Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasite known to modulate host immunity and cellular signaling, raising interest in its potential influence on cancer biology. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate experimental evidence on the antitumor or pro-tumor effects of T. gondii infection and parasite-derived antigens and to categorize the underlying mechanisms. PubMed was searched through 9 September 2024, and 54 eligible experimental studies were included (41 in vivo, 10 in vitro, and three combined). Forty-six studies reported antitumor effects, two pro-tumor effects, one stage-dependent divergent effects (acute infection/antitumor vs. chronic infection/pro-tumor), and five highlighted T. gondii-associated cancer-pertinent signaling pathways. Antitumor effects were observed following acute infection and exposure to parasite antigens, certain recombinant proteins, and exosomal microRNA miR-155-5p. Dominant mechanistic categories included activation of innate and adaptive immunity and reversal of tumor microenvironment immunosuppression (notably Th1-driven IL-12/IFN-γ responses, antitumor M1 macrophage polarization), induction of apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, molecular mimicry and modulation of cancer-pertinent pathways. Conversely, pro-tumor effects were seen with chronic infection and exposure to ROP18 effector protein and miR-21. Future translational research should focus on rigorous evaluation of the safety and efficacy of attenuated non-replicating T. gondii strains and/or select recombinant antigens for potential cancer T. gondii-based immunotherapy.
Introduction: Liver transplantation has re-emerged as a potential therapeutic option for patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases after failure of standard treatments. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated survival outcomes, recurrence patterns, and prognostic factors associated with this approach. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Electronic databases were searched for studies published between November 2015 and November 2025, that assessed liver transplantation in the context of unresectable colorectal liver metastases. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled overall survival, disease-free survival and recurrence rates. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Results: Twenty-three studies involving patients with unresectable liver-only colorectal metastases were included. Pooled overall survival after liver transplantation was 96.6% at 1 year (95% CI 93.9-99.4; I2 = 44.3%), 73.4% at 3 years (95% CI 62.9-83.9; I2 = 95.4%), and 49.4% at 5 years (95% CI 35.4-63.3; I2 = 90.5%). Ten-year overall survival was approximately 27%. The pooled recurrence rate was 63.5% (95% CI 52.5-76.8), and the type of recurrence was mainly extrahepatic, most commonly pulmonary. Disease-free survival was 64.1% (95% CI 47.5-80.7) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 95.6%). Biological risk factors, including carcinoembryonic antigen levels, metabolic tumor volume, and composite risk scores, consistently influenced survival outcomes. Conclusions: In highly selected patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases, liver transplantation is associated with favorable long-term survival despite frequent recurrence. Outcomes appear to be primarily driven by tumor biology rather than tumor burden, supporting the cautious use within specialized centers under structured selection protocols.
Despite global elimination goals, measles remains a persistent regional health challenge in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This systematic review and meta-analysis characterized the distribution of cases and deaths during ASEAN measles outbreaks (2015-2025) and computed pooled proportions of cases stratified by age, vaccination history, migration status, and indigenous group membership. In this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD420251149627), we searched Scopus, Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar through January 15, 2026, for studies on measles outbreaks in ASEAN (2015-2025) that stratified cases by age, vaccination history, or marginalized groups. A modified Joanna Briggs Institute/ROBINS-E tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Pooled proportions were calculated using random-effects generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). Heterogeneity and small-study effects were evaluated using I2 statistics and Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) indices, respectively. Across 11 studies (15,679 cases), measles disproportionately affected children under five (n = 10,867). Vaccination history reporting was near-complete in children but negligible in adults (0·22%, 95% CI: 0·00-73·41%). Among cases with known history, 73·20% (95% CI: 59·37-83·61%) were unvaccinated. Age-ineligible infants (<9 months) comprised half the unvaccinated burden (49·98%, 95% CI: 24·85-75·13%). Among vaccinated cases, 74·84% (95% CI: 44·48-91·70%) were not fully vaccinated. Significant heterogeneity was observed throughout (I2 ≥ 89·0%). Risk of bias was generally low. Transmission was also documented among migrant and indigenous subpopulations. ASEAN measles outbreaks are driven by immunity gaps in unvaccinated children, partially vaccinated individuals, and age-ineligible infants. Achieving and sustaining regional measles elimination requires closing coverage gaps and addressing systemic drop-outs between doses. Future strategies must prioritize lifecycle immunity, including enforcement of the 2nd dose of measles containing vaccine (MCV2) and potential adult boosters, digitized vaccine registries, and cross-border collaboration.
