Search Results (5,214)

Currently, autism researchers have limited knowledge about stakeholders’ priorities for research. This raises concerns because the autism community has increasingly called for more involvement in research. The present study aimed to provide initial insight into caregiver’s priorities for research that specifically focuses on language and communication in autistic children. Seventy-three caregivers of autistic children completed an online survey with an option to participate in a follow-up feedback session (n = 14). Within the survey, caregivers ranked the importance of 15 communication research topics. Participants also answered questions about barriers and incentives to participating in research. Caregivers highly ranked research that focuses on learning new words, echolalia, and learning to read. Additionally, 87% indicated that they would participate in research that did not involve intervention for their child. The top barrier to participating in autism research was time, and the top incentive was if a study was virtual. Associations between priority rankings and child language skills were also explored. Word learning research was particularly important to caregivers of children who communicated using shorter utterances or through augmentative and alternative communication devices, and research that focused on abstract language was particularly important to parents of autistic children with more advanced language skills. Caregiver feedback sessions provided additional insight into the rankings of research priorities. Caregivers of autistic children value pediatric language and communication research. Many valued research topics aligned with clinical goals in therapy (e.g., learning new words) and skills that highlight less understood learning and communication processes (e.g., echolalia). We discuss how these data can guide researchers as they conduct future autism research. Full article

This article develops a rigorous and reproducible systematic review of the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial education during the period 2020–2025, structured in accordance with -5.3-PRISMA and explicitly oriented toward detecting narrative and perception. The search was conducted in three complementary databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Taylor & Francis), using search strings equivalent to those of the platform and a selection workflow that begins with 388 records and culminates in 50 included studies, prompting a narrative synthesis given the methodological heterogeneity. From a methodological contribution perspective, the study combines bibliometric mapping with text mining and an NLP process that triangulates sentiment using lexicon-based approaches (VADER, TextBlob) and a multilingual transformer model (XLM-RoBERTa), producing continuous indicators (sentiment index) and reproducible research artifacts. The results position AI as an integrative nexus linking financial literacy, decision-making, sustainability, and language technologies (including ChatGPT-5.3.), highlighting its potential for personalization, virtual tutoring, and immediate gains in comprehension and motivation; however, evidence of sustained behavioral change remains nascent. Critical gaps remain, such as a shortage of longitudinal/controlled studies, a lack of standardized metrics, limited transparency and validation of models, and constraints in terms of geographic and cultural diversity, while privacy, fairness, and algorithmic bias emerge as structural conditions for responsible adoption. Full article

Pyrrole derivatives are natural organic molecules that are important to the pharmaceutical industry due to their occurrence in nature and their use in a wide range of medical applications. In general, non-symmetric, 1,2,5-triaryl-substituted pyrroles are prepared either by Paal–Knorr condensation or cycloaddition that present synthetic challenges particularly if late-stage functionalization is required. The present study describes a modular approach to synthesizing 1,2,5-triarylpyrroles containing three different arene substituents. Using pyrrole ester building blocks, a sequence of decarboxylative cross-coupling and C–H arylation provides unsymmetrical 1,2,5-triarylpyrroles in a regioselective, stepwise manner; the scope and limitations of the sequence are disclosed. Full article

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is intramuscularly injected for the treatment of, e.g., spasticity, cervical dystonia or facial lines. Several BoNT/A products with or without complexing proteins, with non-interchangeable dose units and various duration of effect claims, are approved but hard to compare. The goal of this study was to compare the complexing protein-free approved BoNT/A products IncobotulinumtoxinA (INCO), DaxibotulinumtoxinA (DAXI) and RelabotulinumtoxinA (RELA) in vitro and in vivo. BoNT/A protein content per 100 U was lowest in INCO and highest in DAXI (INCO 0.44, RELA 0.46, DAXI 0.58 ng/100 U). Relative bioactivity of INCO, DAXI and RELA was comparable (116, 104 and 117 U/100 labeled units). INCO and DAXI caused a maximum mouse digit abduction score (DAS) 2–3 days after IM injection of 20 or 40 U/kg. The DAS after 20 U/kg INCO was higher and showed a 10 days longer paralysis than DAXI at equivalent dosing. The in vivo spread of DAXI in the mouse gastrocnemius muscle was indistinguishable from that after INCO, and the spread of RELA ex vivo in porcine muscle was larger than INCO but equal to 0.9% NaCl. These results show the differences between 150 kDa botulinum type A toxin products beyond the published claims. Full article

