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Climate change–driven range contraction in the aquatic Fern Marsilea minuta L. (Marsileaceae): implications for wetland plant conservation

Which are the most valued HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis attributes? A discrete choice experiment among sexual and gender minorities in Peru

Background There is potential demand for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Peru; however, little is known about preferences towards PrEP modalities or the importance of PrEP attributes. Our research focused on which attributes most influence PrEP modalities choice among sexual and gender minorities (SGM). We also assessed how participants’ preferences vary by recruitment strategy and population. Methods We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) in three mutually exclusive groups: (1) Implementation PrEP Project (ImPrEP) participants; (2) Sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic attendees; and (3) Online respondents via social media outreach. PrEP attributes assessed were presentation, frequency of use, healthcare provider, HIV testing frequency, side effects, and efficacy. For the DCE, each participant was presented with 12 pairs of options with mixed attribute levels and had to choose one option per pair. The data were analyzed using choice-based conjoint analysis, employing Hierarchical Bayes estimation techniques to derive individual-level utility scores. Results From June to October 2021, we recruited 2832 participants, with median age of 27 years (IQR = 22–33); 56.2% completed tertiary education; and 47.1% earned US$232 or less. In general, efficacy (27.5%, 95% CI 26.9–28.1), and frequency of use (21.3%, 95%CI 20.8–21.7) were the most important attributes, with the online respondents the highest importance on efficacy (31.9%, 95%CI 31.0–32.8). Concerned about potential side effects were more common among STI clinic attendees (17.5% [95%CI: 16.9–18.2]) and online respondents (18.8% [95%CI: 18.3–19.3]), while the ImPrEP participants placed the greatest importance on the frequency of use [26.7%, 95%CI 25.6–27.7]. Conclusions Overall, attributes such as efficacy and frequency of use were the most important PrEP attributes across the recruitment strategies; however, current ImPrEP participants placed more weight on frequency than the other groups. Our data may be helpful for future PrEP scale-up strategies, anticipating potential users concerns, and learning from current users.

Facial Photography vs Cephalometry for Assessing Jaw Discrepancies: A Systematic Review

LASSO–HHO two-stage hybrid gene selection framework for accurate Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis

Effects of a spore-forming probiotic blend on bowel habits and physical well-being in adults with functional constipation: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a spore-forming probiotic blend containing Clostridium butyricum IDCC 1301, Weizmannia coagulans IDCC 1201, and Bacillus subtilis IDCC 1101 for improving bowel function and well-being in adults with functional constipation (FC). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 78 adults with FC (Rome IV criteria) received either probiotic blend (n = 40) or placebo (n = 38) daily for 4 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in weekly spontaneous bowel movements (WSBM) and stool form. Secondary outcomes included physical functioning scores from the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. The probiotic blend group showed significant improvements in irritant bowel movements (p = 0.0458), incomplete evacuation (p = 0.0374), and abdominal pain before defecation (p = 0.0090). Stool consistency shifted toward normal types (Bristol types 3–4, p = 0.0176). Physical functioning improved only in the probiotic blend group (p = 0.0300). Probiotic blend effectively alleviated symptoms of FC and improved physical well-being. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), KCT0010085.

Uncovering Antibiotic Resistance Signatures in Endodontic Enterococcus faecalis

Longitudinal trends and sociodemographic inequalities in comorbid insufficient physical activity and depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents and young adults, 2016–2022

Social determinants of pain, distress, and quality of life in injured workers: A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of patient-reported outcomes

Background and Objectives Prognostic tools are widely used to guide early management of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. However, social identity factors such as age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status may influence symptom experience and reporting, potentially affecting the accuracy of risk classification. The purpose of this study is to identify those social identity variables associated with scores on common prognostic tools or their prognostic accuracy. Methods We analyzed data from a cohort of workers (n = 203) with acute musculoskeletal injuries. Participants completed the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Traumatic Injuries Distress Scale (TIDS), EuroQoL (EQ5D-5L), and a demographic survey including age, sex, race, income, education, and perceived discrimination. Differences in baseline scores were assessed between identity groups. Recovery was dichotomized (fully recovered/not fully recovered) using 3 different recovery indicators. Predictive accuracy for recovery was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sample-wide and when stratified by social identity variables. Results Older participants reported significantly higher pain (5.5 vs. 4.3/10, p < 0.01) and those indicating more experiences of discrimination rated higher post-trauma distress (11.1 vs. 9.2/24, p < 0.05). 8-week recovery rates were 21.7% to 54.7%. Lower education predicted <full recovery in administrative data only. The TIDS and EQ5D-5L were significantly better at predicting recovery compared to the NPRS. When disaggregated by social identity, the TIDS functioned significantly better in females than males, while the EQ5D-5L functioned similarly across all social categories. Conclusion The results indicate that different risk/prognosis cut-scores, and even different tools, may be required for people with different intersectional identities. The results should be interpreted in light of some identities being reduced to broad categories. Most risk/prognosis tools in MSK recovery research use a single universal cut-score to distinguish low from high risk, but this study only partially supports that approach.

