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Rice husk as raw material in the synthesis of analcime

Optimizing risk stratification in pediatric febrile urinary tract infection: A single-center study in Japan

Selecting optimal therapeutic interventions for febrile urinary tract infection (f-UTI) is crucial to prevent complications such as kidney scarring. While current clinical guidelines provide risk-stratified imaging recommendations, they are largely based on Western populations and lack specific predictors for which children will ultimately require therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to establish risk stratification criteria for East Asian children with first-episode f-UTI. This retrospective single-center study analyzed patients aged 2–24 months with first-episode f-UTI. All patients underwent a standardized diagnostic and management protocol, including kidney–bladder ultrasound (KBUS) and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), to ensure uniform evaluation. The primary outcome was “requirement for therapeutic intervention,” defined as one or more of the following: (1) urological surgery (2) antimicrobial prophylaxis (for vesicoureteral reflux grade ≥III) and (3) antimicrobial treatment for recurrent f-UTI. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors associated with the interventions. A total of 216 patients were included (median age: 4 months). Overall, 59 patients required therapeutic interventions. Non- Escherichia coli infection (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3–8.7) and abnormal KBUS findings (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.7–10.6) were identified as independent predictors. The sensitivity and specificity of the factors for predicting therapeutic intervention were 64.4% and 73.2%, respectively. This study identified non- E. coli infection and abnormal KBUS findings as key predictors for therapeutic interventions in East Asian children with first-episode f-UTI. These findings suggest that a more targeted approach based on these factors may optimize risk stratification and patient selection for VCUG, improving clinical decision-making.

Inference for multicomponent stress-strength reliability based on generalized Lindley distribution

Lifetime prevalence of cancer in Germany between 2010 and 2019: An analysis based on aggregated data

Background Many cancer survivors (i.e., individuals alive who have been diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives) remain under surveillance by doctors and medical professionals regardless of the outcome of their treatment as they face the risk of recurrence and/or encounter symptoms and other health-related issues. With advancements in cancer early detection, diagnostics, and treatment strategies, along with an increasingly older population, the number of cancer survivors is steadily increasing. Since information on epidemiological indicators of cancer survivors is limited in Germany, the present study aims to estimate its prevalence between 2010 and 2019. Methods The annual age- and sex-specific lifetime prevalence of cancer was estimated using a partial differential equation. The calculation was based on comprehensive data obtained from the Centre for Cancer Registry Data (Zentrum für Krebsregisterdaten, ZfKD), the Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany (Zentralinstitut für die kassenärztliche Versorgung, Zi), and the German Federal Statistical Office. Results Our estimates indicate a rise in lifetime prevalence of cancer between 2010 and 2019 across all ages up to 85, particularly pronounced among older individuals. By 2019, the highest prevalence was estimated to be 49% of males and 28% of females at age 85. In contrast, childhood cancer was relatively rare, affecting less than 0.3% of girls and boys until the age of 18. Generally, the prevalence of cancer was higher among males than females. Overall, the number of cancer survivors aged up to 85 was estimated to increase from 2.51 million in 2010 to over 5.07 million in 2019. Conclusions The findings indicate a substantial rise in the lifetime prevalence of cancer in 2019 compared to 2010. Considering a cancer patient as cured based on a specific timeframe may lead to an underestimation of the future demand for healthcare resources.

Clinical needs assessment for non-invasive intraoperative bladder volume monitoring devices: a cross-sectional study based on the Kano model

Integrating genomic epidemiology and deep mutational scanning data for prevalence forecasting of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continuously circulates and the Omicron variants have mutated into over 2,500 lineages, predicting ensuing prevalent lineages and inflections of dominant lineages is of public health significance and study interest. Previous study has integrated genome to forecast lineage prevalence, yet overlooked the functional aspects of mutations; efforts to evaluate the functional effects of individual mutations have not extended to the lineage level. Here, we propose CoVPF, a model integrating both genomic epidemiology and deep mutational scanning (DMS) data for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, to predict the prevalence of Omicron lineages. Retrospective validation demonstrated that CoVPF achieved 20.7% higher accuracy compared to previous study. Furthermore, we found that accounting for epistasis was critical, as ignoring epistasis led to a 43% decrease in forecasting accuracy. Case studies showed that CoVPF delivered more accurate and timely forecasts for lineage expansions and inflections such as EG.5.1 and XBB.1.5. CoVPF provides a paradigm for integrating in vitro functional readouts of the virus and accounting for combinatorial effects of mutations in support of public health efforts in lineage prevalence forecasting.

