PloS One[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Dual cross-attentive mutual teaching for semi-supervised 3D medical segmentation.
Ma W
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378262 · Full text
Semi-supervised learning can reduce the dependence on large-scale labeled data in 3D medical image segmentation.In this work, we propose a new Dual Crossed Attention Mutual Teaching (DCA-MT) framework that effectively ut...
Semi-supervised learning can reduce the dependence on large-scale labeled data in 3D medical image segmentation.In this work, we propose a new Dual Crossed Attention Mutual Teaching (DCA-MT) framework that effectively utilizes both labeled and unlabeled data by integrating high-dimensional feature alignment, semantic-level crossed attention, and bidirectional knowledge distillation. Specifically, we employ a two-branch VNet architecture where the teacher-student network co-evolves through mutual mentoring and collaborative learning.To enhance representation consistency, we introduce maximum mean difference (MMD) loss and inter-class and intra-class contrast constraints to achieve global feature distribution alignment and class-level separability. A multi-head cross-attention module is designed to facilitate fine-grained semantic interaction between the two networks, allowing the two branches to dynamically exchange complementary features.In addition, the two-way mutual distillation strategy ensures that teacher and student networks benefit from each other's knowledge. Numerous experiments on the left atrial and pancreatic nih datasets show that our proposed approach has better performance and verifies the effectiveness and robustness of DCA-MT.
Characterization of entomological drivers of malaria transmission in five villages, Keerom Regency, Papua, Indonesia.
Rozi IE, Syahrani L, Permana DH … +5 more , Irdayanti I, Sudirman R, Asih PBS, Lobo NF, Syafruddin D
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378257 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Keerom Regency remains one of the high-malaria-endemic regencies in Indonesia. Despite the accelerated malaria elimination strategy underway in Papua, malaria transmission in this regency has not declined. To...
BACKGROUND: Keerom Regency remains one of the high-malaria-endemic regencies in Indonesia. Despite the accelerated malaria elimination strategy underway in Papua, malaria transmission in this regency has not declined. To characterize the entomological and human behavioral factors sustaining and driving malaria transmission, a rapid entomological assessment paired with human behavior observations (HBOs) and household surveys was conducted in five villages of Keerom Regency. METHODS: Entomological surveys were conducted on three occasions in 2022 and 2023. Human landing catches (HLC), night indoor resting collection, and mosquito larval site surveys were conducted alongside human behavior observations (HBO) and structured household surveys. RESULTS: Six species of Anopheles were identified including Anopheles koliensis, An. punctulatus, An. hinesorum, An. kochi, An. bancroftii and An. peditaeniatus. The dominant species were An. koliensis and An. punctulatus. Outdoor Anopheles human biting rates (HBR) averaged 1.4 ± 1.7 bites per person per hour (bph), higher than indoor HBRs of 0.8 ± 1.2 bph. Vector incrimination detected Plasmodium DNA in ten An. koliensis mosquitoes in 2023, including Plasmodium falciparum (n = 2, 20%), P. vivax (n = 7, 70%) and P. ovale (n = 1, 10%). Blood meal analysis showed mixed feeding on humans and dogs, with human blood indices of 58.3% for An. koliensis and 66.7% for An. punctulatus. HBOs highlighted a substantial gap in indoor protection during the early evening before sleeping. Household surveys identified several drivers of exposure, including the absence of window and door screens, limited indoor residual spraying coverage, low usage of insecticide-treated nets, and unprotected outdoor activity. CONCLUSIONS: Members of the An. punctulatus group were abundant across all study villages, with An. koliensis and An. punctulatus being the primary species. Vector incrimination confirmed active malaria transmission. These vectors demonstrated opportunistic feeding behavior, primarily on humans but also on dogs, which may offer an avenue for targeted interventions. Multiple gaps in personal and household protection were identified, both indoors and outdoors. Strengthening indoor protection through increased ITN use, installation of house screens, and evaluation of complementary tools such as spatial repellents may reduce indoor transmission. Community-led larval source management in and around households may help reduce outdoor transmission.
Study Protocol for "Exploring the safety and therapeutic potential of psilocybin in the treatment of anorexia nervosa in adolescents and young adults".
Sjöström D, Schau Rybäck O, Claesdotter Knutsson E … +5 more , Kajonius P, Jensen Sondén O, Carlbring P, Björkstrand J, Movahed Rad P
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378255 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder with high morbidity, mortality, and relapse rates, most commonly emerging during adolescence. Despite specialized psychological and nutritional treatment...
BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder with high morbidity, mortality, and relapse rates, most commonly emerging during adolescence. Despite specialized psychological and nutritional treatments, outcomes remain suboptimal, with high rates of relapse and chronicity. Psilocybin has been investigated with preliminary efficacy in other psychiatric conditions characterized by rigidity and treatment resistance, but clinical evidence in AN-particularly in adolescents-is limited. OBJECTIVE: The psiAN study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of psilocybin therapy combined with psychological support in adolescents and young adults with relapsing AN, while exploring clinical, experiential, and neurobiological correlates of change. METHODS: A phase IIa, open-label, randomized controlled trial enrolling individuals aged 16-35 years with DSM-5 AN and a history of relapse. Participants are randomized to receive either two administrations of psilocybin (25 mg) with manualized psychological support plus treatment as usual (TAU), or TAU alone. Primary outcomes focus on safety and tolerability, assessed through adverse events, psychiatric monitoring, and medical parameters measured from first dosing to primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes include change in eating disorder symptom severity, relapse composite measures, mood, well-being, personality traits from baseline to primary endpoint with follow-up to 12 months. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor are included as exploratory mechanistic measures. fMRI will evaluate pre- to post-intervention changes in structural and functional connectivity and task-related responses during a simplified Monetary Incentive Delay task (MIDT) and a Calorie-Cue Task (CCT). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07169747. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study follows Good Clinical Practice (GCP), the Declaration of Helsinki, and EU Clinical Trials Regulation requirements, with staged inclusion of adolescents (16-17-year-olds) after a safety board review of adult data (18-35-year-olds). This protocol was prepared with reference to the SPIRIT 2025 guidelines (Chan et al., 2025) to enhance transparency and inform future trials.
Platform workers not by chance: Exploring the digital labour markets in Italy with machine learning and explainable AI.
Punzi C, Cirillo V, Guarascio D … +2 more , Pellungrini R, Giannotti F
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378250 · Full text
Digital labour platforms are reshaping the world of work across a wide range of sectors, offering greater flexibility and accessibility than traditional labour markets. However, existing research suggests that platform w...
Digital labour platforms are reshaping the world of work across a wide range of sectors, offering greater flexibility and accessibility than traditional labour markets. However, existing research suggests that platform work is often associated with low-quality working conditions and may exacerbate inequalities. This study examines the economic and social dimensions of digital platform labour in Italy-a country characterised by labour market fragmentation and the widespread use of non-standard employment-using official survey data collected in 2018 and 2021. Applying advanced machine learning (ML) and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques, the analysis explores the demographic, occupational, and economic factors that predict participation in platform work and drive segmentation within the platform workforce. The findings reveal that platform work in Italy is a heterogeneous and stratified phenomenon, deeply embedded in longstanding labour market fragmentation and regional disparities. Economic vulnerability is concentrated not among the youngest workers, as often suggested in the literature, but among older or more established individuals facing job instability, underemployment, or declining income from traditional occupations. Moreover, the analysis reveals that platform work is associated with structural vulnerabilities typical of non-standard employment, including unstable contracts, gender inequalities, and economic insecurity, and it primarily functions as a compensatory mechanism to supplement insufficient earnings from precarious jobs. Among jobseekers, engagement with platforms is more likely among younger individuals experiencing moderate-rather than severe-financial strain, suggesting that platform work is not generally perceived as a last-resort strategy but rather as a temporary or adaptive response to limited labour market opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these dynamics, acting as a catalyst for workers experiencing economic and social stress. During this period, platform work expanded as a fallback option for the unemployed, providing an informal buffer amid declining employment opportunities and persistent income insecurity.
Characterization of Antibiofilm Molecules from Bovine Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci.
Goetz C, Doghri I, Das S … +7 more , Corbeil A, Bouveret P, Beaudry F, Lalaouna D, Massé E, Jacques M, Malouin F
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378248 · Full text
Bacterial biofilms are structured communities of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix, which can adhere to biotic or abiotic surfaces. This mode of existence permits these bacteria to endure in ad...
