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Growth monitoring and promotion uptake and its associated factors among mothers/ caregivers of children aged under two years in Wondo District, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional Study.
Negash T, Bolka A, Kare AP … +2 more , Feleke FW, Bosha T
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391178 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) can be used to address developmental halting before a child's health deteriorates. However, there hasn't been much research done on the GMP uptake in the Wondo district...
INTRODUCTION: Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) can be used to address developmental halting before a child's health deteriorates. However, there hasn't been much research done on the GMP uptake in the Wondo district. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate GMP uptake and its associated factors among children aged under two years old in the Wondo District in 2024. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted using random sampling. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression with a p-value of less than 0.05 were used. RESULTS: GMP uptake was 14.2%. Household income above $32 monthly [AOR = 4.857, 95% CI: (2.009-11.744), read and write [AOR = 10.625, 95% CI: (2.667-42.334)], primary education [AOR = 9.067, 95% CI: (3.218-25.546)], secondary and above[AOR = 8.060, 95% CI: (2.952-22.007)], ANC follow up, [AOR = 2.871, 95% CI: (1.158-7.120)], health facility delivery [AOR = 4.037, 95% CI: (1.706-9.554)], PNC follow up [AOR = 4.110, 95% CI: (1.898-8.900)], maternal community conversation [AOR = 4.162, 95% CI: (1.974-8.775)], and family health cards utilization [AOR = 6.825, 95% CI: (2.935-15.867)] were significant variables. CONCLUSION: The GMP uptake was 14.2%. ANC follow-up, institutional delivery, PNC follow-up, family/child health card utilization, maternal community discussions, mother's educational status, and household income were associated factors. Community conversations, family health cards, ANC, institutional delivery, and PNC follow-up can improve GMP services.
Wetland conversion to farmland in Bure and Womberma Woredas, Northwestern Ethiopia: Implications for sustainable land use.
Getnet Eneyew B, Worie Assefa W
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391177 · Full text
This study investigates the reasons why wetlands transformed to farmland. The data were garnered using Landsat, questionnaire surveys, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze LULC cha...
This study investigates the reasons why wetlands transformed to farmland. The data were garnered using Landsat, questionnaire surveys, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze LULC change and the perceptions of wetland ecosystem services and attitudes towards wetland cultivation. An ordered probit model was applied to examine the influence of household and experts' attributes on their attitudes towards wetland cultivation. The findings indicated that despite acknowledging the direct and indirect benefits of wetlands, the majority of households and experts/ department heads have preferred transforming wetlands into farmland. Household age, asset holding size (land and livestock) and livelihood strategies (crop farming and non-farm) as well as the institutional perspectives of experts and department heads have significantly influenced the desire to convert wetlands into agricultural land. Driven by the rising young households' interest and local governments' goal to create jobs have led to the distribution of wetlands to unemployed graduates and landless households. Consequently, significant (48%) areas of the wetlands have been transformed into farmlands over the past 36 years. It was found that the environmental soundness of wetlands cultivation has not been considered when converting them into farmland. Efforts should be exerted to expand employment opportunities to minimize the heavy reliance of rural people on wetland farming. Besides, it is imperative to execute agro-ecological evaluation prior to converting wetlands into farmland to ensure farming decisions are environmentally responsible.
Delayed health-seeking behavior and its associated factors among cancer patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2025.
Abdulwehab S, Genati DD, Kedir F
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391176 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Delayed Health-seeking behavior among cancer patients is a major contributor to late diagnosis, poor prognosis, and high mortality, particularly in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. However, evidence on th...
