Browse Articles

Prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Ethiopia

Efficacy and safety of Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab and Lenvatinib as first-line systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: A real-world study

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATEZO/BEV) and Lenvatinib (LEN) have demonstrated efficacy as first-line systemic therapies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of these two treatments. Data were retrospectively collected from 163 patients with unresectable HCC receiving first-line Lenvatinib (LEN) (n = 85) or ATEZO/BEV (n = 78) between 2020 and 2023 at Chulalongkorn University Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) following treatment. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used for analysis. The median patient age was 60.6 (SD 11.8) years; 82.2% were male. Most had hepatitis B/C (66.9%), BCLC stage C (73%), and Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis (63.8%). After PSM analysis, overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the ATEZO/BEV group (12.7 vs. 7.5 months; p = 0.016, HR = 0.618, 95% CI: 0.417–0.916). However, there was no significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between ATEZO/BEV and LEN groups (10.8 vs. 7.8 months; p = 0.26, HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.431–1.255). Assessed by mRECIST, neither objective response rate (ORR: 23.7% vs. 19.7%, p = 0.555) nor disease control rate (DCR: 36.8% vs. 38.2%, p = 0.867) differed significantly. Multivariate analysis revealed alpha-fetoprotein ≥500 ng/mL (HR = 1.881, 95% CI: 1.028–3.443, p = 0.04), tumor size (HR = 1.833, 95% CI: 1.010–3.327, p = 0.046) and ATEZO/BEV therapy (HR = 0.604, 95%CI: 0.373–0.977, p = 0.04) were independently associated with OS. Adverse event rates were comparable (ATEZO/BEV 43.7% vs. LEN 56.3%; p = 0.08). In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ATEZO/BEV significantly improves OS compared to LEN in patients with unresectable HCC, despite similar PFS, ORR, and DCR. Both treatments have comparable safety profiles.

Sensory expectations shape neural population dynamics in motor circuits

Nanostructured lipid carriers for l-carnitine delivery: physicochemical characterization and effects on asthenozoospermic sperm function in vitro

OntoSecAI: Ontology-driven security automation for AI-enabled systems

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) models presents significant opportunities alongside inherent security risks, such as the exploitation by adversaries generating malicious data to compromise other AI-enabled systems. Despite the urgent need to address such threats, AI-based threat modelling remains largely underexplored in research, primarily constrained by three key challenges: (i) the lack of formal representation of security and AI-based data, (ii) the absence of inference rules for automated threat identification, and (iii) inconsistent risk and vulnerability assessment. As a result, these limitations, coupled with stakeholders’ insufficient security knowledge and AI expertise, lead to erroneous threat modelling of AI-enabled systems. This research aims to develop and implement OntoSecAI, an ontology-based approach to automate threat modelling and assessment for AI-enabled systems. In particular, we design 03 ontologies and 30 inference rules, followed by risk and CVSS-based vulnerability assessments to perform automated threat modelling and assessment comprehensively. In addition, the approach is validated through 10 case studies and verified using mathematical theorems to confirm its correctness and completeness. The research findings demonstrate that the developed ontologies effectively facilitate unified representation and comprehensive coverage of security and AI systems’ data. Furthermore, the inference rules implemented effectively map system assets to potential security threats. Crucially, the utilization of ontologies provides consistent risk and vulnerability assessments across AI-enabled systems. Consequently, a comprehensive security knowledge base is offered to stakeholders, regardless of their varying security and AI expertise, ensuring uniform threat modelling across diverse AI systems and adaptability to emerging security threats.

ML/GA-based performance optimization of PBG-enhanced THz microstrip patch antennas on PTFE–SWCNT

Transgender and gender diverse autistic adults’ experiences of (un)belonging

Introduction Clinical impressions suggest a significant overlap of autistic as well as transgender and gender diverse identities, implying a need for research that explores TGD autistic experiences in greater depth, including experiences of (un)belonging. Methods We shared trans and gender diverse autistic adults’ experiences of belonging and unbelonging to contribute to knowledge around their lived experiences. We present findings from biographical narrative interpretive interviews with thirteen trans and gender diverse autistic people (aged 20–50). We used reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes across three levels of belonging: macro, meso and micro. Analysis within these levels clarified (un)belonging within power dynamics and structures, as well as collective and individual identities. Results Participants discussed their experiences of (un)belonging across three levels: macro, encompassing work and volunteering; meso, including education, gender identity healthcare, and neurodivergent groups and spaces; and micro, including relationships and creating chosen families. Participants faced workplace exclusion and healthcare gatekeeping, often turning to self-employment or community spaces for inclusion. Some found belonging in autistic or queer communities, while others struggled with accessibility and sensory barriers. Conclusion Chosen families and communal living were key sources of affirmation and support for participants, highlighting how belonging for TGD autistic people can be shaped through intersecting structural, social, and interpersonal factors.

