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Four novel Planctomicrobium species isolated from sewage sludge or leakage water of a compost heap in Northern Germany

Abstract Four non-pigmented, off-white to ivory strains, SH527 T , SH661 T , SH664 T and SH668 T , have been isolated from sewage sludge or leakage water of a compost heap in Northern Germany as part of an isolation campaign conducted by Heinz Schlesner, Kiel University in the 1980s-early 2000s. Analyses based on five phylogenetic markers place the novel strains in the genus Planctomicrobium in the family Planctomycetaceae within the phylum Planctomycetota . All four strains are aerobic heterotrophs with a neutrophilic and mesophilic growth profile. Genome sequencing revealed relatively small genomes compared to the relatives in the same family, with strain SH668 T having the currently smallest genome (4.81 Mbp) of any described member of the family Planctomycetaceae . The analysis of genome-encoded features suggests a metabolism better adapted to the degradation of polysaccharides rather than of lignocellulose-derived aromatic compounds. The collected data justifies the delineation of the novel isolates from the sole species in the genus, Planctomicrobium piriforme. The four isolates belong to four separate novel species, for which we introduce the names Planctomicrobium limosum sp. nov., Planctomicrobium stercoris sp. nov., Planctomicrobium aquicomposti sp. nov. and Planctomicrobium mucosum sp. nov. The novel taxa are represented by the following isolates as respective type strains: SH527 T (= CECT 30937 T  = KCTC 102136 T ), SH661 T (= DSM 116760 T  = KCTC 102128 T ), SH664 T (= DSM 116388 T  = KCTC 102081 T ) and SH668 T (= DSM 116585 T  = KCTC 102080 T ).

Virulent MDR Edwardsiella tarda from stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)

Edwardsiellosis, caused by Edwardsiella tarda , is a highly pathogenic disease affecting both freshwater and marine fish, leading to mass mortality. This study encompassed the molecular detection, virulence and antibiogram profiling of E. tarda from Heteropneustes fossilis (stinging catfish). A total of 40 fish samples were collected from different fish farms in the Mymensingh district. Isolation of E. tarda was performed using selective media, followed by identification through morphological, cultural, and biochemical testing, and confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiogram was performed following the disc diffusion method, and virulence and antibiotic resistance genes were detected through PCR. 19 out of 40 fishes were positive for Edwardsiella infection and 32 E. tarda were isolated. PCR assays consistently amplified gro EL (623 bp), gyr B (415 bp), etf A (415 bp), and etf D (445 bp) genes, respectively. The prevalence of virulence genes was: gad B (17%), muk F (35%), fim A (10%), and cit C (12.5%). The antibiogram revealed that the highest resistance (90.63%) was found against cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin, whereas sensitive (100%) to gentamicin and meropenem. Among 32 isolates, 90.75% were found to be multi-drug resistant (MDR). Again, multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index analysis revealed the highest value of 0.61, and 93.75% of isolates have an MAR index above 0.2. Resistance gene distribution was observed as the highest (62.5%) isolates harbored the tet A gene and the lowest (21.88%) isolates harbored qnr B. It could be concluded that MDR and pathogenic potential E. tarda was present in stinging catfish, posing a potential threat to animals, humans, and the environment.

Position prediction from performance and anthropometric indicators in young footballers: a machine learning approach

A compact uniform circular array antenna for circularly polarized higher-order OAM beam generation through modes superposition

This paper presents the design and validation of a compact uniform circular array (UCA) antenna for the generation of a higher-order orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam. The array combines the fifth-order OAM generated by individual ring patch antenna elements with the first-order OAM mode of the array to radiate the resultant sixth-order OAM beam through mode superposition. A dual-feed configuration is employed to achieve a 90-degree phase difference using differential feed lengths. Sequential rotation of elements ensures circular polarization without the need for complex feeding networks. Characteristic Mode Analysis (CMA) confirms the excitation of TM 61 degenerate modes from ring patch antenna responsible for the fifth-order OAM radiation. The antenna operates at 3.55 GHz and achieves significant mode purity with an axial ratio below 3 dB. The proposed design is a single-layer, low-profile antenna that is suitable for narrowband OAM-based wireless sensor and communication systems, enabling high-order mode generation with a reduced number of array elements.

