Browse Articles

Reducing Obesity Using Social Ties (ROBUST): Protocol for a randomized control trial of a social network lifestyle intervention

Aim The aim of the Reducing Obesity Using Social Ties (ROBUST) study is to address negative and positive social network processes that may influence weight loss among individuals enrolled in an evidence-based, 24-week lifestyle intervention modeled after the Diabetes Prevention Program. Methods This is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a tailored social network-enhanced lifestyle intervention compared to an individual-level lifestyle intervention (control group) in adults (N=132) who self-identify as Black or Hispanic and have obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Intervention participants will recruit up to two members (n=132) of their social network to participate in skill-building sessions. Intervention and control participants will receive fourteen nutrition and lifestyle coaching sessions over 24 weeks. Diet, physical activity, positive affect, social network processes, communal coping, and anthropometrics will be measured at baseline and after intervention completion at 24 weeks. Discussion This study will provide the first pragmatic evidence of the efficacy of activating a communal coping process within personal networks to optimize weight loss among Black and Hispanic adults. Our study explicitly targets a population that has been less responsive to other lifestyle approaches to weight loss. Trial registration The study protocol was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06335810).

DeepGuard: real-time threat recognition using Golden Jackal optimization with deep learning model

Enabling transparent toxicokinetic modeling for public health risk assessment

Toxicokinetic modeling describes the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of chemicals by the body. Chemical-specific in vivo toxicokinetic data is often unavailable for the thousands of chemicals in commerce. However, predictions from generalized toxicokinetic models allow for extrapolation from in vitro toxicological data, obtained via new approach methods (NAMs), to predict in vivo human health outcomes and provide key information on chemicals for public health risk assessment. The httk R package provides an open-source software tool containing a suite of generalized toxicokinetic models covering various exposure scenarios, a library of chemical-specific data from peer-reviewed high-throughput toxicokinetic (HTTK) studies, and other utility functions to parameterize and evaluate toxicokinetic models. Generalized HTTK models in httk use the open-source language MCSim to describe the compartmental and physiologically based toxicokinetics (PBTK). New HTTK models may be integrated into httk with a model description code file (C script generated via MCSim) and a model documentation file (R script). httk provides a series of functionalities such as model parameterization, in vivo -derived data for evaluating model predictions, unit conversion, Monte Carlo simulations for uncertainty propagation and biological variability, and other model utilities. Here, we describe in detail how to add new HTTK models into the httk package to leverage its pre-existing data and functionality. As a demonstration, we describe the integration of a gas inhalation PBTK model. The intention of httk is to provide a transparent, open-source tool for toxicokinetics, bioinformatics, and public health risk assessment that makes use of publicly available data on more than one thousand chemicals.

First crustal magnetic anomaly estimates from the magnetometer observations of the Korea pathfinder lunar orbiter

Distributary development in a 21st century river: The evolution of Neptune Pass and its delta, the largest new offshoot of the Mississippi River

The development of distributaries in large river deltas plays an important role in the geology, hydrology, and ecology of the coastal ocean, as large rivers are a dominant mechanism by which particulate, suspended, and dissolved material is delivered from the continents to the global ocean. And yet, there is relatively little, near-real time observational data on the development of distributaries in large river deltas -- in part because the development of modern observation coincides with an era when rivers have been controlled by large engineering projects (i.e., the 20th and 21st centuries). This article reports on Neptune Pass, the largest new distributary to form in the Mississippi River in nearly a century. It developed between 2019 and 2021 when a small canal rapidly expanded by at least an order of magnitude. The system now carries about 15–17% of the flow of the Mississippi River, > 3,000 m3 s-1 when the Mississippi River is at moderately high flows. This is comparable to the 10th largest river in North America and the 100th largest river on Earth. Neptune Pass is building a delta, and this study sought to examine whether this delta is comprised largely of material eroded from the Neptune Pass (redistributed sediment hypothesis), or includes material recently derived from the Mississippi River (new sediment hypothesis). These hypotheses were tested using a combination of marine-geophysical surveys, remote sensing techniques, and sediment core collections. Results indicate that the delta in Quarantine Bay was 56–79% larger than the material excavated from Neptune Pass, corroborating the new sediment hypothesis, and indicating that it is a net land building system. These findings provide key insights that are critical to the restoration and safe management of the Mississippi River and its delta, the largest system of its kind in North America.

