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Synthesis-Aware Materials Redesign via Large Language Models
Network carrier allocation optimization based on immune algorithm under massive concurrent access
Preferences for cesarean section among pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Influencing factors and implications for prenatal care
The World Health Organization recommends a cesarean section (CS) rate of 10–15%. However, global rates may increase to 29% by 2030, raising concerns about the potential overuse of CS without medical indications and its consequences, and in Vietnam, the CS rate reached 34.4% in 2021. This study aims to evaluate Vietnamese women’s preferences regarding birth modes and analyze influencing factors, particularly non-medical aspects. This study was conducted at Hung Vuong Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to survey 599 pregnant women over 36 weeks of gestation. Data were collected through questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, obstetric factors, birth experiences, and knowledge of birth modes. Approximately 27.1% of participants preferred CS. Factors associated with a higher preference for CS included multiparous women with previous CS (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 41.48, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 17.56–97.99), fear of complication from vaginal birth (aOR = 6.27, 95% CI: 2.24–17.57), safer for the baby (aOR = 5.08, 95% CI: 2.73–9.46), date of birth affect to the family’s life (aOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.49–8.13), advice from relatives (aOR = 6.58, 95% CI: 3.24–13.37), recommendation of healthcare provider for CS (aOR = 7.15, 95% CI: 2.49–20.48), exposing negative experience of other women (aOR = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.43–4.98, concern about postpartum sexual activities (aOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.04–3.56). In contrast, knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks of mode of birth (aOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26–0.86) and labor companionship expectations (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24–0.85) were protective factors, associated with a lower preference for CS. Findings from this study emphasize the need for enhanced prenatal education and counseling in Vietnam to support informed decision-making concerning childbirth, while also emphasizing that clinicians’ recommendations are a powerful driver of women’s preference for cesarean section, highlighting the importance of targeted strategies in clinical practice.
The association between air pollution and cardiovascular health in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: cross-sectional and prospective analyses
Olanzapine-induced metabolic syndrome is partially mediated by oxytocinergic system dysfunction in female Sprague-Dawley rats
Introduction Olanzapine (OLZ), a second-generation antipsychotic, is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome with unclear underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. Oxytocin (OT) influences feeding, lipid, and glucose metabolism. This study investigates whether dysfunction in the oxytocinergic system contributes to the development of olanzapine-induced metabolic syndrome. Methods Twenty five (25) female Sprague-Dawley rats were housed under standard conditions and studied over 12 weeks. During the first 6-week induction phase, rats were randomized into 3 groups: normal control (vehicle treatment; normal saline; n = 5), low dose (4 mg/kg olanzapine [OLZ]; n = 5), and high dose (8 mg/kg OLZ; n = 15). In the last 6-week treatment phase, the high dose group was re-randomized into 3 groups: negative control (8 mg/kg OLZ; n = 5), positive control (8 mg/kg OLZ + 500 mg/kg metformin; n = 5), and test group (8 mg/kg OLZ + 1 mg/kg oxytocin [OT]; n = 5). The normal control and low dose groups continued unchanged. Body weight, food intake, glucose levels, OGTT, lipid profile, visceral fat, hepatic index, hepatic triglycerides, and steatosis were assessed. Results At induction end, high-dose OLZ increased food intake (179 ± 5 g), body weight (239 ± 3 g), blood glucose (7.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L), and impaired glucose tolerance (846 ± 25 mmol/L·min) compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Post-treatment, the test group displayed reduced food intake (163 ± 2 g vs. 197 ± 6 g), body weight (297 ± 2 g vs. 376 ± 6 g), blood glucose (5.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L vs. 9.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L), and improved glucose tolerance (711 ± 14 vs. 853 ± 9 mmol/L·min) compared to negative controls (p < 0.0001). LDL-C, total cholesterol, serum and hepatic triglycerides, visceral adipose, and hepatic mass and steatosis were also significantly decreased in the test group compared to negative control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion OLZ-induced metabolic abnormalities were mitigated by oxytocin, indicating that the oxytocinergic system hypofunction may be implicated in its pathophysiology. These results highlight OT’s therapeutic potential and call for further clinical research to explore its role in the management of antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome.
Spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of habitat quality on the Loess Plateau
Self-learning model fusion for network anomaly detection: A hybrid CNN-LSTM-transformer framework
The rapid evolution of cyber threats poses significant challenges to the adaptability and performance of anomaly detection systems. This study presents an innovative hybrid deep learning framework that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM), and Transformer models with a novel self-learning mechanism to enhance network traffic anomaly detection. Our key contributions include: (1) a synergistic two-stage model fusion architecture that captures both spatial and temporal traffic patterns; (2) an adaptive learning mechanism with multi-metric drift detection that autonomously responds to evolving threats; and (3) a knowledge preservation strategy that maintains detection capabilities while adapting to new attack patterns. The proposed CNN-LSTM model achieves F1-scores of 0.9778 and 0.9695 on the UNSW-NB15 and CICIDS2017 datasets respectively for binary classification of normal vs. anomalous traffic. The LSTM-Transformer model further classifies specific anomaly types with accuracies of 0.9632 and 0.9528 on these datasets, representing significant improvements over recent methods. Experiments demonstrate the framework’s robustness, maintaining an average accuracy of 0.955 ( σ ≈ 0.005) over a 15-day simulated period with multiple induced concept drifts. The self-learning mechanism, with multi-metric drift detection and an efficient model update strategy, enables the system to detect drifts and recover performance within 23.4 ± 0.20 hours post-drift, while achieving a 92.8% detection rate for zero-day attacks. The proposed framework offers a promising direction for developing efficient and autonomous cybersecurity systems capable of handling dynamic and evolving threat landscapes.
Effectiveness and safety of methylprednisolone combination with abrocitinib compared to methylprednisolone combination with azathioprine in bullous pemphigoid: a retrospective study
Isolation, identification, and whole-genome sequencing of Streptomyces rochei FE-3-1 against Pyricularia oryzae
Streptomyces are significant producers of antimicrobial secondary metabolites. In this study, a Streptomyces rochei FE-3–1was isolated from the rhizosphere of rice plants, and its metabolites exhibited potent antagonistic activity against plant pathogen Pyricularia oryzae . However, the genome sequence of the strain has not been reported to date. Whole genome sequencing and genome mining were conducted to comprehensively characterize the strain’s main features. The results showed that the total size of the genome is 8,247,561 bp with 72.51% G + C content. Among a total of 7158 genes, 169 predicted RNA genes were identified including 67 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 18 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 84 small RNA (sRNA) genes, as well as 14 genomic islands were predicted. A total of 31 biosynthetic gene clusters were detected within the genome of Streptomyces rochei FE-3–1, and at least four of these gene clusters are associated with known potent antimicrobials. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation for utilizing strain FE-3–1 in developing biofertilizers or biopesticides within the field of biotechnology.
Identification of ferroptosis-related genes in pediatric Crohn’s disease using bioinformatics approaches
Exploring the state of evidence on aging with HIV in long-term care: A scoping review protocol
Background The growing population of older adults living with HIV presents unique challenges for long-term care facilities, which are increasingly tasked with supporting residents who require both HIV-specific and geriatric care. Despite advances in HIV treatment that have extended life expectancy, the needs of these individuals in long-term care remain underexplored, and the field lacks a consolidated understanding of how facilities are currently equipped to manage these complexities. This scoping review protocol outlines the approach for synthesizing existing evidence on the experiences, challenges, and care outcomes of aging with HIV in long-term care settings. Objective To examine the state of evidence on older adults with HIV in long-term care, providing an overview of current knowledge on the health, social, and systemic factors influencing their care and identifying gaps that may guide future research and practice. Methods The team includes knowledge users, including experts by experience, to ensure the findings are grounded in lived realities and practical applicability. Using a scoping review framework by the Joanna Briggs Institute, we will conduct a comprehensive search of literature from inception in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (R) ALL (Ovid), Embase Classic + Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Ovid), CINAHL Ultimate (EBSCO), PsycINFO (Ovid), AgeLine (EBSCO), and Scopus to capture studies that address aging with HIV in long-term care settings. Eligible studies will be screened and selected based on criteria focused on relevance to the intersection of aging, HIV, and long-term care. Articles will be screened by two reviewers. Data will be charted and synthesized thematically, allowing for an organized summary of findings on key topics such as physical and mental health, care provision, and facility preparedness. Discussion and implications This review will offer an overview of the current state of knowledge on aging with HIV in long-term care facilities, highlighting what is known about care practices, health outcomes, and systemic challenges in these settings. Findings will clarify the breadth and depth of existing evidence and reveal areas requiring further research, thereby informing policy and enhancing care strategies for this population.
