Research Efforts Research Articles

DeepmiRNATar: A deep learning-based model for miRNA targets prediction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating fundamental biological processes such as the cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis by directly interacting with multiple genes (mRNAs). This regulatory mechanism has a profound impact on cellular function and the overall physiological condition of an organism. However, the prediction of miRNA-mRNA interactions encounters computational challenges in the field of biology due to the diverse sequences and complex data patterns. To overcome these obstacles, this research effort introduced DeepmiRNATar, a tool designed to precisely pinpoint miRNA targets, offering essential assistance in the realm of disease management. DeepmiRNATar leverages the Word2vec-based DeepLncLoc approach for encoding miRNA sequence characteristics and utilizes the DNABERT pre-trained model for in-depth semantic comprehension of target sequences. Through the integration of TextCNN, BiLSTM, and SpatialConv Attention mechanisms, the model scrutinizes structural features, temporal relationships, and overall interactions within the sequences. Following a series of experimental assessments, DeepmiRNATar attained an impressive AUC of 99.15% on the evaluation dataset, on par with the current leading prediction methodologies. Notably, the precision-recall curve, sensitivity, and F-measure values reached 99.18%, 97.43%, and 95.47%, respectively. Compared to existing miRNA target prediction models, DeepmiRNATar demonstrates a notable enhancement in overall predictive accuracy. The successful creation and experimental validation of the DeepmiRNATar model signify a significant advancement in miRNA target identification technology.

PharmFreq: a comprehensive atlas of ethnogeographic allelic variation in clinically important pharmacogenes

Abstract Genetic polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters as well as in genes encoding the human major histocompatibility complex contribute to inter-individual differences in drug efficacy and safety. The extent, pattern and complexity of such pharmacogenetic variation differ drastically across human populations. Here, we present PharmFreq, a global repository of pharmacogenetic frequency information that aggregates frequency data of 658 allelic variants from over 10 million individuals collected from >1200 studies across 144 countries. Most investigations were conducted in East Asian and European populations, accounting for 29.4 and 26.6% of all studies, respectively. We find that the number of studies per country and aggregated cohort size correlated significantly with population size (R = 0.55, P= 3*10−9) and country gross domestic product (R = 0.43, P= 2*10−6) with overall population coverage varying between 5% in Estonia to < 0.001% in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. All frequency data are openly accessible via a web-based interactive dashboard at pharmfreq.com that facilitates the exploration, visualization and analysis of country- and population-specific data and their inferred phenotypic consequences. PharmFreq thus presents a comprehensive, freely available resource for pharmacogenetic variant frequencies that can inform about ethnogeographic pharmacogenomic diversity and reveal important inequities that help to focus future research efforts into underrepresented populations.

The next generation of physician-researchers: undergraduate medical students’ and residents’ attitudes, challenges, and approaches towards addressing them

Abstract Background Undergraduate medical education and residency training are critical periods for conducting research. Medical diagnoses and therapies are direct results of successful research efforts that have advanced several scientific fields. This review highlights the importance of incorporating scientific research training into the curricula of undergraduate medical education and residency programs. Methods We utilized key databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to conduct a narrative review of English-language articles published between 2002 and 2024. Ultimately, we selected 49 studies that examined the attitudes of undergraduate medical students and residents toward research, the common challenges they encounter while participating in research activities, and the strategies that support and encourage their involvement, all in alignment with our study objectives and keywords. In addition, we identified several relevant themes, including the value of research experience in shaping well-rounded medical professionals; the integrity of research practices in residency selection, which addresses concerns such as the arms race and misrepresentation, as well as the balance between quality and quantity; striking a balance between research and clinical training while promoting equity and inclusion; and effective programs and mentorship strategies to enhance research engagement. Results Translating the positive attitudes of undergraduate medical students and residents into improved knowledge and practice necessitates the development of structured mentoring programs and advanced training systems. Institutions must provide the necessary tools, guidance, and support to overcome research barriers. This will help establish an environment in undergraduate medical education and residency training that values research, facilitates access to it, and integrates it into the curriculum. Conclusions To address the critical shortage of physician-researchers and improve evidence-based medical practice, it is crucial for medical schools to focus on research education and create avenues for student involvement. By tackling research challenges and implementing supportive strategies, these efforts empower the next generation of physician-researchers to embrace research, contribute to medical progress, and uphold the highest standards of patient care.

