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Automated retinal disease classification using deep learning and AlexNet with statistical models analysis
Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataract, and Glaucoma are major retinal diseases that require early detection to prevent irreversible vision loss. This study proposes a deep learning-based framework for the automated classification of retinal images into four categories: Normal, Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataract, and Glaucoma. The dataset was compiled from publicly available retinal imaging databases, including IDRiD and HRF. Four convolutional neural network architectures—EfficientNet-B0, EfficientNet-B7, a build-from-scratch model, and AlexNet—were evaluated using multiple performance metrics. Among these, AlexNet achieved the highest overall performance, attaining an accuracy of 93.65%, sensitivity of 94.39%, specificity of 98.05%, PPV of 93.65%, NPV of 97.95%, and an F1-score of 93.74%. EfficientNet-B7 followed with an accuracy of 92.82%, confirming the strength of transfer learning in retinal feature extraction. A five-fold cross-validation further validated AlexNet’s robustness, yielding a mean R 2 of 0.8891 with low variance, indicating consistent generalization across folds. Computational efficiency analysis showed that AlexNet achieved high diagnostic accuracy with a moderate processing time of approximately 14 minutes. Model interpretability using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) revealed that AlexNet highlighted clinically relevant retinal regions, such as the optic disc and macula, thereby enhancing transparency and clinical trust. In summary, the proposed framework demonstrates that interpretable deep learning models can deliver accurate, consistent, and explainable retinal disease classification, offering a foundation for real-time, AI-assisted ophthalmic screening systems.
Resistance, heteroresistance, and fitness costs drive colistin treatment failure during <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> pneumonia
Acinetobacter baumannii is an Enterococcus , Staphylococcus , Klebsiella , Acinetobacter , Pseudomonas , and Enterobacter species (ESKAPE) pathogen linked to healthcare-associated diseases. Due to evolved resistance, last-resort antibiotics such as the lipooligosaccharide (LOS)-targeting colistin are increasingly used to treat multidrug-resistant isolates. To track the evolution of colistin resistance within a host, we performed sequential oropharyngeal infections in immunocompetent or immune-depleted mice in the presence of inhaled colistin. Both resistant and heteroresistant A. baumannii strains emerged with pmrB mutations that efficiently competed with the susceptible parent in the presence of colistin. These pmrB mutants had a fitness cost in the absence of colistin treatment but retained their ability to colonize the host. In contrast, LOS-deficient A. baumannii mutants removed the target of colistin, but such mutants were unable to colonize the lung. The two pathogenic pmrB mutants showed clear evidence of LOS modification, which was linked to increased transcription of LOS modification enzymes, including the product of the cryptic eptA gene. Spontaneous insertion mutations that caused hyperexpression of eptA allowed the heteroresistant mutant to develop clinically significant colistin resistance. Insertion mutations upstream of the eptA gene or those disrupting hns , which encodes a small histone-like protein, resulted in increased eptA transcript, linking expression of this protein to clinically significant resistance. A resistant variant derived from the heteroresistant parent was stable in the absence of drug, but continued passaging selected for colistin-resensitized pseudorevertants that were largely due to disruption of the LOS modification enzymes. Therefore, colistin heteroresistance is an early stage in the stepwise acquisition of stable colistin resistance in A. baumannii .
