Search Results (648)

This study investigates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Crassula ovata (Jade plant) leaf extract and their subsequent incorporation into chitosan-based nanocomposite films for enhanced antimicrobial activity against four pathogenic microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Jade AgNPs were chosen for their ease of synthesis, stability, and potent antimicrobial activity. Chitosan encapsulation improved the stability of AgNPs and enhanced their interaction with bacterial cells, leading to improved bactericidal performance. The addition of gentamicin to the nanocomposite further amplified antibacterial activity, reducing the MBC values from 10 to 4 µg/mL for E. coli, 12.5 to 6 µg/mL for P. aeruginosa, 10 to 6 µg/mL for S. epidermidis, and 15 to 8 µg/mL for MRSA, compared to AgNPs alone. Mechanical characterization using dynamic mechanical analysis revealed improved robustness, with storage modulus increasing from approximately 24 MPa for chitosan-AgNPs films to 36 MPa for gentamicin-loaded nanocomposite films, while maintaining elasticity. Overall, these multifunctional nanocomposite films demonstrate strong antimicrobial activity and improved mechanical performance, supporting further evaluation as candidate materials for wound-related antimicrobial applications and localized infection control strategies. Such localized antimicrobial platforms may also contribute to strategies aimed at mitigating antibiotic resistance. Full article

Background/Objective: Nutrition security, defined as consistent access to and consumption of nutritious foods that support health, remains a persistent challenge in rural populations. The HEALTHY (Helping Early Adolescents Live Their Healthiest Youth) program aimed to improve rural adolescents’ nutrition security through school-based strategies. This study evaluated its effectiveness by examining changes in fruit consumption, fruit waste, and skin carotenoid levels. Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre–post program was assessed in five rural middle schools (two experimental sites, three comparison sites). The programming paired four biweekly smoothie taste tests with nutrition education grounded in Social Cognitive Theory and Choice Architecture. Students in grades 3–8 (N = 149) participated. Digital tray photographs quantified selection and waste. The Veggie Meter^® assessed skin carotenoids on a scale from 0 to 800. Surveys captured perceptions and self-reported intakes. Analyses included χ², McNemar’s, GLMM, paired t-tests, and ANCOVA. Significance was set at p < 0.005. Results: At post-program, 98.3% of experimental trays contained the standard fruit option and/or a smoothie, compared with 41.0% of comparison trays (χ² = 41.66, p < 0.001). Fruit selection odds were 16.22 times higher in experimental schools (95% CI: 6.30–41.77, p < 0.001). Among trays with both (n = 39), smoothie waste was lower than the standard fruit option waste (t(38) = −7.10, p < 0.001, d = 1.14), resulting in greater estimated consumption (~0.43 vs. ~0.15 cups). Skin carotenoids increased in both groups, with greater improvement among experimental students in the lowest baseline quartile, F (1,19) = 9.20, p = 0.007, partial η² = 0.326. Conclusions: The HEALTHY program, which paired frozen-fruit smoothies with nutrition education, may offer a feasible and scalable approach to improving nutrition security among rural adolescents. Full article

Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for antiviral immunity but are also susceptible to HIV-1 infection. Although sensing and restriction pathways in DCs are well described, the mechanisms underlying latent infection and its functional consequences remain unclear. In this study, we performed transcriptomic profiling of monocyte-derived DCs harboring transcriptionally active (Active-HIV) or latent HIV-1 (Latent-HIV) proviruses using a dual-reporter virus. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed suppression of metabolic and stress-modulatory programs in Active-HIV compared to unexposed DCs. In contrast, Latent-HIV showed broad downregulation of pathways, including interferon and innate responses and metabolic programs, indicating a hyporesponsive and dampened antiviral state despite the absence of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEG analysis of Active-HIV versus Latent-HIV showed that active transcription associates with cellular stress, cytoskeletal remodeling, and RNA processing. Functional analyses further demonstrated the activation of RNA processes, the suppression of antigen-presentation pathways, and altered membrane and cytoskeletal signaling in Active-HIV. These pathways suggest that transcriptionally active HIV-1 is linked to cellular programs supporting replication, coinciding with a metabolically strained yet immunologically engaged state that may impair antigen presentation. Conversely, latently infected DCs display a hyporesponsive state consistent with proviral silencing. This dichotomy reveals distinct mechanisms of DC dysfunction that may facilitate HIV-1 persistence and immune evasion. Full article