Xanthohumol modulate autophagy and ER stress to counteract stemness and enhance cisplatin efficacy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Development of a psychological management intervention protocol for colorectal cancer patients: a Delphi study on benefit finding

Objective This study aimed to develop Benefit Finding intervention protocols for colorectal cancer patients on psychological management in China. Methods We created an initial draft of such a protocol through a comprehensive literature review and group discussions. A two-round Delphi study via WeChat correspondence was conducted, with a group of 14 Chinese experts. Experts rated and scored the importance of indicators on a five-point Likert scale. Results The response rates for two rounds both were 100%(n=14), with an authority coefficient of 0.86. The mean value assigned to the importance of the items ranged from 4.07 to 5.00, with coefficients of variation between 0.00 and 0.17; the Kendall coefficient was 0.214 (P<0.05). Ultimately, we established an index system comprising 8 primary items, with respective weights of 0.133, 0.131, 0.122, 0.116, 0.129, 0.122, 0.124, and 0.124. Additionally, we identified 25 secondary items and 53 tertiary items. Conclusion This protocol demonstrates authenticity, objectivity, and broad applicability, providing a valuable reference for future psychological care and self-management strategies for colorectal cancer patients following surgery.

Experiences of intimate partner violence and antepartum depression among women seeking antenatal care in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: findings from the MISPOD study

Environmental risk assessment for sustainable industrial urban development: The case of northern industrial zone of Pavlodar, Kazakhstan

This study assesses heavy metal (HM) contamination in soils of an urban industrial zone using statistical and spatial analysis methods. Concentrations of 12 key HMs, including Zn, Pb, Cu, and Ni, were measured using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), with values exceeding background levels several times in certain areas. Pollution indices such as the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Total Pollution Indicator (Zc) revealed moderate to high contamination levels, with PLI values ranging from 1.05 to 3.38 and Zc values between 0.67 and 51.34. Health risk assessments indicated that the hazard quotients (HQ) exceeded safe thresholds in hotspots, highlighting potential risks. Spatial distribution maps identified industrial activities as the primary source of contamination. Specifically, according to the PLI, approximately 93.757% of the studied area is classified as moderately contaminated, while 0.702% is considered significantly contaminated. These findings provide a baseline for monitoring and mitigating soil pollution in industrial regions while offering insights for sustainable land management.

Indigenous bacteria as potential agents for trace metal remediation in industrial wastewater

Multi-omics evaluation of peritoneal fluid in gastroesophageal cancer (OMEGCA): protocol for a prospective multicentre cohort study to detect occult peritoneal metastases in patients undergoing curative-intent treatment

Introduction Early detection of peritoneal disease, especially micro-metastases, in patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma is critical as it alters therapeutic intent, providing a vital opportunity to personalise treatment. However, our ability to accurately stage the peritoneum is inadequate. Tumour-derived DNA in peritoneal lavage fluid (ptDNA) has been suggested to be more sensitive than current methods to stage the peritoneum. Accordingly, this study will determine whether ptDNA is a biomarker of peritoneal micro-metastasis and evaluate its prognostic value in patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative-intent treatment. Methods and analysis This will be an Australian multi-centre prospective observational cohort study enrolling patients undergoing routine staging laparoscopy and subsequent curative-intent treatment (either upfront surgery or perioperative chemo-/radiotherapy and surgery) for gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Tumour biopsies, blood and peritoneal lavage fluid will be collected at the time of staging laparoscopy for all patients. A subset of patients will have blood and peritoneal fluid collected at the time of surgical resection, and blood collected at the first post-operative clinic. These biospecimens will undergo genomic and methylomic analysis to detect tumour DNA. ptDNA status will be correlated to disease free survival, peritoneal-specific event free survival, overall survival, sites of treatment failure, histopathological features, and peritoneal lavage cytology status. Registration This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12624000451505p).

Detection and accurate identification of Mycobacterium species by flow injection tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS) analysis of mycolic acids

Abstract Mycolic acids, long-chain α-alkyl, β-hydroxy fatty acids, are characteristic for the genus Mycobacterium and play a critical role in the structural integrity and pathogenicity of mycobacterial cell walls. The unique structural diversity of mycolic acids among various Mycobacterium species offers a reliable biomarker for taxonomic differentiation. In this study, we applied flow injection analysis coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS) for a comprehensive profiling of mycolic acids. Our findings demonstrate that the structural diversity of mycolic acids can be effectively utilized to enhance the accuracy, sensitivity, and scalability of mycobacterial identification methods. This technique has a broad applications for the rapid identification of mycobacterial pathogens and determination of drug resistance. Particularly in clinical diagnostics it may lead to improvement of patient management and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the method holds promise for epidemiological surveillance, enabling the tracking of mycobacterial outbreaks, as well as applications in environmental microbiology for the detection and monitoring of mycobacteria in diverse ecosystems.