Adverse events associated with cyclophosphamide: A pharmacovigilance study using the FDA adverse event reporting system
Objective Cyclophosphamide(CHOP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent belonging to the class of alkylating agents. It primarily inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells by interfering with DNA replication and transcription. CHOP has been approved for the treatment of various types of malignant tumors. The aim of this research is to assess adverse events linked to CHOP using real-world data. Methods This research collected and analyzed adverse event reports associated with CHOP from the FAERS(US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System) database spanning from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2024. This study leveraged the FAERS database, extracting reports submitted exclusively by healthcare professionals where CHOP was designated as the primary suspect (PS). Four risk signal detection methods were employed: Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multiitem Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS), to conduct a comprehensive analysis of CHOP-related ADRs. Results A total of 3,625 adverse event reports with CHOP as the primary suspect drug were obtained. Across 25 system organ classes (SOCs), four positive Preferred Terms(PTs) signals were detected. The most significant signal in SOCs was “blood and lymphatic system disorders” (ROR = 6.64, 95% CI 6.49–6.79), while the most significant PTs signal was “high grade B-cell lymphoma Burkitt-like lymphoma recurrent” (ROR = 613.63, 95% CI 123.85–3040.40). Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence of the presence of CHOP seven unexpected off-label AEs were also observed, such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, hypotelorism of orbit, breakthrough COVID-19, airway remodeling, meningitis enteroviral, acute graft versus host disease, and gastrosplenic fistula. Additionally, the combination of CHOP and radiotherapy increased the risk of several severe AEs, such as hemorrhagic cystitis. These findings highlight the importance of caution when prescribing CHOP to high-risk individuals with a history of meningitis, cystitis or airway obstruction.
Universality for Taylor coefficients of rational functions under perturbations
We introduce computational methods for analytic combinatorics in several variables. Our findings pertain to rational generating functions whose dominant singularity satisfies either of two conditions, one of which frequently holds for recursions arising from cluster algebras. We show that the coefficients are determined asymptotically by the leading homogeneous term of the denominator of the function near the dominant singularity. Applying this to various statistical physical models, we show their asymptotic behavior to be given by elliptic and hyperelliptic integrals, computation of which is already implemented in computer algebra packages.
The role of quantitative T1 and T2 mapping for detecting minimal hepatic encephalopathy in chronic hepatic schistosomiasis patients
Background Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a frequent neurocognitive complication in chronic hepatic schistosomiasis (CHS) patients. Conventional diagnostic tools are time-consuming and influenced by education level. Quantitative MRI mapping offers a potential non-invasive biomarker for MHE, but its role in CHS remains unclear. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of quantitative T1 and T2 mapping for detecting MHE in CHS patients. Methods This prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted from August 2023 to July 2024. A total of 88 CHS patients were enrolled and divided into MHE (n = 50) and non-MHE group (n = 38). MHE was assessed using the number connection test-A (NCT-A) and digit symbol test (DST). All participants underwent 3.0T MRI with T1 and T2 mapping. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. Results MHE patients exhibited significantly lower T1 values across multiple brain regions, particularly the globus pallidus (all p < 0.001). T2 values showed no significant differences between groups. Multivariable regression confirmed that lower T1 values were independently associated with MHE (p = 0.009). ROC analysis demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance of globus pallidus T1 values (AUC = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.99), with sensitivity of 0.97 and specificity of 0.90. T1 values were also correlated with neuropsychological tests (NCT-A: r = −0.345, p < 0.001; DST: r = 0.232, p = 0.029). However, T2 values showed no significant group differences or diagnostic value. Conclusion Quantitative T1 mapping, rather than T2 mapping, could be used as a potential non-invasive biomarker for detecting MHE in CHS patients. This approach offers an objective complement to psychometric testing and may facilitate earlier diagnosis and monitoring of MHE progression.
Repeated major inland retreat of Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers (West Antarctica) during the Pliocene
The stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS), crucial for predicting future sea-level rise, is threatened by ocean-forced melting in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean. While some geological records and ice-sheet models suggest WAIS retreat during past warm periods, reliable data constraining the extent of retreat are lacking. Detrital Nd, Sr, and Pb isotope data of sediments recently drilled at International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Site U1532 on the Amundsen Sea continental rise manifest repeated alternations in sediment provenance during glacial–interglacial cycles of the Pliocene (5.33 to 2.58 Mya), a time warmer than present. The variations reflect large fluctuations in WAIS extent on the Antarctic continent. A unique high Pb/low ε Nd signature of sediments found at the onset of glacial intervals (3.88, 3.6, and 3.33 Ma) is attributed to the supply of detritus sourced from plutonic rocks located in the West Antarctic interior. Its isotopic signature at Site U1532 indicates major inland retreat of the WAIS during the preceding interglacials. During peak interglacials, the ice margin had retreated inland, and icebergs rafted and deposited inland-sourced detritus over 500 km across the Amundsen Sea shelf. Subsequent readvance of grounded ice then “bulldozed” these inland-derived fine-grained sediments from the shelf down to the continental slope and rise, resulting in a high Pb/low ε Nd peak in the rise sediments. Our continuous Pliocene records provide conclusive evidence for at least five major inland retreat events of the WAIS, highlighting the significant vulnerability of the WAIS to ongoing warming.
