PLoS ONE最新文献

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric characteristics of an IRAsource brachytherapy source using Monte Carlo simulations incorporating source electron effects. The dose rate constant, radial dose function, and two-dimensional (2D) anisotropy function were calculated and compared with those of published data and results of the mHDR-v2r source model. The dose rate constant obtained for the IRAsource was [Formula: see text], which was consistent with previously reported values, within the range of experimental uncertainty. The radial dose function exhibited a pattern similar to that of the mHDR-v2r source, with dose distributions converging at distances of approximately 10 cm, where the effect of capsule thickness became negligible. The 2D anisotropy function did not fully align with other experimental datasets for the IRAsource. Even when comparing the IRAsource with mHDR-v2r sources, the 2D anithotropy function showed a difference of 3% to 6% around 0 degrees at distances of 0.25 cm to 5.0 cm from the source. The results reflected reasonable trends that were consistent with differences in source capsule geometry of the IRAsource and the mHDR-v2r. These findings show that the dosimetric data presented here is reliable. This study provides essential baseline data for accurate dose assessment of the IRAsource in brachytherapy and underscores the importance of further experimental validation to refine dose characterization.

The Firefighter Problem is a single-player game modelling the spread of a contagion (e.g. rumours, diseases) on a graph. The player's objective is to defend vertices to protect at least a given number. This problem is computationally hard, but it can be solved efficiently on certain restricted classes of graph, such as complete graphs (in constant time) and graphs with path length at most [Formula: see text] (in [Formula: see text]-time). We define The Cost Function Firefighter Problem, the first variant of the Firefighter problem that introduces vertex defence costs depending on time and game state. We show the Cost Function problem is computationally hard even for classes of trees on which the classic problem is tractable, but tractable on some very restricted graph classes (complete graphs, graphs of fixed bounded path length and trees under certain conditions). By expressing our variant in monadic second-order logic, we prove it is fixed-parameter tractable with respect to treewidth, budget, and maximum time step. To complement theoretical findings, we undertake empirical investigation to compare performance of cost, threat and degree-based heuristics under various cost functions. We find that the relative effectiveness of these heuristics depends heavily on graph structure, with degree-based heuristics generally performing worse than state-based strategies. We show how these heuristics play out on both random and real-world interaction graphs.

Cisplatin (CIS) remains a cornerstone of chemotherapy but is limited by resistance and systemic toxicity. Combining DNA-damaging agents with epigenetic modulators such as vorinostat (VOR) offers a promising strategy to enhance efficacy. However, the co-delivery of these drugs is challenging due to their distinct physicochemical properties. The aim was to develop and characterize niosomal nanoparticles co-loaded with CIS and VOR (NIO-CIS-VOR) and to assess their physicochemical characteristics and in vitro anticancer activity. Niosomes were prepared using ethanol injection, with CIS entrapped in the aqueous core and VOR in the lipid bilayer. Characterization included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential by DLS, morphology by TEM, and encapsulation confirmation by FTIR. Encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and drug release were determined by HPLC. Cytotoxicity, caspase-3/7 activation, colony formation, and wound healing assays were conducted in HT-29, A549, and PANC-1 cancer cell lines. Optimized NIO-CIS-VOR nanoparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 152.7 nm, PDI of 0.12, and zeta potential of -9.79 mV, with spherical morphology. Encapsulation efficiency of NIO-CIS-VOR reached 89.3% for CIS and 52.1% for VOR. The formulation showed sustained release over 72 h, with cumulative release of 62% (CIS) and 38% (VOR) at 6 h. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated markedly reduced IC50 values for NIO-CIS-VOR compared with free drugs: 1.8 µM vs. 4.47 µM (CIS) and 3.4 µM (VOR) in HT-29; 0.95 µM vs. 3.8 µM and 3.1 µM in A549; and 2.37 µM vs. 13.9 µM and 3.66 µM in PANC-1. Enhanced apoptosis and reduced colony formation further confirmed superior anticancer activity.In Conclusion the Co-loaded niosomes achieved efficient co-delivery, sustained release, and synergistic anticancer effects, highlighting NIO-CIS-VOR as a promising nanocarrier for combination cancer therapy.