Based on PCR with complementary primer pairs and Pfu DNA polymerase, QuickChange site-directed mutagenesis has been widely employed, but its efficiency varies from mutation to mutation. An alternative strategy relies on partially overlapping primer pairs with 3′-overhangs, and this strategy has led to the recent development of P3a and P3b site-directed mutagenesis, in which the use of SuperFi II and Q5 polymerases raises the mutagenesis efficiency to ~100%. It is unclear whether these two DNA polymerases also improve the QuickChange method. Herein, we have evaluated this possibility by engineering 46 mutations on seven expression plasmids, two of which possess extremely GC-rich sequences. As Pfu DNA polymerase is a slow enzyme, its replacement with SuperFi II and Q5 polymerases reduced PCR length. Moreover, the average efficiency for each of the seven plasmids ranged from 48% to 69%, thereby outperforming the original QuickChange method. However, this efficiency is still lower than that from the P3a and P3b methods, supporting the superiority of primer pairs with 3′-overhangs. Analysis of the incorrect plasmids from the improved QuickChange method revealed frequent insertions at primer sites. The insertions were derived from primers and varied from mutation to mutation, with certain sites much more prone to such insertions. In comparison, these insertions occurred at a much lower frequency with the P3a and P3b methods, suggesting that primer pairs with 3′-overhangs enhance mutagenesis efficiency by reducing the likelihood to introduce insertions at primer sites. Thus, this study improves the QuickChange mutagenesis method, supports the superiority of the P3a and P3b methods, and uncovers a novel molecular mechanism by which the efficiency of PCR-based mutagenesis with completely overlapping primer pairs is negatively affected. Full article

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, and although lifestyle interventions remain first-line preventive strategies, long-term adherence and effectiveness are often limited. Metformin has demonstrated efficacy in delaying type 2 diabetes onset in adults at high risk, but its preventive role in pediatric populations remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of metformin, alone or in combination with lifestyle interventions, in preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024615622), MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science and will be searched from inception to June 2025. Eligible studies include randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and prospective cohort studies involving individuals under 18 years of age. The primary outcome is incidence of type 2 diabetes, with secondary outcomes including fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, insulin resistance, BMI z-score, adherence, and adverse events. Where appropriate, random-effects meta-analyses will be conducted. This review will synthesize current evidence on metformin for pediatric type 2 diabetes prevention and inform future preventive strategies and clinical decision-making. Full article

This paper proposes JADEGBO, a hybrid gradient-based metaheuristic for solving complex single- and multi-constraint engineering design problems as well as cost-sensitive security optimisation tasks. The method combines Adaptive Differential Evolution with Optional External Archive (JADE), which provides self-adaptive exploration through p-best mutation, an external archive, and success-based parameter learning, with the Gradient-Based Optimiser (GBO), which contributes Newton-inspired gradient search rules and a local escaping operator. In the proposed scheme, JADE is first employed to discover promising regions of the search space, after which GBO performs an intensified local refinement of the best individuals inherited from JADE. The performance of JADEGBO is assessed on the CEC2017 single-objective benchmark suite and compared against a broad set of classical and recent metaheuristics. Statistical indicators, convergence curves, box plots, histograms, sensitivity analyses, and scatter plots show that the hybrid typically attains the best or near-best mean fitness, exhibits low run-to-run variance, and maintains a favourable balance between exploration and exploitation across rotated, shifted, and composite landscapes. To demonstrate practical relevance, JADEGBO is further applied to the following four well-known constrained engineering design problems: welded beam, pressure vessel, speed reducer, and three-bar truss design. The algorithm consistently produces feasible high-quality designs and closely matches or improves upon the best reported results while keeping computation time competitive. Full article