Perceptions and experiences of Hospital-Acquired Diarrhea among children aged 0–59 months with Severe Acute Malnutrition at Mwanamugimu Nutrition Unit, Mulago, Uganda: A qualitative study
Background Hospital-Acquired Diarrhea (HAD) is a global health threat and a leading cause of illness and death in children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). In Uganda, HAD significantly affects children under five with SAM, creating a heavy health and economic burden. This study explored caregivers’ and health workers’ perceptions and experiences of HAD among children aged (0–59) months with SAM regarding HAD at Mwanamugimu Nutrition Unit, Mulago, Uganda. Methods A qualitative study was conducted at Mwanamugimu Nutrition Unit, involving 12 caregivers and 10 health workers. Audio-recorded data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Data was managed using Atlas ti version 6 and thematically analyzed to identify perceptions and experiences of HAD among children (0–59) months with SAM at Mwanamugimu. Results The results are presented according to the major themes that emerged from the data: understanding health risk of HAD and their impact, advantages and challenges of health interventions, empowerment through health education, prompts and motivators for action. Caregivers reported emotional distress, inadequate communication with patient progress by health workers, limited family social support, difficulty in maintaining clean toilets, and financial constraints for diapers and other sanitary items as contributors to HAD. Health workers attributed HAD to inconsistent water supply, inadequate dietary knowledge, and poor infection control. Both groups stressed that motivational triggers are essential for sustainable adherence to management guidelines. Conclusion This study emphasizes the urgent need to empower caregivers through targeted health education, adequate hygiene support, and structured ward routines. Strengthening caregiver confidence and participation enhances adherence and recovery among children with severe acute malnutrition. Integrating psychosocial support and participatory strategies into hospital nutrition programs can reduce hospital-acquired diarrhea and promote sustainable, high-quality child health outcomes.
Maintaining microbiota across diverse symbiotic organs in <i>Euprymna scolopes</i> : Insights into shared immune responses
Many animals have multiple organs or tissues that are colonized by diverse microbiota. The female Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes , has two organs with distinct symbiotic communities: the accessory nidamental gland (ANG) and the light organ (LO). The ANG hosts a bacterial consortium, whereas the LO has a binary relationship with Vibrio fischeri , housed in extracellular crypt spaces as part of the central core (CC). To understand how the host maintains distinct symbiotic communities, we used transcriptomics to identify immune-related genes that are uniquely and similarly expressed in the ANG and LO-CC compared to organs without a known microbiota. Genes such as peptidoglycan recognition proteins EsPGRP2 and EsPGRP3, cathepsin-Z, alkaline phosphatase, and acidic phospholipase exhibited significant upregulation in the symbiotic organs compared to other tissues like gills, skin, mantle, optic lobe, ovaries, and brain. Moreover, EsPGRP2 displayed distinct localization patterns within the ANG, inversely correlating with bacterial presence, whereas the protein was colocalized with V. fischeri in the LO-CC. Notably, 10 different galaxins (EsGal) were uniquely highly expressed in both the ANG and LO-CC, with EsGal1 messenger RNA predominantly localized to the LO-CC epithelium, while EsGal2 and EsGal3 were primarily found in the epithelia of ANG tubules. Furthermore, antimicrobial assays using partial peptides derived from EsGal1 and EsGal2 showed varying and distinct patterns of inhibitory activity for these peptides. In summary, our findings identify similar immune gene families expressed across functionally distinct symbiotic organs in E. scolopes , suggesting that common immunomodulatory factors may maintain distinct symbiotic niches in the host.
