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Does mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination in the subacute phase lead to microstructural brain changes? A prospective pilot MRI study using T1 relaxometry
Abstract Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based vaccines delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNP) were pivotal in managing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. While mild systemic reactions are common after vaccination, rare neurological complications have raised concerns about potential structural cerebral changes. This prospective pilot study tested the hypothesis that LNP-mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination does not induce significant microstructural cerebral changes in healthy adults. Dedicated 3 Tesla brain MRI was performed at three time points: up to one month before the first vaccination (t1), and 1–2 weeks (t2) and 2–3 months (t3) after the second dose of either BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. Across 85 MRI scans from 29 initially SARS-CoV-2-seronegative adults, 2D T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, synthetic 3D T1 magnetization prepared rapid acquisition of gradient echoes and 3D quantitative T1 mapping were analyzed. Changes in w matter hyperintensities (WMH) were evaluated visually (Prins scale) and semiquantitatively (Longitudinal Brain Imaging). Microstructural changes of deep and cortical gray matter and white matter were analyzed using qT1 values via paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. No new or progressive WMH nor significant intraindividual qT1 changes were observed. QT1% deviations were small (mean 0.1%, SD 0.9%; maximum 2.08%) and remained within established scan-rescan variability limits at 3 T. Apart from a 1 mm decrease of a preexisting WMH in one participant, no visually detectable structural brain alterations were observed. Our findings provide no evidence for WMH progression or microstructural cerebral changes after LNP-mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in healthy adults in the subacute phase.
A 481-meter-high landslide-tsunami in a cruise ship–frequented Alaska fjord
Early in the morning of 10 August 2025, a >64 × 10 6 –cubic meter landslide struck Tracy Arm fjord in Alaska. The landslide was preconditioned by glacial retreat caused by climate change. The resulting 481-meter runup megatsunami followed an initial 100-meter-high breaking wave traveling at >70 meters per second. The landslide was preceded by several days of microseismicity, which increased in rate and magnitude until ~1 hour before failure. The landslide produced globally observed long-period seismic waves equivalent in size to a moment magnitude 5.4 earthquake. A long-period (~66 second) global seismic signal, produced by a landslide-induced seiche trapped within the fjord, persisted for up to 36 hours, the second time a days-long seiche had thus been observed. With fjord regions increasingly visited by cruise ships, and climate change making similar events more likely, this unanticipated, near-miss event highlights the growing risk from landslides and tsunamis in coastal environments.
Comparative effectiveness of horticultural therapy modalities for cognitive function and depressive symptoms in older adults with cognitive impairment: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Introduction Cognitive impairment in older adults is often accompanied by depressive symptoms, leading to reduced quality of life and increased risk of disability and mortality. Horticultural therapy has been increasingly used as a non-pharmacological intervention; however, its effectiveness may vary across different intervention modalities and delivery characteristics. Existing meta-analyses have primarily focused on overall effects and have not compared different horticultural therapy modalities. This study aims to evaluate and rank the comparative effectiveness of horticultural therapy delivered through different modalities using a network meta-analysis. Methods and analysis Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving older adults with cognitive impairment will be included. The intervention group will receive horticultural therapy in addition to routine care, while the control group will receive routine care alone. Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database) will be searched from inception to May 2026. Interventions will be classified based on delivery characteristics, including environmental settings, cultivation substrates, and levels of participant engagement. Primary outcomes are cognitive function and depressive symptoms. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Pairwise meta-analysis and frequentist network meta-analysis will be conducted using the R (package “netmeta”), and treatment rankings will be estimated using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD420251185714.
Effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities on vegetation coverage changes in the Taihang Mountains, China
Linguistic diversity in machine learning training data: Content analysis of English and Finnish soundscape descriptions in audio captioning
This article examines descriptions of auditory experiences used as training data in machine learning. While such training datasets play a key role in machine learning, only a few studies have investigated these training datasets from a linguistic perspective. Making an important contribution to the English-focused field, we compare descriptions produced in two typologically distant languages: English and Finnish. The English descriptions were produced by sighted participants, and the Finnish data both by sighted and non-sighted individuals, offering insight into variation in language use based on sensory experience. First, we provide an overview of the three datasets with a descriptive corpus analysis. The corpus analysis reveals greater variation among the Finnish corpora, in comparison with the English corpus. We attribute this to the use of L2 speakers as informants for the English data, considering potential data quality issues from a linguistic perspective. Second, we report on a qualitative content analysis conducted on a smaller sample of 150 descriptions, examining which elements the participants had identified and chosen to verbalize. In particular, the analysis indicates that the visually disabled participants make use of slightly richer lexical resources, especially in terms of verbalising spatial structure. In addition, a methodological finding of our study captures how the corpus-level and the discourse-level analyses lead to distinct, even seemingly contradictory results: while the corpus analysis focuses on token distributions, the qualitative discourse-level analysis reveals which different semantic domains are prevalent in different subcorpora. This article contributes to the growing research on cross-linguistic and language-internal diversity in the field of machine perception.