Investigating the soil surface properties behind elevated natural radiation in Mamuju, Indonesia

A thematic analysis of flu vaccine hesitance in ethnically minoritised communities in Liverpool

Background Seasonal influenza causes around 15,000 deaths yearly in the United Kingdom. Low vaccine uptake is more prominent in ethnically minoritised communities and deprived areas, leading to poorer outcomes. Aims To understand influenza vaccine hesitance in ethnically minoritised communities in Liverpool from multistakeholder perspectives. Methods Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with members of the public (n = 55), community engagement workers (n = 14), primary healthcare staff (n = 20), and policy professionals (n = 10). Data were analysed thematically. Results Six themes were identified. Beliefs about vaccine safety, necessity, and efficacy often arose from misinformation, misunderstanding, or negative experience. Trust in vaccine information depended on source familiarity, credibility, and perceived intentions, while trust in the healthcare system had decreased due to cultural and COVID-19 concerns. Accessibility of accurate vaccine information was poor, due to language and literacy barriers. Community opinions/experience shaped perceptions, while community organisations were trusted but needed resources/stability. Healthcare staff described low morale, time/resource constraints, and uncertainty in addressing cultural concerns. Ultimately, Alliance indicated a desire for better integration between healthcare and communities, particularly for developing/distributing accurate, culturally relevant, and accessible information. Conclusion To address influenza vaccine hesitance, stakeholders should collaborate to improve access to reliable information (to support development of pro-vaccine beliefs) via tailored communication and culturally informed training for healthcare staff; aim to increase trust by, for example, ensuring access to familiar staff and employing community members; and foster alliance via long-term support of community organisations through funding, accurate information, and training.

LINC02159 modulated the glycolysis and proliferation of TNBC cell via targeting miR-1285-3p/G6PI axis

Cancer Prevention at Work (CPW) project: Rationale, framework and research protocol

Chronic infections such as Helicobacter pylori (Hp), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) significantly contribute to the global cancer burden, necessitating targeted and cost-effective prevention strategies. The Cancer Prevention at Work (CPW) project pioneers an innovative approach by integrating primary prevention interventions into occupational health surveillance (OHS) programs, thus leveraging existing workplace infrastructure for a large-scale impact. CPW aims to screen and treat Hp and HCV infections, and promote HPV vaccination, targeting not only workers but also their household members. CPW aims to support accessibility, facilitate earlier detection, and strengthen cancer prevention at a population level. The project employs a micro-elimination strategy for HCV, supports data-driven risk assessment for Hp and HPV, and promotes evidence-based communication to reduce HPV vaccine hesitancy. A comprehensive data management framework ensures harmonized data collection, integration, and cost-effectiveness analysis, aiming at providing robust evidence for policy recommendations. Through pilot studies conducted across four European countries, CPW assesses the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and economic sustainability, with the potential to inform future occupational cancer prevention initiatives across Europe. This work s ummarizes the CPW project’s research framework designed to integrate infection-related cancer prevention into workplace health programs across Europe. It details the project’s goals, methods, and discusses the impact on occupational cancer prevention.

The catalyst-free green synthesis and QTAIM analysis of anilino-1,4-naphthoquinones as molecular wires

Novel pyrimidine-substituted chalcones: In vitro antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects against human cancer cell lines

