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Chemoport-related right innominate vein stenosis in patients with colorectal cancer: A retrospective risk factor analysis
Little information is available regarding the factors that contribute to the occurrence of right innominate vein stenosis in patients with chemoports. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of chemoport-related right innominate vein stenosis (CR-RIVS) in patients with colorectal cancer and to identify factors associated with increased CR-RIVS risk. This retrospective study included patients with colorectal cancer (age, ≥ 19 years) who underwent their first chemoport insertion via the right internal jugular vein between August 2015 and August 2020. The prevalence of CR-RIVS was evaluated using follow-up contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography post-chemoport insertion. Risk factors were analyzed using Classification and Regression Tree, Kaplan-Meier survival, and Cox regression analyses. A subgroup analysis was also conducted among patients in palliative care to assess the impact of bevacizumab and cetuximab treatment on the prevalence of CR-RIVS. Among 1,442 patients with colorectal cancer (mean age, 62.1 ± 11.8 years; 850 males), the prevalence of CR-RIVS was 6.6%. The median time from chemoport insertion to CR-RIVS occurrence was 405 days (interquartile range, 256–908 days). The Classification and Regression Tree analysis identified palliative settings as the key predictor of CR-RIVS. Age, palliative settings, and a time×palliative setting interaction were identified as statistically significant variables ( p < 0.001). In the 728 palliative patients, bevacizumab treatment was significantly associated with a higher risk of CR-RIVS (hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.25–1.82, P < 0.001), whereas cetuximab was not ( p = 0.85). The CR-RIVS-free probability was lower in patients receiving palliative chemotherapy than in those undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy ( p < 0.001); it was also lower in the bevacizumab-treated patients ( p < 0.001) in the palliative setting subgroup analysis. In summary, the prevalence of CR-RIVS was 6.6% in patients with colorectal cancer. Bevacizumab use showed the strongest association with CR-RIVS occurrence in the palliative subgroup analysis.
A hybrid deep learning model with adaptive feature fusion for automated rice leaf disease detection and classification
Large-scale interspecific associations and ecological context shape communal roosts of Western jackdaw (Coloeus monedula)
Communal roosting in birds often involves complex interspecific interactions influenced by ecological, social, and environmental factors. We examined winter roosts (n = 232) of western jackdaws ( Coloeus monedula ) across the Iberian Peninsula to assess patterns of species composition, roost sharing, heterospecific abundance, and dominance. Most roosts (71.6%) were shared with other species, primarily corvids, starlings ( Sturnus sp.), and cattle egret ( Ardea ibis ), with an average richness of 2.7 species per roost. Shared roosts hosted significantly more jackdaws than non-shared roosts, with anthropogenic factors (e.g., proximity to landfills and urban areas) positively influencing sharing, whereas elevation, temperature range, and forest cover had negative effects. Shared roosting with cattle egrets, wood pigeons, and starlings increased jackdaw abundance, whereas glossy ibises and high densities of starlings reduced it. Jackdaws were numerically dominant in over half of shared roosts, though dominance was context-dependent and influenced by the abundance of certain associates. These results reveal selective interspecific associations shaped by environmental context and flexible social roles, emphasizing the importance of conserving large communal roosts across diverse habitats to support overwintering bird communities, particularly declining species in open and agricultural landscapes.
Growth-promoting rhizobacteria amend the defense of strawberry plants against sequentially attacking herbivores
Abstract Plant defense systems such as induced resistance (IR; induced by herbivores) and induced systemic resistance (ISR; induced by beneficial rhizobacteria) are modulated by overlapping signaling pathways within plants. Both ISR and IR are systemic and may involve the production of toxic, antifeedant and/or repellent compounds, and/or reduce nutrient availability, which may in consequence affect plant usability and palatability for later arriving herbivores. The combined effects of ISR and IR on different herbivores sharing the same plant and plant performance have been rarely addressed. Here, we assessed the effects of three plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Azotobacter chroococcum , Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas brassicacearum , on the defense response and physiology of strawberry plants upon sequential attack by two herbivores with different feeding modes, two-spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae and cotton aphids Aphis gossypii . Attack of strawberry plants by spider mites and aphids adversely affected the abundance of the later arriving herbivore, mediated by the host plant’s defense system. First-attacking spider mites exerted much stronger adverse effects on later attacking aphids than first-attacking aphids on later attacking spider mites. In absence of PGPR inoculation, the herbivores, especially first-attacking spider mites, severely impaired host plant physiology and productivity. PGPR inoculation increased the plant`s capacity to mount a stronger phenolic response upon attack by spider mites and aphids, indicating a priming-like enhancement of inducible defense. In consequence, the abundances of both herbivores were lower on PGPR-inoculated plants compared to chemically fertilized and control plants. Overall, our study suggests that PGPR inoculation ameliorates the plant damage caused by sequentially attacking herbivores. Additionally, the PGPRs improve the physiology and productivity, and favorably balance the nutritional state, of strawberry plants.