Bacterial biofilms are structured communities of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix, which can adhere to biotic or abiotic surfaces. This mode of existence permits these bacteria to endure in adverse conditions, including the presence of antibiotics Bacteria within biofilms are responsible for numerous infections in humans and animals, including bovine mastitis. It is therefore important to develop new therapeutic strategies to control and treat biofilm-associated infections. The results obtained by our group during the study of mixed bacterial biofilm communities showed that four isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS; two Staphylococcus chromogenes and two Staphylococcus simulans) that produce only a small amount of biofilm can significantly reduce biofilm formation in approximatively 80% of pathogenic staphylococci associated with bovine mastitis. Furthermore, supernatants of S. chromogenes reduced secondary intramammary colonization by S. aureus in a murine model of mastitis. However, information regarding the mechanism and the effector molecule(s) involved is lacking. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate and characterize the antibiofilm molecule(s) produced by these four CNS isolates. In this context, we prepared culture supernatants from two isolates of S. chromogenes (C and E) and two isolates of S. simulans (F and H) to evaluate their effect on biofilm production of pathogenic bacterial species involved in bovine mastitis. Using a standard biofilm microtiter plate assay, we demonstrated that the four CNS supernatants not only have a significant impact on biofilms of pathogenic staphylococci (68% of tested isolates) but also on those of other important mastitis pathogens such as Streptococcus spp., Trueperella pyogenes, Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli (61.3% of tested isolates). The isolation and characterization of the antibiofilm molecule(s) contained in the supernatants were then conducted using a filtration process with membranes of different porosities, as well as through physicochemical and enzymatic treatments. We were then able to confirm that antibiofilm activity against staphylococci was present in the < 3kDa fractions of CNS culture supernatants and that this activity was heat-stable and protease-resistant, but sensitive to RNase A, suggesting that the antibiofilm activity might be due, at least in part, to an RNA molecule. Preliminary results showed that the antibiofilm activity was maintained with RNA extracts from fractioned supernatants (<3kDa). In conclusion, these results confirmed that some CNS have an antibiofilm activity, which represents a promising new avenue in the fight against biofilm-associated infections, particularly bovine mastitis.
Transformer-driven automated analysis of social media narrative structure: An exploration based on sentiment framing and thematic agenda.
Pei R, Lyu Z, Wang G
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378246 · Full text
With the rapid development of social media, narrative texts in public event scenarios have become important carriers of public opinion, making the automatic analysis of social media narrative structures increasingly cruc...
With the rapid development of social media, narrative texts in public event scenarios have become important carriers of public opinion, making the automatic analysis of social media narrative structures increasingly crucial. Existing research on this task suffers from insufficient integration of multi-dimensional information such as sentiment, topic and time, and poor adaptability to complex scenarios like cross-events and noisy texts. To address these issues, this study proposes a sentiment-topic-temporal attention fusion model (ST-TAN), which takes RoBERTa as the basic semantic encoding module and integrates three core modules to realize joint modeling of sentiment and topic and capture temporal dependence of narrative units. Experimental results show that the ST-TAN model comprehensively outperforms four types of baseline models in narrative structure recognition, sentiment classification and topic classification tasks, with good cross-event generalization ability and noisy text robustness. This research enriches the theoretical connotation of social media narrative analysis and provides effective technical support for practical fields such as public event governance and public opinion monitoring. The study further incorporates a comprehensive discussion of ethical considerations, addressing user privacy, data anonymization, potential biases, and responsible use, thereby ensuring alignment with responsible innovation principles.
Study on the influence of cementation sequence on the mechanical properties and microstructure of MICP-modified ili loess.
Shi G, Zhang A, Xue Y … +2 more , Yang D, Zhou C
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378245 · Full text
The loess widely distributed in the Ili River Valley in north-western China is prone to soil erosion and geological hazards due to its high collapsibility, high soluble salt content and loose structure. This study invest...
The loess widely distributed in the Ili River Valley in north-western China is prone to soil erosion and geological hazards due to its high collapsibility, high soluble salt content and loose structure. This study investigates the effectiveness of Microbial-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) technology in improving the mechanical properties of Ili loess, focusing on a comparison of the macroscopic and microscopic properties under three different treatment sequences: bacterial suspension followed by cementation solution, cementation solution followed by bacterial suspension, and simultaneous application of both solutions. The results indicate that the treatment sequence significantly influences the MICP improvement effect, with the simultaneous application method performing best. Its unconfined compressive strength (115.83 kPa) increased by approximately 59.77% compared to untreated samples, and cohesion increased by approximately 55.06%, whilst the change in internal friction angle was minimal (<0.92%). Microscopic analysis indicated that the simultaneous application method formed a continuous, dense cementation network, effectively filling voids and bridging particles; in contrast, stepwise treatment tended to result in uneven distribution of the cementation material. It should be noted that this study constitutes a preliminary exploration under laboratory conditions; before the proposed method for optimising the cementation sequence can be applied to actual engineering projects, further research is required into durability (dry-wet/freeze-thaw cycles), scale effects and field validation. This study provides a potential environmentally friendly technical approach for the improvement of Ili loess.
Data-driven classification and design of bioactive cellulose acetate electrospun films for active food packaging.