Background: An emerging tool to better simulate the complexity of tumour biology in vitro is 3D culture models. Several approaches have been introduced, yet many face challenges such as technical complexity or limited ability to reproduce critical tumour traits. Modular tissue engineering is a well-known method in tissue transplantation, where it has been used to develop various healthy tissue constructs. In this study, we set out to adapt this established approach to fabricate cancer microtissues and to assess their effectiveness as a tumour model that can capture essential features of cancer biology and drug-treatment response. Methods: Two triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, HCC1806 and MDA-MB-231, were cultured in microtissues and assessed for viability, cell death, generation of hypoxia and response to chemotherapy. To benchmark our model, we utilized flow cytometry to analyze the CD44⁺/CD24⁻ cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype across microtissues, 2D monolayers, and established 3D models, including spheroids, collagen domes, and laminin-rich domes. Results: The cells showed sustained cell viability with minimal cell death, along with natural development of tumour properties, such as hypoxia. Crucially, flow cytometry revealed a cell-line-dependent regulation of the CD44⁺/CD24⁻ phenotype, underscoring the complex influence of the 3D microenvironment on stem cell regulation. Furthermore, by screening the model with standard anti-breast cancer chemotherapeutics, we observed drug resistance at concentrations comparable to those used in the clinic. Conclusions: Our model offers the unique ability to spontaneously reproduce fundamental features of tumours in vitro, capturing the cellular heterogeneity and reprogramming that drive clinical drug resistance. Full article

Leveraging differential interferometric techniques, ground-based synthetic aperture radar (GB-SAR) delivers highly accurate displacement measurements, typically reaching submillimeter scales. However, in practical engineering, minor platform instability induced by environmental factors gives rise to space-variant baseline errors, which affects the deformation value. In response to this issue, this paper presents a method combining Taylor expansion and singular value decomposition for estimation and compensation of the space-variant baseline error. Initially, the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) is employed to adaptively select high-quality Permanent Scatterers (PSs) to facilitate robust data provision for the following error parameter estimation. Subsequently, a three-dimensional multi-parameter model for the space-variant baseline error is established via Taylor expansion, followed by parameter estimation using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). Experiments indicate that the proposed approach effectively mitigates the error phase arising from platform vibration, thereby enhancing the precision of GB-SAR deformation inversion. Full article

Drought–flood abrupt alternation (DFAA) events have emerged as a critical type of compound climate extreme under ongoing climate change, posing increasing risks to water resources and ecosystems in Southwest China. This study investigated the spatiotemporal evolution of DFAA events during the historical period (1995–2024) and the future period (2025–2064), as well as their relationships with evapotranspiration. Daily precipitation was simulated using a CMIP6 multi-model ensemble mean (MME) combined with Delta downscaling, while station observations were used to identify DFAA events and evapotranspiration. Model performance was evaluated using Taylor diagrams and simulation relative bias. The results showed that the downscaled MME substantially improved the simulation of precipitation, evapotranspiration, and cumulative DFAA event occurrences, with relative bias in most regions controlled within ±3%. Compared with the historical period, both drought-to-flood (DTF) and flood-to-drought (FTD) events showed overall increases during 2025–2064. Specifically, under the four SSP scenarios, DTF events increased by 165, 133, 180, and 140 occurrences, respectively, while FTD events increased by 130, 147, 114, and 79 occurrences, respectively. The regional mean trends of DTF events during the near-term period were −0.21, 0.16, −0.45, and 1.24 times·5a⁻¹, whereas the corresponding trends of FTD events were 1.82, 1.17, 0.05, and −1.03 times·5a⁻¹ under the four scenarios. Spatial analyses revealed pronounced regional heterogeneity, with enhanced signals mainly concentrated in eastern Sichuan, Chongqing, and parts of Guizhou. Lagged correlation analyses further indicated significant monthly lag effects between DFAA events and evapotranspiration during the flood season; DTF events generally showed positive correlations with subsequent evapotranspiration, whereas FTD events exhibited predominantly negative correlations. Overall, this study clarifies the future spatiotemporal evolution of DFAA events in Southwest China and highlights the important role of land–atmosphere hydrothermal processes in regulating compound drought–flood extremes. Full article