BACKGROUND: Delayed Health-seeking behavior among cancer patients is a major contributor to late diagnosis, poor prognosis, and high mortality, particularly in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. However, evidence on the magnitude and determinants of delayed care-seeking remains fragmented. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of delayed Health-seeking behavior among cancer patients in Ethiopia and to identify associated factors influencing delays. METHODS: This study employed a systematic review and meta-analysis design to assess delayed Health-seeking behavior and its influencing factors among cancer patients in Ethiopia. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, AJOL, Google Scholar, and Ethiopian University repositories until April 27, 2025. The data were extracted from March 10-20 and analyzed from March 21-30, with report generation till April 27, 2025, using R software. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with forest plots illustrating pooled prevalence and associated factors. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and study quality was evaluated using a validated tool. RESULTS: Seven studies conducted across multiple regions of Ethiopia were included in the final analysis with a total of 2,641 participants. The pooled prevalence of delayed Health-seeking behavior among cancer patients was 54% (95% CI: 39%-68%). Meta-analysis of associated factors showed that rural residence was significantly associated with delayed Health-seeking behavior, with patients residing in rural areas having more than threefold higher odds of delay (AOR = 3; 95% CI: 1.81-4.19), poor knowledge about cancer was strongly associated with delay, with nearly seven times higher odds among patients with poor knowledge compared to those with adequate knowledge (AOR = 6.63; 95% CI: 2.21-11.05), lack of cancer awareness was also a significant predictor of delayed Health-seeking behavior (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.75-3.51), and patients without pain were over three times more likely to delay Healthcare(AOR = 3.38; 95% CI: 2.44-4.67) were factors associated with delayed Health-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Our review showed that half of the cancer patients in Ethiopia experienced delayed health-seeking behavior. Delayed care-seeking was associated with rural residence, poor knowledge, limited awareness of cancer, and absence of pain symptoms. Targeted interventions, including public awareness campaigns, expansion of healthcare services in rural areas, and financial support initiatives, are urgently needed to reduce delays and improve early cancer diagnosis and outcomes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD420251037845.
Downstream community risks post dam-spillage flooding along the Volta River in Ghana: potential pathogens and public health implications.
Kpeli GS, Agyirey-Kwakye P, Livingstone CN … +10 more , Cudjoe LT, Dotse EE, Nyarko E, Zar E, Nyarko-Otu O, Agbogli HK, Glilekpeh G, Korankye S, Essandoh P, Kabotso DE
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391174 · Full text
Flooding compromises the microbiological quality of domestic and recreational water sources, increasing exposure to waterborne and opportunistic pathogens in affected communities. Following widespread flooding triggered...
Flooding compromises the microbiological quality of domestic and recreational water sources, increasing exposure to waterborne and opportunistic pathogens in affected communities. Following widespread flooding triggered by the September 2023 controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams in Ghana, which led to massive flooding, we assessed the microbial quality of water bodies in communities downstream of the Volta River and associated public and ecosystem health implications. In July 2024, water was collected from multiple source types across four downstream townships (Asutsuare, Aveyime, Battor, and Mepe), including river sections, ponds, puddles, wells, boreholes, and canal-associated sites. Samples were filtered, microbial DNA was extracted, and bacterial community composition was profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with downstream bioinformatics analyses used to characterize microbial diversity, assess spatial variation across sites, and stratify detected taxa according to ecological origin and public health risk. Sequence data obtained from 17 out of 22 samples revealed communities dominated by Proteobacteria with frequent co-occurrence of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Across all sites, 56 microbial taxa and 118 microorganisms were detected. Community composition varied by location and water source type, with bank and mid-river sites generally exhibiting higher richness than puddles and a canal drain. Thirteen samples contained site-specific taxa, indicating marked spatial heterogeneity within and between communities. Microorganisms of public health relevance were frequently detected, including enteric-associated bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella species, and Cronobacter sakazakii, as well as opportunistic and healthcare-associated bacteria including Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Higher-risk organisms were most widely distributed in Mepe and Battor, including in groundwater-associated sources. These findings provide molecular evidence of persistent, spatially heterogeneous microbial hazards months after flooding, underscoring continued exposure risks in downstream communities and the need for targeted water safety interventions and risk-informed public health responses.
Retrospective cohort study of Advanced HIV disease among children and adolescents in Uganda: Characteristics, clinical outcomes, and rate of mortality.
Epidu C, Ssebunya RN, Makumbi FE … +10 more , Sserunkuma E, Tumwine E, Kizza P, Juma M, Balwa H, Nsangi B, Maganda AK, Birungi DJ, Fitzmaurice AG, Kiragga D
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391173 · Full text
BACKGROUND: People diagnosed with advanced HIV disease (AHD) are at high risk for mortality even after starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). We determined characteristics, clinical outcomes, and risks of mortality among...
