Browse Articles

Genotype distribution and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in animals of Trishal, Bangladesh

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally significant parasite with no genotyping data available from Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the genotype distribution and associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in animals in Trishal Upazila, Mymensingh district. From June 2020 to December 2023, a total of 170 samples from cattle, goats, sheep, cats, dogs, chickens, and rodents in the study area and examined using nested PCR targeting the B1 gene of T. gondii . Positive samples were genotyped by multilocus nested PCR-RFLP at ten genetic markers. Risk factor data were analyzed using logistic regression at the farm or owner level. The overall infection rate of 21.76% (37/170), with the highest prevalence observed in cyst samples from slaughtered cattle (42.9%) and cat feces (33.3%). Genotyping revealed a predominance of Type I and mixed genotypes (I/II, I/III) in cattle, cats, dogs, and rodents, while goats and sheep predominantly carried Type II or III. Chickens exhibited a mixed II/III allelic pattern with Type I alleles at the C22-8 locus. The use of pond/river water as a drinking source was a significant risk factor, with animals from these sources showing more than threefold higher odds of infection compared to tube-well users (p = 0.038). Backyard or small-holder farming, improper carcasses/offals/ placenta disposal, lack of rodent control, and unhygienic slaughter practices showed positive but non-significant associations with infection. This first report of T. gondii genotyping in Bangladesh highlights the presence of diverse and potentially virulent genotypes in food-producing animals, posing a notable zoonotic risk.

Perception of animacy leads to expectation of goal-directed behaviour in dogs

Abstract Human newborns preferentially attend to self-propelled objects, and three-month-olds expect them to act in a goal-directed manner. Dogs also prefer animate objects, and anticipate human actions to be goal-driven, but it is unclear whether perceiving an object as animate leads to the expectation that it has goals. Here, first dogs observed either (1) a human moving around the room, (2) a robot interacting with a human, (3) a robot displaying self-propelled motion, or (4) a robot moving ambiguously. Next, the human or the robot repeatedly approached one of two objects. Finally, the objects’ places were switched, and the actor approached the same-object or same-location as before. We measured dogs’ look toward the objects after switching their locations. Dogs looked at the goal object before the actor turned toward either object, and looked longer at the goal object when the actor moved in a route-consistent, instead of a goal-consistent manner. These suggest that irrespectively of the actor type, dogs anticipated it to approach the goal-object, and the actor violated this expectation when moving to the same location. Thus, dogs’ goal attribution is not uniquely tied to human action, but it can be elicited by broader features of animacy.

Cerebellar Purkinje cell firing reduction contributes to aging-related declining motor coordination in mice

Aging is associated with the decline of many bodily functions including motor coordination. Aging-related impairment in motor coordination can result in falls, which reduce independence, health span, and quality of life in the elderly. To study the neural mechanisms that underlie this decline, we studied aged mice and observed a progressive decline in motor coordination on multiple motor coordination assays. The cerebellum is critically involved in motor coordination and balance, and cerebellar Purkinje cells play an important role in modulating motor output and coordinated movements. Purkinje cells fire high-frequency and high-regularity action potentials in healthy young adult mice. We wondered whether this firing remained stable across lifespan in aging mice. We performed juxtacellular recordings from Purkinje cells in acute cerebellar slices and observed a reduction in the rate of firing in aged animals without changes in firing regularity. To understand whether reduced Purkinje cell firing rate caused impaired motor performance in aged mice, we used chemogenetics to modulate Purkinje cell firing. Reducing Purkinje cell firing rates in young mice impaired motor performance, while elevating Purkinje cell firing rates in aged mice improved motor performance. Our results suggest that Purkinje cell firing rate impacts motor coordination and that the aging-related reduction of Purkinje cell firing rate that we observed contributes to impaired motor coordination and could contribute to declining health span and quality of life in the elderly.

