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Exploration of schizophrenia-associated gene modules using graph theory, co-expression networks, and dimensionality reduction

The PsychENCODE consortium has generated a comprehensive multi-omic dataset from human brain samples, spanning healthy individuals and those with neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we focus exclusively on schizophrenia and analyze PsychENCODE transcriptomic data to construct gene regulatory and co-expression networks, aiming to uncover biologically and clinically relevant gene modules. We apply three independent analytical approaches to the same dataset. First, we preprocess the data using Surrogate Variable Analysis (SVA) to correct for latent variation and normalize gene expression. For graph-based analysis, we use Pearson correlation and the igraph package to construct gene co-expression networks and apply Prim’s algorithm to generate minimum spanning trees (MST) and compute centrality measures. Next, we implement Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), assuming a scale-free topology, to identify modules associated with schizophrenia traits. Dimensionality reduction is performed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), with visualization aided by t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) and Multidimensional Scaling (MDS). Functional enrichment is carried out using Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway databases. Each method reveals distinct yet complementary biological signatures associated with schizophrenia. The igraph-based approach highlights differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with high centrality, uncovering hub genes involved in mRNA export, synaptic signaling, and ion transport. WGCNA identifies co-expression modules strongly correlated with schizophrenia diagnosis, enriched for immune response, histone modification, and mRNA surveillance pathways. PCA isolates key genes contributing to diagnostic variance, with enrichment in neurotransmitter release cycles and cytokine signaling. Collectively, these results underscore the involvement of immune, synaptic, and epigenetic processes in schizophrenia and demonstrate the power of using multiple, orthogonal analytical lenses.

Development and validation of a bacteremia prediction score for adult emergency department patients using hybrid machine learning and regression

Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity in an Achiral Electron Donor–Acceptor Molecule Doped into a Cholesteric Liquid Crystal

Fungi-based food in the public eye: Terminology, cultivation timelines, sustainability, and nutrition across three EU countries

Fungi-based foods are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives, yet public understanding remains limited. This study quantified knowledge and perceptions in Germany, Spain, and Sweden, selected for their distinct dietary cultures and regulatory contexts. An online survey of 6,004 adults used quiz-style questions covering taxonomy, terminology, cultivation timelines, sustainability, and nutrition. Results show misconceptions. Many classified fungi as plants, were unfamiliar with mycoprotein, and underestimated the rapid cultivation of filamentous fungi. Despite these gaps, majorities in all countries endorsed fungi’s sustainability potential and nutritional parity with meat. Greater knowledge was observed among tertiary-educated, higher-income, and meat-reducing groups. These findings show that limited process-related factual knowledge exists, underscoring the need for clearer communication. Public messaging should employ accessible terminology, present fermentation as ‘grown in days,’ and emphasize nutritional properties. Addressing knowledge gaps can align perceptions with evidence, enable informed decision-making, and support integration of fungi-based foods into sustainable systems.

Fluorine-free fabrication of durable superhydrophobic membranes for efficient oil–water separation

Low FXIII activity levels in patients with vascular anomalies, not in patients with trauma-induced coagulopathy

Patients with localized intravascular coagulopathy (LIC) related to vascular anomalies occasionally suffer from hemorrhage and delayed wound healing, presumably due to consumptive reduction of fibrinogen and platelets. However, LIC patients with normal levels of platelets and fibrinogen can be hemorrhagic for unknown reasons. These facts led us to hypothesize that factor XIII (FXIII) is decreased since FXIII plays an important role in hemostasis, tissue repair, and wound healing. We collected plasma from 17 patients with LIC (9 with aneurysm, 8 with vessel malformation) and 7 patients with trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC), which showed a fibrinolytic phenotype similar to LIC, and measured FXIII levels. FXIII levels were considerably decreased (7–53%, mean 29.4%) in LIC patients. 13 of 17 patients showed bleeding tendency even though DIC scores were low. However, FXIII levels were only slightly decreased (39–98%, mean 67.4%) in TIC patients. We also investigated the correlation between FXIII activity and coagulation parameters. FXIII activity most strongly correlated with fibrinogen content (R = 0.882, P  < 0.001) in LIC patients. FXIII levels below 50% were observed when fibrinogen was less than 200 mg/dL. Based on these findings, we successfully treated two LIC patients with FXIII concentrates. Decreased FXIII activity was specific to LIC, not TIC. Testing for FXIII activity should be considered in LIC patients even with normal fibrinogen levels, who are scheduled to undergo any invasive procedure, since FXIII supplementation is occasionally required for them.