Correction: FastKAN-DDD: A novel fast Kolmogorov-Arnold network-based approach for driver drowsiness detection optimized for TinyML deployment
Integrative multi-omics and network-based machine learning for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
Background Accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) remains challenging due to its biological complexity. Integrating machine learning with multi-omics and network topological analyses may enhance diagnostic precision. Objective To classify early-stage PD patients and healthy controls (HCs) by integrating multi-omics data and network-based machine learning. Methods We analyzed 305 participants from the PPMI cohort (213 PD, 92 HCs) using DNA methylation, gene expression, and proteomic data. Feature selection was conducted through sPLS-DA, followed by integration via DIABLO. Regulatory gene networks were constructed using STRING-based topology analysis. An XGBoost classifiers were trained and optimized on 244 samples and validated on 61 independent samples. Furthermore, we conducted external validation using data from 26 participants (12 PD, 14 HCs) in the GEO dataset, incorporating DNA methylation and gene expression profiles. Results DIABLO-based integration identified 56 CpG sites, 61 genes, and 70 proteins. Network topology analysis revealed 59 key regulators. Among three XGBoost models—based on multi-omics signatures, topological regulators, and their combination—the multi-omics model achieved the best test-set performance (AUC 0.72, 95%CI 0.51-0.85, accuracy 0.74, 95%CI 0.61-0.82). Within the validation set, the topological regulators model achieved the superior performance (AUC 0.57, 95%CI 0.37-0.73, accuracy 0.62, 95%CI 0.38-0.73). Conclusion Combining machine learning with integrative multi-omics and network topology analysis enables effective biomarker identification and PD classification, with strong potential for clinical diagnostic applications.
Effects of plain water intake before bedtime on sleep and depressive mood among middle-aged Japanese men
Although adequate water intake during the day enhances mental health, its effects during sleep remain unknown. We aimed to define the impact of plain water intake before bedtime on sleep parameters and depressive mood. We surveyed 2,000 Japanese using a questionnaire to determine associations between pre-bedtime water intake and depressive mood measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; Study 1). We also compared the effects of consuming 280 mL of plain water immediately before bedtime and of not consuming any beverages for at least 2 hours before bedtime (Study 2). The findings of Study 2 indicated that plain water intake immediately before bedtime decreased depressive mood in the morning, prolonged REM sleep latency, and reduced the duration of REM sleep. However, plain water intake also increased the likelihood of nocturia. Although balancing advantages and disadvantages is essential, the practice of consuming plain water before bedtime is a simple and effective way to enhance subjective wellbeing.
Prevalence and risk factors for nephrolithiasis in adults with cystic fibrosis: A retrospective cohort study
Background Calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis is more common in persons living with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) than in the general population. A primary risk factor is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) causing enteral hyperoxaluria. However, the relationship between nephrolithiasis and degree of EPI control has not been assessed. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all PwCF seen at our institution from 2018 to 2023 (n = 332). Collected data included socio-demographics, Charlson comorbidity index, EPI control status adjudicated by treating clinicians (classified as controlled, uncontrolled, or unknown), and nephrolithiasis events, which were classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic when nephrolithiasis were discovered incidentally on imaging. Incidence and lifetime prevalence rates were calculated for the entire sample and according to EPI control. A multivariable logistic regression model for the outcome of nephrolithiasis was performed using likelihood-ratio-based backwards stepwise selection. Results The cumulative lifetime prevalence of any nephrolithiasis event in our study population was 32%. The lifetime prevalence was higher in EPI (32%) than no EPI (24%), but there was no significant difference in prevalence according to EPI control status. The multivariable model identified that small bowel resection (odds ratio [OR] 3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–9.0)), alcohol use (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.9), and decreased BMI (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9–1.0) were independently associated with nephrolithiasis. Among 105 individuals with nephrolithiasis, 51% (n = 54) had recurrent events. An invasive procedure was required by 10% (n = 3) with a single nephrolithiasis event and was required by 61% (n = 33) with recurrent nephrolithiasis. Conclusions Nephrolithiasis events are common in PwCF. We observed an increased prevalence among PwCF with EPI, but did not observe a difference based on the degree of EPI control although this may be limited by reliance on clinician assessment of EPI control rather than a more objective measure. Prospective investigation with detailed assessment of risk factors including dietary habits and EPI control is warranted.
