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Investigating risk factors of hemorrhagic fever of renal syndrome (HFRS) in Qingdao, Shandong province, China

Background Qingdao, a historically high-risk area for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in China, is undergoing agricultural mechanization and urbanization. However, the specific risk factors for HFRS in this context remain unclear. This study sought to determine the risk factors for HFRS in Qingdao. Methods Community-based, 1:2 case-control study. Each case was matched with two healthy neighborhood controls based on biological sex, age, and the same neighborhood or village. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were performed. Furthermore, stratified analyses were performed to explore risk factor heterogeneity between the peak season for Hantaan virus (HTNV) type HFRS (October-January) and other months. Results 93 cases (73.2%, 93/127) reported from January 2022 to September 2023 and 186 controls completed this questionnaire. Farmers accounted for the highest proportion (68.8%, 64/93). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, there were three significant risk factors for HFRS: piles of firewood and/or grain in residential yards (odds ratio [ OR ]=3.75, 95% CI : 2.14–6.55), mite and/or flea bites ( OR =1.83, 95% CI : 1.06–3.18) and contacting with rats and/or their excreta ( OR =1.73, 95% CI : 1.09–2.74); three variables represented significant protective factors for HFRS: frequency of sun exposure for quilts and bedding ( OR =0.41, 95% CI : 0.19–0.90), rodent control measures at home ( OR =0.50, 95% CI : 0.30–0.81) and knowing the main sources of HFRS transmission ( OR =0.58, 95% CI : 0.36–0.90). Stratified analysis revealed that the influence of these factors varied by season, with rodent contact and control measures being particularly salient during the HTNV peak season. Conclusion This study provides the first comprehensive evidence of risk and protective factors for HFRS in Qingdao, highlighting the role of rodent control, promoting comprehensive health education, environmental management, and personal protection. However, the results should be interpreted considering the study’s limitations, including a 73.2% response rate and the potential for recall bias.

A Theory‐Driven Moderation Strategy for Electrolyte Design Unlocks Stable Aqueous Zinc Deposition

Abstract How theoretically screened solvation characteristics of additives affect zinc deposition behavior has emerged as a critical question of both scientific and practical relevance. Here, using a series of structurally analogous alcohol‐based molecules as a model system and guided by theoretical calculations, we establish a non‐extremum empirical model for additive screening to balance the relationship between additive theoretically properties and the solvation/interface stability in aqueous Zn‐ion battery electrolytes. Solvation capability, adsorption strength, and interfacial electrostatic properties were calculated to directly probe the critical role of a balanced set of molecular parameters in modulating Zn 2+ coordination structure and interface stability. As a result, 1,6‐hexanediol, exhibited a set of balanced and non‐extremum molecular parameters, significantly enhanced the reversibility of zinc deposition/stripping, delivered the best electrochemical performance that extending the cycling lifespan to 2 600 h, which is consistent with the Sabatier principle. This study provides a new theoretical perspective for the rational screen of electrolyte additives and highlights the importance of expanding the selection criteria for optimizing interfacial stability.

Factors influencing physical activity for hypertension prevention among older adults in a peri-urban community in Ho, Ghana

Background Regular physical activity is proven to be an effective risk-reduction strategy against hypertension among older adults. This study assessed the factors influencing regular physical activity among older adults in a peri-urban community. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 older adults aged 60 years and above, with or without hypertension, in the Ho Municipality. A convenience sampling method was employed for older adults to respond to a self-developed pretested questionnaire. Data was cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and summarized using descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests of association. Variables found to be statistically significant ( p-value  = 0.05) from the univariate analysis were modeled into a regression equation and reported as odds ratios. Findings The overall knowledge levels of the participants on regular physical activity showed a majority (57.6%) had low knowledge of regular physical activity, a significant association between the level of education (χ² = 8.518, p-value  = 0.004), and the number of people in the household (χ² = 8.154, p-value  = 0.043) with the level of knowledge. The results also showed that the majority (56.2%) of the participants self-reported low levels of regular physical activity. Participants between 60 to 64 years old had 4.740 times the odds of participating in physical activities than those aged above 80 years (AOR = 4.740, 95%CI:1.472–15.257 p-value  = 0.009). The respondent’s level of education significantly predicted the likelihood of engaging in physical activity (AOR = 1.814, 95%CI:1.024–3.212, p-value  = 0.041). Conclusion The reported low knowledge of physical activity among older adults highlights the importance of health education through leveraging community health workers and volunteers. Understanding specific barriers older adults face in engaging in physical activity, such as health concerns, lack of access to appropriate facilities, and cultural beliefs, may influence the strategic allocation of resources.

