Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Bird dispersal of fruit-like yam bulbils: Is this a new form of Batesian mimicry?
Quantitative optimization exploration of the cultivation program for medical product management professionals based on QFD-obstacle integration model
Objective The current research on talent cultivation programs for the emerging interdisciplinary field of medical product management in Chinese universities faces the limitation of relying on a single qualitative evaluation, which makes it difficult to meet the growing demand for talent in the industry. This study proposes an innovative framework for the quantitative research on medical product management talent cultivation programs. Using representative domestic universities as empirical cases, it combines qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the quality of talent cultivation programs, laying the foundation for accurately improving the level of medical product management talent training. Methods This study utilized methods such as literature review, expert interviews, and questionnaire surveys to explore the cultivation schemes and competency requirements of professional talent in medical product management. Variance analysis and t-tests were employed to analyze differences in talent needs across different social groups. Based on the Obstacle Degree Model, this research analyzed the obstacles affecting market satisfaction with the cultivation of professionals in medical product management. Further, the study developed a QFD (Quality Function Deployment)-Obstacle Integration Model, which combined the importance of demand with the degree of implementation obstacles to quantify and prioritize the core elements of the talent cultivation program. Results The study established a cultivation system comprising three dimensions: theoretical teaching, practical teaching, and extracurricular activities, as well as a talent competency requirement system including professional integrity, knowledge reserves, and comprehensive capabilities. Differential analysis revealed discrepancies in the perceptions of talent capabilities between employers and students on certain indices ( P < 0.05 ). Satisfaction analysis identified that factors affecting satisfaction were primarily concentrated in the cultivation of professional knowledge and comprehensive skills. Finally, a House of Quality was established, identifying five categories of core elements as the priority improvement directions for the cultivation program (e.g., professional courses, comprehensive practical teaching). Conclusions Based on the analysis results, this study proposes optimization strategies for the cultivation program from three aspects: optimizing curriculum design, enriching training models, and strengthening student guidance. This research not only provides a transferable quantitative optimization tool for the cultivation programs of emerging interdisciplinary fields such as medical product management, but also expands the application paradigm of QFD in complex educational systems, advancing the methodological development of this field from a “single demand-driven” approach to a “demand-obstacle dual-driven” one.
The use of glucocorticoids in immunoglobulin-resistant Kawasaki disease
Translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric validation of the Simplified Chinese Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ-CN) in Chinese athletes
Objective To translate, adapt, and validate the Simplified Chinese Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ-CN) for both adolescent and adult athletes. Design Cross-sectional psychometric evaluation. Methods A total of 480 Chinese athletes (19.9 ± 4.4 years) and 408 non-athletes (23.3 ± 3.9 years, for discriminant validity evaluation) were recruited. Psychometric testing included internal consistency, test–retest reliability, content validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and convergent and discriminant validity. For robust factor analysis of ordinal data, parallel analysis with polychoric correlations and ordinary least squares estimations were choose. Results The ASBQ-CN demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α total of 0.76) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.78). The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were 3.13 and 8.67, respectively. Content validity achieving indices of 1.0 at toth item- and scale-level. Factor analyses supported a four-factor structure with acceptable model fit indices (comparative fit index = 0.95, Tucker Lewis index = 0.94, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.09). Convergent validity was confirmed by moderate correlations with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (r total = 0.44) and Sleep Hygiene Index (r total = 0.50). Although total ASBQ-CN scores did not significantly differ between athletes and non-athletes, significant item-level differences were identified (p < 0.0028). Furthermore, athletes with poor sleep hygiene showed significant higher ASBQ-CN score (p < 0.001). Conclusion The ASBQ-CN is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating sleep behavior in both adolescent and adult Chinese athletes, which could inform personalized interventions.
Accuracy of dental implant positioning by dynamic or static computer-assisted implant surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Abstract While virtual planning of implant placement is common, reliable clinical transfer remains critical. This randomized clinical trial compared transfer accuracy between a miniaturized dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery system (dCAIS; DENACAM) and static computer-assisted implant surgery (sCAIS; BEGO). In 45 patients, 70 implants were placed ( n = 35 per method). Deviations between planned and achieved positions were assessed by CBCT superimposition. Accuracy differences were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models (Type III F-tests; F, p-value, ICC) for 3D angular, 3D linear (implant base, tip), 2D mesio-distal, vestibulo-oral, and apico-coronal deviations. Ergonomic perception and covariate effects (age, sex, jaw, implant region, gap type) were analyzed using mixed-effects regression (β, 95% CI; α = 0.05). No significant accuracy differences were observed ( p > 0.05). ICC values (0.00-0.56) indicated substantial patient-level variance. Mean 3D deviations (dynamic vs. static) were 4.89° ± 2.17 vs. 5.01° ± 2.13 (angular), 1.81 mm ± 0.69 vs. 1.55 mm ± 0.47 (base), 2.01 mm ± 0.72 vs. 1.78 mm ± 0.52 (tip). Ergonomic ratings were comparable. Covariate effects were limited to jaw (2D base deviation) and age (3D angular deviation) ( p = 0.022, 0.015). This dCAIS may be equally suitable for implant plan transfer as sCAIS.