BACKGROUND: People diagnosed with advanced HIV disease (AHD) are at high risk for mortality even after starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). We determined characteristics, clinical outcomes, and risks of mortality among children and adolescents diagnosed with AHD in western Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of routinely collected program data of children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) aged 0-19 years, from outpatient HIV clinic electronic medical records in 48 high-volume health facilities in two regions of western Uganda (Fort Portal and Hoima). Data for clients who initiated ART during January 2016-July 2023 were analysed. AHD was defined as a CD4 cell count <200 cells/μL, or WHO stage 3 or 4, or any child younger than 5 years of age living with HIV who had been on ART for more than 12 months and virally non-suppressed (≥1,000 copies). We used descriptive statistics (i.e., frequencies and percentages) to summarise characteristics and treatment outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival overall and by clients' characteristics; log-rank tests were used to compare survival functions. A gamma-shared frailty model was used to determine factors associated with the rate of mortality. Effect measures were summarized using adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: A total of 5,143 CALHIV, including 3,067 (59.6%) females, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 10 (9) years were assessed. Overall, AHD was high (18.1%) and varied by age-0-4 years (68.4%), 5-9 years (12.6%), 10-14 years (13.2%), and lowest among adolescents, 15-19 years (7.7%). Just over half of the CALHIV with AHD were active in care (51.5% [480/932]), about a quarter (26.4% [264/932]) had transferred out, 13.8% (129/932) were lost to follow-up, and 8.3% (77/932) had died. Survival was significantly higher in CALHIV who were not malnourished compared to those with malnutrition (p = 0.001). Overall mortality rate per 100 person-years among CALHIV with AHD was 4.1 (95%CI:3.2-5.2) and was significantly higher among those who had been on ART for 3 months or less (27.3; 95%CI: 20.6-36.2) compared to 6 months or more (1.0; 95%CI: 0.6-1.7). CONCLUSION: Advanced HIV Disease among CALHIV in western Uganda was consistent with what has been published elsewhere. Risk of death differed by nutrition status and was high among those on ART three months or less. Early screening and management of malnutrition, as well as early ART initiation and adherence initiatives, might improve outcomes and reduce AHD-related mortality among CALHIV.
Path loss characterization of a compact dual-band mmWave antenna in urban microenvironments.
Kumar P, Simha GDG
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391171 · Full text
This work presents a compact dual-band millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna that operates at 17-27 GHz and 36-43 GHz, with resonance frequencies centred at 21.1 GHz and 38.3 GHz, respectively. The multiple embedded arc-shape...
This work presents a compact dual-band millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna that operates at 17-27 GHz and 36-43 GHz, with resonance frequencies centred at 21.1 GHz and 38.3 GHz, respectively. The multiple embedded arc-shaped mmWave antenna geometry provides compact, effective dual-band operation. The concentric arcs of the antenna structure are effectively optimized to produce a dual band of operation with good impedance matching. The resulting antenna has gain of 4.8 dBi at 26 GHz and 6.1 dBi at 37 GHz frequencies. The developed antenna is intended for widespread usage in satellite and 5G networks. Despite providing significant bandwidth for 5G and other next-generation communication systems, mmWave frequencies are susceptible to path loss, particularly in congested urban areas. This study further investigates the performance of the designed dual-band mmWave antennas in various urban environments. Both Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) scenarios are considered to capture realistic deployment conditions. To accurately model propagation behaviour, the analysis incorporates the ABG and CI path-loss models, which comprehensively account for environmental factors such as shadowing, diffraction, and precipitation.
Simulation and performance analysis of a solar-assisted venturi-plasma pasteurization system for milk.
Taki K, Hosseinzadeh Samani B
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391170 · Full text
This research evaluates the feasibility and performance of a novel solar-powered milk pasteurization system integrating a Venturi tube hydrodynamic reactor and liquid-phase cold plasma technology. Designed for a daily ca...