Editorial Note: Zileuton Improves Memory Deficits, Amyloid and Tau Pathology in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease with Plaques and Tangles
Protective effects of colorless carotenoid precursors against UV-induced lipid oxidation in liposomes compared to lycopene
Abstract Consuming tomato-extracts can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. As lycopene supplementation alone had a weaker impact, the protective effect may be influenced by the colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene. To obtain more insights into the effect of tomato-extracts, the three carotenoids were separately investigated. UV-C-, UV-B- and UV-A-irradiated liposomes containing the antioxidants were analyzed with the thiobarbituric acid-assay coupled with HPLC-DAD, using malondialdehyde as biomarker for lipid oxidation. Antioxidant degradation through UV-irradiation was analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Phytoene had a similar protective effect of 27–34% under UV-C- and UV-B-radiation compared to lycopene. But under UV-A-radiation no effect was observed, and lycopene showed the highest effect. Phytofluene, only examined under UV-B- and UV-A-radiation, showed just pro-oxidative effects. After UV-B-radiation, 13% phytofluene were left, and it completely degraded under UV-A-radiation. Phytofluene’s instability in the presence of oxygen and its high ratio of cis-isomers might have led to these results. The protective effect of phytoene compared to lycopene is due to its higher absorption of UV-C- and UV-B-radiation. In contrast, lycopene maintains its effect under UV-C-radiation because of its high number of conjugated double bonds, whereby radicals are better resonance-stabilized.
Occupational stress, coping strategies, and associated factors among primary healthcare workers in Vietnam
Background Occupational stress is a growing concern among healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly in primary care settings where responsibilities are multifaceted and resources are limited. Objective This study aimed to determine the proportion of perceived stress levels, identify the coping strategies employed, and explore sociodemographic, familial, and occupational factors associated with stress among HCWs in a district-level health system in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from 19 February 2025–31 March 2025 involving 212 HCWs selected through total population sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Brief COPE inventory. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and stress levels. Comparisons were performed using independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA, while Spearman’s rank correlation explored associations between continuous variables. Variables with p < 0.20 in univariate analysis were included in a multivariate linear regression model with backward elimination to identify independent predictors of stress. Multicollinearity was assessed using the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF). Results The mean PSS-10 score was 16.7 ± 2.3, with 93.4% of participants experiencing moderate stress and 6.6% low stress. The most frequently endorsed coping strategies were denial (5.8 ± 1.2), behavioral disengagement (5.4 ± 1.4), and substance use (5.0 ± 1.1). Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, having chronic diseases, and being a physician were independently associated with higher perceived stress. Conclusion The study reveals a high prevalence of moderate stress among HCWs in primary care, with frequent use of ineffective coping strategies. Interventions should be tailored to promote effective coping, reduce occupational burdens, and provide targeted support to vulnerable subgroups.
Correction: “Salvia officinalis extract–conjugated magnetite and selenium nanocomposites showed enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens”
Validating the classics: Accurate reference gene panel for reliable RT-qPCR in Porifera
Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is a powerful method for gene expression analysis, but its accuracy critically depends on the selection of stable reference genes for normalization. In non-model organisms such as sponges (phylum Porifera), this task is complicated with high biological variability, seasonal fluctuations, and limited molecular resources. In this study, we first identified and validated candidate reference genes in the calcareous sponge Leucosolenia corallorrhiza . Seven commonly used housekeeping genes ( ACT1, GAPDH, RPL13A, HPRT1, RPS3A, TBP, LMN1 ) were selected based on available transcriptomic and genomic data, and their expression stability was evaluated using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder under physiological conditions and during tissue regeneration. RPL13A, ACT1 , and GAPDH were identified as the most stable reference genes in L. corallorrhiza . To assess whether reference genes identified in L. corallorrhiza can be applied more broadly, we extended the analysis to three phylogenetically and ecologically distinct sponge species: Halisarca dujardinii (marine demosponge), Ephydatia fluviatilis (freshwater demosponge), and Lycopodina hypogea (carnivorous marine demosponge). The same panel of candidate genes was evaluated in all species using the same analytical approaches. Although similar subsets of genes (including RPL13A, ACT1, and GAPDH ) consistently ranked among the most stable candidates, no single gene exhibited universal stability across all species. Pairwise variation analysis indicated that the use of two reference genes is sufficient for accurate normalization, while the geometric mean of three top-ranked genes further improves reproducibility and reduces the risk of false-positive results, as demonstrated performing RHOA normalization. Overall, our results demonstrate that reference gene stability in sponges is species-specific and cannot be reliably predicted based on ecological or phylogenetic grouping alone. At the same time, we define a robust panel of candidate reference genes that can serve as a starting point for RT-qPCR studies in Porifera, provided that species- and condition-specific validation is performed. Our study also highlights that technical challenges inherent to research on non-model organisms must be carefully considered in the design of future studies.