This study integrates recent literature with qualitative data from sexual-health outreach workers in the Greater Toronto Area to examine how outreach is delivered to gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (GBTQ+) men who have sex with men (MSM) in virtual social settings, including social networking applications. Using a symbolic-interactionist framework and reflexive thematic analysis, the study identifies persistent challenges that shape GBTQ+ and MSM users’ engagement with sexual-health services, such as stigma, privacy concerns, and platform-level constraints. Findings highlight mismatches between current outreach practices and community needs in app-based environments and point to opportunities to strengthen the relevance, accessibility, and trustworthiness of digital sexual-health initiatives. The analysis offers practical recommendations for improving service design and delivery in online queer spaces and outlines priorities for future research focused on outreach effectiveness, equity, and user safety. Full article

Background: Exercise is safe and beneficial for managing symptoms, preventing progression, and enhancing the physical and mental well-being of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Such evidence has supported prescriptive guidelines delivered alongside behavioral interventions to promote and sustain exercise behavior. Evidence-based exercise training interventions now exist for people with MS, such as Project GEMS, a home-based program grounded in MS-specific exercise training guidelines and supported by principles of behavior change based on social–cognitive theory. The field is now ready for the process of translating evidence-based programs from research settings into clinical or community contexts for greater reach and accessibility, but dissemination and implementation remain significant challenges. Objectives: The current paper presents a conceptual roadmap for implementing a validated home-based exercise training intervention for people with MS, originally tested in controlled research environments, within the broader community context. This is guided by the PRACTIS framework for scaling up physical activity/exercise interventions. Roadmap: Our paper presents a conceptual example along with details regarding strategic adaptations for tailoring the remote GEMS program for a diverse and wide MS population, integrating input from community stakeholders and ensuring long-term sustainability through collaborative researcher–stakeholder partnerships. Such an initiative may bridge the gap between research and practice in the domains of exercise training and behavioral interventions for people with MS and further serve as a scalable model for promoting exercise behavior in other neurological conditions by expanding accessibility for effective digital resources. Conclusion: The design of the exercise intervention discussed in this paper offers one example and conceptual pathway for expanding access for evidence-based exercise programs at the wider level. Full article

Haze removal methods based on the estimation of scene depth ratio in the Atmospheric Scattering Model (ASM) have achieved satisfactory results. However, the ASM ignores the blur equivalent to a point spread function caused by forward scattering. This paper proposes a simplified United Scattering Transmission Model (USTM), in which both forward scattering and back scattering are taken into consideration physically. It utilizes Taylor expansion to correlate the hazy image and its second-order operator with the dehazed image. Additionally, we establish a layered decomposition mechanism of the scattering medium; by fitting the limitation expression and the image signal at infinity, the parameters related to the inherent optical properties used in the model can be obtained. When the stable transmittance estimation approaches are applied into this USTM, the scene radiance can be restored effectively. We conducted evaluation experiments on datasets including RESIDE-RTTS (Real-world Task-Driven Testing Set), Haze4K, and DenseHaze, using metrics such as PSNR, SSIM, newly visible edges and the ratio of the gradients. The results demonstrate that USTM achieves satisfactory results across multiple evaluation dimensions. Regarding the core objective fidelity metric PSNR, it achieves an optimal score of 11.87 dB, representing an approximate 3.85% improvement over the second-best method. Compared to the traditional ASM, the USTM shows an average improvement of approximately 23.5% in edge restoration capability (newly visible edges) and an average improvement of approximately 18.1% in gradient fidelity (the mean ratio of the gradients). Furthermore, compared with advanced deep learning dehazing methods, our method remains highly competitive in edge and gradient restoration metrics, and its lightweight design provides excellent efficiency and compatibility with downstream tasks. The comprehensive results show that the USTM achieves effective improvements in both physical accuracy and detail restoration performance. Full article