Background: Venous resection during pancreatoduodenectomy is increasingly performed to achieve margin-negative resection in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma involving the portomesenteric venous axis. However, its impact on oncologic and perioperative outcomes remains debated. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comparative observational studies evaluating pancreatoduodenectomy with venous resection versus standard pancreatoduodenectomy were included. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included disease-free survival (DFS), R1 resection rate, and major postoperative morbidity. Secondary outcomes included R1 resection rate and major postoperative morbidity. Random-effects models were applied, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Nine studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Venous resection was not associated with inferior overall survival compared with standard pancreatoduodenectomy (pooled HR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.94-1.09). Disease-free survival was significantly shorter in the venous resection group (pooled HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.44), and venous resection was associated with a higher likelihood of R1 resection (pooled OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.22-1.70). Major postoperative morbidity did not differ significantly between groups (pooled OR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.94-1.22). Subgroup analyses demonstrated inferior survival outcomes following segmental compared with tangential venous resection. Conclusions: Venous resection during pancreatoduodenectomy can be performed safely in experienced centers without compromising overall survival or increasing major postoperative morbidity. Shorter disease-free survival and higher R1 rates appear to reflect advanced local tumor biology rather than the vascular procedure itself. The extent of venous involvement plays a critical role in prognosis and should be considered in surgical decision-making and future study design.
Objective: Optic pathway glioma (OPG) diagnosed in adults represents a rare and understudied tumor subtype. While pediatric OPGs are typically benign and associated with NF1 and RAS/MAPK pathway dysregulation, less is known about the clinical characteristics and prognostic drivers of OPGs in adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases. Studies reporting patient-level data and follow-up for patients diagnosed with optic pathway glioma at age ≥ 18 years were included. Results: Ninety-six studies comprising 149 adult patients were analyzed. Median patient age was 47 years (range: 18-90), and 51.0% of tumors were high-grade (WHO grade 3-4). Increasing age at diagnosis was significantly correlated with higher WHO grade (ρ = 0.600, p < 0.001), and optic tract involvement was associated with high-grade disease (χ2 = 8.08, p = 0.004; ϕ = 0.26). Median follow-up was 12 months, with 74 patients alive and 75 deceased at last follow-up. WHO grade was strongly associated with overall survival (log-rank p < 0.0001), with 24-month survival ranging from 96.9% for grade 1 tumors to 11.3% for grade 4 tumors. Compared with observation or steroid-only management, both surgical and non-surgical oncologic treatments were associated with longer observed survival, although no significant difference was observed between active treatment modalities. Conclusions: Optic pathway gliomas in adults exhibit a multimodal biologic distribution, encompassing both indolent low-grade tumors and aggressive high-grade malignancies. Survival outcomes appear to be primarily driven by tumor biology, with age and anatomic involvement correlating with tumor grade. Prospective, multicenter studies with comprehensive molecular profiling are needed to refine prognostic stratification and guide evidence-based management of this rare disease.
The increase in multidrug resistance in microorganisms and the rise of emergent infectious diseases worldwide is a threat to human and animal health. Therefore, research on new molecules with antibiotic potential is a priority. Lichens have a unique secondary metabolism with relatively untapped potential, yet their essential oils (EOs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remain a relatively untapped resource. This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with a comprehensive search performed in the Web of Science database for studies published up to 2023. From 254 identified records, six studies involving nine lichen species (Evernia prunastri, Evernia divaricata, Cladonia rangiformis, Cladonia furcata, Parmotrema perlatum, Lichina pygmaea, Parmelia perlata, Hypogymnia physodes, and Parmelia sulcata) met the eligibility criteria. The synthesized data show that these volatile fractions possess significant antimicrobial potential, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) generally lower than 1 mg/mL. Major bioactive constituents identified include atraric acid, orsellinates, and various sesquiterpenes. While the current evidence highlights a strong potential of lichen volatiles against pathogens, research is limited to a small fraction of known species. This review identifies a critical gap in testing these compounds directly against MDR clinical isolates and suggests that future research should focus on high-biomass species and the heterologous expression of lichen biosynthetic genes to develop sustainable antimicrobial applications.
