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Genomic diversity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates in Kenya revealed by MLST, NG-MAST, and NG-STAR typing

Background Surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains, their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and transmission dynamics is essential in the prevention and control of gonococcal infections. In Kenya, gonococcal molecular surveillance remains limited, leaving gaps in understanding circulating sequence types (STs). This study characterized Kenyan N. gonorrhoeae isolates using multiple molecular typing schemes. Methods Illumina MiSeq generated paired-end sequence reads prepared from 35 N. gonorrhoeae isolates recovered from males and females from four different regions in Kenya were analyzed. Assemblies were analyzed using PubMLST tools for multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and the N. gonorrhoeae sequence typing for antimicrobial resistance (NG-STAR) scheme. Multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) was carried out using the NG-MAST database. Phylogenetic relationships were assessed using concatenated NG-STAR loci and core genome-based analyses. Results Twenty-two MLST STs were identified, including eight novel STs; ST-1932 was most frequent. NG-MAST revealed 29 STs, of which 26 were novel, with a newly described ST-19168 predominating in Nyanza region. NG-STAR identified 23 STs with variation across mtrR , penA , 23S rRNA , gyrA , parC, ponA , and porB. Phylogenetic analyses showed clustering of isolates into distinct groups with diverse AMR profiles. One cluster comprised isolates resistant to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. No clear association was observed between MLST, NG-MAST, or NG-STAR types and specific AMR patterns. Conclusion Kenyan N. gonorrhoeae strains are genetically diverse, with high numbers of novel NG-MAST and MLST STs. The lack of regional clustering and varied AMR profiles suggests widespread transmission of heterogeneous gonococcal populations. These findings underscore the importance of strengthened genomic surveillance to inform gonorrhea control strategies in Kenya.

Shared autonomous HERV loci transcription identifies a unique circulating CD14+-xCR1+ mononuclear cell phenotype in a patient group with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19

The human genome contains approximately 3,200 near full-length autonomous human endogenous retroviral (HERV) loci capable of transcriptional activation through long terminal repeats. In our previous study, we developed the Window-based HERV Alignment (WHA) method to detect locus-specific HERV transcription from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Using WHA, we previously identified patterns of autonomous HERV loci expression in monocytes from 12 patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). In the current study, we extended the analysis to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the same 12 PASC patients. In contrast to monocytes, no consistent HERV locus transcription patterns were found across B, T, natural killer, or dendritic cells. Subsequent analysis showed that the majority of expressed HERV loci were detected in CD14 + monocytes rather than CD16 + monocytes. Four HERV loci were identified in CD14 + monocytes and were absent in CD16 + , B, T, natural killer, and dendritic cells. One of the four, the HERV locus at Chr3:46,046,256–46,054,342 was also detected in bronchial lavage cells from COVID-infected individuals but not in normal lung or tuberculosis lung tissues. The HERV locus Chr3:46,046,256–46,054,342 is located within an intron of the host gene xCR1. xCR1 expression, a marker of mature dendritic cells, was detected in CD14 + PBMCs from 11 of 12 PASC patients. These findings suggest the presence of an atypical myeloid population in PASC and may inform future strategies to evaluate persistent immune dysfunction.

Dielectric and physicochemical characterization of Creole chicken breast meat for quality classification in the radiofrequency range

