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Associations of serum pepsinogen and Gastrin-17 with Helicobacter pylori infection, sex, and age, in an asymptomatic coastal population: A cross-sectional study in Rizhao, China

Background Pepsinogen (PG) and gastrin-17 (G-17) are widely used in the screening of gastric diseases. Our cross-sectional clinical study investigates the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, sex, and age on serum levels of PG and G-17 in asymptomatic subjects in Rizhao, China. Methods A total of 12,746 asymptomatic subjects were enrolled in the study between August 2023 and January 2024. Serum levels of pepsinogen I (PGI), pepsinogen II (PGII), and G-17 were measured using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method, and the PGI/PGII ratio (PGR) was calculated. HP infection was detected using the Colloidal Gold Method, and the relationship between age, sex, HP infection, and serum PG and G-17 levels was analyzed. Results HP prevalence was 19.33% in this study. The serum PGI, PGII, and G-17 levels were significantly higher in the HP-positive group compared to the HP-negative group (P < 0.001), whereas the PGR was notably lower in the HP-positive group (P < 0.001). Spearman correlation tests analysis indicated a positive correlation between HP infection and PGI, PGII, and G-17 (r = 0.144, P < 0.001; r = 0.418, P < 0.001; r = 0.268, P < 0.001), and a negative correlation with PGR (r = −0.438, P < 0.001). ROC curve shows that the AUC of the combination of PGI, PGII, PGR, and G-17 in diagnosing HP positive were 0.605 (95% CI: 0.592–0.618), 0.805 (95% CI: 0.795–0.816), 0.820 (95% CI: 0.811–0.830), and 0.709 (95% CI: 0.698–0.720), respectively. The detection rates of abnormal PG and G-17 levels were significantly higher in the HP-positive group than in the HP-negative group (P < 0.01). Males exhibited significantly higher levels of both PGI and PGII than females (P < 0.001). The G-17 levels were higher in males than females in the 50–59 age group (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that serum levels of both PGI and PGII exhibited an increase with age. Serum PGI, PGII, and G-17 levels were positively correlated with age, although the relationship was weak (r = 0.228, P < 0.001; r = 0.246, P < 0.001; r = 0.042, P < 0.001). Following adjustment for sex and Helicobacter pylori infection covariates using a restricted cubic spline (RCS), the analysis revealed a significant overall association between PGI, PGII, PGR, and G-17 serum levels and age (P for overall < 0.001, P for overall < 0.001, P for overall = 0.003, and P for overall < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, a nonlinear relationship was found between PGI, PGR, and G-17 levels and age (nonlinear P = 0.004, nonlinear P = 0.001, and nonlinear P = 0.008, respectively), whereas PGII exhibited a linear correlation (nonlinear P = 0.841). Conclusion Serum levels of PG and G-17 are associated with HP infection, sex, and age. These findings provide region-specific insights into the relationships between these biomarkers and HP infection, highlighting the importance of considering HP infection status, sex, and age in future research.

TGF-beta coordinates changes in Keratin gene expression during complex tissue regeneration

Abstract Zebrafish larval tail regeneration can be broadly broken down into three phases: wound repair, initiation of regeneration and redevelopment of the tail. We and others have shown that activation of the Hedgehog and TGF-beta signalling pathways is required to trigger tail regeneration. In this study we initially focus on these two pathways to better understand their role regeneration. We have found that Hedgehog signalling acts upstream of the TGF-beta pathway by activating transcription of the TGF-beta ligand tgfb1a . We have identified differentially expressed genes that are regulated after tail excision as well as those that are dependent upon TGF-beta signalling. From this analysis we found that Keratin genes fall into two categories of co-expression: one set that is upregulated by TGF-beta signalling after injury ( krt up ) and a second set that is downregulated ( krt down ). We have mapped the expression of a representative member of krt up (krt97 ) and krt down ( krt5 ) sets during development and regeneration and show that krt97 is found in epithelia that is moving and krt5 is expressed in epithelia that is stationary. To see whether these two sets show co-expression more broadly, we analysed single cell RNA sequencing data and found that krt s also fall into the same categories during zebrafish development. Based upon our results we propose that the krt up set may allow for collective epithelial migration while the krt down set may inhibit mobility. These results reveal one mechanism by which TGF-beta may initiate regeneration and could help to explain how changes in cytoskeletal composition influence cell movement during development and repair.