Neospora caninum (protozoa: Apicomplexa) is a major cause of economic losses in bovine production systems due to reproductive failure and abortion in cows. Although there is evidence of camelids being exposed to N. caninum, the importance of these animals in the parasite's life cycle is unclear. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted for the first time to assess the seroprevalence of N. caninum in camels to improve understanding of the epidemiology of the disease and identify factors influencing its prevalence. Relevant scientific articles were retrieved from three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar without time limitations up to 1 August, 2025. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I2-statistic. Sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup and meta-regression analyses. A funnel plot, along with Begg's and Egger's tests, was used to detect publication bias. A total of 32 articles, including data on 12,749 camels, published between 1998 and 2025, met the final eligibility criteria. The pooled prevalence of N. caninum in camelids was 10% (95% CI: 7%-12%) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 93.75%, p < 0.0001). The highest seroprevalence was detected in Old World camelids at 14% (95% CI: 10%-19%), indicating greater susceptibility to N. caninum exposure. Higher prevalence rates were observed in Europe (14%, 95% CI: 7%-26%) and Asia (12%, 95% CI: 8%-18%) than in Australia (2%, 95% CI: 0%-8%). No significant differences in N. caninum seroprevalence were found between age groups, genders, host species, or diagnostic methods. The funnel plot and Begg's and Egger's tests indicated no substantial publication bias (Egger's test: p = 0.07). Despite the relatively low seroprevalence of N. caninum in camelids, the present results indicate a wide distribution of this parasite worldwide. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of camels in the life cycle of N. caninum.
Synthetic biology has enabled the development of sophisticated cell-free biosensors capable of complex, sensitive signal detection with promising clinical and environmental applications due to their ease of use, fast readout development, portability, and built-in biosafety. Nevertheless, the potential of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes as posttranscriptional biosensors in cell-free transcription-translation (TX-TL) systems remains largely unexplored. In this study, we test the performance of three different posttranscriptional circuits (RISC:miRNA, MS2-CNOT7:ms2L, and L7Ae:k-turn) in different TX-TL cell-free platforms (eukaryotic, prokaryotic, and recombinant) and evaluate the robustness of their reconstitution in vitro. We find that miRNA sensors encoded in in vitro-transcribed (IVT) luciferase RNAs work effectively, yet the difficulty in reliably quantifying the basal expression levels of the reporter gene represents a major bottleneck of IVT RNA-based miRNA sensors. Although the MS2-CNOT7:ms2L RNP circuit was robustly reconstituted in eukaryotic lysates, we found that lysate-dependent constraints hamper its use as an in vitro biosensor, reducing its programmability potential in the cell-free context. On the other hand, L7Ae:k-turn was successfully reconstituted in all cell-free platforms tested following thorough characterization of plasmid-specific and protocol-dependent effects on reporter expression and its conditional repression by L7Ae. Finally, we successfully introduced an additional control layer by implementing protease-responsive L7Ae-mediated conditional repression in the PURE system, indicating the potential of the L7Ae:k-turn RBP circuit as a promising cell-free biosensor for protease-based viral detection in vitro.