Rabbani A, Niroula A, Iqbal MZ … +2 more , Maqsood S, Nazir A
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378244 · Full text
The development of bio-based food packaging materials is increasingly important for reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics. For practical packaging use, these materials must also achieve suitable mechanical perfor...
The development of bio-based food packaging materials is increasingly important for reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics. For practical packaging use, these materials must also achieve suitable mechanical performance, including strength, flexibility, and stiffness. This study reports the fabrication of bioactive cellulose acetate (CA) films containing aloe vera gel (AG) and lemongrass essential oil (EO) using electrospinning, aimed at developing mechanically robust films with potential relevance to active food packaging applications. Mechanical performance was systematically assessed across 11 formulations generated by a Latin Hypercube Design. Tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), and Young's modulus (YM) were measured, and response surface methodology was employed to model the effects of CA, AG, and EO, including their interactions. CA emerged as the primary determinant, improving TS and YM but reducing EAB at higher concentrations. AG functioned as a natural plasticizer, enhancing flexibility while lowering stiffness, whereas EO showed conditional effects, providing limited plasticization at low concentrations and reduced mechanical integrity when combined with elevated CA or AG concentrations. Trade-offs between the measured properties emphasized the role of interactions rather than single components. Films were subsequently classified into flexible, balanced, and rigid categories based on the experimental thresholds, linking formulations with potential packaging applications and providing a basis for rational design of biodegradable packaging materials.
Avoidance of simultaneous patch use in Japanese large-footed bats.
Fujioka E, Shiraishi M, Hirao T … +3 more , Onishi Y, Fukui D, Hiryu S
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378243 · Full text
Group foraging can enhance prey detection, but depending on resource availability, it may also generate conflicts among conspecifics. To understand how animals balance these benefits and costs, foraging performance must...
Group foraging can enhance prey detection, but depending on resource availability, it may also generate conflicts among conspecifics. To understand how animals balance these benefits and costs, foraging performance must be evaluated together with inter-individual interactions. However, under fully natural conditions, it remains challenging to quantify both simultaneously. Here, we investigated how individual foraging efficiency and pairwise interactions are shaped when more than one individual simultaneously exploit the same foraging patch, using the Japanese large-footed bat (Myotis macrodactylus) as a model system. We monitored an entire pond functioning as a natural foraging patch using two thermal cameras and an eight-channel microphone array, and reconstructed the arrival, prey-attack, and exit times of individual bats. Using a Poisson generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), we found that prey-attack rates were approximately 25% lower during paired flights than during solitary flights. We then constructed a null model in which arrival, attack, and departure events followed independent Poisson processes parameterized from the empirical data. Compared with null-model predictions, both the total duration and the duration of individual paired flights in the empirical data were significantly shorter, indicating that bats limited the time spent co-using the same patch relative to solitary foraging. In addition, the probability that the first exiting individual was the one that arrived earlier or later did not deviate from chance levels, providing no evidence for a prior residence advantage. Together, these results indicate that co-use duration was shorter than expected under the null model regardless of arrival order and was accompanied by a reduced prey-attack rate during simultaneous patch use. These findings suggest that bats tend to avoid prolonged shared patch use, which may help maintain prey-attack efficiency. Our findings highlight bats as an excellent model system for non-invasively linking individual behavior and foraging performance via echolocation, and for elucidating the dynamics of foraging behavior and sensory interference in the wild.
Spatial characteristics, similarity in business scope, and expansion network of listed companies in China's food manufacturing industry.
Li E, Ma Y, Hu B … +2 more , Zhong W, Zhang R
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378241 · Full text
Using a multi-source dataset of 777 Listed Companies in the Food Manufacturing Industry (LCFMI), this study examines their spatial and relational organization in China. Key findings are: 1) The geographical distribution...
Using a multi-source dataset of 777 Listed Companies in the Food Manufacturing Industry (LCFMI), this study examines their spatial and relational organization in China. Key findings are: 1) The geographical distribution of LCFMIs closely aligns with China's macro-economic landscape, with more developed regions hosting a greater concentration and larger scale of firms. 2) While similarity in business scope (SBS) is generally low, significant distance-decay effect is noted, particularly within "0 ~ xx km"; the resulting SBS network demonstrates small-world properties and distinct clustering patterns based on both geography and industrial sub-categories, highlighting the interplay between spatial and cognitive proximity. 3) The inter-city recruitment network, which reflects the spatial expansion of corporate influence, is predominantly shaped by transportation accessibility between cities. This research provides new empirical insights into the geographical organization of manufacturing and the formation of city networks, offering practical implications for regional industrial policy and infrastructure planning.