This research evaluates the feasibility and performance of a novel solar-powered milk pasteurization system integrating a Venturi tube hydrodynamic reactor and liquid-phase cold plasma technology. Designed for a daily capacity of 600 liters, the system utilizes flat-plate collectors and photovoltaic panels to supply thermal and electrical energy, respectively. Performance was simulated across three Iranian cities with distinct climates: Shahrekord (cold, mountainous), Yazd (hot, arid), and Bandar-e-Abbas (hot, humid). The results revealed that annual efficiencies for solar collectors and PV panels reached up to 0.47 and 0.18, respectively. Yazd exhibited the highest solar energy potential with a peak radiation of 8311 kWh/m2, while Shahrekord demonstrated the most consistent thermal gain during spring and summer. The system successfully maintained the target pasteurization temperature (40 ± 5°C) with a solar fraction ranging from 0.036 to 0.32. These findings confirm that the integrated system reduces dependence on fossil fuel-based energy by increasing renewable energy contribution up to 32% (solar fraction) and also provides a promising sustainable solution for remote and energy constrained regions for milk pasteurization in diverse climatic conditions, enhancing both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Imaging of cervicothoracic junction anatomical variation in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: A scoping review protocol.
Beaumont HOH, Slade G, Brown H … +1 more , Quick TJ
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391168 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to systematically map the extent and nature of the literature on the use of imaging for assessing cervicothoracic junction anatomical variation in patients with neurogen...
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to systematically map the extent and nature of the literature on the use of imaging for assessing cervicothoracic junction anatomical variation in patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is a complex, disputed diagnosis that lacks a definitive gold-standard test, despite being the most common thoracic outlet syndrome subtype. Imaging is essential for identifying anatomical variations, such as cervical ribs, and excluding competing diagnoses. This review aims to clarify how imaging modalities are utilized to describe, classify, and assess these anatomical variations, and how these findings are explicitly linked to diagnosis or management. SELECTION CRITERIA: This review will consider studies that include patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and evaluate the role of imaging in assessing anatomical variations at the cervicothoracic junction. All study designs, including reviews, quantitative, and descriptive studies, will be considered. This review will exclude studies where the primary focus is the diagnosis of arterial or venous thoracic outlet syndrome using vascular imaging modalities. METHODS: The search strategy will employ a three-step process, developed in consultation with a medical librarian, utilizing a final comprehensive search across multiple major databases (e.g., MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus) and gray literature sources. Studies published in the English language and from database inception will be included. Following screening by two independent reviewers, data will be extracted, synthesized descriptively, and presented in tabular and narrative format to map the identified evidence. REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework https://osf.io/hybg2.
Editorial Note: Expression and function of the miR-143/145 cluster in vitro and in vivo in human breast cancer.
PLOS One Editors
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391167 · Full text
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Feasibility and acceptability of an electronic immunization registry in urban Bangladesh.
Haque MJ, Kamruzzaman AKM, Bohara R … +5 more , Das C, Sanij MTH, Khan AFMS, Begum FAMAA, Uzzaman N
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391166 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Electronic Immunization Registries (EIRs) are increasingly being implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to support immunization tracking and data management. In Bangladesh, an EIR was intro...
INTRODUCTION: Electronic Immunization Registries (EIRs) are increasingly being implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to support immunization tracking and data management. In Bangladesh, an EIR was introduced in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) to strengthen routine immunization services. However, evidence on user perceptions and operational implementation in this context remains limited. We assessed perceptions related to the feasibility and acceptability of the EIR among caregivers and healthcare providers (HCPs) in an urban pilot setting. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study between July and September 2024 in RCC, Bangladesh. Data were collected from caregivers of children receiving vaccinations and HCPs involved in immunization service delivery using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Perceptions of EIR-supported services were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Responses to open-ended questions were reviewed and summarized descriptively. This study was designed as a descriptive assessment and was not intended to evaluate the effectiveness or causal impact of the EIR system. RESULTS: A total of 321 participants were included, comprising 305 caregivers and 16 HCPs. Electronic registration was conducted primarily at the Expanded Program on Immunization centers (87%), with additional outreach through house-to-house visits. Reported vaccination uptake among children registered in the EIR system was high within the study sample. Caregivers and HCPs reported generally positive perceptions of EIR-supported services. Most respondents selected 'satisfied' or 'highly satisfied' responses across assessed items. HCPs also reported positive experiences, particularly in relation to record management and data accessibility, while noting operational challenges such as intermittent internet connectivity and device-related limitations. CONCLUSIONS: The EIR was perceived as acceptable by caregivers and HCPs in this urban pilot setting. Further studies are needed to assess effectiveness, implementation challenges, and scalability across diverse settings.