An interpretable generative probabilistic framework for demand characterization and consistency checking in dock-based bicycle-sharing systems: the case of BiciMad
Expression of Concern: Assessment of the hazard risks on HVDC transmission networks due to lightning strikes and faults
Group B Streptococcus antibiotics treatment during pregnancy and the risk of four neurodevelopmental outcomes in Swedish children
Abstract Recent studies have suggested an association between prenatal and early life antibiotics with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. As antibiotics during pregnancy are commonly prescribed, our aim was to estimate the association the groups of antibiotics prescribed for GBS during pregnancy the risk of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. This population-based cohort study included all live births in Sweden from 2006 to 2016 ( n = 1,066,777). Individual informed consent was not required, as the study used data from national registers and involved no direct participant contact. Using multivariable Cox Regression models and GEE models for secondary assessment we measured the association between seven first line treatment GBS antibiotics during pregnancy and (1) intellectual disability, (2) cerebral palsy, (3) autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and (4) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) as recorded in high-quality Swedish registers. GBS antibiotics were prescribed to 22.1% of mothers included. We found no association between GBS antibiotics and the risk of intellectual disability. However, a modest association was observed for cerebral palsy (aHR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06–1.29), ASD (aHR 1.12, 95%CI 1.07–1.17), and ADHD/ADD (aHR 1.17, 95%CI 1.12–1.22). This association was also seen when only including children born at term, and only children of mothers without autism spectrum disorder or ADHD diagnosis. The results were model dependent, as GEE models did not always show the same associations. Although the results could be affected by residual confounding or confounding by indication (as GBS infection has been associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes), they highlight the need for further studies on GBS antibiotic use during pregnancy, increased antibiotic stewardship with individual risk assessment and other treatment options for GBS, when needed.
Low Handgrip strength and its lifestyle and physiological correlates among Taiwanese University Students: A cross-sectional study
Handgrip strength is a well-established indicator of muscular fitness and an early predictor of adverse long-term health outcomes. However, limited research has examined HGS and its determinants among young adults in East Asia. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between lifestyle and physiological factors and low HGS in 501 Taiwanese university students aged 18–25 (168 men, 333 women). Participants completed questionnaires on physical activity, sedentary time, and dietary behavior, and underwent anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference, and handgrip strength. Low handgrip strength was defined using the sex-specific criteria established by the Asian Sarcopenia Working Group in 2019 (men < 28 kg; women <18 kg). Results showed that 6.2% of participants had low handgrip strength (8.3% in men, 5.1% in women). Men had significantly higher average handgrip strength than women (38.0 ± 7.8 kg vs. 24.6 ± 4.4 kg, p < .001). Upper arm circumference and handgrip strength showed the strongest correlation in both sexes ( p < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that smaller upper arm circumference (OR = 0.80, p = .003 per 1 cm increase), insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (OR = 0.40, p = .055), and male sex (OR = 5.28, p = .001) were significantly associated with poor handgrip strength. Dietary habits and sedentary time were not significantly associated with handgrip strength. These findings highlight the importance of early identification of muscle weakness and promoting physical fitness training in young adults. Men with smaller arm circumference and lower activity levels showed a significant association with low HGS and may benefit from early monitoring and targeted intervention. Incorporating muscle strength assessment and activity promotion into early adulthood health programs may help preserve muscular fitness, prevent future sarcopenia, and support healthier aging trajectories in East Asian populations.
