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Self-control and social support in the link between academic pressure anxiety depression and social media addiction in college students

Investigating the effectiveness of structured mindfulness sessions in mitigating burnout among final-year dental students: A mixed-methods analysis

Background The transition from dental student to practicing dentist is often accompanied by high level of stress and risk of burnout. This shift from academic to professional roles can overwhelm students and compromise their well-being. Addressing burnout early is essential to maintain academic performance, resilience, and quality patient care. Mindfulness interventions have shown increasing empirical support in reducing stress and burnout. This mixed-methods study evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based life skill-building sessions in alleviating burnout among final-year dental students at Baqai Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan. Method A sequential mixed-method study was conducted at Baqai Dental College in Karachi, Pakistan, involving sixty-nine final-year dental students. The intervention comprised two mindfulness sessions. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires that included demographic information and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (CBI-SS), a validated 25-item tool assessing burnout across four domains: personal, study-related, colleague-related, and teacher-related. Post-intervention questionnaires were completed immediately after the sessions. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions with stakeholders to explore perceptions of burnout and assess the relevance and feasibility of mindfulness sessions. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests, while qualitative data were examined through content analysis and triangulated with literature and documentation. Result Diverse emotions and experiences were revealed through qualitative analysis, underscoring the substantial influence of exhaustion on personal, academic, and professional domains. Furthermore, the mean exhaustion scores were significantly different between the pre- and post-intervention periods, with a p-value of 0.001. Students conveyed satisfaction and a desire for more meaningful sessions that bolster life-building skills. Conclusion The study findings demonstrate a decrease in burnout rates following the intervention, indicating the necessity for interventions to mitigate academic stress. Qualitative findings underscore the significance of a student support centre and self-care initiatives.

Gene variants in the pheromone vomeronasal receptors and QTLs around behavioral and fat metabolism genes associated with altered feed efficiency in cattle

A mobile game to promote ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV in Eswatini: Development and prototype testing of “The Conqueror”

Background In Eswatini, adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face disproportionate challenges in achieving optimal anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence, as evidenced by a viral load suppression (VLS) of 77.8% among those aged 15–19 years, compared to the 96.2% VLS observed among adults on ART. While mobile phone ownership has surged globally, facilitating the use of mobile phone-based interventions in healthcare, there remains limited evidence on the development and testing of such interventions for improving ART adherence among ALHIV. This study aimed to design a mobile gaming application (app) to promote ART adherence among ALHIV in Eswatini. Methods A systematic, iterative approach involving a multidisciplinary team of researchers, ALHIV, and app developers was adopted in designing, developing, and testing the prototype of “ The Conqueror” game . A total of seven focus group discussion sessions, each comprising 12 participants conveniently sampled from five Teen Clubs in the Hhohho region of Eswatini, were conducted between 27 April and 20 July 2024 to inform the design and development of the mobile game. The usability and acceptability of the game were assessed using self-administered questionnaires among 35 ALHIV, who were not involved in the game development process and were conveniently selected from the Teen Clubs. The qualitative data were analysed thematically, while the quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Results Participants desired mobile games aimed at enhancing social support through reminders, acceptance, encouragement, and knowledge. Social support was integrated into a storyline that informed the development of The Conqueror , which centres on a hero who conquers opposition and collects an artefact daily to maintain viral suppression. The game features gamification elements such as a life bar, progressive difficulty, daily cycles, three stages with five-day challenges, and power-ups for health boosts and speed increases. The feasibility of The Conqueror were rated relatively high, at 86.2% and 82.8%, for usability and acceptability respectively. Conclusion Gamified mHealth interventions co-developed with potential end-users demonstrate high usability and acceptability. However, further piloting of The Conqueror game through randomized trials is essential to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach in improving ART adherence among adolescents before broader implementation and scaling to a wider adolescent population.

