jejuni or C. coli. Interestingly, mCCDA plates supplemented with tazobactam at a much lower concentration of 4 mg/L could also prevent growth of ESBL-producing E. coli even without broth enrichment, increasing the efficiency of isolation of Campylobacter. Direct inoculation of cecal materials to mCCDA supplemented with tazobactam at 4 mg/L was recommended as the most cost-effective way to conduct Campylobacter surveillance targeting the cecal matrix instead of directly following ISO 10272:2017 protocol.

Collapse of density wave and emergence of superconductivity in pressurized-La4Ni3O10 evidenced by ultrafast spectroscopy

Uncovering locomotor learning dynamics in people with Parkinson’s disease

Locomotor learning is important for improving gait and balance impairments in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). While PD disrupts neural networks involved in motor learning, there is a limited understanding of how PD influences the time course of locomotor learning and retention. Here, we used a virtual obstacle negotiation task to investigate whether the early stages of PD affect the acquisition and retention of locomotor skills. On Day 1, 15 participants with PD (Hoehn and Yahr Stage 1–2) and 20 age-matched controls were instructed to achieve a specified level of foot clearance while repeatedly stepping over two different virtual obstacles on a treadmill. We assessed online performance improvement on Day 1 and overnight retention after at least 24 hours on Day 2. We used a hierarchical Bayesian state-space model to estimate the learning rate and the degree of interference between the two obstacles. There was a 93% probability that people with PD learned the locomotor skill faster than controls, but there was limited evidence of group differences in interference between the two heights of obstacles. Both groups improved their performance to a similar magnitude during skill acquisition and performed similarly during retention on Day 2. Notably, a slower learning rate was associated with greater online performance improvement, while lower interference was linked to better overnight retention, and this effect was strongest for the control group. These results highlight that people with early-stage PD retain the ability to use multisensory information to acquire and retain locomotor skills. In particular, our finding that people with early-stage PD learned faster than age-matched controls may reflect the emergence of compensatory motor learning strategies used to offset early motor impairments in people with PD.

Revealing polymerisation defects and formation mechanisms in aldol condensation for conjugated polymers via high-resolution molecular imaging

Abstract Aldol condensation is a crucial synthetic reaction in organic chemistry, particularly valued for fabricating conjugated polymers without the use of metals or toxic organostannanes. However, due to the lack of reliable and precise analytical methods, no direct evidence of the microstructure and sequence of synthesised polymers has been obtained, limiting control over their structure and performance. Here, by combining electrospray deposition and scanning tunnelling microscopy (ESD-STM), we analyse sub-monomer resolution images of four different n -type polymers produced via aldol condensation, revealing unexpected defects in both the sequence of (co)monomers and their coupling. These defects, observed across all polymer samples, indicate alternative side reaction pathways inherent to aldol condensation. Our findings not only uncover the reaction mechanism responsible for these defects but also bring new insights for the design of more effective synthetic pathways to minimise structural defects in conjugated polymers.