Insights into the seismogenesis and tectonic implications of an isolated intraplate earthquake (M4.0) on February 17, 2025, in Delhi

Designing a Territorial Composite Vulnerability Index to guide public health action in Cali, Colombia

Background Social determinants of health are central to explaining health inequalities. In fragmented urban contexts such as Cali, Colombia, territorially focused public health action requires analytical tools to identify priority areas for intervention. Objective To design and apply a Territorial Composite Vulnerability Index for the city of Santiago de Cali to support the micro-planning of public health interventions. Methods We conducted an ecological, citywide study with a geospatial, multivariate approach. Seven indicators representing social determinants were selected: multidimensional poverty, critical overcrowding, youth unemployment, adult illiteracy, limited access to basic services, food insecurity, and population officially registered as victims of violence and displacement. Indicators were standardized and combined using principal component analysis to derive a single composite score. Spatial patterns were depicted with choropleth maps, and local indicators of spatial association were used to identify statistically significant clusters of high vulnerability. Construct validity was assessed by examining correlations between the index and health outcomes, including infant mortality, adolescent pregnancy, and suicide attempts. Results The composite index explained 74.3% of the joint variance of the underlying indicators. High-vulnerability areas concentrated in the eastern and hillside zones of the city, with significant high–high clusters in communes 13, 14, 15, 18, and 20. The index showed positive correlations with infant mortality, adolescent pregnancy, and suicide attempts, supporting its criterion validity. Conclusions This Territorial Composite Vulnerability Index is a valid and operational tool for guiding territorial public health management. It enables targeting of interventions to areas at greater risk and supports intersectoral and community action. Incorporating the index into local planning may help reduce social gaps in health within fragmented urban settings.

High prevalence of iron deficiency and predictive value of nutritional risk scores in critically ill geriatric emergency patients: a prospective cross-sectional study

Antecedents of loneliness among cancer survivors: An exploratory analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data

Social isolation is a growing public health concern, particularly among cancer survivors who face persistent challenges in maintaining social connections following treatment. While its impact on mental health is increasingly recognized, the underlying pathways and contextual differences across rural and urban settings remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify the psychosocial and personal factors that contribute to perceived social isolation among U.S. cancer survivors and to assess how isolation mediates the relationship between these factors and mental health. We also examined whether these associations differ between rural and urban populations. Data were drawn from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), with a subsample of cancer survivors (n = 926). A conceptual framework was developed using constructs from the Biopsychosocial Model, the Stress Process Model, the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, and the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to evaluate the relationships among personal factors (age, BMI, time since diagnosis, inability of self-care), psychosocial perceptions (perceived care quality, cancer information comprehension, negative life perception), social isolation, and mental health (PHQ-4). Multigroup analysis compared rural and urban survivors. Social isolation was a strong predictor of mental health, with key antecedents including cancer information access, inability of self-care, time since diagnosis, negative life perception, and perception of care quality. Several pathways varied by geography; for instance, the effects of self-care difficulty and care perception on isolation and mental health were significant only in urban settings. This study highlights the central role of social isolation in shaping mental health outcomes among cancer survivors and underscores the importance of targeted, context-sensitive interventions to reduce isolation and promote psychosocial well-being, particularly in underserved rural communities.

