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Climate and land use change potentially drives southern range contraction and latitudinal shift in Caucasian Lynx

Spiritual leadership and service performance among Chinese flight attendants: The mediating effects of meaningful work and work engagement

As indispensable members of the flight crew for passenger transport on large aircraft, flight attendants are responsible for cabin safety, security, passenger services, and emergency response during flights. As the primary interface between passengers and airlines, their delivery of high-quality service is critical to maintaining passenger loyalty and supporting airlines’ sustained prosperity. Enhancing flight attendants’ in-flight service performance thus represents a key focus in airline management. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships among spiritual leadership, meaningful work, work engagement, and service performance using a sample of 313 Chinese flight attendants from Tibet Airlines and its branches. Psychological questionnaire surveys and correlation analyses revealed significant positive correlations among all four variables. Bootstrap analyses demonstrated that meaningful work and work engagement not only exert independent mediating effects on the relationship between spiritual leadership and service performance, but also jointly form a sequential mediating chain. Theoretical implications of these findings and practical recommendations for enhancing flight attendants’ service performance in airline management are discussed.

Quantification of blue carbon storage in seagrass meadows across different management strategies in Lamu, Kenya

The epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus circulation among adult patients with acute respiratory illness in Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda

Background Acute respiratory infections (ARI) caused by viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) posed significant public health challenges, particularly in low-income countries. Understanding the co-circulation dynamics of these pathogens is crucial for effective public health monitoring, surveillance, and control interventions. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV co-circulation among patients with ARI in Uganda’s central business districts. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 1,265 adult outpatients aged 18 years and older presenting with ARI in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. Data were collected for the period from March 2023 through April 2024. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and RSV using RT-PCR. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status were analyzed using descriptive statistics and time series analysis. Results RSV was the most prevalent pathogen (5.5%), followed by SARS-CoV-2 (5.1%), Influenza A (4.4%), and Influenza B (1.7%). Individuals aged 45 and older were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. There was a significant difference in pathogen presence by occupation (p = 0.03), with health workers showing the highest prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while prevalence did not differ significantly by sex. Seasonal trends showed bimodal peaks for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and RSV, with the highest frequency observed between April 2023 to June 2023 and November 2023 to February 2024. However, Influenza B exhibited a single prolonged peak. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was associated with a higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (8.7% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.023) but not with influenza or RSV prevalence. Conclusion The co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV highlights Uganda’s ongoing respiratory virus burden. Seasonal patterns and recurrent outbreaks underscore the need for sustained surveillance, targeted vaccination, and public health interventions to mitigate the impact of these pathogens, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Study on deformation control technology for deep loose and fractured roadways in Yunjialing Mine

Comparison between two different concentrations of ropivacaine in pericapsular nerve group block for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty: A randomized clinical trial

Effective pain control during spinal anesthesia positioning remains a clinical challenge in elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The pericapsular nerve group block, a novel ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique, has shown promise for alleviating hip pain, yet the optimal concentration of local anesthetics for this approach remains unclear. In this randomized, observer-blinded clinical trial involving 102 patients, we compared the analgesic efficacy of two concentrations of ropivacaine (0.375% vs. 0.5%) administered via pericapsular nerve group block prior to spinal anesthesia. Patients receiving 0.5% ropivacaine reported significantly lower pain scores during positioning and demonstrated prolonged postoperative analgesia up to 48 hours, without a corresponding increase in adverse events. Both concentrations improved positioning quality, reduced opioid requirements, and enhanced recovery compared to controls who received standard intravenous analgesic supplementation (including preoperative midazolam and ketorolac, and postoperative sufentanil PCA), though the higher concentration yielded modest additional benefits. These findings suggest that a 0.5% ropivacaine pericapsular nerve group block may offer superior perioperative analgesia for hip arthroplasty without compromising safety, while highlighting the need to balance analgesic potency with potential motor effects. This study informs optimization of nerve block protocols to improve perioperative outcomes in a high-risk surgical population. This study informs optimization of nerve block protocols to improve perioperative outcomes in a high-risk surgical population. The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2400089440).