Examining the experimental effects of concentration and temperature on the viscosity of nanofluid containing graphene oxide, suggesting a correlation, and developing a neural network

Abstract The application of nanotechnology represents a recent initiative to explore thermal sciences across various sectors. With substantial investments from developed nations in nanotechnology, extensive research has been conducted on the thermophysical properties of nanofluids, including viscosity and thermal conductivity. The present study measured the viscosity of Graphene oxide/water nanofluids at concentrations ranging from 5 to 8 g/L and temperatures between 20 °C and 35 °C. The objective was to establish an empirical relationship using Origin software to encompass all data with minimal error and a maximum correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that as the concentration of nanoparticles in the base fluid increased, the viscosity correspondingly rose. Conversely, at elevated temperatures, viscosity decreased. Furthermore, the viscosity of the Graphene oxide nanofluid was modeled using a Perceptron Artificial Neural Network with a 2-7-1 architecture, with concentration and temperature as the two inputs and viscosity as the output. The results for the proposed empirical relationship and the artificial neural network demonstrated that the mean squared error, mean absolute error, root mean squared error, and correlation coefficient were 0.002188, 0.0172564, 0.04677, and 0.98704, respectively, indicating a successful evaluation. The maximum positive and negative errors for the acquired data were 0.0375% and 0.068%, respectively. The values obtained were − 7.71% < Margin of Deviation (Correlation) < + 7.5% and − 9.55% < Margin of Deviation (Artificial Neural Network) < + 7.7%.

Occupational risk factors for depression and anxiety symptoms: Insights from a large cohort study during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Objectives An increased risk for an occupation-related SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to higher psychological distress. This online survey investigates the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in a large sample of 34,303 participants from the German cohort for digital health research (DigiHero) after the pandemic (late 2023, t1) and retrospectively from the Omicron wave (early 2022, t0), emphasizing variations across occupational groups and work-related risk factors. Methods Participants reported their employment status (currently working; seeking employment; not working). Workers provided their primary occupation to assess occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. Symptoms of depression and anxiety (assessed via PHQ-4) and additional occupational risk factors were solicited for each time point. Associations between occupational exposure and stressors with the four-level PHQ-4 outcome were analyzed separately for t1 and t0 using ordinal regression and expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Over 60% of respondents were working at t1, and 1.4% classified themselves as seeking a job. Job seekers reported highest and non-working individuals lowest depressive and anxiety symptoms. Symptom severity varied by occupation with elevated odds in traffic/logistics professions exclusively at t1 (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.04–1.48) and healthcare professions exclusively at t0 (OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16). High occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk was linked to symptoms at t0. Overall, these associations were modest and partly attenuated after additional adjustment for individual work-related stressors (e.g., loneliness at work, chronic work-related stress, work-privacy conflicts). At both timepoints, individual stressors and sociodemographic factors showed stronger associations with severe symptoms than occupation (e.g., chronic work-related stress at t1 OR=2.87, 95% CI 2.70–3.04). Conclusions Persistent post-pandemic depressive and anxiety symptoms among workers emphasize the importance of addressing individual psychosocial work-related stressors.

Laser-assisted scanning electrochemical machining of Ti-6Al-4 V for localized patterning

Unlocking Interfacial Catalytic Halogen Atom Transfer at Ag Electrodes with Brønsted Acids

How are adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities represented, included and engaged in cancer research: A scoping review protocol