Publisher Correction: Multiple oestradiol functions inhibit ferroptosis and acute kidney injury

An in silico evaluation of signal and separability properties of k-edge materials in spectral CT

Abstract Spectral CT can acquire signal at multiple x-ray energy levels. This enables material quantification by exploiting differences in x-ray attenuation across energy levels, particularly for k-edge materials. This simulation study quantified the signal and separability of current and potential clinical contrast agents across a range of materials and energies. A validated CT simulation platform was used to simulate a clinical photon-counting CT scanner with two energy thresholds. A cylindrical phantom containing common biological materials, clinical contrast agents, candidate contrast agents and nanoparticles, and investigational materials was imaged with varying upper energy thresholds (50–90 keV). At each energy level, images were assessed for noise, each material was assessed for contrast, and each material pair was evaluated for separability. Material contrasts reached peak value at the closest threshold higher than their respective k-edge. The energy threshold that produced the highest separability for each pair was characterized. Selection of energy threshold was dependent on the materials of interest. Threshold values at or just above a material’s k-edge maximized material signal while separability was maximized by the threshold that best separated k-edge signals.

Challenges in diagnosing cryptococcosis among HIV-infected patients in southern Mozambique and opportunities for intervention in contexts of limited resources: A pre-implementation study

Introduction Worldwide, cryptococcosis has increased due to HIV/AIDS, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the mortality is high. Laboratory diagnosis for cryptococcosis among HIV-infected patients remains a challenge in most SSA countries. This study aimed to explore facilitators, barriers to re-implementing the India ink test, and logistical factors that could support the successful rollout of this alternative diagnostic method in southern Mozambique. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using mixed methods approaches in six hospitals across southern Mozambique over three months. Clinicians and laboratory technicians were asked to complete a questionnaire aimed to capture sociodemographic data, as well as current practices and clinical approaches with respect to cryptococcal diagnosis and clinical management. Subsequently, individual in-depth interviews were conducted to understand current challenges in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis and to assess facilitators, barriers, and potential opportunities for interventions. Quantitative data were captured through REDCap and subsequently analyzed using SPSS statistical program, while qualitative data were analyzed manually using a combination of content and thematic analysis approaches. Results A total of 98 healthcare providers (67 clinicians and 31 laboratory technicians) participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 35 years. More than half were female (58.2%) and had at least five years of relevant work experience (53.1%). Challenges in diagnosing and managing cryptococcal disease were mainly related to 1) frequent shortages in the stocks of cryptococcal rapid antigen test, 2) contextual challenges in collecting cerebrospinal fluid samples, and 3) frequent shortages in the stocks of antifungal medications. In contrast, all study facilities had availability of microscopes, recognized the need for cryptococcal screening services, and had clinicians and laboratory technicians willing to collaborate for eventual roll-out of the test as routine practice. Conclusion Frequent stock-outs of rapid diagnostic tests and challenges associated with performing lumbar punctures are barriers to routine screening for cryptococcosis. In contrast, we have identified the universal availability of microscopes and health workers’ recognition of the problem, as well as their willingness to collaborate, as potential facilitators to leverage for the successful reintroduction of India ink microscopy of urine samples as a low-cost laboratory test alternative.

Mechanistic insights into postoperative delirium using untargeted high-throughput proteomics in elderly patients - a case-control study

Abstract Postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients is a serious complication after surgery with an unclear molecular pathogenesis. Perioperative untargeted high-throughput proteomic profiling may provide insights into underlying mechanistic molecular patterns and help identify patients at high risk, guiding prevention and therapy. This study is a monocentric substudy of the European BioCog project, a prospective multicentre observational study involving elderly patients aged ≥ 65 undergoing elective surgery with a Mini-Mental State Examination score of ≥ 24. POD was assessed twice daily for up to 7 days using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) and the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). We conducted high-throughput liquid chromatography mass spectrometry on sequential pre- and postoperative plasma samples. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD071265. Data were analysed using a matched case-control design, employing both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches, along with pathway enrichment analysis. A total of 226 highly abundant proteins were investigated in 168 patients (50% POD incidence). Multiple pathways, particularly those involved in the activation of the innate immune response and the complement system, were associated with POD. Butyrylcholinesterase showed the most robust regulation, with preoperative downregulation and postoperative upregulation in patients with POD, whereas it was further downregulated postoperatively in those without POD. Catalytic enzyme activity showed significant decrease in both groups post-surgery. A combined set of 8 preoperative proteins classified patients with POD with 86% sensitivity and 79% specificity. Untargeted high-throughput proteomics is a feasible approach to characterise pathways involved in POD pathogenesis. This case-control study identified a protein signature associated with POD, emphasising the need for larger cohorts to confirm these observations and improve the mechanistic understanding of POD.