Analysing the vulnerability of mangrove forest by vegetation health assessment: a study of Indian sundarbans deltaic region

Abstract Sundarbans region is an assemblage several delta formed in Bay of Bengal with largest concentration of mangrove which plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of climate change with large ecosystem. The mangrove ecosystem demands further investigations to assess the vulnerability of vegetation. In context of present environmental change, the existing vegetation of Sundarbans is threatened by natural and human induced factors. This study incorporated these issues by analysing the vulnerability of mangrove forest in Indian Sundarbans deltaic region. To assess the vegetation condition, various vegetation indices are used including Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Transformed Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (TNDVI), Green Chlorophyll Index (GCI), Chlorophyll Vegetation Index (CVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI) etc. These indices are calculated using remote sensing satellite data of 2010 and 2020. Vulnerability has been assessed through vegetation health assessment by spatial modelling with the data from aforesaid vegetation indices. The result shows that specific regions have experienced an increase in stressed vegetation condition accompanied by the problems such as waterlogging and expanding areas under aquaculture. Furthermore the area under healthy vegetation has significantly decreased between 2010 and 2020.

Characterizing proximal risk for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation with acute cannabis use and withdrawal among adolescents using ecological momentary assessment: Study protocol

Background Heavy cannabis use often co-occurs with symptoms of depression in adolescents. Adolescents with past-year cannabis use are at increased risk of major depressive episodes and cannabis use is more than twice as common in adolescents with depression compared to those without. This study seeks to disentangle relationships between acute cannabis use, withdrawal, and abstinence on proximal depression and suicide risk using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) within the context of a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of cannabis abstinence to cannabis use as usual. Methods This study will enroll 200 adolescents aged 12–18 who have daily or near-daily cannabis use and current depressive symptoms. Participants will complete 12 study visits over a 10-week period. At visit 2, participants will be randomized (1:1) to either 8 weeks of sustained cannabis abstinence encouraged through contingency management (CB-Abst) or a monitoring control group (CB-Mon). All participants will complete self-report and interview-based measures of substance use and symptom severity, along with 3 phases of EMA data collection (4 total weeks), involving 8 daily surveys that inquire about past-hour substance use, mood, and situational context. Phases will take place during baseline cannabis use, immediately after randomized abstinence, and following 8 weeks of sustained abstinence. The primary outcomes will be EMA-measured depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation across the 3 EMA phases, by randomized group. Exploratory outcomes will include Fitbit-derived measures of sleep, circadian rhythms, and step count. Discussion This is the first study, to our knowledge, to evaluate the acute effects of cannabis use, withdrawal, and sustained abstinence on mood among adolescents with heavy cannabis use and co-morbid symptoms of depression. Results will characterize periods of risk for fluctuations in mood and suicidal ideation across the withdrawal period and aim to guide intervention development to reduce depression and suicide risk among adolescents. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06576076

Evidence for improved DNA repair in the long-lived bowhead whale

Reducing critical current for spin-transfer-torque magnetization reversal in current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance devices using low damping and spin scattering asymmetry in Co2FeGa0.5Ge0.5 Heusler alloy

Analysis of molecular mechanism of Chinese medicine Jinhong decoction (JHD) in synergistically treating sepsis and COVID-19 based on network pharmacology

Sepsis and COVID-19 are the two mutually-reinforcing risk factors, whose interaction drastically increases mortality rate. Jinhong decoction (JHD) as a Chinese medicine exhibits clinical efficacy against them, but related action mechanism remains to be explored. To this end, using network pharmacology, this study screened active ingredients of JHD and their targets from TCMSP, HERB, PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction databases as well as the targets for these two diseases from DisGeNET, OMIM, Drugbank, TTD, and GeneCards. By intersecting drug and disease targets, we identified common targets and constructed a drug-ingredient-target network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed key target-related signaling pathways, and transcriptomics analysis further validated tissue distribution of these targets and their expressions. Our identified six key target genes ( AKT1 , MMP9 , ICAM1 , TLR4 , BCL2 , and HIF1A ) were mainly involved in the regulations of immunometabolism, inflammation, and cell survival in both diseases. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that JHD displayed synergistic efficacy against both diseases by simultaneously modulating HIF-1, TNF, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Tissue distribution analyses of these 6 key target genes revealed that CD33 + myeloid cells, fetal lung cells, and bronchial epithelial cells might play an important role in treating both diseases. Overall, this study demonstrates that JHD treats sepsis and COVID-19 through a multi-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-pathway inter-related mechanism, exhibiting a great application potential.