Effect of music therapy on sleep quality in elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Sleep disturbances are common among older adults, affecting up to 50% of this population and significantly impacting quality of life and health outcomes. Music therapy has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep quality in this population, but evidence regarding its effectiveness remains inconsistent across individual studies. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize available evidence on the effectiveness of music therapy interventions for improving sleep quality in elderly adults.. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. Major databases were searched for studies evaluating music interventions for sleep quality in adults aged 50 + years. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs) were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for RCTs and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for non-RCTs. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using both common effect and random effects models. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results The initial search retrieved 473 articles from electronic databases. After removing duplicates and screening, 10 studies (6 RCTs, 4 non-RCTs) published between 2010 and 2023 with 602 participants met inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The random effects model showed significant improvement in sleep quality with music therapy (SMD: −0.79; 95% CI, −1.25 to −0.33; P < .001). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 79%; Q = 42.54; P < .001). Subgroup analysis revealed significant benefits in RCTs (SMD: −0.59; 95% CI, −1.11 to −0.07) but not in non-RCTs (SMD: −1.08; 95% CI, −2.36 to 0.19). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings, and no publication bias was detected. GRADE assessment indicated very low certainty of evidence for both RCTs and non-RCTs due to risk of bias concerns and substantial heterogeneity. Conclusions Music therapy demonstrates significant improvement in sleep quality among older adults; however, the very low certainty of evidence based on GRADE assessment suggests caution in clinical recommendations. Future research should address methodological limitations, particularly regarding bias in outcome measurement and intervention implementation, to provide more definitive evidence for clinical practice guidelines.

Correction: Analyzing the effect of perceived discrimination on aggressive behavior in college students with disability using the chain mediation model

The 3N Model and collective support for extreme measures to combat COVID-19

Understanding resistance to COVID-19 measures is crucial, since it undermines public health efforts during crises. Building on prior research showing the crucial role of individual psychological factors in shaping responses to such efforts, we focus on psychological factors involved. Specifically, we examine such psychological factors that shape support for COVID-19 measures by conceptualizing them as extreme measures—restrictions that significantly alter daily life—thus enabling the application of the 3N model of extreme behavior. Drawing on data from the multinational dataset (N = 62,983) across 114 countries, we tested the role of two types of needs/losses: collective loss and personal loss. The results reveal a differential pattern: collective loss is associated with lower support for extreme measures, while personal loss is associated with higher support. Both effects are mediated by perceived social network norms, though the strength of mediation differs. These findings extend the 3N model by highlighting how distinct types of loss shape responses to extreme measures, and they offer implications for designing public policies that address both individual and collective concerns.

Nanofluidic logic based on chiral skyrmion flows

Particle-like chiral magnetic skyrmions can flow in nanotracks and behave like chiral fluids. Using interacting flows to perform logical operations is an important topic in microfluidics and nanofluidics. Here, we report a basic nanofluidic logic computing system based on chiral magnetic skyrmions flowing in parallel pipelines connected by an H-shaped junction. The flow behaviors could be manipulated by adjusting the spin polarization angle, which controls the intrinsic skyrmion Hall angle. We demonstrate that within certain range of the spin polarization angle, fully developed skyrmion flows could lead to fluidic logical operations, which significantly reduce the complexity of skyrmion logic as there is no need for deterministic creation, precise control, and detection of a single isolated skyrmion. Our results suggest that the chiral flow behaviors of magnetic quasiparticles may offer possibilities for spintronic and nanofluidic functions.

Correction: Bending strength and hardness comparison of titanium and cobalt–chromium alloys for dentures made by selective laser melting

The efficacy and safety of lignocaine-embedded dissolvable microneedle versus EMLA for topical analgesia in adults undergoing venepuncture: A single-centre, parallel-group, double-blind randomised clinical trial protocol in a tertiary care setting