Somatic mutation profiles in aged military nuclear test veterans: A comparative whole-genome sequence study.
Ofosu-Dankwa J, Sisu C, Anderson RM
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378240 · Full text
Veterans of the British nuclear testing programme represent an aged group of ex-military personnel who may have been exposed to ionising radiation through their participation at nuclear testing sites. This study aimed to...
Veterans of the British nuclear testing programme represent an aged group of ex-military personnel who may have been exposed to ionising radiation through their participation at nuclear testing sites. This study aimed to compare the somatic mutational landscape of a cohort of 30 nuclear test veterans with that of an age-matched cohort of 30 control veterans. Variants were identified from publicly available whole-genome sequencing data using a bioinformatics pipeline developed in accordance with the gold standard approaches as defined by the Broad Institute. The resulting set of raw SNV and INDEL variants for each individual veteran were subjected to several filtering steps to reduce the noise arising from common mutations, before the average number and types were compared for each cohort using the Grubbs test. The genomic distribution of these variants was also examined by assessing for any mutation clustering considered characteristic of radiation exposure (SNVs and/or INDELs occurring within 10 bp) using a 10 bp running window and separately, the identification of mutational signatures by fitting SNVs to the COSMIC database Human Cancer v3.4. When comparing the nuclear test veteran and control cohorts, we found no statistically elevated frequency of any variant type or clusters. The dominant SBS signatures in both cohorts were those typically associated with ageing. A qualitative assessment of the functional impact of the most prevalently observed variants in each cohort showed these to also be associated with age. For example, in the control cohort, variants were found in LINC02098-ETS1 and RCL1, genes linked to classic age-related conditions such as hair loss and osteoarthritis. In the nuclear test veteran cohort, we observed multiple variants affecting the CHODL gene in approximately 40% of participants. CHODL encodes chondrolectin, a protein important for maintaining the structural integrity and function of tissues. In conclusion, the absence of significant genetic differences between cohorts, together with the prevalence of age-associated mutations, is consistent with ageing being one of the primary drivers of the observed somatic variation in these veterans, overshadowing any potential environmental, including historical radiation, effects.
From a shared origin to divergent frames: A computational analysis of media representations of Kampo Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Asahi Shimbun.
Chen X, Wang J, Liu X
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378239 · Full text
Based on a corpus of news articles published in Asahi Shimbun over four decades (1984-2025), this study examines how Kampo medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), two medical traditions sharing a common historic...
Based on a corpus of news articles published in Asahi Shimbun over four decades (1984-2025), this study examines how Kampo medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), two medical traditions sharing a common historical origin, are discursively represented in Japanese mainstream media. Using topic modeling and word embedding analysis, it analyzes long-term patterns at two levels: thematic structures identified through topic modeling and semantic associations derived from word embeddings. The results show that Asahi Shimbun consistently differentiates Kampo medicine and TCM through sustained thematic and semantic organization. At the thematic level, coverage is structured across six domains, within which Kampo medicine is more stably integrated into core public concerns related to health practices and material supply, while TCM is more often situated in culturally oriented, comparative, or externally referenced contexts. Diachronically, these distinctions persist while adjusting to changing social demands and policy priorities. At the semantic level, Kampo medicine and TCM form distinct and relatively stable semantic neighborhoods. Kampo medicine is closely associated with concrete therapeutic entities, while TCM is framed within abstract classificatory, institutional, and system-oriented concepts. Together, thematic differentiation and semantic stabilization reinforce a clear discursive boundary between the two traditions. These findings reveal how Japanese mainstream media differentially position homologous medical knowledge over the long term, highlighting their role in shaping meaning within the modern nation-state context. The study applies recontextualization to long-term media analysis and shows how agenda-setting and framing contribute to the localization and othering of homologous knowledge. By linking macro-level thematic structures with micro-level semantic patterns, it further clarifies how media discourse shapes knowledge boundaries and cultural identity, extending the application of recontextualization theory in health and cross-cultural communication research.
Early start of hemoadsorption is associated with improved kidney recovery in ICU patients with ischemic/reperfusion cause of rhabdomyolysis.
Premuzic V, Horvat A, Mogus M … +7 more , Vucic I, Situm I, Tomic-Mahecic T, Colak Z, Mazar M, Baronica R, Mihaljevic S
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378236 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Hemoadsorption is considered currently as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (AKI) although the exact timing is not yet determined. We hypothesised that earlier sta...
