Primary Clusters Research Articles

Geospatial analysis of limited access to drinking water services in East African countries: insights from recent demographic and health surveys

BackgroundLimited access to water caused by its scarcity is becoming one of the most serious problems facing several developing countries including East Africa. For this, understanding the spatial distribution of limited access to water source service is more pertinent. The purpose of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution of limited access to water source services in East Africa countries and seeks to inform the development and implementation of targeted interventions and policies in East Africa.MethodsThis study analyzed data from recent demographic and health surveys conducted in 12 East African nations between 2012 and 2023. Data were gathered from 206,748 households. Global spatial autocorrelation was performed to analyze whether the pattern of limited access to drinking water service is clustered, dispersed, or random across the study areas. Once a positive global autocorrelation was confirmed, a local spatial autocorrelation analysis (Getis-OrdGi* statistics) was employed to detect local clusters. ArcGIS Pro 2.8.0 was used to map the clusters and Kulldorff SaTScan version 10.0.2 software using Bernoulli model were used for spatial scan statistical tests. The geostatistical ordinary kriging spatial interpolation technique was used to predict for unsampled areas based on sampled clusters.ResultLimited access to drinking water service were spatially clustered in the study area (Moran’s I: 0.16) (p < 0.0000). 40 significant clusters of which, one primary cluster and 39 secondary clusters were identified. The first spatial window which contains primary clusters was located in Uganda and Rwanda. The other 39 secondary spatial clusters were observed in Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia and small part of Madagascar. Cold spot clusters were identified Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Comoros, Zambia and some parts of Kenya.ConclusionThe result of this study revealed the existence of spatial variation of limited access to drinking water services in East Africa. The variation was observed both within and across the countries. Engaging practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and local communities through multi-stakeholder platforms will establish effective management strategy, which will increase water access to the community.

A review of Canadian online resources providing information on COVID-19 vaccination for caregivers of children aged 5-11years.

A review of Canadian online resources providing information on COVID-19 vaccination for caregivers of children aged 5-11years.

Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon spp. in naturally infected dogs in Aydın province

Canine hepatozoonosis, a disease caused by the protozoan Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum, represents a significant tick-borne disease affecting domestic and wild carnivores. The objective of this study was to detect Hepatozoon species in randomly selected dogs from Aydın by PCR and to elucidate their molecular characterization and phylogenetic differences through sequence analysis. In total, 100 blood samples collected from dogs were analyzed, and the prevalence of Hepatozoon DNA was determined to be 3%, with only three samples testing positive. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene exhibited 100% similarity with corresponding H. canis isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene region revealed the formation of two primary clusters, one consisting of H. canis isolates and the other comprising different Hepatozoon species. While H. canis isolates formed distinct subclusters, they were all grouped separately from other Hepatozoon species. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis highlighted the presence of multiple H. canis haplotypes in Türkiye, with intraspecific nucleotide differences ranging from 0.0% to 2.9%. The nucleotide differences among the isolates identified in this study ranged from 0.0% to 1.6%. All sequences obtained in this study have been submitted to GenBank and assigned accession numbers PQ669652, PQ671331 and PQ669658. These findings underscore the need for further investigations into Hepatozoon infections among cats and wild animals in the region. Additionally, the detection of the parasite in vector ticks could offer valuable insights into the genetic diversity and distribution of circulating Hepatozoon species.

Stratifying cognitive and behavioral comorbidities in children with new-onset seizures - The influence of sociodemographic disadvantage.

Stratifying cognitive and behavioral comorbidities in children with new-onset seizures - The influence of sociodemographic disadvantage.

Metastable Calcium Phosphate Cluster-Involved Mineralization Process Regulated by a Dual Biomolecule System Toward the Application in Dentinal Tubules Occlusion.

Dentin hypersensitivity caused by the exposure of dentinal tubules is affecting a significant portion of the population. With promising prospects, the biomimetic mineralization materials used in treating dentin hypersensitivity are expected to possess a metastable characteristic, for which they can easily penetrate the tubules and the surrounding tissues, but then occlude them via a transformation of size and phase immediately. Herein, this study develops a metastable calcium phosphate cluster (MCPC)-involved mineralization process, which is regulated by dual biological macromolecules: bovine serum albumin (BSA) and poly-L-lysine (PLL). BSA functions to stabilize the primary calcium phosphate clusters; PLL further tunes the cluster's evolution (toward larger and crystalline particles) into a metastable fashion, and meanwhile inhibits the local bacteria. Upon treatments, the system generates amorphous MCPC with ultrasmall size (1-2nm); then they enter the deep dentinal tubules, subsequently aggregate and crystalline into immobile larger particles, which finally seal the exposed dentinal tubules. The effective occlusion of dentinal tubules as well as significant antibacterial performance are confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. This study has devised not only a regulatory approach for the evolution of mineralization-active clusters but also established an efficient method for managing dentin hypersensitivity.