Understanding the quality attributes of poultry meat is essential for food safety, consumer satisfaction, and value chain efficiency. This study presents a proof-of-concept assessment of the physicochemical and dielectric properties of Creole chicken breast meat to classify samples into three quality categories: PSE (pale, soft, exudative), RFN (reddish, firm, non-exudative), and DFD (dark, firm, dry). A total of 96 samples were classified using pH at 24 h postmortem, yielding 3.13% PSE, 54.17% RFN, and 42.70% DFD. Dielectric spectroscopy in the 20 Hz to 1 MHz range revealed group-dependent spectral differences, most notably between 40 Hz and 2 kHz, where DFD meat showed higher ϵ ′ and ϵ ″ values under the evaluated conditions. The dielectric response was modeled using a two-dispersion approach, identifying α and β relaxation processes and differences in the α -relaxation frequency across categories (0.148 kHz for DFD, 0.105 kHz for RFN, and 0.127 kHz for PSE). Given the single-source sampling and the strong class imbalance, particularly the limited number of PSE samples, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary. Nevertheless, the results suggest that low-frequency dielectric parameters may be explored as candidates for rapid, non-destructive screening of meat quality categories, and they provide a reproducible workflow that can guide future validation studies and sensor-oriented designs in small-scale poultry production systems.

Inequality measures of the generalized gamma distribution with a practicable application tool

We introduce the inequality measures of the generalized gamma distribution. The Gini coefficient, Theil, Atkinson and Pietra indexes are considered as the inequality measures. The parameters of the generalized gamma distribution are estimated using the minimum distance estimator based on the Kullback-Leibler divergence for the grouped data. The simulation study is constructed to evaluate the performance of the parameter estimation method under the grouped data. The US income data for three different years are analyzed. Also, the GGIneq web-tool is developed to make the application of the inequality measures easy for the practitioners. The GGIneq, accessible via https://smartstat.shinyapps.io/GGIneq/ , is a cloud-based system that allows users to obtain inequality measures of the generalized gamma distribution with high-quality graphical results.

Assessing empathy in adults: A Malay language validation and measurement invariance of the Empathy Quotient (M-EQ)

The Empathy Quotient (EQ) is one of the most frequently used scales to measure empathy in adults and has been translated into many languages. However, there is still much debate on its dimensionality from its initial inception. Further, we know very little regarding EQ’s measurement invariance to ensure that the instrument EQ measures the same construct consistently across different groups (e.g., gender, language type) and having meaningful comparisons without bias. In this study, we validated a Malay version of the Empathy Quotient (M-EQ), a self-report questionnaire among Malaysian adults and examined its measurement invariance across gender and language type. We recruited 586 participants aged between 18–53 years ( M age  = 23.98, SD  = 5.89) to complete the M-EQ. Our confirmatory factor analysis results showed that the M-EQ had two factors (emotional empathy, cognitive empathy) with 23 items retained. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the M-EQ was acceptable. Measurement invariance testing indicated that the two‑factor structure was broadly comparable across gender and language groups, with configural and metric invariance supported, although some indices suggested cautious interpretation. Compared to males, females scored higher than males on total M-EQ and both subscales. Taken together, the findings support a psychometrically sound 23‑item version of the EQ in Malay-speaking adults with evidence for internal structural validity, which may be useful for research and applied contexts where brief and culturally appropriate measures of empathy are required. Overall, our findings contribute to ongoing debates on the dimensionality of the EQ, with more research needed to establish convergent and criterion‑related validity of the M‑EQ.

What outcomes are important to families with a lived experience of stillbirth? A qualitative study to inform the development of a core outcome set for stillbirth care

Objective To identify outcomes that are important to families, to inform the development of a core outcome set for stillbirth care research. Design Qualitative interview study. Setting A national study in the United Kingdom. Population A diverse sample of parents with a personal history of stillbirth were interviewed. Methods Data collection, coding and analysis were influenced by a modified Grounded Theory approach. Parents’ lived experiences of stillbirth were translated into outcomes for the purpose of developing a core outcome set. Results Forty parents and family members were interviewed. Analysis identified 349 potential care outcomes, 303 (87%) of which have not been previously reported by stillbirth care studies. Outcomes were organised into four major care outcome themes: 1) Clinical 2) Mental health and wellbeing 3) Social and family 4) Future pregnancy and children. Short- and long-term outcomes related to the labour, birth, investigations to understand why a baby had died, stillbirth in a multiple pregnancy, postpartum, psychological and subsequent pregnancy care were reported. Outcomes infrequently measured in previous stillbirth care research yet discussed by most participants were social isolation, impact on occupation and need for mental health support. Parents spoke of the importance of counselling to help them understand their grief, however, the provision of this service was reported to be varied throughout the UK. Conclusion A comprehensive outcome inventory has now been constructed, from which the final core outcome set will be determined. Future care should be developed and evaluated using outcomes that directly relate to the lived experiences of parents and families exposed to stillbirth.

