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Trends in 5-year community management of persons with dementia in Korea, 2003–2016
Background The community 5-year management rate, defined as the proportion of patients with dementia who remain in community-based informal care without long-term institutionalization 5 years after diagnosis reflects the effectiveness of national dementia strategies and social care systems. Objective To examine national trends in the 5-year community management rate of dementia and assess whether disparities in dementia care outcomes have changed by demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics. Methods This r etrospective, population-based cohort study used a customized research database from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (2003–2021). Subgroup analyses were performed by age, sex, income, region (metropolitan vs. non-metropolitan), Charlson Comorbidity Index, diagnosing department (neurology/psychiatry vs other). The study population included patients newly diagnosed with dementia per annum during the study period. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients remaining in community 5 five years after diagnosis, without long-term institutionalization. Secondary outcomes included disparities in management rates across subgroups. Results Overall 779,558 patients were included. The 5-year community management rate showed continued improvement over time. Disparities by sex, residence, and income narrowed steadily between 2003 and 2016. Patients diagnosed in neurology or psychiatry consistently had higher management rates than those diagnosed in other departments, and this gap widened over time. Conclusions Community management rates are influenced by social and personal factors. While disparities by sex, income, and residence decreased, persistent differences by comorbidity and diagnosing department highlight the need for targeted policy interventions. The 5-year community management rate may serve as a meaningful indicator of real-world dementia care outcomes.
Psoriasis risk allele function in activated Th1/17 cells with “memory” to antigen exposure
Most causal variants for complex diseases are expected to affect gene regulation in a cell- and context-specific manner. Hence, identification of such dynamically functioning variants requires functional readouts in disease-relevant tissues and context. In this study, we prioritized causal variants for psoriasis by adding functional annotations from disease-relevant cells. We demonstrate that disease-relevant immune cells, unlike most other tissues, possess functional annotations that match candidate causal SNPs. Specifically, we identified an eQTL, rs4672505, that reduces B3GNT2 gene expression only in Th1/Th17 cells with a memory phenotype, i.e., antigen-experienced T helper cells. This eQTL, a likely causal variant, also matched an enhancer chromatin mark exclusive to memory T helper cells and absent in other tissues. A disease-risk allele A at the eQTL correlates with reduced expression of the B3GNT2 glycosyltransferase. B3GNT2 deficiency in murine models reduces the glycosylation of the CD28 co-receptor involved in the CD28/B7 co-stimulation pathway and results in increased T cell activation upon antigen stimulation. We hypothesize that the risk allele A in patients increases the activation of memory Th1/Th17 cells upon re-exposure to antigens, which constitutes “signal 1”. Increased reactivity to antigens depends on “signal 2” via CD28/B7 co-stimulation from antigen-presenting cells that need to encounter microbial products. Hence, this genetic risk mechanism lies at the nexus of the response to specific antigens and microbial exposure, for instance, infection or vaccination, both of which are known to exacerbate psoriasis.
Improved AIS data simplification algorithm for extracting typical routes considering motion continuity
Automatic Identification System (AIS) data provides crucial information about vessel trajectories. However, raw AIS data is often highly redundant, containing overlapping and repetitive routes, which complicates its direct use in maritime applications such as navigation planning and route prediction. In this paper, we propose an improved simplification algorithm designed to extract typical routes while preserving vessel movement continuity. Our approach simplifies complex AIS data by applying an enhanced distance threshold pruning technique and analyzing the continuity of vessel operations to address route segment discontinuities and coordinate deviations.We conducted experiments to evaluate the impact of the simplification algorithm on deep learning applications, specifically in trajectory prediction and anomaly detection. The results demonstrate that the simplified data significantly improves both training efficiency and prediction accuracy in trajectory forecasting models using deep learning, while also enhancing anomaly detection capabilities. Compared to models trained on the original AIS data, those trained on the simplified data achieved faster convergence and higher precision, with fewer false positives in anomaly detection tasks.The findings highlight the practical advantages of the proposed simplification method, making it a valuable tool for real-time maritime monitoring and improving overall operational efficiency. Our code and data at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17568672 .
