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Whole-genome sequence analysis of SFTS bunyavirus in Huzhou, China

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne emerging infectious disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV), is a growing public health threat due to its high mortality rate. To understand the genomic characteristics of SFTSV samples isolated in Huzhou, China, the full-length genomes of Huzhou SFTSV isolates obtained between February 1, 2019 and December 30, 2023 were sequenced, and the gene loci, evolution, and sequence identity of the genome sequences were analyzed using MEGA. The complete genome sequences of seven SFTSV samples were obtained successfully. The full-length genome of each isolate was 11 490 bp in length, composed of a large (L) segment of 6368 bp, medium (M) segment of 3378 bp, and small (S) segment of 1744 bp. The SFTSV samples isolated in Huzhou belonged to multiple genotypes, but were mainly of type D. Each subtype showed nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence identities of more than 93.67% and 97.18%, respectively, with the syngeneic human host reference strain and more than 93.67% and 97.76%, respectively, with the syngeneic tick-derived host reference strain. Nucleotide sequence analysis of SFTSV isolates from Huzhou showed mutations in genes on all three segments, with those on the M segment showing the highest mutation rate. The nucleotide variations were mainly base transversions. Further studies of the distribution of SFTSV genotypes, sites of nucleotide mutations, and amino acid variations are required.

Marine protected areas for dive tourism

Abstract Marine and coastal tourism deliver economic benefits to coastal communities that far surpass those generated by fisheries, yet its potential contribution to global marine conservation remains underexamined. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) help restore biodiversity and enhance nearby fisheries, but their direct tourism benefits are not well understood. Here, we estimate the global demand for recreational scuba dive tourism, map the distribution and protection status of all marine dive sites globally, and develop a bioeconomic model to estimate the revenue gains from upgrading unprotected dive sites to fully protected MPAs. We estimate that 33.1 million scuba dives occur annually in marine environments worldwide, with 70% taking place within MPAs. However, only 15% of these MPA-affiliated dive sites are highly or fully protected. We show that designating all unprotected recreational dive sites, representing less than 1% of the global ocean, as highly or fully protected MPAs would improve fish biomass and biodiversity while generating an additional US$2 billion per year in direct tourism revenue (not including economic multipliers). Importantly, 62% of marine diving currently occurs in developing countries, underscoring the potential for dive tourism to support both marine conservation and local livelihoods in regions where such benefits are most needed.

Estimation of the Gini coefficient based on two quantiles

Based on the Palma proposition and the Lorenz fitting curve, this paper estimates the sample Gini coefficient using the income share of the top 10% and bottom 40% of the population. Empirical research shows that the absolute error between the estimated value and sample Gini coefficient is within a hundredth. Monte Carlo simulation shows that the new method has good performance and robustness for estimating Gini coefficients with different sample sizes and different inequality levels. Using the two quantiles in the deciles to estimate the sample Gini coefficient and the Lorenz fitting curve is a practical method.

Possibilities of using biosorbents and synthetic sorbents in monitoring heavy metal pollution of surface waters

Low-dose radiation ameliorates doxorubicin-induced renal injury via reducing oxidative stress and protecting mitochondrial function

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-established chemotherapy drug, but its clinical application is restricted due to significant tissue toxicity, of which nephrotoxicity is a serious adverse reaction. Low-dose radiation (LDR) exerts effects through stimulating diverse cell and molecular mechanisms, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and alter immune adaptation effects. This study aims to investigate how LDR protects against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity and to explore the underlying mechanism involved. Sixty mice were randomly divided into control (CTR), LDR, DOX, and combination (COM) group. Nephrotoxicity was induced by injecting a single dose of DOX (7.5 mg/kg) in mice abdominal cavity, and LDR was performed 72 h before DOX treatment. Histological analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, immunofluorescence analysis and western-blotting were used to detect the related indicators. Research data was showed as mean ±SD and tested by One-way ANOVA. The results showed that compared with DOX group, the contents of serum UREA, UA, and the expression level of Bax and caspase 9 were significantly reduced in COM group (P<0.05). Western-blotting and immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression level of MDA and Nrf2 in COM group were significantly lower than that in DOX group (P<0.05). In addition, the activity of complex Ⅰ, ATP, NDUFA1 and CYC1 were enhanced in COM group compared with DOX group (P<0.05). All the results suggested that LDR pretreatment prevented excessive accumulation of peroxides, restored antioxidants activity (SOD, GSH, CAT), activated Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway, attenuated damage to the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and protected kidney cells from DOX attack. This study demonstrated that LDR could effectively and safely inhibit the progression of DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. Future studies should further investigate the mechanism of LDR protecting tissues from DOX-induced damage and find an optimal radiation dose for humans.

