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Assessment of agricultural region dynamics using object contour properties from Sentinel-2 images
Economic activity in agricultural regions is influenced by various natural and anthropogenic factors. Their impact on spatial and temporal changes can be assessed by studying satellite images acquired at different times. The methodology for detecting changes is continually improving with the use of new image processing techniques. Changes resulting from destructive events can be used to assess their effectiveness. Agriculture in southern Ukraine has been catastrophically affected by military actions, which have led to the degradation of the agricultural landscape structure. One of the manifestations of this process is the destruction and fragmentation of linear contours of agricultural landscapes such as cropland boundaries, field roads, irrigation infrastructure, forest stands, etc. The study assesses the potential of using structural features of object contours, such as their total extent and contrast, in satellite image bands to monitor alterations in the condition of agricultural landscapes. A methodology is proposed to analyze the dynamics of cultivated land development or degradation by analyzing a developed Contour Density Indicator (CDI). The CDI was applied to assess changes in the configuration of an agricultural region in southern Ukraine from 2020 to 2024 using Sentinel-2 images. This period includes 2.5 years of military operations of varying intensity. Analysis of Sentinel-2 images demonstrated a systematic decline in CDI modal values from 2022 to 2023, with the strongest decrease observed within the 30-km-wide battle-line zone, where CDI mode dropped by up to 55% relative to 2020. In contrast, Ukrainian-controlled areas showed a partial recovery of CDI values in 2024, while the buffer zone continued to exhibit persistent loss of contour density, indicating sustained degradation of the agricultural landscape. The results enabled the identification of zones with signs of agricultural degradation resulting from depopulation caused by military activity and the subsequent decline in cultivation intensity. The methodology can be used for operational monitoring of agricultural regions and for making informed management decisions regarding land use in both wartime and peacetime.
Machine-learning-based cardiovascular mortality prediction using a cumulative PM2.5 exposure metric in high risk groups: a retrospective cohort study
Comparison of dose-adjusted EPOCH-R and R-CHOP in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with high Ki67 expression: Results from a prospective observational study
Objectives To compare the safety and efficacy of first-line dose-adjusted EPOCH-R (DA-EPOCH-R) versus R-CHOP treatment in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with high Ki67 expression. Methods A retrospective analysis of DLBCL patients receiving R-CHOP determined the threshold of high Ki67 expression predicting 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) events using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Then we initiated a prospective, observational study evaluating DA-EPOCH-R therapy for DLBCL with high Ki67 expression, and selected a retrospective R-CHOP cohort to perform a propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis. Primary endpoints were PFS and overall survival (OS). Results A Ki67 threshold of 82.5% was determined using ROC in the retrospective analysis of 376 DLBCL cases, thus the threshold was ultimately set at 80%. A total of 29 patients receiving DA-EPOCH-R were enrolled in the prospective study, the enrollment was terminated due to the conditional power and a slow accrual. Following 1:1 PSM, no PFS (HR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.47–1.84, p = 0.83) and OS (HR 1.28, 95% CI: 0.42–3.83, p = 0.66) benefit of DA-EPOCH-R versus R-CHOP was observed, with a nearly significantly higher frequency of grade ≥ 3 hematological adverse events (AEs) observed in the DA-EPOCH-R group (p = 0.052). Notably, only 37.9% (11/29) of patients executed dose escalation, which indicated a worse tolerance to this intensified regimen of the East Asians. Conclusions No significant survival benefit from DA-EPOCH-R treatment was observed for DLBCL with high Ki67 expression, which may be attributed to the poorer tolerance in the East Asian population.