Methamphetamine use disorder, perceived impacts, and associated factors among adults receiving care at Sri Lanka’s National Institute of Mental Health: An analytical cross-sectional study

Methamphetamine addiction poses a growing public health challenge in Sri Lanka, yet limited research explores its impacts on the addicted population. This study aimed to assess the severity, patterns, and perceived impacts of methamphetamine addiction among adult patients at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Angoda, Sri Lanka. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among adult clients (aged >18 years) diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder according to DSM-5 criteria at NIMH, Sri Lanka. A sample of 427 participants was recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-developed, validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic details, addiction severity (DSM-5 criteria), consumption patterns, impacts, and reasons for use. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 26. All participants (100%) responded to the survey. Among participants, 93.7% were male, and 65.3% were aged 18–30 years. The majority resided in urban (57.9%) or semi-urban (36.1%) areas. Addiction severity was categorized as mild (29%), moderate (38.6%), and severe (32.3%). Most (65.3%) initiated methamphetamine use between 21–30 years. Smoking (52.7%) and snorting (44.9%) were common methods of use, with peer pressure (48.9%) cited as the primary reason for initiation. The most cited physical impacts were weight loss (38.8%) and loss of appetite (37.2%), while irritability (28.8%) and interpersonal relationship problems (50.8%) were cited as common mental and social perceived impacts, respectively. Findings reveal that young urban males are predominantly affected by methamphetamine addiction, with moderate to severe dependence common. methamphetamine addiction severity was associated with living arrangement, monthly income, living area, age of onset, frequency of consumption, method of consumption, and accessibility (p < 0.05). Peer influence and easy accessibility were significant contributing factors. The physical, mental, and social health impacts emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies focusing on prevention, early detection, and integrated rehabilitation services at the national level.

The impact of new quality productive forces on urban carbon emission performance in the Yangtze river economic belt of China

Biomechanical optimization of iliolumbar fixation strategies for unilateral vertical sacral fractures: Prioritizing stability-mobility balance via finite element analysis

Objective This study aims to optimize iliolumbar fixation strategies for unilateral vertical sacral fractures via finite element analysis, by comparing stability, implant stress, and lumbar mobility to identify the optimal clinical option. Methods A finite element model of the pelvis and L3-L5 lumbar spine was constructed to simulate four fixation models (L4L5IS, L5S1IS, L5IS, S1IS) under a 600 N vertical load. Sacral vertical displacement, implant stress, and fracture line separation were analyzed. Results Double-segment fixation (L4 + L5 + iliac screw and L5 + S1 + iliac screw) demonstrated superior sacral stability compared to single-segment fixation (L5 + iliac screw and S1 + iliac screw). The L5 + S1 + iliac screw configuration achieved the best balance of stability and lumbar mobility. Stress concentrations were primarily observed at iliac screw connectors, but all models remained within safe mechanical limits. Conclusions Double-segment fixation, particularly the L5 + S1 + iliac screw model, is recommended for optimal sacral stability. For cases with compromised S1 pedicles, L4 + L5 + iliac screw fixation is a reliable alternative. Short-segment fixation is viable when prioritizing lumbar mobility.

A multiscale transformer with spatial attention for hyperspectral image classification

When did you leave home? Reconstructing juvenile life histories of coastal Washington adult coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) using otolith structure and chemistry

Coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) can express a range of juvenile life history strategies and understanding how they contribute to adult returns is critical for long-term harvest management and population resiliency in the light of environmental change. In this study we reconstructed the juvenile life histories of natural origin adult coho salmon returning to a lower and an upper basin tributary of the Chehalis River, in Washington state. First, we established the timing of otolith annulus formation for natural origin juveniles (n = 98) from the East Fork (EF) Satsop and the Newaukum River basins. We then used otolith microchemistry in conjunction with measurements of freshwater annulus location along the microchemistry transect from returning adults (n = 173) to describe the timing of freshwater emigration of fish from these two tributaries. Our results indicate that adult coho returning over two run years (2021 and 2022) exhibited seven unique successful juvenile life history strategies, three in the EF Satsop River and six in the Newaukum River. Emigration timing ranged from at least August through June and included individuals transitioning from age-0 to −1 and age-1 to −2. The majority (52−80%) of returning fish emigrated as age-1 smolts in the spring after their first otolith annulus had formed, however, 20−39% emigrated earlier, during active annulus formation (EF Satsop: October-April, Newaukum: October-December). A few individuals from the Newaukum River (2−3%) emigrated prior to the start of annulus formation, corresponding to a freshwater emigration before October. This is the first time successful juvenile migration strategies aside from spring age-1 smolts have been described for coho salmon in the Chehalis Basin. Identifying previously unrecognized life histories that make meaningful contributions to the spawning population highlights their impact on population stability and may help refine estimates of juvenile production, smolt-to-adult survival, and forecasting projections.

