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Diverse enteric bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogen genes are shed in animal feces in Indiana

Southern Indiana has intensive livestock production, yet species-resolved fecal pathogen and pathogen associated gene profiles are limited. At 10 sites in southern Indiana (April–June 2024), we collected 128 fecal specimens from 10 hosts: pigs (n = 12), horses (12), cats (12), chickens (12), dogs (22), white-tailed deer (12), sheep (12), goats (12), cows (12), and humans (10). We extracted and assayed total nucleic acids using a custom 43-target TaqMan Array Card (RT-qPCR). Flotation microscopy was performed on pig and dog stools for helminth ova. In-silico specificity checks were conducted for selected targets due to potential for cross reactivity between pathogen species. Most samples (60%, 75/126) were positive for ≥1 target, including enteropathogenic Escherichia coli ( eae ) 16% and shiga toxin genes ( stx1 10%, stx2 6.3%). Higher prevalence of genes associated with specific pathogens and gut microbes in specific animals was common, including E. coli O157:H7 in pigs (42%) and sheep (8.3%); Campylobacter coli in chickens (36%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae in humans (60%) and dogs (9.1%). We found the protozoa Giardia in 15% of samples (notably dogs 32%, cows 33%) and Cryptosporidium in 14% (cats 55%, cows 25%, chickens 27%). Most (55%) chicken samples were positive for Plasmodium , which aligned with evidence of locally circulating avian haemosporidians. The Ascaris lumbricoides assay was positive only in pigs (17%), and we identified Ascaris type eggs in 92% of pig samples via microscopy, suggesting our Ascaris lumbricoides assay cross reacted with Ascaris suum supporting detection of the swine lineage ( A. suum ). We detected the class 1 integron-integrase gene ( intI1 ) in 43% of stools, concentrated in chickens, pigs, and horses. These findings suggest animal feces poses a public health hazard in Southern Indiana and indicate the need for targeted One Health studies to better understand the public health risks of specific exposures and animal feces management practices (e.g., farm storage capacity, land application timing, soil incorporation/injection, tile-drain proximity).

IL-18 promotes pancreatic fibrosis via release of IL-4 from pancreatic stellate cells and induces macrophage M2 polarization

Does the National Level Development Zone foster cities’ innovation capacity? A study from China

The article finds that the National Level Development Zone (NLDZ) development has affected urban innovation capacity using panel data from 2014 to 2022 in China. Compared to the West, the East NLDZ of China has a greater effect, and the NLDZ in the Northeast and the Middle Part have the least influence on urban innovation. However, the NLDZ influence of a city at the province level is greater than that at the prefecture level, and the effect of NLDZ on the Bond Area is the greatest, followed by that of the Economic and Technological Development Zone, while the impact of the High-Tech Industrial Development Zone is the least. Finally, we advise preserving a specific quantity of NLDZ to prevent the effect of declining marginal utility.

Subjective mental fatigue mediates the relationship between information processing speed and verbal memory deficits in multiple sclerosis

Beyond the counter: Pharmacists’ preparedness and response strategies in terrorism-related emergencies in Quetta, Pakistan

Terrorism-related disasters (TRDs) continue to exert profound and recurring pressures on healthcare systems, particularly in vulnerable regions like Pakistan. Although pharmacists are increasingly recognized as an essential component of disaster management, there is a clear gap in the literature regarding their preparedness, experience, and specific roles in responding to TRDs particularly in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the preparedness, experiences, and response strategies of pharmacists managing TRDs at the Trauma Centre of Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan. A qualitative design was adopted, guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with pharmacists (n = 10) providing services at the Trauma Centre. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, validated by participants, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Analysis revealed five overarching themes: (1) pharmacists’ experiences with terrorism-related incidents and existing response mechanisms; (2) professional and personal responses to emergencies, reflecting both commitment and psychological burden; (3) preparedness challenges, including lack of disaster management training, limited awareness of policies and protocols, and inadequate understanding of triage and coordination; (4) barriers such as security risks, pharmacy curriculum deficiencies, insufficient experiential learning, and minimal involvement in planning and management activities; and (5) recommendations for strengthening capacity, including revising curricula, implementing structured training programs, conducting regular disaster drills, and expanding pharmacists’ roles in preparedness and response. Findings revealed a pronounced lack of formal training in disaster management, limited awareness of protocols and triage systems, and minimal involvement of pharmacists in planning and coordination activities. Despite strong professional commitment and frontline engagement, pharmacists’ contribution remain constrained by educational, structural, and policy-level shortcomings. The study highlights the urgent need for integrating disaster management into pharmacy curricula, implementing structured training programs and regular disaster drills, and expanding pharmacists’ roles within institutional and national disaster preparedness frameworks.