Early prediction of colonization by carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales at ICU admission using machine learning

Praxis function in the ADL Observation Scale: Spanish cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties

Objective To cross-cultural adapt the ADL Observation Scale and evaluate its psychometric properties in a sample of Spanish-speaking patients with stroke. Methods A validation study that included cross-cultural adaptation, structural validity assessment, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy analysis. The study followed COSMIN and STARD criteria. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ADL Observation Scale followed a backward translation process. Structural validity was assessed with confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficient. Cut-off points were estimated using ROC analysis, and diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Internal consistency, cut-off points, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated for two different age groups (≥65 years; > 65 years). Results The Spanish version of the ADL Observation Scale was obtained after cross-cultural adaptation. The psychometric properties were tested in a sample of 180 patients with stroke. Structural validity showed a four-factor structure of the scale (RMSEA = 0.078; CFI = 0.952; TLI = 0.934). Internal consistency for each factor indicated Omega values between 0.641, 95% CI [0.495, 0.753], and 0.915, 95% CI [0.882, 0.936]. Cut-off points, also calculated for each factor, ranged from ≥1 to ≥4 points. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values showed high values, indicating the scale’s discriminatory capacity for correctly classifying patients with praxis deficits. Conclusion The ADL Observation Scale has a four-factor structure, and it is a reliable instrument for evaluating the levels of praxis function in daily living among Spanish-speaking patients with stroke. The scale also has adequate diagnostic accuracy in detecting patients with praxis deficits.

SMAD2 ubiquitination through PY motif regulates skeletal muscle mass and fibrotic degeneration

Diversity of soil bacterial communities in response to fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) genotypes and pedoclimatic conditions in Benin

In sub-Saharan regions, soil fertility is a major concern for plant productivity, influenced by physical, chemical, and biological components. Among biological properties, the recruitment of soil microbial communities by plant roots is influenced by both physico-chemical soil properties and plant characteristics, dependent on species or genotypes. Here, rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with five fonio genotypes cultivated under three pedoclimatic conditions were investigated. Rhizosphere soils were collected for high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize soil bacterial diversity. Additional parameters were assessed to classify soil fertility of the three pedoclimatic conditions and to evaluate relationships between the bacterial community’s composition and soil fertility variables. Principal Component Analysis revealed a clear effect of pedoclimatic condition, whereas genotype had no significant impact on soil chemical properties or enzyme activities. Overall, soils were low in fertility, with Boukoumbe soil standing out for its higher chemical values and enzyme activities. For example, Boukoumbe reached 1.48% organic carbon, compared to 0.61% in Gogounou and 0.36% in Ina. Similarly, total nitrogen and available phosphorus were also higher in Boukoumbe. Regarding bacterial community, there is no impact of pedoclimatic condition and genotype on their richness and diversity. However, Bray-Curtis index revealed a significant difference in bacterial community structure among pedoclimatic conditions, but not among fonio genotypes. This suggests, in rhizosphere, bacterial community structure is more modulated by soil properties than crop genotypes. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota were most abundant phyla, varying significantly across pedoclimatic conditions. Moraxellaceae and Oxalobacteraceae bacteria were most abundant families within Proteobacteria, while Chitinophagaceae and Weeksellaceae dominated in Bacteroidota. Our study highlighted the significant roles of soil pH, as well as sulfate and nitrate content, in shaping bacterial communities. These findings offer valuable insights into the bacterial communities associated with fonio and their key drivers.

The arginine/gallic acid-based deep eutectic solvent as a capable catalyst for the green synthesis of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidines

Global, regional, and national burden of cardiomyopathy (including alcoholic cardiomyopathy and others) from 1990 to 2021: An analysis of data from the global burden of disease study 2021 and forecast to 2040