A novel genetic strategy to interrogate an unknown phenotypic modifier: Sdhc KO-Robertsonian mice develop frequent thyroid abnormalities with papillary thyroid carcinoma-like features
Genes encoding subunits of the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme complex succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) are a leading cause of the neuroendocrine tumour syndrome hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma. Pathogenic variants of SDHD and SDHAF2 confer a remarkable parent-of-origin tumour risk, in which paternally inherited variants cause tumours but maternally inherited variants do not. Formulated to explain this observation, the Hensen hypothesis proposes that loss of an (unknown) imprinted gene(s), together with the remaining wildtype SDH gene, is a prerequisite for tumour formation; in effect a three-hit hypothesis. This study had three objectives, first, as a test of the Hensen model, second, as a potential model for a disease for which no mouse or cell model currently exists, and finally, as a test of chromosome (Ch.) configuration to interrogate large genomic regions carrying an unknown phenotypic modifier. We crossed a gene knockout line ( Sdhc, mouse Ch.1) to a Robertsonian chromosome line, Rb(1:7), harbouring the homologous gene imprinting centre (human Ch.11p15, mouse Ch.7) implicated in human tumourigenesis, to create a metacentric chromosome with characteristics of human chromosome 11. We developed 7 cohorts combining Sdhc (mouse Ch.1) wildtype or knockout with distinct configurations of Rb(1:7), confirming both paternal and maternal inheritance of Sdhc . We noted significant weight gain, and in heterozygote Sdhc KO-Rb/wt mice high levels of immune activation. Thyroid abnormalities, including lesions with papillary thyroid carcinoma-like features, were common (30–50%) in Sdhc knockout mice with both heterozygous and homozygous Rb chromosomes, regardless of mode of inheritance. We also observed a single case of bilateral pheochromocytoma in which loss of Sdhc was not the driver. While our findings did not recapitulate features of the Hensen Model, this study does suggest that chromosomal structure, even in the form of a seemingly innocuous single Robertsonian configuration, can dramatically impact clinical phenotype.
Tri-domain prediction and optimization of nanocomposite polymers for high-performance 3D printing
Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) of polymer nanocomposites offers vast potential for creating multi-functional materials with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. However, the nonlinear interdependencies among nanofiller composition, printing conditions, and final performance metrics make traditional empirical optimization inefficient and unpredictable. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a Physics-Guided Multi-Task Attention Ensemble (PG-MTAE) model that simultaneously predicts and optimizes the tri-domain properties of nanocomposite-enhanced polymers fabricated via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The model integrates material- and process-level descriptors, a feature interaction module for inter-domain dependency learning, and physics-based constraints to ensure physically consistent predictions aligned with established percolation and reinforcement laws. Two benchmark datasets—the Nanocomposites Properties Database and the FDM 3D Printed Composite Material Dataset were harmonized for multi-domain modeling. The implementation was carried out in Python 3.10. Explainability was achieved using SHAP analysis, while Bayesian Optimization was employed to discover Pareto-optimal configurations for maximizing performance trade-offs. The proposed PG-MTAE achieved a determination coefficient (R 2 ) of 0.9897, RMSE of 0.0348, and MAE of 0.0219, outperforming traditional ANN, RNN, and hybrid XGBoost models by jointly predicts mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Results confirm the model’s ability to capture physics-consistent nonlinear interactions among filler concentration, print energy density, and process temperature. This AI-driven approach provides a virtual material design framework, significantly reducing experimental trial-and-error cycles while enhancing design reliability for high-performance, multifunctional nanocomposites in aerospace, biomedical, and electronic applications.