A bibliometric analysis of the vocational education and training (VET) literature

The literature on Vocational Education and Training (VET) spans over six decades. This review conducts a bibliometric analysis of 447 Scopus-indexed documents from 1965 to 2023. It is the first to analyze VET-related literature published in ABS-listed journals within the field of economics. Our findings highlight significant publication growth since 2014 and identify four primary research clusters: “vocational education and skill formation,” “vocational training and labor market outcomes,” “human capital and economic growth,” and “apprenticeship contracts and training costs.” Based on the current knowledge structure, we suggest directions for future research.

Mapping Topic Relationships in Metaverse Research in Digital Business : A Co-Occurrence Approach

The metaverse, a virtual world integrated with real life, has attracted significant attention from both academic and industrial research communities. Projections estimate a market value of $800 billion by 2024. However, the majority of metaverse research to date has focused exclusively on technical aspects and specific applications. This research aims to map the inter-topic relationships in metaverse literature and digital business through bibliometric analysis, specifically co-occurrence analysis, to identify existing trends and patterns. Quantitative analysis, through bibliometric evaluation and descriptive statistics, was performed on the Scopus database, yielding 130 relevant articles from 2000 to 2024. The results indicated that "e-commerce" emerged as the predominant topic, followed by "augmented reality" and "virtual reality," underscoring its significance within the digital business landscape. The analysis identified six primary clusters: (1) Digital Transformation and Digital Economy, (2) E-Commerce and Customer Experience, (3) Consumer Behavior and Social Media, (4) Innovation and Digital Technology, (5) Big Data and Cross-Border Trade, and (6) Trust and Virtual Worlds.

Prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among public primary care physicians in a regional healthcare cluster in Singapore: a cross-sectional study.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) commonly affect workers across many industries. This includes healthcare workers, where the prevalence of MSDs ranges from 20% to 91.2% globally. As there is a lack of studies looking at the burden of MSDs among primary care physicians (PCPs), our study aimed to understand the prevalence of MSDs and explore their associated risk factors among PCPs working in the public sector in Singapore. This was a cross-sectional study, where PCPs in a primary healthcare cluster were invited to complete a self-administered web-based questionnaire, which consisted of demographic information and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic information and prevalence of MSDs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with the presence of MSDs. A total of 193 PCPs completed the study, of whom 174 (90.2%) reported the presence of MSDs in at least one body region in the last 12 months. The most common sites of trouble were the neck (72.5%), lower back (61.1%) and shoulder (50.3%). We also found that females had a higher risk of MSDs (odds ratio 5.66; 95% confidence interval 1.29-24.90) than males. Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of MSDs among our local PCPs. Female gender was associated with a higher risk of MSDs. As such, further research can be conducted to explore the risk factors for MSDs and their impact on productivity and quality of care. This would help in the development of preventive measures with the goal of reducing MSDs among PCPs.

Rural tourism as a driver of sustainable development: a systematic review and future research agenda

Purpose This study investigates the intersection of rural tourism and sustainable development through a comprehensive literature review. Using keywords co-occurrence and thematic co-citations analysis, this study aims to identify prevailing research themes and theoretical perspectives that shape the understanding of rural tourism’s role in promoting sustainability. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the Scopus database to analyze 277 publications spanning from 1990 to December 2023. The VOSviewer tool facilitates keyword and co-citation analysis, enabling the identification of thematic clusters and trends within the field. This methodology supports the tracking of evolving research trajectories and the delineation of key themes and theoretical frameworks. Findings The analysis reveals five primary thematic clusters: Integrated Approach to Rural Tourism, Institutionalizing Rural Tourism Development, Evolving Rural Tourism Sustainability, Rural Tourism: Prospects and Challenges and Rural Tourism Leadership and Impacts. This study applies various theoretical lenses, including Stakeholder Theory, Bounded Rationality, Theory of Planned Behavior and Social-Ecological Theory. The findings of this study underscore the significance of stakeholder interests, community engagement, sustainable practices, effective leadership and comprehensive measurement frameworks in advancing rural tourism. Originality/value This review provides a critical assessment of the current research landscape, offering valuable insights for researchers, policymakers and practitioners. By identifying key themes and theoretical perspectives, this study contributes actionable knowledge to foster sustainable development within rural tourism. This study also highlights future research directions, addressing gaps and suggesting areas for further exploration.

