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Numerical simulations of blood flow in a stenosed artery using a multi-criteria decision-making Algorithm

Efficacy of imaginative vocal training for enhancing vocal awareness in non-professional singers

The objective of this study was to examine whether different types of mental-imagery training focused on the vocal apparatus can enhance awareness of the vocal tract and diaphragm (vocal awareness) in non-professional singers.Sixty participants with no singing education received one of three training conditions: following instructions based on 1) a description of the physiological changes that take place during phonation (physiological description), 2) imitating an action using the vocal apparatus (imitative action), and 3) a metaphorical narration. Imitative action and metaphorical narration were conceptualized as more imaginative forms of training. Vocal awareness was assessed with a questionnaire that participants completed before and after the training. The questionnaire measured three indices: vocal apparatus representation, vocal apparatus interoceptive awareness, and vocal self-regulation. Results showed that all three types of training program significantly enhanced vocal awareness, but imitative action and metaphorical narration were more effective for interoceptive awareness, and metaphorical narration was more effective for self-regulation. In conclusion, the two imaginative forms of training were more effective than physiological description for improving vocal awareness.

Software belief reliability growth model incorporating change point and imperfect debugging based on uncertain differential equation approach

Core outcome sets for spinal and associated limb, trunk, abdomen or pelvic pain: A systematic review

Background Spinal pain is a significant global health issue, affecting millions and ranking as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite the wide scope of research conducted on spinal and associated pain, the lack of standardised core outcome measures poses challenges for comparing and synthesising research data. Core Outcome Sets (COSs) are intended to harmonise assessment and facilitate comparison across studies. This review aimed to identify, map, and examine published core outcome sets (COSs) designed for the assessment of spinal pain—including cervical, thoracic, lumbar—and spinal-related limb, trunk, abdomen, or pelvic pain. It also sought to synthesise consistent outcome domains across these COSs, categorising them by anatomical region and measurement type, including patient-reported, physical, biological, psychological, social, and environmental measures. Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. A comprehensive literature search of 13 electronic databases and grey literature sources was conducted from 2000 to April 2025. Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility and quality using predefined criteria. Data extraction was performed to identify core outcome domains, and a thematic analysis was conducted to categorise domains based on anatomical regions, patient-reported outcomes, performance measures, and biopsychosocial factors. Results Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria, addressing core outcome sets for cervical (n = 4), thoracolumbar (n = 1), and lumbar (n = 8) spinal regions. Patient-reported outcome measures were the most frequently recommended outcome type. The most commonly endorsed domains were physical function n = 9 (100%), pain intensity n = 8 (88.9%), participation in work or daily activities n = 7 (77.8%), and disability n = 6 (66.7%). However, few studies incorporated psychological, social, environmental, or physiological domains, highlighting critical gaps in the multidimensional assessment of spinal pain. Conclusion This systematic review identified key domains in current use and significant gaps in biopsychosocial and biological measurement. Findings will support researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in selecting appropriate outcomes for spinal pain research and practice. A Delphi study to develop an internationally agreed “Essential Universal Set” for spinal pain, inclusive of multidimensional biopsychosocial domains, is a sound next step.

Threat-related corticocortical connectivity elicited by rapid auditory looms

Abstract While sounds of approaching objects are generally more salient than those of receding ones, the traditional association of this auditory looming bias with threat perception is subject to debate. Differences between looming and receding sounds may also be learned through non-threatening multisensory information or influenced by confounding stimulus characteristics. To investigate, we analyzed corticocortical connectivity patterns from electroencephalography, examining the preferential processing of looming sounds under different attentional states. To simulate rapid distance changes, we used complementary distance cues, previously studied in the looming bias literature. We observed crucial involvement of frontal cortical regions typically associated with threat and fear responses. Our findings suggest an underlying bias within the ventral ’what’ stream rather than within the dorsal ’where’ stream in auditory information processing, even when the participants’ task was solely focused on the discrimination of movement direction. These results support the idea, that the perceptual bias towards looming sounds reflects an auditory threat detection mechanism, while offering insights into the neural function involved in processing ecologically relevant environmental cues.