BACKGROUND: Hemoadsorption is considered currently as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (AKI) although the exact timing is not yet determined. We hypothesised that earlier start of hemoadsorption in patients with ischemia/reperfusion caused rhabdomyolysis and AKI leads to a better clinical improvement and recovery of kidney function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study. Treatment was defined as the use of hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® in combination with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) compared to patients who were treated only with CRRT. Patients were divided in early and late initiation of hemoadsorption subgroups by less or more than 12 hours after developing acute kidney injury. Myoglobin and creatine kinase plasma levels were measured shortly before, 12 hours after the start of treatment, and 24, 48, and 72 hours after initiation. The follow-up lasted until the last enrolled patient reached 60 days after first hemoadsorption procedure. RESULTS: Overall, 30 patients were included in the treatment arm and 25 patients in the control group. Significant decrease of myoglobin levels was observed in the hemoadsorption treated group in all time points when compared with the control group. Logistical regression analysis found the association of hemoadsorption use and shorter duration of AKI (OR 3.46) and less acute kidney disease (AKD) (OR 2.85). Earlier start of hemoadsorption was associated with a statistically significant shorter duration of AKI (OR 3.22) and less AKD (OR 3.10). Patients treated early with hemoadsorption survived significantly longer than patients treated late (49.2 vs 15.3 days; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early start of combined CRRT and hemoadsorption therapy with CytoSorb was safe and associated with improved kidney recovery and survival in patients with ischemic/reperfusion rhabdomyolysis and AKI. Early start of hemoadsorption might prevent renal failure and acute kidney disease and shorten the CRRT dependency in patients who develop AKI.
Brucella canis outbreak management towards rehoming strategies: The Italian experience.
De Massis F, D'Aurelio N, Toro M … +12 more , Serrani S, Sferrella A, Giansante D, Pantalone M, Perletta F, Di Pancrazio C, Maggetti M, Ripà P, Luciani M, Tittarelli M, Violini M, Sacchini F
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378234 · Full text
Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is a contagious disease leading to reproductive disorders in both male and female dogs. In April 2020, Italy reported its first outbreak of B. canis in a central breeding ken...
Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is a contagious disease leading to reproductive disorders in both male and female dogs. In April 2020, Italy reported its first outbreak of B. canis in a central breeding kennel housing over 680 toy breed dogs. Following confirmation, animal movement was restricted, and a no-kill strategy was implemented to manage the outbreak. A structured protocol, integrating castration and neutering and serological testing, was developed to identify and rehome B. canis-negative dogs. This study describes the procedure used to select non-infected dogs and the follow-up monitoring protocol applied post-adoption. Over 300 dogs were successfully rehomed, with laboratory investigations confirming no occurrence of late infection in the adopted animals. These results support the inclusion of rehoming strategies as a viable option in B. canis outbreak management.
Validation of deep learning enabled software MetronMind to measure vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size in dogs.
Sykes KT, Gordon SG, Craig JJ … +2 more , Wesselowski S, Watson AH
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378233 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) are objective radiographic measurements of heart and left atrial size, respectively and are associated with inter- and intraobserver variabilit...
BACKGROUND: Vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) are objective radiographic measurements of heart and left atrial size, respectively and are associated with inter- and intraobserver variability when measured by humans. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools to determine VHS and VLAS have been developed and may reduce variability and save time. OBJECTIVES: To compare two manual methods for measuring VHS and VLAS on right and left lateral canine thoracic radiographs and to compare measurements of VHS and VLAS made by deep learning-enabled program, MetronMind, with those made by a trained observer on right and left lateral radiographs. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 1058) including 80 breeds with a variety of heart sizes, thoracic conformations and radiographic quality. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center, method-comparison study. Pearson's correlation, Bland-Altman plots and Passing-Bablok regression were used to assess agreement. RESULTS: Correlation between traditional and modified manual measurements for VHS and VLAS was strong (r = 0.994 and r = 0.974, respectively), with minimal bias (-0.10 and 0.04 vertebrae, respectively) indicating that the modified methods closely approximate traditional measurements obtained from right lateral views. MetronMind measurements of VHS and VLAS from right lateral radiographs also correlated well with the human observer's modified measurements (r = 0.947 and r = 0.811 respectively), showing small mean biases (0.08 and 0.07 vertebrae, respectively). Correlation between left and right lateral radiographic measurements of VHS (0.87 and 0.91) was higher than for VLAS (0.73 and 0.64) and bias was larger for VHS (0.26 and 0.31 vertebrae) than for VLAS (-0.13 and -0.10 vertebrae) for humans and MetronMind, respectively.
The association of eicosanoids with lung structure and function: Findings from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis lung study and Framingham Heart Study.
