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An epidemiological analysis of cranio-vertebral morphometrics other than tonsillar position in symptomatic, adult, female Chiari malformation type I

Beyond the skin: Lived experiences and coping strategies of psoriasis patients in Malaysia

Background Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that significantly impacts an individual’s quality of life, resulting in physical discomfort, psychological distress, and compromised social well-being. However, there is limited understanding regarding the challenges faced by patients in Malaysia. This study examines the lived experiences of patients with psoriasis in Malaysia, focusing on the emotional, social, financial, and treatment-related challenges they face, as well as the coping mechanisms they employ. Methods A qualitative, phenomenological approach was employed among members of the Psoriasis Association Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit adult participants who were capable of participating in the online interview. Data collection involved the use of Google Forms, which included the Malay version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire, supplementing the qualitative findings. This was followed by semi-structured online interviews conducted via video conferencing. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo version 14, and descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS version 28. Result This study involved 30 respondents with a mean age of 44 years diagnosed with psoriasis. The mean (SD) for the duration of illness is 21.3 (11.8) years. About 70% respondents reported that psoriasis had a moderate to very high impact on their quality of life. Thematic analysis has identified six major themes, including physical devastation, emotional burden, disruption in social functioning, treatment hurdles and advancements, financial barriers, and behavioral adaptation. Conclusion Psoriasis imposes complex challenges that extend beyond physical symptoms, affecting emotional well-being, social interactions, financial stability, and treatment struggles. In response to the various challenges that arose, respondents developed behavioral adaptations to achieve a better quality of life. Framed within the biopsychosocial model, the findings emphasize the need for a holistic, patient-centred approach to psoriasis care that integrates medical treatment with psychological support and social interventions to improve overall quality of life.

Application of the augmented reality tool VSI holomedicine for improved patient education before sinus surgery – a prospective randomised pilot study

Abstract The use of augmented reality (AR) glasses in scientific research but also in medical training and perioperative and intraoperative phases is steadily increasing. To date, there are few high-quality studies available on their use as an educational method prior to surgical interventions. Nonetheless the available data suggests a high potential as a tool in preoperative settings. This study therefore investigated whether the use of the AR tool VSI HoloMedicine as an application on the HoloLens 2 by Microsoft before ESS is superior to the conventional form of patient education using CT images on a PC screen. Over a period of 6 months 20 patients with indications for ESS were included in this prospective randomised controlled clinical study. These were randomized into two subgroups. In both groups, information was provided both using the conventional method and VSI HoloMedicine. The subgroups differed regarding the order in which the two forms of education took place. Following each educational session patients completed a questionnaire. The visualization ability was significantly improved using the new educational method. In direct comparison of the educational methods, a clear majority of patients opted for VSI HoloMedicine as more helpful for the decision to undergo surgery and assessed it as the educational method of the future. VSI HoloMedicine is a promising tool for preoperative education prior to paranasal sinus surgery to improve the patient’s understanding and visual imagination of paranasal sinus surgery. As a result, patient benefit can be increased using the new form patient education.

Streamlined Sugar Diversification via Photoredox‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Stereoselective 1,2‐Alkylarylation of Glycals

Abstract Multi‐site modification of sugars represents a highly promising strategy for constructing bioactive molecules in glycosciences. However, the modular assembly of diversifiable sugar architectures from readily available precursors remains a considerable challenge. Here, we disclosed a photoredox‐catalyzed alkylarylation of glycals that achieves simultaneous diversification at the C1 and C2 positions of sugars. The reaction enables the synthesis of diverse 2‐ C ‐alkyl branched heteroaryl/aryl‐ C ‐glycosides, including unprotected ones, with excellent regio‐, site‐, and stereoselectivities, and is compatible with an array of (hetero)‐arenes and alkyl branches bearing a variety of functional groups. The utility is demonstrated through the gram‐scale synthesis and the efficient downstream modifications on the easily functionalizable C2 alkyl branches and the C1 (hetero)‐arenes, as well as the identification of a 2‐ C ‐alkyl phosphate aryl‐ C ‐glycoside as a potent antitumor agent through preliminary biological evaluation. A reaction mechanism is proposed based on radical trapping and Stern–Volmer luminescence experiments. Collectively, this study developed a modular, dual‐functional sugar diversification platform that facilitates simultaneous C sp 3 ─C sp 2  and C sp 3 ─C sp 3  bond formation at the saccharide skeleton, which represents an alternative strategy for the rapid construction of complex carbohydrate derivatives for drug discovery.

