Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has revolutionized forensic DNA analysis by increasing sensitivity to detect low amounts of DNA, expanding throughput capacity, allowing multiplexed marker panels, and improving sequencing resolution. However, the diversity of marker types and the complexity of report formatting have made managing and utilizing genetic statistics for large volumes of NGS data challenging. To address these challenges, advancements in bioinformatics tools and data management systems are essential. Implementing a public database can facilitate more effective popular statistics, ultimately enhancing the application of NGS in forensic investigations. We introduce “diversID,” a forensic DNA database ( https://www.diversid.org ) focused on autosomal STRs (short tandem repeats), X- and Y-chromosomal STRs, and identity SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). The database software provides comprehensive population statistics, including allele frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, heterozygosity, and more. Making use of cloud computing, diversID simplifies data upload and download processes to improve user convenience while maintaining the highest data quality through stringent filtering criteria. To further enrich the database’s value, we invite researchers to encourage global collaboration. We believe that collective efforts will continually refine and advance this invaluable resource, thereby benefiting the field of forensic DNA analysis.

Age prediction is a critical challenge in forensic science. Current mainstream approaches, such as DNA methylation analysis, often involve complex sample processing (e.g., bisulfite conversion), which can be costly and time-consuming and may compromise DNA integrity, thereby limiting multi-analyte recovery from trace evidence. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of the human microbiome as a source of forensic biomarkers, including for age estimation. Notably, the profile of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the microbiome has been reported to vary with host age, yet their utility as forensic age biomarkers remains unexplored. To address this, we characterized the salivary microbiome of volunteers via 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4) amplicon sequencing and quantified the abundance of 32 preselected ARGs using high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR). Our analysis identified six bacterial genera and seven ARGs whose relative abundances were significantly correlated with chronological age (P < 0.05). We then constructed and compared random forest regression models for age prediction based on (i) microbiome features (Amplicon Sequence Variants, ASVs), (ii) ARG abundances alone, and (iii) an integrated set combining both marker types. Our results showed that the microbiome-only and ARG-only models both yielded higher mean absolute error (MAE) than the integrated model. In contrast, the combined model, built on just 13 features (six bacterial genera and seven ARGs), achieved a test MAE of 6.22 ± 3.75 years (MAE ± SD). This study reveals that ARGs hold promise as novel biomarkers for forensic age estimation. More importantly, the dual‑marker "microbiome‑ARG" strategy achieves effective age prediction using only a small number of features, offering a highly efficient and promising new approach for forensic age estimation.

Surveillance of antimalarial drug efficacy is essential for drug policy in the fight against malaria. This includes clinical trials of drug efficacy, molecular marker typing and ex vivo/in vitro drug susceptibility tests such as 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) assay. The goal of this review was to elaborate on the variance in the IC50 assay across labs in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) where malaria is endemic. We systematically reviewed 71 articles, published between 2015 and 2025, evaluating IC50 in sSA where only 56 were performed in labs in Western (WA), Central (CA), East (EA) and Southern Africa (SA). The IC50 values of the major antimalarial drugs, including dihydroartemisinin (DHA), lumefantrine (LUM), mefloquine (MFQ), amodiaquine (AMD), chloroquine (CQ), piperaquine (PPQ), artesunate (ATS), artemisinin (ART) and quinine (QN), were reported. An F-test performed on the IC50 values from WA and EA, where ex vivo assays were conducted, revealed a statistically significant variation (P value <0.05) in the IC50 values of some major antimalarials (DHA, CQ, LUM and AMD). The geometric means for DHA, CQ, LUM and AMD in WA versus EA were 2.46 versus 2.21, 83.15 versus 34.34, 10.06 versus 10.47, and 10.63 versus 17.61 nM, respectively. The overall ex vivo IC50 values of CQ were generally below the known resistance thresholds. Differences in drug reconstitution solvents, the range of drug concentrations, period of drug exposure (48 or 72 h), and curve-fitting tools and assay methods were observed. These differences together could account for the variance in IC50 values across sSA. We therefore recommend regional harmonization of the IC50 protocol for antimalarial drug efficacy surveillance and formation of a regional quality assessment network of malaria IC50 labs, as a step towards reliable data sharing and integration into strategic plans for malaria elimination.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the challenges of UAV-based cadastral mapping of boundaries not physically marked in the field, focusing on positional accuracy and on the visibility of different types of boundary markers. Four test fields with different industrial markers and custom-made targets were surveyed using UAV photogrammetry. The results show that custom-made targets provide better visibility and slightly better positional accuracy. At the same time, 157 signalised points achieved a 3D accuracy of 1.1 cm, meeting Slovenian cadastral requirements. The marker’s colour, size and background significantly influenced the detection. The findings confirm that UAV photogrammetry is suitable for land boundary data collection when combined with an accurate geodetic framework, appropriate markers, and proper execution.

