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Longing for touch and CT-optimal touch perception after interpersonal trauma

It has previously been shown that interpersonal trauma (IPT) can negatively impact the experience and perception of social touch. There are, however, also indications that people with IPT might simultaneously experience a stronger longing for touch (LFT). As this has not been systematically investigated, the aim of the current study was to assess the experience of LFT in people with IPT. We additionally assessed if LFT was associated with the perception of CT-optimal touch in this population. In Study 1, 122 women participated in an online experiment. Participants watched and rated videos of CT-optimal (3 cm/s) and CT non-optimal (18 cm/s) touch. They also filled out questionnaires about their LFT and general attitudes towards touch. In Study 2, 44 women participated in a lab-based experiment. Participants were touched by a female researcher with a brush and hand at CT-optimal (3 cm/s) and CT non-optimal (18 cm/s) speeds. They additionally filled out questionnaires about LFT and general attitudes towards touch. In contrast with our hypotheses, women with IPT did not report a stronger LFT or a more negative perception of CT-optimal touch in either study. There was also no significant association between LFT and the perception of touch in women with and without IPT. These non-significant results may be a consequence of the low prevalence of trauma-related psychopathology among participants with IPT in the current study. Implications of these results and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Study on the impact of incentive mechanisms on the work efficiency of tower crane drivers based on EEG

Associations of temperature and precipitation with malaria in children under 5: A multi-country study in Sub-Saharan Africa

Climate change is a significant global challenge with major impacts on human health. It directly affects vector-borne diseases such as malaria by expanding vector ranges, boosting reproduction and biting rates, and shortening pathogen incubation periods. This study aimed to evaluate the association of temperature and precipitation with malaria transmission among children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We employed an analytical cross-sectional design to examine the relationship between temperature, precipitation, and malaria transmission among 15,009 children aged under five in six SSA countries: Burundi, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Historical climate data (temperature and precipitation) were retrieved from ERA-5 for the 12 months preceding the surveys. Weighted Modified Poisson regression model was used to assess the associations between climatic variables and malaria transmission. Malaria prevalence in the sample averaged 25.9%, with Nigeria (38.1%) and Burundi (38.0%) showing the highest rates. The results indicate that a one-degree Celsius rise in temperature increased malaria risk by 1.77-fold (95% CI: 1.297–2.414, p < 0.001), while a one-unit rise in squared temperature reduced risk by 1% (95% CI: 0.984–0.997, p = 0.002). Children living in regions with annual precipitation between 250–500 mm faced a 72% higher risk of malaria than those in areas receiving over 500 mm (95% CI: 1.331–2.212, p < 0.001), highlighting the nonlinear influence of climate on malaria transmission among vulnerable populations. In conclusion, the findings suggest a significant link between precipitation, temperature and increased malaria transmission in SSA. This underscores the importance of incorporating climate data into malaria control strategies to mitigate transmission risks among vulnerable populations.

Ultra-conformable tattoo electrodes for providing sensory feedback via transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Individual and community level factors of malaria among under-five children in Kenya: Based on the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey

Background Malaria remains a significant global public health challenge. In Kenya, it is a leading cause of illness and death among children under five in malaria-endemic areas. Understanding its prevalence and the factors influencing it is essential for informed public health decisions and targeted interventions. Objective Assess prevalence and associated factors of malaria in under-five children using the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data. Method A total of 3146 children were included in this study. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to assess factors associated with malaria, with significance reported at p-value < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. Results The prevalence of malaria among under-five children in Kenya was 22.72% (95% CI: 21.29, 24.22). Maternal age between 25–34 (AOR:0.75,95% CI:0.57,0.99) years, richest wealth of family (AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26–0.89), treated mosquito bed net (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.89), no bed net (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.77), mothers who are breast feeding (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.85) and community level poverty(AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.77) were the associated factors of malaria among underfive children in Kenya. Conclusion Malaria prevalence among under-five children in Kenya was 22.72%, with risk factors including poverty and lack of bed net use, while maternal age (25–34 years), higher wealth, treated bed nets, and breastfeeding were protective. To reduce malaria, promoting the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, supporting low-income families, and strengthening maternal health education are essential. Additionally, poverty alleviation programs and enhanced malaria surveillance can help mitigate risks. Strengthening community-based interventions and improving healthcare access are crucial for long-term malaria control.