Modelling the impact of larviciding as a supplementary malaria vector control intervention in rural south-eastern Tanzania: A district-level simulation study

Combining larviciding with insecticide treated nets (ITNs) can reduce malaria transmission. However, most modelling analyses use generalized scenarios rather than incorporating local epidemiological and ecological contexts. In Tanzania and other countries, larviciding is increasingly being prioritized in national strategies, with growing advocacy for its broader implementation, to achieving sustained malaria reduction. District-specific modelling is therefore essential to capture variation in transmission ecology, seasonality, and varying coverage levels, providing evidence that is both rigorous and actionable for malaria control programs. The Vector Control Optimization Model (VCOM) was adapted and extended to incorporate local seasonality, simulating the impact of larviciding across a range of coverage levels combined with ITNs. The model was parameterized using district-level field-data on mosquito mortality collected before (2016–2017) and after (2019–2021) larviciding implementation. Mosquito mortality rates were estimated using Bayesian inference. Outcomes were evaluated specifically for Anopheles gambiae s.l. including annual entomological inoculation rates (EIR) and mosquito density. Sensitivity analysis explored the influence of key parameters driving transmission in this scenario study. The immature mosquito mortality rate due to larviciding was 61% based on field data. VCOM simulation showed that, at 80%, ITNs coverage, larviciding substantially reduced mosquito densities and EIR. Specifically, combining ITNs at 80% and larviciding coverage ≥ 60% lowered EIR below 1 ib/p/year, the threshold required to interrupt malaria transmission. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the high impact of targeting immature mosquitoes, suggesting larviciding can effectively complement ITNs to control vectors, including invasive species like An. stephensi, regardless of feeding preference, resting, and biting behaviors, which hinder the effectiveness of most vector control tools. This study provides local evidence that larviciding is an effective complement to ITNs for interrupting malaria transmission. Implementation should leverage innovative approaches, such as drones for precise mapping and targeted application of biological larvicides, to maximize coverage, and scalability for district-level malaria control and elimination.

On the right track in the design of an early typewriter

Optimization and evaluation of venturi tube reactors for non-thermal milk pasteurization using CFD method

With growing demand for preserving food’s nutritional and sensory qualities, non-thermal pasteurization methods like hydrodynamic cavitation in Venturi tubes offer an effective alternative to heat-based techniques. This study optimizes a Venturi reactor for milk pasteurization using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with the k-ε turbulence model and response surface method (RSM). By adjusting throat diameter (4.91 mm), length (13.15 mm), and convergence/divergence angles (19.2°/8.31°), the design maximized turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) (0.2438 m²/s² peak, 0.0305 m²/s² average) and minimized energy loss (viscous dissipation 2.69 W, pressure drop 3483 Pa). Experiments confirmed a 2.91 log-reduction in E. coli , with negligible impact on milk’s fat, protein, and lactose, ensuring safety and quality.