A series of novel pyrimidine-substituted chalcones were synthesized, purified, and characterized. Four selected compounds ( CFMPY 4, 15, 17, and 28 ) exhibited modest antioxidant activity across six In vitro radical scavenging assays. The In vitro cytotoxic (anticancer) potential of five synthesized chalcones ( CFMPY-2, 4, 15, 17, and 28 ) was evaluated using MTT, Sulforhodamine B (SRB), DNA fragmentation, Nuclear staining, and Farnesyl transferase assays. Notably, this study is the first to employ a DNA fragmentation assay to assess the anticancer activity of these test compounds. MTT and SRB assays revealed significant cytotoxicity in HeLa and A549 cell lines for all compounds except CFMPY 17 , with IC50 values ranging from 2.28 to 5.48 µg/ml, demonstrating comparable or superior efficacy to cisplatin (IC50 values of 5.27 µg/ml in HeLa and 4.05 µg/ml in A549 cells). Nuclear staining and DNA fragmentation assays confirmed the induction of apoptosis by all tested compounds, including cisplatin, with the latter revealing characteristic 200 bp DNA laddering. Furthermore, the Farnesyl transferase assay indicated good cytotoxic activity for all compounds except CFMPY 17 . These findings suggest that pyrimidine-substituted chalcones represent a promising class of cytotoxic (anticancer) agents, potentially exceeding the efficacy of cisplatin in certain contexts.

Acute high-intensity interval training, but not reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor in a block randomized controlled trial

Antimicrobial multidrug resistance of Escherichia coli from broiler farms in Zhanjiang, China

Guangdong Province is an important area of poultry breeding in China. Zhanjiang city is located in the western part of Guangdong Province, where there are many broiler farms. To investigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the presence of resistance genes in Escherichia coli from broiler farms, a total of 220 samples were collected from soil and feces at eight broiler farms. Subsequently, 220 strains of E. coli were isolated for drug resistance analysis and detection of AMR genes. The results revealed that the isolated E. coli strains exhibited high prevalence of multidrug resistance to 12 antimicrobial drugs including amoxicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole and sulfisoxazole. Among the isolated strains, 95% of the isolates were resistant to more than three antimicrobial agents; notably, thirty-nine strains showed multidrug resistance to ten tested drugs, while four strain exhibits multidrug resistance to as many as fifteen antibacterial drugs. Additionally, seven AMR genes such as bla TEM and sul2 were detected in over half (≥50%) of the isolated E. coli samples; thirteen AMR genes had relatively low detection prevalence (≤30%). Correlation analysis indicated a strong association between certain AMR genes ( bla TEM , pexA, aadA1, bla AIM , ant(3")-I, sul2, sul3, tet(D) ) and AMR (≥50%). In conclusion, E.coli strains obtained from soil and fecal samples in broiler farms exhibited multidrug resistant phenotypes along with carrying various AMR genes. This provides a reference for the scientific control of E. coli multidrug resistance in this area.

Levels of heavy metals distribution near an urban wastewater in Southeastern Michigan

Roll-to-roll manufacturing of flexible acetone sensors

A fully roll-to-roll (R2R) manufactured conductometric sensor has been developed for acetone detection. It features flexible, screen-printed silver electrodes modified with a MoS2 and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocomposite. The electro-spraying process allowed for the simultaneous fabrication of over 100 electrodes. The optimized electro-sprayed electrodes showed a consistent average resistance of 99.63 Ω (SD = 8.10), ensuring uniform and reliable sensor performance for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection. SEM and TEM analyses revealed that the porous 3D MoS 2 -SWCNT network enhances gas adsorption and sensor performance. To improve acetone selectivity, electrodes were functionalized with tetrafluorohydroquinone (TFQ), which binds with acetone and facilitates charge transfer, reducing holes in p-type SWCNT and increasing resistance. Sensitivity was further optimized by adjusting film deposition parameters, with a thinner MoS 2 layer (~30 nm) improving the response to 20% acetone by 120%. Stability tests confirmed 90% signal retention after 30 days in nitrogen. This study proposed the first platform of a MoS 2 -SWCNT nanocomposite in R2R manufacturing for flexible acetone sensors. The approach provides a scalable solution, bridging lab-scale research with industrial production and advancing practical VOC detection applications.