Traumatic Brain Injury as a Public Health Issue: Epidemiology, Prognostic Factors and Useful Data from Forensic Practice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major public health problem, being a leading cause of disability and mortality among young people in developed countries. Head trauma occurs across all age groups, each experiencing consistently high rates of mortality and disability. This review aims to present an overview of TBI epidemiology and its socioeconomic impact, alongside data valuable for prevention, clinical management, and research efforts. Methods: A narrative review of TBI was performed with a particular focus on forensic pathology and public health. In fact, this review highlighted the economic and epidemiological aspects of TBI, as well as autopsy, histology, immunohistochemistry, and miRNA. Results: These data, together with immunohistochemical markers, are crucial for histopathological diagnosis and to determine the timing of injury onset, a fundamental aspect in forensic pathology practice. There is compelling evidence that brain injury biomarkers may enhance predictive models for clinical and prognostic outcomes. By clarifying the cause of death and providing details on survival time after trauma, forensic tools offer valuable information to improve the clinical management of TBI and guide preventive interventions. Conclusions: TBI is one of the most common causes of death today, with high costs for health care spending. Knowing the different mechanisms of TBI, reduces health care costs and helps improve prognosis.

Lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Perspectives in the Medico-Legal Field

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to an enormous global health, social and economic crisis. The pandemic caused considerable upheaval and considerable difficulties due to an unforeseen and devastating health condition. Materials and Methods: We discuss the numerous challenges encountered in the fields of forensic medicine and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly during the first wave of the pandemic, forensic pathologists faced significant difficulties due to the lack of safe autopsy protocols and insufficient personal protective equipment. Mainly in Europe, they had to manage a substantial number of potential cases of medical liability related to COVID-19. The widespread outbreak of the virus in residential care homes and prisons posed another significant challenge. Furthermore, forensic pathologists had to address the issue of complications arising from vaccination campaigns. Conclusions: This article underscores the need for continued efforts in scientific research and healthcare preparedness to effectively manage such complex crises. Forensic pathologists must be equipped with the necessary resources and training to address unpredictable, complex situations with far-reaching social implications.

Rock glacier inventory and predictive modeling in the Mackenzie Mountains: predicting rock glacier likelihood with a generalized additive model

Rock glaciers have been the subject of extensive research in recent years due to their potential to serve as indicators of past and present climate conditions and their potential impacts on water resources. Location and descriptive rock glacier data within the Mackenzie Mountains were used to build a rock glacier inventory that will serve as a valuable resource for future research and monitoring efforts. Additionally, this study maps the likelihood of rock glacier presence using extracted variables in a generalized additive model (GAM). The model incorporates attribute data, including potential incoming solar radiation (PISR), topographic position index (TPI), slope, elevation, and lithology as controls for rock glacier development. Topographic data were compiled for three study regions of the Mackenzie Mountains from a 30 m digital elevation model (DEM). The analysis of the GAM showed that the most significant explanatory variables were PISR, elevation, slope, and TPI. The GAM model had an accuracy of 0.87 with a sensitivity of 0.92. This study provides important insights into the controls, distribution, and dynamics of rock glaciers in the Mackenzie Mountains, as well as both the limitations and the potential of statistical models in predicting their occurrence.

