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Adapting a medication adherence app for adolescents and young adults in Makurdi, Benue State: The Lu Dedoo Project
Introduction Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV) face persistent challenges with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, a key determinant of viral suppression and long-term health outcomes. The Lu Dedoo Project sought to adapt the existing (Masakhane Siphucule Impilo Yethu (MASI) adherence app, originally developed for South Africa, for AYALHIV in Benue State, Nigeria. Guided by a human-centered design (HCD) framework, the project engaged end users to ensure that the app was contextually relevant, user-friendly, and responsive to local needs prior to pilot testing. Methods Beta testing was conducted where purposively selected AYALHIV used MASI in its existing form for one month. Three subsequent FGDs were held among beta testers, involving a total of 22 participants: one mixed-gender adolescent group aged 15–19 years (n = 6), one male young adult group aged 20–24 years (n = 8), and one female young adult group aged 20–24 years (n = 8). FGDs were analysed using thematic analysis in NVivo® v15. Transcripts were analysed thematically to identify user experiences and desired modifications. Identified features were then prioritised using the MoSCoW method (“Must have,” “Should have,” “Could have,” “Won’t have”) to guide development decisions and ensure feasible, user-driven adaptation. Results Participants found the app highly engaging and liked the games, quizzes, and the ability to earn badges. These features contributed to user retention and supported their medication adherence. A subset of participants noted the challenge of needing cellular data access to use the app. “Must have” priorities included offline access to key features, simplified navigation, and customizable medication reminders. “Should have” and “Could have” priorities included adding more engaging media content and enhancing personalised reminders to better meet user needs. Conclusions Applying an HCD framework, complemented by MoSCoW prioritisation, provided a structured and participatory pathway for adapting an mHealth adherence app to the Nigerian context. The process ensured that core user needs guided technical decisions and that limited development resources were directed toward high-impact features. The adapted Lu Dedoo app reflects local preferences for functionality, language, and offline usability, and represents a promising, context-specific tool for improving ART adherence among AYALHIV.
Long-term repeatability and predictability of body temperature in dairy calves explored using reticulorumen temperature boluses
Abstract Research on the repeatability, plasticity and predictability of the body temperature of endotherms is limited. Following developments in precision livestock farming, dairy calves have emerged as a model organism to explore these questions in a large endotherm. This study aimed to harness long-term, high-frequency recordings from reticulorumen temperature boluses recordings to investigate the repeatability, plasticity and predictability of reticulorumen temperature before, during and after weaning in 98 dairy calves. Using both frequentist and Bayesian mixed modelling, we found that reticulorumen temperature was moderately repeatable ( R = 0.258), that reticulorumen temperature was plastic over the three weaning stages but that plasticity varied on an individual level, and that individual calves differed in the predictability of their reticulorumen temperature (CV P = 0.242). We also showed that weaning had a complex impact on reticulorumen temperature, its repeatability, and its predictability, with individual calves responding to weaning differently. This study is the first to formally quantify inter- and intra-individual variation in reticulorumen temperature in calves, adding to a restricted body of work on variation in body temperature in endotherms. We suggest accounting for inter- and intra-individual variation in methods aiming to automatically detect disease in calves using reticulorumen temperature would increase their accuracy.
Body mass index change trajectories and gastric cancer risk: Effect modification by sex, age, smoking, and menopausal status in Korean adults aged ≥40 years
This study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and gastric cancer risk and specifically evaluated effect modification by sex, age, smoking, and menopausal status. A nationwide cohort of cancer-free Korean adults aged ≥40 years who underwent standardized health examinations in 2009 and 2013 was followed through 2017. BMI was classified into five categories (<18.5, 18.5–22.9, 23–24.9, 25–29.9, and ≥30 kg/m 2 ), and BMI changes were grouped into 25 trajectories. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for gastric cancer were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, with formal interaction testing for key modifiers. Among 2,800,588 participants (52.8% women), 14,662 incident gastric cancers were identified. Persistent obesity I was consistently associated with an increased gastric cancer risk in total population and most subgroups, including both men and women, both smoking groups, postmenopausal women, and individuals aged < 60 years. In contrast, modest BMI gain from normal to overweight was associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer in men (aHR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82–1.00), smokers (aHR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79–0.99), and individuals aged < 60 years (aHR 0.87; 95% CI 0.77–0.98). Persistent obesity II was associated with an increased risk in never smokers. Both underweight and persistent obesity I were associated with an increased risk in those aged < 60 years. BMI change from obesity I to overweight reduced gastric cancer risk (aHR 0.54; 95% CI 0.32–0.92) in premenopausal women, whereas persistent obesity I and BMI gain (underweight to normal) were associated with increased gastric cancer risk in postmenopausal women; however, these findings were exploratory. In conclusion, BMI changes are associated with gastric cancer risk, with clear effect modification by sex, age, and smoking status.