Cancer research has shifted to highlight and empower the voices and experiences of patients in informing and guiding research. Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities experience worse cancer-related outcomes compared to those without disabilities, including lower screening rates, more advanced stages at diagnosis, and lower survival likelihood. However, limited research has been conducted on how they are involved in cancer research. To improve how cancer-related care is provided to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, it is imperative that they are included in research that affects them. The objective of this scoping review is to explore and synthesize how adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are represented, involved, and engaged in cancer research. This study will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL will be searched to identify published studies. Based on timing of the introduction of the United Nations on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, searches will be conducted from 2006 onwards. There will be no language restrictions. Eligible studies will include primary cancer-related research that focuses on adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and/or those involved in their care, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, conduct full text reviews, and extract information on how participants were recruited in research, and/or identified in administrative quantitative studies, and how they were involved. Information will also be extracted on how adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities were involved in the study based on the International Association for Public Participation spectrum (inform, consult, involve, collaborate, and empower). Our findings will help us better understand how adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are engaged in cancer research and identify potential next steps for enhancing accessibility and inclusion in cancer research.

Experimental study on dynamic mechanical properties of frozen unsaturated silty clay

Reasons for encounter in primary care among French patients: Gender differences in presentation rates more pronounced among the patients of male practitioners

Background Evidence has shown that the gender of general practitioners (GPs) and of patients plays a role in primary care, both in communication and practice style. However, less is known about how both genders interact in the reasons for encounter (RfEs). Studying RfEs by both patient and GP gender may help elucidate what symptoms or complaints lead women and men to consult a GP and specifically, if patients have preferences regarding the gender of their GP for specific problems. Given that men tend to consult less frequently and are often diagnosed at later stages of disease, it is essential to disentangle whether GP gender may act as a barrier for men in disclosing certain health concerns. Objective To examine the influence of patients’ and GPs’ gender on the presentation of clinical RfEs. Methods This is an ancillary study from the French ECOGEN survey, an observational cross-sectional multicentre study conducted between November 2011 and April 2012. 54 GP interns working alongside 128 GP supervisors collected RfEs during consultations. Using mixed models, we first assessed the association between patient gender and each RfEs chapter (i.e., 13 dependent variables). We then stratified models according to GP gender. Finally, we compared the four GP–patient gender dyads (male GP–male patient, male GP–female patient, female GP–male patient, and female GP–female patient) in pairwise analyses. Results Overall, 20 613 patients were included, of whom 58% were women. Of the 128 participating GPs, 85 were men. Women had higher presentation rates across all chapters. The most common RfEs were those related to the respiratory system. Modest differences in presentation rates were observed between men and women when visiting a man GP, with men being less likely to present RfEs from the General and Unspecified, Digestive, Eyes, Ears, Neurological, and Respiratory chapters. Conclusions Our study adds evidence on how gender plays a role in presenting health problems in primary care. Specifically, our findings suggest that men may be reluctant to present certain RfEs to men GPs. Acknowledging these gender effects in primary care may help strengthen the partnership between GPs and patients.

Clashing memories in working memory modulate serial dependence

Retraining gait in Parkinson’s Disease via a personalised app: A study protocol

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that often leads to gait impairments and an increased risk of falls, negatively impacting quality of life. Inertial-based wearables have extended gait evaluation beyond clinical settings, but their technical integration and general accessibility hinder widespread adoption. Smartphones, equipped with inertial sensors, present a scalable approach for gait assessment and retraining/rehabilitation. Auditory cueing, specifically music, has shown promise to retrain gait, yet its use and uptake is often limited by a lack of personalisation. This paper outlines an exploratory and experimental protocol to evaluate CuePD, a smartphone application/app that delivers near real-time gait assessment and personalised auditory cues (including music) for gait retraining in people with PD (PwPD). The protocol characterises beneficial and non-beneficial responses to different cueing strategies and presents separate analysis for the technical validation and gait response outcomes to reduce interpretive ambiguity between measurement performance and behavioural effects. Specifically, the protocol presents: 1) validation of CuePD’s spatio-temporal gait characteristics in a controlled laboratory setting; 2) process to understand the usefulness of various auditory cues (metronome beats, instrumental music, and vocal music) to improve gait stability (i.e., increase gait speed and stride length while reducing gait variability); 3) evaluation of acceptance and preference of PwPD for personalised music cues; and 4) relationship between PwPD's musicality and their ability to adhere to auditory cues. Findings from the study will inform the suitability of gait retraining via smartphone-based app technology, personalised to the individual. Personalisation (gait characteristics and music) may potentially encourage long-term engagement for gait retraining which could lead to reduce falls and improved quality of life for PwPD. By explicitly accounting for individual variability, this protocol aims to clarify for whom and under what conditions auditory cueing is appropriate. Future work should systematically evaluate this approach as responses to auditory and/or music-based cueing in PwPD are heterogeneous with possible neutral or adverse effects, e.g., cognitive overload or exacerbation of freezing. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT06941779 ).

