Browse Articles

Medical clown intervention shortens length of hospitalization in children with pneumonia

Exceptionally low genomic diversity in the underutilised legume Kersting’s groundnut

Abstract Identifying crops with novel and climate resilience traits is imperative to ensure food security. Without a basic understanding of the genomes and genomic diversity of these crops they will remain underutilised or could even become lost. Kersting’s groundnut [Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal & Baudet] is one such crop, regarded as a useful, drought tolerant and sometimes valuable legume. Here, we present the assembly and annotation of the genome of Kersting’s groundnut and an analysis of genomic diversity across a diversity panel. Accessions are grouped by geography and seed coat colour, one of the key traits used to describe the accessions. Four candidate genes involved in pathways relating to pigments or flavonoids are revealed. One of the important findings is that Kersting’s groundnut retains very low diversity, about 85-95% less than two other legumes, suggesting a pressing need to conserve the existing diversity of Kersting’s groundnut.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of northern Caspian shorelines (1985–2023) and implications for coastal management: Lessons from the Aral Sea

Dynamic changes to the northern Caspian Sea shoreline have significant ecological implications, including impacts to biodiversity and the surrounding environment. This study employs Landsat datasets, historical records, and geographic information systems (GIS) to quantitatively analyze spatiotemporal variations along the northern Caspian Sea coastline from 1985 to 2023. The findings demonstrate pronounced cyclic variations in the Caspian Sea’s water level. Compared to 1930, the water level decreased by 2.6 m by 2023, with 1935 marking the onset of a significant downward trend. From 1995 to 2023, a pronounced decline in the water level at a rate of 6.1 cm/year was observed. Multiscale temporal oscillations in water levels revealed periodic rises and falls with cycles ranging from 6–8 years to 10–16 years. Due to the broad and shallow morphology of the northern Caspian Sea, fluctuations in water level have resulted in significant displacements of the northern coastline. Between 1985 and 2023, the shoreline length decreased by 262 km, which is equivalent to a 17% reduction. The intensity of the coastline length index reached a critical point during from 2010 to 2015, after which it declined sharply by 3.67. By 2023, the coastline had shifted seaward by 1.33 × 10⁴ km2 relative to that in 1985. This continuous retreat of the shoreline poses a severe threat to the ecological stability of the northern Caspian Sea. If the trend persists, then the disappearance of the eastern basin of the South Aral Sea may be replicated in the northern Caspian Sea by 2100. These findings provide critical insights for formulating effective coastal management strategies and conservation initiatives.

A case study of reservoir characterization and modeling for tidal-dominated estuary reservoir in Ecuador

Abstract The Oriente Basin, as part of the retro-arc foreland basin system, develops tidal-dominated estuary, where the LU layer exhibits complex sedimentary characteristics in lateral that brings great uncertainty to reservoir characterization using only wells. As a result, it is essential to investigate the sedimentary characteristics of the tidal-dominated estuary by incorporating seismic data. First, four electrofacies are established to characterize the logging response of various lithology combinations in an estuary setting. The seismic facies are then studied by establishing the relationship between seismic waveforms and logging response. Finally, a reservoir model of the LU layer is built by quantitatively characterizing the spatial distribution of sedimentary facies based on the electrofacies and seismic facies. Bottom-water reservoirs are reinterpreted as a combination of the upper edge-water reservoir and the lower bottom-water reservoir based on the characterization results, which are verified by the new drilling wells.

A FtsZ cis disassembly element acts in Z-ring assembly during bacterial cell division

Abstract Bacterial cell division hinges on the Z-ring, an architecture built from the dynamical assembly and disassembly of FtsZ proteins. This delicate balance ensures not only apparent stability, but also continuous remodeling, both of which are required for Z-ring functioning. However, the molecular nature of such subcellular structures remains elusive. Here, by identifying all amino acid residues participating in FtsZ self-assembly in Escherichia coli, we show that the extreme N-terminal intrinsically disordered region (N-IDR) of FtsZ acts as a cis disassembly element that contacts and disrupts the longitudinal interface, tipping the balance more toward polymer disassembly. This previously unappreciated structural characteristic is indispensable for promoting Z-ring architecture condensation at midcell (rather than elsewhere) upon modulation by certain trans-acting factors (such as the E. coli MinC protein).