Genetic diversity of Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and the impact of selective breeding on Korean populations

This study aimed to identify the population structure and genetic diversity of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in Korea and to examine the potential for genetic improvement in aquaculture populations. PCA showed NIFS and FarmA as closely related clusters, while FarmB exhibited moderate differentiation with greater variability. Fst analysis indicated high similarity between NIFS and farmed populations (0.021–0.043) but significant differentiation from wild populations (0.274–0.295). Admixture analysis highlighted a shared ancestral component (over 70%) among NIFS and farmed populations, contrasting with the unique genetic makeup of wild populations. The phylogenetic tree confirmed these patterns, with NIFS and FarmA forming close branches, FarmB showing intermediate placement, and wild populations clustering separately. Additionally, genomic estimated breeding values for body weight showed no significant differences between FarmA and FarmB, while prediction accuracy was higher for FarmA (47%) compared to FarmB (45%), indicating a closer genetic relationship between NIFS and FarmA. These findings emphasize the critical role of selective breeding and gene flow in shaping the genetic structure of farmed populations, offering valuable insights for improving growth traits and maintaining genetic diversity in aquaculture.

Chiral carbon dot as a fluorescent stain with enantiomer-dependent cell imaging

Trunk kinematics and motor unit behavior during different loads and speeds in individuals with and without aberrant movement patterns during active forward bending: A cross-sectional study

Background Instability catch (IC) during active forward bending is an aberrant movement pattern observed in patients with low back pain. Increasing load and speed may show different responses in kinematics and motor unit behavior including peak amplitudes (pAMP) and mean firing rates (mFR). Objectives This study aimed to compare kinematic patterns under different loads and speeds and explored the motor unit behavior in individuals with and without IC. Methods 17 participants were classified as having IC and 10 participants were classified as having no IC from clinical observations. Inertial measurement units were used to quantify kinematic parameters, and decomposition electromyography (dEMG) was used to investigate motor unit behavior. Participants performed 2 sets of 1-minute forward bending under low load and low speed (LL), high load and low speed (HL), and low load and high speed (LH) conditions. Results Significant between-group differences (P < 0.05) were found in kinematic parameters. Significant within-group changes (P < 0.05) were found between the LL and HL conditions for all kinematic parameters in individuals with IC. Individuals without IC demonstrated significant within-group changes (P < 0.05) between LL and LH in mFR, while individuals without IC showed changes in both pAMP and mFR. Conclusion These kinematic parameters may represent IC. Changes in motor unit behavior suggest that individuals with and without IC used different strategies to perform this task. Clinicians may consider varying the speed of movement to challenge the trunk neuromuscular control system and design interventions to address motor unit firing rate.

Emotional intelligence moderated the mediating effect of professional identity between social support and psychological well-being among pre-service teachers

Educational needs for medication safety competence among nurses by clinical ladder stage

The objective of this study is to identify the educational needs of nurses in regard to medication safety competence at different career levels. The identification of these needs is grounded in nurse clinical career ladder theoretical frameworks. In April of 2022, focus group interviews were conducted with twenty participants currently engaged in patient care work. These participants were categorized into four groups based on their clinical experience levels: novice (entry to 1 year), advanced novice (from 13 months to 47 months), competent (48 months to 83 months), and proficient (from 84 months). Key educational needs included: self-reflective attitude toward medication safety, effective interaction skills, medication practice knowledge, ability to manage safety risk situations, and establishment of a continuous education system for medication safety. These findings will contribute to the development of medication safety education programs based on a clinical ladder system including attitudes, knowledge, and skills related to self-reflection, self-improvement, and collaboration.

The cutoff points of body roundness index for predicting metabolic syndrome in the Brazilian population among 18–59 years

Melatonin and sleep parameters in infertile women with endometriosis: first results from the triple-blind randomized controlled trial of administration of melatonin in chronic pelvic pain and sleep disturbance

Introduction To evaluate the effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality and pelvic pain in infertile women with endometriosis and sleep disturbances. Materials and analysis A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 80 infertile women with endometriosis and sleep disturbances. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 5 mg melatonin or placebo for 2 months. The primary outcome was change in overall sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Secondary outcomes included changes in specific PSQI domains and chronic pelvic pain. Result Among 80 infertile women with endometriosis and sleep disturbances, melatonin significantly improved overall sleep quality compared to placebo, with a large effect size (p < 0.001, η² = 0.20, Cohen’s d=1). The mean difference in sleep quality was a reduction of -1.7 on the PSQI, although it did not reach the clinically meaningful threshold of 3 points. Melatonin also led to considerable improvements in specific PSQI domains including: a substantial increase in sleep duration and a marked reduction in sleep disturbances. Furthermore, melatonin significantly decreased sleep latency, exhibiting a large effect size, and contributed to a medium reduction in the use of sleep medications. However, no significant improvements were noted in sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction, or subjective sleep quality. Additionally, melatonin significantly reduced chronic pelvic pain, with a large effect size (p < 0.001, η² = 0.18, Cohen’s d = 0.93). Conclusion While melatonin may improve sleep quality and reduce pelvic pain, further investigation is needed to assess its clinical relevance in this population. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov IRCT20171209037794N4.

Synergistic effect of secondhand smoke and apical periodontitis on lung tissue damage in rats