Force-sensor-integrated soft microfinger for mechanical stimulation and generated force evaluation of zebrafish larvae
Survival disparities and competing mortality risks in offspring of consanguineous marriages in Yemen: A 26-year retrospective cohort analysis
Background Consanguineous marriage is prevalent in many global populations and increases the risk of autosomal recessive genetic disorders in offspring. However, long-term disorder-specific survival patterns and competing mortality risks in this population remain poorly quantified, limiting evidence-based prognostic counseling and healthcare planning. Objective This study aimed to determine disorder-specific survival disparities, quantify cause-specific mortality using competing risks analysis, and evaluate the independent effect of the degree of consanguinity on mortality. Methods We conducted a 26-year retrospective cohort study (1998–2024) of 3,427 offspring from 1,065 Yemeni families. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained through multi-source verification. Survival analysis employed Kaplan–Meier estimators, Cox proportional hazards models, and Fine–Gray competing risks regression. Results Five-year survival varied substantially: 42.3% for hemoglobinopathies, 65.1% for congenital anomalies, 78.2% for neurodevelopmental disorders, and 92.4% for sensory impairments. First-cousin offspring had a 2.8-fold higher adjusted all-cause mortality risk (HR = 2.84, 95% CI 2.32–3.44) than non-consanguineous offspring. Competing-risks analysis revealed distinct age-specific mortality patterns: congenital anomalies dominated infant mortality (cumulative incidence 24.3%), whereas hematological disorders peaked in early childhood (18.7%). Conclusion Survival in consanguineous offspring shows severe disorder-specific disparities and a strong mortality gradient with the degree of consanguinity. The competing-risks framework provides critical insights for prognostic counseling and for prioritizing early interventions targeting high-risk disorders during critical mortality periods.
Spatial dealiasing of classical geomagnetic survey data through use of a microfabricated wearable quantum magnetometer
Abstract Geomagnetic surveys provide insight into the subsurface for a range of applications, from fundamental understanding of geological processes, to mineral exploration and locating unexploded ordnance. A persistent challenge in performing such geomagnetic surveys is the joint problem of anthropogenic noise rejection and spatial aliasing, where the limited bandwidth (< 10 Hz) of traditional surveying instruments introduces artefacts into the surveyed field. Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) exploit quantum mechanical effects to achieve highly sensitive and stable magnetic field measurements at comparatively high bandwidths. Recent advances in manufacturing have enabled OPMs to be packaged in compact and lightweight systems ( $$\sim$$ 1kg), that are ideal for geomagnetic surveying. Here, we show how an OPM can directly contribute to the reduction of spatial aliasing in traditional PPM data. We carry both a PPM and OPM over a 20 km long transect across the Highland Boundary Fault (HBF) in Scotland. We leverage the continuous acquisition of the OPM sampling at 90 Hz, equivalent to every $$\sim$$ 1 cm at walking pace (1 m. $$\hbox {s}^{-1}$$ ) versus every $$\sim$$ 200 m for our PPM (which had to be stationary for measurements) to reject magnetic noise and identify new small-scale (< 200 m) geological structures. Further, we discuss the logistical advantages of the hybrid survey in terms of portability, survey delivery, data density, and data quality.
GSEA and the coexpression network approach identify novel pathway connections of molecular processes affected in Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease
Background Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) is a complex, rare liver disease characterized by the absence of cirrhosis, with or without the presence of portal hypertension or histological lesions. Given the knowledge gaps in the mechanisms involved in this disease with unknown etiology, we used omics-based approaches to further elucidate the pathways affected by PSVD, facilitating improvements in the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment options for these patients. Methods We applied gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify pathways dysregulated in PSVD. Network construction and visualization were performed in Cytoscape to explore interconnectivity among enriched processes. Within key modules, candidate genes were prioritized by ranking approaches and cross-referenced with findings from previous studies. Results and conclusion In this study using both module eigengene correlation network analysis and GSEA, a novel coordinated dysregulation in PSVD was identified characterized by the simultaneous activation of immune and signaling pathways alongside the suppression of metabolic, ribosomal, and mitochondrial programs, highlighting a critical antagonistic interplay between these systems. Alterations in ribosomal proteins, ATP synthase subunits, and serpin family members highlight translational, bioenergetic, and anticoagulant dysfunction as core mechanisms. Together, these findings define PSVD as a disorder of integrated immune, vascular, and metabolic imbalance.