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects 7 million people. Studying the ecology of triatomine vectors through midgut content analysis allows for infection diagnosis and the identification of blood meal sources (BMSs). Current BMS methodologies are limited by the accuracy of genetic data for local fauna, limiting species identification of hosts involved in parasite transmission. Here, we performed a systematic review on BMSs of T. cruzi vectors and showed the geographical distribution by T. cruzi lineages and vertebrate orders. We propose a decision tree system combining ecological and taxonomic approaches (EcoTaxDT) to discriminate ambiguous BMS results. The EcoTaxDT was validated using published and new BMS results. The review highlights the growing number of BMS studies and the awareness of host species potentially involved in transmission cycles. In Brazilian studies, EcoTaxDT allowed for taxonomic assignments when genetic identity was insufficient or when identified taxa had no geographical occurrence. New BMS results, validated by EcoTaxDT, showed triatomines feeding on Natalus macrourus, Echimyidae, Tettigoniidae, and Tropidurus itambere. Reliable BMS data and T. cruzi diagnosis are crucial for understanding transmission dynamics and human infection risk. EcoTaxDT is functional in correcting inconsistent BMS outputs, ensuring robust and consistent results by integrating genetic, taxonomy, and species geographical distribution.
This study synthesizes epidemiological, virological, and ecological data from Iran and its neighboring endemic countries between 2005 and 2025. Analysis of 55 included studies revealed that the disease disproportionately affects males aged 15-44, particularly livestock handlers, slaughterhouse workers, and housewives, with elevated incidence in border provinces during spring and summer. Hyalomma ticks were identified as the primary reservoirs and vectors, while domestic ruminants-sheep, goats, and cattle -were confirmed as served as amplifying hosts. Phylogenetic investigations highlighted the Asia 1 genotype (Clade IV) across all three nations. Case fatality rates varied regionally, ranging from 8% to 20% in Iran and escalating to 12%-40% in Iran's territories, reflecting disparities in healthcare access and outbreak management. Endemic transmission hubs were concentrated in interconnected border zones, driven by unregulated livestock trade and seasonal migration that facilitate bidirectional pathogen exchange. The findings underscore the role of ecological connectivity and socioeconomic practices in perpetuating CCHF's regional burden. This review provides a novel, integrated perspective on cross-border transmission dynamics, offering insights for targeted interventions. Addressing these gaps will be critical to curbing CCHF's impact high-risk regions.
Protein S (PS) is an important, nonenzymatic cofactor with clinical relevance in coagulation disorders. Hereditary deficiency of PS is caused by pathogenic variants in the PROS1 gene, which encodes this protein. Identifying the presence and assessing the pathogenicity of PROS1 variants is essential for the effective management of patients with hereditary PS deficiency. The aim of this study was to identify PROS1 variants in patients with suspected hereditary PS deficiency and to evaluate their pathogenicity. The PROS1 coding sequence, including adjacent intron-exon boundaries, was analyzed in 276 patients with suspected hereditary PS deficiency using next-generation sequencing. Identified variants were evaluated based on existing literature, when available, or using bioinformatic prediction tools. The predicted pathogenicity was then compared with the patients' PS activity levels. Forty-eight distinct variants were identified in 101 patients. Twenty-seven of these variants have been previously described in the literature, and their pathogenicity was categorized based on all available evidence. Of the remaining 21 variants, 11 are listed in ClinVar and/or dbSNP; 10 are novel. The potential pathogenicity of these variants, as well as possible explanations for PS deficiency in patients without an identified variant, are discussed. In silico prediction tools are useful for a first assessment of pathogenicity for novel PROS1 variants. For a final evaluation of whether a variant is causative for hereditary PS deficiency, a comprehensive characterization is indispensable.
The human genome produces a large repertoire of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with important regulatory roles in development, physiology, and most of diseases. Among these, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key modulators of gene expression, chromatin organization, and cellular homeostasis, despite displaying remarkably low primary-sequence conservation across species. This apparent evolutionary paradox questions the limitations of predicting biological function based on conservation, particularly across different biological domains. Here, we examine current evidence on lncRNA evolution, with a focus on their roles in metabolic regulation compared with neurobiological processes. We hypothesize that lncRNAs involved in ancient and conserved pathways such as metabolism may be under stronger evolutionary constraint than those associated with higher-order, species-specific traits, although available data support a more nuanced interpretation. Functional importance often correlates poorly with linear sequence conservation and instead appears to depend on higher-level features, including RNA secondary or tertiary structure, genomic context, regulatory architecture, and interactions with conserved molecular partners. We propose a systematic comparative framework to empirically assess conservation among metabolism- and neuro-associated lncRNAs using phylogenetic, syntenic, structural, and expression-based metrics. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic implications of lncRNA biology, highlighting how a deeper understanding of their evolutionary and mechanistic properties may inform the development of more precise and effective RNA-targeting strategies. Together, these insights underscore the non-coding transcriptome as a critical frontier for both fundamental biology and precision medicine.