Correction: Comparative analysis of AI and expert evaluations in engineering design pedagogy

Screening of drought-tolerant rice landraces using various drought indices in Nepal

Microstructural and chemical characterization of radiation-induced carious dentin of teeth submitted to ionizing radiation as a head and neck cancer therapy

Radiation-induced caries is a common side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer caused by pulpal hypovascularization and dentin collagen degradation by the direct action of ionizing radiation. A thorough understanding of radiation-induced changes in dental structure can lead to more effective and durable restorative treatments. The objective of this study was to analyze the microstructure and chemical composition of radiation-induced carious dentin (CD) compared with irradiated (ID) and sound dentin (SD) by using analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Specimens of CD and ID were obtained from patients who had undergone radiotherapy. SD that had not been irradiated was used as a control group. The specimens were sectioned, fixated, and dehydrated according to each type of analysis and equipment. The SEM analysis revealed varying degrees of microstructural degradation in both CD and ID groups. The EDS analysis showed higher levels of carbon in both ID and CD (p < 0.05) and the levels of calcium and phosphorus were significantly higher in SD (p < 0.05). ID and CD demonstrated the absence of the 1-1-2 and 3-0-0 peaks in the XRD analysis and less pronounced carbonate peaks in FTIR. The results are correlated with changes in the composition of the crystalline and collagen structure found in CD and ID. These morphological and chemical changes suggest that radiation might cause a reduction in the quality of hydroxyapatite and collagen degradation, which could negatively affect the effectiveness and decrease the longevity of adhesive restorative treatments of irradiated teeth.

Transcranial direct current stimulation of the occipitotemporal cortex enhances identification of ambiguous faces

Fibrosis-4 and 3 indices are independently associated with annual hemoglobin decline in individuals with metabolic disorders: A hospital-based retrospective cohort study

The epidemiology of longitudinal changes in hemoglobin (Hb) levels and their associated factors remain unclear. We analyzed data from individuals with metabolic disorders who had been visiting the Department of Internal Medicine at the Anan Medical Center for > 4 years as of December 2021. The relationships between the annual changes in Hb levels (g/dL/year) and clinical confounding factors were also evaluated. Among 481 patients (median age = 66 years), the mean annual change in Hb level was −0.03 ± 0.26 g/dL/year. Multiple regression analysis showed that male sex and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor usage were positively correlated with the annual change in Hb level, whereas the baseline fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and fibrosis-3 (FIB-3) indices were associated with the annual decrease in Hb, even after adjusting for age, creatinine level (Cr), and albumin level. Standardized partial regression coefficient (β) of FIB-4 (−0.042, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.071, −0.029) and FIB-3 (−0.042, 95% CI: −0.071, −0.013) were comparable to the β-value of Cr- (0.047, 95% CI: −0.078, −0.016). This study is the first to demonstrate that FIB-4 index and FIB-3 index are independently associated with long-term Hb decline in individuals with metabolic disorders. These findings suggest a potential association between liver fibrosis and Hb decline, highlighting the importance of liver health assessment in managing anemia risk.

Novel zoonotic cases of Plasmodium simium from São Paulo with a reference genome of the Brazilian strain

Abstract Zoonotic malaria, caused by parasites like Plasmodium simium , poses challenges to control and elimination efforts due to undetected reservoirs and altered transmission dynamics. Recent outbreaks in Brazil underscore the importance of P. simium spillovers from non-human primates. Genomic studies are crucial for identifying molecular markers of host adaptation and improving diagnostic tools; however, a high-quality reference genome is needed. To address this, we used Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing platforms to generate a high-quality P. simium reference (Ps_SãoPaulo, 21.8 Mb). Comparative genomic analyses confirmed known differences with P. vivax , including mitochondrial mutations, deletions in reticulocyte-invasion genes ( RBP2a, DBP ), and variants in blood-stage antigen genes ( msp3.1, msp3.2 ). Genome-wide analyses of 38 P. simium samples from Brazil revealed expected divergence from P. vivax and potential unique signatures of selection and host adaptation. This study provides the most comprehensive P. simium reference genome, advancing our understanding of its genomic diversity, with insights for malaria control in Brazil.