Stepwise effects of formulation additives and process parameters on ethanol injection-prepared nanoliposomes for cancer delivery: a preformulation study

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to adult vaccination among adults and healthcare professionals across Mexico

Background Despite substantial evidence supporting the benefits of vaccination across all age groups, achieving high vaccine coverage in adults remains a global challenge. Limited disease knowledge and vaccine hesitancy contribute to this issue. To increase vaccination rates, we need to understand the gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among adults and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Our primary objectives were to describe the KAP regarding vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccination among adults and HCPs in Mexico, and to identify differences by sociodemographic factors. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional survey study in three states in Mexico from July to October 2024. Two surveys were administered to adults aged ≥20 years and HCPs to capture outcomes of general vaccine and disease KAP, particularly for vaccine-preventable diseases such as herpes zoster (HZ), influenza, whooping cough, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Results A total of 1,169 adults from the general population and 228 HCPs were included. Among the population group, 95.6% acknowledged the importance of vaccines, and 87.6% knew adults could receive routine vaccines. Knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases ranged from high for influenza (97.3%) to limited for RSV (16.1%) and HZ (39.4%). Fewer knew about RSV (10.1%) and HZ (18.6%) vaccines. Only 23.5% of HCPs had recommended the HZ vaccine to older adults, while more did so for whooping cough (52.2%), influenza (96%). The main factors for HCPs to accept and recommend vaccinations were knowledge of the disease, complications, and vaccine efficacy and effectiveness. Also, 69.8% indicated that information about the disease was the most critical factor in vaccination recommendations. Conclusion The findings underscore the need to strengthen health communication and education, and address barriers that impede access to vaccination, particularly for less well-known vaccines. Bridging the gaps between KAP is essential to improving adult vaccination coverage, thereby reducing vaccine-preventable diseases and enhancing public health.

An explainable machine learning framework for analyzing and predicting mental health problems among university students in Bangladesh

Characterizing the myeloid and lymphoid immune response in a porcine model of pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury through flow cytometry

Pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of primary graft dysfunction in lung transplantation. Porcine models better simulate physiological conditions and are important for pre-clinical studies; however, comprehensive immune assessment of porcine lungs in IRI has not been performed. We aimed to evaluate immune cells and activation states in porcine IRI models and hypothesized that myeloid and lymphoid cells would infiltrate and activate following IRI. Two sets of porcine orthotopic lung transplants were performed: a 4 h reperfusion (n = 7) and a 72 h survival model (n = 6). Both were compared to a control group without lung injury (n = 6). Lung samples were processed into single cell suspensions and cryopreserved. Thawed samples were stained with anti-porcine antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry. Absolute counts of neutrophils and CD14 + monocytes increased in the allograft at 4 h and remained stable over 72 h post-transplant. CD14 - CD163 + monocytes and conventional dendritic cells continued to increase by 72 h post-transplant. Lymphoid cell numbers were unchanged overall, but T cells showed increased CD25 expression and a memory phenotype at 4 h. Our analysis revealed early myeloid cell infiltration post-IRI which developed into increased inflammatory and antigen-presenting cell populations by 72 h post-transplant. A transient rise in T cell activation markers was noted, consistent with rodent models. Our findings contribute to our understanding of immunological events in porcine pulmonary IRI, a model that better mimics the clinical setting. Our flow cytometry panels allow for improved immunologic analyses of porcine models in preclinical transplantation research.