Ambatipudi M, McNeill JN, Roshandelpoor A … +10 more , Alotaibi M, Mounsey LA, Hoffman E, O'Connor G, Choi SH, Allen NB, Barr RG, Jain M, Cheng S, Ho JE
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378232 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Eicosanoids are bioactive signaling lipids that have roles in airway remodeling, smooth muscle hypertrophy, emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis via mediation of pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Specific eico...
BACKGROUND: Eicosanoids are bioactive signaling lipids that have roles in airway remodeling, smooth muscle hypertrophy, emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis via mediation of pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Specific eicosanoids have been associated with lung diseases such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis, yet their association with lung function more broadly is not completely understood. We aimed to investigate the association of eicosanoids and related metabolites with early changes in lung function and structure. METHODS: We performed comprehensive profiling of over 250 eicosanoids and eicosanoid-related metabolites using directed non-targeted mass spectrometry in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Lung Study with independent validation in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). We performed cross-sectional analysis of the associations between metabolites and lung function as assessed by spirometry and quantitative lung measures on computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Among 3384 participants (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 51% women), 51 metabolites were associated with lung function in MESA Lung (22 with % predicted FEV1, 18 with % predicted FVC, and 25 with FEV1/FVC ratio), with 24 validated among FHS participants. Of these 51 metabolites, 27 were associated with obstructive lung physiology, including linoleic acid derivatives (9-HODE) and other long-chain fatty acids (hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, hydroxyoctadecanoic acid) associated with higher odds. Fourteen metabolites were associated with restrictive physiology, including putative dihydroxy-20:3 and an LTB3 analog associated with lower odds, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, stearidonic acid) associated with higher odds. CONCLUSIONS: Specific eicosanoids and eicosanoid-related metabolites including linoleic acid derivatives and long-chain fatty acids were associated with obstructive, and leukotrienes and omega-3 fatty acids with restrictive lung physiology. These findings highlight bioactive lipids involved in both pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways as potential influencers of lung function and may serve as future therapeutic targets early in lung disease development.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals a previously unrecognized measles virus cluster in Burundi.
Nzoyikorera N, Nieuwenhuijse DF, Schuele L … +18 more , Nduwimana C, Ndihokubwayo A, Ihorimbere T, Niyomwungere D, Cassidy H, Boter M, Nibogora C, Molenkamp R, Niyomwungere A, Nizigiyimana D, Uwineza MN, Diawara I, Otani S, Bodewes R, Aarestrup FM, Koopmans M, Nyandwi J, Oude Munnink BB
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378230 · Full text
Despite remarkable progress towards measles elimination in Burundi, the country has seen a resurge in cases since 2019. Epidemiological investigations have been performed; however, it remained unclear if all measles case...
Despite remarkable progress towards measles elimination in Burundi, the country has seen a resurge in cases since 2019. Epidemiological investigations have been performed; however, it remained unclear if all measles cases involved in recent outbreaks were linked or caused by multiple independent events including introductions from other countries. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity and evolution of measles virus (MeV) during the last large MeV outbreak in Burundi in 2024. The study was carried out on oropharyngeal swab samples collected from four neighboring health districts. Amplicon-based MeV sequencing was performed on the MinION Mk1D. Consensus sequences were generated from 18 isolates and phylogenetic and Bayesian evolution analysis including 152 closely related public genomes were performed. Results showed that all 18 newly generated whole-genome sequences belonged to the genotype B3. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a diverse population of MeV circulating in Burundi, with sequences divided into two separate clusters. The first cluster consisted of two sequences and was most closely related to Italian sequences, while the second cluster was more related to local transmission in the Great-Lakes region based on the N450 region. Based on whole-genome sequences, the remaining 16 whole-genome sequences from Burundi clustered with one sequence from the Netherlands. The most recent common ancestor of the sequences in the second cluster was estimated to be around the beginning of 2023 (between the end of 2022 and the end of 2023 using the 95% confidence intervals) by using Bayesian evolutionary analysis. Here, we provide the first batch of MeV whole-genome sequences generated on the African continent of the ongoing MeV outbreak in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Using these whole genome sequences, we demonstrated that measles viruses genotype B3 were already circulating in Burundi since the beginning of 2023 well before the outbreak in 2024 was noted. We also showed that the recurrent measles outbreaks in Burundi are ignited from different sources, showing that measles in Burundi is sustained by multiple introductions and emphasizing the importance of ongoing molecular surveillance for elimination efforts.
An evaluation of an educational intervention for improving concussion knowledge among medical students.