UTX/Top2β axis mediated spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells senescence exacerbates spinal cord injury

Background Cellular senescence plays a critical role in regulating angiogenesis. While UTX has been implicated in vascular regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI), its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study investigates how senescence mediates UTX-regulated vascular responses after SCI. Methods We assessed p16 INK4a (a senescence marker) and UTX expression in spinal cord endothelial cells at 3, 5, 7 and 14 days post-SCI. By breeding UTX flox/flox mice with heterozygous Tek-Cre mice, we generated endothelial-specific UTX knockout mice. Cellular senescence and proliferation were evaluated in primary spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells (SCMVECs). RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq were performed to identify UTX target genes. Results UTX and p16 INK4a expression were both elevated post-SCI in a time-dependent manner. UTX deletion reduced endothelial senescence and enhanced proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq identified Top2β as a direct transcriptional target of UTX, negatively regulated through promoter binding. These findings were validated by ChIP-qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Knockdown of Top2β reversed the anti-senescence and pro-proliferative effects induced by UTX deletion. Conclusions UTX deletion attenuates vascular endothelial senescence and promotes angiogenesis after SCI by upregulating Top2β expression. This newly defined UTX/Top2β axis regulates vascular regeneration and represents a potential therapeutic target for promoting vascular repair following SCI.

Correction: A sensitive and reproducible qRT-PCR assay detects physiological relevant trace levels of FMR1 mRNA in individuals with Fragile X syndrome

How new quality productivity drives china’s sustainable development: Evidence from dynamic indicator evolution

New Quality Productivity (NPQ) plays a pivotal role in driving China’s transition toward sustainable economic development. This study constructs a multidimensional evaluation framework incorporating thirteen indicators across digitalization, green development, and institutional innovation, and utilizes entropy-based analysis of China’s time-series data from 2000 to 2022. The results reveal that NPQ markedly enhances economic efficiency, social inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability through technological progress, optimization of resource allocation, and institutional improvement. The composite index rose sharply from 0.0598 in 2000 to 0.9627 in 2022, representing an average annual growth rate of 12.4%. Weight analyses identify low-carbon technology innovation, digital accessibility, and environmental policy strictness as core drivers, with significant structural advances corresponding to major policy initiatives in 2012, 2016, and 2020. Robustness and statistical tests confirm the reliability of the model and the progressive strengthening of digitalization and green development dimensions over time. This study provides empirical evidence to guide NPQ-related policy formulation and contributes new theoretical perspectives to global sustainable development discourse by highlighting the importance of coordinated technological, environmental, and institutional advancement.

Correction: The impact of childhood trauma on emotional distress and the moderating role of sense of coherence among college students in China

Nitrogen uptake preference of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Low molecular weight (LMW) soil organic nitrogen (N) can be a significant source of N in commercial cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) systems, potentially comprising a meaningful portion of N uptake in Australian irrigated cotton. Cotton obtains the majority of its N from the soil N pool rather than directly from fertiliser—N. Organic N is the major component of the soil N pool. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of G. hirstutum to take up different organic and inorganic N forms using isotopically labelled compounds. This was done in a sand matrix to reduce potential for microbial competition and enable a clearer view of the physiological capacity of the plant to access different N forms. The experiment showed that cotton took up inorganic N (NO 3 - and NH 4 + ) and organic N (alanine and urea) concurrently, with a slight preference towards inorganic N overall. The uptake mechanism for organic carbon (C) associated with the organic N was also examined, showing that alanine—C was taken up linearly, with a consistent internal 13 C: 15 N ratio suggesting that some alanine was absorbed intact without extracellular deamination. Overall, the experiment demonstrated that G. hirsutum can rapidly and concurrently access different soil N pools, with a slight preference for inorganic N. The uptake mechanisms for organic N and C are complex, differing between compound types, and warrant further investigation. This study expands the list of plants known to utilise organic N to include commercial cotton, with implications for the management of N fertiliser in cotton growing systems.