The uncertain self: Intolerance of uncertainty moderates the association of both positive and disorganized schizotypal traits with self-concept clarity in a non-clinical sample.
Kaszás A, Kéri S, Bencze D … +4 more , Szőllősi Á, Vass Á, Racsmány M, Polner B
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391165 · Full text
Our objective was to investigate the relationship between self-concept clarity, intolerance of uncertainty, and schizotypal traits, with a focus on whether intolerance of uncertainty moderates the association between sel...
Our objective was to investigate the relationship between self-concept clarity, intolerance of uncertainty, and schizotypal traits, with a focus on whether intolerance of uncertainty moderates the association between self-concept clarity and positive schizotypy in a non-clinical context. A sample of 315 adults (on average 43 (SD = 12) years, 247 women) completed the Self-Concept Clarity Scale, the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale, and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Brief Revised. Lower self-concept clarity was significantly associated with higher levels of positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy, as well as with greater inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty. Importantly, a moderation analysis revealed that intolerance of uncertainty significantly altered the strength of the negative relationship between self-concept clarity and both positive and disorganized schizotypy. Specifically, this association was strongest among individuals with low levels of intolerance of uncertainty. In contrast, at higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty, the negative relationship between self-concept clarity and both positive and disorganized schizotypy was weaker. This pattern suggests that, among individuals with lower tolerance for uncertainty, a better-defined self-concept is more strongly associated with lower levels of positive and disorganized schizotypy. These results underscore the importance of considering both self-structure and uncertainty tolerance in models of schizotypy and psychosis risk. Our findings suggest that self-concept clarity and intolerance of uncertainty are interrelated cognitive factors that synergistically explain variance in schizotypal traits. As intolerance of uncertainty is a potentially modifiable cognitive process, the results have implications for early interventions aimed at reducing psychosis risk by improving self-concept clarity and tolerance for uncertainty. Although the study used a non-clinical sample, it supports a dimensional approach to psychosis and highlights key targets for future research.
Development and qualification of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect human serum immunoglobulin G reactive to multiple lineages of Lassa virus nucleoprotein.
Yun H, Sigei F, Appiah NYA … +8 more , Quaye CNO, Yankey CAB, Kyei-Baafour E, Hayes P, Marini A, Bailer RT, Zaric M, Kusi KA
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391156 · Full text
Lassa fever is a severe, often fatal febrile illness endemic to West Africa caused by Lassa virus (LASV), with different virus lineages predominating across West African countries. The viral nucleoprotein (NP) is a targe...
Lassa fever is a severe, often fatal febrile illness endemic to West Africa caused by Lassa virus (LASV), with different virus lineages predominating across West African countries. The viral nucleoprotein (NP) is a target antigen for serological assays to identify previous exposure to LASV. To our knowledge, there is no commercially available assay that reliably quantifies anti-LASV-NP IgG antibodies in human serum. We report the development and qualification of an ELISA designed to detect and quantify anti-LASV-NP IgG in human serum samples. Following assay optimization, performance was assessed through assay qualification at clinical trial laboratories within Ghana. Assay positivity criteria, lower limit of detection, upper and lower limits of quantification, inter-assay precision, selectivity and dilutional linearity were determined. A new reference standard prepared from pooled sera from donors in endemic Lassa fever regions was established and calibrated to the first WHO international standard for LASV antibodies. One ELISA assay utilizing lineage IV LASV-NP was applicable for detection of anti-LASV-NP IgG antibodies in serum samples from different West African countries where either LASV lineages I, II, III and IV predominate. The ELISA remained selective in hemolysed serum samples with minimal loss of signal across repeated sample freeze-thaw cycles. Crucially, the developed ELISA was fully concordant with a now discontinued commercially available ELISA kit for quantification of anti-LASV-NP antibodies. Our anti-LASV-NP IgG ELISA was shown to reliably measure anti-LASV-NP IgG levels in human serum. Establishing and conducting this assay within West Africa represents an essential step towards strengthening LASV epidemiology research and supporting urgently needed development of a vaccine to prevent Lassa Fever.