Background Cardiomyopathy is a disease that can lead to severe cardiac symptoms and has seen an increasing number of cases in recent years. This study aims to analyze the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years of cardiomyopathy (including alcoholic cardiomyopathy and other cardiomyopathy) globally, as well as in different regions and countries, from 1990 to 2021, at different gender, age, and socio-demographic index levels. Methods All data relevant to the burden of disease analysis in this study were obtained from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD), encompassing alcoholic cardiomyopathy (AC) and other cardiomyopathy (OC). The overall burden of total cardiomyopathy (TC) was evaluated by integrating data about AC and OC, with 95% confidence intervals calculated based on the 95% uncertainty interval (UI) width divided by the standardized error value, determined by 1.96 × 2. Temporal patterns and trends in age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), mortality rates (ASDR), and disability-adjusted life years (ASR_DALYs) for global TC, as well as for AC and OC burden calculations, their estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated, assessed, and visualized. The analysis was categorized by gender, 20 age groups, 21 GBD regions, 204 countries/regions, and 5 socio-demographic index (SDI) regions. The burden of disease prediction model was subjected to Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) modeling to derive predictions for the period from 2022 to 2040. All statistical analyses and mappings were conducted using the R statistical package version 4.4.3. Results In 2021, the global burden of TC remains considerable, with a total of 4752361.3, including AC: 528429 and OC: 4223932.2; the ASPRs (per 100,000 persons) were 59.5, 6.2 and 53.3; the ASDR (per 100,000 persons) were 4.5, 0.7 and 3.7; the age-standardized DALYs were 129.8, 25.3 and 104.5. In the aspect of AC, a considerable disparity in age-standardized prevalence, mortality, and DALYs was observed between the regional, national, and gender levels. The predictive results indicated that from 2021 to 2040, the ASPR of TC and OC showed a general increasing trend, while that of AC showed a decreasing trend. The ASDR and ASR_DALYs of TC, OC, and AC showed a general decreasing trend. Conclusions Globally, there has been an observed increase in the ASPR of TC and OC, while AC presented a decreasing trend, with significant regional, age, and gender variations in future trends. Although future projections in this study suggested a decline in ASDR and ASR_DALYs of TC, AC, and OC, there is a need to continue controlling the burden of disease in TC, AC, and OC studies to respond to the corresponding epidemiological trends and reduce the burden of them to some extent.

Correction: Aerobic exercise alleviates cognitive impairment in T2DM mice through gut microbiota

Mental health help-seeking among individuals with breast cancer: A qualitative exploration of women’s and healthcare practitioners’ perspectives

Individuals with breast cancer (BC) experience significant psychological distress, yet their utilization of mental health services remains low. This study identified key factors influencing help-seeking behavior through integrated Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Health Belief Model (HBM) frameworks. We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with eight BC patients and nominal group technique (NGT) with six health professionals, followed by Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to assess expert consensus. The IDIs revealed that the individuals with BC recognized the value of professional psychological support but were reluctant to engage with these services personally. The participants identified emotional thresholds for help-seeking, expressed preference for informal support networks, and demonstrated varied understanding of mental health professional roles. The FDM evaluation demonstrated strong expert consensus across all assessed elements, particularly those related to emotional support mechanisms. Three barrier categories emerged: individual factors (mental health literacy, autonomy preferences), social factors (family support, cultural stigma), and systemic factors (healthcare integration gaps). Expert consensus exceeded 80% agreement across all domains.This study identified a complex interplay between individual psychological barriers and systemic factors affecting mental health help-seeking among individuals with BC. Effective interventions must address psychological barriers and healthcare delivery factors while respecting individual autonomy in coping choices. A multi-level approach targeting individual education, family support systems, and healthcare integration is recommended to improve mental health service utilization among individuals with BC.

Three dimensional palatal morphology and dentoalveolar differences after extraction and non extraction treatment in class II malocclusion

Abstract Digital technologies have transformed orthodontics by enabling precise three-dimensional (3D) assessment of treatment outcomes; however, the effects of extraction versus non-extraction strategies on palatal morphology in Class II malocclusions remain underexplored. This study quantified segmental palatal volume and surface changes, along with skeletal–dentoalveolar outcomes, using digital model analysis integrated with cephalometrics. Records of 69 post-pubertal patients treated with fixed appliances (Class II, n = 34; Class I controls, n = 35) were retrospectively analyzed, each subdivided into extraction and non-extraction protocols. Maxillary casts were scanned with Sirona inEos X5 and segmented in Materialise 3-Matic to compute palatal volume and surface area, while cephalometric variables were derived from lateral radiographs (Dolphin Imaging). Group comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests ( p  < 0.05). Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify dentoalveolar predictors of palatal remodeling. Intra-examiner repeatability was excellent, as indicated by a high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC ≥ 0.90). Skeletal changes were minimal and comparable across groups. Dentoalveolar findings demonstrated significant maxillary incisor protrusion in non-extraction protocols and retrusion in extraction protocols ( p  < 0.05). Anterior palatal volume and surface area increased across all groups. Overall, measurable differences in total palatal volume and surface area were observed between extraction and non-extraction treatment strategies. Regression analyses indicated that sagittal dentoalveolar displacement was associated with palatal remodeling, whereas angular and vertical dental variables showed limited independent influence. Extraction and non-extraction treatment protocols were associated with measurable differences in three-dimensional palatal volume and surface area, reflecting distinct dentoalveolar and palatal remodeling patterns between treatment strategies.