LLMs are ideological chameleons: personalized echo chambers in the Brazilian political context

Abstract Users are increasingly relying on Large Language Models (LLMs) for political questions, seeking advice and interpreting public debates. This raises a key concern: do LLMs behave as neutral tools, or do they adapt to users’ ideology and reinforce existing polarization? We address this question within the Brazilian context using a new benchmark that probes ideological chameleon behavior in 21 LLMs. We construct opposing pairs of political statements on salient topics (e.g., welfare, security, democratic institutions, environment, and others) and elicit model judgments under three user-position conditions: no context, left-aligned, and right-aligned. To avoid imposing our own ideological taxonomy, we apply a cross-model voting step using independent-judge models and retain only those pairs that are unanimously classified as left versus right. In total, we analyze 47,376 Likert-style responses across models, topics, and hyperparameters (e.g., temperature). We focus on the relative ideological shift induced by user framing. We find that all 21 evaluated models exhibit ideological chameleon behavior to varying degrees. When conditioned by users’ declared leanings, they systematically adjust their stance to align with those views, indicating widespread sycophantic tendencies. These results suggest that many LLMs may function as personalized echo chambers under user framing, with implications for political microtargeting, persuasion, and the governance of AI systems in polarized societies.

Analysis of the relationship between body mass index and kidney function decline in a middle-aged Japanese population: A population-based retrospective cohort study

Japan has one of the highest dialysis prevalence rates worldwide, resulting in substantial economic and health burdens. Although obesity is a known risk factor for the decline of kidney function, the impact of being underweight remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), including underweight status, and kidney function decline using health check-up data. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving Japanese individuals aged 40–74 years in Gunma Prefecture who underwent health checkups in fiscal years 2018 and 2020. The exposure was baseline BMI, which was classified into seven categories. The primary outcome was kidney function decline, defined as a ≥ 30% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over a two-year period. Associations between BMI and kidney function decline were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, lipid profile, and baseline eGFR. A total of 64,970 individuals were included in the final analysis. A U-shaped association was observed between BMI and decline in kidney function. Compared to the reference group, those with obesity (BMI = 30.0–39.9 kg/m²; odds ratio [OR]: 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31–3.19) and those underweight (BMI = 14.0–18.9 kg/m²; OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.43–3.04) had significantly increased risk. The U-shaped association between BMI and kidney function decline suggests that both obesity and underweight status are risk factors. Health guidance should target individuals in both categories to prevent chronic kidney disease.

J. Craig Venter obituary: maverick biotechnologist who sequenced the human genome

Exploring the functional and immunological diversity of the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) family in Fasciola hepatica

Abstract The liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica cause fasciolosis, a zoonotic disease of major health and livestock importance. To evade host immunity, these parasites secrete immunomodulatory molecules, including fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), which are essential for parasite survival by mediating fatty acid uptake and transport, and by exerting anti-inflammatory effects that promote immune evasion and chronic infection. This study investigates the roles of F. hepatica FABPs’ in nutrient acquisition, immune modulation, and parasite survival, assessing their potential as vaccine, diagnostic, and therapeutic targets. We cloned all seven FhFABP isoforms and expressed six recombinantly in yeast. Gene expression analysis showed stage-specific patterns, with the highest levels in adult flukes. Isoform-specific analysis further highlighted stage-dependent expression dynamics, and functional characterization revealed distinct fatty acid-binding properties, suggesting adaptive roles in parasite survival. We assessed IgG responses in infected sheep, finding peak titer against FhFABP5 at 6–8 weeks post-infection (WPI) and a strong, prolonged response to FhFABP4, lasting 6–12 weeks. These results highlight FhFABPs as immunogenic targets for diagnostics or vaccines. Additionally, FhFABPs differentially modulated the activity of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Our findings emphasize the multifaceted roles of FhFABPs in nutrient acquisition and immune modulation, underscoring their potential as targets for vaccines, diagnostics, and anti-inflammatory therapies.