Evolution of intraocular pressure after cataract surgery in nonglaucomatous patients: A post-hoc analysis of PERCEPOLIS clinical trial data

Purpose Intraocular pressure (IOP) drops after cataract surgery, including in nonglaucomatous eyes, but the mechanisms and factors determining this change remain unclear. Thus, post-hoc analysis was conducted on PERCEPOLIS, a large randomized-controlled trial showing non-inferior endothelial-cell loss between two cataract-extraction techniques in nonglaucomatous eyes. Methods Eyes with preoperative and 1-, 3-, and 12-month IOP measurements were identified. None received IOP-lowering medication before or after surgery. To identify possible mechanisms driving postoperative IOP drop, the cohort was categorized according to preoperative IOP (High: 20–29; Intermediate: 15–19; Low: 10–14 mmHg). IOP change in the whole cohort and three subgroups was determined. Multivariable analysis assessed whether age, sex, cataract density, preoperative IOP, anterior-chamber depth, axial length, lens thickness, lens position, relative lens position, cataract-extraction method, effective phaco time, or implant power predicted IOP drop at 3 months in the whole cohort and each subgroup. The literature was reviewed to determine the influence of regression-to-the-mean, a misleading statistical phenomenon, on postoperative IOP drop. Results Whole-cohort IOP dropped from 17.6 ± 3.5 mmHg by 1.9 ± 0.2 (1 month), 2.4 ± 0.2 (3 months), and 1.7 ± 0.2 (12 months) mmHg. IOP drop was greatest in the High subgroup. Preoperative IOP predicted 3-month IOP change in the whole cohort (beta = 0.53 ± 0.04, p  < 0.001) and all subgroups (range: beta = 0.36–0.72 ± 0.15–0.30, p  = 0.0505–0.001). Male sex also predicted larger whole-cohort IOP drop (beta = 0.79, p =  0.01). Different variables predicted greater IOP change in the three subgroups: male sex in High (beta = 1.63 ± 0.57, p =  0.005), higher implant power in Intermediate (beta = 0.19 ± 0.07, p =  0.01), and hard cataract in Low (beta = 2.14 ± 0.89, p =  0.02). Literature review suggested that regression-to-the-mean accounts for only a small proportion of IOP drop after cataract surgery. Conclusions The IOP drop after cataract surgery may largely be a real biological effect. In normotensive eyes, the strongest predictor of postoperative IOP drop was preoperative IOP. Distinct mechanisms may mediate the IOP change in normotensive eyes.

Association between obesity and medical expenditures among Japanese adults treated for diabetes: A secondary analysis

In Japan, where obesity prevalence is lower than in Western countries, few studies have examined the association between obesity and medical expenditures among patients with diabetes, distinguishing between overweight and obesity by sex. This study examined the association between obesity and medical expenditures among patients with diabetes in Japan. Data on medical expenditures and the Specific Health Checkups obtained from 12 municipal and six union insurers for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 were analyzed. Gamma regression and quantile regression were used to compare annual total, outpatient, and inpatient medical expenditures in fiscal year 2009 among three groups: normal/underweight (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m 2 ), overweight (BMI: 25–30 kg/m 2 ), and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ). The analyses were performed separately for men and women, adjusting for age, hypertension, hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, glycemic control, and smoking. Logistic regression was performed, adjusting for the same variables to assess the occurrence of annual total medical expenditures of ¥1 million (approximately US$10,600 in 2009) or more. Annual total medical expenditures were significantly higher in the obesity group than in the normal/underweight group among both men and women (exp(β) = 1.117 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.023–1.221] among men and exp(β) = 1.157 [1.036–1.295] among women). Both men and women in the overweight and obesity groups had significantly higher outpatient expenditures than those in the normal/underweight group. The overweight and obesity groups had significantly higher medical expenditures than the normal/underweight group in most quantiles among men. The likelihood of annual total medical expenditures exceeding ¥1 million was higher among women with obesity than among those with normal/underweight (odds ratio = 1.546 [95% CI: 1.007–2.375], p  = 0.047). These findings suggest that medical expenditures among patients with diabetes who have overweight or obesity are higher than those of normal/underweight patients.