Systematic Review on Additive Friction Stir Deposition: Materials, Processes, Monitoring and Modelling

Emerging solid-state additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have recently garnered significant interest because they can prevent the defects that other metal AM processes may have due to sintering or melting. Additive friction stir deposition (AFSD), also known as MELD, is a solid-state AM technology that utilises bar feedstocks as the input material and frictional–deformational heat as the energy source. AFSD offers high deposition rates and is a promising technique for achieving defect-free material properties like wrought aluminium, magnesium, steel, and titanium alloys. While it offers benefits in terms of productivity and material properties, its low technology readiness level prevents widespread adoption. Academics and engineers are conducting research across various subfields to better understand the process parameters, material properties, process monitoring, and modelling of the AFSD technology. Yet, it is also crucial to compile and compare the research findings from past studies on this new technology to gain a comprehensive understanding and pinpoint future research paths. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of AFSD focusing on process parameters, material properties, monitoring, and modelling. In addition to examining data from existing studies, this paper identifies areas where research is lacking and suggests paths for future research efforts.

Minimizing postharvest food losses: a vital strategy to alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition in developing nations: a review

Abstract As global food production encounters escalating challenges, postharvest losses (PHLs) emerge as a critical yet often overlooked issue. Despite considerable progress in food production, PHLs remain a significant concern, accounting for an average of 14% of food production in 2021. Against the backdrop of 811 million people facing food insecurity and the triple burden of malnutrition, it becomes increasingly evident that reducing food losses offers a sustainable solution to enhancing global food and nutritional security, particularly in developing countries. This review aims to underscore the significance of PHLs, their impact on global food security, and the current PHL scenario in developing nations. Despite the abundance of innovative technologies developed by researchers, accessibility to these technologies remains limited for farmers in many countries. The ongoing struggle and dire circumstances surrounding proper food handling in developing nations necessitate immediate action. Research efforts must focus on assessing the regional applicability, costs, and economic returns of existing technologies for mitigating PHLs. In addition to capital investments, the long-term sustainability of reducing PHLs hinges on ensuring the effective use of these technologies through education and training. Graphical Abstract

Mapping microfinance research to sustainable development goals: Insights from Scientometrics and BERTopic analysis

AbstractMicrofinance research plays a pivotal role in addressing global development challenges, yet comprehensive assessments of its alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs) remain scarce. This study fills this gap by systematically mapping the landscape of microfinance literature to its corresponding SDG contributions. Leveraging data from Scopus and SCIval, we analyzed 1004 microfinance articles spanning between 2014 and 2023. Our findings reveal a substantial body of research focused on poverty alleviation (SDG 1) and economic empowerment (SDG 8), with notable attention to gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). Key thematic clusters include the performance and impact of microfinance institutions (MFIs), microinsurance innovations, and Islamic microfinance. Notably, top‐cited articles underscored the sector's commitment to poverty alleviation and economic growth, with a nuanced exploration of gender dynamics and rural household impacts. Furthermore, our BERTopic analysis unveils the multidimensional nature of microfinance research, highlighting prevalent themes such as MFI performance and rural household impact. Geographically, research efforts are concentrated in the United States, India, and France, reflecting a global commitment to SDG‐aligned microfinance interventions. The paper's theoretical contributions lie in its framework development, interdisciplinary engagement, nuanced understanding of microfinance themes, global perspective, and methodological advancements, all of which enhance the scholarly discourse on microfinance's role in achieving SDGs.

We Are on the Verge of Breakthrough Cures for Type 1 Diabetes, but Who Are the 2 Million Americans Who Have It?