A multi-phase project to develop a patient-reported measure of barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence for use in HIV care: The 7-Item I-Score
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a priority in HIV care. Our goal was to develop and validate a new, short patient-reported outcome measure to screen for barriers to daily oral ART adherence in HIV care in Canada and France. The overarching design was that of a multi-phase, multi-site instrument development project. It involved a previously published qualitative research synthesis (to develop a conceptual framework from which to generate items). Here, we present the results of cognitive interviews (for content validity testing of the preliminary items) and of a longitudinal survey-based study where the revised 7-item instrument (the I-Score) was administered at two timepoints (baseline, 4 weeks), along with five indirect measures of ART adherence, including self-reported HIV viral load and, for a subset of Montreal participants, plasma viral load. The survey data was used to analyze the instrument’s measurement properties, namely structural validity (e.g., with Pearson inter-item correlations); construct validity, including cross-cultural validity, for a variety of sociodemographic groups (with receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses and areas under the curve (AUC); reliability (with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)); and measurement error (with the standard error of measurement (SEM)). Study participants were adults living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy recruited from hospital-based infectious disease centers and community-based organizations in Montreal, Toronto, and Paris. The qualitative synthesis of 41 studies led to a framework composed of 6 barrier domains. One item was generated per domain. The 6-item measure was submitted to cognitive testing with 12 adults living with HIV, leading to several changes, including the division of one item into two, creating a 7-item measure. Overall, 305 adults living with HIV participated in the survey. Inter-item correlations were low to moderate, suggesting no redundant items. Among conclusive results, AUC’s were all above the predefined threshold (≥ 0.70) for self-reported viral load and plasma viral load for the global sample and across all subgroups examined. The ICC, at 0.81, was also above the predefined threshold (≥ 0.70). The SEM was 0.43. Overall, the evidence generated supports the 7-item I-Score measure’s content validity, construct validity/cross-cultural validity, reliability, and acceptable measurement error, in its specified context of use.
The Patriarchy Index for Asia: A new tool for subnational analysis of gender inequalities
Gender inequality remains a persistent barrier to development in many parts of Asia, yet the domestic foundations of this inequality—particularly within family systems—are often neglected in global measurement tools. This study introduces the Patriarchy Index (PI), a new metric constructed from census microdata to capture gendered power hierarchies in families across 22 Asian (including Egypt, treated here as part of the classical Asian patriarchal belt) countries and 652 subnational administrative units. Of particular interest to development practitioners and scholars, the PI offers a scalable, low-cost tool for subnational diagnostics, especially where standard measures of gender equality are missing or fail to reflect private-sphere constraints on women’s autonomy. Our study addresses whether domestic arrangements—such as patterns of co-residence, marriage timing, and age-based authority—can reliably capture institutionalized patriarchy, and what regional variation these patterns reveal. Using harmonized IPUMS-International census microdata and eleven theoretically grounded indicators, we construct a multidimensional composite index empirically validated through convergence with existing gender measures, divergence from unrelated metrics, and correlation with gendered development outcomes. Our study finds that family-based patriarchy is spatially clustered and highly variable at the subnational level. It further shows that higher PI values are significantly associated with reduced relative female labor force participation, even after controlling for structural variables such as gross national income and urbanization. These results underscore the PI’s value as a complementary measure: it captures dimensions of gender inequality that remain invisible to public-facing or outcome-based indicators and helps bridge the gap between domestic constraints and broader patterns of disenfranchisement. In contexts where legal reform and female empowerment are pursued without addressing household-level structures, the PI offers a diagnostic that speaks directly to the architecture of family systems—illuminating where and how deeper constraints on gender equality endure.