How does task complexity and task difficulty affect college students’ writing performance? The mediating effect of critical thinking disposition

This study investigated the effects of task complexity, task difficulty, and critical thinking disposition on college students’ writing performance. 201 participants were selected via probability sampling. Each completed three writing tasks of varying complexity, resulting in a corpus of 603 compositions. A follow-up questionnaire assessed task difficulty and critical thinking disposition. Results showed that both task complexity and difficulty significantly affected writing performance. Specifically, four sub-constructs of critical thinking disposition (analyticity, systematicity, inquisitiveness, and cognitive maturity) were positively associated with writing performance and mediated the relationship between task difficulty and writing performance. Structural and mediation models were established using Smart PLS to illustrate these relationships. This study contributes to the growing field of cognitive-oriented and affective-related research by exploring the cognitive and affective factors influencing writing and provides practical recommendations for writing assessment and pedagogy.

Intra-grid location estimation of smartphone videos using ENF extraction and an improved super-pixel technique

Observation of the universality of nonlinear mode coupling in a fibre laser

Gene editing therapy as a therapeutic approach for cardiovascular diseases in animal models: A scoping review

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with hereditary genetic factors contributing substantially to disease burden. Current treatments, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions, focus primarily on symptom management but fail to address underlying genetic causes, often resulting in disease progression or recurrence. Gene therapy has emerged as a transformative approach, offering a potential treatment. This review explores its efficacy and safety in animal models, identifying opportunities for future advancements. Methods This review investigated studies on gene editing interventions in animal models of CVDs, retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science up to December 2024. Result A total of 57 studies were included in this review. Mice (86%) were the predominant model, with CRISPR-Cas9 (53%) and AAV vectors (80%) as the most used tools. Key targets included PCSK9 (32%), LDLR (9%), and MYH6/7 (7%), achieving 25–85% editing efficiency in liver/heart tissues. Base editors (ABE/CBE) showed superior safety, with <1% off-targets versus CRISPR-Cas9’s 2–5 off-targets per guide. Reported toxicity risks included liver injury (AAVs, 23%) and transient cytokine elevation (LNPs, 14%). Conclusion Gene editing therapy shows great potential for treating CVDs, with high efficiency, strong therapeutic outcomes, and favorable safety in animal models. Continued innovation and rigorous evaluation could transform cardiovascular treatment, benefiting patients with untreatable conditions.

An LGD model with extrinsic nucleations for polarization dynamics in ferroelectric materials and devices

Abstract We present a critical reexamination of the Landau–Ginzburg–Devonshire (LGD) model for ferroelectric materials that is based on intrinsic nucleation events. Theoretical considerations and a systematic comparison with experiments steered us towards a novel version and calibration of the LGD model relying instead on extrinsic nucleations. We show that the new model can not only improve the agreement with experiments, but also help reconcile the interpretation of polarization reversal in poly-crystalline and epitaxial ferroelectrics.

Brown adipose tissue secretes OLFM4 to coordinate sensory and sympathetic innervation via Schwann cells

Factors influencing user decision of telemedicine applications in Thailand

Telemedicine applications have been used worldwide to support the healthcare system in both private and government sectors. However, the factors influencing users’ decisions to use the telemedicine application have not been well determined. Exploratory cross-sectional research was conducted using an offline and online questionnaire on Thai individuals aged 18–65. The recruitment period for this study spanned from December 25, 2023, to March 25, 2024, utilizing quota sampling to ensure representation across different regions of Thailand. The objectives were to estimate the proportion of individuals using telemedicine applications and to identify significant determinants of the decision to use telemedicine applications, including Acceptance and Use of Technology, the information systems (IS) Success Model, Trust, and Perceived Risk factors. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify potential latent factors from the 62-item multidimensional questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to identify significant determinants of using telemedicine applications. EFA was performed to group 62 variables into 6 latent factors, including trust, ease of use, system quality, benefits of use, price, and service quality. Of 385 Thai individuals, the proportion of those who use telemedicine applications was 63.63%. All six determinants significantly influenced the decision to use telemedicine applications. The factors influencing individuals’ decisions to use telemedicine applications include trust, ease of use, system quality, benefits of use, price, and service quality.