Editorial Note: Systematic multiscale models to predict the compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete at various mixture proportions and curing regimes

Electromagnetic performance analysis and multi-objective optimization of permanent magnet synchronous motors under static and dynamic rotor asymmetric offset conditions

Axolotl mandible regeneration following complete transverse amputation involves a blastema formation and exhibits a limit along the proximodistal axis

Current therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting the regeneration of craniofacial tissues do not fully address all physiological and aesthetic needs. This highlights the need to investigate the regenerative response of craniofacial tissues in regenerative species like Ambystoma mexicanum ( A. mexicanum ), particularly concerning the mandible. However, although previous studies have demonstrated the regenerative response after lateral cuts of the mandible in A. mexicanum , it is unknown whether it can regenerate the mandible after complete transverse amputation, a type of injury used to remove tumors and extensive lesions that involve the symphyseal and parasymphyseal. Furthermore, it remains uncertain whether there is a limit to the regenerative response along the mandible proximal-distal axis. In light of this, we assessed the regenerative response following axolotl mandible complete transverse amputation through macroscopic and histological analyses and skeletogenic assessment via diaphanization. We also evaluated proliferation and the expression of genes associated with blastema formation. The results indicate that following mandibular injury, a blastema formed from which all amputated tissues were regenerated by 180 days post-amputation (dpa) and integrated seamlessly with the remaining structures. However, morphological alterations were noted in the regenerated skeletal elements. Additionally, we identified the expression of genes characteristic of epimorphic regeneration, including Prrx1, Kazald1, Msx2, Pax7 , and Sox2 . Interestingly, regenerative failure was observed after a second, more proximal amputation. Together, our findings suggest that the regenerative response to complete transverse amputation of the mandible in axolotls is fundamentally epimorphic; however, this regenerative capacity appears to have limits along the mandible proximal-distal axis.

Assessment of Rhodococcus sp. (MG1) induced biochemical alterations and genotoxicity in Spodoptera litura

BaEV-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors enable stable CAR expression and cytotoxic function in NK cells

Lentiviral vectors (LVs) pseudotyped with either vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) or baboon envelope glycoprotein (BaEV) have been studied for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transduction in natural killer (NK) cells. However, the stability of CAR expression and the persistence of vector genomes following transduction remain underexplored. We generated CAR-NK92 cells using either VSV-G- or BaEV-pseudotyped LVs and evaluated CAR expression kinetics, cytotoxic function, and vector DNA persistence over time. Primary expanded NK (eNK) cells were further transduced with BaEV-LVs to assess applicability in primary cells. Although VSV-G-CAR-NK92 cells transiently yielded high surface expression of CAR, this expression rapidly declined. Genomic DNA analysis revealed marked degradation of transfer DNA and reduced integration stability of VSV-G-transduced cells. BaEV-LVs, however, supported more sustained CAR expression by NK92 cells, demonstrating persistent gDNA integration and durable cytotoxicity, which were also replicated in eNK cells. In conclusion, these findings support BaEV-LVs as a preferred platform for CAR-NK cell engineering.

Factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders and neck–trunk posture among Shiraz university of medical sciences students using Digimizer

Abstract Musculoskeletal disorders are common among students exposed to prolonged sitting, and objective posture assessment is essential to clarify the contribution of ergonomic and environmental factors. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with neck and trunk posture using quantitative image-based analysis. In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 25 students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were assessed. Neck and trunk angles were extracted from standardized lateral images using Digimizer software. Ergonomic compatibility between chairs and students’ anthropometric characteristics was evaluated through a 12-item checklist. Musculoskeletal discomfort was assessed using the Cornell questionnaire, and mental workload was measured by NASA-TLX. General and task lighting indices and luminance were recorded. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression were performed to determine predictors of posture angles. No significant associations were observed between demographic variables, lighting indices, mental workload, and neck or trunk angles ( p  > 0.05). In contrast, inappropriate seat height was associated with increased neck angle ( p  = 0.046), while insufficient seat width and lack of lower limb support were significantly related to increased trunk angle ( p  = 0.009 and p  = 0.020). Trunk flexion was also associated with greater trunk angle ( p  = 0.035). Discomfort was most prominent in the neck and back regions. These findings indicate that postural deviations during study are primarily driven by chair design and anthropometric mismatch rather than lighting conditions or cognitive load.