Spatial distribution of malaria among under-five children and associated factors in Tanzania: a spatial and multilevel analysis

BackgroundMalaria is a major public health problem in Tanzania, accounting for 3.1% of the global cases, with under-five children being particularly vulnerable. Over half of malaria deaths in Tanzania occurred among under-five children. Identifying the spatial determinants of malaria is crucial for optimizing targeted interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial determinants of malaria and factors associated with malaria infection among under-five children in Tanzania.MethodsA secondary data analysis was carried out using the Tanzanian Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS) 2022 data. A total weighted sample of 4971 under-five children was included in the analysis. Spatial determinants of malaria were identified by ordinary least square and geographically weighted regression analysis. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with malaria infection among under-five children.ResultsMalaria among under-five children was spatially clustered in Tanzania (Moran’s Index = 0.14, p-value < 0.0001). Significant primary clusters of malaria were identified in the Northwestern part of the country (western and Lake zones) (log-likelihood ratio (LLR = 80.22, p < 0.0001) and secondary clusters in the Mtwara region (LLR = 16.04, p < 0.0001). Wealth index and access to health care were significant determinants of spatial clustering of malaria among under-five children. In the multilevel analysis, maternal education [primary level (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.52–0.97)], child age of 48–59 months (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.80–5.62), family size of 5 to 10 (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.12, 2.54), being in poor wealth index (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.18–5.57), and unimproved roof (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.04–2.16) were significantly associated with malaria infection among under-five children.Conclusion and RecommendationMalaria among under-five children in Tanzania shows significant spatial clustering, particularly in the Northwestern and Southern parts of the country. This spatial clustering of malaria was attributed to poor socioeconomic status and lack of access to health care. Improving access to health care and enhancing malaria prevention measures for the economically disadvantaged group could have a better impact on reducing the burden of malaria.

Bibliometric Analysis of Relationship Between Value Perceptions on Luxury Products Purchase Intentions Using Proquest Database

Background: The field of value perceptions and luxury product purchase intentions has experienced significant development over the past decade. The expansion of the luxury market in a given country is closely linked to prevailing luxury consumption trends. Understanding the relationship between value perceptions and purchase intentions is crucial in analyzing consumer behavior in this sector. Purpose: The objectives of this research are to analyze the chronological distribution of relevant publications, identify clustering research topics and emerging sub-themes, review the relationships between value perceptions and purchase intentions in luxury products, and propose directions for future research.Design/Methodology/approach: This study explores key themes related to value perceptions in luxury product purchasing by conducting a bibliometric analysis of 13 journal articles from the ProQuest database, utilizing VOSviewer for data visualization.Finding/Result: The findings indicate a substantial increase in research on this topic over recent years, as reflected in the growing number of studies up to 2021. Furthermore, this study confirms that purchase intention is significantly influenced by multiple factors, including value perceptions, social influence, brand prominence, price perception, and service quality. The bibliometric analysis also identified five primary research clusters, highlighting the diverse aspects of value perceptions that shape consumer intentions toward luxury product purchases.Conclusion: The results reveal 12 primary keywords and five major research keyword clusters, demonstrating that purchase intention is interconnected with all key variables, particularly value perceptions and luxury products/luxury goods. Additionally, the analysis indicates a strong and positive nexus between value perceptions and luxury purchase intentions, reinforcing the role of perceived exclusivity, prestige, and quality in shaping consumer purchasing behavior.Originality/Value (state of the art): This study also examines publication output trends, the evolution of research interest, and the network visualization of key concepts, including intention, value perception, attitude, and luxury goods. By mapping the research landscape, this study provides insights into the theoretical and practical implications of value perceptions in luxury product purchasing, contributing to the development of future research directions. Keywords: bibliometric analysis, consumer behavior, luxury product, purchase intentions, value perceptions

A Bibliometric Analysis of Romanian Educational Research in Web of Science: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Global Integration

Over the past 30 years, Romanian Educational Research (RER) has strived to enhance its global visibility. This study examines the evolution and structure of RER through a bibliometric analysis of 10,396 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1975 to 2024. The results reveal fluctuating productivity, with growth driven by national and international initiatives, and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conference papers dominate research output, while articles and reviews are less frequent. Although domestic sources offer valuable publication opportunities, increasing visibility in high-impact journals is essential for international recognition. Universities across various regions contribute significantly, with research intensive institutions producing the bulk of articles and reviews. Five primary research clusters emerged, including studies on student performance factors, digital transformation in education, curriculum development and students’ skills, competency-based education and teacher training, as well as advancements in teaching, learning, and assessment practices. The study highlights the importance of international collaborations, particularly with institutions in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, to boost the worldwide impact of Romanian research. These findings provide insights into the current state of RER and suggest that fostering international partnerships and leveraging local strengths can enhance its global presence and contribute to academic diversity.