BackgroundEndometriosis (EMs) is a prevalent gynecological disorder characterized by the ectopic growth of functional endometrial tissue, and its fibrotic pathology represents a primary contributor to chronic pain and infertility in affected patients. Hypoxia, a hallmark of the endometriotic microenvironment, is a well-established driver of fibrogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms translating hypoxic signaling into pro-fibrotic responses remain elusive. The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 is recognized as a contributor to fibrosis in various diseases; whereas its specific role in endometriosis is poorly understood. We demonstrate that hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and Piezo1 are co-upregulated alongside fibrosis in EMs patient lesions. Functionally, both hypoxia and Piezo1 agonism promote fibrogenesis in HESCs. Mechanistically, hypoxia acts through Piezo1 to induce Ca²⁺-dependent mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage, which in turn activates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling and subsequently drives fibrosis. Therefore, we identifying the axis as a promising therapeutic target for future intervention.MethodsThis study combines clinical tissue analysis with in vitro cellular experiments. Normal endometrial tissue, eutopic and ectopic endometrial samples from patients with endometriosis were collected. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to analyse the expression levels of HIF-1α, Piezo1, cGAS, STING, and the fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (Collagen I). In vitro experiments, we utilized HESCs to establish a hypoxic culture model. IF, western blotting, and qRT-PCR were employed to assess the expression of HIF-1α, Piezo1, and fibrosis-related markers across experimental conditions. Combined flow cytometric analysis and EdU assays, 24 h was selected as the optimal intervention duration for subsequent experiments. To clarify the role of Piezo1, its activity was modulated via lentiviral knockdown or agonist (Yoda1) activation. Cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ fluxes were tracked with fluorescent probes; mitochondrial morphology and function were evaluated by immunofluorescence and JC-1 staining. Cytosolic mtDNA leakage was quantified by immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR.ResultsWe report that Piezo1 and HIF-1α are co-upregulated in ectopic endometrial lesions, correlating with fibrotic severity. The expression of HIF-1α and Piezo1 was time-dependently induced by hypoxia in HESCs. Mechanistically linking hypoxia to fibrosis, we found that hypoxia-induced Piezo1 upregulation drives mitochondrial damage and mtDNA release into the cytosol, which activates the cGAS-STING pathway and ultimately upregulates the fibrosis markers α-SMA and collagen I. Consequently, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Piezo1, as well as blockade of cGAS with RU.521 or STING with C-176, effectively suppressed cGAS-STING pathway activation and attenuated fibrosis in HESCs.ConclusionsPiezo1 exerts a crucial regulatory function in the process of hypoxia-driven fibrogenesis in endometriosis. This study reveals the central role of the hypoxia/Piezo1/mtDNA/cGAS-STING signaling axis in EMs fibrosis and provides a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting this pathway to delay EMs progression.Graphical Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-026-08255-2.

Beetle genetics is becoming increasingly important in research on agricultural ecosystems, not only from a basic biological perspective but also for practical applications in pest management, biodiversity, and agroecosystem sustainability. Our study analyzed the genetic variability of beetle populations (Harpalus rufipes and Silpha obscura) under two types of agricultural management systems-organic and conventional-using RAPD markers. Out of six tested markers (OPB 5, OPB 8, OPB 11, OPB 12, OPB 14, and OPB 18), three markers (OPB 11, OPB 14, and OPB 18) demonstrated clear genetic differentiation between beetle samples collected from organically and conventionally cultivated wheat. The results of DNA fingerprinting and t-SNE analysis confirmed the formation of two genetic clusters corresponding to the management type. Jaccard similarity coefficient values indicated moderate to strong genetic similarity within individual management systems, while similarity between systems was weaker. These findings suggest that agronomic practices influence the genetic structure of beetle populations, likely due to ecological and anthropogenic factors such as pesticide use and landscape modification. The study emphasizes the importance of molecular markers in assessing population-level responses to agroecosystem management and their contribution to sustainable agriculture.