Novel approaches in linkage of data sources to explore the associations between purchase of opioid prescriptions during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes

Objective To evaluate patterns of opioid purchases by payment source among pregnant women in Arkansas and examine their associations with adverse neonatal outcomes. Methods Liveborn singleton infants born in Arkansas between 2014 and 2016 were identified from the Birth Certificate Records and linked to the All-Payer Claims Database (APCD), capturing public and private insurance claims; the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), recording controlled substance dispensations regardless of payment source; and the Social Determinants of Health Database, providing neighborhood socioeconomic indicators. Pregnancies were categorized as opioid non-buyers or buyers (insurance-only or self-paid). Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for neonatal outcomes were estimated using Generalized Estimating Equations. Trimester-specific opioid exposure, expressed per 100 morphine milligram equivalents (MME), was analyzed to assess time-related effects. Results This longitudinal retrospective cohort analysis included 27,441 pregnancies; 21% (5,841) involved opioid purchases, with 15% (880) including at least one self-paid transaction. Opioid prescription counts during pregnancy were 3,434 (PDMP), 2,161 (APCD), and 8,579 (both). Compared with non-buyers, opioid buyers had higher adjusted odds of preterm (PT) birth (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.27) and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.42–3.11), with no significant associations observed for low birth weight, NICU admission, or birth-weight z-score. Increasing MME was associated with higher odds of NOWS in first (AOR 1.0045, 95% CI 1.0011–1.0080), second (AOR 1.0064, 95% CI 1.0025–1.0103), and third (AOR 1.0206, 95% CI 1.0122–1.0291) trimester. No significant differences were found between insurance-only and self-paid buyers for any neonatal outcome. Conclusions Linking APCD and PDMP enabled a comprehensive assessment of prescribed opioid exposure. Opioid purchases were associated with increased risk of NOWS and modestly higher odds of PT birth. The dose and timing of opioid purchase were key determinants of NOWS. Payment source was not associated with differences in neonatal risk.

Research on inter-well connectivity in CO2 flooding based on long short-term memory graph attention network

Molecular remodeling of the myocardium in mice with melanocortin-4 receptor deletion before cardiac function impairment

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is highly expressed in the hypothalamus, and mutations in this gene are closely associated with the development of hereditary obesity and early-onset severe obesity in humans. Mc4r has been shown to be involved in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the current system for the early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease is not well established. In this study, we analyzed the effects of Mc4r knockout on cardiac function, cardiomyocyte morphology, fibrosis, and apoptosis in mice. Moreover, we explored the possible early molecular mechanisms by which Mc4r affects cardiac dysfunction via transcriptome sequencing of cardiac cells combined with bioinformatics analysis. Although the overall heart does not show organic changes, our study suggested that cardiomyocytes already show early abnormal changes at the molecular level. The sequencing results revealed that the genes that were differentially expressed between the two groups of mice were enriched mainly in the p53 signaling pathway and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. We screened 10 key target genes via a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and module analysis. Drugs targeting key genes were subsequently screened, and angiotensinogen ( Agt ) and Kit were identified as potential drug targets. We analyze relevant data through bioinformatics to screen for signaling pathways and key hub genes that are enriched in differentially expressed genes (DEGs), as well as molecules targeting the hub genes, in order to provide ideas for early prevention of heart disease caused by Mc4r gene defects or related obesity.