Background: Two million Americans have type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Innovative treatments have standardized insulin delivery and improved outcomes for patients, but patients’ access to such technologies depends on social determinants of health, including insurance coverage, proper diagnosis, and appropriate patient supports. Prior estimates of US prevalence, incidence, and patient characteristics have relied on data from select regions and younger ages and miss important determinants. Objectives: This study sought to use large, nationally representative healthcare claims data sets to holistically estimate the size of the current US population with T1DM and investigate geographic nuances in prevalence and incidence, patient demographics, insurance coverage, and device use. This work also aimed to project T1DM population growth over the next 10 years. Methods: We used administrative claims from 4 sources to identify prevalent and incident T1DM patients in the US, as well as various demographic and insurance characteristics of the patient population. We combined this data with information from national population growth projections and literature to construct an actuarial model to project growth of the T1DM population based on current trends and scenarios for 2024, 2029, and 2033. Results: We estimated 2.07 million T1DM patients nationally across all insurance coverages in our 2024 baseline model year: 1.79 million adults (≥20 years) and 0.28 million children. This represents a US T1DM prevalence rate of 617 per 100 000 and an incidence rate of 0.016%. By 2033, we project the US population with T1DM will grow by about 10%, reaching approximately 2.29 million patients. Discussion: Our results showed important differences in T1DM prevalence and incidence across regions, payers, and ethnic groups. This suggests studies based on more geographically concentrated data may miss important variation in prevalence and incidence across regions. It also indicates T1DM prevalence tends to vary by income, consistent with several international studies. Conclusions: Accurate projections of T1DM population growth are critical to ensure appropriate healthcare coverage and reimbursement for treatments. Our work supports future policy and research efforts with 2024, 2029, and 2033 projections of demographics and insurance coverage for people with T1DM.

We Are on the Verge of Breakthrough Cures for Type 1 Diabetes, but Who Are the 2 Million Americans Who Have It?

Background: Two million Americans have type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Innovative treatments have standardized insulin delivery and improved outcomes for patients, but patients’ access to such technologies depends on social determinants of health, including insurance coverage, proper diagnosis, and appropriate patient supports. Prior estimates of US prevalence, incidence, and patient characteristics have relied on data from select regions and younger ages and miss important determinants. Objectives: This study sought to use large, nationally representative healthcare claims data sets to holistically estimate the size of the current US population with T1DM and investigate geographic nuances in prevalence and incidence, patient demographics, insurance coverage, and device use. This work also aimed to project T1DM population growth over the next 10 years. Methods: We used administrative claims from 4 sources to identify prevalent and incident T1DM patients in the US, as well as various demographic and insurance characteristics of the patient population. We combined this data with information from national population growth projections and literature to construct an actuarial model to project growth of the T1DM population based on current trends and scenarios for 2024, 2029, and 2033. Results: We estimated 2.07 million T1DM patients nationally across all insurance coverages in our 2024 baseline model year: 1.79 million adults (≥20 years) and 0.28 million children. This represents a US T1DM prevalence rate of 617 per 100 000 and an incidence rate of 0.016%. By 2033, we project the US population with T1DM will grow by about 10%, reaching approximately 2.29 million patients. Discussion: Our results showed important differences in T1DM prevalence and incidence across regions, payers, and ethnic groups. This suggests studies based on more geographically concentrated data may miss important variation in prevalence and incidence across regions. It also indicates T1DM prevalence tends to vary by income, consistent with several international studies. Conclusions: Accurate projections of T1DM population growth are critical to ensure appropriate healthcare coverage and reimbursement for treatments. Our work supports future policy and research efforts with 2024, 2029, and 2033 projections of demographics and insurance coverage for people with T1DM.

Exploring digital voices to evaluate user perception, satisfaction and service quality in libraries