Boparai J, Compton C, Murray R … +5 more , Winsor C, Stringer A, Fagan M, Collingwood B, Avery R
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378228 · Full text
BACKGROUND: There are significant gaps in concussion education in the undergraduate medical curriculum, contributing to poor concussion management in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study is to e...
BACKGROUND: There are significant gaps in concussion education in the undergraduate medical curriculum, contributing to poor concussion management in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention for improving concussion knowledge among undergraduate medical students. METHODS: An interventional pre-post study was conducted wherein participants first completed a pre-survey, followed by a didactic lecture about concussions and two post-surveys; one assessing short-term knowledge retention (within 48 hours of the lecture delivery) and long-term knowledge retention (within 2 weeks of the lecture delivery). RESULTS: A one-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in concussion knowledge scores between the three time points, F(2, 156) = 77.38, p < .001, with the mean score for the pre-lecture group being significantly lower than both the immediate and the two-week post-lecture groups (p < .001). There was no statistically significant difference between the immediate and two-week post-lecture groups (p = .975, 95% CI = [-.57, .68]), suggesting knowledge retention over time. CONCLUSION: The improvement in concussion knowledge scores following a didactic lecture demonstrates the importance of the inclusion of teaching time dedicated to concussion education, which may in turn, contribute to improvements in clinical care and patient satisfaction.
Effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with repetitive facilitative exercise on lower limb motor function in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage: A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Chen H, Chen H, Feng C … +5 more , Liu J, Li X, Zhang G, Liu Z, Li M
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378226 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with repetitive facilitative exercise (RFE) in improving lower limb function in patients with intracerebra...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with repetitive facilitative exercise (RFE) in improving lower limb function in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: The research protocol was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry website (ChiCTR2500106064). Sixty patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The experimental group received real taVNS combined with RFE, while the control group received sham taVNS combined with RFE. Before and after 6 weeks of treatment, functional assessments were conducted using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) scale, and a three-dimensional gait analysis system to obtain kinematic parameters of the pelvis during the walking cycle. RESULTS: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics showed no significant differences between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After 6 weeks of intervention, both groups exhibited significant improvements in FMA-LE, FAC, stride length, peak hip extension angle, and peak hip joint moments (all P < 0.05). However, the experimental group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the control group in FMA-LE (t = 3.233, P = 0.002), FAC (t = 2.868, P = 0.006), stride length (t = 3.077, P = 0.003), and peak hip extension angle (t = 2.682, P = 0.010). No significant difference was observed in peak hip joint moments (t = -0.212, P = 0.833) between the two groups after treatment. No adverse effects or dropouts were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: Compared to sham taVNS combined with RFE, taVNS combined with RFE can significantly enhances lower limb motor function in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia following intracerebral hemorrhage. The research protocol has been registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry website (ChiCTR2500106064).
Stress hyperglycemia ratio predicts mid- to long-term mortality in first-hospitalized type 2 diabetes: Nonlinear threshold and prognostic value.
Li X, Muthukumar R, Thepwongsa I
PLoS One · 2026 · PMID 42378225 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) can more accurately reflect acute glycemic dysregulation by incorporating chronic glycemic levels. However, its association with mid- to long-term all-cause mortality in f...
BACKGROUND: The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) can more accurately reflect acute glycemic dysregulation by incorporating chronic glycemic levels. However, its association with mid- to long-term all-cause mortality in first-hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as its nonlinear characteristics, threshold effect and incremental predictive value, remain unclear. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled 1,147 first-hospitalized T2DM patients. The prognostic value of SHR was evaluated using restricted cubic spline analysis, threshold effect analysis, Cox regression, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: SHR was nonlinearly associated with all-cause mortality at all follow-up time points, with an optimal threshold of 1.08 (both P < 0.05). Each 0.1-unit increase in SHR was associated with a 10% higher risk of 3-year and 5-year mortality (HR = 1.10). SHR ≥ 1.08 was associated with increased risks of 3-year and 5-year mortality (HR = 2.38 and 2.28, both P < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of results. Subgroup analysis showed that myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular disease significantly modified the prognostic effect of SHR. Time-dependent ROC demonstrated favorable predictive performance with AUC > 0.80 at all time points. Moreover, SHR resulted in modest improvements in AUC (0.825 → 0.835; 0.813 → 0.823) and C-index (0.792 → 0.802), outperforming traditional glycemic indicators. CONCLUSION: SHR is independently and nonlinearly associated with mid- to long-term all-cause mortality in first-hospitalized T2DM patients (threshold = 1.08), and may provide incremental prognostic information for risk stratification.
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