The Norwegian Microbiota Study in Anorexia Nervosa (NORMA): Integrating a clinical trial with preclinical experiments–A study protocol
Background Anorexia nervosa (AN) remains difficult to treat, partly due to co-occurring mental health challenges and gastrointestinal symptoms. Emerging research suggests that individuals with AN exhibit gut microbiota dysbiosis and dysregulation in the gut-brain axis (GBA). However, research examining the role of gut microbiota as a potential driver of AN-related pathologies remains limited. The Norwegian Microbiota Study in Anorexia Nervosa (NORMA) will therefore investigate gut microbiota and its interaction with the GBA in AN. Methods NORMA is a collaboration between the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and seven Norwegian specialized eating disorder inpatient treatment units, consisting of three work packages (WP): a clinical observational trial (WP1), in vitro fermentation experiments (WP2), and animal experiments (WP3). In WP1, 90 patients with AN (age 16–50, BMI < 18.5) admitted for treatment and 90 healthy controls (HCs, age 16–50, BMI 18.5–27) will be recruited. Data on mental and physical health, dietary intake, and blood and fecal samples for biomarker and microbiota analyses will be collected at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks after start of treatment for AN patients and once for HCs. Outcomes will be compared between groups, and longitudinal effects of standard treatment examined within the AN group. In WP2, fecal microorganisms from patients and HCs will be grown in vitro to assess influence of prebiotics. In WP3, mice will receive fecal microbiota from AN and HC donors to determine if and how AN‑related microbiota affects AN‑relevant phenotypes. Conclusion NORMA is pioneering in its integration of clinical, in vitro, and animal studies, providing the most comprehensive gut microbiota study of AN so far. By investigating the role of gut microbiota in AN and effects of standardized treatment on gut microbiota composition, this study aims to inform the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and ultimately improve treatment outcomes and life quality for individuals with AN. Trial registration NORMA is a registered clinical trial: clinicaltrials.gov as NCT06144905 .
Dosimetric comparison study of ultrahypofractionated photon versus proton treatment plans in post breast-conserving surgery breast cancer
Background There is an increasing utilization of ultrahypofractionation radiotherapy plans in whole breast radiotherapy. This study presents a comparative analysis of ultrahypofractionation using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) in treatment planning for patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS). Materials and methods CT datasets of twenty patients undergoing BCS, with ten on the left side and ten on the right side, were retrospectively replanned using both VMAT and IMPT techniques. The study included four scenarios: left/right breast only and left/right breast with regional nodes. A total dose of 26 Gy(RBE) was prescribed in 5 fractions. The CTV (clinical target volume) was optimized for IMPT, incorporating a 3 mm setup uncertainty and a 3.5% range uncertainty. The planning target volume (PTV) was used for VMAT optimization and evaluation for both techniques. Dose to the target volume and organs at risk (OARs) between IMPT and VMAT was analyzed. Results The PTV-D95, along with the V10 and V20 of the ipsilateral lungs, was comparable between VMAT and IMPT plans. The ipsilateral lung Dmean and V5 were significantly lower for the IMPT methods for breast-only radiotherapy and for the right breast with regional nodes. IMPT plans showed significantly reduced Dmean, V5, and V10 doses to the contralateral lung, as well as Dmean and V5 doses to the heart in all subgroups. The Dmean of the heart was less than 1 Gy for the left-sided and less than 0.5 Gy for the right-sided subgroup in IMPT plans. However, the IMPT plans showed a significantly higher Dmax for the skin surface in all subgroups, as well as for the esophagus in the left breast with regional nodes subgroup. Conclusion IMPT plans significantly reduced radiation exposure to most surrounding OARs compared to VMAT. Clinical outcomes are needed to confirm the potential for reduced late toxicities. However, this benefit was accompanied by an increased skin surface dose and, in specific cases, a higher esophageal dose.