Background: The arsenic-responsive repressor, ArsR, has long been understood as a canonical regulator of the arsRBC operon, which confers resistance to arsenic stress. However, recent studies suggest a broader regulatory scope for ArsR. Here, we investigated the proteomic landscape of Escherichia coli strains with and without ArsR to elucidate ArsR as an activator in both non-stressing and arsenic-stressing conditions. Methods: Using mass-spectrometry-based shotgun proteomics and statistical analyses, we characterized the differential abundance of proteins across AW3110 (ΔarsRBC), AW3110 complemented with arsR, and wild-type K-12 strains under control and arsenite-stressed conditions. Results: Our study shows that ArsR influences proteomic networks beyond the ars operon, integrating metabolic and redox responses crucial for cellular adaptation and survival. This suggests that ArsR has a significant role in gut microbiome metabolomic profiles in response to arsenite. Proteins involved in alanine, lactaldehyde, arginine, thioredoxin, and proline pathways were significantly elevated in strains where ArsR was detected, both with and without arsenite. We identified proteins exhibiting an “ArsR-dependent” activation pattern, highlighting ArsR’s potential role in redox balance and energy metabolism. Conclusions: These findings challenge the classical view of ArsR as a repressor and position it as a pleiotropic regulator, including broad activation. Full article

(1) Background: The use of wearable technology for assessing running biomechanics in field-based sports has increased in recent years. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are low-cost, non-invasive devices capable of estimating spatiotemporal gait-related metrics during overground locomotion. This study evaluated the accuracy and concurrent validity of a foot-mounted IMU system for estimating sprinting kinematics. (2) Method: Twenty-five elite and sub-elite athletes completed four maximal 10-metre fly efforts, with their kinematics measured concurrently using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and IMUs. (3) Result: The foot-mounted IMU system’s root mean square errors for stride length and duration were 0.22 m and 0.04 s, respectively. Mean biases (95% level of agreement) were −0.67 $\mathrm{m} · {\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ (−1.19; −0.14) for peak velocity, −0.51 $\mathrm{m} · {\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ (−1.10; 0.09) for instantaneous velocity, and 0.17 $\mathrm{m} · {\mathrm{s}}^{-2}$ (−1.04; 1.37) for instantaneous acceleration. Stride length, duration, and cadence were −0.07 m (−0.36; 0.23), 0.02 s (−0.02; 0.06), and −4.64 strides $· {\min }^{-1}$ (−15.82; 6.53), respectively. (4) Conclusions: End users implementing this technology in research and practice should interpret this study’s findings relative to their analytical objectives, logistical resources, and operational constraints. Therefore, its adoption should be guided by the specific performance metrics of interest and the extent to which the system’s capabilities align with the outcomes the end user aims to achieve. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using three distinct methods: plant extracts, bacterial supernatant, and a conventional chemical method. AgNPs were synthesized from Crassula ovata (Jade) leaf extract, Bacillus licheniformis bacterial supernatant, and a standard chemical reduction method using trisodium citrate. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The antimicrobial efficacy of the AgNPs was tested against four pathogenic microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Our findings reveal significant differences in the biological activities of the AgNPs depending on the synthesis method. The MBC values for the plant extract-synthesized AgNPs were 10 µg/mL for E. coli, 12.5 µg/mL for P. aeruginosa, 10 µg/mL for S. epidermidis, and 15 µg/mL for MRSA. The bacterial supernatant-synthesized AgNPs showed MBC values of 10 µg/mL for E. coli, 12.5 µg/mL for P. aeruginosa, 7.5 µg/mL for S. epidermidis, and 12.5 µg/mL for MRSA. In contrast, citrate-reduced AgNPs exhibited higher MBCs: 60 µg/mL for E. coli and P. aeruginosa, 40 µg/mL for S. epidermidis, and 80 µg/mL for MRSA. Notably, the AgNPs synthesized using plant and bacterial supernatant demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to those synthesized chemically. This comparative study highlights the potential of eco-friendly synthesis routes for producing AgNPs with enhanced biological activities. The findings suggest that plant extract and bacterial supernatant-mediated synthesis of AgNPs could serve as a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods, offering promising applications in medical and pharmaceutical fields. Full article