Evaluation of the marginal and internal gaps in 3D-printed interim crowns using different finish line detection methods: An in vitro study

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the Dentbird crown software in automatically detecting the finish line for interim crowns. Materials and methods A mandibular first molar typodont model with a chamfer finish line was prepared and scanned ten times, resulting in ten STL files. The finish line for each file was detected using both automatic and semi-automatic methods in two software programs: the CEREC InLab system and Dentbird software. The internal and marginal gaps were measured at four locations: mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual- using the silicone replica technique. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analyses (α = 0.05) were performed to detect statistical differences in the marginal and internal gaps among the groups. Results The results revealed significant differences in internal and marginal gaps between the automatic methods of the Dentbird software and the CEREC system (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in the semi-automatic methods between the two systems (p > 0.05). Although the fits of crowns automatically designed by Dentbird software were inferior to those of the semi-automatic method by Dentbird software and the CEREC In Lab system, the values of all four groups were within the clinically acceptable range (<120 µm). Conclusion The internal and marginal fit of crowns designed using the automatic and semi-automatic modes in Dentbird, a freely available CAD platform, fell within the range of traditional clinical acceptability. Hence, automatically generated crowns may be considered appropriate for immediate provisional applications, the semi-autonomic finishing line detection can be used for long term crowns in clinical practice.

Effects of ambient wind on droplet deposition uniformity in orchard air-assisted sprayers

Abstract To investigate the influence of the ambient wind on pesticide droplet deposition and drift loss patterns inside and outside the canopy of fruit trees, spraying tests were carried out under different ambient wind conditions. The results showed that due to the shielding effect of branches and leaves, droplets mainly concentrated in the middle and lower part of the canopy, and the coverage rate of droplets in the middle and lower canopy was 27.14% and 39.46% at a wind speed of 0.47 m/s. The droplet coverage rate decreased to 17.88% in the upper canopy, and the coefficient variation increased to 118.65. In addition, upwind spraying increased ground deposition of droplets in the downwind of 0–4 m and the airborne drift of droplets at a height of 3–4.5 m. Still, it decreases the deposition distance of droplets in the downwind. Compared with the direction of tractor moving against the wind, downwind driving reducing the penetration of droplets in the canopy, the loss of droplets in the air and the ground deposition in the downwind. The research and findings presented in this study provide critical insights for predicting droplet drift and ground deposition under varying wind conditions, optimizing field operational parameters, improving canopy distribution uniformity, and enhancing pesticide utilization efficiency.

From Heat to Electrons: Bridging Heterogeneous Liquid‐Phase Thermal and Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol over Co ₃ O ₄

Abstract The selective oxidation of alcohols under thermal and electrocatalytic conditions presents a promising route to value‐added chemicals using sustainable energy sources. We establish mechanistic convergence between heterogeneous liquid‐phase thermal oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) and its electrocatalytic oxidation reaction (EGOR) using mesostructured Co 3 O 4 synthesized via hard templating as a catalyst. Comprehensive catalytic performance assessments and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal analogous surface intermediates and pathways in both regimes, resulting in the same product distribution. Co 3+ centers and OH − species facilitate oxidation via proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET), with molecular oxygen or the applied anodic potential regenerating active sites. Product selectivity to glycolate, formate, and oxalate is governed by temperature, EG concentration, pH, applied O 2 pressure, or potential. Surface and bulk characterization confirm the robustness of the spinel structure, enabling multiple catalyst recycling. These insights provide a first mechanistic framework connecting heterogeneous thermal and electrocatalytic oxidation over non‐noble metal oxide catalysts, paving the way for designing multi‐functional materials for chemical synthesis under electrothermal conditions.