Feedforward compensation of piezo nonlinearity for high-precision high-speed atomic force microscopy
Correction: Cohort profile: The Bristol IVF Study- A longitudinal study of women, their partners and treatment outcomes following assisted reproductive technologies
Hierarchical graph attention knowledge tracing and personalized recommendation for computer courses
The effect of moderate physical activity on NK cells populations and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in young, healthy women
Background Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor known to reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer, partly through improvement of immune function. Physical exercise activates innate and adaptive immunity, boosting the circulation and function of NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, key players in cancer surveillance. This study aims to assess the effect of moderate physical activity on NK cells, their subpopulations, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, in young, healthy women. Methods The study included 141 healthy women aged 20–36. Physical activity was monitored using Fitbit accelerometers over two menstrual cycles, during which participants performed at least 180 minutes/week of moderate physical activity. Blood samples were collected to assess cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK cells, their subpopulations, and NK cytotoxic activity via flow cytometry. Associations between physical activity and immune parameters, adjusting for age and body fat percentage, were analyzed by multiple linear regression models. Results A higher number of steps per day was positively associated with the proportion of CD56 bright CD16 + NK cells (β = 0.22, p = 0.016), and minutes spent fairly active per day showed a positive association with CD56 bright CD16 − NK cells (β = 0.17, p = 0.051). Higher number of very active minutes per day was associated with stronger natural killing ability of NK cells (β = 0.27, p = 0.030) and with a smaller percentage change between natural and IL-2-activated cytotoxicity (β = −0.25, p = 0.048). No significant associations were observed for total NK cells or cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Conclusions A longer-term moderate physical activity in healthy young women may enhance CD56 bright NK cell subpopulations and natural NK cell cytotoxicity, while reducing responsiveness to IL-2 stimulation. Our findings provide insight into a better understanding of how physical activity affects immune functioning, which might be relevant for cancer prevention, including breast cancer, in healthy women.
A LION-optimized GAN for multi-target battery state prediction in battery management system
Predictors of binge drinking among adults in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia: Data from the population-based behavioral risk-factors surveillance system
Introduction Alcohol use has been linked to harmful health outcomes. In this study, we examined the association between binge drinking and sociodemographic characteristics as well as health-related lifestyle factors among the adult population in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (APV). Materials and methods The data for this study were used from the newly established “Surveillance of Behavioural Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases in Vojvodina” (SBRF-NCD-V) system in APV, Serbia. This cross-sectional study involved 3910 healthcare users aged 18 years and older, interviewed in 2024, across all 44 Primary Healthcare Centers in APV. The questionnaire used was adapted from the BRFSS instrument developed by the CDC. A multivariable binary logistic regression model analysed associations between binge drinking and sociodemographic, as well as health-related factors, stratified by gender to calculate odds ratios. Results The prevalence of binge drinking in Vojvodina was high (19.3%). Higher odds of binge drinkers were recorded in males (OR=4.3; 95% CI = 3.5–5.2; p < 0.001), in younger categories compared to age groups 65 and over (p < 0.001), never married females compared to married/living with a partner (OR=2.1; 95% CI = 1.4–3.5; p = 0.002), females with poor/very poor material status (OR=2.1; 95% CI = 1.2–3.9; p = 0.014), females who were former smokers (OR=1.8; 95% CI = 1.1–3.3; p = 0.033) or smokers (OR=2.8; 95% CI = 2.3–3.5; p < 0.001) compared to non-smokers, males who were not physically inactive (OR=1.7; 95% CI = 1.3–2.2; p < 0.001). Conclusion Factors contributing to the high prevalence of binge drinking in APV, Serbia, were gender, younger age, never-married status in females, worse material status in females, former smoking in females, smoking for both genders, and physical activity in males. Introducing a continuous sub-national surveillance system could significantly improve the monitoring of factors associated with alcohol use prevalence. Identified sociodemographic factors could help health workers in primary care settings to screen and support patients at risk of, or engaged in risky alcohol use.
Preparation and characterization of natural gum nanomuscovite nanocomposite for removal of heavy metals
Abstract A common technique to boost the adsorption capability of adsorbent material’s is to alter its composition. In this study, novel nanomuscovite / Arabic gum nanocomposite was synthesized to increase heavy metals adsorption capacity of nanomuscovite. The nanocomposite was fabricated using freeze-drying precipitation by loading gum Arabic (GA) on muscovite nanoparticle. Arabic gum particle was loaded into nanomuscovite with ratios 1:1, 2:1, and 1:2 by weight. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BET specific surface area. The effects of various parameters (pH, solution temperature, composite dose, contact time, and metal concentrations) on adsorption capacity of Cd and Pb were studied. Four surface adsorption models were used, including Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Temkin, and Freundlich models. The kinetics adsorption of Cd and Pb on the adsorbent surface was investigated using the pseudo first order, pseudo second order, intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich models. It was reported that nanocomposite prepared with a 2:1 w ratio of Arabic gum to nanomuscovite exhibited higher Cd and Pb removal than with the others. Additionally, the maximum Cd and Pb adsorption efficiencies (45.9, 38.01 mgg -1 , respectively) and high removal percentage (95% and 96%, respectively) were achieved at pH 7, 0.1 g adsorbent dosage, 75 ppm metal concentration, 25 °C solution temperature, and 60 min shaking time. The adsorption of these metals followed the Langmuir model, while the kinetics information fits a pseudo-second order. Thermodynamic calculation of Pb and Cd ion interactions indicate that the reaction is exothermic, as evidenced by the negative free energy ΔG° value, which suggests that the process occurs spontaneously.