PurposeThis study has aimed to thoroughly assess user sentiments and perceptions regarding the National Library of India (NLI). It has attempted to provide significant insights into user satisfaction by examining its strengths and shortcomings across key categories including collection, environment, facilities, location, management and staff. The study has contributed to the understanding of the factors influencing the attributes of libraries, facilitating improvements in services and enhancing the overall user experience.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess user sentiments towards the NLI. Using Google Maps reviews, the study utilized web scraping, content analysis and sentiment analysis to categorize reviews as positive, negative or neutral, providing insights into user experiences and an in-depth analysis of the views and opinions of the NLI.FindingsThe study involved sentiment analysis and content analysis of 818 Google Maps reviews to assess user satisfaction with the NLI. The results demonstrate 624 reviews as positive sentiments, 70 instances pinpointed specific negative concerns, primarily related to staff behavior and certain facilities, and 124 neutral reviews suggested mixed viewpoints among users. This analysis highlights the critical role of attributes such as collection quality, environment and facilities in shaping user perceptions, emphasizing the need for focused improvements based on user feedback. The study revealed six attributes, namely collection, environment, facilities, location, management and staff that influence the user perception.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is focused solely on Google Maps reviews. Hence, the results cannot be generalized to all online platforms. Reliance on online reviews may not fully capture the views of all the library users. Additionally, the scope of the study is limited to English-language comments, potentially overlooking valuable insights from non-English-language reviews.Practical implicationsThis study provides valuable insights for the NLI to enhance user satisfaction by addressing the specific concerns raised in online reviews. The findings offer actionable guidance for library management to refine services and maintain favorable public perceptions.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive analysis of user sentiment through sentiment and content analysis of online reviews, offering unique insights into the NLI’s public perception. The identification of key strengths and weaknesses adds practical value to library management for refining services. The originality of this study lies in its unique approach to evaluating user experiences, which guides future research and improvement efforts in library services.

Correlation between Woody Species and Environmental Variables in a Tropical Forest in Central Laos

The tropical forest biome serves as a significant focal point for conservation endeavors. However, understanding the variations in woody plant composition and the underlying driving factors remains limited. The vegetation gradient within Phou Khao Khouay (PKK) National Park in central Laos presents an intriguing environmental model for investigating these patterns. This study, conducted within PKK National Park, aims to classify woody plant communities of three different forest types: mixed deciduous forest (MDF), dry evergreen forest (DEF), and mixed coniferous forest (MCF), utilizing both the phytosociology approach and multivariate analysis. Data from 32 permanent plots (each measuring 50 m × 50 m) were analyzed, revealing 5,477 tree individuals with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm, representing 194 woody species from 64 families and 133 genera. The results indicate significant diversity at the family and genus levels, identifying four distinct plant communities and 44 indicator species based on Tichy and Chytry's phi coefficient method. Stability characterizes the MCF forest type, while the stands of DEF and MDF exhibit differentiation into three communities each. Notably, high heterogeneity in species composition and environmental conditions is evident, with elevation and soil nutrient levels (specifically total phosphorus and total potassium) emerging as primary influencers on species coexistence. The study also highlights correlations between woody plant species composition and topographic and soil variables. These findings underscore the importance of identifying microhabitats conducive to growing and conserving woody plant species within PKK National Park for future research and conservation efforts.

Abstract 4135629: Grades and trends from the 2024 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

Background: Regular physical activity provides numerous health benefits including improved cardiovascular health. Population-level physical activity surveillance is critical for informing research, practice, and policy efforts for supporting population health and health disparities. The United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth addresses physical activity surveillance needs by integrating data from numerous sources capturing levels of physical activity and related behaviors (e.g., sedentary behavior, sleep), and facilitators and barriers for physical activity among United States youth. The 2024 Report Card is the 5 th and decennial iteration in the series, released October 2024. Methods: A Report Card Working Group was assembled under the auspices of the Physical Activity Alliance and National Physical Activity Plan. Members reviewed the evidence for 11 indicators using data from nationally representative surveys and assigned grades. Data were examined for the overall population and, when possible, by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and disability subgroups. A standardized grading rubric was used to assign a letter grade to each indicator ranging from A to F. Trends in key benchmarks over time were examined since the first report card (2014) or earliest available data. Results: Sufficient data were available to assign grades for 8 of the 11 indicators. The assigned grades ranged from B- to F, with overall physical activity levels earning a D- (Table 1). No indicators improved since 2014. Five indicators - overall physical activity, organized sport participation, active transportation, sedentary behaviors, and school - worsened since 2014. Conclusions: The compiled surveillance report indicates generally poor grades and concerning trends over the recent decade. These findings highlight opportunities to improve physical activity levels and resources for supporting cardiovascular health among United States youth. Policy approaches are needed to combat societal factors that interfere with physical activity. Gaps in data availability, specificity, and quality point to needs for improved surveillance to track impacts. The 2024 Report Card can be a tool for supporting advocacy of regular physical activity at the national and local level.