Public participation in healthcare safety: A tripartite evolutionary game model with evidence from diverse international cases

As healthcare systems grow in complexity, ensuring medical safety requires moving beyond traditional top-down regulation. While public participation is increasingly recognized as a vital component, a robust, generalizable framework to guide its implementation has been lacking. This study addresses this critical gap by proposing and rigorously validating a tripartite evolutionary game model that integrates the public, medical institutions, and government authorities. We test the model’s universality and effectiveness against empirical data from three diverse international case studies: tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence in Saudi Arabia, COVID-19 vaccination compliance in China, and antibiotic prescription supervision in Vietnam. Our analysis reveals that higher health risks and public exposure rates act as powerful catalysts, significantly enhancing participation from both the public and institutions, thereby accelerating the system’s convergence to a stable, compliant state. We also find that medical institutions are highly sensitive to penalty intensity, adopting compliant practices only when a critical threshold is surpassed. These findings confirm the existence of a “virtuous cycle,” where engaged citizens and stringent oversight collaboratively improve medical compliance, a mechanism that holds true across varied healthcare contexts. This research provides not only a validated theoretical framework but also actionable insights for policymakers to design evidence-based, participatory regulatory strategies that can enhance the resilience and sustainability of global healthcare systems.

Platelet count has a U-shaped association with all-cause mortality in COPD patients

Conjugation of a Cryptococcus neoformans-derived metalloprotease to antifungal-loaded PLGA nanoparticles treats neural cryptococcosis in an in vitro model

Overcoming the blood-brain barrier to deliver therapeutics is a major hurdle in treating diseases of the central nervous system. We engineered 4-arm carboxyl terminated poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles with the fungal metalloprotease Mpr1, an enzyme utilized by the neurotropic pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans ( Cn ) to cross the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles were prepared using a modified single emulsion solvent evaporation technique, and characterized in terms of shape, size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and toxicity to brain microvascular endothelial cells. Mpr1-functionalized nanoparticles had increased penetration over non-functionalized nanoparticles in an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier. When encapsulating amphotericin B, a potent antifungal drug, Mpr1-functionalized nanoparticles reduced fungal burden in an in vitro model of neural cryptococcosis. Loaded nanoparticles also had an 8-fold lower minimum inhibitory concentration against Cn and Candida albicans ( Ca ) compared to unencapsulated amphotericin B. Results indicate that Mpr1-coating of polymeric nanoparticles is a promising strategy to enhance drug delivery to the brain.

Emerging heat stress patterns across India under future climate scenarios

Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Radical Desymmetrizing Cyclization of Cyclopentenes: Access to Chiral 2‐Azabicyclo[2.2.1]Heptan‐3‐ones

Abstract We herein report an unprecedented copper‐catalyzed enantioselective radical desymmetrizing cyclization of cyclopentenes through peroxidation‐amination and alkylamination. This strategy provides a general and efficient route for the synthesis of chiral 2‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan‐3‐ones bearing one quaternary and two adjacent tertiary stereocenters in good yields with high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity. The embedded peroxy and amide motifs allow a diverse of transformations, furnishing a library of structurally diverse analogues, including all four stereoisomers of 6‐hydroxy derivatives. Mechanistic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the formation of a substrate‐Cu(II) complex and indicate that nucleophilic radical addition to the coordinated alkene is the key stereocontrolling step responsible for both enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity.