Venepuncture-associated pain is a major source of distress commonly experienced by adult patients in day-to-day clinical practice. Topical lignocaine application before venepuncture may address this issue, but this delivery approach may be suboptimal. Hence, we aim to investigate the safety and efficacy of a novel lignocaine-embedded transdermal microneedle array patch (LEMAP) in facilitating transcutaneous lignocaine delivery to reduce procedural-related pain in adults undergoing venepuncture in a tertiary-care outpatient clinic setting. This is an investigator-initiated, single-centre, active-controlled, double-blind, randomised superiority trial divided into two distinct stages. Twenty (single-group LEMAP recipients) and 144 adult patients (72 per group; randomised to either LEMAP (intervention) or 5% EMLA patch (control) applied on antecubital fossa, near the venepuncture site, for 30 minutes) aged 18 years and above requiring routine venepuncture will be recruited from the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, for stage I and II of this trial, respectively. For the stage I trial, the safety endpoints are lignocaine’s pharmacokinetic parameters and clinical adverse events. In the stage II trial, the primary endpoints are the venepuncture-associated pain experience, which will be evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the skin conductance algesimeter index (SCAI) scores at one-minute post-venepuncture. Non-linear mixed-effect model and multiple linear regression will be used to analyse the stage I and II trial outcomes, respectively. The trial protocol has been registered with the clinicaltrial.gov registry (ID: NCT05694858) and adheres to the SPIRIT 2025 reporting guideline. All trial participants will provide written informed consent, which the trial investigators will obtain before trial enrollment and randomisation. The trial findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences and shared with participants via the web-based trial notification system..

An all-sky light pollution model for global-scale applications that embraces a full range of cloud distributions

Light pollution has been traditionally modeled using clear or completely overcast conditions. Usually, atmospheric conditions are more complex and involve variable cloudiness. To predict light pollution in a realistic atmosphere, we developed a model for computing the artificial night sky brightness over the sky hemisphere, considering the presence of different types of clouds and the cloud fraction. The model is applied to the city of Žilina, Slovakia, which has moderate levels of light pollution and a population of approximately 80,000. We performed simulations for various aerosol optical depths, distances from the city, cloud types, and cloud coverages (from clear to completely overcast). Results show that above the simulated city, the clouds can amplify the zenith artificial radiance by more than 15 times and the irradiance incident at ground level by more than 4 times compared to clear-sky conditions. Outside the city, however, the presence of clouds can have a screening effect, lowering the artificial zenith radiance. Additionally, an analysis performed in photopic units demonstrated that over the urban area, amplification caused by low clouds can generate amplification factors of up to 27 in zenith luminance and 17 in horizontal illuminance. These amplification factors are obtained for a moderately urbanized environment; in highly urbanized areas, even stronger amplification effects might be expected. The model can be used to explain observational data collected by light pollution monitoring networks, particularly at sites where the combination of amplifying and darkening effects of clouds generates ambiguous brightness outcomes.

An interpretable crop leaf disease and pest identification model based on prototypical part network and contrastive learning

Abstract The disease and pest recognition algorithms based on computer vision can automatically process and analyze a large amount of disease and pest images, thereby achieving rapid and accurate identification of disease and pest categories on crop leaves. Currently, most studies use deep learning models for feature extraction and identification of crop leaf disease and pest images. However, these methods are often seen as “black box” model, making it difficult to interpret the basis for their specific decisions. To address this issue, we propose an intrinsically interpretable crop leaf disease and pest identification model named C ontrastive P rototypical Part Net work (CPNet). The idea of CPNet is to find the key regions that influence the model’s decision by calculating the similarity values between the convolutional feature maps and the learnable latent prototype feature representations. Moreover, because the limited availability of data resources for crop leaf disease and pest images, we employ a supervised contrastive learning strategy to capture the similar information between examples in one class and contrast them with examples in other classes. Finally, we evaluate our approach on four publicly available datasets, and the experimental results demonstrate that our proposed CPNet not only achieves improvements in performance over baseline methods across multiple datasets, but also provides interpretable evidence for crop leaf disease and pest identification.

Time to phlebitis onsite and its predictors among admitted patients with peripheral intravenous cannulas at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024/ 2025: A prospective follow-up study

Introduction Phlebitis due to peripheral intravenous cannulation is a common issue in hospitalized patients which leading to serious complications such as deep vein and pulmonary thromboembolism, and septicemia. Understanding the time to phlebitis onset and its predictors is of clinical importance. However, data on its incidence, contributing factors, and time of onset remain limited in Ethiopia. Given the scarcity of compressive studies conducted in Ethiopia and the critical knowledge gap on the incidence, predictors, and timing of phlebitis onset, this study is significant in advancing clinical practice by identifying the time to onset of phlebitis and its predictors among hospitalized patients with peripheral intravenous cannulation. Method A prospective follow-up study design was conducted on a sample size of 372 participants using structured interviews and observational checklists. Time to phlebitis onset was determined with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-log plots, while predictors were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression. Result The cumulative incidence of phlebitis was 39.25% (95% CI: 34.25%–44.41%), with a median onset time of 5 days (IQR 4–6 days). Whereas, the significant predictors were female sex (AHR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.11–2.25), use of an 18-gauge cannula (AHR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.20–3.41), receipt of a blood transfusion (AHR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.14–3.91), and administration of potassium chloride (AHR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.17–3.19) and vancomycin (AHR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.73–4.83). Conclusion In this study, the incidence of peripheral intravenous cannula-induced phlebitis was high, with a lower median time of phlebitis onset. The key predictors were female sex, large cannula, receipt of a blood transfusion, and administration of potassium chloride and vancomycin.