Parametric resonance and chaos in a duffing-type oscillator with periodic inertia modulation
Abstract This study presents a unified analytical–numerical framework for the El Borhamy–Rashad–Sobhy equation with Duffing-type nonlinearity, augmented by an external harmonic forcing term. The used application in the study is motivated by the electromechanical dynamics of salient-pole synchronous machines. Starting from an energy-based formulation, the harmonic balance method is used to obtain closed-form frequency-response relations. The local stability of the periodic orbit is further quantified via a Floquet-based test derived from the linear variational equation, yielding stability-classified frequency-response curves. While the method of multiple scales captures primary, superharmonic, and subharmonic resonance conditions and the associated stability boundaries are analyzed. Beyond the weakly nonlinear regime, numerical bifurcation analysis is performed to trace a period-doubling route to chaos, supported by Poincaré sections, the largest Lyapunov exponent, and time-series diagnostics. The system is further coupled with linear and nonlinear piezoelectric energy-harvesting branches, to demonstrate that, the large-amplitude responses enhance harvested power and the cubic stiffness can be tuned for bandwidth optimization. Overall, the results bridge perturbation theory with nonlinear time-domain diagnostics, providing design-relevant insights for broadband energy harvesters and electromechanical systems operating under parametric excitation and external forcing.
Cervical cancer: Riverside women’s knowledge in the Brazilian Amazon about preventive measures
Objective To analyze riverside women’s knowledge about preventive measures against cervical cancer and its influence on the adoption of these measures. Methods This study used a descriptive, qualitative design, carried out with 20 riverside women at the Municipal Health Unit on the island of Cotijuba, municipality of Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. Data were produced from April to July 2023, through individual interviews with a semi-structured script, consisting of questions to understand participant sociodemographic characteristics and explore their subjectivities regarding the object of study. Descriptive statistical analysis of sociodemographic data was carried out. Subjective data were transcribed to form a text corpus , subjected to lexical processing and analysis with Interface de R pour les Analyzes Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires , version 0.7, alpha 2. Results Among the participants, ages ranged from 23 to 64 years old and the age group of 40–64 years old prevailed (n = 11; 55%). After using the software, we identified 262 text segments, using 222 (84.73% of the corpus ), generating six lexical classes, organized into three thematic axes. These axes demonstrate riverside women’s perceptions, behaviors and access to information regarding cervical cancer as well as their knowledge about preventive measures, the human papillomavirus and its relationship with this type of cancer. Gaps were identified in women’s knowledge about the disease, regarding the correct way to protect themselves to avoid cervical cancer. Conclusions Particularities of thought and attitude were observed in the adoption of preventive measures, a context in which it was possible to reflect on the way in which these aspects had or could have an impact on women’s daily lives, in order to strengthen or weaken their health.