Degree of conduction transfer through incomplete interphases controlling the conductivity of carbon nanofiber composites

GLIMSI: A real-world, multicenter study assessing the effectiveness and safety of Sitagliptin + Glimepiride + Metformin FDC in Indian patients with Type 2 diabetes

Background Type-2-diabetes-mellitus (T2DM), often linked to obesity, raises risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications. International guidelines recommend triple-therapy to reach haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) targets when dual therapy fails to adequately control blood glucose levels. Sitagliptin, enhances glycaemic control by prolonging incretin action, boosting insulin secretion, and lowering glucagon levels. When combined with glimepiride and metformin this triple-therapy targets multiple mechanisms. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of this combination for improved T2DM management in Indian patients. Method This real-world, multicentre, observational chart review evaluated the efficacy and safety of a triple fixed-dose combination therapy in 1235 adult patients with T2DM across 194 clinical sites in India. Data were retrospectively extracted from patient records over a 12-week period. Descriptive and analytical statistics was applied for the study endpoints using SPSS ver. 29.0.1.0(171) and Microsoft Excel 2019. Result The study population had a mean age of 56.89 ± 10.29 years, with 64.70% reporting a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Smoking was identified as a prominent risk factor, affecting 38.65% of participants. Significant improvements were observed in glycemic parameters over 12 weeks: HbA1c levels decreased from 8.20 ± 0.60% to 7.08 ± 0.77% (p < 0.0001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) from 188.54 ± 47.59 mg/dL to 146.01 ± 41.53 mg/dL (p < 0.0001), and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) from 234.74 ± 50.40 mg/dL to 179.40 ± 42.51 mg/dL (p < 0.0001). Additionally, body weight significantly reduced from 75.99 ± 8.67 kg to 74.76 ± 9.07 kg (p < 0.0001). No significant safety concerns identified during the treatment period. Conclusion The triple-combination therapy (sitagliptin, glimepiride, and metformin) demonstrated superior efficacy in achieving glycemic control, as evidenced by significant reductions in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG). Furthermore, the therapy facilitated meaningful weight reduction, highlighting its clinical utility as a comprehensive therapeutic option for managing glycemic parameters in both T2DM with overweight and normal-weight patients.

Evaluation of shale gas reserve recoverability and three-dimensional development potential: a case study of the Weiyuan Block, Sichuan basin

Protocol: Effects of midazolam on postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial

Introduction Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication in elderly patients, linked to prolonged hospitalization, increased morbidities, and mortality. Midazolam, a widely used perioperative benzodiazepine, has controversial associations with POD: some studies suggest risks, while others find no significant link, but evidence quality remains low. This trial explores whether midazolam is non-inferior to placebo in POD incidence among elderly spinal surgery patients. Methods and analysis A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial at Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, China, enrolling 692 elderly patients undergoing elective spinal surgery under general anesthesia. Exclusions include emergency surgery, long-term preoperative benzodiazepine use, and severe cognitive impairment. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive midazolam (2 mg) or placebo (saline) during induction, via sealed envelopes. Blinding is maintained except for the preparing nurse. Primary outcome: POD incidence assessed by Evaluation tool: Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) on postoperative days 1–3. Secondary outcomes include POD details, agitation (Richmond scale), pain (NRS), lab indicators, hospital stay, and complications.

Failure mechanism of a loess slope under extreme rainfall through a model test study of Shixiakou, Lanzhou

Evaluating acceptability of the Inpatient Mental Health Pharmaceutical Assessment and Care Tool (IMPACT): A multi-site study in the United Kingdom

Background The Inpatient Mental Health Pharmaceutical Assessment and Care Tool (IMPACT) was developed to assist pharmacy teams in identifying high risk patients for early intervention. Evaluation of the IMPACT tool is important to ensure its feasibility and effectiveness. This study reports the first evaluation of the IMPACT tool aiming to explore its acceptability by mental health inpatient pharmacy teams using an iterative qualitative approach. Methods Between October 2024 and February 2025, pharmacy staff from five National Health Service (NHS) organisations retrospectively applied the IMPACT tool on patients that they had provided pharmaceutical care to, completed a reflection sheet, and attended an online focus group. Training was delivered to participants before initiating the study and the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability guided the content and analysis of the focus groups. Results Four focus groups and one dual interview were conducted with 12 pharmacists and 5 pharmacy technicians. The tool was viewed as self-explanatory and effective. Most participants were confident using the tool, though some pharmacy technicians reported difficulties due to clinical criteria (e.g., blood tests interpretation) that was not part of their usual duties. Following the first focus group, some changes were made such as clarifying or combining some risk-indicators. These changes were well-received by subsequent participants and recommendations and insights gained from all participants assisted in improving the tool. Conclusion This study revealed that the IMPACT tool was acceptable by pharmacy team members and resulted in a refined version. Future work should further explore the tool’s feasibility and impact using mixed methods approaches.