Background/Objectives: Canadian Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioner (APP) roles have existed for over 25 years in pediatric rheumatology. The APP can manage many common pediatric rheumatic conditions most often in Shared-Care Models (SCMs) with pediatric rheumatologists (PRs). The quality of care children receive in an APP SCM compared to traditional care is unknown. The Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network (PR-COIN) tracks quality measures as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) care. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of KPIs documented in a pediatric rheumatology APP SCM from a single center and compare to PR-COIN’s performance targets to assess the quality and safety of care. Methods: A retrospective chart review of JIA cases managed in a pediatric rheumatology APP SCM over a 2-year period was conducted. KPIs for disease activity, safety monitoring and access to care were evaluated. Frequency of KPI documentation by the APP were compared to target performance goals (≥40, ≥70 or ≥80% documentation rate depending on KPI) and with PR-COIN data from the Same Center (SC) (three rheumatologists) and PR-COIN (15 centers). Results: Documented KPIs were compared between the APP SCM, SC and PR-COIN registry (138; 140; 11,431 eligible visits, respectively) between June 2022–May 2024. Demographics were similar between groups. Increased percentages of patients with polyarticular rheumatoid factor positive and psoriatic subtypes were seen by APP compared to SC and PR-COIN. Documentation frequency of all disease activity and safety monitoring KPI performance goals were either higher in the APP SCM or comparable to SC and PR-COIN. Conclusions: The pediatric rheumatology APP SCM exceeded PR-COIN performance goals for KPI documentation, establishing a high level of quality and safety of care for children with JIA when managed in this model of care. Next steps include replicating this study in other pediatric rheumatology centers with an APP SCM. Full article

In recent years, microneedles (MNs) have emerged as a novel transdermal drug delivery technology, offering advantages such as avoidance of the first-pass effect, pain-free and minimally invasive administration, and convenient application. However, conventional MNs still face challenges, including slow detachment of MN tips from the base substrate and limited transdermal efficiency. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in MNs-mediated gas delivery for rapid separation, enhanced drug penetration, and combined therapy. The discussion encompasses the benefits and limitations of MNs and recent developments in MN-facilitated gas delivery to accelerate separation rate and improve delivery efficiency. By analyzing the therapeutic roles of various gases (e.g., H₂, O₂, NO, H₂S, CO, CO₂) and their synergistic potential when combined with MNs, this review also provides insights and references for the further application of gas-assisted MN systems for combined therapy in various disease treatments. Full article

Hubei Province is a significant center for cultural and trade exchange in Central China. However, since no nephrite deposit has been discovered in Hubei, nephrite artifacts excavated within its jurisdiction must have been obtained from other regions. Tracing their provenance can contribute to our understanding of the trade exchange between ancient Hubei and other regions. In this study, the appearance, spectroscopy, and chemical compositions of nephrite artifacts excavated from the Fangjiagang Cemetery of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Hubei Province, were systematically studied, and their provenance was discussed. The characteristics of a weathered layer of raw nephrite material retained in one of the jade artifacts (M22:5) indicate it should be made from the placer nephrite of Hetian, Xinjiang. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirms that both the whitened and unwhitened areas in the samples are composed of tremolite, indicating that the whitening mechanism should be attributed to the etched structures caused by weathering rather than a change in the major mineral composition caused by high temperature. When no obvious appearance-based characteristics remain, chemical compositions become a crucial tool for discussing the provenance of jade artifacts. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns for the samples suggest that their formation is associated with granite intrusion, implying that the placer nephrite of Hetian, Xinjiang; Xiuyan nephrite, Liaoning; Golmud nephrite, Qinghai; Xiaomeiling nephrite, Jiangsu; Vitim nephrite, Russia; and Chuncheon nephrite, South Korea, are potential sources. However, the trace element spider diagrams for the samples show a better match with those of the placer nephrite of Hetian. The placer nephrite of Hetian was used in Fangjiagang Cemetery, indicating that the trade exchange between the Eastern Zhou dynasty and the Hetian area had already been established. Full article

