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Efficient management of EV charging stations and DSTATCOM in distribution systems through POA-DTRSRN approach
Neotaphonomic characteristics of vertebrate site formation in underwater caves
Recovering well-preserved vertebrate remains from underwater caves has provided critical insights into archaeological and palaeontological records worldwide. However, understanding how bone assemblages form and are modified in underwater environments remains limited due to stable low energy burial conditions that produce time-averaged deposits, and underwater settings that hinder traditional recording and recovery methods. We examine three assemblages of historically deposited and dated non-human, domesticate animal bones from two underwater caves, Green Waterhole and Gouldens Sinkhole, near Mount Gambier, South Australia, encompassing known submerged (wet) and dry burial conditions. The assemblages were examined to assess how wet and dry cave environments impact bone distribution, surface and microstructural modification. Radiocarbon dating of 41 specimens indicates that domesticate fauna were deposited over decadal and centennial timescales, allowing taphonomic signatures to be contextualised through time. Statistically significant differences were identified between wet and dry burial contexts. Bones recovered from wet contexts exhibit mostly better preservation, including skeletal elemental completeness, surface, and microstructure, than those from dry caves. However, some of the submerged specimens also have elevated frequencies of bone surface chemical corrosion with macroscopic evidence for heterogenous black biological staining, algal or biofilm attack, and a distinctive form of circular etching. Histotaphonomy further reveals patterns of peripheral cyanobacterial tunnelling across most bones recovered from submerged contexts. Bones from dry environments were dominated by terrestrially linked tunnelling across all regions of the bone cortex. These findings can be explained by variation in light availability across different cave zones which influences biological activity and, in turn, the expression of taphonomic markers on bone externally and at the microstructural level. This is the first study to provide a benchmark dataset for reconstructing depositional histories and post-depositional reworking of bones in underwater cave environments under a taphonomic framework.
A reconnaissance study of microbial community variation along a lithium-enriched watershed
Abstract Projected global lithium (Li) demand for net-zero transitions calls for innovative approaches for subsurface mineral exploration and environmental monitoring. In this study, we conduct a reconnaissance-scale assessment exploring environmental DNA-based microbial profiling to evaluate preliminary associations between microbial communities and Li in freshwater systems. In a survey along the Magaguadavic River (New Brunswick, Canada), we integrated 16 S rRNA metabarcoding of stream sediment and water samples with geochemical analyses, complemented by publicly available glacial till data. Microbial community composition varied most strongly across sites characterized by differing Li concentrations in surrounding till, consistent with watershed-scale geochemical gradients influencing community structure. Sediment communities showed greater compositional shifts than aqueous ones, reflecting physicochemical complexity and dynamic exchange with overlying waters—both influenced by Li inputs from glacial till. These inputs, governed by slow mineral weathering and rapid surface reactions, may modulate Li exposure and Li bioavailability across timescales. We observed restructuring of dominant taxa along Li gradients, with some responding consistently across environments and others showing environment-specific patterns, suggesting distinct ecological niches or exposure pathways. These results document preliminary, community-level patterns in a Li-enriched freshwater catchment and highlight the feasibility of using microbial data as a complementary tool in future, hypothesis-driven studies.
Psychological wellbeing and its associated factors among older adults attending daycare centers in Kathmandu, Nepal: A cross-sectional study
Psychological wellbeing (PWB) is a vital aspect of healthy aging, encompassing overall functioning, life satisfaction, and the ability to manage life’s challenges. It is shaped by various socio-demographic, financial, and health-related factors. However, evidence on these associations among older adults in Nepal is limited. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the level of PWB and its associated factors in this population. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 300 older adults attending daycare centers in Kathmandu, Nepal. The respondents were selected using quota sampling based on the daycare centers. Subsequently, face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data using structured interview schedules covering socio-demographic, financial, and health-related characteristics, as well as the Ryff PWB Scale. The collected data were then entered into Epi data software and analyzed using SPSS version 16. First, descriptive statistics were computed to summarize the sample characteristics and PWB, and subsequently, chi-square tests, and bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between the independent variables and PWB. Bivariate analysis shows that sex, marital status, offspring status, literacy status, former employment status, current employment status, pension status, and receipt of the old age allowance (OAA) were significantly associated with PWB. However, in multivariable logistic regression analysis, marital status, literacy status, former employment, and receipt of the OAA were significantly associated with PWB. Married older adults living with a spouse ( AOR = 1.75, 95% CI : 1.02–3.02), literate individuals ( AOR = 2.12, 95% CI : 1.18–3.82), and those with prior employment ( AOR = 3.94, 95% CI : 1.36–11.36) had higher odds of high PWB, with p-value < .05. In contrast, OAA recipients had lower odds of high PWB ( AOR = 0.47, 95% CI : 0.23–0.96, p = .037). Age, sex, and pension status were not significantly associated with PWB in the adjusted model. In conclusion, marital status, literacy status, former employment, and receipt of OAA were the factors associated with PWB. A holistic approach is recommended, including targeted interventions for illiterate older adults; those who are divorced, separated, unmarried, or widowed; those without formal employment history; and OAA recipients. Trial Registration: Not applicable. The authors clarify that this study employed a cross-sectional design, with data collected and analyzed at a single time point, and therefore it does not constitute a clinical trial.