Nitrogen-enriched carbon nanotube supported palladium as a catalyst for desulfurization of dibenzothiophene and reduction of nitroarenes

Global natural history infrastructure requires international solidarity, support, and investment in local capacity

Amid global challenges like climate change, extinctions, and disease epidemics, science and society require nuanced, international solutions that are grounded in robust, interdisciplinary perspectives and datasets that span deep time. Natural history collections, from modern biological specimens to the archaeological and fossil records, are crucial tools for understanding cultural and biological processes that shape our modern world. At the same time, natural history collections in low and middle-income countries are at-risk and underresourced, imperiling efforts to build the infrastructure and scientific capacity necessary to tackle critical challenges. The case of Mongolia exemplifies the unique challenges of preserving natural history collections in a country with limited financial resources under the thumb of scientific colonialism. Specifically, the lack of biorepository infrastructure throughout Mongolia stymies efforts to study or respond to large-scale environmental changes of the modern era. Investment in museum capacity and training to develop locally-accessible collections that characterize natural communities over time and space must be a key priority for a future where understanding climate scenarios, predicting, and responding to zoonotic disease, making informed conservation choices, or adapting to agricultural challenges, will be all but impossible without relevant and accessible collections.

Fractal perspective of superquadratic functions with generalized probability estimations

This study introduces for the first time a class of generalized superquadratic functions specifically on fractal sets and explores their unique features. The research develops several generalized inequalities, including Jensen’s, converse Jensen’s, Mercer Jensen’s and Hermite-Hadamard’s inequalities based on the properties of generalized superquadratic functions. The findings are confirmed through reduced results, numerical calculations and graphical depictions, ensuring the robustness and accuracy of the proposed inequalities by taking into account several appropriate examples. A detailed comparative analysis between inequalities derived from generalized superquadratic functions and those from generalized convex functions, highlighting the greater refinement provided by the generalized superquadratic functions. The study enhances its findings with practical applications in probability expectations and special means in fractal space, demonstrating the applicability and relevance of the new results in these domains. The new results presented in this work provide significant extensions and improvements over existing literature, showcasing advancements and potential for further research in the field.

Smooth muscle contractility of laser-enucleated prostate tissues and impacts of preoperative α1-blocker treatment in patients with and without catheterization

Abstract Prostate smooth muscle contraction is central in treatment of voiding symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tissues from transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer are widely used to study contractions. However, findings are limited by traumatization in TURP, and uncertain relationship to BPH in RP tissues. This study aims to examine contractions of laser-enucleated tissues. Tissues from holmium/thulium laser enucleation (HoLEP/ThuLEP) and TURP were contracted by KCl, noradrenaline and electric field stimulation (EFS) in an organ bath. Contractions were compared to RP tissues in previous studies. KCl-induced contractions averaged 2.5 mN, 0.7 mN and 3.3 mN in tissues from HoLEP/ThuLEP, TURP and RP, with non-responsive tissues included (2.4% HoLEP/ThuLEP, 37% TURP). Maximum EFS-induced contractions (Emax) averaged 47% of KCl in HoLEP/ThuLEP tissues, 27% in TURP tissues, and 68–235% in 21 previous studies with RP tissues. Emax values for noradrenaline averaged 99.7% in HoLEP/ThuLEP tissues, 56% in TURP tissues, and ranged from 92 to 260% in RP tissues. Preoperative α1-blocker treatment reduced EFS- and noradrenaline-induced contractions, and increased EC50 values for noradrenaline in laser-enucleated, catheterized patients, but not in patients without catheterization. Also, the ex vivo application of α1-blockers increased the EC50 values for noradrenaline and reduced Emax for EFS. Laser-enucleated tissues allow investigation of prostate smooth muscle contraction in medication-refractory voiding symptoms. Different impacts of preoperative α1-blocker treatment on ex vivo contractility in tissues from patients with and without catheterization point to clinically relevant heterogeneity of patients undergoing surgery for BPH.

