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Peptide ratios for post-mortem interval estimation using targeted liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.
No full textPostmortem interval (PMI) estimation is a critical component of forensic investigations as it can help establish a timeline of events and assist in reducing a pool of missing persons or potential suspects. Despite its importance, the accuracy of PMI estimation remains challenging due to the complexity of decomposition and limitations of current methods, particularly in the later postmortem period. Proteomics has shown potential as a more objective method, with current studies taking an untargeted approach to identify informative peptide targets. Previous studies in our laboratory analysed human muscle tissue and identified 12 peptide ratios, consisting of 19 individual peptides, that were correlated with decomposition time. This study aimed to optimise the detection of these 19 peptide targets using a targeted liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ) method suited for casework applications and instrument platforms commonly found in forensic laboratories. Of the 19 peptide targets, 17 were optimised to be reproducible. Additionally, a longitudinal analysis in authentic human samples was conducted over a 14-day period postmortem to monitor detection throughout the decomposition process. All but one of the targets produced interpretable results, and data analysis was performed to generate peptide ratios. After log2 transformation, two of the previously proposed peptide ratios showed linear trends. Overall, this study has shown that a targeted LC-QQQ method is a viable system for the detection of PMI peptide targets from human postmortem muscle tissue and has demonstrated the potential for this type of analysis to be validated and applied in routine forensic casework
Sterols are key to coral larvae survival, swimming capacity, and thermal tolerance.
Get PDFCorals at very early life stages face high mortality bottlenecks, limiting natural stock-recruitment and the success of restoration and aquaculture strategies reliant on sexual reproduction. Nutrient availability and quality, particularly lipids, are critical for larval survival, dispersal, and settlement, yet the specific lipids influencing early-stage fitness remain unclear. Since measuring lipid depletion in non-surviving larvae is impractical, we developed a targeted supplementation approach to identify nutrients that enhance larval fitness. Supplementing Acropora spathulata larvae with nanoparticle-encapsulated triacylglycerols and sterols significantly improved swimming distance and speed, indicating enhanced dispersal potential. Supplementation with sterols, which are essential for cell structure and metamorphosis, also increased settlement rates. Furthermore, juveniles developed from larvae fed with sterols and omega-3-rich fish oils demonstrated superior performance under controlled and thermal stress conditions during the first six months, while those supplemented with Calanus oil also enhanced survival under elevated temperatures. Lipid profiling revealed key sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and fatty acids likely responsible for the improved fitness of fed larvae. Our approach highlights the critical role of lipid composition and availability during coral early life stages and demonstrates the potential of targeted nutritional supplementation to address nutrient deficiencies, enhance coral resilience, and support restoration and aquaculture efforts
Pregnancy-related changes in microbiome are disrupted by obesogenic diet exposure: implications for offspring microbiome development.
Get PDFPregnancy can alter gut microbiota composition, but effects of an obesogenic diet on both mother and offspring microbiome can be obscured by confounding factors. This study examined changes in gut microbiota composition prior to pregnancy, and across gestation and lactation in rat dams fed either a high-fat, high-sugar Cafeteria (Caf) diet or Chow. Microbiome development was assessed in male and female offspring weaned onto chow. Caf diet consumption during pregnancy increased weight gain and adiposity, with increased glucose and plasma leptin and lower folate and B12 levels indicating metabolic disturbance in dams. α- and β diversity measures in Caf-fed dams showed no change in Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes abundance across pregnancy compared with Chow dams, who showed reduced Firmicutes at gestation and mid-lactation. Offspring born to Caf versus Chow dams exhibited greater adiposity and plasma leptin at weaning (3 weeks); at 14 weeks these changes were only observed in males. Maternal Caf diet induced clear differences in β diversity in weanlings but not α diversity. Caf weanlings had lower plasma folate but higher B12 levels compared to chow counterparts. Maternal folate levels were positively associated with maternal and weanling gut microbiota, specifically OTU2 Romboutsia and OTU3_Lactobacillus relative abundance. SourceTracker analysis revealed similarities in the gut microbiota of Chow weanlings and maternal gut microbiota observed during lactation, whereas the microbiota of Caf weanlings was similar to the maternal gut microbiota during gestation. Maternal Caf diet had marginal effects on gut microbiota composition in adult offspring consuming regular chow
Lateral-torsional bucking of parabolic arches in Cartesian coordinate system
No full textFor circular arch structures in the Polar coordinate system, extensive investigations have been carried out on their lateral-torsional buckling behavior. However, studies on the lateral-torsional buckling of parabolic arches within the Cartesian coordinate are absent in existing literature. To address this research gap and advance engineering applications, a general theoretical framework within the Cartesian coordinate system is proposed to analyze the arch structures for their lateral-torsional buckling behaviors. In addition, the proposed method comprises four key components: a) Derivation of out-of-plane bending, torsion and shear strain-deformation relationships within the Cartesian coordinate system, based on the Timoshenko beam hypothesis; b) Formulation of a lateral-torsional buckling deformation function and derivation of energy equations for the arch and load system based on this function; c) Analytical solutions for the lateral-torsional buckling loads of parabolic arches under the uniformly distributed loading along the span are derived using the Rayleigh-Ritz method, leading to the formulation of corresponding energy equations; d) The proposed method is validated by comparing its analytical results with estimations obtained through finite element analysis and the theoretical predictions of circular arches. The findings demonstrate that the proposed out-of-plane bending, torsion and shear strain-deformation relationships, coupled with the lateral-torsional buckling deformation function, yield closed-form solutions for parabolic arches in the Cartesian coordinate system. Furthermore, the analytical predictions present excellent agreement with numerical results than the circular arches
Recent highlights in low back pain research, Part I: Diagnosis and Prognosis.