Skeletal metastasis of unknown primary at the initial visit represents a clinically important subset of metastatic bone tumours, accounting for ~7.8%-21.7% of all skeletal metastases. This condition differs from cancer of unknown primary (CUP), in which the primary site remains unidentified after comprehensive evaluation. At this diagnostic entry point, before completion of a full work-up, early stratification is essential; however, the clinical utility of serum tumour markers at this stage remains unclear. We retrospectively reviewed 79 patients who presented with skeletal metastasis of unknown primary at the initial visit before diagnostic work-up between January 2010 and October 2023. Clinical characteristics, final primary diagnoses, types of tumour markers measured, positivity rates, and diagnostic performance were analysed. Haematologic malignancies were the most frequent final diagnoses (40.5%), followed by lung (22.8%) and prostate cancer (10.1%). A total of 17 tumour markers were measured (mean, 6.3 per patient; range, 0-12). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), immunoelectrophoresis (IEP), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), and thyroglobulin (Tg) showed high sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, malignant lymphoma, and thyroid cancer, respectively. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19, CYFRA 21-1), although not organ-specific, were frequently positive in carcinomas and served as indicators of epithelial malignancy. Serum tumour markers can assist early diagnostic stratification at the initial presentation of skeletal metastasis before primary-site identification. A selective testing strategy focusing on sIL-2R, IEP, CEA, and CK19, with PSA added in men and Tg when clinically indicated, may improve diagnostic efficiency and provide a basis for considering a bone-metastasis-oriented diagnostic approach.

Genetic diversity is essential for the adaptive potential of species, particularly in the context of parasitic infections, which exert strong selective pressures on host populations. While reduced genetic diversity is often linked to increased susceptibility to infection, the extent to which this applies across different genetic markers and ecological contexts remains unclear. In this meta-analysis, we synthesized data from 35 studies encompassing 27 bird species and 85 effect sizes to examine the relationship between individual genetic diversity and avian malaria infections caused by Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon. We focused on the influence of genetic marker type (functional vs. neutral), parasite genus, infection assessment method, host migratory behaviour, and latitude. Contrary to expectations, we found no significant association between individual genetic diversity and either infection prevalence or intensity, regardless of marker type. Meta-regression analyses further revealed that none of the tested moderators-including parasite genus, infection assessment method, migratory behaviour, or latitude-significantly influenced this relationship. Similarly, analyses restricted to MHC data showed no effect of additional moderators such as MHC class or genotyping method. These findings suggest that broad measures of genetic diversity may not reliably predict infection outcomes in wild bird populations. It is likely that such measures obscure finer genetic effects from specific alleles (e.g., MHC variants). Moreover, reliance solely on parasite genetic material may underrepresent infection status. We recommend that future studies integrate general diversity metrics with allele-specific analyses and incorporate antibody-based diagnostics to more accurately capture infection dynamics and host-parasite co-evolution in natural systems.