Role for plant foods in kidney health among middle-aged individuals environmentally exposed to cadmium and lead
Plant food consumption has been associated with potential kidney health benefits; however, in polluted environments, such benefits may be diminished by exposure to toxic metals, notably, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Herein, plant food intake levels were investigated in relation to a simultaneous Cd/Pb exposure and kidney injury, reflected by urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (uNAG). A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024 in southern Thailand, where ninety-six residents, aged ≥50 years were recruited during routine chronic disease screening. Consumption of plant foods was assessed using Plant Food Scores (PFS). Blood Cd and blood Pb levels were indicators of exposure to the metals. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine creatinine, and uNAG were indicative of kidney function. ANOVA was used to compare PFS and kidney function indicators in Cd/Pb exposure groups, while associations of PFS, blood Cd, blood Pb and kidney function indicators were evaluated by multivariable regression. BUN levels rose in high Cd/Pb exposure group (12.64 to 15.79 mg/dL; p = 0.016), whereas eGFR and uNAG exhibited non-significant trends suggestive of renal stress. Total PFS was inversely associated with uNAG (β = −0.297; p = 0.010), and higher consumption of nuts and seeds was associated with a lower likelihood of elevated uNAG levels (OR = 0.185; 95% CI, 0.040–0.860; p = 0.032). Thus, consumption of plant foods, particularly nuts and seeds, was associated with lower levels of kidney tubular cell injury. ROC analysis showed good discriminatory ability for BUN (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.827) and uNAG (AUC = 0.813). Therefore, uNAG may have potential utility as a non-invasive biomarker of early renal tubular injury in populations chronically exposed to Cd/Pb.
Multiple source enrichment model of organic matter in fifth member of Xujiahe Formation of Upper Triassic, northeastern Sichuan Basin
Risk factors for post-induction hypotension in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing general anesthesia
Background Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at highly susceptible to hemodynamic instability during anesthesia induction. However, data specific to this population remain limited. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 635 adult patients with ESRD who underwent non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia between 2012 and 2022. Post-induction hypotension was defined as a ≥ 30% reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) from baseline within 20 minutes after induction, requiring vasopressor support. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors. Results The incidence of post-induction hypotension was 44.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 40.2–47.9). Independent predictors included age > 65 years, chronic oral antidiabetic therapy, higher propofol dose, rapid sequence induction, and emergency surgery. The incidence of hypotension peaked at 20 min after induction. Dialysis-related variables were not significantly associated with hypotension. Conclusion Post-induction hypotension is common in patients with ESRD and associated with advanced age, chronic antidiabetic therapy, higher propofol dose, rapid sequence induction, and emergency surgery.
CRGWO-DWA: A structured global–local collaborative planning framework for smooth UAV navigation in dynamic environments
Phage-plasmid-like elements are found throughout diverse environments and encode niche-specific functional traits
Phage-plasmids are unique mobile genetic elements that function as plasmids and temperate phages. While it has been observed that such elements often encode antibiotic resistance genes and defense system genes, little else is known about other functional traits they encode. Further, no study to date has documented their environmental distribution and prevalence. Here, we performed genome sequence mining of public databases of phages and plasmids utilizing a random forest classifier to identify phage-plasmids. We recovered 5,712 unique phage-plasmid-like genomes from a remarkable array of disparate environments, including human, animal, plant, fungi, soil, sediment, freshwater, wastewater, and saltwater environments. The resulting genomes were used in a comparative sequence analysis, revealing functional traits/accessory genes associated with specific environments. Host-associated elements contained the most defense systems (including CRISPR and anti-CRISPR systems) as well as antibiotic resistance genes, while other environments, such as freshwater and saltwater systems, tended to encode components of various biosynthetic pathways. Interestingly, we identified genes encoding for certain functional traits, including anti-CRISPR systems and specific antibiotic resistance genes, that were enriched in phage-plasmid-like elements relative to both plasmids and phages. Our results highlight that phage-plasmid-like elements are found across a wide-array of environments and likely play a role in shaping microbial ecology in a multitude of niches.