E-learning technologies at the secondary education level: literature review

IntroductionE-Learning Technologies play an integral role in secondary education, providing flexible and personalized learning environments through online platforms, mobile applications, and interactive resources. These tools have transformed access to knowledge and participation in the educational process, promoting autonomy and self-directed learning. However, significant gaps in research remain, underscoring the necessity for bibliometric analysis to address these gaps. The objective is to examine the current research trends on this topic.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-2020 guidelines, using the Scopus and Web of Science databases.ResultsThe results demonstrate that the years of greatest interest are 2022 and 2021, with a notable increase in the number of publications. The principal references include the work of Hwang and the journal Sage Open. Thematic evolution has progressed from virtual environments to encompass a range of subjects, including the Coronavirus (COVID-19), physical education, training, and motivation. The primary cluster encompasses terms such as “Intellectual Disability” and “Students.” The most prevalent keywords are related to the ongoing pandemic, including “COVID-19,” “motivation,” and “physical education.”DiscussionAdditionally, the emergence of new concepts such as “communication” and “effectiveness” is noteworthy. These trends underscore the necessity for a research agenda that prioritizes a more profound examination of these pivotal topics and the rectification of existing deficiencies in the existing literature.

Mapping the Intersection of Reverse Logistics and Sustainability: Research Trends and Specific Future Research Topics through Bibliometrics

Reverse logistics has garnered substantial attention from both organizations and scholars due to its advantages in promoting sustainability, especially in the face of global resource shortages and rising pollution levels. This study undertakes a bibliometric analysis of reverse logistics (RL) and sustainability to reveal its research trends, conceptual framework, and potential future research topics. The investigation started by defining search keywords that lead to a search string, data collection, cleaning, and analysis. Using performance analysis and science mapping techniques, this study examined a dataset comprising 1308 publications from Scopus. A novel sub-set visualization analysis in the extension of the science mapping technique was conducted to generate specific future research topics. The findings indicate a notable rise in research activity on reverse logistics and sustainability, reflecting an increasing recognition of global issues. The analysis highlighted a dominant focus on closed-loop supply chains and durable products, while open-loop supply chains and non-durable goods, such as food, have been less explored. This imbalance points to a notable gap in the existing literature. Science mapping through network visualization identified five primary cluster themes. Additionally, the sub-set visualization of co-word analysis provides a detailed view of the sub-set conceptual network, helping to identify related keywords and develop both potential future main topics and sub-topics. Based on these insights, the study recommends that future research should focus on exploring open-loop supply chains and prioritizing non-durable products, particularly food products.

Evolution of crystallographic preferred orientations of ice sheared to high strains by equal-channel angular pressing

Abstract. Plastic deformation of polycrystalline hexagonal ice (ice Ih) induces crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs), which give rise to anisotropy in the viscosity of ice, thereby exerting a strong influence on the flow of glaciers and ice sheets. The development of CPOs is governed by the relative importance of two pivotal recrystallization mechanisms: subgrain and lattice rotation and strain-induced grain boundary migration (GBM). To examine the impact of strain on the relative importance of these two mechanisms, synthetic ice (doped with ∼ 1 vol. % graphite) was deformed using the equal-channel angular pressing technique, enabling multiple passes to accumulate substantial shear strains. Nominal shear strains of up to 6.2, equivalent to a nominal von Mises strain of ε′ ≈ 3.6, were achieved in samples at a temperature of −5 °C. Cryo-electron backscatter diffraction analysis reveals a primary cluster of crystal c axes perpendicular to the shear plane in all samples, accompanied by a secondary cluster of c axes at an oblique angle to the primary cluster antithetic to the shear direction. With increasing strain, the primary c-axis cluster strengthens, while the secondary cluster weakens. The angle between the clusters remains within the range of 45 to 60°. The c-axis clusters are elongated perpendicular to the shear direction, with this elongation intensifying as strain increases. Subsequent annealing of the highest-strain sample reveals the same CPO patterns as observed prior to annealing, albeit slightly weaker. A synthesis of various experimental data suggests that the CPO pattern, including the orientation of the secondary cluster, results from a balance of two competing mechanisms: lattice rotation due to dislocation slip, which fortifies the primary cluster while rotating and weakening the secondary one, and grain growth by strain-induced GBM, which reinforces both clusters while rotating the secondary cluster in the opposite direction. As strain increases, GBM contributes progressively less. This investigation supports the previous hypothesis that a single cluster of c axes could be generated in high-strain experiments while further refining our comprehension of CPO development in ice.