A lightweight convolutional neural network architecture for violence detection in video sequences

Abstract The escalation of violent incidents in high-density public environments such as political assemblies, concerts, and sports arenas necessitates the development of computationally efficient and accurate real-time violence detection frameworks. Prompt identification of aggressive events from continuous surveillance video streams is critical for initiating rapid countermeasures. However, the task is inherently complex due to spatiotemporal scene variations, illumination inconsistencies, and the intensive computational cost of processing high-dimensional video data. This study introduces a lightweight deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture derived from MobileNetV2, optimized through depthwise separable convolutions and inverted residual bottlenecks to achieve significant parameter reduction without compromising classification efficacy. The proposed framework processes video streams by extracting and preprocessing frames (224 × 224 resolution, normalization, augmentation) to enhance generalization and mitigate overfitting. The model was trained and evaluated on two benchmark datasets: the Real-Life Violence Situations Dataset (RLVSD) and the Hockey Fight Dataset (HFD), encompassing balanced classes of violent and non-violent sequences. Empirical evaluation indicates superior performance, attaining 97% accuracy on RLVSD and 94% on HFD, with corresponding gains in precision, recall, and F1-score compared to conventional CNN architectures. Computational profiling confirms substantial efficiency improvements, enabling inference at real-time frame rates on resource-constrained hardware. The proposed methodology demonstrates that optimized lightweight architectures can deliver high-accuracy violence detection while significantly reducing computational overhead. These characteristics make the approach highly deployable in real-world surveillance systems. Future research will focus on temporal feature integration via 3D CNNs or transformer-based models and cross-domain adaptability to heterogeneous video sources.

Moral integration influences English as a Foreign Language (EFL) oral English learning: Evidence from textbook analysis and learner feedback

The research is motivated by the strategic integration of moral and value education into China’s college English curriculum and the critical role of textbooks as value carriers in EFL education. Despite growing attention to value integration in EFL materials, empirical studies on moral and value representation in oral English textbooks remain sparse, and learners’ perspectives on value acquisition through oral instruction are underexplored—this study aims to address these gaps. The study employed a mixed-methods approach: the researcher systematically analyzed 318 pages of New Inside Out Book 1 and Book 2 (first-year college EFL oral English textbooks), screening all module types including vocabulary, grammar, dialogue, listening, reading, writing, and exercise for value-related content, which was then coded and recorded in Excel. Frequency statistics show the sample textbooks include 273 value-laden verbal text samples, with a Chi-Square Test revealing statistically significant differences in dimension emphasis between the two volumes. Within Martin and White’s (2005) Language Appraisal Theory, qualitative textual analysis identifies the value significance of linguistic resources as a prominent feature across module types. Additionally, to gather learner feedback on the effectiveness of value education in the oral English course, an online questionnaire survey (via Wen Juan Xing platform) was administered to learners who used the selected EFL oral English textbooks for a whole academic year. The survey showed that values-based EFL instruction positively impacted morality and personal growth.

DeCon-Net: decoupled hierarchical contrast for soccer object detection

Household costs, catastrophic out-of-pocket payments and impoverishment related to accessing surgical care in rural Ethiopia

Background The objective of this study was to assess the household costs, catastrophic out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure, impoverishment and coping mechanisms used to pay for surgical care in a predominantly rural area of Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional household survey of 182 people who had undergone a surgical procedure. Participants were interviewed in their homes at six weeks post-operation. Using a contextually adapted version of the Study of global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) questionnaire, we estimated direct and indirect costs of surgical care from a household perspective. Catastrophic out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure was estimated using thresholds of 10% and 25% of annual household consumption expenditure. Impacts of surgical care payments on poverty levels was estimated by comparing pre- and post-operative OOP payments. Analysis of variance, t-test and a logit model were used to assess factors associated with catastrophic OOP health expenditure. Results Most surgical patients were women (87.9%), with 65.0% receiving obstetric surgical care. Direct costs dominated expenditure: direct average medical costs Birr 1649.5 (44.6%), direct average non-medical costs Birr 1226.5 (33.2%), indirect average costs Birr 821.9 (22.2%). Catastrophic OOP surgical care expenditure was experienced by 69.2% households at the 10% threshold and 45.6% at the 25% threshold. The increase in average normalized poverty gap due to OOP surgical care expenditure was higher in non-obstetric (14.1%) compared to obstetric (5.8%) procedures, and for non-emergency (13.3%) compared to emergency care (6.3%). To pay for surgical care, 38.0% of households had sold assets and 5.0% had borrowed money. Conclusions Due to surgical care, households faced severe financial burdens leading to impoverishment. To mitigate the resulting financial constraints, households implemented hardship coping strategies. Provision of free obstetric surgical care reduced, but did not eliminate, these burdens. There is a pressing need to tailor financial risk protection mechanisms to achieve universal coverage for surgical care.