A self-attention driven multi-scale object detection framework for adverse weather in smart cities

Impact of COVID-19 on colorectal cancer screening in a federally qualified health center: Provider and staff perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated policies discouraging routine-care visits dramatically affected cancer screening in the United States. Yet little is known about the perspectives of providers and staff at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening during this period. We administered hour-long telephone interviews with clinic leadership and frontline staff at a Los Angeles-based FQHC. Questions explored barriers and facilitators to CRC screening, and adaptations implemented to address challenges posed during three phases of the COVID-19 pandemic: early (March-July 2020), middle (August – December 2020), and later (January – December 2021). All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and content-analyzed by trained and experienced qualitative methodologists. Participants’ (n = 20) ages ranged from 26–56; most were female (85%), and in leadership positions (65%). Early in the pandemic CRC screening efforts were severely hampered as the health center was inundated with upper respiratory infections, lacked infrastructure to rapidly scale telehealth, and had minimal guidance from prior disaster plans geared for short-term challenges (e.g., flu). Limited availability of stool test kits and reduced gastroenterology capacity also thwarted CRC screening delivery. Throughout the pandemic, the FQHC faced challenges hiring and retaining staff for cancer screening outreach. In the later phase of the pandemic, the FQHC responded by expanding CRC screening options, deploying health record tools enabling automated outreach, and retraining staff on CRC screening workflows. Interviewees identified strategies to strengthen pandemic preparedness and sustain CRC screening, including improved monitoring of infectious disease through incoming patient call data to guide staffing decisions, diversifying vendor relationships and specialty care partnerships to ensure access, particularly in gastroenterology, and increasing home-based testing options. Our findings, while limited to the experience of one large FQHC, may help inform efforts to develop guidance that community health centers can apply in responding to future pandemics or other natural disasters to minimize impacts on CRC screening.

High-accuracy brain tumor detection method based on deep learning

Colorectal cancer incidence, survival analysis and predictions (Monastir, Tunisia: 2002–2030)

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in Tunisia. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and mortality rates, to determine CRC trends, prediction and burden and to analyses the CRC survival outcomes. Methods We conducted population-based cohort study.of all CRC cases diagnosed between 2002 and 2014 in the governorate of Monastir, with follow-up until 2022. Data were obtained from the Central Cancer Registry, the Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Registry, and national mortality databases, ensuring comprehensive case identification. Incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), Annual Percentage Change (APC), and survival were analyzed using standardized methods. Results We identified 876 cases of CRC. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was 13.5/100,000 PY (95% CI: 9.8–17.2), with a significant upward trend (APC = +6.09% (95% CI: + 0.64; + 11.82).). The predicted ASIR for 2030 was 60.4 per 100,000 PY (95% CI: 52.0–68.2). The rectum being the most frequent site (32.9%), followed by the recto-sigmoid region (28.3%). The age-standardized mortality rate was 9.6/100,000 PY (95% CI: 6.5–12.7). The DALY/year/ 100,000 PY was 96.0 (86.2–105.8). Survival rate was 64% (95% CI: 62.3–66.2), at one year and 21.1% (95% CI: 19.3–22.9) at five years. Conclusion CRC incidence and mortality in Monastir have increased significantly, with projections indicating a continued rise by 2030. Strengthening population-based screening and early detection could help reverse these trends and improve prognosis.