Association between body composition, knee synovial effusion, and serum glutamate in middle-aged women with knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study
Association between mobile phone use and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: A large prospective cohort study
Background It remains uncertain whether there is a relationship between mobile phone use and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research on the relationship between different mobile phone usage(MPU) behaviors and the risk of RA onset is still insufficient. Methods The UK Biobank (UKB) data were utilised to inquire into the relationship between four mobile phone use exposure variables—MPU, length of mobile phone use(LMPU), weekly usage of mobile phone for making or receiving calls(WMPU), and hands-free device/speakerphone use with mobile phones to make or receive calls(HMPU)—and new-onset RA. The relationships between MPU behaviors and the occurrence of RA in the general population were assessed using Cox regression analyses. These associations were further explored in subgroups stratified. We implemented sensitivity analyses to confirm the stability of the results. Results During a median follow-up period of 13.63 years, 6082 new cases of RA were identified among 479,966 participants. Individuals who used cell phones had a 14% elevated risk of the onset of RA (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07–1.23), with an 8% elevated risk (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15) observed among those who used a mobile phone for more than 30 minutes per week. Conclusions We aimed to investigate the association between MPU and the risk of developing RA in the general population. Results indicate that increased MPU, longer duration of use, and greater weekly mobile phone usage time may be associated with an elevated risk of developing RA.
A wavelet attention fusion and YOLO based approach for robust multi scale hand pose estimation
Between-session reliability and sensitivity of force production characteristics across various force-time points during the isometric single-leg long-lever bridge
The purpose of this study was to assess the between-session reliability of peak force and early force-time variables in a unilateral isometric hamstring assessment (isometric long-lever bridge). The sample consisted of 30 collegiate male athletes (age: 19.4 ± 1.3 years; height: 1.79 ± 0.1 m; body mass: 80.4 ± 10.3 kg) with no history of recent hamstring injury (<6 months) who volunteered to participate in the study. All participants performed 3 unilateral maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) with their heels on force plates and shoulders elevated 15.24 cm, while their hips were secured with a loaded barbell. Data was analyzed to assess the reliability of force values at 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 ms, and peak force (N) across three repeated sessions. Moderate-good relative and absolute reliabilities were observed across all early force-time variables with lower bound ICC values ≥ 0.51 (0.51–0.71) and point estimate CV% ≤ 12.65% (7.63–12.65), with moderate relative (ICC ≥ 0.74; range 0.74–0.92) and absolute (CV% ≤ 6.50%; range 6.48–6.50) reliability for peak force. Trivial to small effect sizes ( g ≤ 0.4) were observed between sessions. These findings suggest that the isometric single-leg long-lever bridge (SL-LLB) can be used to reliably monitor peak and rapid force generating capacities to track performance changes over time due to training adaptations as well as acute or chronic fatigue.
Parameter-uniform numerical method for a coupled system of singularly perturbed turning point problems with Robin boundary conditions
Arabic translation and psychometric validation of the Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia
The Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale was originally developed in English to assess patient preferences across three domains: mortality, morbidity, and quality of life. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychrometrically validate an Arabic version of the Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale using a sample of 505 adults from the general Saudi population. The translation followed World Health Organization guidelines for instrument translation and validation. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the underlying factor structure. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while construct validity was evaluated through average variance extracted and the Fornell–Larcker criterion. Measurement invariance across sex was examined using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. The Arabic version demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Exploratory factor analysis identified a four-factor structure explaining 56% of the variance, which showed good model fit (χ²/df = 3.22, CFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.990, SRMR = 0.070, RMSEA = 0.081). All factors exhibited satisfactory internal consistency. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported. Measurement invariance was established across sex, and latent mean comparisons indicated that females scored significantly higher than males across all four factors. These findings support the reliability and validity of the Arabic Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale and highlight its suitability for assessing patient involvement preferences in Arab population.
Phytochemical profiling and in-vitro antibacterial activity of Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile leaf and stem bark extracts against selected human pathogens
Rapid detection of Kenyan tomato leaf curl virus isolates using probe-enhanced loop-mediated isothermal amplification coupled with a modified DNA extraction method
Plant disease management requires sensitive and user-friendly diagnostic methods. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other methods have helped diagnose diseases, but they are primarily used in high-resource settings, leaving low-resource settings without effective options. A simple probe-enhanced method for the detection of Kenyan tomato leaf curl virus (Kenyan ToLCV) isolates in host crops, including asymptomatic ones, was developed by employing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) coupled with a rapid modified DNA extraction method. A modified alkaline polyethylene glycol (APEG) approach for sample preparation from infected tomato and chili pepper leaves was optimized for sensitivity, reproducibility, and adaptability. The modified extraction buffer contained polyethylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and sodium chloride. Six LAMP primers and a hybridization probe targeting the AV1 gene were designed and used for specific detection of Kenyan ToLCV isolates. Gel electrophoresis, real-time detection, and color change were used to evaluate the LAMP reaction. The probe-enhanced LAMP assay detected the virus in 2.7 minutes under optimal conditions. The analytical sensitivity reached 0.001 fg/μL of total DNA. The optimized LAMP assay was 10 6 times more sensitive than conventional gold-standard PCR and did not cross-react with other tomato-infecting viruses. The modified buffer yielded a significantly shorter time-to-positive (~4.8 minutes; p < 0.0001) compared to unmodified APEG. The probe-enhanced LAMP assay detected the virus in 50% (4/8) of asymptomatic samples. The findings suggest the application of the developed assay for phytopathological testing in resource-poor areas and for direct field detection. This assay would provide a reliable approach for rapid plant health certification and quarantine inspection.