Genomic and transcriptomic landscape of carcinogenesis in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS)

Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS) is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by polyposis localized in the gastric body and fundus with a strong tendency for adenocarcinoma. The genetic mutations that accumulate during the progression from normal mucosa through polyp to carcinoma in GAPPS remain unclear. We investigated the evolutionary process from normal mucosa to polyp and carcinoma in GAPPS. Through comprehensive mutational and transcriptome analyses, we aimed to provide insights into the biology of this disease. Whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed on carcinoma, polyp, and normal mucosa samples from multiple sites from seven patients with GAPPS (n = 54 samples). We comprehensively investigated genomic alterations (including copy number alterations and somatic mutations), clonal architecture, and transcriptome dynamics during carcinogenesis. Genomic evolutionary analysis showed that in GAPPS, somatic mutations of APC occur in carcinoma and polyp while mutations of KRAS additionally occur in carcinoma. We also found the co-occurrence of APC and KRAS mutations in carcinoma recurrently both across cases and within subclones of the same case. The co-occurrence of APC/KRAS mutations may contribute to the carcinogenesis of GAPPS. Our study provides detailed information on the genomic and transcriptomic landscape in GAPPS carcinogenesis, conferring valuable insights into its underlying mechanisms.

Correction: Geometric, dosimetric and psychometric evaluation of three commercial AI software solutions for OAR auto-segmentation in head and neck radiotherapy

Nonlinear dynamics of curve-face gear transmission systems in two-parameter plane

To systematically investigate the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of curve-face gear transmission systems and the influence of key parameters on their dynamic behavior, this study established a 6-degree-of-freedom bending-torsional coupling dynamic model. A two-parameter co-simulation numerical method was employed to explore the pattern types and existence regions of periodic motions within the two-parameter plane composed of key parameters. The transition mechanisms between non-impact vibrations and tooth-impact vibrations, as well as between adjacent fundamental periodic motions, were systematically revealed. Furthermore, the effects of parameter variations on the types and existence regions of periodic motion patterns were analyzed. The research results demonstrate that the transition between non-impact vibrations and tooth-impact vibrations occurs through grazing bifurcation, while transitions between adjacent tooth-impact motions are governed by period-doubling bifurcation. When the backlash exceeds 0.4125, variations in backlash values do not alter the types or existence regions of periodic motion patterns but only affect the displacement of the meshing pair. Increasing the meshing damping ratio significantly reduces the existence domains of tooth-impact periodic motions and chaotic motions in the two-parameter plane. This study provides theoretical foundations and practical references for the dynamic characteristic analysis and optimal design of curve-face gear transmission systems.

Two-factor synaptic consolidation reconciles robustness with pruning and homeostatic scaling

Memory consolidation refers to a process of engram reorganization and stabilization that is thought to occur primarily during sleep through a combination of neural replay, homeostatic plasticity, synaptic maturation, and pruning. From a computational perspective, however, this process remains puzzling, as it is unclear how to incorporate the underlying mechanisms into a common mathematical model of learning and memory. Here, we propose a solution by deriving a self-supervised consolidation model that uses replay and two-factor synapses to encode memories in neural networks in a way that maximizes the robustness of cued recall with respect to intrinsic synaptic noise. We show that the dynamics of this optimization make the connectivity sparse and offer a unified account of several experimentally observed signs of consolidation, such as multiplicative homeostatic scaling, task-driven synaptic pruning, increased neural stimulus selectivity, and preferential strengthening of weak memories. The model also reproduces developmental trends in connectivity and stimulus selectivity better than previous models. Finally, it predicts that intrinsic synaptic noise fluctuations should scale sublinearly with synaptic strength; we find support for this in a meta-analysis of published synaptic imaging datasets.