Get PDFINTRODUCTION: This paper highlights research relating to diagnosis and prognosis in low back pain (LBP) published between January 2020 and September 2025. METHODS: To identify studies for inclusion, we searched Medline, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Search results were screened and relevant studies were grouped according to their topic area. From those results, we selected studies that were perceived to be of great clinical importance, particularly high quality and/or controversial. FINDINGS: This narrative review synthesised five key themes in LBP research. For Theme 1 (Serious pathologies presenting as LBP), we found that serious spinal conditions are rare, and clinicians should assess overall concern using a combination of alerting features rather than isolated red flags. In Theme 2 (Imaging in LBP management), we discussed the limited role of imaging, noting its continued overuse and frequent inappropriate application. In Theme 3 (Diagnostic uncertainty), we highlighted that LBP often lacks a clear anatomical cause and that embracing uncertainty while focusing on modifiable factors can help patients feel more supported and in control. Theme 4 (Clinical course and pain trajectories) showed that although recovery is common in recent onset LBP, recurrences are frequent; even long-lasting pain can improve. Traditional labels such as 'acute' and 'chronic' often fail to capture the fluctuating nature of LBP. Finally, in Theme 5 (Prognostic factors and prediction models), we presented patient characteristics related to delayed recovery but highlighted that current prediction models are not yet ready for clinical implementation. We provided direction for future research across all themes. The identified themes help clinicians make informed, evidence-based decisions and navigate current uncertainties in diagnosis and prognosis
Phase filtering strategies in PSInSAR for rapid earthquake impact assessment: Insights from the 2025 Mandalay event
No full textThis study presents a comparative analysis of phase filtering strategies within a Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PSInSAR) workflow, applied to- estimate earthquake-induced ground deformation in Mandalay, Myanmar, following the 7.7–7.9 magnitude earthquake on 28th March 2025. Sentinel-1 SAR data and high-resolution Planet Scope optical imagery were integrated to monitor surface displacement and assess Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) changes. The PSInSAR time-series analysis detected significant cumulative displacement up to 30 mm, indicating both uplift and subsidence patterns across the study area. The study critically compares the performance of the Modified Goldstein and Boxcar phase filters for noise suppression and phase preservation in deformation mapping. Results demonstrate that the Modified Goldstein filter outperforms the Boxcar filter by providing sharper phase edges, higher spatial fidelity, and improved coherence in low-coherence zones. This enhanced displacement mapping, enabled by the superior filter, allowed for a more precise correlation with, LULC classification revealed considerable reductions in built-up areas and a corresponding increase in wasteland, aligning spatially with the observed deformation zones. The combined analysis underscores that filter selection is critical for maximizing the effectiveness of multi-sensor fusion for post-seismic deformation mapping and urban damage assessment. This work also emphasizes the importance of filter selection in enhancing PSInSAR displacement accuracy in complex urban environments. The proposed methodology can serve as a valuable framework for rapid disaster assessment and urban resilience planning in earthquake-prone regions
COVID-19-Related Challenges and Coping Strategies among International Students: An Integrative Review
No full textThis integrative review identifies COVID-19-related challenges among international university students and explores their coping strategies and university support. To the best of our knowledge, this integrative review is the first to address both the challenges encountered by international students during the pandemic comprehensively and their coping strategies. Using Whittemore and Knafl’s five-step integrative review method, a systematic search was conducted across six databases and Google Scholar in February 2025, yielding 26 relevant studies. Two main themes and six subthemes were identified. The first theme focuses on challenges, including financial, psychological, and online learning impacts, as well as discrimination. The second theme highlights coping strategies, encompassing self-developing coping strategies and university support. In conclusion, international students have encountered numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Educational institutions, academic staff, and health professionals must understand the unique needs of international students, who may be reluctant to seek help. Addressing emotional, financial, and academic concerns is essential for promoting well-being and academic success during times of crisis
Comparing the Effect of Two Passive Trunk Exoskeletons with Different Structure on Functional Performance
No full textExoskeletons, as elements of personal protective equipment, have potential to reduce MSD, which is the most common work-related health problem in the European Union. Exoskeletons can contain soft and rigid structures for force transition. However, there is a lack of comprehensive comparative research, especially in terms of performance metrics. This study addresses this gap by undertaking a comparative analysis of two commercially available back-supporting exoskeletons tailored for industrial applications. The experimental design encompassed twelve distinct tasks, drawing inspiration from existing studies and focusing on typical logistic and production-related activities. Objective performance indicators such as execution time, the number of lifts, and distance walked were measured. Also subjective parameters were recorded, including the perceived task difficulty and discomfort. Despite the study’s limitation in terms of participant numbers, statistically significant differences in both performance and participant comfort and handling were identified. In conclusion, both exoskeletons demonstrated efficacy in supporting lifting tasks, with a preference for a rigid system evident in static bending scenarios. Notably, for tasks involving extensive walking, a soft system emerged as a potentially favorable choice
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