Spatial variation and associated factors of unmet need for family planning among reproductive age women in Ethiopia, insights from 2021 PMA-Ethiopia data: multilevel logistic regression analysis

BackgroundThe unmet need for family planning (FP) occurs when women want to limit or delay childbearing but lack access to contraception, leading to unintended pregnancies and increased maternal and child mortality, especially in developing countries. This study uses the 2021 PMA-Ethiopia survey to assess unmet need for family planning (FP) among reproductive age women, addressing limitations in previous research that relied on outdated and non-representative data. The findings offer valuable insights to help policymakers address local challenges and improve reproductive health outcomes in Ethiopia.MethodsThis study utilized secondary data from the Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia survey conducted in 2021. A total of 5,203 reproductive-aged women were included in this study. STATA version 16 was used to cross-tabulate and fit the models. To account for the hierarchical structure of the data, we employed multilevel logistic regression. We estimated four statistical models: a null model (Model 0) to assess between-community variations, Model I incorporating individual-level predictors, Model II adding community-level factors, and Model III including both. To select the best-fitting model, we conducted model comparison using BIC, AIC, deviance, and log-likelihood ratio (LLR) to assess model performance. We calculated adjusted odds ratios along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Furthermore, a significance level of p < 0.05 was considered as strong evidence of statistical significance.ResultsThe prevalence of unmet need for family planning among reproductive-age women was 23.60% [95% CI: 22.46%, 24.78%]. Model comparison indicated that Model III exhibited the best fit, with the lowest AIC (5306) and DIC (5300) values, along with an improved log-likelihood (-2650). Factors positively associated with unmet need included women aged 45–49 [AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: (2.97, 7.43)], 40–44 [AOR = 3.21, 95% CI: (2.23, 4.61)], 35–39 [AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: (1.78, 3.44)], and 30–34 years [AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: (1.76, 3.33)] compared to those aged 15–19 years. Conversely, having 1–2 children [AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.56], having 3–4 children [AOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.63], and having five or more children [AOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.66] were factors negatively associated with unmet need compared to women who are para 0. Furthermore, the spatial pattern of unmet need for family planning exhibited clustering (Moran’s index = 0.25, p-value = 0.0039). The primary cluster is located in the central part of Oromia, northern SNNP, northwest of Sidama, and northeastern part of Southwest Ethiopia.ConclusionThis study affirms the ongoing high prevalence of unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia. It identified women’s age and parity as crucial factors correlated with unmet need for FP. Additionally, there exists an unequal distribution of the burden of unmet need for FP across the country. To address the varying reproductive health needs at different life stages and parity levels, the interventional plan needs to be based on women’s age and the number of children they have. Moreover, location-tailored interventional plans should be employed to optimize family planning related service inequalities.

Prevalence, genotyping, and molecular relatedness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from tertiary care hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen causing severe morbidity and mortality in hospitals globally.Transmission of MRSA occurs within the healthcare sector as a nosocomial infection, primarily facilitated by healthcare workers or patients admitted to medical facilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic characterization and similarity of MRSA strains isolated from both inpatients and outpatients who visited various healthcare facilities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 MRSA strains were isolated from participants between March 2018 and June 2019. The recovered strains were characterized using both phenotypic and genotypic methods. All isolates (n=200) tested positive for the S. aureus 16S rRNA gene, with 92.5% also testing positive for the mecA gene, while 7.5% were identified as methicillin-susceptible. Furthermore, the typing and subtyping of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) genetic element indicated that 61.6% of the MRSA strains were classified as type III (hospital-acquired), while 32.4% were identified as type IV and 6% remained of an unknown type. Subtyping of SCCmec type IV and the detection of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene were also conducted. The genetic relatedness among MRSA isolates, assessed through Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR), revealed two primary clusters, with no discernible differentiation between outpatient and inpatient strains. Additionally, Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) fingerprinting of the examined strains identified four major clusters. The first cluster comprised three groups (16 strains), isolated from patients with respiratory and soft tissue infections. The second cluster included two groups (12 strains), all recovered from patients with respiratory, soft tissue, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). The third and fourth clusters each contained one group (6 strains and 5 strains, respectively), all isolated from outpatients. In conclusion, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed significant resistance to ceftriaxone, ampicillin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, with vancomycin and gentamicin being the most susceptible. Multiplex PCR identified all positive MRSA strains within hours. Most isolates were SCCmec type III and type IV. The PVL gene was found in all S. aureus isolates, especially in type IV and methicillin-sensitive strains, but not in type III. RAPD-PCR analysis revealed distinct profiles for outpatient and inpatient strains.