Synthetic streamflow generation for the ungauged Omo Kuraz watershed using MIKE 11 NAM parameter regionalization
Identifying the determinants of hospital readmission in dementia patients – A retrospective cohort study using electronic healthcare records in England
Background People living with dementia are at an increased risk of multiple hospital admissions due to acute illness, underlying vulnerability, progression of behavioural symptoms of dementia, or breakdown of care provision. Reducing readmission rates is a key clinical priority. This study used linked electronic health records from general practice and hospitals in England, to investigate the determinants associated with hospital readmissions and estimate the mortality risk of older adults with dementia within one year of hospital readmission. Methods A retrospective cohort study using Clinical Practice Research Datalink and linked data. Patients were included if they were > 65y, diagnosed with dementia, and had a recorded acute general hospital admission. Outcome variables were readmission to hospital within 180 days of discharge, and in the readmitted group, mortality within one year of readmission. Demographics, long term conditions, polypharmacy, antipsychotic medication, medication review, post-discharge primary care appointments, and living in residential care were examined as determinants using stepwise logistic regression for readmission, and Cox regression for survival models. Results 30,527 patients were included, median age 84y (62.7% female), with 12,351 (40.5%) readmitted within 180 days of discharge. Being male, having multiple long-term conditions, having a medication review or attending a primary care appointment post-discharge were positively associated with readmissions, while Alzheimer’s type dementia, having ‘Other’ ethnicity, and living in residential care were negatively associated. We found a significant effect on mortality risk of age, sex, type of dementia, having two or more long-term conditions, body mass index, antipsychotic medication, polypharmacy, and living in residential care. Conclusion The findings of this cohort study suggest that biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence hospital readmissions in older adults with dementia. Multiple long-term conditions emerged as the strongest determining factor for readmission, while age was important in survival. Future research should assess psychosocial factors such as social support, caregiver burden, and mental well-being. These findings have important implications for strengthening community-based healthcare for adults with dementia, to reduce hospital readmission.
Expression of the switch receptor PD1/IL15Rβ in MSLN-CAR-T cells overcomes PD1/PDL1 signaling in solid tumors
Design and in silico validation of donor DNA for RNA-guided recombinase-mediated knockout of mstnb gene in Labeo rohita
Myostatin b ( mstnb ), a key negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, represents a promising target gene for genome editing aimed at enhancing growth performance and aquaculture productivity. The present study aimed to design, construct and in silico validate a donor DNA carrying a single-nucleotide substitution that introduces a premature stop codon in the mstnb gene of Labeo rohita for RNA-guided recombinase (RGR) platform-mediated genome editing. For this purpose the mstnb gene sequence was retrieved from the NCBI database and analysed to identify an appropriate target site within exon 1. A targeted single nucleotide substitution from guanine to thymine (G > T) was strategically planned into the donor DNA upstream of the native stop codon to convert the glycine codon (GGA) into a premature stop codon (TGA). This was achieved by identifying RGR target sites flanking the intended mutation site and designing specific primers to amplify and clone the DNA fragment. The target 600 bp DNA fragment encompassing the mutation site flanked by two RGR target sites was successfully amplified and ligated into the pJET1.2 cloning vector and confirmed through Sanger sequencing. Site-directed mutagenesis successfully introduced the intended nucleotide substitution, which was subsequently confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Computational analyses using InterPro, ColabFold, SWISS-MODEL and CYS_REC predicted that the introduced nonsense mutation would generate a truncated Mstnb protein, resulting in the loss of conserved TGF-β domains, reduced structural stability, and impaired cytokine activity. Structural modelling further revealed disruption of the C-terminal β-sheet structure, reduced stereochemical quality, altered QMEAN Z-scores, and loss of cysteine residues, collectively indicating impaired protein folding and reduced structural stability. These findings suggest that the engineered mutation is likely to abolish the functional activity of the mstnb gene, thereby providing a validated donor DNA construct for precise RGR-mediated genome editing in L. rohita . Future studies will focus on the experimental validation of the engineered donor DNA construct through RGR-mediated genome editing, followed by functional characterization in L. rohita .