Higher AJCC stage at primary tumor diagnosis may predict shorter survival in metastatic uveal melanoma

Abstract In this international collaboration, we examined whether survival in metastatic uveal melanoma is associated with primary tumor size at initial diagnosis. A total of 128 and 205 patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IV disease were included from the Netherlands and Sweden, respectively. Across both cohorts, patients whose tumors had a largest basal diameter ≥ 16 mm or a higher AJCC stage presented with a greater number of hepatic metastases and showed shorter Kaplan-Meier overall survival from the time of metastatic detection. However, this association did not persist after adjustment for the number of hepatic metastases in multivariate Cox regression and a Markov multi-state model. These findings suggest that primary tumor size is associated with survival in metastatic disease and the burden of metastatic lesions at detection, indicating a potential survival benefit of primary tumor treatment. Nevertheless, caution is warranted when interpreting these results, as they differ from some previous reports.

Regime shift to extensive valley glaciations over High Mountain Asia during the Early-Middle Pleistocene

The impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on sleep quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a significant component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, but whether it has any impact on patient sleep quality is unknown. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the impact of PR on sleep quality in patients with COPD. Searches of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were performed, and data were extracted from relevant studies. Meta-analysis with the random effects model was performed to determine if PR is associated with any difference in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results A total of 16 studies were included in this review with 1,478 patients, of which 1,169 took part in PR. The PR programmes were variable, some being 8-week programmes while others were 12-week, and some lasted for 6 months. The pooled results of 372 patients suggest that PR is associated with a significant improvement in the PSQI (mean difference 2.33 95% CI 0.46 to 4.20, I2 = 93%, 6 studies). Removal of one study, significantly reduced the statistical heterogeneity and the effect size (mean difference 0.91 95% CI 0.35–1.48, I2 = 0%, 5 studies). For other outcomes such as sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and number of awakenings, there were no consistencies to suggest any benefit associated with PR. Conclusions PR appears to be associated with improvements in sleep quality in patients with COPD. More studies are needed to determine what the ideal PR programme is that best improves sleep quality and whether certain patients benefit more compared to others.

Threshold levels of artificial infection with Haemonchus contortus impacting lamb physiology and production

Substrate-based discovery of α-hydroxycarboxylic acid derivatives as potential herbicides targeting dihydroxyacid dehydratase

Telehealth and in-person HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic at a large academic medical center in North Carolina

Background To maintain HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic, many HIV clinics across the United States adopted telehealth. However, not everyone participated in telehealth equally. This study assessed the use and disparities in telehealth and in-person HIV care at a large academic medical center in North Carolina (NC) relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data from the Duke University Infectious Disease clinic in NC were extracted from electronic health records (EHR), aggregated across persons with HIV (PWH) by calendar month, visit type (in-person vs. telehealth HIV care), and by key sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Variation in HIV care over time was analyzed graphically by age, sex, race and ethnicity, county of residence, and viral load (VL) history. Results EHR data from 2,623 PWH receiving care between January 2019 and March 2023 were included. Telehealth use sharply increased in the first months of the pandemic and decreased thereafter. Telehealth use was higher among non-Hispanic Whites compared to People of Color. Most PWH (93%) had a first post-onset-of-the-pandemic (pop) HIV care visit on March 16, 2020 and thereafter. The proportion of telehealth first pop visits peaked in April 2020 with 88% telehealth visits. Conclusions Telehealth bridged the initial COVID-19 pandemic phase with drastically reduced in-person visit availability, yet it was not equally utilized across race and ethnicity groups. To guide the optimal integration of telehealth in HIV care and promote equitable care in the future, HIV care outcomes need to be closely monitored, and strategies designed to promote access for Communities of Color are needed.

MTNR1B variants increase gestational diabetes mellitus risk in young Chinese pregnant women

A multisensor high-temperature signaling framework for triggering daytime thermomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis

Abstract The phytochrome B (phyB) photoreceptor and EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) are two major plant thermosensors that monitor high temperatures primarily at night. However, high temperatures naturally occur during the daytime; the mechanism of daytime thermosensing and whether these thermosensors can also operate under intense sunlight remain ambiguous. Here, we show that phyB plays a substantial role in daytime thermosensing in Arabidopsis, and its thermosensing function becomes negligible only when the red light intensity reaches 50 μmol m−2 s−1. Leveraging this restrictive condition for phyB thermosensing, we reveal that triggering daytime thermomorphogenesis requires two additional thermosensory pathways. High temperatures induce starch breakdown in chloroplasts and the production of sucrose, which stabilizes the central thermal regulator PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4) by antagonizing phyB-dependent PIF4 degradation. In parallel, high temperatures release the inhibition of PIF4 transcription and PIF4 activity by ELF3. Thus, our study elucidates a multisensor high-temperature signaling framework for understanding diverse thermo-inducible plant behaviors in daylight.