Risk factors for barrett’s esophagus identified in a large-scale Japanese community cohort study

Intraocular pressure changes and pain scores within 24 hours and short-term outcomes after micropulse transscleral laser therapy

Purpose To assess intraocular pressure (IOP) changes and pain scores during 24 hours and short-term outcomes after micropulse transscleral laser therapy (MP-TLT). Design Retrospective case series. Methods We reviewed eyes undergoing MP-TLT (2,000 mW; 31.3% duty cycle; 100–200 seconds) with serial IOP measurements during the first operative day, excluding those with prior cyclophotocoagulation or combined procedures. IOP and pain scores (numerical rating scale, NRS) were recorded at 1, 5, 9, 13 hours, and the following day post-procedure. Data from follow-up visits were obtained to evaluate success rates (≥30% IOP reduction or an IOP 6–18 mmHg). Mixed-effects regression and Kaplan–Meier method were used for analysis. Results This study examines 46 eyes from 40 patients, 58.7% with secondary glaucoma. The mean preoperative IOP was 40.6 mmHg. The NRS was 2.3 at the end of the procedure. The mean postoperative IOP (% reduction) and NRS values were 33.9 (16.5) mmHg and 2.4 at 1 hour, 36.1 (11.1) mmHg and 2.8 at 5 hours, 32.6 (19.7) mmHg and 1.7 at 9 hours, 29.7 mmHg (26.8) and 1.2 at 13 hours, and 24.5 (39.7) mmHg and 1.0 on the following day. The IOPs were significantly lower at all time points (p < 0.05), with the lowest mean value of 16.4 mmHg at week 1. The success rate was 80.6% at 12 months. One patient developed transient hypotony maculopathy. Conclusions MP-TLT resulted in a significant IOP reduction within 24 hours, with maximal effect at 1 week, and demonstrated favorable short-term outcomes.

Biological welding enables rapid and efficient bladder cystotomy closure and reveals the underlying repair mechanism

Exploring the influence of COVID-19 stress on mental health among international undergraduate and graduate students: A mixed-methods approach

International college students in the United States are at increased risk of developing mental health disorders and are less likely to seek mental health services. However, little is known about the effects of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of international undergraduate students compared to their graduate counterparts studying in the US. This study examined the associations between COVID-19 stress, anxiety, and depression and whether education level moderates these associations in international undergraduate and graduate students. A cross-sectional online survey containing psychometric scales and open-ended questions was completed by 219 international undergraduate and graduate students. Validated psychometric scales used included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), COVID-19 Stress Scale (CSS), and Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4). Path analysis was used to assess whether education level moderated the relationships between COVID-19 stress and anxiety and depression. Applied thematic analysis was conducted to qualitatively determine COVID-19-related stressors affecting students’ mental health. We found that COVID-19 stress was significantly associated with students’ anxiety and depression, and education level moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and anxiety, but not depression. Major themes of COVID-19-related stressors affecting mental health included academic performance, financial difficulties, travel constraints, social isolation, and grief. Findings highlighted the influence of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of international students studying in the US. Graduates and undergraduates experienced stress differently, particularly related to anxiety. Additionally, pandemic-related stressors were multifaceted in nature. Adequate mental health interventions and support tailored for graduates and undergraduates are needed to address students affected during global crises.

Adaptive MPPT control for reliable transitions between grid connected and islanded operations in PV battery microgrids

Abstract To maximize photovoltaic (PV) energy extraction, this study proposes a novel hybrid maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method that combines artificial neural networks (ANNs) with particle swarm optimization (PSO). The ANN–PSO controller is integrated within a PV-battery microgrid system and enables efficient tracking of the maximum power output while minimizing oscillations. The MPPT unit operates alongside a droop-controlled inverter to coordinate the power flow between the PV array and battery energy storage system (BESS), supporting dynamic transitions between grid-connected and islanded modes. The controller monitors the current and voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) to ensure reliable power delivery. By enhancing the accuracy of irradiance estimations, the ANN–PSO approach improves tracking responsiveness and overall system efficiency. The proposed strategy is benchmarked against traditional and intelligent MPPT techniques, including Perturb & Observe, ANFIS-PSO, and PSO-SMC, under varying irradiance and load conditions. The performance is validated through detailed MATLAB/Simulink simulations. The results demonstrate superior tracking performance and faster, more stable microgrid operation, highlighting the controller’s potential for efficient renewable energy integration. This work supports the advancement of intelligent, autonomous energy systems and contributes to the development of resilient, grid-interactive solar microgrids. This research supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by enhancing the efficiency and integration of solar energy systems, and it aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through the development of advanced control strategies for smart power grids.