PLOS ONE Alerts: New Articles

Virtual screening of Kocuria oceani AT-1 metabolites as potential maize growth regulators under drought conditions using molecular docking and dynamics simulation

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Muhammad Usama, Mahwish Salman, Ghulam Mustafa

Maize is a vital cereal crop, severely affected by environmental factors and climate change. Among abiotic factors, drought stress is considered one of the most detrimental factors limiting plant growth and biomass production. However, the molecular basis of bacterial metabolite-mediated drought tolerance in cereal crops remains poorly understood. The current in silico study aimed to investigate the molecular interactions between Kocuria oceani AT-1 metabolites and the maize UGT706F8 protein, using molecular docking and dynamics simulation analyses. The molecular interactions between bacterial metabolites and the UGT706F8 protein (glycosyltransferase enzyme, PDB ID 7Q3S) from Zea mays L. were evaluated. The in silico docking findings revealed a favorable binding affinity between bacterial metabolites and the target protein, indicating stable molecular interactions at the protein active site. Specifically, 4-tetradecanoyl-2,6-piperazinedione, and 3-benzylhexahydropyrrolo(1,2-a)pyrazine-1,4-dione displayed binding energies of −7.5 ± 0.33 and −8.5 ± 0.36 kcal/mol against the target protein, respectively. Under identical docking parameters, the known plant growth regulators (indole acetic acid and abscisic acid) yielded binding energies of −6.6 ± 0.34 and −5.8 ± 0.32 kcal/mol, respectively. Re-docking of the native uridine-5-diphosphate (UDP) ligand yielded a Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) of 0.9 Å, validating the reliability of the docking procedure. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulation (200 nanoseconds) outcomes supported these predictions, indicating stable molecular interactions and structural integrity of ligand-protein complexes, with ligand RMSD values remaining between 2 and 3 Å. The formation of hydrogen bonding (an average of 2.4 ± 0.6 and 2.1 ± 0.5, respectively), hydrophobic interactions, and stable Solvent-Accessible Surface Area (SASA) profiles (ranging between 19,000–22,000 Å² and 19,000–21,000 Å², respectively) suggest the stability of complexes. Moreover, Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) outcomes (−102.05 ± 13.96 and −54.86 ± 7.93 kcal/mol, respectively) supported the favorable binding energetics of ligand-protein complexes. These computational outcomes suggest that Kocuria oceani metabolites can establish stable molecular interactions with the UGT706F8 protein, which may influence glycosyltransferase function. Further in vivo experimental validation is required to confirm their predicted maize growth-promoting potential under drought conditions.

Diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNAs and lipidomic biomarkers for early breast cancer detection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Heba Mohammed Arafat, Akbar Ali, Tengku Ahmad Damitri Al Astani Tengku Din, Ohood Mohammed Shamallakh, Rashid Jusoh, Maya Mazuwin Yahya, Wan Zainira Wan Zain, Wan Faiziah Wan Abdul Rahman

Background

Breast cancer outcomes improve substantially with earlier detection, yet mammography performance can be limited in dense breasts and may lead to false-positive investigations. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and lipidomic/metabolomic signatures have emerged as promising minimally invasive biomarkers that could complement imaging for early-stage detection. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNAs and lipidomic/metabolomic biomarkers for early breast cancer detection and to explore between-study heterogeneity.

Materials and methods

A PRISMA 2020–compliant systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible diagnostic studies assessing circulating microRNAs and lipidomic/metabolomic biomarkers measured in serum or plasma. No language restrictions were applied. Non-English reports were screened and, when potentially eligible, translated for full-text assessment and data extraction. Studies using whole blood were excluded. Study quality was assessed using QUADAS-2. Random-effects models (DerSimonian–Laird) pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary ROC (SROC) area under the curve (AUC). Heterogeneity was evaluated using Q and I² statistics, and small-study effects were assessed using Deeks’ test.

Results

Thirty-two studies (2015–2025) comprising 6,935 participants (3,697 breast cancer cases; 3,238 controls) were included. Pooled sensitivity was 0.87 (95% CI [0.83, 0.90]) and pooled specificity was 0.84 (95% CI [0.79, 0.88]), with pooled DOR 46.10 (95% CI [27.80, 76.70]), PLR 5.17 (95% CI [3.99, 6.68]), NLR 0.16 (95% CI [0.13, 0.21]), and SROC AUC 0.92 (95% CI [0.87, 0.94]). Heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 88.29% for sensitivity; I² = 90.20% for specificity). In subgroup analyses, serum-based studies showed higher pooled specificity than plasma-based studies. A formal threshold effect assessment did not reveal a statistically significant correlation between sensitivity and false-positive rate (Spearman ρ = −0.334, p = 0.062). Deeks’ test suggested potential small-study effects (p = 0.043).

Conclusions

Circulating microRNA and lipidomic/metabolomic biomarkers demonstrate strong overall diagnostic performance for breast cancer detection; however, substantial heterogeneity and potential small-study effects limit their immediate clinical translation. Given that most included studies used retrospective case-control designs rather than prospective screening cohorts, these biomarkers are best regarded as investigational, complementary tools rather than replacements for mammography at this stage. Future large, prospective, standardized studies with harmonized pre-analytics and prespecified thresholds are needed to support the implementation of screening or triage pathways.