ClpP deficiency attenuates contrast-induced HK-2 cell injury through changes associated with mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis.
Wang J, Wang L, Xie L … +1 more , Tang C
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391150 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a renal impairment that occurs after several days of intravascular administration of iodine-containing contrast media. ClpP is a key protease that plays an...
BACKGROUND: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a renal impairment that occurs after several days of intravascular administration of iodine-containing contrast media. ClpP is a key protease that plays an important role in cellular mitochondrial function. This study investigated the role of ClpP in mitochondrial dynamics and early injury in an in‑vitro CA‑AKI model. METHODS: mRNA sequencing was performed on HK-2 cells with or without iohexol exposure. Cell viability, mitochondrial dynamics-related protein expression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and cell apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit-8, immunoblotting, JC‑1 staining and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS: Iohexol treatment at 80 mg I/mL reduced HK-2 cell viability to 63.44%, induced mitochondrial fission, inhibited mitochondrial fusion and promoted apoptosis. mRNA sequencing revealed significant upregulation of Opa1 and ClpP gene expression, as well as alterations in proteasome‑related signaling in iohexol-induced HK-2 cell. Western blot analysis further confirmed elevated ClpP protein expression after iohexol exposure. Importantly, ClpP knockdown partially restored MMP, increased Opa1 expression, improved mitochondrial morphology, and alleviated iohexol‑induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION: ClpP deficiency may exert cytoprotective effects against iohexol-induced HK-2 cell injury, at least partly through changes associated with mitochondrial dynamics, partial preservation of MMP, and attenuation of apoptosis. These findings suggest that ClpP may represent a potential molecular target for further investigation in CA-AKI.
Expression of Concern: Investigations on segmentation-based fractal texture for texture classification in the presence of Gaussian noise.
PLOS One Editors
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42391118 · Full text
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Thymidylate synthase inhibitory drugs induce p53-dependent pathways differently.
Holub E, Szajkó MB, Felföldi A … +2 more , Vértessy BG, Békési A
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42384741 · Full text
Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a key enzyme in thymidylate biosynthesis and an established target of chemotherapeutics such as 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (5FdUR) and raltitrexed (RTX). Inhibition of TS disrupts the dUTP:dTTP...
Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a key enzyme in thymidylate biosynthesis and an established target of chemotherapeutics such as 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (5FdUR) and raltitrexed (RTX). Inhibition of TS disrupts the dUTP:dTTP balance, leading to uracil misincorporation, triggering futile base excision repair cycles, DNA strand breaks, and ultimately cell death. Interestingly, when the main uracil-DNA repair pathway is inhibited, treatment with TS-inhibitory drugs still leads to cell death. Beyond its catalytic role, TS also binds RNA, autoregulating its own translation and interacting with transcripts such as p53 and c-Myc, thereby linking TS activity to broader post-transcriptional regulatory networks. These interactions, together with regulation by miRNAs and lncRNAs, suggest that TS inhibition may provoke cellular responses extending beyond DNA metabolism. To explore these mechanisms, we investigated the transcriptomic effects of TS inhibition with either 5FdUR or RTX in wild-type HCT116 and two HCT116-derived cell lines with different capacities in base excision and mismatch repair pathways. Both drugs induced DNA damage responses yet displayed distinct transcriptional signatures. A strong 5FdUR-biased induction of mRNAs corresponding to p53-related pathways was detected in all cell lines and further validated with qPCR and Western blot. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation coupled to sequencing revealed direct RNA partners of TS, highlighting its possible post-transcriptional regulatory role. Our findings underscore the multifaceted impact of TS inhibition, linking enzymatic disruption to RNA-level regulation and revealing drug-specific differences in cellular responses.
Top-down and bottom-up attention for joint pattern classification and reconstruction.
Veiga RA, Zanutto BS
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42384740 · Full text
We introduce a recurrent inference framework for the Classification and Reconstruction of Overlapping Patterns (CROP) in mixtures formed by overlapping two patterns drawn from the same distribution. The framework alterna...