Insufficient knowledge and moderate attitudes and practices regarding continuous glucose monitoring among patients with diabetes
Climatic and geological drivers of diversity in Iranian Barbels lineage (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae: Barbinae and Torinae): An integrative taxonomic perspective
Iranian Barbel taxonomy and evolutionary history (Cyprinidae: Barbinae and Torinae) remain contentious due to overlapping morphological traits and limited molecular data. This study applies an integrative taxonomic framework to elucidate species boundaries, phylogenetic relationships, and the environmental drivers of diversification within Barbels lineages across Iran. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA ( Cytb and COI genes), seven meristic morphological characters, and five spatial environmental predictors from specimens collected across localities representing major Iranian basins. Phylogenetic reconstructions using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference revealed three main monophyletic groups: (1) Arabibarbus , Mesopotamichthys , and Carasobarbus (Torinae); (2) Luciobarbus ; and (3) Barbus sensu stricto (Barbinae). Principal Component and Canonical Variate Analyses of meristic data corroborated molecular findings, supporting the delineation of this taxa. Ecological Niche Evolution analysis indicated several species occupy similar climatic niches, suggesting parallel evolutionary responses to environmental pressures. Divergence time estimates and lineage-through-time analyses linked major cladogenic events to regional orogeny and Quaternary climatic fluctuations. Species delimitation analyses suggested potential synonymy among specific taxa (e.g., L. capito with L. conocephalus ; L. esosinus with L. xanthopetrus ), highlighting the need for taxonomic revision. Our integrative approach demonstrates that geological history and climatic factors have shaped the diversity and distribution of Barbels in Iran. These findings provide a robust framework for future taxonomic, conservation, and biogeographic studies of Iranian freshwater fishes.
Optimal sizing and placement of hybrid PV-storage systems in microgrids using Bald Eagle Search Algorithm
Abstract This study proposes an enhanced Bald Eagle Search (BES) optimization framework for optimal allocation and sizing of photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in active distribution networks. The objective is to minimize total operating cost and energy losses while improving voltage stability under deterministic load and generation conditions. The proposed approach is validated on IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus test systems under two scenarios: PV-only and integrated PV–BESS deployment. A comprehensive comparative assessment is conducted against Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) under identical operating conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed BES algorithm consistently outperforms the benchmark methods. For the IEEE 69-bus system, BES achieves up to 41% and 55% reduction in daily energy losses for PV-only and PV–BESS cases, respectively, while improving the minimum bus voltage to 0.951 p.u. For the IEEE 33-bus system, BES yields 41.3% and 52% loss reductions under PV-only and PV–BESS configurations, respectively, and enhances the minimum voltage from 0.941 p.u. to 0.962 p.u. In both systems, BES also achieves the lowest operating cost among all compared methods. These findings confirm the robustness, scalability, and effectiveness of the proposed framework across different distribution network topologies.
Field screening and genetic mapping of wheat blast resistance for a panel of common wheat from Bangladesh
Wheat blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT), is a rapidly emerging disease threatening wheat production in South Asia and beyond. To identify novel sources of resistance and dissect the underlying genetic architecture, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using 432 diverse Bangladeshi wheat genotypes phenotyped across 14 multi-environment trials. Disease severity varied widely, with most genotypes exhibiting high susceptibility under favourable environments, although a few showed consistent resistance across locations. Genotyping of the wheat panel using ddRAD-seq revealed moderate population structure and diverse resistance allele distribution. GWAS using six different models identified a total of 1,121 significant SNPs distributed across multiple chromosomes. The 2NS translocation and known resistance genes ( Rmg8 , Rwt3 , Rwt4-1B , Rwt4-1D ) were unevenly distributed across the panel. Based on linkage disequilibrium (LD), the significant markers were grouped into 45 quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with wheat blast resistance, including the 2NS/2AS translocation. These QTLs either coincide with known blast resistance loci or represent potentially novel ones. These findings enhance the understanding of wheat blast resistance and provide valuable markers and candidate genotypes for resistance breeding aimed to mitigate the threat of wheat blast under changing climates.