This scientometric review examines the evolution and scope of invasive (blood and tissue) and non-invasive (faeces, hair, and saliva) sampling in terrestrial mammal population genetics, with particular emphasis on the comparability of observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and the inbreeding coefficient (Fis) between studies published from 1985 to 2026. Searches in Web of Science and Scopus, filtered under PRISMA/PRISMA-S criteria, yielded a compendium of articles analysed with Bibliometrix and VOSviewer 1.6.20 to quantify temporal production, keyword evolution, collaborative networks, and publication outlets. Searches in Web of Science and Scopus, filtered under PRISMA/PRISMA-S criteria, yielded a broad corpus of 145 articles for general scientometric analyses, of which 85 met the eligibility criteria for the focused analysis of Ho, He, and Fis. The field shows steady growth (annual rate ≈ 6.1%), substantial authorship and international collaboration, and increasing thematic diversity. Adoption of non-invasive sampling has accelerated, broadening spatial and taxonomic coverage, but also increasing exposure to DNA degradation and genotyping error when laboratory quality control is insufficient. Across the literature, reporting of quality control practices (e.g., extraction blanks, negative PCR controls, multi-tube replication, and error-rate estimation) has improved over time but remains inconsistent. Comparisons indicate that differences in Ho, He, and Fis between invasive and non-invasive sampling are generally modest once marker system and species are taken into account. These findings indicate that quality control and transparency in reporting, rather than invasiveness per se, are the main factors determining comparability among studies. The scientometric patterns also reveal a methodological transition from microsatellites to SNP-based and reduced representation approaches, with implications for synthesis across marker types. Overall, this review identifies geographic and taxonomic biases in research effort and highlights the need for standardised reporting of DNA quality indicators, inclusion thresholds, and validation protocols to strengthen genetic monitoring in mammalian conservation.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a promising locoregional therapy for unresectable colorectal liver metastases, but patient selection remains challenging. We aimed to develop and validate prognostic radiomics-based machine learning models in a multicenter, prospectively collected drug-eluting microsphere TACE cohort. We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients (176 lesions) from the prospective CIREL registry trial. Radiomic features were extracted from each lesion. We tested three types of imaging markers: general radiomics, intensity-based features, and lesion volume. For each, we derived baseline and delta features, reflecting the difference in feature vector values between baseline and first follow-up. Using a center-based split, we trained genetic/evolutionary machine learning models to predict survival and lesion-level response. The median age of the final study population with baseline imaging was 66 years (IQR, 59-71), with 67.1% (n = 51) of patients identifying as male. On external validation, the baseline intensity algorithm was the only significant survival-prediction model (AUC = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.57-0.95; p = 0.011), outperforming baseline radiomics (AUC = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.47-0.86; p = 0.100) and baseline volume (AUC = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37-0.74; p = 0.574). Radiomic prediction models stratified patients into distinct overall survival risk groups, with low-risk patients showing a median survival of 696 days versus 453 days (log-rank p = 0.0267). Integrating imaging features with laboratory variables improved lesion-level response assessment (AUC = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.66-0.99; p = 0.006), but did not enhance OS prediction. Lesion-level response was best identified by delta radiomics (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.63-0.97; p = 0.008). Radiomics-based machine learning models could predict overall survival in patients treated with irinotecan-TACE, offering a potential tool for patient selection. Question Can radiomics and machine learning predict outcomes in patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with irinotecan-TACE, aiding in patient stratification and selection? Findings Baseline intensity features predicted overall survival (AUC = 0.79), while delta radiomics identified lesion response (AUC = 0.83) in a multicenter cohort. Clinical relevance These models can help identify patients likely to benefit from irinotecan-TACE and lesions most responsive to treatment. Further development would enable personalized therapy that may improve survival and reduce unnecessary interventions in non-responders.

To evaluate whether the presence and type of ultrasound markers of adenomyosis, as defined by MUSA criteria, predict IVF/ICSI outcomes, specifically live birth and pregnancy loss rates. This single-center prospective cohort study included 314 women aged 18-39 years undergoing their first IVF/ICSI cycle between March 2018 and March 2020. All participants underwent standardized transvaginal ultrasound before treatment. Adenomyosis was diagnosed using MUSA criteria, distinguishing direct markers (myometrial cysts, hyperechogenic islands, echogenic subendometrial lines; n=54) from indirect markers (globular enlargement, asymmetrical thickening, junctional zone irregularity; n=22). Two multivariate logistic regression models were performed: (i) all adenomyosis patients versus controls (n=238), and (ii) direct marker patients versus controls, adjusting for maternal age, BMI, and embryo transfer stage. Among the adenomyosis group, 71.1% exhibited direct markers. Overall, adenomyosis was associated with reduced live birth per embryo transfer (28.9% vs 40.3%, aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.34-1.08, p=0.094) and significantly increased total pregnancy loss among HCG-positive patients (41.0% vs 22.6%, aOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.11-5.59, p=0.026). When restricting analysis to direct markers, associations became substantially stronger: live birth rate was 22.2% (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.84, p=0.017), representing a 58% reduction in odds, and pregnancy loss rate was 48.0% (aOR 3.77, 95% CI 1.44-10.21, p=0.007), conferring a nearly 4-fold increased risk. Blastocyst-stage transfer independently improved live birth rates but did not compensate for the negative effect of direct markers. Direct ultrasound markers of adenomyosis identify a high-risk reproductive phenotype with substantially reduced live birth and markedly elevated total pregnancy loss risk in IVF/ICSI cycles. The presence and type of ultrasound markers, rather than adenomyosis as a binary diagnosis, should inform patient counseling and individualized treatment planning.