Evolutionary echoes of emotion: Humans mimic other primate expressions
Humans readily mimic the emotional behavior of conspecifics -- a behavior linked to empathy. Yet, whether humans unconsciously mimic the emotional expressions of non-human primates remains an open question. Human observers watched short videos with positive (play-face), negative (open-mouth threat display) or neutral expressions by monkeys and apes (while their own facial expressions were filmed and automatically coded), rated the expressions for emotional content and indicated their degree of liking of and closeness to the primates. Participants mimicked both positive and negative expressions and were able to correctly identify the expressions as positive or negative. These findings shed new light on the deep-rooted, cross-species nature of emotional connection, suggesting that humans are able to empathize and mirror the emotions of other species.
Colorectal adenoma presence is associated with decreased menaquinone pathway functions in the gut microbiome of patients undergoing routine colonoscopy
Background Colorectal adenomas are key precancerous lesions and a major target for colorectal cancer prevention. While gut microbiome alterations are well described in colorectal cancer, microbial composition and functional capacity at the adenoma stage remain poorly understood. Emerging metagenomic data suggest early adenomas are associated with loss of microbial metabolic functions supporting epithelial and immune homeostasis. Objectives To investigate the association between gut microbiome composition and functional pathways and the presence of colorectal adenomas in patients undergoing routine colonoscopy. Materials and methods This cross-sectional case–control study included adult patients undergoing routine colonoscopy. Participants were enrolled based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to minimize confounding factors such as inflammatory bowel disease, prior colorectal surgery, and recent antibiotic or probiotic use. Fecal samples were collected prior to bowel preparation, and gut microbiome taxonomic composition and functional pathways were analyzed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Results A total of 136 participants were included, of whom 56 had colorectal adenomas. Alpha diversity indices did not differ significantly between adenoma-positive and adenoma-negative groups. In contrast, beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences in overall microbial community structure. Descriptive genus-level differences suggested features of dysbiosis in adenoma-positive patients, including higher relative abundance of Bacteroides and Prevotella and lower abundance of Faecalibacterium and Anaerostipes . Differential abundance analysis identified a single species-level feature, UBA7597 sp003448195, enriched in the adenoma group. Functional profiling showed reduced microbial pathways related to menaquinone (vitamin K₂) biosynthesis, Stickland fermentation, and short-chain fatty acid (propionate) production in patients with adenomas. Conclusions The presence of colorectal adenomas was associated with reduced microbial metabolic functions linked to vitamin K₂ biosynthesis, amino acid fermentation, and propionate production, alongside compositional shifts toward a less functionally robust gut microbiome. These findings indicate that early colorectal neoplasia is accompanied by functional microbiome alterations that may serve as markers of adenoma-associated dysbiosis and provide insight into early metabolic changes in the colonic microenvironment.
Growth rates of coral reefs peaked at 25 °C through the Holocene
For millennia, corals have built coral-reef structures upon the remains of past generations of coral skeletons, forming the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. Yet, ocean warming and regional and local disturbances are reducing the capacity of coral reefs to grow and keep pace with sea-level rise. Understanding which environmental and climatic conditions influenced reef growth in the past, when human populations were small, may help us understand how reefs respond to contemporary environmental changes. Using coral cores dating back 11,700 calibrated years before present (yr BP) from 291 sites across the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, we examined the relationships between seven environmental and climatic variables and coral-reef growth using a spatial-temporal Bayesian mixed model and a deep-learning neural-network analysis. Our results show a positive relationship between the rate of change in sea level and reef growth. Reef growth responded nonlinearly to sea-surface temperature, peaking at ~25 °C, during the Holocene Thermal Maximum, between ~7,000 and ~5,500 yrs BP. During this period, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations were ~325 parts per million (ppm) by volume. Our findings reveal that atmospheric CO 2 levels currently exceeding 335 ppm, combined with sea-surface temperatures and modern marine heatwaves, are less than optimal for contemporary coral-reef growth, inhibiting their ability to keep pace with sea-level rise.