Population attributable fraction of dietary risk factors for cancer mortality with a focus on gastrointestinal cancers in a population based cohort study

Abstract Diet and nutrition are critical factors influencing cancer, the second leading cause of death worldwide. This study evaluated dietary risk factors and cancer mortality. 49,773 participants aged 40–75 years from the Golestan Cohort Study (GCS) were followed for a median of 15 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), while population attributable fractions (PAFs) quantified the impact of reducing dietary risk factors. Low fruit intake accounted for 4.7% (95% CI: 0.5-8.7%) of all cancer deaths and 4.91% (95% CI: 0-9.85%) of male cancer deaths. It contributed to 23.5% (95% CI: 4.7-38.59%) of pancreatic cancer mortality in both sexes and 29.36% (95% CI: 5.15-47.38%) of male pancreatic cancer deaths. Low omega-3 intake increased esophageal and gastric cancer mortality risks, with PAFs of 21.65% (95% CI: 1.14-37.9%) and 21.46% (95% CI: 2.81-36.53%), respectively. In females, low omega-3 intake accounted for 38.68% (95% CI: 4.05-60.81%) of gastric cancer deaths. Low fruit and omega-3 consumption elevated cancer mortality risk. Community- and individual-level interventions are essential to enhance nutrient intake and reduce cancer mortality.

The prevalence and associated risk factors of primary dysmenorrhea among women in Beijing: a cross-sectional study

Identification of metabolism-related subtypes and feature genes of pre-eclampsia

Establishing reproductive seasons for the conservation of the critically endangered Kashmir red deer Cervus Hanglu

Author Correction: Exploring online public survey lifestyle datasets with statistical analysis, machine learning and semantic ontology

Assessing HIV transmission knowledge and rapid test history among the general population in Iran

Natural color composition induces oddball P3 asymmetry associated with processing fluency

Publisher Correction: Nasal carriage of MRSA among clinically affiliated undergraduate students at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Multi-scale differences in landscape connectivity evaluation and protection strategies: a case study of Chongqing, China

Asymmetric multi-band reflective metasurface for linear and circular polarizations conversion in Ku, K, Ka, and U bands

Abstract This work proposes a novel multi-band reflective metasurface, that is capable of linear polarization (LP), and circular polarization (CP) conversion in Ku, K, Ka, and U Bands. The metasurface design involves a combination of ring and square elements strategically arranged, and printed on a 0.76 mm thin-grounded Rogers RO3003 substrate. The metasurface achieves LP for y-polarized incident electromagnetic (EM) wave in 16.2–17.2 GHz, 23.0–25.4 GHz, 40.3–54.35 GHz frequency bands. The polarization conversion ratio (PCR) for LP frequency ranges is minimum 90% with an fractional bandwidth (FB) of 2.94%, 9.91%, and 26.9%, respectively. Moreover, metasurface achieves CP for y-polarized incident EM wave in 16.1–16.55 GHz, 17.5–22.15 GHz, 26.65–37.75 GHz, and 55.6–59.8 GHz frequency bands. In addition, the axial ratio (AR) for CP frequency ranges is less than 3 dB with a FB of 2.75%, 23.45%, 34.47%, and 7.27%. The device performance is considerably stable under oblique incidences up to 45 degrees. The metasurface unitcell is compact with a structural size of $$\text {length}=0.23\lambda _\circ$$ , $$\text {width}=0.23\lambda _\circ$$ and $$\text {thickness}=0.08\lambda _\circ$$ . The proposed prototype is fabricated, and the measured results are in good agreement with the simulated one. Overall, the proposed metasurface exhibits promising performance characteristics and holds potential for multiple applications in satellite based networks.

Oral trehalose improves histological and behavior symptoms of mucopolysaccharidosis type II in iduronate 2-sulfatase deficient mice