Harnessing Halogen Bonds in Porous Molecular Crystals for Efficient SF ₆ /N ₂ Separation

Abstract Halogen bonding offers a directional and tunable noncovalent interaction that remains underexplored in the design of porous molecular materials. Here, we report FPMC‐1‐β , a porous molecular crystal that uniquely integrates permanent porosity, high thermal stability, solution processability, and halogen bonding capability. Upon desolvation, FPMC‐1‐α undergoes a structural transformation into the denser FPMC‐1‐β phase, featuring distorted 1D channels lined with exposed σ‐holes on bromine atoms. This architecture enables selective halogen bond‐mediated interactions with fluorinated gases. FPMC‐1‐β exhibits a sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 )/N 2 selectivity of 178.6 at 298 K and 1 bar—setting a new record among all reported porous molecular crystals and soluble porous materials. Combined experimental and computational studies reveal that the high selectivity arises from strong F⋯Br halogen bonding with SF 6 , in contrast to the weak, nonspecific interactions observed for N 2 .

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex lineages and drug resistance patterns among tuberculosis patients with or without diabetes mellitus in southern Ghana

Drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are intersecting epidemics that complicate management of both diseases and worsen patient outcomes. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 758 GeneXpert-confirmed pulmonary TB patients, of whom 75 had DM. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and anthropometric data were collected at baseline. Sputum samples were cultured for mycobacterial isolation, and the obtained isolates were characterized for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) lineage and drug-susceptibility testing using spoligotyping and microplate alamar blue assay. The TB-diabetes (TB-DM) comorbid cohort was older [TB-DM: 53/75 (70.7%) vs. 241/683 (35.3%) aged 41–60 years) (p < 0.001), included a higher proportion of females [TB-DM: 31/75 (41.3%) vs. TB-only: 150/683 (22.0%), p < 0.001], and had greater mean BMI (TB-DM: 23.36 ± 0.99 vs. TB-only: 19.97 ± 0.45 kg/m², p = 0.003). Analysis of 501 (TB-only: 448, TB-DM: 53) MTBC isolates revealed that TB-DM patients are more likely to get TB caused by L6 [TB-DM: 10/53 (18.9%) vs. TB-only: 37/448 (8.3%), p = 0.022] compared to the general TB population Lineage 4 [TB-DM: 36/53 (67.9%) vs. TB-only: 362/448 (80.8%), p = 0.046], Mycobacterial strains from TB-DM exhibited higher isoniazid mono-resistance [TB-DM: 15/50 (30.0%) vs. 42/288 (14.6%), p = 0.012] and harbored more multidrug-resistant TB [TB-DM: 5/50 (10.0%) vs. TB-only: 16/288 (5.6%), p = 0.215] although this did not reach statistical significance. These findings indicate that DM not only predisposes individuals to TB but may also shift the spectrum of infecting lineages and promotes the emergence of DR strains. Integrated TB-DM screening, lineage-aware diagnostics, and tailored treatment protocols are urgently needed in high-burden settings to address this dual threat.