The article finds that the National Level Development Zone (NLDZ) development has affected urban innovation capacity using panel data from 2014 to 2022 in China. Compared to the West, the East NLDZ of China has a greater effect, and the NLDZ in the Northeast and the Middle Part have the least influence on urban innovation. However, the NLDZ influence of a city at the province level is greater than that at the prefecture level, and the effect of NLDZ on the Bond Area is the greatest, followed by that of the Economic and Technological Development Zone, while the impact of the High-Tech Industrial Development Zone is the least. Finally, we advise preserving a specific quantity of NLDZ to prevent the effect of declining marginal utility.

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were the most common bacteria causing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 2020, with 211 million cases worldwide. Despite the fact that the co-infections of N. gonorrhoeae with C. trachomatis are common, there is no single treatment effective against both pathogens. Ceftriaxone, the current recommended drug for gonococcal infections, is not effective against C. trachomatis. Additionally, N. gonorrhoeae has developed resistance against the drugs recommended for treating chlamydial infections. Therefore, new drugs capable of treating C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae co-infections are needed. Drug repurposing is an attractive, fast-track approach for antimicrobial drug discovery. In an attempt to address the unmet need for development of C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae therapeutics utilizing the drug repurposing approach, we screened the antibacterial compounds library against N. gonorrhoeae. This library encompasses a unique collection of 1,128 bioactive compounds with validated antibacterial activities. A total of 172 active hits were identified, and then repeated drugs with different salts or previously reported drugs were excluded before determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against N. gonorrhoeae FA1090. Thereafter, the anti-C. trachomatis activities of the 14 selected drugs were assessed. We identified gloxazone and SPR719 as promising agents with potent activities against both C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae (MICs ≤ 1 µM). Collectively, SPR719 and gloxazone could be considered promising agents warranting further investigation to address the unmet need in the treatment of bacterial STIs.

The presented work describes the four-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna designed on Rogers substrate with a thickness of 0.787 mm. The core of the MIMO antenna includes a hexagonal-patch etched by a rectangular slot and an etched hexagonal-ring in full-ground, which are printed on opposite surfaces, generating measured millimeter-wave (mmWave) bandwidth of 26.45 GHz-29.27 GHz and 37.04 GHz-39.12 GHz. The dielectric material is micromachined, and the four-port radiating elements maintain isolation of more than 20.0 dB with an overall size of 17.0 mm × 22.0 mm × 0.787 mm. The novel 11 × 11 hexagonal-ring frequency-selective-surface (FSS) is placed below the MIMO antenna, enhancing the peak-gain by 5.16 dBi with a size of 42.50 mm × 42.50 mm printed on Rogers5880 0.787 mm thickness. The MIMO antenna also features good diversity-performance with ECCmmWave-FSS < 0.18, DGmmWave-FSS > 9.995 dB, TARCmmWave-FSS < -4.76 dB, and CCLmmWave-FSS < 0.30 b/s/Hz. The cumulative features with dual millimeter wave bands, enhanced peak-realized gain, suppressed back-lobe radiations, and good diversity performance make the proposed MIMO antenna loaded with FSS suitable for 5G, satellite-communication, IoT, and smart cities applications. The MIMO antenna loaded with FSS is also subjected for SAR analysis for input power of 50 mW and 500 mW.

Introduction: The goal of the current study was to identify factors forming the professional identity of medical teachers teaching basic health sciences by developing and validating a questionnaire.

Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was developed with items on community of practice, passion for teaching, students' feedback, work-life balance, religious values, administrative support, work environment, job satisfaction, societal apathy, and opportunities for professional growth. The questionnaire was created after conducting interviews with faculty of basic health sciences, pilot tested, modified and verified by expert panel. Overlapping items and those which did not represent themes were removed and a final 20-item questionnaire was created. Finally, exploratory factor analysis was performed. The sample size was 301, and the participants recruited, regardless of gender, were medical teachers teaching basic health sciences, and had teaching experience of more than one year.