Topological and entropic characterization of nitrogenated holey graphene
Determinants of place of death among individuals with cardiovascular disease: A Saudi sub-national register study
Understanding the place of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths is essential for identifying vulnerable populations and guiding health system interventions. This study investigated the demographic and clinical determinants of the place of death among individuals with CVD in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. We analyzed 9,652 CVD death records from two major hospitals (2018−2023) for decedents aged ≥18 years, including the place and year of death, sex, age, citizenship, and causes of death (ICD-10). Chi-square tests assessed associations and multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of out-of-hospital deaths. Out-of-hospital deaths accounted for 90.0% of all CVD deaths. Within each age group, the proportion of deaths that occurred out-of-hospital was highest among the youngest (18–45 years, 92.8%) and oldest (76 + years, 90.1%) age groups, with lower levels among middle-aged adults (46–60 years, 88.2%; 61–75 years, 86.6%). By citizenship, 92.6% of non-Saudis (n = 4,273), 90.8% of pilgrims (n = 2,248), and 84.0% of Saudis (n = 2,150) died outside hospital settings. There were significant associations between place of death and age, citizenship, ethnicity, and cause of death (all p < 0.001). Out-of-hospital deaths declined from 93.6% in 2018 to 77.2% in 2023, but sudden cardiac death (SCD) had the highest proportion (93.6%). Adjusted analyses showed higher odds of out-of-hospital death for non-Saudis (aOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.47–2.85) and pilgrims (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.38–2.66) compared with Saudis. SCD was strongly associated with out-of-hospital death compared with ischemic heart disease (aOR = 46.74, 95% CI: 37.35–58.48). Despite recent declines, most CVD deaths occurred outside hospitals, particularly among non-Saudis and in the youngest and oldest age groups. The predominance of SCD especially in out-of-hospital cases, may reflect diagnostic limitations and possible misclassification when clinical assessment is unavailable. Strengthening medical certification processes, improving access to timely emergency care, and exploring the role of factors such as health insurance, indirect costs, and health literacy in future research are priorities for reducing preventable CVD mortality.
Grit subcomponents are differentially associated with practice trajectories underlying expertise development
Abstract Practice is essential for skill acquisition, yet the psychological traits driving changes that occur with practice remain unclear. We extend previous work that identified grit as a key psychological trait underpinning practice accumulation in football. More specifically, we examined whether similar patterns exist in alpine ski racing, a sport characterized by seasonal constraints and limited practice opportunities. We collected retrospective estimates of practice hours from N = 231 elite youth skiers in Austria and the USA aged 6 to 19 years, alongside current measures of grit’s subcomponents, Consistency of Interests (CI) and Perseverance of Effort (PE). We used Generalized Additive Models (GAM) to analyze nonlinear practice trajectories. CI was positively associated with practice accumulation during early developmental stages up to age 12 years. From age 12 onward, PE became the dominant factor associated with practice. Notably, grit had the most pronounced association on engagement in unstructured practice activities, such as self-training and free play. These findings suggest that grit might impact expertise indirectly by affecting how athletes engage in practice over time. Understanding the differentiated roles of CI and PE in practice accumulation offers valuable insights for talent development programs; we emphasize the importance of fostering psychological traits that support sustained commitment and resilience in athletes.