Correction: A novel thermochromic myocardial phantom for radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation
Assessment of diagnostic reasoning in acute vertigo using vignette-based tools: A cross-sectional comparison between general practitioners and final-year medical students
Background Acute vertigo is a frequent reason for consultation in primary care and poses diagnostic challenges for general practitioners. Although vestibular disorders are addressed during undergraduate medical training, knowledge retention over time is uncertain, while clinical experience accumulates with practice and may contribute to refining diagnostic reasoning. However, how diagnostic reasoning in acute vertigo evolves between the end of initial medical training and routine general practice remains poorly understood. Validated vignette-based tools, such as Script Concordance Tests and Key Feature Problems, enable standardized assessment of diagnostic reasoning. This study compares diagnostic reasoning in acute vertigo between final-year medical students and practicing general practitioners. Methods and findings This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January and March 2024 in a French region. Participants included general practitioners (GPs) in active practice and final-year medical students. All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire based on standardized clinical vignettes representing common presentations of acute vertigo. Diagnostic reasoning was assessed using two validated educational tools: Script Concordance Tests and Key Feature Problems. Scoring keys were established through consensus among 20 expert otolaryngologists. Diagnostic reasoning was expressed as the percentage of correct responses. Associations between diagnostic reasoning and participant characteristics, including clinical experience, consultation volume, vertigo-specific continuing medical education, and self-reported confidence in vertigo management, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate models. A total of 265 participants were included, comprising 173 general practitioners and 92 final-year medical students. Medical students achieved significantly higher diagnostic reasoning scores than GPs (61.0% vs. 54.0%, p < 0.001). Among GPs, higher scores were associated with lower daily consultation volumes (<30 patients/day), prior vertigo-specific continuing medical education, and greater self-reported confidence in the management of acute vertigo. In multivariate analysis, vertigo-specific continuing medical education (β = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.03–1.51; p = 0.041) and self-reported confidence (β = 1.45; 95% CI, 0.54–2.36; p = 0.002) remained independently associated with better diagnostic reasoning. Conclusion In this study, final-year medical students outperformed practicing general practitioners on vignette-based assessments of diagnostic reasoning in acute vertigo. The observed difference may be related to differences in recent theoretical exposure and training background. Targeted continuing medical education could be further evaluated as a strategy to support diagnostic reasoning and confidence among general practitioners in primary care.
The impact of fat quantity and quality on the development of metabolic syndrome: findings from a 2-year cohort study
Ultrahigh Te-Content Low-Pressure All-Solid-State Li–Te Batteries
Sodium butyrate induces mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in liver cancer via ATF4/SLC7A11-mediated ferroptosis
Liver cancer, a prevalent and aggressive malignancy globally, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Butyrate, a metabolite produced by intestinal microbiota, is capable of restricting cancer initiation and progression. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects on liver cancer remain poorly understood. This study utilized a CCK-8 cytotoxicity assay to demonstrate that sodium butyrate (NaB) suppresses liver cancer cell proliferation through ferroptosis and apoptosis. The involvement of ATF4/SLC7A11 signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction in NaB-induced ferroptosis and apoptosis was further investigated. Results revealed a decrease in ATF4 and SLC7A11 expression, an elevation in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a reduction in glutathione (GSH) in NaB-treated liver cancer cells. These ferroptosis-related alterations could be reversed by an ATF4 activator. Additionally, NaB-treated liver cancer cells presented a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), accumulation of mitochondrial ROS, and mitochondrial damage. These cellular changes disrupted the BAX/BCL-2 balance, leading to cytochrome C release, which subsequently activated caspase9 and caspase3, initiating mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. In vivo , NaB treatment resulted in increased iron content in liver cancer tissues, along with upregulated cytochrome C, activated caspase9, and caspase3 expression; these effects were counteracted by ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Collectively, this study elucidates that NaB induces mitochondrial damage via ferroptosis mediated by ATF4/SLC7A11, ultimately triggering mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in hepatoma cells. These findings may offer novel insights into therapeutic strategies for hepatoma.