Modulation of grape must vitamin content by oenological treatments affects Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation performance and wine volatile composition
Investigating HRV’s contribution to identify exercise pattern and intensity in healthy subjects
Background The ability to discern exercise modalities, defined here as intensity and pattern, holds significant importance in various contexts, particularly in conditions where treatment management is heavily influenced by daily physical activity. The objectives of this study were thus to evaluate the predictive capabilities of heart rate variability (HRV) components for identifying exercise modalities, and to examine whether HRV during exercise exhibits distinctive characteristics depending on the intensity and continuous or intermittent nature of the activity. Methods We conducted HRV analysis across different exercises varying in intensity and pattern [two constant-load sessions at 40% (C40) and 60% (C60) of maximal aerobic power, and one intermittent session (INT)], using cycle ergometers with 26 volunteer subjects. HRV was analyzed using time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear measures from data recorded with a Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor chest strap and processed with Kubios HRV software. Gas exchanges and lactate levels were also measured. HRV data from the final 4 minutes of each exercise session were analyzed using penalized multinomial logistic regression to predict specific exercise modalities performed. Additionally, repeated measures ANOVA were conducted followed by post-hoc tests when appropriate, to assess differences across conditions. Results Multinomial logistic regression model demonstrated robust predictive performance, achieving sensitivities and specificities ranging from 88 to 98%. Time-domain (meanRR, SDNN) and nonlinear (DFA-ɑ1) emerged as the retained predictors. ANOVA tests revealed distinct impacts of exercise modality on HRV components: time-domain measures, LF and HF spectral powers, and the nonlinear index DFA-ɑ1 were significantly reduced in C60 compared with C40, while time-domain variability indices, LF and HF spectral powers, and DFA-ɑ1 remained higher during INT exercise than in both other conditions. Conclusion HRV emerges as a promising tool for distinguishing between exercise modalities with various intensity and/or continuous or intermittent pattern.
Reliability analysis of different geometric configurations of Helmholtz resonators for a sustainable performance
Stigma against people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A quasi-experimental evaluation of active stigma reduction workshops among medical students in Tunisia
Introduction Stigma against people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV), particularly from healthcare providers, continues to be a significant barrier discouraging individuals from seeking necessary care. However, HIV stigma, particularly among healthcare workers, is still underexplored, with limited focus on medical students. This study assesses the impact of active stigma reduction workshops on stigma towards PLHIV among a sample of medical students in Tunisia and identifies its related factors. Method We performed a quasi-experimental study among all fifth-year students during the academic years 2024 and 2025 in the Faculty of Medicine of Monastir (Tunisia). We evaluated HIV stigma before and after each workshop via self-administrated and anonymous questionnaire. We used the validated versions of the brief HIV knowledge questionnaire and the Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale. Results A total of 216 medical students completely answered the questionnaire. Overall, most participants demonstrated a good level of HIV-related knowledge (88.4%). Good HIV knowledge, higher parental education and involvement in community or associative activities were significantly associated with lower stigma levels. Interestingly, using multivariate analyses, poor parental educational level and being stigmatized were independently associated with higher prejudice scores. This student-centered learning approach was revealed to be effective in significantly improving HIV-related knowledge and reducing HIV stigma among medical students. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the value of integrating active learning methods into the medical curriculum to prepare future healthcare providers to deliver stigma-free care in order to promote ethical and inclusive behavior toward PLHIV.
Comparative assessing prefabricated and conventional 3D morphology carbon emission intensity of economy chain hotel buildings in Hangzhou
Abstract Understanding the influence of building morphology on carbon emissions is essential for developing effective low-carbon strategies in the hospitality sector. This study investigates the carbon emission intensity (CEI) of 200 economy chain hotels in Hangzhou, China, constructed using comparative both prefabricated and conventional methods, from a three-dimensional morphological perspective. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) framework was adopted, encompassing material production, transportation, construction, renovation, and demolition stages. The analysis explores the relationship between 3D morphological characteristics and CEI under the two construction systems. Results indicate that prefabricated hotels generally exhibit greater carbon reduction efficiency, particularly when applied to regular geometric configurations such as rectangular and polygonal layouts. Additionally, a consistent positive correlation was found between building shape factor and CEI in both prefabricated and traditional constructions, highlighting the critical role of compact architectural form in minimizing lifecycle carbon emissions.
A machine learning algorithm to explore the impact of agricultural land-use types on CO2 emissions in Vietnam in the period 1990–2019
The paper deals with an application of machine learning algorithms to examine the impact of agricultural land-use types on CO₂ emissions in Vietnam during the period 1990–2019. A four-layer Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was employed to analyze the relationship between 21 agricultural land-use types (LUTs) and CO₂ emissions. The selected LUTs cover major agricultural products, including crops, meat, and vegetables. The results indicate that most agricultural LUTs are positively associated with CO₂ emissions, including bananas, dry beans, cabbages, cashew nuts in shell, fresh cassava, raw or retted jute, cauliflowers and broccoli, dry chilies and peppers, raw cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers, coconuts in shell, green coffee, groundnuts excluding shelled, fresh hen eggs in shell, watermelons, tea leaves, and sweet potatoes. By contrast, fresh or chilled horse meat, unmanufactured tobacco, soya beans, sesame seed, and rice show negative associations with CO₂ emissions. These findings provide empirical evidence to support policymakers in designing targeted strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural production in Vietnam.