Correction: Study on the pathogenesis of PLXNB1 gene in olfactory dysfunction of allergic rhinitis

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Xinglong Chen, Lingqiong Zhao, Wenlong Luo

Correction: Longitudinal changes in circulating biomarkers from baseline to week 48 in treatment-Naïve people living with HIV initiating integrase inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Jose-Ramon Blanco, Miguel Torralba, María Saumoy, Antonia Alcaraz, Mariano Matarranz del Amo, Julian Olalla, Fernando Dronda, Nisa Boukichou-Abdelkader, Enrique Bernal, Sergio Padilla, Joaquim Peraire, Francisca Artigues, María-Jesús Bustinduy-Odriozola, Helena Albendin Iglesias, Alberto Delgado, Arkaitz Imaz, Laura Pérez-Martinez, CoRIS Cohort

Clinical and microbiological epidemiology of Candida infections in a high-complexity hospital in Tolima, Colombia (2014–2024)

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Rafael A. Ramírez-Trujillo, Paula Carvajal-Hernández, Ángel González

Background

Candida spp. infections are an increasing challenge in high-complexity hospitals, yet epidemiological data remain scarce in underrepresented in Colombian regions such as Tolima.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study in a high-complexity hospital in Ibagué (Tolima, Colombia) from 2014 to 2024, integrating two institutional data sources: administrative/clinical records and the microbiology laboratory database (WHONET). Species identification relied on culture and VITEK, and antifungal susceptibility was interpreted using criteria from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). We summarized data using frequencies/proportions and medians (IQR), explored patterns with multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), and estimated associations with candidemia using penalized multivariable logistic regression due to low event frequency.

Results

We identified 987 candidiasis episodes and 776 fungal isolates, of which 314 were Candida (40.46%). Mucocutaneous disease predominated (vulvovaginal 50.7%; oropharyngeal 24.3%), while candidemia represented 2.0% of episodes. Among isolates, Candida albicans was most frequent (58.9%), followed by C. parapsilosis (16.6%), C. tropicalis (12.1%), and Nakaseomyces glabratus (6.4%); Candida auris was detected once. In exploratory clinical/administrative models, clinically recorded candidemia showed associations with invasive devices (OR 5.54, 95% CI 2.01–15.64), recent surgery (OR 7.11, 95% CI 1.20–30.88) and tumor (OR 19.88, 95% CI 3.14–97.51). Susceptibility data were available for 196/314 isolates (62.4%); echinocandin activity was high, whereas azole susceptibility was more variable.

Conclusions

Candidiasis showed a sustained recorded burden and substantial non-albicans diversity, supporting local surveillance, species-level identification, and isolate-level susceptibility testing.

Anemia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities of Garowe City, Puntland, Somalia

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Abdirisak Nur Yusuf, Adisu Birhanu, Alemayehu Tesfaye, Birhanu Shegene, Obsan Kassa, Tadesse Gure Eticha, Dawit Firdisa, Berhe Gebremichael

Background

Anemia is a prevalent global public health issue, especially among pregnant women in developing countries. Limited research exists on anemia in pregnant women in Somalia, particularly in Garowe City. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities in Garowe City, Puntland, Somalia, from December 1, 2023, to January 1, 2024.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 422 randomly selected pregnant women in public health facilities. Data were collected using EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with anemia, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 38.6% (95% CI: 33.9%, 43.6%). Significant associated factors included: rural residence (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.18–5.64), multigravidity (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.03–3.89), lack of nutritional counseling (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.09–2.52), positive malaria test (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.08–11.98), and not consuming one extra meal (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.15–4.19).

Conclusions

Anemia in pregnant women in Garowe City is a moderate public health concern according to WHO standards. Factors such as residence, gravidity, nutritional counseling, malaria status, and dietary habits significantly correlate with anemia. Public health measures should focus on enhancing nutritional counseling, promoting extra meal consumption, and preventing malaria during pregnancy.

Integrated computational analysis identifies FABP4, PTGS2, and HPGD as Key molecular targets linking PET microplastic exposure to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Yi Zhang, Yao Yu, Bin Ge, Dacai Gong, Lan Zheng, Yuanyi Wang, Peng Chen

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects 25–38% of the global population, yet the contribution of environmental polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics to its pathogenesis remains unclear. PET microplastics accumulate in the liver at approximately 4.6 particles per gram of tissue and have been implicated in metabolic disturbance, oxidative stress, and inflammation, but their molecular targets and mechanisms in MASLD are not well defined.

Methods

We integrated three GEO microarray cohorts (GSE37031, GSE63067, GSE89632) and performed differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and PET target prediction using ChEMBL, PharmMapper, and SwissTargetPrediction. Functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction network analysis, CIBERSORT-based immune deconvolution, molecular docking, and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations were employed to identify and validate hub genes.

Results

Integration of MASLD transcriptomes and PET target predictions yielded 19 overlapping genes enriched in pathways related to lipid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and chemical carcinogenesis. Network topology consistently highlighted FABP4, PTGS2, and HPGD as central hub genes. Immune deconvolution revealed MASLD-associated alterations characterized by increased M2 macrophages and γδ T cells, with decreased monocytes, dendritic cells, and naive B cells. PTGS2 and FABP4 expression showed strong correlations with innate immune cells. Molecular docking demonstrated favorable PET binding to all three proteins (–6.3 to –6.9 kcal/mol), and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable complexes over 100 ns, with predominantly hydrophobic interactions.

Conclusions

Through integrated bioinformatics analysis and molecular simulation, this study identifies FABP4, PTGS2, and HPGD as potential molecular targets through which PET microplastics may influence lipid metabolism, prostaglandin signaling, and innate immune responses in MASLD. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations suggest favorable binding interactions between PET and these proteins.