The comparative role of physical system processes in Hudson Strait ice stream cycling: a comprehensive model-based test of Heinrich event hypotheses

Abstract. Despite their recognized significance on global climate and extensive research efforts, the mechanism(s) driving Heinrich events remain(s) a subject of debate. Here, we use the 3D thermomechanically coupled glacial systems model (GSM) to examine the Hudson Strait ice stream surge cycling and the role of three factors previously hypothesized to play a critical role in Heinrich events: ice shelves, glacial isostatic adjustment, and sub-surface ocean temperature forcings. In contrast to all previous modeling studies examining HEs, the GSM uses a transient last glacial cycle climate forcing, global viscoelastic glacial isostatic adjustment model, and sub-glacial hydrology model. The results presented here are based on a high-variance sub-ensemble retrieved from North American history matching for the last glacial cycle. Over our comparatively wide sampling of the potential parameter space (52 ensemble parameters for climate forcing and process uncertainties), we find two modes of Hudson Strait ice streaming: classic binge–purge versus near-continuous ice streaming with occasional shutdowns and subsequent surge onset overshoot. Our model results indicate that large ice shelves covering the Labrador Sea during the last glacial cycle only occur when extreme calving restrictions are applied. The otherwise minor ice shelves provide insignificant buttressing for the Hudson Strait ice stream. While sub-surface ocean temperature forcing leads to minor differences regarding surge characteristics, glacial isostatic adjustment does have a significant impact. Given input uncertainties, the strongest controls on ice stream surge cycling are the poorly constrained deep geothermal heat flux under Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait and the basal drag law. Decreasing the geothermal heat flux within available constraints and/or using a Coulomb sliding law instead of a Weertman-type power law leads to a shift from the near-continuous streaming mode to the binge–purge mode.

Emerging Challenges and Innovations in the Management of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infections in Hospital Settings”

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae represent a crucial global public health issue. The challenges associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are multifac-eted. This review article aims to explore and comprehend the emerging challenges and the latest developments in the management of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infec-tions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Studies published from database inception until May 2024 were included. Articles were selected based on relevance, study design, and quality. Data from clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews were synthesized to provide a detailed over-view of the current state of knowledge on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The re-view identifies key epidemiological trends, including geographic variations and risk factors associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Mechanisms of resistance are elu-cidated, focusing on carbapenemase production and other related factors. Current treatment options are assessed, with an emphasis on newer antibiotic combinations such as ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, and cefepime/en-metazobactam. The review also highlights emerging therapeutic approaches, including novel antibiotics and non-traditional approaches like phage therapy, fecal microbiota transplanta-tion, probiotics, antimicrobial peptides, vaccines, and herbal drugs. Additionally, the review also reflects on effective infection prevention and control strategies. While research efforts to explore newer combinations and alternate approaches to treat carbapenem-resistant Entero-bacteriaceae infections are crucial, the importance of stringent infection prevention and con-trol strategies cannot be overstated. This dual focus is essential to address both the immediate and long-term challenges posed by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Views from Multinational Pharmaceutical Companies on Allocation of Clinical Trials in Saudi Arabia—Qualitative Study