Transmission status of lymphatic filariasis in hotspots of filarial infection, persistent districts of nepal during post-MDA surveillance

Background The lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination program in Nepal was launched in 2003, three years after the implementation of a global program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis globally. Based on antigenic prevalence below the cut-off value, i.e., ≤ 2% shown by the transmission assessment survey (TASI) report of 2017–2018, the program was stopped in Nepal. The report indicated that antigen-positive children were clustered in the community and considered hotspots. In order to find the status of lymphatic filariasis transmission at the community level, the present study was designed in the hotspots to assess antigenemia among the children born after mass drug administration (MDA), along with vector infection/infectivity in identified hotspots of Central Nepal. Methods Each of two districts from the hilly and Terai regions of Central Nepal was selected based on comparatively high antigenic prevalence shown by previous TASI reports, and a descriptive cross-sectional study was designed. Two specific methods were employed: a Filarial Test Strip (Alere, Scorborough, ME) was used for antigenemia (n = 791) among children, and gravid traps were used for vector mosquito collection. Parous mosquitoes (n = 3344) were dissected for infection/or infectivity. Results The result indicated that antigen-positive cases were unexpectedly increased in hotspots of one each from the hilly region (Dhading) and Terai region (Mahottari), i.e., above the critical level (≥ 2%). Antigen prevalence increased from baseline prevalence, which was significantly associated with the number of MDA rounds but not with MDA coverage. The upper confidence limit of antigenemia and Mf infection was above the critical cut-off value in hotspots of all selected endemic districts. However, none of the vector mosquitoes, such as Culex quinquefasciatus, was found to be infected with any larval stage of filarial nematode. Conclusions The result showed an increase in antigenemia and Mf prevalence in high baseline prevalence areas with fewer MDA rounds. Lack of correlation between filarial infection in humans and xenomonitoring could be low sensitivity of xenomonitoring by microscopy. TAS-based assessment of antigenemia in children for stopping MDA can be supplemented with molecular xenomonitoring in hotspots.

Force-velocity coupling limits human adaptation in physical human–robot interaction

Abstract In physical human–robot interaction, both humans and robots need to adapt to ensure synergetic behavior. This study investigated how humans respond to robots moving with different velocity profiles. In unconstrained human movements, velocity scales with the trajectory’s curvature, i.e., moving fast at linear segments while slowing down at curved segments. Two experiments examined humans tracking a robot that traced an elliptic path with different velocity profiles, while instructed to minimize interaction forces. Results showed involuntary forces were higher when the robot moved with constant velocity or exaggerated the biological velocity-curvature scaling. Specifically, higher angular velocities in the robot were associated with greater tangential and normal forces. Experiment 1 tested whether biomechanical constraints caused these forces by reversing movement direction, but observed differences were small. Experiment 2 explored human adaptation across three practice sessions and found that interaction forces decreased for non-biological profiles only when real-time visual feedback was provided. The force-velocity modulations weakened, indicating that humans learned to predict and compensate for inertial forces. These findings highlight the need to consider human motor limitations and learning processes in physical interaction. The results have practical implications for collaborative and wearable robots where physical contact and coordination between humans and robots are critical.

The role of age and gender in the relationship between personality traits, quality of life, and decision-making about orthognathic surgery—A cross-sectional study

Objective To explore how age and gender shape the relationship between personality traits, quality of life (QoL), and a patient’s decision to undergo surgery for correction of dentofacial deformity. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 108 individuals aged 14–53 years (median age 18 years; interquartile range 17–26) with a moderate to very great need for surgery according to the Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need were assessed. There were 43% adolescents (≤17 years) and 68% females. Participants completed validated questionnaires measuring personality characteristics (Big Five Inventory, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and Self-Esteem Scale), along with the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire. The decision to accept or refuse surgery was recorded. Results Overall, 51% of patients accepted surgery (48% of females and 57% of males). Adults were more likely to accept surgery than adolescents (61% vs. 37%; p = 0.019, V = 0.241; odds ratio 2.7; 95% confidence interval 1.2–5.9). In adults, lower self-esteem (SE) (p = 0.034, r = 0.270) and higher perfectionism (p = 0.012; r = 0.320), particularly concern over mistakes (CM) (p < 0.001; r = 0.469) and personal standards (p = 0.004; r = 0.370), were associated with acceptance. Among adolescents, personality traits showed no significant effect. However, in both age groups, impaired oral function (OF) (p = 0.013; r = 0.368 for adolescents and p = 0.006; r = 0.348 for adults) and greater facial esthetics concern (FE) (p = 0.018; r = 0.350 and p = 0.015; r = 0.310) influenced surgery acceptance. Males who accepted surgery had higher awareness of deformity than those who refused (p = 0.006; r = 0.463), while females who accepted surgery had lower SE (p = 0.044; r = 0.235). In both males and females FE was higher in those who accepted surgery (p = 0.009; r = 0.439 for males and p = 0.006; r = 0.320 for females), OF (p < 0.001; r = 0.597 and p = 0.003; r = 0.342), and CM (p = 0.030; r = 0.367 and p = 0.006; r = 0.325). Conclusions The relationship between personality traits, QoL, and the decision to undergo orthognathic surgery was more strongly influenced by age than by gender. OF and FE influenced acceptance across all age and gender groups, while personality-related factors were particularly relevant among adults.