Results: A total of 20 high-loading components made up the five variables of Exploratory Factor Analysis, which explained 50% of the variance. The 20-item questionnaire was found to have satisfactory psychometric qualities. Five major constructs grouped as "CLaSiC-R" were unveiled and termed as identity blueprint of basic sciences medical teachers. They are Community of practice, Legacy, job Satisfaction, Commitment to excellence and Resilience. Cronbach's alpha of the 20 items was 0.648.

Conclusion: The CLaSiC-R determines the five major constructs that form the professional identity of basic sciences medical teachers. The scale serves as a valuable indicator of key areas of professional development namely, socialization, religious values, emotional intelligence, motivation, job roles, committment to excellence, and work environment. Reforms in service structure and structured faculty development programs might facilitate their professional journey.

International college students in the United States are at increased risk of developing mental health disorders and are less likely to seek mental health services. However, little is known about the effects of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of international undergraduate students compared to their graduate counterparts studying in the US. This study examined the associations between COVID-19 stress, anxiety, and depression and whether education level moderates these associations in international undergraduate and graduate students. A cross-sectional online survey containing psychometric scales and open-ended questions was completed by 219 international undergraduate and graduate students. Validated psychometric scales used included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), COVID-19 Stress Scale (CSS), and Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4). Path analysis was used to assess whether education level moderated the relationships between COVID-19 stress and anxiety and depression. Applied thematic analysis was conducted to qualitatively determine COVID-19-related stressors affecting students' mental health. We found that COVID-19 stress was significantly associated with students' anxiety and depression, and education level moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and anxiety, but not depression. Major themes of COVID-19-related stressors affecting mental health included academic performance, financial difficulties, travel constraints, social isolation, and grief. Findings highlighted the influence of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of international students studying in the US. Graduates and undergraduates experienced stress differently, particularly related to anxiety. Additionally, pandemic-related stressors were multifaceted in nature. Adequate mental health interventions and support tailored for graduates and undergraduates are needed to address students affected during global crises.

Adolescents in forensic outpatient care often face a complex interplay of emotional and cognitive challenges, which is also reflected in current challenges within treatment approaches. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown increasing value in forensic settings, although empirical evidence remains limited. One particular mHealth app that may address current challenges in forensic outpatient care is Feelee, which provides daily emotion regulation practice through self-reported emotional check-ins and passively collected smartphone sensor data. Given the potential but still limited evidence for mHealth apps in forensic settings, this study aimed to provide first thorough evaluation of the Feelee app as an addition to treatment as usual to enhance emotion regulation skills among adolescents in forensic outpatient care. A multiple single-case experimental ABA design was applied, consisting of a 2-week baseline (phase A1), 4-week intervention (phase B), and 2-week follow-up (phase A2), combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Twenty-two adolescents (aged 12-23) completed daily assessments of emotion regulation. Secondary outcomes focused on emotional developmental mechanisms and treatment-related factors, measured at pre-, post-, and follow-up. Semi-structured interviews with adolescents and clinicians explored experiences with Feelee and its integration into treatment. Results showed a significant improvement in the emotional recognition during the intervention phase. No improvements were found in emotion suppression and impulse control, while reflection and distraction showed reversed outcomes. At follow-up, secondary outcomes indicated increases in positive emotion differentiation, emotional awareness, and self-reflection. Treatment motivation remained stable, while therapeutic alliance improved. Qualitative findings highlighted increased emotional insight, a alongside technical difficulties and limited discussion of Feelee data during sessions. These findings suggest that Feelee may particularly be valuable in the early stages of emotion regulation by enhancing emotional recognition. Future research should explore longer-term use and actively involve clinicians in the integration of app data to maximize therapeutic relevance and impact. Trial registration Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects NL-OMON54390 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06509360.

Motherhood is socially obligatory in rural Punjabi, Pakistan, leaving no room for voluntary childlessness. Women facing conception challenges strive to attain motherhood, combating the stigma of being labelled childless. Using Butler's performativity theory, this study delves into the experiences of childless women striving to become mothers in the pronatalist society of Pakistan. In-depth interviews with childless women and focus group discussions with community members were conducted. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Results revealed that women must demonstrate mothering qualities alongside seeking treatment to validate their desire for motherhood. The study concludes that societal discourses shape childless women's lives, influencing their conscious and unconscious adherence to gendered social norms of motherhood.