Expression of Concern: Governance and competitiveness evaluation of China’s financial asset management corporations

Smart Adaptive Artificial Channels Triggered by Hypoxia for Highly Selective Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

Abstract In nature, hypoxia‐sensitive ion channels regulate the ion transport in response to oxygen levels, which are critical for cellular adaptation to low‐oxygen environments. However, this intriguing stimuli‐responsive property has yet to be replicated in artificial ion channels designed to mimic the essential functions of their natural counterparts. Herein, we introduce a novel class of adaptive artificial channels activatable under hypoxic conditions in cancer cells. Reductase‐mediated reduction of nitro and/or azo groups triggers the rapid release of channel‐forming units, which dimerize into chloride channels or further assemble into nanopores of varying cavity sizes at high concentrations in the presence of cholesterol. Upon activation, the most sensitive channel, C1 , demonstrates an 18.1‐fold enhancement in cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with an IC 50 of 2.9 µM. Remarkably, C1 exhibits exceptional selectivity for liver cancer cells over normal liver cells, with a selectivity index of 17.9, surpassing that of doxorubicin by 44.8 folds while maintaining comparable anticancer efficacy.

Correction: Additional outreach effort of providing an opportunity to obtain a kit for fecal immunochemical test during the general health check-up to improve colorectal cancer screening rate in Japan: A longitudinal study

The willingness and perceptions of Surinamese individuals in the Netherlands on living tissue donation: A qualitative and exploratory study

Background The Surinamese population in the Netherlands is an ethnically diverse group with a specific need for transfusion or transplantation due to a higher prevalence of diseases like beta-thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. This study explored the willingness of Surinamese individuals in the Netherlands to donate blood, stem cell, and live organ donation, and preferred information dissemination methods. Methods A sequential, qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using an online questionnaire and a focus group to examine the willingness to donate living tissue. Participants were Surinamese individuals aged 18–55 residing in the Netherlands. The questionnaires were inductively thematically analysed. The results led to in-depth questioning and discussion among the focus group, which consisted of four men and four women. The session was recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Results We identified ten themes across tissue types: 1) awareness of needs; 2) information and knowledge; 3) donation process; 4) cues to action; 5) attitude; 6) religion; 7) health challenges; 8) fear; 9) social cohesion and solidarity; 10) relationship with recipient. Willingness to donate blood was high, but they faced barriers, including registration challenges and limited access. Stem cell donation was seen as invasive. Living organ donation was considered only for emotionally close recipients. Participants were unaware of shortages and the importance of ethnic matching. They called for inclusive campaigns reflecting broader ethnic diversity, not just Suriname. Future strategies should simplify access to information, registration, and donation processes. Conclusion Most participants were unfamiliar with living donations, and perceived barriers were key reasons for not donating. Emotional bonds and awareness of ethnic matching and shortages motivated willingness. Participants stressed the need for tailored, ethnic-specific campaigns to address barriers and misconceptions, emphasise ethnic matching, and highlight reliance on their communities for successful living donation.

Design and analysis of optically transparent high gain grid array antenna for vehicular communications

Correction: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Fremantle Knee Awareness Questionnaire in people with knee osteoarthritis

Postprandial 2-h glucose tolerance is associated with diabetes diagnosis, diabetes mortality, and cardiovascular mortality

Abstract Postprandial plasma glucose between 4 and 7.9 h is associated with the diagnosis of diabetes, diabetes mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. However, it is unknown whether 2-hour plasma glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test conducted in this postprandial period (4–7.9 h), termed as 2-h PG OGTT@4–7.9 h , can accurately classify diabetes diagnosis and predict mortality risks. This study aimed to address these questions using 2,347 adult participants. Diabetes was defined as HbA 1c  ≥ 6.5%, and the ability of 2-h PG OGTT@4–7.9 h to classify diabetes was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to estimate mortality hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results showed that 2-h PG OGTT@4–7.9 h could classify diabetes with 92% accuracy. Participants were followed up for a mean of 21.4 years. A 1-square-root higher 2-h PG OGTT@4–7.9 h was associated with an increased risk of mortality from all causes (adjusted HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04–1.08), diabetes (adjusted HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.33–1.61), and cardiovascular disease (adjusted HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.11). In conclusion, 2-h PG OGTT@4–7.9 h , a non-fasting test, may be useful for diabetes classification and prediction of mortality risk from diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Ni‐Bridged Biphasic Molybdenum Carbide Interfaces: A Synergistic Catalyst for High‐Performance Lithium–Selenium Batteries

