Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Integrating whole-exome sequencing and scRNA-seq reveal the characteristic in one clear cell renal cell carcinoma sample arising in the setting of VHL disease
High-resolution biomechanical mapping of SMILE and SMILE with CXL using Brillouin microscopy: Insights into localized corneal stiffness preservation
Purpose To evaluate the biomechanical effects of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) alone and with corneal collagen cross-linking (SMILE CXL ) on corneal stiffness, using the Brillouin Optical Scanning System (BOSS) to assess localized changes in Brillouin modulus (BM). Materials & Methods This retrospective study analyzed an initial cohort of 358 eyes (321 SMILE, 37 SMILE CXL ) from 180 patients, with propensity score matching (PSM) yielding matched cohorts of 17 eyes each, including unilateral and bilateral cases. PSM balanced baseline characteristics using 10 variables: age, gender, lenticular thickness, residual stromal thickness, spherical power, cylinder, spherical equivalent, flat keratometry, steep keratometry, and mean keratometry. To address the violation of independence in the between-group comparison of pre- and postoperative ∆BM due to the inclusion of bilateral eyes from some participants, generalized estimating equations (GEE) with an exchangeable correlation structure were used to account for within-person correlation in clustered data from bilateral eyes. BOSS (Intelon Optics, Woburn, MA, USA) measured BM via Brillouin frequency shifts (gigapascals, GPa) at 10 predefined corneal points (central, superior, inferior, nasal, temporal; coordinates −2.4 mm to +2.4 mm from apex) preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Post-PSM, BM values and changes (ΔBM) were compared, including point-specific, mean, minimum, and maximum analyses. ΔBM patterns (≥ 0 for preservation/increase, p < 0.05 for inter-group significance) were categorized for regional insights. Results Pre-PSM differences in age, lenticular thickness, residual stromal thickness, and refractive parameters (e.g., spherical equivalent) necessitated matching; post-PSM, all were balanced (p > 0.05). Preoperative BM values were comparable. Post-SMILE, stiffness decreased (mean ΔBM −0.021 GPa at 1 month, −0.009 GPa at 3 months), with partial recovery but 80% points below baseline; BM4/BM9 spontaneously recovered (ΔBM ≥ 0 at 3 months). SMILE CXL preserved/enhanced stiffness across all points (mean ΔBM +0.015 GPa at 1 month, +0.011 GPa at 3 months), with significant differences at minimum ΔBM (p < 0.05 at 1 month) and points BM1, BM4, BM5 (p < 0.05 at 1 month), BM1 (p < 0.05 at 3 months). Four patterns emerged: (1) Resistant but potentially vulnerable (BM7/BM10: near-zero initial loss but worsening, inferior progressive loss); (2) Spontaneously and fully recovered (BM4/BM9: initial loss but recovery ≥ 0 at 3 months without CXL, superior resilience); (3) Moderately effective for CXL (BM2/BM3/BM6/BM8: loss with non-significant preservation, peripheral benefits); (4) Highly effective for CXL (BM1/BM5: pronounced loss but significant preservation [p < 0.05], nasal-temporal central protection). Conclusions BOSS’s high-resolution spatiotemporal analysis reveals that CXL counters SMILE-induced stiffness loss, achieving universal preservation or enhancement across corneal zones (ΔBM ≥ 0 at all points and timepoints) and significant protection in vulnerable nasal-temporal central areas (p < 0.05). These patterns–inherent superior resilience, inferior susceptibility, zone-specific CXL efficacy–suggest BOSS’s potential utility in mapping localized biomechanical changes, offering insights for monitoring postoperative stiffness in refractive procedures.
Motor Vehicle Collision Due to Left Hemineglect Associated with a Stroke
Sequence division and coal facies research methods of the deep No. 8 coal seam in the Daning-Jixian Block, eastern margin of Ordos basin
Abstract With the large-scale commercial development of deep coalbed methane in the Ordos Basin, the refined research on deep coal seams (with a burial depth > 2000 m) has begun to attract much attention. In this study, the No. 8 coal seam of the Taiyuan Formation in the Daning-Jixian Block on the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin was taken as the research object. By combining sequence stratigraphy theory and coal facies research methods, and using the Support Vector Regression (SVR) model optimized by the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) as well as the clustering algorithm, SSA-SVR models based on logging parameters for calculating the vitrinite—inertinite ratio (V/I ratio) and the Texture Preservation Index (TPI) value, along with a coal facies division scheme suitable for the Daning-Jixian Block, was established. The results demonstrate that the unbiased Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of the V/I-SSA-SVR model is 18.73%, the unbiased Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is 1.36, and the unbiased Coefficient of Determination (R²) is 88.69%. For the TPI - SSA - SVR model, the unbiased MAPE is 17.90%, the unbiased RMSE is 1.12, and the unbiased R² is 86.39%.Through clustering analysis of nearly 5000 sets of V/I ratios and TPI values calculated by SSA-SVR models in the study area, The TPI values and V/I ratios were each divided into four categories. By combining these two parameters, a classification scheme for coal facies research in the Daning-Jixian Block was finally developed. Based on the modeling results, this study proposed a sequence stratigraphy division method for the deep No. 8 coal seam in the Daning-Jixian Block. By using the V/I-SSA-SVR model, the vertical V/I ratios of the No. 8 coal seam in individual wells was calculated. Combined with lithological changes, the water depth transition interfaces were identified. Based on this method, the Daning-Jixian Block can be divided into 5 fifth-order sequences. Furthermore, by combining the TPI-SSA-SVR model and the established coal facies classification scheme, this study finally reconstructed the coal-forming environments of each fifth-order sequence during the formation of the No. 8 coal seam in the Daning-Jixian Block. For the first time, this study conducted refined research on China’s first commercial breakthrough block for deep coalbed methane, filling the gap in the research on deep coal sequences and coal facies. It has established coal facies parameter boundary values and a division scheme exclusive to the deep No. 8 coal seam in the Daning-Jixian Block, innovatively proposed the “V/I-SSA-SVR sequence division method”, and provided guidance and reference for subsequent exploration and development of deep coalbed methane.