A passive mechanically tunable conformal aperture coupled phase shifter integrated with micron-sized magnetic particles for radar systems

Abstract This work presents a conformal Micron-Sized Magnetic Particle Aperture-Coupled (µMP-AC) phase shifter for C-band (7.2–8.2 GHz) applications, implemented on a flexible Rogers RT5880 substrate. Unlike conventional phase shifters that rely on complex electrical biasing networks, the proposed design employs a purely passive tuning mechanism based on Magnetic Induction–Responsive Cavities (MIRCs). These MIRCs are embedded within the flexible substrate in concentric ring configurations in the aperture-coupled region. By mechanically moving a single small magnet, the effective permittivity of the particle-loaded substrate varies, enabling controlled linear phase shifts of 0°, 20°, and 40° on both planar and cylindrically curved surfaces ( R  = 100 mm). The proposed µMP-AC phase shifter is comprehensively validated through full-wave electromagnetic simulations, equivalent circuit modeling, and experimental measurements conducted in an anechoic chamber. Experimental results show close agreement with the equivalent circuit model results, demonstrating an insertion loss better than 5 dB and a return loss of 37.24 dB at 7.3 GHz. The measured phase error using Network Analyzer is approximately 1.2°, confirming stable linear phase behavior. By eliminating external DC biasing circuits, the proposed µMP-AC phase shifter offers a compact, low-complexity solution for conformal radar front ends and beam-steering systems.

Effect of the sterilization cycle on the flexural strength of titanium orthodontic mini-screws: an in vitro study

Localization-delocalization transition and $$\mathscr{P}\mathscr{T}$$-symmetry breaking via second-neighbor coupling in a Heisenberg spin chain

Parametric optimization, corrosion erosive wear and XPS response of FeCrCoAlTiB coating on Q235 steel substrate by HVOF spraying using Taguchi method

The pig in the python: US decennial labor flows and economic opportunity, 1910–2040

This analysis revisits the relative cohort size hypothesis proposed by demographer Richard Easterlin in the 1960s. Easterlin argued that the economic and social prospects of a generation are influenced by the size of the cohort relative to adjacent cohorts. He hypothesized that relative cohort size affects wages, employment, marriage, and fertility decisions. The theory fits the data well for the period from 1940 to 1980 but fails in later decades. I present a more nuanced view of the impact of demographic factors on worker competition through the lens of a measure of decennial labor-force flows. This approach allows consideration of the effects of retirement, female labor-force participation, and immigration on labor-market competition. I calculate these flows for the period from 1910 to 2040 and propose an index of employment competition. The results show that trends in labor-market competition are consistent with wage trends of young workers since 1940. Projections to 2040 show that we are on the verge of a radical reshaping of labor markets in which new workers will be in extremely short supply.

Waste to energy through sustainable bioenergy and biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic waste using microbial fuel cell and microbial electrolysis cell

Abstract The accumulation of agricultural lignocellulosic waste, specifically rice straw, and the environmental impact of fossil fuel combustion necessitate the development of sustainable waste-to-energy technologies. Bioelectrochemical systems enable a simultaneous recovery of energy and the treatment of organic waste utilizing a mixed culture of bacteria. This study investigates for the first time the performance of rice straw-derived substrates with different levels of complexity, i.e. rice straw, rice straw hydrolysate, and xylan, to simultaneously produce bioelectricity and biohydrogen, with the objective of clarifying the influence of substrate characteristics on system efficiency. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) result indicated that xylan exhibited the highest performance, achieving a maximum cell potential of 852 ± 27 mV and a power density of 8.88 ± 0.27 W/m², representing a 2.4-fold increase over the control. This was supported by a high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency of 97.88 ± 1.32%. The higher values of power density are attributed to the employment of a mixed bacterial culture (sludge) that has already adapted to the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, hence boosting its utilization and conversion to electrons, resulting in higher electricity generation. Electrochemical analysis indicated efficient electron transfer, reflected by increased current responses at higher scan rates and low charge transfer resistance values. Electrochemical characterization via cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that rice straw-powered cell exhibited the lowest charge transfer resistance (3.37 Ω), correlating with the highest recorded electrical current (9.23 ± 0.25 mA). Conversely, the microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) results showed that rice straw hydrolysate was the optimal substrate for biohydrogen production, yielding a maximum rate of 9.26 ± 0.08 mmol/day.L and a COD removal of 94.92 ± 0.88%, significantly outperforming xylan-based systems and the control cells. These findings indicate that while simpler carbohydrate structures like xylan favor electricity generation in MFCs, the bioavailable nutrients in alkaline-pretreated hydrolysates are more effective for electrohydrogenesis in microbial electrolysis cells. This research provides a critical comparative framework for selecting biomass fractions and system configurations to maximize the efficiency of agricultural waste-to-energy conversion strategies.