An integrated method for lightweight design and additive manufacturing of UAV arms
Topology optimization and additive manufacturing (AM) have been widely applied to the lightweight design and fabrication of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, existing topology optimization methods for UAVs typically assume isotropic materials, neglecting the anisotropy inherent in AM and the associated manufacturing precision constraints. This paper proposes a lightweight integrated method in MATLAB R2021a for the design and AM of UAV arms that simultaneously accounts for printing-induced anisotropy and minimum feature size constraints. A topology optimization model is proposed that uses nodal density and element printing angle as coupled design variables, and the corresponding sensitivity analysis is carried out. In the manufacturing phase, a contour-offset strategy is employed to generate printing paths for the optimized structures, achieving effective force transmission. The effects of manufacturing and optimization parameters on the design results are systematically investigated. The results show that, compared with the traditional optimization method, the compliance difference between the optimized structure obtained by the proposed method and the traditional method is only 0.46%. Furthermore, while ensuring manufacturability, printing efficiency is improved by approximately 69%. This approach establishes a unified design-to-manufacturing workflow, providing both a theoretical foundation and a practical pathway for the intelligent design and efficient fabrication of UAVs and other lightweight structural components.
Towards equitable and immersive outdoor orienteering: An artificial intelligence-driven multi-objective route planning framework with augmented sand cat swarm optimization
Outdoor orienteering has emerged as a globally popular recreational activity and competitive sport, combining navigational challenges with physical endurance across diverse natural terrains. Despite its growing popularity, the design of optimal orienteering routes presents significant challenges for recreation planners, requiring careful consideration of both competitive fairness and participant engagement. To address these challenges, this study establishes five fundamental design principles that systematically balance competitive equity with user experience enhancement. Building upon these principles, we develop a novel computational framework that integrates mathematical modeling techniques with intelligent optimization algorithms. Specifically, our methodology reformulates the route design challenge as a constrained multi-objective optimization problem and introduces an enhanced sand cat swarm optimization (SCSO) algorithm for efficient solution generation. Through comprehensive simulations across 50 distinct terrain profiles representing varying levels of complexity, we demonstrate the efficacy of our approach. Quantitative results show consistent performance improvements in route optimality metrics compared to conventional methods, which contribute to both the theoretical understanding of recreational route optimization and practical applications in outdoor activity planning.
Economic evaluation of anti-malarial drug policies across presidential regimes in Nigeria: A comparative analysis from 1999 to present
Background Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, accounting for substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. Successive administrations have implemented various anti-malarial drug policies aimed at curbing this endemic disease. This study applies a formal economic evaluation framework—integrating both cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA)—to assess and compare anti-malarial drug policies across different presidential regimes. Methods A comparative economic evaluation was conducted using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) derived from regime-specific expenditure and health outcome data. The study reviewed policy documents, drug procurement records, and health outcome data spanning multiple administrations from 1999 to the present. Costs were calculated based on drug procurement expenses, implementation costs, and healthcare savings from reduced malaria incidence. Effectiveness was measured by reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality, along with improvements in health-adjusted life years (HALYs). Analyses were conducted from both the healthcare system and societal perspectives, with all financial figures adjusted for inflation and purchasing power parity (PPP) to 2024 Naira equivalents. Results The study found varying effectiveness and cost-efficiency across different administrations. During the 1999–2007 administration, the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) had an implementation cost of ₦120 billion, leading to a 35% reduction in malaria prevalence and an ICER of ₦150,000 per HALY gained. The 2007–2010 administration saw a decrease in malaria control investment to ₦75 billion, resulting in only a 15% reduction in cases and a less favorable ICER of ₦220,000 per HALY. In 2010–2015, funding increased to ₦140 billion, achieving a 40% reduction in malaria cases and improving cost-effectiveness to ₦130,000 per HALY, corresponding to a BCR of 1.25. From 2015 to 2023, despite economic challenges, ₦200 billion was invested in expanding access to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), reducing malaria mortality by 20% and yielding a moderate ICER of ₦170,000 per HALY and a BCR of 1.10. Preliminary data from the 2023–present administration indicate an allocation of ₦220 billion, focusing on innovative financing models and domestic production of ACTs, with early results suggesting potential cost reductions to ₦160,000 per HALY and an estimated BCR of 1.30. Conclusion The scientific evaluation demonstrates that while all regimes contributed to progress in malaria control, the degree of cost-effectiveness varied significantly based on policy focus, funding efficiency, and governance structure. Regimes that prioritized evidence-based drug policy and stable financing achieved superior health gains per Naira spent. This underscores the importance of data-driven, economically sustainable policy design to sustain malaria control achievements and improve population health outcomes in Nigeria.