IL5 rs2069812 and IL13 rs1800925 Genetic variants as key determinants of clinically relevant asthma phenotypes

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Pattara Kanoksing, Apichaya Puangpetch, Theerasuk Kawamatawong, Thatchathum Kuttiyod, Kantapat Simmalee, Roger Frutos, Putthapoom Lumjiaktase

Type 2-high airway inflammation in adults with asthma is heavily driven by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. While genetic variations in these cytokines are known to influence asthma pathogenesis, their specific impacts on clinically relevant phenotypes remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the associations between inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms, clinical asthma phenotypes, inflammation cell subtypes, and lung function. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 125 adults with asthma. Genotyping was performed for the following single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): IL33 (rs1342326, rs3939286), IL4 (rs2243250, rs2243248), IL5 rs2069812, and IL13 (rs20541, rs1800925). Clinical evaluations included lung function, blood eosinophils, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), Th2 cells, cytokine levels, and specific IgE. The IL4 rs2243248 TT genotype was associated with higher TNF-α (p = 0.038), while the IL13 rs1800925 polymorphism was associated with increased Th2 cell counts (p = 0.025). Notably, IL5 rs2069812 was strongly associated with blood eosinophilia (p < 0.001) and reduced lung function. Linear regression revealed a significant gene-dose effect of IL-5 rs2069812 T allele, which correlated with an increase in log₁₀ eosinophils (β = 0.207, p < 0.001) and a decrease in post-bronchodilator FEV1% (β = −7.38, p = 0.014). Furthermore, the IL5 rs2069812 and IL13 rs1800925 variants significantly increased the risk of blood eosinophilia (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 2.59, p < 0.001) and fixed airflow obstruction (PR = 1.81, p = 0.039), respectively. The IL5 rs2069812 and IL13 rs1800925 polymorphisms serve as key genetic determinants of persistent blood eosinophilia and fixed airflow obstruction, respectively. Both variants significantly contribute to the severity of airflow limitation in adult asthma, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for precision phenotyping.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the acute effects of self-selected rest intervals on exercise performance maintenance, lactate levels, and heart rate

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by LeTian Lv, Changxu Chen, Xuyang Liu, Huayang Liu, PanWen Wu

Background

Rest interval duration is a key variable in exercise prescription, influencing both performance and physiological responses. Traditional training typically employs fixed rest intervals; however, this approach may not adequately reflect individual variability in recovery needs. Recently, self-selected rest intervals—based on individual perception—have gained attention as a potential strategy for more precise load regulation. Nevertheless, current evidence regarding their effects on exercise performance, heart rate, and blood lactate remains inconsistent.

Methods

This study followed PRISMA guidelines and conducted a systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase from database inception to March 20, 2026. Acute experimental studies comparing self-selected and fixed rest intervals were included. A three-level random-effects meta-analysis was performed to account for dependency among multiple effect sizes. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore potential moderators and assess robustness.

Results

Sixteen studies (k = 16) involving 281 participants were included. No significant overall difference was observed between self-selected and fixed rest intervals for exercise performance (g = 0.27, 95% CI [−0.14, 0.69], p = 0.29), with substantial between-study heterogeneity. After removing outliers, a small but significant effect favoring self-selected rest intervals was identified (g = 0.20, 95% CI [0.08, 0.33], p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed for heart rate (g = 0.002, p = 0.98) or blood lactate (g = −0.20, p = 0.36).

Conclusion

Self-selected and fixed rest intervals produce comparable effects on exercise performance and physiological responses. However, self-selected rest intervals may confer a small advantage in maintaining performance under specific conditions. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to sensitivity to outliers and study heterogeneity.

Dynamic analysis of weak prisoner’s dilemma game considering conservative and aggressive cooperative strategy

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Sihui Li, Sida Kang, Hongyu Liu

The balancing of benefits is a critical pathway for maintaining cooperative relationships among selfish individuals within a group. Relevant research has confirmed that the ultimate outcomes of altruistic actions essentially revert to the level of self-interest. This study posits that individuals exhibit heterogeneous cooperative behaviors in social interactions due to differences in cognitive abilities and personality traits; accordingly, conservative cooperative strategy and aggressive cooperative strategy are introduced. Conservative cooperators are characterized by incurring additional identification costs when interacting strategically with other individuals, whereas aggressive cooperators demonstrate a higher level of resource investment to promote the emergence of cooperation. The results indicate that, in infinite well-mixed populations, reducing identification cost and increasing cooperative benefit can, to some extent, promote cooperation. In structured populations, especially under the random neighbor unconditional imitation rule, the relative advantages of the three strategies increase or decrease in a stage-dependent manner as the identification cost and aggressive cooperation cost vary. The research findings confirm that the presence of differentiated cooperative strategies effectively sustains group cooperation, providing new theoretical insights and model support for analyzing the mechanisms of cooperation evolution in real-world scenarios.

Spatial-aware lightweight network for real-time tea disease detection: A coordinate attention-enhanced YOLOv8n approach with path-decoupling strategy

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Xiang Lyu, Yue Yu, ChengLei Song

The intelligent identification of tea diseases is crucial for ensuring tea quality and reducing economic losses in the tea industry. However, the deployment of deep learning models on edge devices remains challenging due to the conflict between detection accuracy and computational overhead. To address this, we propose CA-YOLOv8n, a lightweight object detection model tailored for tea disease diagnosis. Specifically, we introduce a Path-Decoupling strategy to streamline the network structure and integrate the Coordinate Attention (CA) mechanism to enhance the model's spatial awareness of subtle pathological features. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves a mean Average Precision (mAP@50) of 98.89% while reducing the parameter count by 32.6% and FLOPs by 24.1% compared to the baseline YOLOv8n. The model was integrated into a diagnostic platform with an automated reporting interface, demonstrating that real-time tea disease identification is feasible on commodity CPU hardware in resource-constrained agricultural environments.

Hidden deficiency under bright skies: Vitamin D prevalence and genetic associations in African Type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Eyob Girma Abera, Samuel Alemu Himbaro, Surafel Worku Megersa, Tesfaye Adugna Leta, Ermias Habte Gebremichael

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a significant health challenge in Africa, with rapidly increasing prevalence. Despite abundant sunlight, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is prevalent and may influence glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Genetic factors, including vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms, may modify these effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of VDD and evaluate the association of VDR gene variants with T2DM among African populations.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for observational studies published up to June 11, 2025, reporting VDD prevalence and VDR genetic associations in African individuals with T2DM. Data extraction and quality assessment followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Pooled prevalence, mean difference and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity, publication bias, sensitivity analyses, and meta-regression were performed. All statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.3.1 (2023-06-16 ucrt).