Biomechanical Impact of Design Variables in Morse Taper Implant–Abutment Connections: A Scoping Review

Neural dynamics and acoustic adaptations during the Lombard effect: evidence from EEG and dynamic causal modeling

Abstract The Lombard Effect (LE) is a vocal adaptation in which speakers involuntarily increase their vocal effort to preserve intelligibility in high-noise environments. This study explores acoustic and neurophysiological mechanisms that support LE in individuals with typical voices. Twenty-one participants produced 80 syllables under three conditions: Baseline (quiet), Lombard (noise at 80 dB SPL), and Recovery (quiet after five minutes of rest). Acoustic signals and electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded synchronously, focusing on sound pressure level (SPL), H1–H2 (the difference in amplitude between the first and second harmonics), Cepstral Peak Prominence (CPP), Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) time-locked to the onset of self-produced vocalizations, and effective connectivity through Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM). Results showed a significant increase in SPL during the Lombard condition compared to Baseline and Recovery. In this condition, H1–H2 values decreased and CPP increased, with no differences between Baseline and Recovery across the three acoustic measures. ERP analysis revealed a higher N1-P2 amplitude in the Lombard condition, associated with increased activations in frontal, limbic, and temporal brain regions. Bayesian model selection within the DCM framework indicated that the best-fitting model explaining the ERP data was a forward network from the primary auditory cortex (A1) to the temporal pole (TPO), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), with modulatory connections highlighting feedback mechanisms. Within this network, the IFG and PHG seem to play a central role in error detection and feedback modulation, while the TPO supports auditory processing, together supporting the neural adjustments that sustain intelligible speech in noise. These results provide new insights into the cortical network underlying LE, emphasizing the adaptive mechanisms in speech production under noisy conditions.

Proximity of posterior teeth to mandibular canal with 3D measurements in a population of western China

Objectives The mandibular canal (MC) is an important anatomical structure that sometimes incurs injuries. Complications, such as paresthesia, neuropathic pain, and numbness, usually occur and are challenging for patients and dentists to resolve. The relationship of the MC with mandibular posterior teeth is of great clinical importance to avoid damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximity of adjacent teeth to the MC in a Western Chinese population using 3D reconstruction and measurements. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were collected in patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The 3D models of the MCs were reconstructed and imported to 3D viewing software. The root apices were identified precisely. The relative location of the MC and the shortest distance between the MC and root apex of each mandibular posterior tooth were measured in 3D. The age and sex of the patients, the tooth position, and whether the left or right mandible was affected were recorded. The relationships between distance and age, sex, mandible position and tooth position were analyzed using t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results In total, 125 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed. The average shortest distances from the MC to the mandibular teeth were 5.7463 ± 2.3089 mm (second premolar), 7.1025 ± 2.6063 mm (first molar) and 4.5082 ± 2.6199 mm (second molar). An occurrence rate of ≤1 mm between the root tips and the MC was found in 9.7%, 0.7% and 1.7% of the measured mandibular second and first molars and mandibular second premolars, respectively. The distances in the females were significantly shorter than those in the males in all tooth positions (P < 0.05). The distances from the MC to all roots of the mandibular second molar, distal root of the first molar, distal lingual root of the first molar or root of the second premolar were smaller in the 18- to 28-year-old group than in the other age groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found concerning the location (right/left mandible) of the teeth (P > 0.05). More than half of the mandibular second molars were located on the lingual side of the MC, while the mandibular first molars and second premolars were mostly located on the buccal side of the MC. Conclusions There is a strong relationship between the roots of the mandibular second molars and the MC in Western Chinese people. Distance is strongly related to sex and age. Therefore, clinicians should carefully consider these factors when performing preoperative examinations or surgical or endodontic procedures. The 3D reconstruction and measurements of CBCT images can be used to provide clinicians with a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the relationships between the MC and adjacent structures.