30-day survival and injury severity in traffic accidents in Iran: A mixed-method study protocol
Background Today, one of the greatest global challenges, particularly in developing countries, is traffic accidents and their associated consequences. The severity of injuries from these accidents often leads to serious outcomes for victims, including long-term disabilities and high mortality rates. Deaths from traffic accidents may occur at the scene, during transportation, or in hospitals. In light of the existing challenges in coordination between law enforcement and healthcare systems regarding traffic accident fatalities in our country, this study aims to: 1. Determining the 30-day survival rate and its relationship with injury severity among traffic accident victims in Khorramabad in 2025. 2. Identifying key challenges and proposing effective solutions for improving traffic accident management in Khorramabad. Methodology This mixed-methods study will be conducted in three phases: 1. Phase 1 (Quantitative): A prospective cohort study will investigate the relationship between injury severity (as measured by scales such as ISS)and 30-day survival rates. 2. Phase 2 (Qualitative): Purposive sampling will be used to conduct semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (victims, families, EMTs, healthcare providers, etc.). Qualitative data will be analyzed via inductive content analysis (Hsieh & Shannon approach) to identify challenges and solutions in traffic accident management. 3. Phase 3 (Integration): Findings from Phases 1 and 2 will be finalized and presented to policymakers, managers, and experts. The Delphi method will be used to prioritize challenges/solutions and finalize evidence-based recommendations.Results will be disseminated through: Peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals. Policy briefs tailored for officials to improve traffic accident management.
Measles
Grant cuts, arrests, lay-offs: Trump made 2025 a tumultuous year for science
Mechanisms of pile-soil stress and deformation in excavations under the coupled effects of excavation disturbance and extreme rainfall infiltration
Correction: Synthesis of novel phenoxyacetohydrazide compounds and evaluation therapeutic potential exhibit as anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic
Aficamten Monotherapy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Giving a voice to animals: Laos’s national herpetologist on her day-to-day
Soliton dynamics and stability of equilibrium points of the Manakov equation
Expression of Concern: An international consensus for mitigation of the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on laparoscopic training
Case 36-2025: A 55-Year-Old Woman with Dyspnea, Fatigue, and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Evaluation of a nanosecond dissipative soliton resonance fiber laser for multiphoton microscopy
Abstract Multiphoton microscopy often relies on femtosecond lasers due to their high peak powers and short pulse durations. However, these systems (e.g., Ti:Sapphire) are expensive, complex, and require dispersion compensation to maintain pulse parameters in the sample plane. Nanosecond sources, such as dissipative soliton resonance (DSR) lasers, offer a compact, low-cost, fully fiber-based alternative that eliminates the need for dispersion management due to their longer pulse durations. Here, we demonstrate the use of a DSR laser for multiphoton imaging. The system delivers 1064 nm nanosecond pulses at a 2 MHz repetition rate. We show that high-quality images can be obtained using a non-complex laser source by optimizing the peak and average power of the DSR laser pulses. Comparative experiments with a femtosecond laser demonstrate that similar fluorescence levels can be achieved from the same sample, while also highlighting the strong impact of dispersion on femtosecond pulses compared to the robustness of nanosecond pulses. We present the first demonstration of the application of a DSR laser in multiphoton microscopy, showing that it is a viable alternative for more complex sources, expanding access to the technique in less demanding environments.
Retraction: The yield of procalcitonin and Interleukin-6 in predicting intraamniotic infection in the presence of intrapartum fever: A pilot study
From Crisis to Action — Policy Pathways to Reverse the Rise in Congenital Syphilis
How 2025 showcased the power and resilience of science
Multi modal hierarchical reinforcement learning framework for dynamic sports sponsorship optimization
Abstract This paper presents a novel approach to optimizing sports sponsorship strategies by integrating reinforcement learning (RL) with a multi-modal hierarchical framework, enhancing real-time decision-making using diverse data sources such as computer vision, natural language processing, and graph neural networks (GNNs). The system utilizes RL to dynamically optimize sponsorship strategies across strategic, tactical, and operational levels. Using the Meta-Soft Actor-Critic (Meta-SAC) algorithm, it adapts to real-time data streams, including social media sentiment, event footage, and stakeholder interactions. Our system demonstrates a 25–35% improvement in ROI, a 20–30% increase in brand exposure, and a 15–25% rise in audience engagement compared to conventional strategies. The proposed RL-driven, multi-modal framework significantly outperforms traditional methods, providing scalable, adaptive solutions for optimizing sports sponsorship effectiveness.
Co-isolation of genetically distinct Burkholderia pseudomallei strains from a single patient in North Queensland
While investigating colony morphology variation within clinical isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei ( Bp) isolated from a single clinical infection, we identified two distinct strains (based on their multi-locus sequence type) from Bp TSV292. Reports of simultaneous co-infection are un-common, with only two studies in Thailand documenting such cases: (1) 2 out of 133 cases, and (2) 13 out of 59 patients infected with two to three polyclonal Bp strains exhibiting different genotypes. Here, we present the first comprehensive multi-omics characterization of co-infecting Bp strains isolated from a single infection at a hospital in Townsville, Australia, in 2018. This finding impacts the design of future diagnosis and treatment of Bp .