Participation of children and adolescents in healthcare, prevention and health research: A dot survey
Background While adults are actively involved in medical decisions, this has long been neglected in the case of children and adolescents. Traditionally, parents and doctors make decisions for children, as children are often considered lacking cognitive maturity and the ability to make decisions. The involvement of children and adolescents can have many advantages. However, the needs of children and adolescents are not always sufficiently taken into account in the healthcare system. Objective The aim of this study is to explore the opinions of children and adolescents as well as their parents with respect to the extent of participation across the three dimensions prevention, health care, and health research. Method The data was collected using the dot poster method. The survey was conducted at a public event both on site and online to ensure broad participation. The data was analyzed descriptively. Results A total of 87 people took part in the survey. Thereof, 30 were under 18 years old (34.5%). Overall, the participation of children and adolescents in areas of the healthcare system was supported. The extent of participation varied depending on the age of the population under consideration and the age of the respondents. Younger respondents tended to be in favor of leaving health decisions to their parents and wanted a lesser form of participation. Respondents over the age of 18 favored a higher degree of participation by children and adolescents, particularly in research. Conclusion The results of this study emphasize the need to systematically examine and promote the participation of children and adolescents in the healthcare system. The differentiated consideration of the age groups enables a targeted approach and consideration of the different decision-making abilities. The results should serve as a basis for future research projects dealing with the development and implementation of participatory approaches in pediatric care and research.
Comprehensive genomic identification of essential genes required for Brucella melitensis intracellular survival during macrophage infection
Myo-inositol versus D-chiro-inositol in murine in vitro follicular development: An experimental study relevant to polycystic ovary syndrome
Inositol plays a crucial role in follicular development by regulating insulin signaling and ovarian function. However, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) on the development of murine ovarian follicles in vitro. Follicles treated with DCI exhibited larger diameters than controls on Day 6 (275.20 ± 12.54 μm; p = 0.037) and Day 8 (277.47 ± 11.47 μm; p = 0.048), indicating a modest, marginally significant effect that was not maintained by Day 10. The rate of follicular antrum formation was significantly higher in the DCI-treated group on Day 6 (p < 0.05); however, no significant differences were observed on Days 8 and 10. In contrast, MI treatment did not affect follicular survival, diameter, or antrum formation compared with controls. Estradiol concentrations and the expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and aromatase genes did not differ significantly among groups. Together, these data provide in vitro evidence that DCI can facilitate the transition from the secondary (preantral) to the early antral stage under these culture conditions. Given the small experimental sample size, the use of healthy murine follicles cultured under a high FSH concentration, and the absence of a PCOS-like ovarian milieu, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and cannot be directly generalized to infertility treatment in women with PCOS. Future studies using PCOS animal models and human follicle systems are needed to clarify translational relevance of these findings.
Cardiovascular risk factor target control in Romanian adults with type 2 diabetes
Genotypic distribution and molecular epidemiology of HPV in women in the UAE using PNA-based RT PCR
Objectives This study aimed to determine the genotypic distribution and molecular epidemiology of HPVs in PAP smear samples of women in the UAE using a peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based fluorescence melting curve analysis method. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted between January 2024 to January 2025 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of Gulf Medical University. A total of 229 liquid-based cervical cytology samples were obtained from women aged 20–55 years attending the Gynaecology out-patient department of Thumbay University Hospital and other hospitals of the UAE, processed for the routine cytological examination to identify and differentiate morphological changes of the PAP smears. HPV genotyping was performed using PNA-based fluorescence melting curve analysis by the RT-PCR method. Results A total of 191 HPV genotypes were detected in 96 HPV positive PAP smear samples, including 47 abnormal cytology and 49 NILM samples. 137 HR and 54 LR-HPV genotypes were identified in all 96 positive samples. The highest rate of mixed HR and LR-HPV genotypes (18%) was detected in women aged 31–40 years old. HR53, 16, 68, 66, 31, 35, and LR6 were the predominant genotypes. Mixed HR and LR-HPV infection is present in 26% cases; in that HPV53 was the primary genotype, followed by HPV35, 66, 11, 43, 81, 61, and 6. Conclusion The genotypes 53, 16, 68, 66, 31, 61, 35, and 6 were the most common genotypes detected in the PAP smear samples. Notably, 21% of normal epithelial cells of the PAP smear samples tested positive for different HR-HPV genotypes. These findings underscore the crucial role of HPV genotyping using RT-PCR, enhancing the effectiveness of screening surveillance and providing foundational data for future prospective studies, vaccination impact assessments, and targeted screening strategies.
Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of knee injuries after skiing in adolescents under deep learning
Safety and effectiveness of hormonal vs non-hormonal or no contraception in women with hypertension and future fertility desire: A broad-scope systematic review
Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives compared to non-hormonal methods or no contraception in hypertensive women seeking future fertility. Data sources Searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and LILACS (September –October, 2022), with updates on September, 2023, and August, 2024. Clinical trial records, regulatory agencies, and gray literature were also consulted (June, 2022; August, 2023; September, 2024). Methods Eligible studies that assessed safety (major adverse cardiovascular events, pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginal infections, loss of fertility, discontinuation, worsening hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, venous thromboembolism, weight gain, liver or kidney function changes) or effectiveness (pregnancies/Pearl index) of hormonal contraceptives in hypertensive women. Eligible designs included clinical trials, cohort and case control studies, case series, case reports, and adverse event data. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, reviewed full texts, selected studies, extracted data, and assessed bias (ROBINS-I: cohorts), methodological quality (Newcastle Ottawa: case-control), and critical appraisal (Joanna Briggs Institute: case series). Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Evidence was synthesized quantitatively and qualitatively by contraceptive and outcome. Results Of 32,225 records screened, 17 studies were included. Combined oral contraceptives may increase hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease (OR: 1.64 (95% CI 1.08–2.50, certainty: low). Evidence is very uncertain about their effects on preventing pregnancies, and safety related to ischemic cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, weight gain, hypertension, kidney function, and lipid profile. Similarly, the effects of progestin-only pills, injectables, and vaginal rings on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes remain highly uncertain. Certainty is also very low for combined oral contraceptives or progestogen-only pills regarding cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction (OR: 1.15, 95% CI 0.60–2.19), and peripheral arterial disease. Conclusions Low-certainty evidence suggests that combined oral contraceptives may increase hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease in hypertensive women, whereas evidence for the other assessed safety and effectiveness outcomes is very low.
An efficient uncertainty integrated aggregation scheme for water quality detection and longitudinal carbon offset estimation in the Yamuna River
Reply to Suetsugu and Johnson: Bird dispersal of berry-like yam bulbils is consistent with Batesian mimicry under low receiver cost
Color image encryption algorithm based on ∞-shaped transformation and closed-loop control model
As color images have become a cornerstone of information exchange in the digital age, ensuring their security is of paramount importance. With the traditional scrambling–diffusion structure, this paper proposes a novel color image encryption algorithm by integrating of an ∞ -shaped transformation with a closed-loop control mechanism. First, the three channel matrices are merged, and the elements in each row are linked into a closed loop for initial diffusion. Secend, the diffused image is subsequently restructured into a three-row matrix and scrambled using a unique ∞ -shaped transformation. Finally, column-wise closed-loop diffusion is applied to generate the cipher image. This algorithm not only achieves effective inter-channel pixel confusion through the ∞ -shaped transformation, but also performs additional diffusion and confusion under the closed-loop control model. Experimental results demonstrate the algorithm’s excellent overall performance: the key space is as large as 2 413 , information entropy approaches the ideal value of 8 with increasing image size, and the algorithm exhibits high sensitivity, with NPCR and UACI exceeding 99.6% and 33.4%, respectively. Quantitative evaluation confirms that the proposed algorithm offers strong robustness against differential, statistical, and brute-force attacks.
Integrative immunogenomic strategy for designing a multi-epitope vaccine against Zika and Dengue viruses
Attitudes toward psychedelic therapy among medical and nursing students: A cross-sectional survey study
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is regaining attention as a promising approach to treating mental health disorders. This research aimed to compare related factors regarding the therapeutic use of psychedelics between medical and nursing students, addressing a notable gap in existing research. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) during the 2024/2025 academic year, including 325 students—204 from nursing and 121 from medicine—who completed a 7-item Likert-scale questionnaire assessing attitudes, perceived knowledge, and beliefs about the therapeutic potential, risks, and regulation of psychedelics, alongside sociodemographic data. Results revealed a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, although concerns persist. Gender and age were significantly associated with beliefs, with women reporting lower levels of perceived knowledge about psychedelics and older students exhibiting greater openness toward their therapeutic potential. Medical students demonstrated higher levels of perceived knowledge and greater agreement with therapeutic applications compared to nursing students, who more strongly associated psychedelic use with psychiatric risk. Participants with prior psychedelic use were more supportive of legalization and therapeutic use, highlighting the impact of personal experience. Formal education on psychedelics was linked to more favourable attitudes and increased knowledge, suggesting that training may reduce stigma and support evidence-based policy. Overall, students showed a cautiously optimistic view toward psychedelic therapies. These findings underscore the importance of integrating content on emerging treatments into health sciences curricula to foster informed, critical perspectives among future clinicians.