Evidence for endogenous rhythmicity in cirral activity of the intertidal barnacle Fistulobalanus albicostatus

Study on the damage and failure behavior of coal exposed to acid corrosion under impact load

The depth of coal mining is continuously increasing. In the process of deep underground coal mining, the hydrological conditions of coal seams are complex, with some coal seams subjected to corrosion by acidic water. Acidic water-rock chemical interactions significantly degrade the mechanical properties of coal rocks. Concurrently, dynamic loads from frequent blasting and mining-induced rockbursts pose severe threats to mining safety. Investigating the dynamic properties of coal exposed to acidic water environments is crucial for ensuring safe coal mining operations. This study investigated anthracite coal as the research subject. Dynamic Brazilian splitting tests were conducted using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of coal samples. A three-dimensional SHPB numerical model was constructed using the continuous-discrete coupling method and Flat Joint Model(FJM). The damage mechanism of coal under the action of acidic solutions was analyzed from the perspectives of dynamic mechanical response, damage evolution, and failure modes. The results indicate that the dynamic tensile strength of coal samples after exposure to acidic solutions is lower than that of raw coal samples, with strength decreasing in order: raw coal > pH 4 > pH 2. Moreover, with increasing impact velocity or loading rate, the dynamic tensile strength, degree of fragmentation, and dissipated energy of three types of samples increase linearly. In the dynamic stress–time response curve, during the initial stress rise phase, the model undergoes approximately linear elastic deformation with only a small number of microcracks forming. During unloading, the number of cracks continues to increase but at a reduced rate. Under the same impact velocities, the total number of cracks formed upon failure follows the order: pH2 > pH4 > raw coal.

Association of diabetes, obesity, and their co-occurrence with suicide ideation in Korean adults using nationally representative data from 2019 to 2021

From cervix to multisite: Detection of lower genital tract lesions in a 10-year cross-sectional colposcopy clinic study

Objective To evaluate detection rates of multisite lesions (cervical, vaginal, vulvar) among women attending colposcopy clinics. Methods Our cross-sectional study included 20,486 patients between 2014 and 2023 in Shanxi China. Detection rates for cervical, vaginal, and vulvar lesions were retrospectively analyzed across strata by HPV status, cytological diagnosis, and clinical manifestations (vaginal bleeding/discharge). Multinomial logistic regression was applied to calculate odds ratios for high-grade lesions and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Results High-risk HPV (hr-HPV) infection was detected in 16,636 of 20,486 women (81.2%), and 9,137 (44.6%) had ASC-US+ cytology. Following cervical lesion detection on histopathology among hr-HPV-positive women (CIN2/3: 19.9%; SCC: 5.3%; AIS/ADC: 0.4%), additional lesions were identified at other anatomical sites: vaginal lesions (VaIN2/3: 3.6%; SCC: 1.1%; AIS/ADC: 0.04%) and vulvar lesions (VIN2/3: 0.4%; SCC: 0.1%) were further identified. Overall, 21.6% of hr-HPV-positive women exhibited high-grade lesions (CIN/VaIN/VIN2/3), with 5.6% demonstrating multi-focal SCC and 0.4% showing AIS/ADC. Stratified analysis revealed that patients even with negative HPV or cytology result still had relative high detection rate of high-grade lesions. Among these HPV-negative women, those reporting vaginal bleeding/discharge carried an elevated risk, with 3.2% having high-grade lesions and 10.5% having SCC. The integrative examination combining hr-HPV, cytology, and vaginal bleeding/discharge identified 3,753 high-grade lesions and 1,154 cancers. Conclusion Integrating the assessment of hr-HPV testing, cytology, and clinical symptoms (e.g., vaginal bleeding or discharge) could help finding more cases of multisite lesions (cervical, vaginal, vulvar). This is especially important for some high-risk women, including those who visit the colposcopy clinics, and more attention should be paid to the multisite examination.

Impact of ICME sheath planarity on Earth’s outer radiation belt

Retraction: Kidney damage on fertility and pregnancy: A Mendelian randomization

Virtual screening and molecular dynamics studies of antivenom using flavonoid compounds derived from Andrographis echioides

Real-world safety of Tepotinib: Insights from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System

Objects Tepotinib is widely utilized for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with MET exon 14 (METex14) skipping mutations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety characteristics of Tepotinib in the actual environment by analyzing data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Methods This study analyzed adverse event (AE) reports related to Tepotinib from FAERS database spanning Q1 2021 to Q4 2024. Four disproportionality analysis methods were employed: Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Multi-Item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS), and Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN). A descriptive analysis and a subgroup analysis of the time to onset (TTO) of AEs was conducted, and the Weibull distribution was used to predict temporal variations in AEs. Result A total of 521 AE reports involving 1,385 AEs were included in this study. Of these, 69.50% were from the elderly population. The analysis confirmed several known AEs such as death, peripheral edema, diarrhea, and blood creatinine increased while also identifying previously unreported signals, including deafness and taste disorder. For females, special attention ought to be directed toward alopecia, deafness and abdominal pain upper. For males, the onset of interstitial lung disease, pruritus and constipation requires observation. The median time to onset (TTO) of AEs was 39 days, with 43.88% of AEs occurring in the first month of treatment initiation. Additionally, the individuals aged 75 years and over the experience AEs relatively early. Conclusion This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the real-world safety of Tepotinib. The study validates clinical assertions about Tepotinib’s safety profile and identifies its novel signals, and also emphasized early monitoring of treatment. Our findings will better guide the clinical practice of Tepotinib and provide a basis for larger prospective studies in the future.