Left atrial strain reveals subclinical dysfunction in children after successful coarctation repair
Background Although surgical repair of aortic coarctation (CoA) often restores hemodynamic integrity, subclinical myocardial dysfunction may persist long-term. Left atrial (LA) strain is a sensitive marker of atrial compliance and early diastolic dysfunction, but its role in pediatric CoA is underexplored. Methods The study was a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study conducted at three tertiary hospitals in Vietnam. We enrolled 34 children with isolated CoA who underwent successful surgical repair, recruited between December 2022 and March 2025. LA volumes and strain, with LA reservoir strain (LASr) as the primary parameter, were assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Values were compared with published pediatric reference data. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were also measured. Results Despite preserved LVEF and normal anatomy, mean LASr was significantly reduced in the CoA group (37.6 ± 6.2%) compared to reference values (47.3%; p < 0.001). LAScd was also significantly reduced (23.4 ± 8.3%) compared to reference values (32.8%, p < 0.001). LA dilation was present in 18–56% of patients, but LASr was consistently impaired. Importantly, LASr did not significantly correlate with LVEF, GLS, blood pressure, or LA volume, suggesting it identifies an independent subclinical atrial dysfunction. Children with stage 1 hypertension had significantly lower LASr and larger LA volume. Conclusions Subclinical left atrial dysfunction is common in children after successful CoA repair, even in the absence of residual obstruction or systolic impairment. Measuring LA strain may provide incremental value for early risk stratification and long-term follow-up in this population.
Comprehensive methodology for sample enrichment in EEG biomarker studies for Alzheimer’s risk classification
Objective Dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), constitutes a major global health concern, with AD accounting for approximately 70% of all cases. EEG-based biomarkers hold promise for early identification of individuals at risk; however, small and heterogeneous samples frequently limit generalizability. Methods An EEG-based sample enrichment framework was developed by integrating advanced signal processing, component-level feature extraction, data harmonization (neuroHarmonize), and Propensity Score Matching (PSM). EEG data from four independent cohorts were harmonized to reduce site-related variability while preserving covariates such as age and sex. Features including power, entropy, coherence, synchronization likelihood, and cross-frequency coupling were extracted from independent components. PSM was applied at 2:1, 5:1, and 10:1 ratios to expand and balance the control group (HC) relative to the Alzheimer’s risk group (ACr), composed of PSEN1-E280A mutation carriers without cognitive symptoms. Results Sample enrichment through PSM improved classification accuracy, with decision tree models yielding values between 0.91 and 0.96. Higher enrichment ratios enhanced model stability and generalizability, as shown by learning curves and confusion matrices. Feature selection was based on model performance and effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Conclusions The proposed framework addresses sample size and variability constraints in EEG-based AD risk classification. Significance Harmonization and statistical balancing provide a replicable strategy for multicenter EEG studies targeting early AD detection.