Assessing the effect of composition on the structural, mechanical and thermal stability of high entropy ceramic (TiNbHfTaW)C: density functional theory study
Using honeybees for national scale long-term eDNA biomonitoring
As central place foragers, bees integrate information over large spatial scales on diet and pollutant exposure, offering insights into environmental impacts on their populations. Data from bee biomonitoring has strong applied and policy relevance, particularly when conducted over extensive spatial and temporal scales. However, practical challenges have limited large-scale sustainable implementation of such monitoring networks beyond relatively small-scale experimental studies. This paper describes the creation of a national, citizen science–led honeybee biomonitoring platform. Citizen scientist beekeepers provide biological samples at a national scale that would be cost prohibitive to replicate using conventional sampling strategies. Environmental DNA (eDNA) within honey allows quantification of spatial and temporal patterns in foraging resources. From 2018–2025, over 3,500 beekeepers have contributed 5,789 honey samples from across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Most samples are collected between May and October and originate from intensively managed agricultural land (54% land use cover), urban and suburban areas (25%), forests (13%), and extensively managed landscapes (8%). eDNA analyses from 2018–2022 reveal strong temporal and spatial variation in plant resource use. Brassicas (wild and crop species such as oilseed rape), clovers (Trifolium spp.), and brambles (Rubus spp.) dominate honeybee diets, alongside notable use of invasive plants. Large-scale, long-term monitoring of floral resource use by honeybees establishes a benchmark for assessing resource availability to wider pollinator communities. The scheme provides data to interpret land-use change, agri-environmental policy outcomes, and climate-driven shifts in flowering resources. Archived honey samples also support future research on invasive species, bee pathogens, and chemical (including pesticide) exposure. The combination of citizen science and eDNA methods enables cost-effective, nationwide ecological monitoring at a scale unattainable through traditional approaches.
Experimental and predictive analysis of pile raft foundation in clayey soils using machine learning and MATLAB tools
Associations between sleep habits, performance in reading and mathematics, and inattention and hyperactivity,
This study examined relations between sleep, reading and mathematics, and inattention/hyperactivity in childhood and adolescence in a sample of Australian twins (maximum n = 5524; 51% female; 95% European ancestry; M age 8.6–14.6 years). Between and within models were used to assess if (a) differences between twins, or (b) differences between families, in five facets of sleep habits were associated with academic and behavioral measures. Some sleep measures uniquely predicted reading and mathematics in some grades, but overall, sleep quality, duration, bedtime regularity, daytime sleepiness, and snoring accounted for only ~1% of the academic variance. However, sleep measures accounted for up to 7% of the variance in inattention/hyperactivity. Post hoc analyses showed that inattention mediated most of the associations between sleep and reading and mathematics outcomes that were detected. This study adds to the literature showing small and inconsistent relations between sleep and academic performance in normative samples of children and adolescents.
IL-1β alleviates suppressive potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in macrophage M1 polarization via autophagy mediated degradation of SPP1
Rare upside of climate-induced phenological changes: Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) avoid heat events at Martillo Isl., Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Heat waves have detrimental effects on most species, and particularly on cold-adapted species such as penguins. In this study we aim to understand what are the responses to heat weather events of Gentoo penguins ( Pygoscelis papua ) at one of their northernmost colonies: Martillo Island in Argentina. This colony was monitored using a time-lapse camera between 2013 and 2024. In this study we observe acute heat-related mortality events such as the death of five penguin chicks within forty-five minutes while recorded temperatures reached 24°C. During the observation period we found Gentoos are advancing their breeding season by 2 days per year, which is concurrently reducing the number of days exposed to high temperatures (≥ 20°C). While future climate change scenarios may increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves, for now, this is a rare example in which a warming-induced phenological change withdraws chicks from potentially deadly hot summer days by fledging sooner.
A neural network embedding the linear-quadratic model for improved prediction of cellular response to ion beam exposure
Cache-efficient and vectorized parallel dynamic programming for RNA folding
In this article, we present an efficient and concise OpenMP implementation of the Nussinov RNA folding algorithm, a well-known representative of non-serial polyadic dynamic programming (NPDP). Our goal is to develop an optimized implementation that can serve as a template for related dynamic programming applications. The proposed code is derived from a detailed analysis of manual implementations, emphasizing the separation of problematic and non-problematic instances and structuring computations in a way analogous to matrix multiplication. This design enables the semi-automatic extraction of data locality using tools based on Presburger arithmetic—techniques widely employed in classical loop transformations and advanced source-to-source compilers grounded in the polyhedral model. In the experimental evaluation, we assess the performance of our implementation on modern massively parallel AMD and Intel processors with 64, 128, and 192 threads. Our approach leverages cache-aware tiling, parallelism, and explicit vectorization to maximize computational efficiency, achieving performance that surpasses both automatically generated compiler-based solutions and manually tuned implementations on the evaluated platforms. Specifically, our implementation achieves execution times up to two orders of magnitude faster than polyhedral code, while also outperforming unvectorized manual approaches—being at least 30 × faster than array transposition–based methods and at least 5 × faster than the tiled sparsified Four Russians variant. Additionally, our results indicate that CPU implementations do not exhibit significantly worse performance compared to their corresponding GPU counterparts. These results demonstrate the importance of leveraging Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) to fully exploit the capabilities of modern multi-core processors, particularly those in the AMD Epyc family.