Chronic inflammation is a common feature of aging and is observed across various age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has, however, been challenging to develop measurements of brain structure directly linked to peripheral measures of neuroinflammation. This cross-sectional study examined whether plasma levels of markers related to inflammation are associated with diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) measures of white matter microstructure: mean diffusivity (MD) and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) free water fraction (FWF) and orientation dispersion index (ODI). Participants included 457 dementia-free individuals (mean age=63.82, SD =7.63). Blood plasma markers related to inflammation included two measures of systemic inflammation, (1) high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and (2) a composite of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TNF-β), as well as (3) glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a measure of astrocytic activation. Higher cytokine composite levels were associated with higher values of all three measures (FWF, ODI, MD) in cerebral white matter, and with higher ODI in the cerebellar peduncles. Higher CRP levels were associated with higher ODI in cerebral and cerebellar white matter. Associations with GFAP were not significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Results were consistent after accounting for plasma biomarkers of AD pathology (p-tau 181 /A β 42 ). Thus, higher levels of peripheral pro-inflammatory markers are associated with white matter microstructure (higher FWF, ODI, and MD), supporting the view that these dMRI-based metrics are sensitive to inflammatory processes. Additionally, the sensitivity of dMRI-based measures to inflammation may differ by inflammatory marker types.

Populations of several billfish species are declining due to overfishing and bycatch, and fundamental aspects of their biology and population dynamics remain poorly understood. We provide the first assessment of the population genetic structure of longbill spearfish (Tetrapturus pfluegeri) in the western Atlantic Ocean. We screened variation at 12 nuclear microsatellite loci (n = 144) and mitochondrial DNA control region sequences (mtCR, n = 177). Both marker types revealed three genetically differentiated clusters, with mean values for microsatellites showing differentiation of FST = 0.136 and DEST = 0.201, and for mtCR FST = 0.645. Microsatellite markers demonstrated moderate-to-high genetic diversity, with a mean allelic richness of 6.73 alleles per locus, moderate heterozygosities (Ho = 0.446, He = 0.604), and a positive inbreeding coefficient (FIS = 0.22) across the three sample collection sites. The overall estimated effective population size was 789.2 (95% CI: 246.7–∞). The mtCR exhibited 96 haplotypes, with high haplotype (0.989 ± 0.003) and nucleotide (0.025 ± 1.3%) diversities. We found higher mean relatedness within clusters than among them, supporting the interpretation of population subdivision and the Wahlund effect. Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs were negative across all localities, with significant values observed along the Brazilian coast but not in the Caribbean Sea. These neutrality test results, together with low Harpending’s raggedness indices from DNA sequence mismatch distributions, are consistent with historical demographic expansion. Our findings establish a genetic baseline for fishery monitoring and management, contributing to the conservation of T. pfluegeri populations in the western Atlantic Ocean.