Does ChatGPT enhance equity for global health publications? Copyediting by ChatGPT compared to Grammarly and a human editor

English language copyediting poses significant barriers to global health authors in academic publishing. Editing is too expensive for most researchers in low-income countries, and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT may offer a cost-effective alternative. The technology, however, has been criticized for its biases and inaccuracies. In a preliminary, in-depth case comparison, we compared the number and quality of corrections made by U-M GPT, a secure, University of Michigan-hosted generative AI tool, to those from Grammarly and a human editor to text from two draft papers written by Ugandan sexual and reproductive health researchers. Overall, U-M GPT made about three times as many corrections compared to the human editor and about ten times more than Grammarly. U-M GPT was the least discriminating in terms of quality: only 61% (51/83) of its corrections were judged as improvements. Despite this, U-M GPT has advantages, such as a broad scope of correction types, fast turnaround, and no cost. Its disadvantages, which reflect shortcomings of LLMs more broadly, include the need for prompt engineering skill, careful review of corrections, and high environmental costs due to energy consumption. Additional concerns involve data privacy and content moderation policies that restrict discussions on topics deemed as sensitive; these included words related to sexual and reproductive health. Although LLMs could improve equity, efficiency, and productivity, several important issues should be considered when using the technology. Larger follow-up investigations are needed to confirm our findings. Authors using LLMs should consult journal guidelines and disclose their use.

Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) react to impulsive sounds

Prognostic accuracy of the CMPMIT-ICD-10, APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA, ISS, and AIS for in-hospital death among patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock

The China Mortality Prediction Model in Trauma, which is based on the International Classification of Disease Disorders (ICD)-10-CM lexicon (CMPMIT-ICD-10),is a new trauma scoring system. Our objective was to compare the prognostic performance of the CMPMIT-ICD10 with that of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHEII), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) for in-hospital mortality in patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock(THS).This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital from May 1, 2013, to May 31, 2023.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and associations with outcomes of theCMPMIT-ICD-10, APACHE II, SOFA, ISS, and AIS scores for the prediction of in-hospital death were assessed. A total of 420 patients with THS were included. Forty-one (9.8%) patients died during hospitalization. For the prediction of in-hospital death, the CMPMIT-ICD-10 (0.8757) and APACHE II(0.8709) had greater AUCs compared with the AIS (0.6243), SOFA (0.7669), and ISS (0.6601). With the best cut-off value of 59.5, the CMPMIT-ICD10 had a highest sensitivity (85.4%) and good specificity(79.9%) and overall accuracy (80.4%). The CMPMIT-ICD10 (OR 1.057, 95% CI 1.028–1.087, p  < 0.001) and APACHE II (OR 1.125, 95% CI 1.045–1.211, p  = 0.002) were independently associated with in-hospital death. Comparable to the APACHE II but significantly better than the SOFA, ISS, and AIS, the CMPMIT-ICD-10 performed well in predicting the short-term mortality of patients with THS. These findings suggest that the CMPMIT-ICD-10 may have superior utility for predicting short-term death in THS patients.

Synergistic targeting of the ARID2–MYC axis by pomalidomide and panobinostat overcomes intrinsic IMiD resistance in multiple myeloma

Implementation of mobile health interventions in hypertension management and outcomes: A scoping review protocol