Results

Twenty-two eligible studies encompassing 3,447 participants from 11 African countries were included. The pooled prevalence of VDD among individuals with T2DM was 51% (95% CI: 36–65%), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95.7%). Subgroup analyses showed highest prevalence in East Africa (56%). Vitamin D-deficient individuals had significantly higher HbA1c compared to sufficient individuals (mean difference = 0.89%; 95% CI: 0.06–1.72 p = 0.044; I² = 0%, p = 0.49). The pooled analysis of VDR FokI polymorphisms did not demonstrate a significant association with T2DM risk (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 0.23–9.73). No evidence of publication bias was detected.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in African populations with T2DM and is associated with poorer glycemic control. Current evidence is insufficient to conclude on VDR FokI polymorphisms and T2DM risk. These findings underscore the need for interventional trials to determine whether improving vitamin D status enhances glycemic outcomes; routine screening or supplementation recommendations remain premature.

Registration number

CRD420251134616.

Knowledge and awareness of oral cancer among adults in North-Western Italy: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey in community pharmacies

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Francesca Baratta, Federica Romano, Paola Brusa, Paolo Giacomo Arduino

Early detection is a key determinant of prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); however, delayed diagnosis remains common. Insufficient public awareness and knowledge of OSCC have been identified as important barriers to timely diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this observational study is to assess knowledge of OSCC and its risk factors, and to identify possible differences in awareness and information sources according to demographic and subject-related factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2023 and June 2024 in community pharmacies in North-Western Italy. Adult customers completed a structured questionnaire administered by trained interviewers. Associations were evaluated using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 914 participants were consecutively included (mean age 54.1 ± 17.0 years). Overall, 70.4% were aware of OSCC, mostly from family/friends (51.8%) and media (43.2%). Smoking was widely recognized as a risk factor (97.9%), while alcohol consumption and sunlight exposure were less known (63.9% and 18.6%, respectively). Awareness was significantly influenced by gender, higher educational level, age and smoking status. Most respondents (92.2%) expressed a need for further information, with community pharmacies identified as the preferred source (67.3%). The present findings highlight the need for OSCC awareness campaigns in North-Western Italy and suggest that community pharmacies may represent a valuable setting for delivering such interventions.

Effects of different oral intake management during labor on maternal and neonatal outcomes: A protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Zheng Nian, Yonghong Wang, Chuanya Huang, Xin Chen

Introduction

Fasting or restricting oral intake during labor may adversely affect maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although several interventions regarding oral intake during labor have been proposed, the optimal strategy for clinical practice remains controversial. This study aims to conduct a network meta-analysis to identify the most effective intervention for managing maternal oral intake during labor.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive search will be conducted in the following electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database, from database inception until January 2026. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating oral intake interventions during labor will be included. The primary outcomes include vaginal delivery rate, operative vaginal delivery, caesarean section, 10‐minute Apgar score, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Secondary outcomes include maternal and neonatal outcomes. Maternal outcomes include duration of labor, ketoacidosis, maternal hypoglycemia, postpartum hemorrhage, vomiting rate, Mendelson’s syndrome, maternal thirst and hunger sensations, and maternal satisfaction. Neonatal outcomes include fetal distress, neonatal jaundice, umbilical cord blood pH < 7.2, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be conducted independently by two reviewers, and disagreements will be resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan 5.4 where appropriate; otherwise, subgroup analyses or descriptive analyses will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will not involve individual patient data and therefore does not require ethical approval. The findings of this systematic review and network meta-analysis will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at relevant academic conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42025630953.

Cohort profile: Walking for harm reduction through street engagement (WHiSE 2.0)

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Geena Verma, Muna Aden, Marie Hartman, Jennifer D. Walker, Kaela Pelland, Chris Mushquash, Savitri Persaud, Meghan Young, Holly Gauvin, Anita C. Benoit, Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy , Elevate Northwestern Ontario

Indigenous people using substances experience health disparities that are compounded by systemic inequities shaped by colonialism. The WHiSE 2.0 study aims to describe substance use patterns and harm reduction approaches among Indigenous people who use drugs in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, and Sault Ste Marie. A community-based research approach was used and guided by Indigenous leadership. Eligible study participants self-identified as Indigenous, lived in the study regions, and used substances within the last 3 months. Participants completed an interviewer-administered 1-hour questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize participant demographic and cultural characteristics, impacts of colonization, substance use and health behaviours, and harm reduction knowledge, stratified by city. A total of 356 participants were enrolled: 173 in Thunder Bay, 101 in Sault Ste. Marie, and 82 in Sudbury. Most identified as First Nations with 93.1% in Thunder Bay, 76.8% in Sudbury, and 75.2% in Sault Ste. Marie. The percentage of participants across all sites with precarious sleeping situations was high, with 39.0% sleeping on the street, 28.3% staying in a shelter, and 23.3% couch surfing as well as 41.9% staying at a family or friend’s home. Across all sites, 43.3% of participants injected drugs, 31.5% ingested drugs, 92.1% smoked drugs, and 38.5% snorted or inhaled drugs. Importantly across all sites, 84.0% knew what harm reduction was, and 82.3% of respondents had ever had HIV screening test and 84.3% hepatitis C testing. Also, 71.3% of all participants engaged in ceremonies and 22.2% reported that cultural teachings affected their harm reduction practices. WHiSE 2.0 is the first prospective cohort study examining the harm reduction needs of Indigenous people using substances in northern Ontario. Through a culturally grounded, community-led study, urgent service gaps are highlighted and the importance of locally tailored harm reduction strategies rooted in Indigenous knowledge and leadership.