This review provides a comparative examination of current methods for evaluating fertility and semen quality in mammals, with emphasis on livestock species. It is based on a structured search and analysis of 316 academic publications retrieved from major scientific databases, including Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis, and MDPI, as well as other repositories, covering literature published between 1938 and 2025. This review examines advanced semen analysis techniques, including computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems and assays for assessing chromatin integrity, DNA damage, seminal plasma composition, sperm membrane proteins, and functional parameters such as migration capacity, membrane integrity, acrosomal status, capacitation, morphology, viability, concentration, motility, and volume. Methods for semen collection are also outlined. The synthesis focuses on the comparative assessment of techniques and recent findings for major ruminant and monogastric livestock species: cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus), and pigs (Sus domesticus). A brief historical overview of assisted insemination is presented, incorporating relevant procedures and managerial factors that affect fertility outcomes. Advances in genetics related to reproductive health are also discussed. This synthesis seeks to integrate existing knowledge and guide future research in reproductive science for both animal production and human medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: TP53 mutation or deletion status is important for determining cellular responses to DNA-damaging drugs. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is combined with the fluoropyrimidine (FP) drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the FOLFOX regimen used to treat advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the effects of TP53 deletion on 5-FU + OXA synergy are not well known. We investigated potential synergy between OXA and 5-FU and compared it with OXA synergy with a novel polymeric FP, CF10, in four cell lines harboring either wild-type (WT) or TP53-null status. Methods: Using CompuSyn and the highest single agent (HSA) models, we compared synergy between CF10 and OXA (COXA) and between 5-FU and OXA (FOXA). Cell cycle analysis was performed, as was Western blot quantification of canonical DNA damage pathway proteins. Likewise, immunofluorescent and confocal analysis allowed us to compare topoisomerase 1 cleavage complex and double-strand DNA break formation. Results: COXA synergy displayed minimal TP53 dependence with greatly improved potency compared to FOXA. COXA synergy resulted from OXA increasing: (i) Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) cleavage complex formation; (ii) DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and (iii) Checkpoint Kinase 1 and 2 (p-Chk1/2) phosphorylation, consistent with increased replication stress. Additionally, increased S-phase entry in TP53-null cells enhanced synergy between CF10, 5-FU, and OXA as S-phase drugs. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that OXA synergizes with CF10 more effectively than with 5-FU through enhanced replication stress in both WT and TP53-null cells by causing greater Top1-mediated DNA double-strand breaks. Our studies provide a foundation for further testing of this combination in an orthotopic liver metastatic setting and eventual clinical development. Full article