Bloodmeal metabarcoding reveals host feeding patterns for Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus in Jutiapa, Guatemala and Texas, USA
A hybrid BiLSTM and rule-based system for integrated diabetes prediction and personalized guidance
Diabetes is a common chronic disease that needs early diagnosis and proper management to avoid severe complications. While current Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools generate predictive information, they often lack an integrated element for post-diagnosis support in order to fill in this critical gap in patient self-management. This research proposes and validates a hybrid System which aims to bridge this gap. The methodology is based on a novel, fused dataset (PIMA and Type 2 Diabetes) that was carefully preprocessed following a leakage-safe protocol in order to increase generalizability. The system architecture is a combination of two different critical components: Strong Bidirectional Long Short term Memory (BiLSTM) model for prediction and rule based engine for creating personalized lifestyle recommendations. In order to validate the efficacy of the BiLSTM model, seven traditional machine learning (ML) models and standard deep learning (DL) models have been comparatively tested, in which BiLSTM model has demonstrated a better generalization and prediction performance. Rigorous 10-fold cross validation was used to validate the system, which came up with an accuracy of 84.02%, precision of 87.89%, and recall of 80.50%. This research concludes that by successfully combining the high-performance predictive engine and real-time guidance module, it is possible to develop a holistic clinically relevant tool to close the loop between diagnosis and proactive self-management.
Emergence of NDM-5-producing ST405 and NDM-1-producing ST10 Escherichia coli in bloodstream infections in Apulia, Italy, 2023–2025
Community pharmacy-led diabetes management using continuous glucose monitoring for suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes: A pilot feasibility study
Many adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) managed without insulin continue to experience suboptimally controlled glycemia. This 12-week, single-arm pilot feasibility study was conducted across 11 community pharmacies in South Korea to evaluate the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of a community pharmacy-led diabetes management model using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) integrated with digital health platforms. Thirty adults with suboptimally controlled T2DM (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) on stable oral regimens were enrolled. The intervention combined medication, exercise, and nutrition counseling using CGM (Abbott LibreView®) integrated with the national Personal Health Record system. The primary composite endpoint was defined as achieving all three at week 12: (1) HbA1c ≤ 7.0%, (2) meaningful HbA1c reduction (≥0.5% absolute or ≥10% relative), and (3) time in range (TIR, 70–180 mg/dL) >70%. Results showed that all 30 participants completed the program, with 36.7% achieving the primary composite endpoint. At week 12, HbA1c decreased by 0.70% (95% CI: –1.00 to –0.39; p < 0.001), TIR increased by 5.8 percentage points (p < 0.001), and time above range declined. Time below range remained stable, confirming safety. Improvements appeared from week 3 and were sustained, with longer diabetes duration independently predicting response (adjusted OR=1.24/year, p = 0.040). In conclusion, community pharmacy-led diabetes management using CGM, enabled by digital health integration, produced clinically meaningful and sustained glycemic improvements among adults with T2DM not using insulin. (Trial Registration: KCT0010933).