Copper Vapor Catalyzing Role in the Growth of Graphene.

Cu is the most used substrate to grow monolayer graphene under a temperature near the melting point. In this study, we elaborated a remarkable amount of Cu clusters were continuously evaporated during the graphene growth, resulting in the vapor pressure comparable with the CH4. Importantly, the decomposition barrier of CH4 on Cu clusters is similar to or even lower than that on the Cu surface. CuCH4 serves as the primary active cluster in complex intermediates, exhibiting a growth-promoting effect. Particularly after the first graphene layer coverage, it may emerge as a dominant catalytic factor for multilayer growth by supplying critical growth species. Through controlled seed incorporation, this mechanism is expected to enable large-area controllable growth of bilayer and multilayer graphene structures.

Developmental pyrethroid exposure disrupts molecular pathways for MAP kinase and circadian rhythms in mouse brain.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a category of pervasive disorders of the developing nervous system with few or no recognized biomarkers. A significant portion of the risk for NDDs, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is contributed by the environment, and exposure to pyrethroid pesticides during pregnancy has been identified as a potential risk factor for NDD in the unborn child. We recently showed that low-dose developmental exposure to the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin in mice causes male-biased changes to ADHD- and NDD-relevant behaviors as well as the striatal dopamine system. Here, we used an integrated multiomics approach to determine the broadest possible set of biological changes in the mouse brain caused by developmental pyrethroid exposure (DPE). Using a litter-based, split-sample design, we exposed mouse dams during pregnancy and lactation to deltamethrin (3 mg/kg or vehicle every 3 days) at a concentration well below the EPA-determined benchmark dose used for regulatory guidance. We raised male offspring to adulthood, euthanized them, and pulverized and divided whole brain samples for split-sample transcriptomics, kinomics, and multiomics integration. Transcriptome analysis revealed alterations to multiple canonical clock genes, and kinome analysis revealed changes in the activity of multiple kinases involved in synaptic plasticity, including the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase ERK. Multiomics integration revealed a dysregulated protein-protein interaction network containing primary clusters for MAP kinase cascades, regulation of apoptosis, and synaptic function. These results demonstrate that DPE causes a multimodal biophenotype in the brain relevant to ADHD and identifies new potential mechanisms of action.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we provide the first evidence that low-dose developmental exposure to a pyrethroid pesticide, deltamethrin, results in molecular disruptions in the adult mouse brain in pathways regulating circadian rhythms and neuronal growth (MAP kinase). This same exposure causes a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD)-relevant behavioral change in adult mice, making these findings relevant to the prevention of NDDs.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Extensive Heterogeneity and Unique Gene Trajectories in Non-Transformed and Transformed Human Lung Epithelial Cells: Insights into the Role of LncRNAs in Tumor Heterogeneity.

Lung cancer exhibits substantial inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, with features that present significant challenges in advancing biomarker discovery and the development of targeted therapeutics. To fill this gap, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and advanced bioinformatics tools to evaluate the transcriptomic heterogeneity of immortalized, non-transformed (BEAS2B) and transformed (H460) lung epithelial cell lines and their responses to carcinogen challenge. Gene expression profiles resolved four primary clusters further discretized into unique subclusters based on genetic signatures and phenotypic profiles. Profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) identified microRNA host genes, antisense RNA genes, divergent transcript, and long intergenic non-coding RNAs as contributors to cellular heterogeneity. These findings indicate that distinct patterns of gene expression, remarkably in lncRNAs, define cellular heterogeneity in non-transformed versus transformed cells. These features can be exploited for the development of therapies directed at specific cell subpopulations in precancerous lesions and within lung tumors.