Rapid Autopsy Programs (RAP) are essential research infrastructures for precision medicine, providing high-quality biospecimens. While international standards emphasize the importance of antemortem informed consent, Japan's ethical and legal frameworks for RAP remain underdeveloped. Currently, Japan lacks a consistent approach to postmortem tissue utilization, with requirements for individual consent varying significantly between pathological autopsies, systematic dissection, and organ transplantation. This study aims to clarify Japanese public perceptions regarding the necessity of antemortem consent for RAP in comparison with these established methods to inform the development of future ethical guidelines. A nationwide internet survey was conducted in January 2025, involving 3,102 participants representative of the Japanese population's sex, age, and regional distribution. Participants viewed an educational video explaining four methods of postmortem tissue utilization: pathological autopsy, RAP, systematic dissection, and organ transplantation. To prevent bias, actual names and current legal statuses were not disclosed. Respondents rated the necessity of antemortem individual consent for each method using a six-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences between methods and demographic influences. The survey revealed a strong public preference for antemortem consent across all methods. Specifically, over 70% of respondents agreed that antemortem consent is necessary for pathological autopsies, and over 85% expressed the same view for RAP, systematic dissection, and organ transplantation. The results showed a marked discrepancy between Japan's current legal system-which often relies on family consent-and public ethical awareness emphasizing individual will. While 90% valued antemortem consent for respecting individual wishes, over 50% acknowledged the difficulty of refusing a physician's request and emphasized the importance of family intentions. Women and older adults placed significantly greater importance on antemortem consent for RAP. The Japanese public maintains high expectations for individual antemortem consent that exceed current legal requirements for some procedures. However, the findings also highlight the role of "relational autonomy," where family involvement and the clinical-research power dynamic influence decision-making. Developing an ethical framework for RAP in Japan requires not only prioritizing individual autonomy but also implementing "supported decision-making" and a clear separation between clinical and research teams to ensure social trust and cultural compatibility.
Synthetic biology has driven growing interest in engineered bacteria for cancer therapy. Salmonella Typhimurium stands out as one of the most promising live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) because of its innate tumor-targeting and colonizing abilities. However, the pathogenicity and inconsistent performance of wild-type S. Typhimurium have hindered further clinical translation. Recent advances in programmable and modular genetic redesign now enable precise reprogramming of bacterial functions, facilitating the creation of customized LBPs with enhanced safety and efficacy. In this review, we propose a systematic engineering framework with adaptive optimization and therapeutic enhancement for transforming S. Typhimurium into an effective anticancer LBP. This integrated strategy encompasses multiple facets, including strain attenuation, targeted enhancement, colonization optimization, therapeutic production, lysis-controlled release, and auxiliary modules. This review summarizes the key methodologies for engineering S. Typhimurium, highlighting its evolution from a pathogen to an antitumor vehicle. Furthermore, we summarize the multimodule collaborative engineering design and applications and call for more combinatorial strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy. We also discuss the challenges and bottlenecks of engineered S. Typhimurium from the perspectives of genetic stability and clinical translation. Finally, we highlight how these synthetic biology advances are refining the mechanistic understanding of bacteria-mediated tumor therapy and paving the way toward safer, more effective, and clinically controllable anticancer strategies.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) circulating in human blood are coated by adsorbed plasma proteins, termed the EV protein corona. The corona is an intrinsic property of EVs in vivo, forming through selective adsorption of tissue microenvironment secretome components and plasma proteins, and modulates key EV biological functions including cellular targeting, biodistribution, immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. These properties have emerging implications for therapeutic EV bioengineering. However, the corona also confounds plasma EV biomarker discovery by obscuring intrinsic vesicular proteins. Despite its importance, systematic and accessible annotation of EV-associated protein corona is lacking. EVennCorona is a web-based resource for annotating plasma-derived EV proteins using Venn diagram-based comparisons with curated protein corona reference datasets. The database integrates experimental validated comparative proteomics of EVs with and without corona across diverse EV populations. EVennCorona facilitates prioritisation of intrinsic EV proteins for plasma EV biomarker discovery and supports investigation of EV corona biology. The resource is available at https://schuti.github.io/EVennCorona.