An overview of PLOS curated collection in health literacy
This curated collection, launched in 2022 and concluded in 2024, explores the critical role of health literacy (HL) as a determinant of health, particularly within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite not being explicitly included in the SDGs, HL underpins efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage by empowering individuals to make informed healthcare decisions. The collection encompasses 22 original articles employing diverse methodological approaches across global settings, highlighting themes such as HL’s influence on health outcomes, access to healthcare, effective interventions, and policy integration. The articles illustrate that adequate HL is essential for navigating complex healthcare landscapes, particularly for vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by low HL. Challenges associated with inadequate HL contribute to poor self-care behaviors, increased health risks, and diminished healthcare utilization. The collection emphasizes the importance of measuring HL through established tools and discusses the intersection of HL with social determinants of health. Furthermore, it addresses the need for targeted HL interventions, particularly in marginalized communities, and underscores the role of policymakers in embedding HL into public health strategies. Ultimately, this collection provides a comprehensive overview of HL’s multifaceted nature, its implications for individual and public health, and the urgent need for sustained investment in HL research and interventions. By fostering improved HL, we can enhance healthcare access, improve health outcomes, and reduce health disparities globally.
Aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity in mosquito larval habitats in São Tomé and Príncipe
Oceanic islands harbor unique aquatic ecosystems characterized by distinct macroinvertebrate communities that play vital roles in ecosystem functioning and stability. São Tomé and Príncipe islands (STP), located in the Gulf of Guinea, represent a model system where the primary malaria vector, Anopheles coluzzii , shares larval habitats with a diversity of aquatic taxa. Here, we evaluate macroinvertebrate diversity in permanent and temporary larval habitats typical of An. coluzzii in STP during the wet and dry seasons. We collected 5,208 macroinvertebrates belonging to eight classes, 15 orders, and 51 families. These included insects, crustaceans, spiders, annelid worms, springtails, and mollusks, with insects and crustaceans dominating collections. Diversity remained stable across the wet and dry seasons, but higher diversity was found in permanent habitats when compared to temporary habitats. We found 9 families (12% relative abundance) that included potential predators of mosquito vector larvae. Our results demonstrate that larval habitats of An. coluzzii support a dynamic community of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Establishing this ecological baseline is crucial for future assessments of community composition and for informing sustainable vector control management and biodiversity conservation on these islands.
Validation of stearoyl-coA desaturase gene TaqMan probe-based SNP for genotyping Tattykeel Australian White MARGRA lamb for health-beneficial omega-3 long-chain fatty acids and intramuscular fat content
The Tattykeel Australian White (TAW) branded MARGRA lamb is a premium Australian sheep breed developed through decades of careful linebreeding, with the aim of improving the natural levels of health beneficial omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), micro-marbled intramuscular fat (IMF) content, and low fat melting point (FMP) in the highly priced Longissimus dorsi muscle. These traits are key attributes contributing to the well documented superior meat eating quality of the TAW lamb, hence, fundamental to the TAW breeding program. The focus on Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD) gene is relevant because it plays an essential part in the biosynthesis of n-3 LC-PUFA and IMF metabolism. Previous studies had identified and established significant associations between the g.23881050T > C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the SCD gene and meat eating quality traits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a reliable, fast, cost-effective, and accurate TaqMan probe-based Real-Time PCR assay for genotyping the identified SCD SNP in 118 TAW, Poll Dorset, Martin More sheep, and Angus bulls (as a distinguishing species control). By designing allele-specific TaqMan probes targeting the polymorphic locus, the assay accurately identified two genotypes, homozygous CC and heterozygous CT, at an estimated cost of AUD 2.16 and processing time of 49.30 minutes per 96-well sample plate. The genotype frequencies for CC and CT were 0.58 and 0.42 in rams, and 0.57 and 0.43 in ewes, respectively. The major and minor allele frequencies in TAW rams and ewes were 0.21 and 0.79, while in young TAW rams, they were 0.17 and 0.83, respectively. Both Poll Dorset and Martin More sheep exclusively displayed the CC genotype at a minor allele frequency of 1.00. The findings validate the identified SNP g.23881050T > C as a suitable DNA marker for breeding for meat quality traits. and the validated TaqMan probe-based genotyping assay is a simple, reliable, fast, precise and cost-effective tool for genotyping TAW. Therefore, the developed and validated TaqMan probe herein, can facilitate genetic selection within the TAW breeding program, and assist in streamlining efforts to enhance meat eating quality of the breed.