We introduce a recurrent inference framework for the Classification and Reconstruction of Overlapping Patterns (CROP) in mixtures formed by overlapping two patterns drawn from the same distribution. The framework alternates between bottom-up classification and top-down generative reconstruction within an iterative inference procedure. At each iteration, the method estimates the most likely class present in the mixture, reconstructs the corresponding signal using a conditional generative model, and applies a mask to isolate that component. This classification-guided reconstruction progressively separates the overlapping signals while also producing their class labels. The objective is therefore to iteratively separate and classify the overlapping patterns rather than perform general blind source separation. An important feature of the framework is that the generative model can be trained using only clean samples, without requiring paired mixed-clean training data. The iterative procedure implicitly implements a form of attention in which saliency- and priority-driven estimates guide the masking and reconstruction of individual patterns. Experimental results on mixtures of handwritten digits show that the proposed framework can successfully separate and classify overlapping patterns through this iterative classification-reconstruction process.
Short- and long-term scaling behavior of blood pressure and pulse arrival time during sleep in healthy controls and patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Berg K, Kantelhardt JW, Glos M … +3 more , Penzel T, Wessel N, Bartsch RP
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42384737 · Full text
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent respiratory events that trigger autonomic arousals and blood pressure (BP) surges, contributing to elevated cardiovascular risk. Photoplethysmography (PPG)-deri...
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent respiratory events that trigger autonomic arousals and blood pressure (BP) surges, contributing to elevated cardiovascular risk. Photoplethysmography (PPG)-derived timing markers such as pulse arrival time (PAT) are frequently used as noninvasive surrogates of BP dynamics, yet their interpretation is confounded by the pre-ejection period and peripheral vascular effects. Here, we used detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) to quantify short- and long-term scaling exponents of continuous blood pressure (Portapres), PPG-, and PAT-derived signals across sleep stages in healthy individuals and patients with OSA. Directly measured systolic and diastolic BP exhibited a robust short- to long-term crossover across all sleep stages, with elevated short-range exponents (α1>1) and lower long-range exponents (α2<1), reflecting well-organized autonomic and vascular control. In OSA, this crossover persisted but was visibly attenuated, consistent with reduced short-term adaptability of cardiovascular regulation. In contrast, PAT-based indices showed substantially weaker short-range correlations and minimal crossover structure. Systolic PAT displayed almost no separation between α1 and α2, and PPG-derived measures exhibited scaling patterns that differed fundamentally from BP. Across modalities, PAT (whether derived from BP or PPG) failed to reproduce the multiscale organization characteristic of beat-to-beat BP dynamics. Group comparisons further identified systolic BP scaling, particularly the short-range exponent α1, as the most sensitive marker of cardiovascular dysregulation in OSA, whereas PAT and PPG provided complementary but physiologically distinct information related to peripheral vascular and autonomic modulation. These findings demonstrate that PAT and PPG timing measures should not be used as surrogates for BP in fractal or scaling analyses and underscore the unique diagnostic value of BP-derived scaling behavior for assessing cardiovascular regulation during sleep.
Double DQN-based secrecy energy efficiency and fairness performance in IRS-assisted NOMA systems with friendly jamming.
Nguyen-Thi H, Chu-Thi N, Quang-Nguyen S … +2 more , Tran-Tien D, Le-Thi A
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42384736 · Full text
Faced with the challenge of increasing energy consumption and the need for sustainability in 6th generation (6G) wireless communication networks, this paper investigates the secrecy energy efficiency (SEE) and user fairn...