Social isolation and cardiometabolic burden synergistically predict physical dysfunction in aging Chinese adults: Evidence of risk thresholds and the mediating role of frailty
Objective This study aimed to investigate the independent and synergistic effects of social isolation and multidimensional biomarkers (cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, muscular, and frailty) on physical dysfunction in middle-aged and older Chinese adults by utilizing an integrated sociobiological framework to address the limitations of the current research. Method A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2015; N = 3,756 participants aged ≥45 years). Physical dysfunction was defined as difficulty in ≥1 of 9 basic activities of daily living. Core exposures included social isolation (composite score), cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome stage (0–4), vascular ageing (estimated pulse wave velocity [EPWV]), renal function (eGFR), body composition (appendicular skeletal muscle mass [ASM]), metabolic status (visceral adiposity index [VAI] and C-reactive protein triglyceride glucose index [CTI]), and frailty (frailty index). Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. Threshold effect models revealed nonlinear relationships. Causal mediation analysis (1000 bootstraps) was used to quantify pathway effects. Results Social isolation independently increased physical dysfunction risk by 38% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.380; 95% CI: 1.132–1.683; P = 0.002), with stronger effects in those aged <60 years (OR=1.731), males (OR=1.400), and rural residents (OR=1.679). Advanced CKM stage 4 was associated with a 4.8-fold increased risk (aOR=4.805, 95% CI: 2.691–8.579; P < 0.001). Key biomarker thresholds were identified: EPWV had an inflection point at 7.178 m/s, with 102.6% increased risk per unit below this threshold (OR=2.026; P = 0.021). A frailty index of <7.679 increased risk by 112.4% per unit (OR=2.124; P < 0.001). Frailty mediated 57.8% (β = 0.052, P < 0.001) of the effect of EPWV on dysfunction. ASM loss beyond 22.94 kg increased risk (OR=1.166, P = 0.008).Sensitivity analyses using E-values indicated that unmeasured confounding was unlikely to fully explain the observed associations. Conclusion Social isolation and multidimensional biomarkers (particularly CKM severity, vascular stiffness, and frailty) synergistically drive physical dysfunction in ageing Chinese adults. Frailty is a critical mediator of the impact of vascular dysfunction. The identified biomarker thresholds (e.g., EPWV = 7.178 m/s) offer intervention windows. Integrated strategies combining social connections (e.g., community support) with biomarker screening and targeted interventions (e.g., anti-frailty training for elevated EPWV) are essential to disrupt the “isolation–comorbidity–dysfunction” cycle.
Excess short- and long-term mortality risk following any and hip fractures: a prospective matched cohort study using exposure density sampling
Correlates of food insecurity among university students in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area of the Paris suburbs: A cross-sectional study
Background Despite increasing political and scientific interest in food insecurity (FI) among higher education students, data for Europe remain scant. We assessed the prevalence of FI at a French university located in a disadvantaged area in the outskirts of Paris, and its associations with perceived academic dropout and socioeconomic, demographic, and lifestyle factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among 5068 students (22% of overall population, 66% women). FI status was defined by a three-level class variable (quantitative FI: “not having access to enough food”, qualitative FI: “not having access to the desired food”, food security: “having access to enough desired food”). Multivariate multinomial logistic regression models found associations between (i) FI and academic dropout and (ii) socioeconomic, demographic, academic-related data, cooking and eating conditions, and FI. Results Students reporting quantitative FI (11%) or qualitative FI (35%) more often experienced academic dropout ( p < 0.0001). Men more often reported quantitative FI ( p < 0.0001). Living in a collective residence, lacking sufficient household cooking facilities, experiencing financial difficulties, using food assistance, being an undergraduate, having obtained a high-school diploma abroad, not receiving food from family, regularly eating alone, and infrequent cooking were positively associated with both quantitative and qualitative FI ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion We found elevated rates of FI among university students and an association between FI and academic dropout. Structural and behavioural factors were found to be associated with FI. These findings provide insight into the characteristics of those students most likely to experience FI and suggest testable preventive actions.
Efficient ring signature for cross-chain data sharing in blockchain-enabled cold-chain logistics system
Impact of histone post-translational modification inhibitors on lifespan, reproduction, and stress response in the rotifer Brachionus manjavacas
Epigenetic modifications, including histone post-translational modifications, are central drivers of age-associated structural and functional changes in the genome, influencing gene expression and leading to changes in cellular resilience. Epigenetic modifications are thus a target for therapies to prevent or treat age-related decline in health and lifespan. In this study, we measured the effects of inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) and the histone methyltransferase, SETDB1, on lifespan, reproduction, and stress response in the rotifer Brachionus manjavacas , a model organism for aging studies. Rotifers were exposed to three pharmaceutical compounds, the HDAC inhibitors β-hydroxybutyrate and sodium butyrate and the SETDB1 inhibitor mithramycin A. Changes in global histone modification levels, lifespan, reproduction, and heat stress resistance were quantified. Global histone acetylation levels increased with β-hydroxybutyrate and sodium butyrate treatments. Histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) levels were reduced by treatment with mithramycin A. β-hydroxybutyrate significantly extended lifespan without modifying heat stress resistance. In contrast, mithramycin A increased both lifespan and heat stress tolerance. Sodium butyrate specifically improved heat stress resistance without affecting lifespan. Importantly, none of the three treatments had a significant impact on lifetime reproduction. These findings provide insights into the role of histone modifications in aging and suggest potential interventions targeting epigenetic marks to promote longevity and resilience.