The effects of adolescent social isolation and group housing on adolescent binge drinking in mice

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Jyoti Lodha, Alanna Morgan, Rithika Balguri, Vera Purcell, Jennifer T. Wolstenholme

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by behavioral changes such as sensation seeking, impulsivity, and diminished self-control to inhibit behaviors, which can lead to increased risky behavior, including the initiation of binge drinking. Due to the necessity of peer-peer social interactions for proper development, social isolation can be particularly disruptive at this time, altering proper neural development and function and increasing risk for alcohol misuse. To investigate the effects of social context on ethanol drinking, we modulated the social environment of a mouse using single housing, neighbor cages, or group housing and evaluated ethanol drinking behavior in the intermittent 2-bottle choice and drinking in the dark models. Using neighbor cages versus social isolation, ethanol intake was largely unaffected by housing condition from adolescence into early adulthood. However, single housing increased adolescent ethanol intake using a drinking in the dark model in both sexes. Group housed mice with concurrent ethanol access drank significantly less than isolated animals. Manipulating the number of ethanol bottles per cage increased the volume of ethanol consumed, but did not affect the relative differences in intake between group and single housed mice. Adolescent binge drinking increased adult intake only in group housed mice. In sum, social isolation during adolescence increased ethanol intake while drinking with conspecifics decreased ethanol intake. Drinking in isolation tended to increase ethanol intake, suggesting the presence of a conspecific alters the motivation to drink ethanol.

Forecasting user engagement and competing cascades in social media diffusion: A Hawkes-Transformer approach

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Wen Zhang, Zhe Jing, Yue Guo

Social media has evolved into a socio-technical infrastructure that shapes public attention, social interaction, and information governance. Understanding how user engagement behaviors, such as retweets, comments, and likes, collectively influence information diffusion is important for forecasting digital dynamics. Using large-scale data from Sina Weibo, this study develops a hybrid Hawkes–Transformer framework that combines the interpretability of self-exciting point processes with the predictive capacity of deep learning. The model captures both interactions within a post and competition across parallel posts within the same trending topic. Empirical results show that retweets strongly amplify diffusion through self-excitation, while comments can suppress diffusion by diverting user attention. In addition, parallel cascades tend to fragment rather than reinforce information flow. By incorporating Hawkes-estimated parameters as structured inputs into a Transformer model, the proposed approach improves predictive performance while retaining interpretability. These findings provide insights into how attention is distributed and competed for in social media environments, with implications for understanding algorithmic visibility and managing information diffusion.

Occupational interventions and their effects on work-related and mental health outcomes: A scoping review protocol

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, Hong Ki Chloe Lau, Sana Siddiqui, Raihana Premji, Grant Hamblin, Armaan Rehman Shah, R. Nicholas Carleton

Background

The well-being of individuals within their workplace (i.e., workplace mental health) has important implications for their productivity and mental health. The extensive literature on the effectiveness of individual workplace interventions does not yet include a comprehensive synthesis of occupational interventions delivered in workplace settings.

Objective

The proposed scoping review is designed to identify and categorize occupational interventions studied in the literature; and 2) map reported effects on work-related outcomes and mental health outcomes.

Methods

The review will examine five online databases to identify relevant articles: Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria will encompass peer-reviewed English-language studies published from 2005 to 2025, focusing on the effects of occupational interventions designed to improve workplace mental health. The results will support work participation among working adults.

Discussion

The review will examine the effects of current occupational interventions on workers’ mental health and well-being, as well as on work-related outcomes (e.g., work participation, productivity). The review results can inform researchers designing future studies assessing the effectiveness of occupational interventions on mental health and guide the development of new interventions.

Environmental radiation assessment in the specified living areas for returnees of Okuma Town, Fukushima prefecture: Field measurements prior to decontamination

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Kyoka Majima, Yuya Kashiwazaki, Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Noboru Takamura

To assess environmental radiation exposure in the Specified Living Areas for Returnees of Okuma Town, Fukushima Prefecture, external radiation doses were evaluated using ambient dose equivalent rate measurements performed at residential properties. In addition to surveys covering the entirety of the Specified Living Areas for Returnees, area-specific assessments were conducted to account for differences in the progress of decontamination and demolition among districts. The median ambient dose rate measured by car-borne surveys across all Specified Living Areas for Returnees of Okuma Town decreased significantly from 0.49 µSv/h in November 2024 to 0.34 µSv/h in September 2025 (p < 0.05). In measurements conducted at residential properties prior to decontamination and demolition, the median ambient dose equivalent rate measured at house entrances was 0.96 µSv/h. The results of this study demonstrated that the ambient dose equivalent rates on roads measured by car-borne surveys across all Specified Living Areas for Returnees of Okuma Town decreased over the study period. In contrast, the estimated annual external dose at residential properties satisfied the reference level of 20 mSv set by the Ministry of the Environment as a guideline for lifting evacuation orders in most areas, but did not reach the long-term post-accident target level of 1 mSv. These findings provide evidence to inform ongoing discussions on evacuation order policies and long-term radiation management strategies.

Fundus image analysis of retinitis pigmentosa using artificial intelligence

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Saki Ubukata, Kanato Masayoshi, Yusaku Katada, Lizhu Yang, Nobuhiro Ozawa, Mari Ibuki, Kazuno Negishi, Toshihide Kurihara

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal diseases that are caused by genetic defects that lead to progressive photoreceptor loss and eventual blindness. Early diagnosis would be helpful for effective management of the disease; however, many patients stay unaware of early symptoms. Meanwhile, fundus images are widely obtained during routine medical checkups but are underused for detecting RP. This study explores the effectiveness of finetuning deep learning models, pre-trained for general visual tasks, to identify RP from color fundus images. The dataset comprised 321 color fundus images from 201 Japanese subjects at Keio University Hospital, including 200 images from 107 patients with retinitis pigmentosa and 121 images from 94 non-retinitis pigmentosa subjects. Multiple images were available for some subjects. Using transfer learning, pretrained convolutional neural network models -VGG16, Resnet50, and InceptionV3- were finetuned to detect RP. As a result, Inception V3 achieved the best accuracy of 96.97%, which matches the average diagnostic accuracy of ophthalmologists. Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) suggested that the model attended to clinically relevant fundus regions, including the peripheral retina and posterior pole, which may reflect features such as peripheral degenerative changes and retinal vascular attenuation. These findings support the potential interpretability of the finetuned model and suggest that deep learning may assist ophthalmologists in RP screening as a supportive tool.