Recent high annual losses of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies, averaging 40% in the United States from 2008 to 2025, are concerning for beekeepers, growers, policy makers, and scientists. Viruses, the most abundant group of honey bee pathogens, impact honey bee fitness and contribute to colony losses. Several studies have utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to discover new honey beeinfecting viruses and expand our understanding of the honey bee virome. Herein, we examined the viromes of honey bees obtained from longitudinally monitored, commercially managed colonies that experienced population decline (average ~44%) during the 2022–2023 beekeeping season. We hypothesized new viruses or virus genome variants may be associated with these declines. To test this hypothesis, we sequenced RNA obtained from virus-augmented honey bee samples from representative colonies managed by four beekeeping operations in California. We discovered three undescribed partitivirus-like sequences that were prevalent and abundant in all beekeeping operations, a new Lake Sinai virus, and a sequence variant of acute bee paralysis virus. In addition, we re-sequenced the genomes of 16 previously characterized bee and/or Varroa destructor mite infecting viruses and two previously described, but not well-characterized, partitivirus-like sequences (i.e., Apis mellifera associated partiti-like virus 1 and Hubeipartiti-like virus 34). Virus abundance was greater in libraries representing colonies that died during the monitoring period. Full article

Objective: Bacterial vaginosis is a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiome, typically characterized by a loss of Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus plays a crucial role in vaginal immunity and protection against sexually transmitted infections. Herpes simplex virus 2, the primary cause of genital herpes, impacts 13% of people worldwide. We undertook this systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the risk of herpes simplex virus 2 acquisition in women with bacterial vaginosis. Secondarily, we examined the impact of bacterial vaginosis on herpes simplex virus 2 shedding, reactivation, and symptoms. Data sources: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov for articles published before 1 July 2023 for microbiome and herpes simplex virus type 2. Studies were limited to human subjects and the English language. An updated search was performed in January 2026. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023439139). Methods of study selection: Studies on non-pregnant, reproductive-aged cisgender women that diagnosed bacterial vaginosis by Amsel Criteria, Nugent Scoring or used molecular techniques, and those that detected herpes simplex virus 2 by serological assay or PCR testing were included. Our search identified 863 results with four publications eligible for inclusion. For our secondary outcomes, 40 results were identified regarding herpes simplex virus 2 shedding, with two publications eligible for inclusion, which did not meet our threshold for meta-analysis. There were 21 results identified for herpes simplex virus 2 reaction and 115 results for herpes simplex virus 2 symptoms, with no articles being eligible for inclusion. Tabulation, integration, and results: Quality assessment was performed following data extraction using the quality assessment scales from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results were extracted, and the pooled hazard ratio was calculated with 95% confidence interval. A total of 1906 women were included in this analysis, and 255 acquired herpes simplex virus 2. The pooled unadjusted hazard ratios produced an effect size of 1.91, (95% confidence interval 1.4649–2.4980), and a p-value of <0.0001, while the pooled adjusted hazard ratios produces an effect size of 1.85, (95% confidence interval of 1.3556–2.5162), and a p-value of 0.0001 indicating that bacterial vaginosis is associated with a increased risk of herpes simplex virus 2 acquisition. Conclusions: This systematic review with meta-analysis indicates that bacterial vaginosis is associated with a significantly increased risk (91% unadjusted, 85% adjusted) of herpes simplex virus 2 acquisition, indicating that bacterial vaginosis treatment may reduce herpes simplex virus 2 acquisition. A notable limitation of these findings is the relatively small number of studies eligible for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Full article

(1) Background: The purpose of this paper is to explicate the logic of community engagement in American policing. In the United States, the police are organized for crime control and social order through law enforcement. In fact, the terms police and law enforcement are often used interchangeably. This linguistic trap reifies the law-enforcer identity and disposition, while producing a logic of professional practice that prioritizes enforcement over more effective crime prevention activities. We ask, “Are there better ways to organize the police to make communities safer?” If so, what could the police do and why? To answer these questions, we first explore the structure of American policing and the logic it creates. We then examine latent community dynamics and their impact on public safety. (2) Methods: Using survey data from a statewide probability sample of households, the authors examine the impact of these dynamic processes on crime, informal social control, and support for those returning to the community from prison. (3) Findings: The findings demonstrate, in measurable ways, the essential function of community-engagement in creating safe, strong neighborhoods. (4) Conclusions: The study’s findings suggest a new framework for policing that prioritizes community engagement for relationship building and problem-oriented policing over more aggressive law enforcement campaigns. Full article