Abstract Transition metal catalysts are key to developing high‐performance lithium‐selenium (Li‐Se) batteries. Herein, we report a rationally designed Ni‐bridged biphasic molybdenum carbide (Mo 2 C) with a multi‐interface structure that exposes abundant active sites and significantly enhances the electrochemically reversibility of Li–Se batteries under high current operation. The synergistic integration of catalytic and conductive functions facilitates the rapid deposition and conversion of Se/Li 2 Se x , effectively preventing electrode passivation caused by inactive accumulation during high‐rate and long‐term cycling. Furthermore, Ni serves dual roles as a structural bridge to link Mo 2 C lattice and an electronic modulator to optimize the d‐orbital configuration of Mo, thereby maximizing the catalytic efficiency of functionalized Mo 2 C. The synergistic effects of adsorption, desorption, and catalysis enable the rationally designed metal carbide/Se electrode to promote not only the rapid conversion of long‐chain Li 2 Se n species but also the solid–solid transformation of Li 2 Se 2 into Li 2 Se. As a result, the electrode achieves full‐process catalytic conversion in Li–Se batteries, delivering excellent cycling stability and high‐rate performance. Even under high Se loading (5.6 mg cm −2 ), the electrode delivers an initial capacity of 400 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C. These results highlight the effectiveness of the synergistic adsorption/desorption/catalysis mechanism in enabling a fast solid–solid conversion pathway for Li–Se batteries.

Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) modeling for adsorption of organic compounds by activated carbon based on Freundlich adsorption isotherm

The Freundlich isotherm parameters K and 1/n are typically regarded as empirical constants. However, the underlying theoretical basis for the widespread applicability of the Freundlich isotherm in describing adsorption processes for diverse organic compounds remains unclear. In this study, we successfully elucidated the reason by developing two optimal quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models: one correlating K with quantum chemical parameters and another linking 1/n to these parameters. The modeling results demonstrated that both K and 1/n exhibit strong correlations with specific quantum chemical descriptors, indicating that the empirical Freundlich isotherm’s applicability is fundamentally linked to the molecular structural characteristics of organic compounds. Key quantum parameters influencing K were identified as ∑q(O + N), q(CH+) max , ELUMO, Fukui(-) max , and Wiberg(C-C) min , suggesting that charge distribution, carbon bond energy, and active site energy are the primary factors governing adsorption efficiency on activated carbon. The QSAR model for 1/n yielded similarly novel and consistent insights, showing that the value of 1/n also correlated with molecular structural characteristics. Both models were rigorously validated and confirmed to be stable, robust, and accurate through standard statistical evaluations. These QSAR models can now be employed to identify whether an organic compound would conform to the Freundlich Isotherm and predict the adsorption efficiency of this compound by activated carbon based on their quantum chemical parameters. As to the practical implications, this study provides a convenient reference method for assessing the applicability of activated carbon adsorption in treating emerging organic pollutants in drinking water plants and a theoretical foundation for developing intelligent management systems in water treatment facilities.

Photogrammetry-based smartphone applications for spinal posture assessment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Breaking Solubility Limitation via Molecule Design to Build Localized Ultrahigh‐Concentration Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract The increase in salt concentration of electrolytes has been known as a simple but effective approach to restrain solvent activity and regulate solvation structure, thus enabling the long‐term interfacial stability of batteries. Nevertheless, the ion electrostatic intercalations and finite coordination states have frustrated the efforts to further elevate the salt solubility. Here, we break the upper limit of lithium‐salt dissolution through a molecule engineering strategy, in which the solvent with three ether‐oxygen groups provides multi‐coordination sites and the intrinsically inert diluents with low steric hindrance are activated to shield electrostatic repulsion. As a result, a series of localized ultrahigh‐concentration electrolytes (LUCEs) are prepared with a molar ratio of Li + to the solvent as high as 1.8. The LUCEs are endowed with high Li + transference number of 0.682, high Coulombic efficiency for lithium plating/stripping up to 99.97%, and high oxidation stability over 6.5 V. Meanwhile, the scarce free solvent promotes the formation of a robust inorganic‐rich interphase on both the lithium anode and a high‐voltage cathode, which enables the operation of Li||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 batteries over 180 cycles (>80% capacity retention) under a lean lithium source (20 µm) and high‐loading cathode (3.885 mAh cm −2 ). Our work elucidates the underlying mechanism of salt dissolution chemistry and offers an affordable method for stabilizing energy‐dense electrochemical storage devices.