Sleep satisfaction and problematic smartphone use among adolescents in the Republic of Korea: The mediating roles of anxiety and loneliness

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Jiyeon Kim, Myongsun Cho

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has become a growing public health concern among adolescents, with global prevalence estimates ranging from 10% to 30%. Sleep dissatisfaction has been identified as a potential risk factor for PSU. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. This study examined the relationship between sleep satisfaction and PSU among Korean adolescents, and investigated the mediating roles of anxiety and loneliness. Data were collected from 48,829 adolescents who were categorized into three groups: general users (72.1%), potential-risk users (24.8%), and high-risk users (3.1%). Group differences were examined using chi-square tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with PSU risk. Mediation analyses were conducted using a counterfactual framework to estimate the total, natural direct, and natural indirect effects of sleep satisfaction on PSU risk through anxiety and loneliness. Increased PSU risk was significantly associated with being female, high smartphone usage time (≥4 hours/day), and reporting poor perceived health. High-risk users reported markedly longer daily smartphone use (7.01 ± 0.12 hours) and significantly higher anxiety and loneliness scores compared to other groups (p < .001). Poor sleep satisfaction and insufficient physical activity were also significantly associated with higher PSU risk. Mediation analyses indicated significant natural indirect effects through anxiety and loneliness, with proportions mediated of 30.0% and 15.2%, respectively. Sleep dissatisfaction is significantly associated with problematic smartphone use among adolescents, and this relationship is partly explained by heightened anxiety and loneliness. Interventions aimed at improving sleep satisfaction and addressing emotional vulnerability may be effective strategies for reducing the PSU risk in this population.

Ionospheric TEC anomalies analysis and prediction during six volcanic eruptions using a Hybrid ML-DL model and comparison with the AR/MLR Models

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by R. Mukesh, S. Logesh, Sarat C. Dass, G. Cynthia, M. Sudhandra, K. Sivaprabha, T. Annu Regha, S. Kiruthiga

Eruption of volcanoes is associated with the emission of great energy through the propagation of atmospheric waves up into space. These waves cause significant disturbances in the ionosphere, a region that contains a large number of ions and electrons and is important in providing communications through radio waves and satellites. Disturbances may cause the formation of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles and low-density pockets, leading to signal distortion, time delays, and sometimes, loss of signals in satellites. The Global Positioning System (GPS) becomes inaccurate due to these disturbances since GPS uses information on the positions of user locations. Satellite-based services like the internet and telephony may be affected by the disturbances in the ionosphere caused by a high number of electrons. Prediction of these disturbances makes it possible to plan ways of mitigating against them during future eruptions. Total Electron Content (TEC) data used in this research were mainly obtained from the BAKO station in Indonesia, in addition to other latitudes, in order to prove the universality of the model. The Hybrid Machine Learning and Deep Learning (ML-DL) Model, which is a combination of Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) and Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM) algorithms, was designed based on a weighted average and applied in forecasting TEC values. Performance of the model was compared with other independent models, i.e., individual LightGBM and LSTM, as well as the conventional Autoregressive (AR) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models. Four evaluation measures were used in evaluating the performance of models. This study aims to assess the performance of the Hybrid ML-DL Model in predicting TEC during ionospheric disturbances caused by volcanic eruptions. TEC prediction was done in six major eruptions, including Mt. Kelud (2014), Mt. Sinabung (2016), Mt. Semeru (2021), Mt. Ruang (2024), Mt. Etna (2013), and Mt. La Soufriere (2021). The Hybrid ML-DL Model consistently performs better than the individual LightGBM and LSTM models and the traditional AR and MLR models in predicting TEC values. For example, during the Mt. Ruang eruption, which was the highest eruption disturbance analyzed with a maximum disturbance of 100–110 TECU between April 16th and May 7th, 2024, the Hybrid ML-DL Model scored an RMSE of 2.841 TECU, which was much lower than RMSE values of LightGBM (3.484 TECU), LSTM (5.084 TECU), MLR (5.345 TECU) and AR Model (6.285 TECU). The Hybrid ML-DL Model showed the least value in three performance evaluation criteria, including NRMSE (0.030), MBD (0.546 TECU), and RLE (0.069) among other models.

Global and local impacts of multi-dimensional urban form on PM2.5 concentrations: A case study of the downstream urban agglomeration in the Yangtze River Delta

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Peng Tang, Xiaodong Yang, Xuxue Sun, Xiandi Zheng