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed treatment for higher weight and diabetes. Because they also influence appetite and reward processes, these medications may shape eating behaviours, emotions, and body image, raising new challenges for eating disorder (ED) research and clinical care. This narrative review synthesises emerging evidence on the psychological and behavioural effects of GLP-1RA use within a biopsychosocial and equity framework. Method: Using a narrative, non-systematic approach, we conducted targeted searches across major databases (2015–September 2025) with combined GLP-1RA and psychological or ED-related terms, supplemented by cross-referencing. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical, theoretical, and clinically meaningful psychological, behavioural, and sociocultural outcomes, enabling a conceptually driven synthesis of the psychological effects of GLP-1RA use. Results: GLP-1RAs reduce hunger and binge-eating frequency, suggesting possible benefits for binge-type EDs. However, evidence for restrictive EDs remains limited, and appetite suppression may reinforce rigid control or perfectionistic traits. Although short-term reductions in emotional eating have been reported, the long-term psychological safety of GLP-1RAs is unknown. Rapid, medication-driven weight loss may disrupt body perception, while social media discourse glamorises thinness and intensifies stigma. These psychosocial effects intersect with inequities in access, disproportionately affecting adolescents and individuals from culturally diverse or socioeconomically marginalised groups. Conclusions: GLP-1RAs sit at the intersection of medical innovation and psychological risk. To ensure safe and inclusive use, research and clinical practice should integrate developmental, cultural, and lived-experience perspectives. Co-designed research and multidisciplinary monitoring will be essential to reduce stigma, address inequities, and support psychologically informed care. Full article

Community-based organisations (CBOs) play a crucial role supporting clients during emergencies yet often lack adequate preparation. This study examined how Australian CBOs perceived and enacted dual responsibilities: ensuring service continuity during emergencies and facilitating person-centred preparedness for high-risk populations. A national cross-sectional online survey of community-based health and social care organisations was conducted between December 2021 and April 2022, employing strategic outreach and snowball sampling. Among 244 respondents, disability services (69%) and housing and homelessness services (27%) were the most common providers. Many organisations showed strong emergency preparedness, including comprehensive insurance, staff empowerment, and adaptive service delivery. Barriers to business continuity plans (BCPs) included resource constraints and limited emergency information access. Organisations with established networks and collaborations with emergency services demonstrated greater capacity for sustained service delivery (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed local networking with emergency service agencies was positively associated with CBOs’ ability to support client preparedness (p < 0.001), while lack of tools (p = 0.007) and training (p = 0.037) limited capacity to facilitate person-centred emergency planning for high-risk populations. Embedding business continuity planning within operations and strengthening cross-sector collaboration can enable CBOs to fulfil their aforementioned dual responsibilities, while advancing sustainable organisational resilience and inclusive disaster risk reduction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period of vulnerability for the onset of mental health difficulties, presenting an urgent need for scalable prevention strategies. Diet is a universal, modifiable factor, yet its evidence base remains inconsistent. This systematic review synthesised evidence from controlled trials and prospective cohort studies investigating the relationship between diet and mental health in adolescents aged 10–19 years. Methods: Searches were conducted to 20 July 2025, and risk of bias was assessed. Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria: six intervention trials and thirteen cohort studies. Examined exposures included vitamin D, omega-3s, polyphenol-rich foods, Mediterranean-style diets, and overall diet quality. Depressive symptoms were the most studied outcome, though the synthesis also included other dimensional outcomes such as anxiety, stress, well-being, and internalising/externalising indices. Across designs, healthier dietary patterns were often associated with fewer depressive symptoms, while poorer diet quality was linked to increased psychological distress. However, the current evidence is constrained by wide variation in assessments, small samples, and significant methodological limitations—particularly with high risk or some concerns noted in half of the included intervention trials—along with evidence suggesting that associations may differ by sex and are often sensitive to adjustment for socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Despite these challenges, the findings suggest diet as a possible, actionable target for supporting adolescent mental health. This review concludes by proposing a detailed roadmap for future research, prioritising harmonised symptom-based outcomes, biomarker-verified assessments, explicit analysis of sex and socioeconomic (SES) effects, and adequately powered trials to inform effective public health strategies for youth. Protocols were registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023413970) and archived on the Open Science Framework. Full article