A register-based study of long-term health and social care costs among children with prenatal alcohol exposure
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) often remain underdiagnosed. They globally cause a wide range of health and social problems leading to high costs. To outline cumulative health and social care costs in children related with PAE with and without diagnosed FASD, we followed 427 children with PAE until the age of 20 years, and 1795 controls born 1992–2001 until the year 2016. All hospital care and out-of-home care episodes, including placements in foster or residential care, were analyzed, and their costs estimated. Age-dependent patterns of diagnoses and costs of those with PAE with and without diagnosed FASD were compared to controls. Children with PAE had significantly higher risks and hospital costs for both somatic and psychiatric conditions compared with controls. Mean cumulative hospital costs were 55500€ (IQR, interquartile range, 56800€) for PAE with FASD, 30100€ (IQR 25100€) for PAE without FASD and 15600€ (IQR 12000€) for controls. Between 0–10 years, FASD was associated with higher somatic costs, whereas psychiatric costs dominated in the PAE without FASD group. FASD diagnosis was associated with lower risks of traumatic injuries, substance use disorders, and teenage pregnancies, independent of early out-of-home care, which was associated with FASD. Out-of-home care was common in PAE groups, and its costs far exceeded hospital costs: mean cumulative costs were 30-fold in FASD (610000€, IQR 375800€) and 17-fold in others with PAE (344300€, IQR 621900€) compared to controls (20500€, IQR 0€). Health and particularly social care costs associated with PAE are significant. High out-of-home care costs reflect substantial need for support for families at risk. Early diagnosis of FASD may mitigate secondary complications and associated costs emerging in adolescence. Prevention policies are urgently needed at primary, secondary and tertiary level.
Racial and ethnic disparities in fatal police shootings: Variation across U.S. states and the role of firearm ownership
Fatal police shooting rates vary greatly across U.S. states, and states with higher firearm ownership rates tend to have higher rates of police shootings. Yet, despite well-documented national racial and ethnic disparities in fatal police shootings, prior research has not established how much these disparities vary across states, nor whether firearm ownership rates are associated with racial and ethnic disparities in police shootings. This article characterizes state-level fatal police shooting rates and racial/ethnic disparities in those rates, and tests whether firearm ownership rates are associated with these outcomes. Using 2015–2020 data on police shootings from the Washington Post, we predict fatal police shooting rates by state, year, and race/ethnicity using Bayesian multilevel count models. The degree of Black-White disparities in fatal police shooting rates varies by an order of magnitude across states, although Black rates exceed White rates in every state. In contrast, though Hispanic rates exceed White rates nationally, the opposite is true for 31 states. Southwestern states with large Hispanic-White disparities, relatively high shooting rates, and large Hispanic populations contribute most to the observed national disparity. Fatal police shooting rates are strongly associated with firearm ownership rates, but racial/ethnic disparities are either not related to firearm ownership rates or are larger in states with lower firearm ownership rates, depending on the group comparison and disparity metric. While state-level variation in firearm ownership may impact fatal police shooting rates, it is unlikely that higher firearm ownership rates explain why some states have such large racial/ethnic disparities compared to others.