Background Hypertension remains a global health concern, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and mortality. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are emerging as a promising solution for hypertension management, offering tools for remote monitoring, patient engagement, and data tracking. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on mHealth interventions for hypertension, highlighting key trends, research gaps, and implications for clinical practice and future research. Objective This scoping review aims to map the breadth of literature on mHealth interventions for hypertension management, focusing on implementation (feasibility, acceptability, adoption), effectiveness, and health outcomes. Specifically, it seeks to identify the types of mHealth interventions used, implementation strategies across various settings, barriers and facilitators, and associated health outcomes. Methods This review will consist of a systematic literature search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and EMBASE, augmented with grey literature, in accordance with the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley and improved by Levac et al. The study will be chosen using a two-phase screening procedure, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be used to evaluate the study’s quality. Study characteristics, population information, intervention descriptions, results, and important findings will all be captured during data extraction. Results The review will identify the types of mHealth interventions, assess their effectiveness in blood pressure control, and evaluate key implementation outcomes, including feasibility, acceptability, and adoption as reflected by patient adherence, engagement, and satisfaction. Additionally, key research gaps will be highlighted, such as the need for long-term studies and diverse population representation. Conclusion This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of mHealth interventions for hypertension management, identifying effective strategies and highlighting areas for further research. The findings will inform healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers on integrating mHealth technologies into hypertension care to improve patient outcomes.

Core–envelope miscibility in sub-Neptunes and super-Earths

Abstract Sub-Neptunes and super-Earths, the most abundant types of planet in the galaxy, are unlike anything in the Solar System, with radii between those of Earth and Neptune 1,2 . Fundamental questions remain regarding their structure and origin. Although super-Earths have a rocky composition 3 , sub-Neptunes form a distinct population at larger radii and are thought to consist of a rocky core overlain by a hydrogen-rich envelope 4,5 . At the extreme conditions of the core–envelope interface (exceeding several gigapascals and several thousand kelvin 4,6 ), reaction between core and envelope seems possible, but the nature and extent of these reactions are unknown. Here we use first-principles molecular dynamics driven by density functional theory to show that silicate and hydrogen are completely miscible over a wide range of plausible core–envelope pressure–temperature conditions. We find the origin of miscibility in extensive chemical reaction between hydrogen and silicate, producing silane, SiO and water species, which may be observable with ongoing or future missions. Core–envelope miscibility profoundly affects the evolution of sub-Neptunes and super-Earths, by dissolving a large fraction of the hydrogen of the planet in the core and driving exchange of hydrogen between core and envelope as the planet evolves.

Identifying the causal effects of photovoltaic installations on grassland productivity using double machine learning: a case study in inner Mongolia

SIRT7 as a context-dependent biomarker and therapeutic target: Insights from a pan-cancer study

SIRT7 is a member of the sirtuin family and has emerged as a crucial player in cancer biology, with a multifaceted role in both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing activities. Despite its importance in connecting NAD+ metabolism with transcriptional regulation, a systematic analysis across multiple cancer types remains underexplored, thereby limiting our understanding of its prognostic value, mutational impact, immune associations, and therapeutic potential. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the pan-cancer significance of SIRT7 through integrated computational approaches. We employed protein structure modeling, deep neural network-guided protein interaction analysis, cancer hallmark association, gene expression profiling, survival analysis, mutational landscape, immune infiltration assessment, and structure-based drug discovery, combining molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Our deep neural network analyses revealed SIRT7 as a central hub connecting NAD+ metabolism with transcriptional regulation in its sub-network (R 2 : 0.9839). SIRT7 exhibited differential expression across 17 cancer types, with high expression associated with poor survival in six cancer types; however, it surprisingly correlated with better outcomes in sarcoma. Cancer-specific mutations significantly reduced patient survival and altered the expression of network components. We identified regulatory mechanisms involving five miRNAs and three transcription factors. Therapeutic intervention identified two promising SIRT7 inhibitors (ZINC000150487575 and ZINC000150641215) with superior binding properties compared to the reference inhibitor. This comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of SIRT7 provides a framework for understanding its role in cancer biology and identifies potential therapeutic opportunities for personalized interventions. Our findings have immediate implications for clinical oncology, enabling SIRT7 as a biomarker for patient stratification and a therapeutic target for novel inhibitor development. Targeting SIRT7 may offer new therapeutic strategies for various cancers, particularly those with high SIRT7 expression, as SIRT7 functions in a context-dependent manner in cancer regulation. Further studies are necessary to validate the efficacy of SIRT7 inhibitors and explore their role in therapeutic resistance and disease recurrence.

