PLoS ONE
Articles in this Issue
The spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of key villages in rural tourism in China
Rural tourism key villages in China serve as critical nodes driving the development of rural tourism. Based on a dataset of 1,195 key villages, this study employs Ripley’s K-function and geographic de...
Factors associated with time until metastatic spread in patients with primary uveal melanoma: A retrospective analysis
Purpose To characterize patients with choroidal or ciliary body (CB) melanoma in order to identify factors associated with time until metastasis and further perform a detailed characterization of the...
Multiple marginalized identities and internalized HIV stigma among people living with HIV in South Florida: An intersectional approach
Internalized HIV stigma is associated with several adverse mental and physical health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH). PLWH and other marginalized identities may experience worse internal...
Advanced investing with deep learning for risk-aligned portfolio optimization
This study introduces a deep learning-based framework for portfolio optimization tailored to different investor risk preferences. We combine two prediction models, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and On...
Scorpion (Hottentotta tamulus) venom pre-exposure delays functional recovery in mice following peripheral nerve injury
Scorpion sting leads to profound challenges of central nervous system (CNS) impairments such as neuro-inflammation, unconsciousness, aberrant ion channels physiology, epilepsy and may become fatal due...
Characterization of congenital hyperinsulinism in Argentina: Clinical features, genetic findings, and treatment outcomes
Introduction Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a heterogeneous disorder of insulin dysregulation, leading to hypoglycemia. This study describes the clinical characteristics, genetics, and management...
The effect of travoprost on primary human limbal epithelial cells and the siRNA-based aniridia limbal epithelial cell model, in vitro
Purpose Haploinsufficiency of the PAX6 gene is the primary pathogenic mechanism underlying classical congenital aniridia. Notably, at least 50% of patients with this condition develop glaucoma. Prosta...
Coping with stressful life disruptions due to long COVID: A qualitative study
Background Long COVID impacts people’s physical health and cognition which immensely affects their psychosocial well-being. A larger study was conducted that explored the psychosocial impacts of Long...
Flushing peripheral intravenous catheters: A scoping review
Background Peripheral intravascular catheters (PIVCs) are indispensable vascular access devices in healthcare, facilitating the administration of intravenous therapies. Despite their vital role, PIVCs...
Factors influencing mobile learning technology adoption and learning outcomes in online piano education: A comparative study of Chinese and Russian students
Mobile learning technologies (MLTs) have opened new opportunities for enhancing piano education, yet factors influencing their adoption and impact on learning outcomes remain largely unexplored. This...
Triple-band highly sensitive terahertz metamaterial absorber for biomedical sensing applications
Due to the growing interest in metamaterials for biomedical applications, this study presents the design and analysis of a novel, compact, triple-band metamaterial absorber for biological sensing in t...
Maize-bean intercropping mediates reduction in arthropod intraguild predation better than low-intensity farming—Stable isotope evidence
Crop-field structural management for boosting arthropod pest bio-control is increasingly recognized as an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. However, how natural pest regu...
Does community pressure matter in cesarean deliveries in Bangladesh? An analysis of nationally representative surveys
Cesarean delivery plays a significant role in reducing maternal and child mortality. However, unjustified cesarean section (C-section) delivery is rising worldwide, including in Bangladesh. C-section...
Acute effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cardiac vagal activity in men living with HIV: A proof-of-concept clinical trial
This proof-of-concept study evaluated the acute effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on cardiac vagal activity in people living with HIV. Twenty-one men living with HIV...
An insulin-like peptide specific for a cockroach male reproductive gland
The insulin-IGF-signalling (IIS) pathway plays crucial roles in animal physiology. In insects, this pathway uses multiple ligands, insulin-like peptides (ILPs), and a smaller number of insulin recepto...
In vitro detection of canine anti-human antibodies following intratumoral injection of the hu14.18-IL2 immunocytokine in spontaneous canine melanoma
Background Canine and human malignant melanoma are naturally occurring cancers with many similarities, making the dog an important parallel patient population to study both diseases. However, developm...
Global and Chinese epidemiologic study of polycystic ovary syndrome in women of childbearing age, 1990–2021, and projections to 2035: Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study
Objective The aim of this study was to synthesize and analyze the burden of disease of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women of reproductive age globally and in China from 1990 to 2021. Methods...
Body mass index and critical care outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients—A national cohort study
Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant global mortality. Obesity is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. This study examined the relationship between BMI, clinical interventions, and...
Foliar application of fullerenol and zinc oxide nanoparticles improves stress resilience in drought-sensitive Arabidopsis thaliana
This study aimed to characterise the chemical properties of fullerenol nanoparticles (FNP) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO nano), as well as their physiological and molecular effects following folia...
Supporting international medical graduates–what can be done better? A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study
Background International medical graduates (IMGs) are a vital health workforce globally. Several challenges specific to IMGs warrant institutions to make necessary implementations to support their tra...
Effects of gestational weight gain on emotional and behavioral problems in children: Results from the CLaB study
Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) may influence child neurodevelopment, with potential effects on emotional and behavioral outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between GWG and beh...
Marine outfall discharges contribute to coastal microplastic pollution and the spread of antimicrobial resistance
Microplastics are widespread in marine environments, with significant contributions from land-based wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). A desktop study was conducted on regulatory framework for marin...
“What happens when you get corona?”: Children’s questions and parental responses about the COVID-19 pandemic
Information discussed between parents and children provide a foundation for children's developing understanding of health and illness. Parents of 3-to-7-year-old children (N = 516, 62% female, 78% Whi...
Association between serum mineral concentrations and gastrointestinal parasite burden in zebu cattle accessing ‘hora’ mineral water in southwestern Ethiopia
Gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) and mineral deficiencies are significant factors affecting health and productivity of free-ranging cattle. Adequate mineral intake, particularly from natural mineral w...
Deep learning-based Alzheimer’s disease detection using magnetic resonance imaging and gene expression data
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) poses significant challenges to healthcare systems across the globe. Early and accurate AD diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment. Recent advances in neur...