The acceleration of urbanization and the expansion of population scale have led to increasingly prominent PM2.5 pollution. Taking the urban agglomeration in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River within the Yangtze River Delta as the study area, this research innovatively constructs a 1D-2D-3D multi-dimensional urban form indicator system. By integrating spatial autocorrelation analysis, hot spot analysis, the Optimal parameters-based geographical detector (OPGD) model, and the Geographically Weighted eXtreme gradient boosting (GW-XGBoost) model, this study systematically reveals the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of PM2.5 concentration from 2014 to 2022 and the global and local driving mechanisms of multi-dimensional urban form on PM2.5 concentration. This study aims to fill existing research gaps and provide scientific support for the precise prevention and control of PM2.5 pollution in urban agglomerations. The results indicate that: Multi-dimensional urban form exhibits significant spatial differentiation, with high values of 1D and 2D forms concentrated east of Nanjing, while high values of 3D forms are distributed west of Nanjing. The correlation coefficients of Building density (BD) with Mean building height (MBH) and Floor area ratio (FAR) reach 0.78 and 0.85, respectively, indicating a distinct characteristic of urban vertical expansion. The regional annual average PM2.5 concentration shows a continuous downward trend (decreasing from 60.77 μg/m³ in 2014 to 29.52 μg/m³ in 2022), with reductions ranging from 29.55% to 40.61% across individual cities. Spatially, a hot spot area at the 99% confidence level, centered around Nanjing and Ma’anshan, is formed, presenting a stable pattern of “high in the middle and low on both sides.” Regarding the global driving mechanisms, River density (RD), Digital elevation model (DEM), and Road network density (RND) are the core factors influencing PM2.5 concentration (with q-values of 0.3232, 0.2604, and 0.1852, respectively). Pollution risk is highest when DEM is in the 19–34 m elevation zone (concentration reaching 30.06 μg/m³), and all factor interactions exhibit nonlinear enhancement effects. Significant spatial non-stationarity exists in the local driving mechanisms. The regulatory effects of urban form are stronger in core cities (Nanjing, Shanghai), with local R² values ranging from 0.30 to 0.35. Specifically, RD exhibits a significant positive driving effect in the central region of Nanjing–Ma’anshan–Wuhu (coefficient 0.80–1.00). In key transportation areas such as northern Shanghai, the coefficient of RND reaches 0.50–0.70. The positive effect of Proportion of transportation land (PTL) is prominent along expressways and around logistics hubs (coefficient 0.30–0.50). In contrast, in peripheral cities (Anqing, Chizhou), the local coefficients of determination (R²) are only 0.16–0.20. The mitigating negative effect of the Proportion of water body (PWB) exhibits a “water-adjacent attenuation” characteristic. This study effectively compensates for the shortcomings of traditional research in the systematic integration and methodological applications of characterizing nonlinear relationships, accounting for spatial heterogeneity, and analyzing multi – dimensional urban form systems. It provides scientific support and specific pathway references for the precise prevention and control of PM2.5 pollution and urban form optimization at the urban agglomeration scale. The findings carry important practical value for air quality improvement and sustainable development in similar high – density urban agglomerations.

Multi-view graph-regularized deep metric subspace clustering network

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Pengpeng Luo, Ming Yang, Chong Peng, Qianqian Wang

Multi-view subspace clustering has progressed significantly by using deep neural networks to handle nonlinear data representations. A recent advancement, the Multi-view Self-Expressive Subspace Clustering (MSESC) network, achieves markedly higher computational efficiency by substituting the traditional self-expression layer with a deep metric learning approach. Nevertheless, MSESC still suffers from two notable limitations: it fails to adequately capture the high-order geometric structures inherent in multi-view data, and it lacks effective guidance from the underlying clustering distribution. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose a novel framework termed Multi-View Graph Regularized Deep Metric Subspace Clustering (MVGR-DMSC). The proposed method introduces two key components into MSESC to enhance the discriminability of representations. First, a dual-order graph regularization module is devised to maintain both first-order and second-order manifold structures, thereby allowing the model to capture more complex local geometric relationships. Second, an adaptive view-weighted deep clustering module is incorporated, which employs the Kullback–Leibler divergence to guide representation learning while dynamically adjusting the contributions of different views. Through evaluations on five benchmark datasets, we show that MVGR-DMSC consistently yields better results than several state-of-the-art approaches, including the direct baseline MSESC, in both accuracy and robustness.

Effects of light qualities on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Sorbus tianschanica Rupr. seedlings

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Xiong Lv, Shanchao Zhao, Hong Chen, Xin Zhao

Light quality is an important environmental factor influencing plant growth and development, but its effects on functional traits and physiological processes in woody seedlings remain unclear. In this study, Sorbus tianschanica Rupr. seedlings were grown under four colored film treatments (red, blue, green, and white) to assess their effects on growth, leaf anatomy, chloroplast ultrastructure, photosynthetic performance, enzyme activities, and carbohydrate accumulation. Blue film significantly increased seedling height growth rate, whereas red film promoted ground diameter growth (P < 0.05). Stomatal aperture, size, and density were highest under blue film. Leaves under blue and red films were thicker and more compact, while those under green film were thinner and less structured. Chloroplasts in the blue treatment showed well-organized grana and stroma lamellae, whereas those under green film were disorganized. Photosynthetic pigment contents were higher under red, blue, and green films than under white film (P < 0.05). Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) were higher under blue and red films, and lowest under green film. Light response parameters, including maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pn_max) and light saturation point (LSP), were also higher under blue and red treatments. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (ΦPSII and qP) and photosynthetic enzyme activities were highest under blue film. Blue film also increased carbohydrate accumulation, particularly in leaves and roots. Multilevel fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (MFCE) indicated that blue film had the highest overall performance. These results suggest that light quality affects seedling growth through changes in leaf structure, chloroplast organization, photosynthetic capacity, and carbon assimilation, with blue light providing the most favorable conditions for Sorbus tianschanica Rupr. seedlings.

Differences of dynamic responses of single-pile and pile-group foundations in Meizoseismal areas

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Yunxiu Dong, Zhongju Feng, Jingbin He, Zhen Wang, Bo Wang

In order to investigate the dynamic response variations between isolated pile and pile-group systems in high-seismicity regions, we performed extensive shaking table experiments. These tests examined the acceleration characteristics, displacement patterns, and bending moment distributions across single-pile, four-pile, and six-pile configurations when exposed to four different seismic waveforms at a design-level intensity of 0.35g. Additionally, the structural integrity and damage conditions of the pile foundations were systematically assessed. The experimental data revealed that the greatest displacement at the pile head and the highest bending moment values were specifically caused by Kobe wave excitation. Conversely, the El-Centro wave produced the highest acceleration amplifications. The six-pile foundation exhibited optimal resistance to displacement and bending moment, particularly under the 5010 wave, and the single-pile foundation consistently showed the least acceleration amplification. Post-test inspections, including white-noise scanning and visual checks, showed no evidence of significant macroscopic damage across all foundation types, indicating an essentially elastic response at this intensity level. Engineering suggestions for the seismic design of bridge pile foundations in strong earthquake areas are proposed.