Biopsychosocial factors associated with symptom severity in the overlap of non-erosive reflux disease and epigastric pain syndrome: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background The overlap between non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS, a subtype of functional dyspepsia) is common, yet its associated factors remain poorly defined. We aimed to identify factors associated with symptom severity in NERD-EPS overlap, focusing on psychosocial and somatic factors. Methods In this multicenter cross-sectional study, 800 patients meeting Rome IV criteria for NERD-EPS overlap were enrolled. Standardized questionnaires assessed gastrointestinal symptoms (GSRS), somatic symptoms (PHQ-15), anxiety/depression (PHQ-4), and sleep quality (SRSS). Multivariable regression models identified factors independently associated with GSRS scores, adjusted for demographics and clinical covariates. Interaction terms were tested to assess whether the association between one factor and GSRS scores varied across different levels of another factor. Results Of the 800 patients, 67% were female, and the mean age was (44.50 ± 14.43) years. 67% had mild or more sleep problems, and 47% had anxiety or depression. Somatic symptoms (PHQ-15) showed the strongest association with GSRS scores (β = 0.617, P  < 0.001), followed by poor sleep quality (SRSS; β = 0.115, P  < 0.001) and anxiety/depression (PHQ-4; β = 0.069, P  = 0.026). Urban residence (β = 0.071) and mixed labor type (β = −0.066) were also independently associated with symptom burden. Conclusion Somatic symptoms, psychological distress, and sleep disturbances were the factors most strongly associated with symptom severity in NERD-EPS overlap, with additional contributions from younger age, male sex, and urban residence. Our findings advocate for integrated biopsychosocial interventions to alleviate symptom burden in this population.

Clinical and neuroimaging correlates of disease related gait patterns in patients with multiple system atrophy cerebellar type

Estrogen profiling in blood and brain: Effects of season and an aggressive interaction in a songbird

Neuroestrogens are synthesized in the brain and regulate social behavior and cognition. In the song sparrow ( Melospiza melodia ), 17β-estradiol (17β-E 2 ) promotes aggression, even during the non-breeding season, when circulating 17β-E 2 levels are non-detectable. Measuring estrogens is challenging due to their low concentrations and the limited sensitivity of many existing assays. Moreover, estrogens other than 17β-E 2 are often overlooked. Here, we developed a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for the simultaneous measurement of eleven estrogens using derivatization with 1,2-dimethylimidazole-5-sulfonyl-chloride (DMIS) to enhance sensitivity. We included four 13 C-labeled internal standards, which corrected for matrix effects when measuring catecholestrogens and methoxyestrogens. This method is highly specific, sensitive, accurate, and precise, and improves upon our prior protocol, which could measure four estrogens with a single deuterated internal standard. Then, we applied the new method to samples from free-living adult male song sparrows to assess the effects of season and an aggressive encounter on blood and brain estrogens. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a 10-min simulated territorial intrusion (STI; song playback and live decoy) or a control condition (silent speaker and empty cage) during the breeding or non-breeding season, followed by rapid capture and immediate collection of blood and brain tissue. Only estrone and 17β-E 2 were present in blood and brain, while the other nine estrogens in the panel were below detection limits. As expected, there was large regional variation in neuroestrogen levels and very low estrogen levels in blood. There was also large seasonal variation, and estrogen levels were lower in the non-breeding season. Despite robust aggression to the STI, estrogen levels did not differ between STI and control subjects in either season. In sum, our novel method enables ultrasensitive measurement of eleven estrogens and will be useful for studies of songbirds and other animals.

Antifibrotic therapy in familial idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a comparative cohort study