What do editors of medical journals think about opportunities and barriers to advancement in the publication of plain language summaries? A qualitative analysis
Background Plain language summaries (PLSs) are short summaries of research articles written for a diverse audience, using plain, easy-to-understand language. Although they have been adopted by many health and medical journals, we have a limited understanding of how they are viewed by journal editors. This remains an important gap because of the role journal editors play in the decision-making process for the publication, implementation, and dissemination of PLSs. To address this, the aims of this qualitative study were to: (a) gain a better understanding of the decision-making process that governs the publication of PLSs at the journal and publishing group levels; (b) explore attitudes and perspectives of journal editors towards PLSs; and (c) identify and explore barriers and facilitators to the implementation of PLSs by journals and journal publishers. Methods and findings We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 participants who represented 23 journals and eight publishers/publishing groups. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we developed five themes: (1) When good intentions clash with practical realities; (2) Whose job is it anyway?; (3) A cautiously optimistic approach to support from artificial intelligence (AI); (4) Blind spots and broken loops; (5) A ‘One size fits all’ approach doesn’t work: the need for novelty. Discussions with participants highlighted the differing approaches taken by journals to prioritising PLSs, often governed by barriers such as resource allocation and the need for standardisation within publishing groups. While many participants showed initiative to overcome barriers, often in their own time, they noted challenges associated with a lack of PLS readership data and role clarity in the PLS production and dissemination pipeline. Opinions were mixed on the integration of AI and the integration of alternate formats for PLSs. Conclusions By embracing technology such as artificial intelligence, integrating innovative formats and exploring distribution channels including via consumer groups and social media, journal publishers can help elevate and expand the reach of PLSs.
ALS and Huntington Disease: Unraveling the Connections between TDP-43 and Huntingtin
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington disease (HD) are lethal neurodegenerative diseases affecting motor function. Though their etiology and pathology are distinct, recent evidence suggests commonalities between TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43), which is associated with 97% of ALS cases, and huntingtin (HTT), the causative protein of HD. ALS is a heterogeneous, lethal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons, as well as brainstem and spinal cord degeneration. The causes of ALS are complex, variable, and, in some cases, unknown, but most cases involve mislocalization of the protein TDP-43. In contrast, HD is a monogenic, autosomal dominant, lethal neurodegenerative disease caused by polyglutamine expansion in HTT protein and characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in the brain, particularly in the striatum, which results in motor, cognitive, and behavioral changes. Although HD is not typically associated with motor neuron loss, recent evidence suggests a link between HTT and TDP-43 within the context of both ALS and HD, as well as links to related neurodegenerative diseases, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Herein, we discuss confirmed cases of concurrent ALS and HD and the overlap of underlying disease mechanisms that potentially contribute to the onset and progression of these two devastating neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on commonalities between TDP-43 and HTT. We propose that elucidating these commonalities will aid in the identification of broad-spectrum disease risk factors and potential overlapping treatment targets.
Two-Dimensional Electron Transport in N-Type Conducting Polymers by Dication Exchange
Why would individuals use indoor positioning systems? A study from a potential user interface perspective
Indoor positioning systems (IPS) differ from outdoor navigation in technological foundations and typical use cases, yet real-world deployments remain relatively rare. For an early-stage acceptance evaluation, literature-derived IPS functions were implemented as an interactive, task-based UI mock-up for a university setting. UTAUT2 was assessed with a pooled sample of 181 potential users across three independent data collections using PLS-SEM with one-tailed BCa bootstrap confidence intervals (90%; 5%/95% bounds). Performance expectancy showed the largest positive association with behavioral intention (β = 0.585, CI [0.480; 0.678]). Social influence (β = 0.179, CI [0.115; 0.245]), price value under a communicated one-time fee of €0.99 (β = 0.179, CI [0.096; 0.260]), and habit (β = 0.179, CI [0.097; 0.265]) also related positively to intention (R² = 0.781). Effort expectancy (β = −0.051, CI [−0.136; 0.023]), facilitating conditions (β = −0.027, CI [−0.108; 0.046]), and hedonic motivation (β = −0.002, CI [−0.109; 0.113]) were not supported; a robustness model indicated a negative age × price value interaction (β = −0.164, CI [−0.314; −0.071]). The findings extend UTAUT2 evidence to prototype-based IPS UI evaluation and suggest that performance-related beliefs dominate early intention formation. Practically, prototype concepts should prioritize and clearly communicate features that reduce uncertainty, time cost, and search effort in complex indoor environments. Because the stimulus was a UI mock-up and the outcome was self-reported intention, IPS-specific technical frictions (e.g., localization inaccuracies, latency, route deviations) and sustained real-world use were not observed, which may limit transferability to deployed IPS.