Longitudinal behavioral and ERP evidence for domain-general working memory deficits in children with mathematical difficulties

Understanding consumer behavior in Lebanon’s polycrisis: The role of ethnocentrism, coping ability, and socioeconomic status

Consumer behavior during crisis has grown into an increasingly significant subject of study, as financial and social disturbances affect purchase choices and market dynamics. In Lebanon, a country experiencing a prolonged economic crisis and societal instability, businesses and policymakers face urgent challenges in maintaining consumer demand for domestic products. Drawing on the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, this study aims to investigate the demographic, psychological, and socioeconomic predictors of ethnocentrism and purchasing intentions for Lebanese products in this environment. A quantitative approach was adopted. Data were collected from 606 Lebanese consumers through a structured survey between March and May 2021 during the country’s financial collapse, COVID-19 pandemic, and Beirut port explosion. The findings show that ethnocentrism (β = 0.253, p < 0.001) and SES (β = 1.479, p = 0.003) directly predict purchase intentions for Lebanese products. Demographic factors influence ethnocentric tendencies, and coping ability operates more strongly among older consumers (β = −0.023, p = 0.047). Ethnocentrism partially mediates the age effect, while SES shows inconsistent mediation patterns. These insights extend psychological models of behavior by demonstrating how coping mechanisms and socioeconomic standing interact with identity-based attitudes to influence consumption during national crises. The study offers theoretical contributions relevant to crisis contexts and provides practical insights for marketers and policymakers aiming to strengthen domestic markets through targeted segmentation and culturally aligned messaging.

Protective effects of Demethylfuropinnarin on porcine pre-implantation embryos under Tunicamycin-induced oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress during in vitro culture

Abstract Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are essential for addressing infertility and improving reproductive outcomes in both humans and animals. In vitro culture (IVC) supports embryo development outside the body but is often compromised by oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to impaired development and apoptosis. Demethylfuropinnarin (DMFP), a furocoumarin from Notopterygium incisum , has not been previously studied for its biological activity. Given the antioxidant properties of furocoumarins, this study aimed to determine whether DMFP could alleviate tunicamycin (TM)-induced oxidative and ER stress in porcine pre-implantation embryos. Our results show that DMFP significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preserved mitochondrial function. Additionally, DMFP increased Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and decreased Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), leading to higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. DMFP treatment also improved cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, reduced apoptosis, and potentially alleviated ER stress, as indicated by lower levels of key ER stress markers. This study concludes that DMFP effectively reduces oxidative stress and may mitigate ER stress, enhancing embryo viability during IVC.

A cluster level study for the identification of the disparities in birth intervals between rural and urban areas of Bangladesh

Like most developing countries, it is pivotal to identify factors associated with birth intervals in Bangladesh for intervening programs to reduce maternal and under-five children deaths. In this study, an attempt has been made to examine the socioeconomic and demographic factors that influence birth intervals in rural and urban Bangladesh. For this purpose, the secondary data extracted from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2017−18 and 2022 have been utilized where a two-stage stratified sampling technique is used for data collection. The sample has been considered based on the information available on the birth interval for the last child of mothers. We have applied the Product-Limit approach, Log-rank test and the popular semi parametric frailty regression model that takes into account the possible correlation among observations from the same cluster. Slight disparity has been observed in the median birth intervals between urban (64 months, 2017−18; 67 months, 2022) and rural mothers (60 months, 2017−18; 63 months, 2022). In both datasets, age at marriage, women’s decision making autonomy, and division have been emerged as significant determinants of the birth intervals in rural and urban Bangladesh. In the 2017−18 data, the effect of partner’s education is limited to urban areas, while religion shows significance only in rural areas. Meanwhile, in the 2022 data, the wealth index and spousal age difference become significant only in rural areas. It is recommended that the government invest in programs to enhance women’s autonomy, since women’s greater autonomy significantly delays subsequent births in both rural and urban areas. According to the most recent 2022 data, rural women from middle class and rich families have significantly longer birth intervals compared to the poor families, hence promotion of family planning counseling should be more strongly promoted to them. In addition, analysis using 2022 data reveals that in rural areas, birth intervals initially shorten as the spousal age difference increases, then subsequently lengthen after a certain threshold; therefore, family planning initiatives in this area should incorporate guidance on selecting a proper age gap at marriage, which might contribute to longer birth intervals.