EPAS1 knockdown is associated with cell cycle and DNA replication programs and MYC/E2F-related signatures in hemangioma endothelial cells

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Zheren Su, Luying Wang, Ruixue Zhao, Zhiyu Li, Jing Li, Jianhai Bi, Ran Huo

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign tumor of infancy. Hypoxia and activation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling have been proposed to contribute to IH pathogenesis, yet the role of endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1), which encodes hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α), in hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs) remains less well characterized. Here, we investigated HIF-2α in primary HemECs using a pharmacological inhibitor (PT-2399) and shRNA-mediated EPAS1 knockdown under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In hypoxic cultures, PT-2399 treatment was associated with reduced migration and invasion and with a reduction in junction number in tube formation assays; at the selected dose, PT-2399 did not significantly reduce cell viability. By contrast, EPAS1 knockdown was associated with reduced proliferative capacity and altered cell cycle distribution, together with enrichment of DNA replication/cell cycle-related transcriptional programs, negative enrichment of MYC- and E2F-related gene sets, and directionally consistent protein level changes in selected regulators. EPAS1 knockdown-associated phenotypic trends were broadly similar under normoxia and hypoxia, with no clear evidence that hypoxic stimulation enhanced the magnitude of these changes. In IH tissue transcriptomic data, Egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor 3 (EGLN3) showed reduced expression, consistent with a testable hypothesis that hypoxia-independent mechanisms may contribute to maintenance of HIF-2α activity in this context. This study is limited by the use of HemECs derived from a single IH specimen and by the absence of on-target validation; accordingly, the findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating.

Long-term care hospitals as end-of-life care settings in South Korea: A nationwide analysis of utilization patterns and clinical trajectories

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Haein Kim, Seungwon Shin

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the utilization patterns and end-of-life trajectories of older adults in Korean long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) using nationwide population-based data.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzed National Health Insurance Service claims data (2014–2023). We constructed three analytical groups: an annual inpatient group to examine longitudinal trends in volume and mortality; a newly admitted inpatient group to assess the sociodemographic profile at the time of LTCH entry; and a decedent group to reconstruct the clinical trajectory and cumulative resource use from initial admission to death.

Results

While the volume of older inpatients increased, the annual number of deaths involving LTCH use increased from 68,357 in 2014 to 112,157 in 2023 over the decade. Patients were newly admitted to LTCHs in their early 80s (median age 81 years, IQR 75–86) and were predominantly female (62.1%). In addition, Medical Aid beneficiaries (13.7%) and individuals with registered disabilities (28.0%) were overrepresented, indicating high sociodemographic vulnerability. Decedents spent a median of 79 days (IQR 22–299) as LTCH inpatients. While 30.1% stayed for <30 days, 22.2% remained hospitalized for ≥ 360 days, indicating substantial variation in length of stay. Overall, 68.5% of decedents died during LTCH stay. While admissions were driven by chronic geriatric syndromes, the end-of-life phase was dominated by a surge in acute infectious and systemic conditions (e.g., pneumonia, 10.2% to 22.3%; sepsis, 3.3% to 11.9%).

Conclusions

LTCHs in Korea have played an increasingly important role as a setting for end-of-life care, managing a distinct trajectory from chronic frailty to acute deterioration. Given that these institutions are functioning as end-of-life care settings, policy reforms should strengthen palliative care integration, advance care planning, workforce training, and end-of-life care capacity within LTCHs.

Unspoken cycles: A qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of women’s menstruation in the urban informal settlements of Bangladesh

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Marufa Alam, Md. Al-Mamun

Background

Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is a critical component of public health and gender equity. However, limited research has explored the everyday experiences of women and adolescent girls managing menstruation within the constrained environment of urban informal settlements. This study explores the lived experiences of menstruation among women and girls in the Khulna Railway Slum in Bangladesh.

Methods

Guided by a Feminist Political Ecology framework, this qualitative study employed a combined inductive and deductive thematic approach. Data were collected between September and October 2025 through in-depth interviews with 18 women and adolescent girls aged 15–45 years living in urban informal settlements in Khulna. Five key informant interviews were also conducted with relevant stakeholders. Data were analyzed thematically using both pre-defined conceptual domains and emergent codes.

Findings

Findings revealed that menstrual experiences are shaped by three interrelated conceptual domains: structural-environmental constraints, socio-cultural stigma, and gendered inequities in access to resources. Inadequate WASH facilities, poor waste management, and lack of affordable menstrual products hinder safe and dignified menstrual practices. Stigma and taboos reinforced shame, exclusion, and silence, while gendered inequalities limited autonomy and resource access, especially among adolescents.

Conclusion

The study highlights menstruation as a socially and structurally shaped experience influenced by infrastructural constraints, cultural norms, and gendered inequalities. It contributes to scholarship on menstrual health by emphasizing the need to address menstrual inequities as part of broader efforts to improve gender equity and WASH services in urban informal settlement.

Phylogeography and genetic diversity of Pieris rapae across continents

2026-07-24T14:00:00Z

by Md. Ahashan Habib Siam, D. Dey, J. K. Owaresat, Yousha Shamim Khan, Efrin Anowar, J. F. Maya, AMAM Zonaed Siddiki

The small cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae) is a globally distributed agricultural pest that has successfully colonized most continents through natural and human-mediated dispersal. This study investigates the global genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of Pieris rapae using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences. A total of 1,133 sequences from five continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania) were analyzed to assess haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, population structure, and evolutionary relationships. Across the dataset, 117 haplotypes were identified, with overall high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.8635) and moderate nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00610). Europe exhibited the highest genetic diversity, while North America showed low haplotype diversity but comparatively high nucleotide divergence, suggesting multiple introduction events. Minimum spanning network analysis revealed a star-like pattern with several widely shared central haplotypes, indicating recent expansion and extensive dispersal. Phylogenetic analysis identified two major mitochondrial clades, with North American haplotypes distributed across both clades. AMOVA results showed that most genetic variation occurred within populations (71.62%), although significant differentiation existed among continents (FST = 0.28385, p < 0.05). Pairwise FST and gene flow estimates indicated restricted intercontinental gene exchange, while the Mantel test showed no significant isolation by distance. Overall, the results suggest a complex invasion history shaped by historical introductions, demographic expansion, and human-mediated dispersal.