Distinct neural alterations in schizophrenia and autism: a task-based functional neuroimaging meta-analysis of social cognition and emotion processing
Assessment of thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa throughout a drinking water treatment plant and supply system in Culiacan, Mexico
Abstract Beyond conventional fecal indicators, opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa warrant closer examination. This study quantified thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli , and P. aeruginosa in potable water in Culiacán, Sinaloa, México. Monthly stratified sampling (January–August 2024) was conducted at two treatment plants. In the same period, tap water, 20-L bottled water, and dispenser water were randomly sampled at 30 households from Northern and Southern city sections. Microorganisms were enumerated by membrane filtration using CHROMagar ECC and Cetrimide agar. In treatment plant samples, 81% showed no microbial contamination; household contamination was higher in the Southern (64%) than Northern area (41%), suggesting local factors require further investigation. Thermotolerant coliforms (29%), E. coli (3%), and P. aeruginosa (20%) were detected in household samples, indicating potential distribution or handling deficiencies. Higher bacterial mean concentrations were observed in bottled water (thermotolerant coliforms: 1.98 ± 1.49 Log CFU 100mL −1 ; P. aeruginosa: 3.19 ± 3.07 Log CFU·100mL −1 ) and dispenser water (thermotolerant coliforms: 2.23 ± 1.79 Log CFU·100mL −1 ; P. aeruginosa: 3.13 ± 3.02 Log CFU·100mL −1 ), with 34% of bottled samples exceeding national limits. These findings underscore the need for expanded microbial surveillance, including opportunistic pathogens, and strategies to ensure microbiological safety throughout the distribution network and commercial presentations.
Effects of audio guided loving kindness meditation on psychological well being and laboratory stress responsiveness in healthy university students
Petrological and geochemical characterization of Abu Murrat syn-orogenic I-type and post-orogenic A-type neoproterozoic granitoids, North Eastern Desert, Egypt
Abstract The Abu Murrat area, Northern Eastern Desert (NED) of Egypt, exposes two Neoproterozoic granitoid suites recording successive Pan-African evolution. The older syn-orogenic suite comprises quartz diorite, tonalite, and granodiorite, whereas the younger post-orogenic suite consists mainly of monzogranite with minor syenogranite. The syn-orogenic rocks have a moderate SiO 2 (59.7‒69.3 wt%), high CaO (4.0‒7.3 wt%), Na 2 O (4.7‒5.7 wt%), and MgO (0.6‒2.2 wt%), and weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*= ~0.8‒1). Field relations, modal QAP classification, and R1–R2, normative Ab–An–Or, A/NK–A/CNK, Ga/Al, and Nb–Y–Rb diagrams indicate calc-alkaline, magnesian, dominantly metaluminous volcanic-arc/I-type affinities. Their evolution involved assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC), shown by decreasing MgO, Fe 2 O 3 T , TiO 2 , CaO, P 2 O 5 , and Sr with increasing SiO 2 , variable K/Rb and Ba/Nb, declining CaO/Na 2 O, and feldspar-controlled depletion of Eu, Sr, and Ba. The post-orogenic granites are richer in SiO 2 (70.2‒75.8 wt%), K 2 O (5.1‒8.0 wt%), Rb (78‒178 ppm), Ga/Al, and HFSE, but poorer in CaO (0.6‒1.5 wt%) and MgO (0.04‒0.62 wt%). They also exhibit strong Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*= ~0.05‒0.39), consistent with a within-plate A-type affinity. Zircon saturation temperatures are higher in the post-orogenic suite (~ 794–835 °C) than in the syn-orogenic granitoids (~ 635–731 °C), and monazite saturation estimates show a comparable tendency. The post-orogenic melts are interpreted as products of tonalitic lower-crustal melting during post-collisional extension, probably promoted by slab break-off and lithospheric delamination. Abu Murrat thus records the transition from subduction-related I-type arc magmatism to post-collisional A-type magmatism during Pan-African orogen collapse.