Clinical trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies are essential for bridging local research efforts with broader populations, facilitating the transfer of valuable insights and solutions. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators affecting clinical trials in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of key personnel within the pharmaceutical industry and Contract Research Organizations (CROs). We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with nine participants, which provided a holistic understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping the landscape of clinical trials in the country. The analysis revealed three prominent themes: operational challenges, complexities in navigating approval hurdles, and the unique value proposition for conducting clinical trials in Saudi Arabia. The participants expressed pride in the local infrastructure but acknowledged existing flaws, particularly in regulatory processes that contribute to delays in trial initiation. They emphasized the importance of conducting clinical trials in areas such as diabetes, crowd management during pilgrimages, and rare diseases, which are prevalent in the region. Despite the limited number of clinical trials registered (354 from 2009 to 2020, with only 1% being phase 1 studies), Saudi Arabia’s total pharmaceutical market exceeds SAR 13 billion, positioning it as the largest market in the region. Stakeholders recognized the country’s potential as a research hub, particularly within the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) region. However, to attract more trials and enhance the medical research landscape, it is crucial to address the identified barriers, streamline processes, and improve stakeholder alignment. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to overcome these challenges and leverage Saudi Arabia’s investments in healthcare infrastructure since its transformation program launched in 2010. By enhancing the regulatory environment and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Saudi Arabia can solidify its role as a key player in international clinical research.

Pioneering Innovations in Biological Weed Control: A Comprehensive Review

The biological method of weed control is an effective option. Before implementing bio-agents, there is a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in interactions by multiple agents against weeds. This covers knowledge of how plants integrate and prioritize their responses to multiple attackers. Across the globe, terrestrial ecosystems are known to be characterized by a huge diversity of species and a corresponding diversity of interactions between these species. These include species of different trophic levels of habitats on the same food chain. Plants undoubtedly play significant role as intermediaries in interactions between the insect and microbial populations with which they are involved. Plant interactions brought forth by one species can have cascading impacts on other species, influencing their abundances and the composition of communities. Several research efforts are underway to develop highly effective biological control agents to reliably control a problematic broad spectrum of weeds. Sustainable and ecosystem-compatible weed management for controlling weeds by biological means, such as insects, bio-agents, myco-herbicides and harmful Rhizobacteria. Their interaction with cultural practices and allelochemicals are some biological components of sustainable agriculture. Hence, biological agents enhance efficiency and restrict the detrimental effect of weeds compared to weeds being left alone. The challenge is to identify appropriate microbe/bioagents, which reduce weed growth. Logically, biological weed management is the only way to control weeds in eco-friendly weed management.

Parasites in a Changing World: Troublesome or in Trouble?

There are plenty of reasons to believe that parasite populations will respond to biodiversity loss, warming, pollution, and other forms of global change. But will global change enhance transmission, increasing the incidence of troublesome parasites that put people, livestock, and wildlife at risk? Or will parasite populations decline in abundance—or even become extinct—suggesting trouble on the horizon for parasite biodiversity? Here, I explain why answers have thus far eluded us and suggest new lines of research that would advance the field. Data collected to date suggest that parasites can respond to global change with increases or decreases in abundance, depending on the driver and the parasite. The future will certainly bring outbreaks of some parasites, and these should be addressed to protect human and ecosystem health. But troublesome parasites should not consume all of our research effort, because this changing world contains many parasite species that are in trouble.

Evaluating the agronomic and economic benefit of including spinosad with and without pyrethroid insecticides in bermudagrass stem maggot treatments

AbstractThe bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM; Atherigona reversura Villeneuve) is known to have a detrimental effect on bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). Currently, two strategically timed pyrethroid applications are recommended for BSM suppression in each harvest cycle. However, producers are interested in applying spinosad because of its residual effects for other insects or reducing the number of pyrethroid applications to cut input costs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the agronomic and economic implications of one or multiple pyrethroid (zeta‐cypermethrin) and/or spinosad applications on ‘Alicia’ and ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrasses. Generally, zeta‐cypermethrin treatments resulted in a greater herbage accumulation compared to the untreated control in both cultivars. Regardless of cultivar, spinosad only treatments did not improve upon the herbage accumulation observed in the untreated control. Crude protein and total digestible nutrients were not affected by insecticide treatments in either cultivar. Finally, two zeta‐cypermethrin applications resulted in greater net profit compared to other insecticide treatments. These data illustrate that there is not yet an alternative for two pyrethroid applications for BSM suppression. Ongoing research and breeding efforts are focused on BSM tolerance and reduced pyrethroid usage to prevent resistance to the insecticide.