Athletes’ origin trends in participation and performance of master runners in the New York City marathon (1999–2024): a sex- and age-group analysis

Correction: Understanding the role of Shroom3 in the developing mouse myocardium

Concentration-dependent aerosol size alters regional deposition and inhalation dose translation

The mediation effect of attitude on the association between knowledge and practices toward air pollution among commercial drivers and traders in South-Western Ghana: A cross-sectional study

There are extant studies on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana, however, studies among commercial drivers and traders in transport stations in Ghana are sparse. This study examined the mediation effect of attitude on the association between knowledge and practice toward air pollution among two high-risk workers in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among commercial drivers and traders between November 2023 and June 2024. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select 1011 participants (drivers [n = 619, 61.2%] and traders [n = 392, 38.8%]). A structured questionnaire was used, including questions on knowledge (9 items), attitude (7 items) and practices (5 items) toward air pollution. Statistical analysis (descriptive, hierarchical linear regression and partial least squares structural equation modelling) was performed using Stata 17/MP. The primary sources of air pollution information for drivers and traders were social media and radio. The PLS-SEM revealed a significant direct effect of knowledge for both drivers/traders (β = 0.23/0.26, p < 0.001). Moreover, attitude partially mediated the relationship between knowledge and practices, with a direct significant effect observed for drivers/traders (β = 0.10/0.02, p < 0.001). HLR further confirmed that knowledge strongly predicted protective practices for both drivers (β = 0.23, p < 0.001) and traders (β = 0.26, p < .001. Higher educational level consistently predicted better knowledge and protective practices but old age had an inverse relationship with protective behaviour toward air pollution. Although a cross-sectional design precludes causality, attitude partially mediated the association between knowledge and practices, but the effect was more substantial among drivers than traders. The findings have implications for social and traditional media education and attitudinal change campaigns to effectively reduce air pollution exposure risk among these high-risk occupational groups.

Teacher support enhances self-efficacy and learning outcomes in the age of AI

Large gaps in monitoring urban air pollution in low- and middle- income countries associated with economic conditions and political institutions

Ambient air pollution has highly adverse effects on public health and the environment, particularly in urban areas of low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). Systematic air quality monitoring (AQM) is considered a precondition for effective policies to mitigate this problem, and making AQM data publicly available also signals commitment to take action. Thus far, little is known about the global capacity for public AQM, and how it varies across geographic location, pollution exposure, and socio-economic and political conditions. We thus constructed a novel, geocoded dataset on AQM activity in more than ten thousand urban areas of low- to middle-income countries. In almost 90% of these urban areas, we are unable to identify any monitoring activity, and the form and extent of AQM in the remaining 10% varies greatly. When modelling the occurrence and abundance of observable AQM at the city level, income levels and characteristics of political institutions (democracy) turn out to be key drivers of variation in AQM, with urban areas in more democratic countries likely to exhibit more AQM when air pollution levels are high. The evidence provided here could motivate public authorities, international institutions, and civil society stakeholders to invest far more than hitherto the case into AQM, particularly in under-monitored, less affluent, and less democratic settings.

Application and characterization of the multiple instance learning framework in flow cytometry

Top food categories contributing to Canadian children’s energy and nutrient intakes at school

Introduction Understanding the foods and beverages that children consume at school can help inform the development of school food programs, which has become a priority in Canada following the announcement of federal funding commitments and release of Canada’s first National School Food Policy in 2024. Therefore, the objective was to identify top sources of energy, nutrients to limit (sodium, sugars, and saturated fat), and nutrients to encourage (potassium, calcium, fibre, iron, and vitamin A) consumed by Canadian children at school. Methods Intake data from the first day 24-hour recall of the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey – Nutrition was examined for children 4–18 y (n = 1,690) who consumed food at school. Foods and beverages were grouped into 28 categories (e.g., baked goods, fruit and vegetable juice and drinks etc.). Top categories were identified by frequency of consumption and percent contribution to total population-level intakes. Results Top sources of nutrients to limit often overlapped with top sources of nutrients to encourage. Handheld entrées was the top source of energy, sodium, saturated fat, calcium, and iron intakes at school. Fruits was the top source of sugars, potassium, and fibre and vegetables was the top source of vitamin A. By age group and sex, top sources were mostly similar with some differences in rankings and percent contributions. Conclusions Results identified the top sources of energy, nutrients to limit, and nutrients to encourage consumed by Canadian children at school. Knowledge of these sources can inform the development of school food programs that aim to improve the diet quality of Canadian children at school.