Cognitive decline, immune function, and inflammation are considered objective markers of aging (OMAs) and are commonly used to predict an individual's aging success. We propose that subjective factors - such as a person's beliefs and perceptions about their own age and aging - that have been shown to predict development in old age be defined as subjective markers of aging (SMAs). Although aging is a complex, multidimensional process, studies typically examine effects of OMAS and SMAs separately, rather than integrating both types of markers to improve predictions of successful aging. Our study aims to fill this gap by concurrently using both OMAs and SMAs to model the associations of different indicators of successful aging, including autonomous daily functioning, health-related quality of life, and life satisfaction. We assess OMAs through measures of visuo-motoric speed and executive function (Trail Making Test), inflammation (interleukin-6, c-reactive protein), and immune aging (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio). In addition, we examine SMAs by evaluating subjective age and self-perceptions of aging. We used cross-sectional data from 456 older adults (MAge = 74years, 60-86years) from the LIFE Adult Study to investigate the associations of OMAs and SMAs with successful aging. Regarding OMAs, cognitive functioning and inflammation were associated to daily activities and health-related quality of life, respectively, but were not related to life satisfaction. In contrast, both SMAs were associated to life satisfaction, and self-perceptions of aging were associated to health-related quality of life, but none of the SMAs were related to levels of daily functioning. Our results suggest that fundamental biological resources and psychological perceptions of aging are selectively associated with different facets of successful aging.

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is India's third most important pulse crop, accounting for nearly 16 % of total pulse area. Mungbean is grown in almost all the states. India is the major producer of mungbean in the world. Mungbean crop diversity and mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) afflicted area has continuously raised since the mid-1990s. Because of its sensitivity to the MYMV, the average yield of mungbean is poor. Mungbean yellow mosaic virus disease (MYMD) is caused by the MYMV, which is transferred by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). Several types of molecular markers have been used for breeding in mungbean, among which SSR markers have rapidly become a preferred type of molecular marker for germplasm analysis because SSR markers are locus specific, highly polymorphic due to their co-dominant nature. In the current study, a total of 12 genotypes were assessed against the MYMV in Kharif, 2021, together with the susceptible control local mungbean. The detection of genetic variation in mungbean genotypes was effectively done using a total of 14 SSR markers. Disease resistance phenotypes and SSR marker analyses showed a good correlation. Phenotypic screening identified nine resistant, 2 moderately resistant and one susceptible genotype (LGG450). Molecular analysis revealed that 12 out of 14 SSR markers were polymorphic, with polymorphism information content (PI values ​​ranging from 0.15 to 0.63 (average 0.38). These findings demonstrate a high degree of genetic variability across various mungbean genotypes, to improve the resistance of the mungbean genotypes to MYMV, resistance genotypes identified to be useful.

Abstract Despite the growing recognition of interpreters’ socio-political influence, their positioning in political discourse remains underexplored. This study examines the use of seven types of evidential markers in the Chinese political discourse on diplomacy and the shifts of evidentiality in the English interpreting based on a corpus of Chinese Foreign Minister’s press conferences and their corresponding simultaneous interpretations during the “Two Sessions” from 2020 to 2022. The findings reveal that the English interpretations of the Chinese political discourse demonstrate significant shifts in the use of evidential markers indicating belief, induction, deduction, credibility, and expectation, thus upgrading the certainty, commitment, and objectivity of the original political discourse and reducing its subjectivity. The evidential shifts provide insights into the positioning of institutional interpreters as political allies who actively participate in the sociological and ideological reconstruction of the political discourse. This study also highlights the role of evidentiality as a context-embedded discursive construct in the process of cross-linguistic entextualisation.

Background: Biological evidences, e.g. blood, semen, vaginal secretion, saliva, urine, and sweat encountered at the crime scene, are the most pervasive in surroundings. Their existence helps in associating the assassin with the victim as well as with the crime scene. Our motivation for writing this review was the lack of a recent, thorough review on the subject appropriate for the use of all scientists involved with serological research in forensic science.Objective: This comprehensive review aims to discuss the value of serological biomarkers for a wide variety of forensic applications.Methods: This review summarizes a comprehensive body of work on serological biomarkers, with the inclusion of all types of markers and advanced methodologies available. It discusses a plethora of methodologies used to differentiate between body fluids, with a deeper look at emerging, high-throughput techniques.Results: The review provides a detailed discussion on both established body fluids and novel serological markers. It acknowledges the difficulties involved in selecting a body fluid differentiation methodology for forensic contexts. A key trend noted is the use of an interdisciplinary approach in the most recent publications.Conclusion: The interdisciplinary approach is essential for the future of forensic work and is necessary for success in protein and body fluid research. This review serves as a thorough summary of serological biomarkers and their applications, capturing the overall trends in the field.