Background: Airway mucus plugging is a key but long-overlooked mechanism of persistent airflow obstruction in both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Type 2 (T2) cytokines, particularly interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, drive goblet cell metaplasia, MUC5AC overexpression, and impaired mucociliary clearance, while eosinophil-derived products increase mucus viscosity and promote plug persistence. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to February 2026. Search terms included "mucus plugs," "mucus plugging," "biologics," "dupilumab," "tezepelumab," "mepolizumab," "benralizumab," "IL-4," "IL-13," "MUC5AC," "quantitative CT," "functional respiratory imaging," "asthma," and "COPD." Studies were included if they reported original data or systematic evidence on mucus plug quantification, biologic-mediated changes in mucus plug scores, or imaging modalities for mucus assessment in asthma or COPD. Editorials, case reports with fewer than three patients, and studies not available in English were excluded. Two authors (P.-V.M. and A.C.) independently screened titles and abstracts; discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and preclinical studies evaluating mucus plug outcomes and T2-targeted therapies were included. Reference lists of retrieved articles were hand-searched for additional relevant publications. Results: A recent systematic review identified multiple randomized controlled trials and observational studies that showed CT-assessed mucus plug scores go down with biologic therapies targeting the T2 pathway in asthma. Observational data extend this evidence to anti-IL-5/IL-5Rα agents. The VESTIGE trial provided the first functional respiratory imaging evidence of mucus plug resolution with dupilumab. In COPD, the BOREAS/NOTUS and MATINEE trials established the efficacy of dupilumab and mepolizumab in eosinophilic phenotypes; however, differences in inclusion criteria-particularly regarding FeNO thresholds and prior exacerbation burden-may explain divergent effects on lung function endpoints. Mucus plug outcomes have not been evaluated in COPD biologic trials. Quantitative imaging modalities, including HRCT mucus plug scoring, functional respiratory imaging, and hyperpolarized gas MRI, now enable objective assessment of mucus burden. Conclusions: Mucus plugging meets the definition of a treatable trait: it can be measured with CT scoring, it matters clinically, and it responds to T2 cytokine blockade. Adding mucus plug assessment to routine clinical evaluation, together with mucolytic strategies where needed, could move treatment decisions from empirical to biology-based across the asthma-COPD spectrum. Further studies are needed to confirm that mucus plug scoring works as a biomarker of treatment response in COPD and to test whether combining biologics with mucolytics improves outcomes.
Synchronization phenomena are pervasive in nature and appear across a wide range of scientific areas, including physics, biology, and engineering. These phenomena describe how interacting dynamical systems tend to coordinate their behavior over time. In many cases, the transition toward a fully synchronized state is neither immediate nor continuous; instead, it consists of intermittent dynamics characterized by alternating intervals of coherent behavior, where the systems evolve in unison, and bursts of desynchronized activity. Such intermittent synchronization has been extensively observed in biological systems, particularly in ensembles of neurons, where it plays a fundamental role in processes such as information transmission and cognitive function. The data sets presented in this work originate from two distinct experimental setups involving networks of 28 chaotic electronic oscillators based on the Rössler-like system. In the first approach, the networks are constructed entirely with analog electronic components, and in the second approach, the hybrid, we use a real-time datacard for the coupling with the electronic circuits. For the two experimental setup approaches, the oscillators are interconnected in a Watts-Strogatz (WS) small-world network or an Erdős-Rényi (ER) random topology. We consider that the datasets derived from these four experiments offer valuable resources for researchers aiming to analyze and validate theoretical models of synchronization. They are suitable for systematic studies on the influence of weak linear coupling strengths in the route to synchronized states.