Effects of drop net and helicopter net-gun capture on movement, space use, and survival of white-tailed deer
Wildlife professionals strive to minimize the impact of capture and handling on animal welfare and behavior. Drop net and helicopter net-gun methods are commonly used to capture large mammals; however, comparative evaluations of mortality and post-capture behavioral disruption are needed. Therefore, we conducted a study to compare the effects of drop net, single helicopter, and tandem helicopter capture methods on movement, space use, and survival of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) for 30 days following capture. We fitted 149 deer (68 F; 81 M) with GPS collars, which collected or were resampled to 1 location every 30 minutes from 2011 to 2015. We estimated daily range size and overlap using 99% range isopleths, calculated daily distance traveled and displacement, and fitted Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan-Meier models to assess survival and estimate survival rates. Survival was similar among capture methods (drop net, S = 0.90; single helicopter, S = 0.94; tandem helicopters, S = 0.94) and was not affected by capture method, capture season, or sex. Deer movement and space use were largely unaffected by capture, with movement returning to long-term means within 1–2 days of capture, but as long as 9 days following helicopter captures. Drop nets had the least effect, likely because capture sites were within or near previously used areas, whereas deer captured by helicopter were transferred 0.5 to 3.1 km. Our findings indicate that these capture methods are effective and have minimal impacts on deer movement, space use, and survival. Helicopter capture methods can be more economical and efficient, but drop nets may pose lower risks to human safety and may be necessary in areas where helicopter access is limited. Our findings provide guidance for wildlife professionals to select capture methods that minimize behavioral modifications while meeting project objectives.
Exploring the role of resilience and quality of life in preoperative fear of cancer recurrence among patients with oral and maxillofacial cancer: A cross-sectional study
Aims Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common concern among cancer survivors; however, its prevalence and determinants in patients with oral and maxillofacial cancers have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to assess the severity of FCR and explore the relationships among resilience, quality of life (QoL), and FCR in preoperative oral and maxillofacial cancer patients. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in tertiary hospitals in China from March to July 2024. The study collected demographic and clinical data, the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form (FCRI-SF), the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results The study included 281 preoperative oral and maxillofacial cancer patients. The mean FCRI-SF score was 17.38 (SD = 4.73), with 85.1% of the participants exhibiting high FCR. Resilience, as measured by CD-RISC-10, had a mean score of 23.33 (SD = 3.85), whereas QoL, measured by the UW-QOL, had an average of 58.36 (SD = 8.61). Correlation analysis revealed significant associations among age, sex, first treatment, resilience, QoL, and FCR. Multiple linear regression revealed that QoL and sex were significant predictors of FCR, explaining 40.1% of the variance ( P < 0.001). Higher QoL was associated with lower FCR, and males reported lower levels of FCR than females did. Discussion Preoperative oral and maxillofacial cancer patients experience elevated levels of FCR, which are influenced by various socio-demographic and clinical factors. These findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to develop targeted interventions and comprehensive support systems to address FCR effectively in this high-risk group.