PARP1 deficiency mitigates amyloid pathology, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline in a familial Alzheimer’s disease model

Poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerase 1 (PARP1) has been implicated in DNA damage responses and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), yet its role in amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology remains unclear. Here, we show that PARP1 activation drives Aβ pathology and neurodegeneration. Using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we observed significantly elevated PAR levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD compared to controls. In vitro, oligomeric Aβ 1-42 activated PARP1 and induced DNA damage, while genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 conferred neuroprotection. In vivo, PARP1 knockout in the 5XFAD mouse model of amyloidosis led to reduced amyloid plaque burden, preserved synaptic and neuronal integrity, attenuated glial activation and neuroinflammation, and rescued cognitive deficits. Mechanistically, PARP1 deficiency decreased amyloid precursor protein and BACE1 levels, altered γ-secretase complex composition, and enhanced Aβ degradation via neprilysin. These findings position PARP1 as a critical mediator of Aβ toxicity and neurodegeneration, suggesting its inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.

Green synthesis of diazo-pyrazole derivatives and their application as functional disperse dyes for dyeing polyester fabric

Abstract PET fibers are widely acclaimed as the most extensively produced synthetic fibers. They are distinguished by low cost, recyclability as well as excellent physical, chemical and mechanical properties. They are used in several applications such as apparel and home furnishings. Pyrazole-based disperse diazo dyes were synthesized using 3-(2-(4-(Phenyldiazenyl)phenyl)hydrazono)pentane-2,4-dione (1) as a starting material. Green techniques (grinding and microwave) were used to prepare the new dyes ( 2–4) . The chemical structures and formulae of these dyes were characterized by spectroscopic tools such as IR, 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, and mass spectra. The synthesized dyes were utilized for simultaneous dyeing and functionalization of PET fabric using exhaustion method. Color strength and color fastness of the dyed PET fabrics were examined toward washing, rubbing, perspiration and light. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (gram-positive bacteria), E. coli (gram-negative bacteria) and C. albicans (fungi) were investigated. It was found that the dyed fabrics showed good color fastness properties, excellent UV protection and high antimicrobial activities. These dyed and functionalized fabrics can be used in several applications such as multifunctional garments, upholstery and blankets.

Scientific authority cues increase the spread of misinformation

Despite extensive efforts to curb misinformation, it continues to spread on social media platforms. Research indicates that people rarely share content they know is false, rather, they do so unintentionally due to cognitive biases triggered by contextual cues. Combining a large-scale behavioral data analysis with an experimental study, we investigate how Scientific Authority Cues , which we define as mentions of entities that signal scientific expertise or findings, affect the sharing of fact-checked content on social media by granting it credibility. Analyzing 8.7 million tweets linking to fact-checked content shared on Twitter (now X) between 2010 and 2023, we find that tweets with such cues are shared more, especially when linking to low veracity content or posted by right-leaning users. In a preregistered experiment deployed to U.S. participants ( N = 1,187), headlines that attributed claims to scientific entities elicited a greater willingness to share, an effect statistically mediated by perceived accuracy and influenced by trust and familiarity. Together, these findings reveal the double edge of invoking scientific authority: In polarized online spaces, cues that signal scientific credibility can be co-opted to amplify misinformation.