Background/Objectives: Population-specific genomic data are essential for understanding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biology, particularly in underrepresented regions. This study aimed to perform exploratory single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-array-based profiling of HCC tumor samples from Indonesian patients and to prioritize candidate functional variants using a systematic in silico framework. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 15 resected HCC cases with available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue. Genome-wide SNP genotyping was performed using the Illumina Asian Screening Array. Following quality control and filtering, variants were annotated using the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor. A case-only functional prioritization approach incorporating multiple in silico prediction tools was applied, followed by gene-level burden aggregation. Results: After multistep filtering, 11 samples and 104 prioritized variants were retained for analysis. Variants consisted predominantly of splice-region, missense, and regulatory changes. Gene-level burden analysis identified Nuclear Autoantigenic Sperm Protein (NASP, rs775916096) as the highest-ranked candidate gene, while G protein-coupled receptor 78 (GPR78, rs558447540) emerged as a secondary candidate with predicted functional annotations but currently limited biological evidence in HCC. Given the tumor-only design without matched normal tissue, the prioritized variants cannot be distinguished from rare germline variants. Conclusions: This exploratory SNP-array study provides a hypothesis-generating framework for functional variant prioritization in Indonesian HCC. NASP and GPR78 represent preliminary candidates that require validation in larger cohorts with matched normal tissue and sequencing-based confirmation.
Major evolutionary transitions in Homo (e.g., increased brain size, complex social behavior) are linked to reliance on high-quality foods. Increased meat consumption likely contributed to this shift, but whether hominins practiced carcass acquisition and processing strategies consistently across time and environments remains unclear. The Koobi Fora Formation spans much of the Plio-Pleistocene and is central to reconstructing the ecology of early Homo. However, zooarchaeological research has focused almost entirely on the Okote Member (~1.56 to 1.38 Ma), while the KBS Member (~1.87 to 1.56 Ma) has yielded important hominin fossils but relatively few faunal assemblages comparably well preserved for similar analysis. We present an analysis of FwJj 80 (~1.6 Ma), an assemblage from the KBS Member that preserves butchered fauna associated with early Homo fossils. Results show that behaviors documented in the Okote Member, including early access to carcasses, selective transport of limbs, and systematic marrow extraction within riparian settings, were also practiced at FwJj 80. This provides the most comprehensive and systematically analyzed evidence of such behaviors within the KBS Member, demonstrating continuity in carcass-exploitation patterns between the KBS and Okote Members. Comparisons with FLK Zinj (~1.84 Ma, Tanzania) and Kanjera South (~2.0 Ma, Kenya) demonstrate a consistent foraging niche sustained across varied environmental contexts, underscoring behavioral flexibility as central to early Homo's evolutionary success.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), spondyloarthritis, calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, and the therapies used to treat them, particularly disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, exemplify clinical contexts where calcium homeostasis has underappreciated relevance. Calcium balance is central to skeletal integrity, immune signalling, and multisystem function in rheumatic diseases, yet it is frequently overshadowed by inflammatory priorities. Despite growing evidence linking calcium disorders to morbidity, integration into routine rheumatology care remains limited, representing a persistent clinical gap. The objective of this review is to synthesize current knowledge on the spectrum, mechanisms, manifestations, and management of calcium disorders in rheumatic diseases. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering literature published between 2015 and 2025, including original studies and reviews. Chronic inflammation, therapeutic exposures, endocrine disruption, and renal involvement collectively drive hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and crystal deposition disorders. These abnormalities contribute to skeletal fragility, renal complications, cardiovascular calcification, and diagnostic uncertainty. Integrating calcium assessment into rheumatologic practice has important implications for risk stratification, individualized therapy, and the prevention of long-term complications. Calcium disorders should be recognized as integral components of rheumatic disease biology rather than incidental comorbidities. The systematic, multidisciplinary integration of calcium homeostasis into rheumatology care can meaningfully improve patient outcomes.