Precise ablation of cholesteatoma using a 445-nm diode laser
Dynamic adjustment algorithm of equipment maintenance cycle based on substation state operation and maintenance
To improve the timeliness and effectiveness of equipment maintenance and ensure the stable operation of power systems, this paper proposes a dynamic adjustment algorithm for equipment maintenance cycles based on substation condition-based operation and maintenance. The algorithm builds the operation and maintenance management framework of smart substation, adopts the distributed multi-sensor mode to sense the operation and maintenance status data of substation equipment, Based on the operation and maintenance status data of substation equipment, analyze the planned maintenance cost and failure cost of substation equipment, determine the dynamic adjustment objective function of the equipment maintenance cycle based on these two costs, and set the constraint condition of the dynamic adjustment target function of the equipment maintenance cycle from the perspective of the total maintenance plan, the coupling constraint between the maintenance start time and the daily state variables of the maintenance plan, after solving the dynamic adjustment objective function of the equipment maintenance cycle, to obtain the optimal dynamic adjustment parameters of the equipment maintenance cycle, ensure that the planned maintenance cost and failure cost of the adjustment are the lowest. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm effectively perceives substation equipment condition data, dynamically adjusts maintenance cycles, shortens maintenance durations, and improves the reliability coefficient of substation equipment. The application effect is relatively significant.
New hybrid pyridine–1,2,4-triazole scaffolds: synthesis, in vitro evaluation of anticancer and antimicrobial activity, and in silico insights
Abstract 1,2,4-Triazole-3-thiones bearing 2-amino-5-chloropyridine or 2-amino-3,5-dibromopyridine moieties were S -alkylated with substituted bromoacetamides to obtain target 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols. Anticancer effects of the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro using cell monolayer (MTT and ‘wound healing’ assays) and 3D spheroid models against human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), and melanoma (IGR39) cell lines. In the initial screening, compounds incorporating the 3,5-dibromopyridyl fragment were generally the most cytotoxic and compound 34 (5-chloropyridinyl derivative) was the most potent, with EC 50 values below 5 µM for all tested cancer cell lines. Although cytotoxic, they did not markedly inhibit cancer cell migration. In 3D spheroid cultures, 34 significantly inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 and IGR39 spheroids, while compounds 24 (phenyl) and 26 ( p -tolyl) decreased spheroid viability without altering their size. Compound 26 also demonstrated notable antimicrobial properties, exhibiting stronger antifungal activity against C. tenuis (7.8 µg/mL) than nystatin (15.6 µg/mL) and matching the antibacterial potency of vancomycin against M. luteum (7.8 µg/mL). Molecular docking suggested possible MEK/BRAF-related interactions within the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Compound 34 showed the most favourable predicted binding profile for MEK (-11.134 kcal/mol) and BRAF (–10.336 kcal/mol). However, these in silico findings require to be confirmed experimentally.
Exploring drivers and management strategies of informal patient payments in hospitals: A qualitative study in Iran
Background Informal patient payments remain a persistent and multifaceted challenge in many health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These payments, often made outside official channels, can undermine equity, transparency, and trust in healthcare delivery. This qualitative study aimed to explore the underlying causes of informal payments and identify feasible management strategies from the perspectives of key stakeholders. Methods This applied study was conducted using a qualitative method and semi-structured interviews between September 10, 2024, and January 17, 2025. A total of 31 participants, including senior policymakers from the Ministry of Health, hospital managers, medical specialists, nursing managers, hospital supervisors, health economics and healthcare management faculty members, and patients with experience of informal payments in Iranian hospitals, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Latent content analysis was employed for data analysis, and MAXQDA software (version 2022) was used to extract the main and subcategories. Results Six main themes and 39 subcategories were identified regarding the causes of informal patient payments. From the perspectives of policymakers, physicians, and service providers, four main themes with 27 subcategories emerged, including factors related to salaries and benefits, structural and organizational issues, laws and regulations, and ethical and cultural considerations. From the perspective of service recipients, two main themes with 12 subcategories were identified, covering service-related and cultural factors. Regarding management strategies to address informal payments, three main themes with 14 subcategories were found, encompassing structural, legal, and cultural approaches. Conclusion Informal payments in hospitals are driven by a complex interplay of economic, structural, legal, cultural, and ethical factors. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted strategy, including tariff reform, strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, promotion of professional ethics, improved service delivery systems, and public awareness campaigns. Sustainable reduction of informal payments demands coordinated efforts across all levels of the health system.