Rescuing TP53 from nonsense: novel triazoles for translational readthrough via optimized drug design

Italy’s progress towards the objectives of the national action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major public health threat. Italian AMR rates are among the highest in Europe. The Italian National action plan to combat AMR was launched in 2017 and updated in 2022. To monitor its implementation, the self-assessment tool SPiNCAR (Supporto al Piano nazionale per il contrasto all’antimicrobico resistenza) was developed. Methods We conducted the first national data collection through SPiNCAR in 2023, assessing the level of implementation across Italian regions and autonomous provinces for the year 2022. Regional SPiNCAR scores were correlated with relevant indicators: healthcare-associated infection (HAI) and antimicrobial use prevalence, as well as antibiotic consumption. Results Thirteen regions and autonomous provinces participated. High implementation levels were observed in the SPiNCAR areas of governance, surveillance, HAI prevention and control, and antimicrobial stewardship, while education, stakeholder engagement, and performance assessment showed the lowest scores. Moderate inverse correlations emerged between governance scores and HAI prevalence, and between surveillance/appropriate use scores and antimicrobial use prevalence. A strong inverse correlation was found between performance assessment scores and antimicrobial use prevalence. Conclusions This study provides the first national baseline assessment of the level of implementation of the Italian National action plan to combat AMR. Results suggest SPiNCAR could be a useful tool to monitor AMR policies in decentralized health systems. Findings highlight both achievements and gaps; repeated assessments are necessary to guide targeted interventions and reduce regional inequalities.

Protective effect of green tea extract on chlorpyrifos induced toxicity in liver of male mice

Active Site Structure and Mechanism of a Molybdenum Catechol Dehydroxylase

Morphological and hormonal diversity in rose (Rosa hybrida L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Ri genotypes: A comparative study

Ri (root-inducing) technology, mediated by Rhizobium rhizogenes , presents a promising approach for modifying plant architecture. However, a comprehensive understanding of how complete, integrated wild-type T-DNA alters plant physiology is still lacking, as most related research has focused on partial gene sets and single species. To address this gap, our study undertakes the first systematic, comparative analysis of Ri genotypes across the phylogenetically distant species of rose ( Rosa hybrida L.) and potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.). We aimed to correlate organ-specific T-DNA gene expression with hormonal profiles and growth traits, thereby identifying both the general mechanisms of the Ri phenotype and species-specific differences. Morphological, molecular, and hormonal data were collected from three plant organs—leaves, stems, and roots—and analyzed across multiple Ri genotypes generated by R. rhizogenes strain ATCC 15834. All the Ri genotypes contained T L (left T-DNA) but differed in the presence of T R (right T-DNA) sequences. Compared with the respective wild-type plants, the Ri genotypes consistently presented shorter internodes (ratio of 0.5–0.89), in most cases smaller leaves (ratio of 0.52–1.03) and greater in vitro root formation (ratio of 0.71–2.34), as well as diverse expression levels of the rol and aux2 genes, a consistently higher concentration of cytokinins and altered levels of stress-related hormones in specific organs. Correlation and principal component analyses confirmed the relationships among rol gene expression, root number, and reduced shoot growth, whereas hormone responses were species-specific. Together, these findings complement the characteristics of typical Ri plants shown in previous studies and provide new insights into the underlying hormonal and genetic mechanisms, indicating altered stress signaling pathways in Ri genotypes. The first evaluations of root hair data in Ri plants contradict assumptions about a hairy root phenotype but also indicate an increased root tip diameter (ratio of 1.06–1.23) compared with that of the wild-type. Together, these findings underscore the importance of balancing architectural benefits with potential physiological trade-offs in the use of Ri technology for future breeding applications.