Global species delimitation of smooth-shelled blue mussels in the Mytilus edulis complex

Metabolomic characteristics of aerobic and resistance exercise modes

Aerobic and resistance exercises are the two most common modes of physical activity. They may cause some functional changes such as elevation of VO2max and muscle mass. However, descriptions of changes in complex molecular network induced by exercise are often insufficiently comprehensive, limiting the exploration of some new indicators. We utilized a metabolomics analysis method based on Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to investigate the metabolic characteristics of 10 healthy male college students at two time points before and after a single session of aerobic and resistance exercise. The analysis was conducted at both the metabolite and metabolic pathway levels. Notably, the concentrations of several amino acids including aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine and tryptophan exhibited significant changes following both modes of exercise. These findings offer a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular effects of acute exercise on the human body, contributing to evaluating post-exercise physiological states and screening for relevant metabolite indicators. Future research could employ multi-omics approaches to validate these results and explore the long-term impact of exercise on human metabolic profiles, linking specific metabolic pathways to functional outcomes.

Family responses and influencing factors in raising children with developmental disabilities: A cross-sectional study in South Korea

Psychometric performance of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Background The well-being of people living with HIV (PLHIV) remains a significant public health concern. Despite advancements in ART, PLHIV face various challenges impacting their quality of life (QOL). Measuring the QOL of PLHIV is essential for improving care, shaping policy, and evaluating intervention. However, the extent to which the measurement properties of the World Health Organization Quality of Life HIV BREF (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) tool, in the Nigeria context is limited. This study evaluated the psychometric performance of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF in a Nigerian population, with the aim of examining its construct validity, reliability, and sensitivity when used to assess the well-being of PLHIV. Methods This was a cross-sectional quantitative study involving of 790 PLHIV aged 18 years and older in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Data was collected between May and October 2023. Quality of life was assessed using the 31-item WHOQOL-HIV BREF which assesses QOL based on the 6 domains, including Physical, Psychological, Level of Independence, Social Relationships, Environmental, and Spirituality/Religion/Personal Beliefs. The general quality of life and general health perception was also assessed. The psychometric evaluation of the instrument in this population included analyses of internal consistency reliability, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess construct validity, and sensitivity analysis to examine measurement responsiveness. Results Confirmatory factor analysis of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF in the sample indicated poor model fit (CFI = 0.807, TLI = 0.767, RMSEA = 0.110, SRMR = 0.136), indicating that the original six-domain structure was not well supported in the study population and context. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) varied widely across domains, ranging from very low to acceptable: Physical Health (α = 0.386), Psychological Health (α = 0.722), Level of Independence (α = 0.531), Social Relationships (α = 0.693), Environment (α = 0.775), and Spirituality (α = 0.304). The Global Quality of Life score demonstrated high reliability (α = 0.884). Nonetheless, high scores were observed for general quality of life (Mean = 3.86) and health perception (Mean = 3.65), as well as for independence (Mean = 14.84) and social relationships (Mean = 14.93). Moderate scores were found in physical health (Mean = 13.99), psychological health (Mean = 13.95), environmental (Mean = 12.74), and spiritual well-being (Mean = 13.77). Conclusions This study revealed limited structural validity and varied internal consistency in this sample, with some domains of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF performing poorly. These findings reinforce concerns raised by researchers about the use of the tool without proper contextual adaptation. Further research is needed to better understand QOL in the Nigeria population, by refining and validating the QOL assessment tools for the country, to ensure adequate monitoring of the health of PLHIV.