In Vitro Evaluation of Surface Morphology and Roughness of TiO2-coated Clear Aligners Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy

Biological activities (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-coronavirus (229E)) and chemical composition of some essential oils

Abstract Microbial drug resistance represents one of the major causes of death today. Traditional medicine provides an important health care service and can be applied as alternative therapy. The growing interest in essential oils (EOs) has led to extensive research, due to their diverse applications in pharmaceuticals, food products and cosmetics. The current study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of menthol, lemon, clove and camphor EOs against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger . The tested EOs exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity with inhibition zone diameter ranged from 11 to 22 mm. The highest inhibition was observed against P. aeruginosa and A. niger . The anti-inflammatory activity of the EOs was also assessed and was as 64.5 ± 4.1%, 10 ± 1%, 10 ± 2.1% and 7.5 ± 3.1% for menthol, camphor, lemon and clove EOs, respectively. Examination of antiviral activity of the EOs against Coronavirus 229E showed varied antiviral potency with IC 50 values of 16.248, 9.90, 4.645 and 2.256 μg/mL for camphor, menthol, clove and lemon, respectively. Chemical constituents of menthol and camphor essential oils were detected using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results indicated the dominance of eucalyptol (29.17%), camphor (7.96%) in camphor EO and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z), (12.24%), levomenthol (10.94%) in menthol EO samples.

Evaluation of plant diversity and soil-vegetation relationships in some salinity-affected cultivated areas in Egypt

Soil salinity, characterized by the accumulation of soluble salts, poses a significant global threat to agriculture, affecting over one billion hectares. It induces osmotic stress and ion toxicity, significantly diminishing crop yields and arable land. Egypt, heavily reliant on the Nile Delta, experiences severe salinization resulting from irrigation practices, climate change, and inherent aridity. This escalating crisis compromises agricultural productivity and food security, necessitating urgent global solutions. A total of 103 plant taxa were documented. Asteraceae (22 species) and Poaceae (13 species) constituted the most diverse families. Annuals (50.0%) and therophytes (49.5%) represented the predominant life forms, while biregional species (36.9%) formed the largest chorological group. Soil physicochemical properties, including particle size distribution, pH, EC, TDS, organic matter, saturation percentage, SAR, available N, P, and K, major ions (Ca² ⁺ , Mg² ⁺ , Na ⁺ , K ⁺ , Cl ⁻ , HCO₃ ⁻ , SO₄²⁻), and CaCO₃%, were determined in all stands. Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) classified the studied stands into six distinct groups. Stands within each group exhibited ecological similarity. Each vegetation group possessed its own set of indicator plant species, and the soil factors most closely associated with them.

Management of Avulsed Permanent Maxillary Incisor Tooth with 11 Hours of Extraoral Time: A Case Report

Nutrient metal interactions and adaptive responses of Dunaliella tertiolecta to zinc and copper toxicity under phosphorus limitation

Abstract Heavy metal pollution is a major environmental concern, especially in phosphorus-limited aquatic habitats. The growth of algae is negatively impacted by a variety of stressors, including fluctuations in heavy metal concentrations, phosphorus starvation, or a deficiency of dissolved inorganic phosphorus. This study examines how the microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta helps reduce zinc (Zn²⁺) and copper (Cu²⁺) toxicity in phosphorus-deficient circumstances, which simulates the typical circumstances of aquatic habitats, including its existence and absence of the element. Under both phosphorus-sufficient (+ P) and phosphorus-limited (-P) circumstances, controlled laboratory studies were carried out using Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ concentrations ranging from 5 to 25 mg/L. Different heavy metal concentrations were permitted in the study, and there were enough biological replicates for statistical analysis using the ANOVA test. The EC50 of both elements was approximately 15 mg/L. The physiological response of D. tertiolecta to metal exposure was evaluated by measuring growth inhibition, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic activity. The results show that both metals’ harmful effects were exacerbated by phosphorus deficiency, with Cu 2+ showing significantly more toxicity than Zn 2+ . Under phosphorus-limited conditions, the maximum concentration of Cu 2+ (25 mg/L) resulted in a higher drop at the end of the experiment in growth rate which reaching around 85%, a decline in chlorophyll content of up to 91%, and a suppression of photosynthetic activity of about 40%. Moreover, O₂ evolution was significantly decreased in cultures that were starved of phosphorus, and metal toxicity further inhibited photosynthesis, especially at concentrations higher than 10 mg/L. Phosphorus’s contribution to algal resistance to metal stress was demonstrated by the way it lessened these effects. The study additionally highlights D. tertiolecta’s potential for bioremediation applications, as dietary circumstances influence the organism’s ability to resist and alleviate metal stress. These findings suggest that phosphorus availability is an important element in determining the level of heavy metal toxicity and provide new insights into nutrient-metal interactions in aquatic settings.