A quantum-driven multi-stage framework integrating variational entanglement, reinforcement learning, and federated explainability for climate-resilient farming

Cytoarchitectural modifications and antiinflammatory strategies in tendinopathy recovery

Tendinopathies (TPs) are complex conditions marked by inflammation, pain, and impaired function, often due to tendon overuse. Achilles tendinitis, a prevalent TP, affects both athletes and the general population. Despite available treatments, effective tissue regeneration remains elusive. This study investigates the molecular cytoarchitecture and protein expression in TP-related inflammation and evaluates the therapeutic potential of hydroxytyrosol (HT), maslinic acid (MA), glycine/aspartic acid (AA), and their combination with percutaneous intratissue electrolysis (EPI) in a Wistar rat model of induced TP. Animals received a diet supplemented by incorporating the compounds directly into the chow with MA (0.65 g/kg of diet), HT (3 g/kg of diet), and Gly/Asp (Gly: 28.125 g/kg of diet; Asp: 9.375 g/kg of diet). Tendon samples were collected at different TP phases (I, I-II, II, III). Histological analysis (H&E and Masson’s staining) assessed collagen fiber orientation, fibroblast density, and inflammation. Western blotting quantified inflammatory and apoptotic proteins (GST, Hsp60, JNK, NF-κB, PPAR‐γ, p53), while MDA levels indicated oxidative tissue damage. Results demonstrated that combining EPI with nutritional supplementation significantly improved recovery compared to EPI alone. Among the compounds tested, HT showed the most potent effects, followed by MA, reducing inflammation markers and enhancing tendon regeneration. Additionally, MDA levels significantly decreased in the HT group, indicating reduced oxidative stress. In cases where EPI is contraindicated, nutritional supplementation may serve as a viable non-invasive alternative, promoting faster healing and improved long-term outcomes. These findings highlight the potential of integrating EPI and targeted nutritional strategies to optimize TP treatment.

Deep reinforcement learning-based thermal-visual collaborative optimization control system for multi-sensory art installations

Abstract This paper presents an attention-enhanced deep reinforcement learning control system for thermal-visual collaborative optimization in multi-sensory art installations. The proposed system integrates three key innovations: (1) an attention-based DDPG algorithm with dynamic modality weighting (α = 0.6–0.8 for thermal, 0.6–0.7 for visual features), (2) adaptive sensor fusion combining Kalman and particle filtering with 8 ± 2 ms processing latency, and (3) hierarchical four-layer architecture achieving 65% control accuracy improvement and 40% response time reduction compared to traditional approaches. The system architecture incorporates a hierarchical four-layer design with perception, fusion, decision-making, and execution components. The core innovation lies in an attention-based deep reinforcement learning algorithm that dynamically processes multi-modal sensory inputs and optimizes thermal-visual coordination through continuous learning. The algorithm employs spatiotemporal alignment mechanisms, adaptive feature weighting, and collaborative optimization strategies to achieve superior control performance. Experimental validation demonstrates quantified improvements over conventional methods: control accuracy improved from 0.247 ± 0.067 RMSE (PID baseline) to 0.085 ± 0.012 RMSE (proposed method), representing 65% improvement; response times reduced from 78 ± 22 ms (fuzzy control) to 45 ± 8 ms (proposed method), achieving 40% improvement; energy efficiency increased from baseline consumption to 23% reduction through intelligent coordination. Real-world deployment results confirm practical effectiveness with measured user satisfaction scores of 4.1 ± 0.7 on a 5-point scale and system availability of 98.5% over 186-hour continuous operation periods. The proposed system enables more sophisticated multi-sensory experiences while maintaining artistic integrity and provides a foundation for advanced digital art technologies.

Exploring the genetic landscape of the Copper Homeostasis and Silver Resistance Island (CHASRI) in Salmonella enterica

Copper is essential for all living organisms, but becomes toxic when present in excess. Biological systems have evolved mechanisms to keep organisms in copper homeostasis. Studies have shown that Salmonella can acquire mobile genetic elements that provide enhanced tolerance to stressed environments, such as the Copper Homeostasis and Silver Resistance Island (CHASRI), which has become more prevalent in certain serovars that are exposed to higher levels of copper. In this study, whole genome sequence data available from NCBI Pathogen Detection was used to determine the incidence of the CHASRI is in Salmonella enterica isolates. The results show that the CHASRI is present in a wider range of serovars than previously known and can be found in isolates from different food sources, including nuts, spices, and produce. Salmonella Genomic Island-4 (SGI-4) was previously described as the primary mobile element through which the CHASRI was transferred to Salmonella ; however, results from this comparative study of closed reference genomes identified additional integrations of the CHASRI as both a singular mobile element and as a component of an SGI-4 variant.