Platelet inhibition delays time to neurosurgical intervention for cerebral metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract An inverse association between the use of platelet inhibitors and the risk of cancer has been reported by numerous epidemiological studies in the past. The effects of antiplatelet agents on the cerebral metastasis formation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are largely unknown. We therefore, investigated the effect of platelet inhibition in NSCLC patients at the time of the first diagnosis of cerebral metastases. We retrospectively investigated the clinical course of 417 NSCLC patients with cerebral metastases who underwent craniotomy for metastasis resection during the course of their disease. The presence of platelet inhibition prior to cerebral metastases diagnosis was used to dichotomize the cohort. Relevant clinical parameters, time to neurosurgical intervention for cerebral metastases, overall survival, and the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage or hemorrhagic transformation of metastases, were compared between the two groups. The presence of platelet inhibitor intake was associated with a significantly prolonged time to neurosurgical intervention for cerebral metastases in non-small cell lung cancer 63 vs. 47 months; ( p  = 0.001). Furthermore, platelet inhibitor intake was also associated with an increased overall survival of 12 vs. 10 months ( p  = 0.02). Statistically, no increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation of the metastasis or intracranial hemorrhage was found ( p  = 0.635 and p  = 1.000), respectively. In this retrospective study, the use of platelet inhibitors was not associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage, the use of platelet inhibitors was associated with delayed need for neurosurgical treatment for cerebral metastases and improved overall survival in NSCLC patients.

Detection and characterization of human bocaparvovirus in children with and without acute gastroenteritis in African-descendant community of Northern Brazil

Human bocaparvovirus (HBoV) is an emerging virus with worldwide distribution, may be associated with cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). To date, four types of HBoV have been characterized: HBoV1, HBoV2, HBoV3 and HBoV4. This study aimed to investigate HBoV in asymptomatic and symptomatic children for AGE from a Quilombola community located in Northern, Brazil, during April 2008 to September 2010. A total of 300 fecal specimens were collected and viral genomic DNA was extracted, amplified using the PCR assay, and subject to sequencing to determine HBoV genotype. HBoV was detected in 11.3% (34/300) of the samples, 12.50% (12/96) from symptomatic and 10.78% (22/204) asymptomatic children. Co-detection with other enteric viruses was reported in 20.6% (7/34) of specimens. Three genotypes of HBoV were detected with the most predominance of HBoV1 (64.7%), followed by HBoV4 (20.6%) and HBoV2 (14.7%). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Brazilian HBoV are closely related with strains from South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. This is the first description of HBoV in a Quilombola community in Brazil, and this study highlights the ability of the virus to remain in silent circulation in the community, reinforce the need for active monitoring in order to avoid problems public health futures.

Why more social interactions lead to more polarization in societies

Over the past two decades, the number of close social connections increased substantially, at least by a factor of two. At the same time, societal opinions have become increasingly polarized in many Western countries. To explore whether these trends could be connected, we employ a simple computational model of society, where people—within their social networks—continuously compare and update their opinions. Here, we show that the model that is known to realistically capture both homophily and social balance exhibits a phase transition phenomenon where, above a critical social connectivity, an explosive transition toward strong polarization must occur. The model allows us to understand the empirical inflation of polarization during the last decades as a function of the observed increased values of social connectivity. In the presence of a small fraction of synchronized influencers, the transition becomes continuous; however, polarization then appears at lower connectivities. We discuss the implications of the presence of a phase transition in social polarization.

The associations between maternal glycolipid metabolism and fetal growth in term births

The relationship between the neutrophil percentage to albumin ratio and the occurrence of prostate cancer

Background Although prior research has indicated that nutritional and inflammatory markers may play a role in prostate cancer development, the exact interplay and underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Materials and Methods The study population comprised 16,481 males from the NHANES database, after excluding participants with missing covariates. The Neutrophil Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio (NPAR) was used to assess the inflammation and nutritional status. Statistical methods such as multivariable logistic regression, eXtreme Gradient Boosting model, subgroup analysis, and Generalized Additive Model were used to analyze the relationship between NPAR and prostate cancer prevalence. Results The restricted cubic splines of the independent variable NPAR and the dependent variable (prostate cancer prevalence) were statistically significant based on the logistic regression analysis. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting machine learning model identified the NPAR and age as the most influential variables for prostate cancer. Subgroup analysis revealed significant correlations between the NPAR and age, race, and smoking status. Clinical validation has confirmed the diagnostic significance of NPAR in prostate cancer. Conclusion A positive correlation was observed between NPAR and prostate cancer prevalence, indicating the potential mechanism of developing the disease. However, due to the cross-sectional design and self-reported cancer diagnoses in the NHANES database, causality cannot be established.