Left atrial strain response to acute preload reduction in healthy dogs using a translational blood donation model

Integrating Fluorinated [BF ₄ ] Anion With π‐Conjugated Six‐Membered Rings for Short‐Wavelength UV Frequency Conversion

Abstract Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals for the short‐wavelength ultraviolet (UV) region are vital for all‐solid‐state lasers, particularly for generating 266 nm light via the direct fourth harmonic generation. While organic planar π‐conjugated six‐membered rings are key functional units, their typically narrow band gaps hinder short‐wavelength UV application. In this study, we targeted melamine [C 3 H 8 N 6 ] for its strong hyperpolarizability and combined it with the wide‐energy gap fluorinated [BF 4 ] tetrahedra to synthesize three new compounds. Among them, the non‐centrosymmetric α ‐phase, α ‐C 3 H 8 N 6 (BF 4 ) 2 ·(H 2 O), exhibits balanced properties: a short UV cutoff edge and a high powder second‐harmonic generation efficiency of 6.4 × KDP, surpassing most known short‐wavelength UV transparent melamine salts and hybrid crystals with π‐conjugated six‐membered rings. More importantly, it achieves phase‐matched 266 nm generation with an efficiency ∼1.4 × that of classic BBO crystal. Theoretical calculations confirm that the [C 3 H 8 N 6 ] cation is the primary source of the NLO response, while the fluorinated [BF 4 ] anion is responsible for the wide band gap. This work not only presents a high‐performance melamine crystal for 266 nm output but also demonstrates a synergistic assembly strategy using π‐conjugated cations and wide energy gap fluoride anions to balance the critical trade‐off between band gap and nonlinearity in NLO materials.

Retraction: Phospho-Aspirin-2 (MDC-22) Inhibits Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer Growth Both In Vitro and In Vivo by a Redox-Dependent Effect

ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics reveals molecular alterations and anticancer effects of Nigella sativa extract in human colon cancer cells

From Methane to Nanodiamond Precursors in Water: Superacid‐like Condensation Pathways Under Extreme Conditions

Abstract The chemical behavior of water and hydrocarbons under extreme pressures and temperatures lies at the heart of processes shaping planetary interiors, influences the deep carbon cycle, and underpins innovative high‐temperature, high‐pressure material synthesis. Recent experiments have shown that simple hydrocarbons immersed in water under extreme conditions transform into heavier hydrocarbons and nanodiamonds. However, the chemistry of water in these regimes, and its role in driving hydrocarbon condensation, remain poorly understood. Here, using atomistic simulations techniques, we show that water under extreme conditions acts like a strong superacid, protonating hydrocarbons and forming transient pentacoordinated carbocations such as CH 5 + . These fleeting species can either transfer the proton to neighboring water species, or release molecular hydrogen to generate highly reactive carbocations that drive hydrocarbon chain growth. These mechanisms parallel the superacid catalyzed hydrocarbon condensation at ambient conditions that was discovered in the work of George Olah, who demonstrated that methane polycondensation proceeds via transient pentacoordinated ions in superacids. Our work shows that the same non‐classical carbocation chemistry emerges in water under extreme conditions, leading to nanodiamond precursors. These findings reveal the existence of superacid‐like hydrocarbon condensation in water, and provide a unifying reaction network that explains chemical transformations in environments such as planetary interiors.