Faced with the challenge of increasing energy consumption and the need for sustainability in 6th generation (6G) wireless communication networks, this paper investigates the secrecy energy efficiency (SEE) and user fairness performance in an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system in the presence of a friendly jammer and a passive eavesdropper over THz-Rician channels. We formulate both optimization objectives: maximizing the system's total SEE and maximizing the maximum-min SEE to guarantee fairness for the worst-case user. Additionally, Jain's fairness index is used to quantitatively evaluate the SEE balance among users. To solve these problems, we apply a Double Deep Q-Network (Double DQN)-based SEE of our proposed system model to jointly optimize power allocation and IRS phase shifts. This proposed approach enables efficient learning of optimal policies in dynamic environments without requiring explicit knowledge of the channel distribution. Furthermore, conventional Deep Q-Netowrk (DQN) and random allocation strategies are also implemented for comparison with Double DQN. Simulation results are presented for both IRS-assisted NOMA and OMA (orthogonal multiple access) systems to highlight the advantages of NOMA in terms of the secrecy-energy trade-off and spectral efficiency. Finally, the effects of system essential parameters, such as transmitted power, the number of IRS elements, atmospheric absorption coefficients, and the passive eavesdropper's position, are examined. These simulation results show that the proposed Double DQN-based scheme significantly outperforms DQN and random methods in both SEE maximization and fairness enhancement, and that the NOMA system outperforms the OMA system. These findings confirm that the proposed model provides a basis for deploying a secure, energy-efficient, and sustainable wireless communication for future 6G networks.
10 recommendations for strengthening citizen science for improved societal and ecological outcomes: A co-produced analysis of challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.
Nunn JS, da Silva Hyldmo H, McKnight L … +15 more , McCulloch H, Lavers J, Old J, Smith L, Grobler N, Tan Kay Yin C, Chan WY, Raeburn C, Simard NSM, Smith AK, Van Holsbeeck S, Drinkwater E, Prendergast K, Burrows E, Lawson CL
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42384735 · Full text
Citizen science plays an increasingly important role in generating scientific knowledge and supporting environmental and social action. However, its potential to address complex global challenges remains underutilised. T...
Citizen science plays an increasingly important role in generating scientific knowledge and supporting environmental and social action. However, its potential to address complex global challenges remains underutilised. This study explores how citizen science can be improved by involving the public in all stages of scientific research. Using participatory research methods, online surveys and group discussions were conducted with researchers, citizen scientists, and Indigenous participants. Thematic coding was used to identify key challenges, opportunities, and best practices to enhance citizen science initiatives. Additionally, nine case studies were reported using the Standardised Data on Initiatives (STARDIT) reporting tool. The study identified key strategies for improving involvement, engagement and retention in citizen science initiatives. Findings underscore the importance of inclusive, evidence-informed approaches such as targeted outreach, fair compensation, tailored support, and co-creation practices. Ensuring data quality and fostering trust require adherence to FAIR data principles (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable), transparent validation and sharing processes, and establishing ethical research partnerships. Persistent challenges include short-term funding, which undermines long-term project sustainability, and the lack of centralised support for ethics and project management. Formal recognition of citizen scientists through co-authorship, standardised training, and professional development opportunities can further strengthen involvement and build capacity. Finally, emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and open data platforms, present opportunities to scale and improve efficiency, provided they are implemented with appropriate ethical safeguards and investment. Drawing together these insights, we provide 10 actionable recommendations for citizen science in the 21st century. These highlight the importance of embedding citizen science in national research infrastructure, education, and policy, alongside consistent evaluation and reporting, to improve its inclusivity, longevity, and impact. We conclude by arguing that as the world confronts climate change, public health crises, and biodiversity loss, broader public involvement in science is key for equitable, efficient and evidence-informed responses.
Paying in public: Peer effects, impression management, and willingness to pay on digital payment platforms.
Kiernan EA, Guzman JD
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42384733 · Full text
How do the social features of payment forms shape willingness to pay (WTP)? We conduct a purchasing experiment during Covid-19 in which 261 U.S. undergraduates are randomly assigned a payment form in which to complete a...
How do the social features of payment forms shape willingness to pay (WTP)? We conduct a purchasing experiment during Covid-19 in which 261 U.S. undergraduates are randomly assigned a payment form in which to complete a real transaction - either via debit card, credit card, or via one of the payment visibility settings within Venmo. We then elicit both stated preferences and WTP for ten household items. We find that the previously documented digital payment premium only persists when transactions are either private or are visible to the public at-large. When transactions are visible only to participants' friends, however, we find a large decrease in their WTP consistent with impression management when peers are frugal. We find that viewing others' transactions increases the magnitude of this effect. Payment visibility matters for WTP, but causes no differences in stated preference. These findings highlight the importance of considering social features of payment forms in addition to more well-documented features such as convenience, transparency and pain of payment.
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