In a previous study, we demonstrated that a novel surface treatment applied to laser-melted Ti6Al4V substrates supports osteoblast-like cell adhesion, proliferation, and the activation of early osteogenic pathways. Building on these preliminary findings, the present work aimed to further investigate the ability of the same surface to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, organization, and osteogenic maturation, which are critical events for the establishment of a stable bone-implant interface in subperiosteal dental implants. Human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells were cultured on Ti6Al4V discs subjected to different surface treatments, including a proprietary surface modification (ATcs) specifically designed for subperiosteal applications. ECM formation and maturation were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, immunofluorescence, and semiquantitative analyses of osteogenic markers type I collagen (COL1A1), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) through Western blotting. The results showed that, while all tested surfaces supported cell adhesion, the ATcs surface promoted a distinct osteogenic profile characterized by enhanced DMP1 expression, organized collagen deposition, and the formation of calcium-phosphate-rich mineralized structures. Compared to surfaces that primarily stimulated cell proliferation or early matrix production, ATcs appeared to favour progression toward late-stage osteogenic maturation and matrix mineralization. Taken together, these findings extend our previous observations and indicate that this novel surface treatment not only supports osteoblast viability and early differentiation but also promotes extracellular matrix maturation, a key prerequisite for effective osseointegration. Although further in vivo studies are required, the present data provide additional biological rationale for the use of ATcs-treated Ti6Al4V surfaces in next-generation custom-made subperiosteal implant designs.

Purpose: This study aims to systematically typologize how Programme-Based Approaches (PBA) have been structured and implemented in the ODA of OECD DAC donors. By dividing the analytical period according to turning points in the international development cooperation environment, the study empirically examines how donors’ use of PBA has evolved over time and derives policy implications for the future design of Korea’s PBA-related ODA strategies. Originality: While PBAs have been widely discussed as a key instrument in the aid effectiveness agenda, few studies have systematically classified how donors have actually selected and combined different PBA modalities in practice. Methodology: Using the OECD Creditor Reporting System (CRS) database, this study analyzes ODA activities of OECD DAC donors from 2009 to 2023. Key variables include the PBA marker, aid modalities, and financing types. A K-means clustering approach is applied to identify distinct typologies of donors’ PBA utilization. Result: The analysis identifies six types of PBA utilization among OECD DAC donors. These typologies exhibit gradual shifts over time in response to changes in the international development cooperation environment and donor-specific policy choices. Conclusions and Implication: Korea remained a donor with limited PBA utilization until the 2010s but expanded PBA activities centered on loan-based sector budget support in the 2020s. However, this shift largely reflects a temporary response to the COVID-19 pandemic rather than a strategy-driven transition. In an era of tightening ODA resources and increasing emphasis on sustainable outcomes, Korea faces a growing need to design and deploy PBA in a more strategic and planned manner.

Maternal stress during lifetime and pregnancy may influence offspring epigenetic age, impacting long-term health. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of associations between maternal stress and epigenetic aging markers: telomere length (TL) and DNA methylation (DNAm) age acceleration. The systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (ref. CRD42023474640). Fixed and random effect meta-analyses were carried out, stratified by stress type and marker type (TL, DNAm). Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria; 12 were meta-analyzed (10 TL, 2 DNAm). Due to high heterogeneity, restricted maximum likelihood meta-analysis suggested significant inverse associations between maternal stress and offspring TL. Perceived stress was associated with shorter TL (p-value = 7 × 10-4, β = -0.085, 95%CI [-0.135, -0.036]), as was lifetime stress/trauma (p-value = 0.01, β = -0.209, 95%CI [-0.370, -0.049]). In contrast, maternal stress showed no significant associations with DNAm age acceleration (p-value = 0.32). Both perceived maternal stress and maternal stress were associated with shorter offspring TL, suggesting that stress exposure across the maternal lifespan influences offspring biological aging markers. No significant association was observed with DNAm-based aging clocks. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more homogeneous settings are needed to confirm and expand upon our observations.