The Lions Sports Academy TackleTEK Tool: The intra-and inter-coach reliability of assessing tackling competency in rugby union

Tackling skill tests in rugby aim to evaluate skill competency, but their reliability to detect meaningful changes in tackling competency over time remains uncertain. This study aimed to: 1) determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of scoring composite tackle competency by three youth grassroots rugby coaches (tier one, two, and three), and 2) assess reliability in scoring across tackling subcomponents (pre-contact, contact, and post-contact) using the Tackle TEK Tool. Pilot data was used to develop a-priori analytical goals to assess the reliability of composite and subcomponent scoring. Non-parametric 95% Limits of Agreement were used to assess reliability. Twenty-five participants were recorded performing the one vs. one tackling assessment. The three coaches scored each tackle against pre-defined 18-point criteria. Systematic differences were assessed using Wilcoxon tests. Intra-coach composite tackling scores demonstrated agreement levels of 72% (95% CI 60% to 84%) for the tier three coach, and 100% (95% CI 100% to 100%) for both the tier two and one coaches, relative to the analytical goal. Inter-coach composite tackling agreement ranged from 78% (95% CI 67% to 89%) to 100% (95% CI 100% to 100%). Intra-coach subcomponent analysis showed the tier one and tier two coach to score all tackling subcomponents consistently ( P  > 0.05); however, the tier three coach only reliably scored the pre-contact phase. Subcomponent agreement ranged from 68% (95% CI 55% to 81%) to 82% (95% CI 71% to 93%), between tier three and tier one coaches, to 72% (95% CI 60% to 84%) to 98% (95% CI 94% to 100%), between tier two and tier one coaches. Within the context of this study, agreement was strongest for tier one and tier two coaches, supporting the use of the Tackle TEK Tool to assess changes in tackling competency over time, with further work required to extend its application across coaching levels.

Calibration Methods for Cone-beam Computed Tomography Gray Values: A Scoping Review and Critical Analysis

Risk factors for pathological invasiveness of non-mucinous invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma with a maximum diameter of less than or equal to 3 cm in thin-section CT: a retrospective study

Bowhead whale foraging dives are defined by speed and body orientation

Quantifying the time baleen whales spend foraging is central to understanding the extent to which climate driven shifts in low-trophic prey may affect energy acquisition. To date, the most comprehensive understanding of balaenid (bowhead and right whale) feeding behavior comes from studies using inertial sensing tags (biologgers). Here, periods of ram filtration were inferred under predictable foraging conditions where whales targeted a deep, diapausing prey layer. However, foraging conditions are increasingly variable in high latitudes and zooplankton vertical distribution, abundance and biomass vary seasonally based on ontogenetic migration. Our objective was to identify the kinematic features of confirmed bowhead feeding in a sub-Arctic fjord where prey availability fluctuates with tidal cycles, by collecting high-resolution, 3D biologging data (Customized Animal Tracking Solutions Tags) and concurrent video recordings for behavioral validation. Using a mixed-model approach we found that mean bottom speed, bottom pitch and roll, change in average swim speed and time of day were the best predictors of bowhead whale feeding. Consistent with previous studies, fluke stroke frequency was significantly faster when feeding (0.191 Hz ± 0.045 SD) compared with not-feeding (0.172 Hz ± 0.037 SD). However, we observed a depth-dependent switch in fluke stroke frequency, whereby the fluking rate was higher (0.192 Hz ± 0.039 SD) at shallow depths (≤23 m) and lower (0.151 Hz ± 0.024) at deeper depths (>23 m). Observed shifts in fluke stroke frequency may be attributed to physical forces acting in the upper water column such as buoyancy, drag and tidal forces. By using the descriptive kinematic variables, we can better identify feeding behavior in kinematic data from balaenids and improve our understanding of foraging efforts of bowhead whales in a changing climate, particularly since dive shape alone may overestimate feeding activities.