Amino acid dysregulation in cerebrospinal fluid of stroke patients serving as diagnostic biomarkers in post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis

Exosomes combined with extra virgin olive oil reduces lipogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model

In response to high-fat-diet, excessive lipid accumulation in the liver results in chronic damage and inflammation. Olive oil has been studied for its health beneficial effects in hyperlipidemia (mainly has lipids lowering and antioxidative potential) while mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes (MSCs-Exo) are investigated mainly for their tissue regenerative and anti-inflammatory potential. In the present study we aimed to combine the beneficial effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and MSCs-Exo on a model of high-fat-diet induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD, which still lacks effective treatment protocols) and detect whether an improved response could be achieved from this combination. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 40) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8/group), control, hyperlipidemia (HL), HL+EVOO, HL + Exo and HL + Exo+EVOO. Our results show that better antihyperlipidemic effects were obtained in the combined group receiving Exo+EVOO treatment more than using EVOO or MSCs-Exo alone. This was achieved by improving plasma lipids profile, improving antioxidants stores and reducing lipid peroxidation, no change in liver function parameters which was confirmed also by the histopathological examination of the liver where a preserved normal liver architecture. To further elucidate the mechanisms involved, the gene expression levels of lipogenesis (SREBP-1c, ACC, FAS, GPAT3, SCD1, and FSP27), inflammation (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, CCL20, and NF-κB), lipid peroxidation (CPT1A, ACOX1) and PPAR pathway (PPARα, PPARγ) were all normalized. This indicates that combined Exo+EVOO harnessed the benefits of both, and this was much better in treating hyperlipidemia and NAFLD and warrants prospects for approaches that could be adopted to treat NAFLD.

Elevated 1 h post-load plasma glucose associates with decreased serum lipoprotein lipase in youth and decreased leg fat mass in midlife

MED-EL hearing solution registry: An examination of the strengths and limitations of a cochlear implant registry

There is a significant gap in routine clinical data concerning cochlear implant (CI) users, particularly regarding real-world outcomes. To address this, the present study focuses on the MED-EL Hearing Solution (MEHS) multicenter registry, which covers 5 clinics in Germany. Participants were users of a SONNET 2 or SONNET 2 EAS audio processor. Anonymized data that were routinely collected were extracted and analyzed by a third-party organization. Speech test outcomes (monosyllables and numbers), hours of daily use, self-perceived level of auditory benefit, and safety were assessed. Outcomes from 361 SONNET 2 (or SONNET 2 EAS) users, including 57 bilateral users, were extracted and analyzed. Speech test outcomes increased significantly from pre-operatively to 1 year of CI use in monosyllables (median 10.0% to 65.0%) and numbers (median 77.8% to 100.0%) (both p < 0.001). The majority (79%) of people used their device for at least 9 hours a day. The level of self-perceived auditory benefit was “moderate”. Safety was assessed as per participant self-report: 17 minor clinical events were reported, none were new or unresolved. The data obtained from the MEHS registry offers valuable real-life evidence from routine clinical evaluations, which can support clinicians in developing more informed guidelines and treatment plans. The SONNET 2 (EAS) is effective and safe to use. Registries have the potential to provide a wealth of data that can be used to improve hearing health care. However, the success of registries depends on consistent participation and adherence to standardized protocols by clinical centers. Variability in clinical practices, demographic factors, and reporting standards across centers poses significant challenges to achieving homogeneous and usable data.

A study of individual and market level factors to estimate key determinants of financial success among solopreneurs

Comprehensive analysis of cuproptosis-related genes in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Background Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a distinct myocardial pathology arising from chronic diabetic metabolic disturbances, characterized by progressive structural and functional abnormalities that frequently culminate in heart failure. Cuproptosis, a novel form of cell death, is highly linked to mitochondrial metabolism and mediated by protein lipoylation. However, studies are limited on the clinical significance of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in DCM. Therefore, it is helpful to identify CRGs involved in DCM and explore their expression and molecular mechanisms. Methods We downloaded three datasets of DCM from the GEO database and a set of cuproptosis-related genes with 176 genes. Following the identification of the differentially expressed cuproptosis-related genes(DECRGs) and hub genes, we performed the functional annotation, protein-protein interaction network, co-expression network analysis, mRNA-miRNA regulatory network.The GSE5606 dataset was then used to verify hub genes. Finally, we validated the expression of hub genes in a high glucose-induced H9C2 cell injury model via RT-qPCR. Results We identified 14 DEFRGs and 7 key genes in the DCM samples compared to the control. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DECRGs are associated with several pathways, including TCA cycle, respiratory electron transport, oxidative stress, and metabolism pathway. Moreover, Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1(Idh1), Cytochrome P450 Family 1 Subfamily A Member 1(Cyp1a1), 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Synthase (Hmgcs2) and Hexokinase 2(Hk2) were identified as the hub genes and validated in the GSE5606 datasets with area under the curve(AUC)>0.7. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of Cyp1a1, Hmgcs2, HK2, and Idh1 in vitro model of DCM and controls were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis results from the mRNA microarray. Conclusions Overall,we identified hub genes and pathways involved in DCM via bioinformatics analysis and revealed the potential role of cuproptosis, providing useful and novel information to explore the potential candidate genes for DCM diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Multimodal tilmanocept for preoperative imaging and fluorescence-guided surgery of porcine lateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes

Abstract The management of lateral pelvic lymph nodes in locally advanced lower rectal cancer remains controversial. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping can potentially enhance patient selection for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. The current mapping agent, indocyanine green dye cannot be externally imaged prior to surgery and is not retained after entering the SLN. This study evaluated the ability of tilmanocept, a receptor-specific SLN mapping agent, to provide preoperative PET cross-sectional imaging and sustained intraoperative fluorescence images during rectal cancer surgery. Tilmanocept was labeled with gallium-68, technetium-99m, and a near-infrared fluorophore. Four pigs were studied. Tilmanocept was injected into the submucosal layer of the rectal wall followed 1 h later by PET/CT images of the pelvis, which identified ten SLNs, one of which was a pudendal artery regional SLN. Approximately 45 h after administration, SLN dissection was guided by fluorescence imaging during robotic surgery. The tenth SLN was excised by open surgery. The radioactive and fluorescent intensities of all ten excised SLNs were significantly higher than the non-SLNs. The ability of dual-labeled tilmanocept to provide preoperative SLN imaging can potentially reduce morbidity and operation time by identifying patients who will not require lateral pelvic lymph node dissections.

Dialogic Social Impact Analysis of Companies and Organizations (DSIACO): A pioneer model for evaluating social impact of companies and organizations

Scientific literature has clarified that companies’ social impact is crucial in improving society by optimising their performance and relationship with their stakeholders, creating long-term value. Companies are increasingly interested in assessing their social impact. For instance, applying regulatory compliance increases investors’ confidence, reputation, and image. It reduces risks and costs and improves decision-making, resilience, and talent retention. The concept of social impact and the scientific basis for evaluating and enhancing it have also been clarified and officially published by international organisations (besides the scientific literature). However, there is a lack of scientific literature on how to analyse companies’ social impact based on scientific evidence of social impact. Building upon the latest contributions of the ALLINTERACT research project, funded by the European scientific programme Horizon 2020, we have focused on analysing the social impact of companies and institutions. Our work is based on the communicative methodology of research, which pioneered the development and proposal of the criteria of social impact and co-creation. In this regard, a twofold goal is addressed in this study. On the one hand, a systematic literature review has been conducted to identify existing models of social impact evaluation for companies and organisations based on scientific evidence of social impact. On the other hand, the Dialogic Social Impact Analysis of Companies and Organisations model for assessing social impact tailored for companies and institutions is presented, which has been previously developed as a result of scientific research about social impact evaluation in different fields. The results of the systematic literature review extracted from the screening of 387 articles and analysis of 70 of those articles revealed the absence of any model developed enough to assess companies’ social impact based on scientific evidence of social impact. Existing models make critical errors like confusing social impact with transference. Hence, the DSIACO model presented in this article addresses this critical gap and drives scientific advancements in this area.

Peritoneal delivery of capsinoids, nonpungent TRPV1 agonists, induces mild hypothermia in conscious mice through TRPV1 activation of visceral vagal afferents

Safety evaluation of cinacalcet: Signal mining and analysis of adverse events based on the FAERS database

Objective This study utilized the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to assess signals of adverse events (AEs) associated with cinacalcet, aiming to enhance its safe and rational clinical application. Methods Adverse event reports related to cinacalcet were extracted from the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2025. The AE reports were categorized by Preferred Terms (PTs) and System Organ Classes (SOCs), and risk signals were analyzed using disproportionality analysis. Results Among 30,540 AE reports where cinacalcet was the primary suspect drug, females exhibited a higher reporting frequency than males (47.30% vs. 39.80%). The highest proportion of reports was observed in the 60–74 age group (23.85%). Most AEs predominantly occurred within <7 days (11.14%) or ≥60 days (26.35%) of drug administration. A total of 78 significant PT signals were detected, including known AEs such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, hypocalcemia and epigastric pain, aligning with the drug’s prescribing information. Additionally, several AEs previously undocumented in the drug’s specifications were observed, including precocious puberty, parathyroid hemorrhage, hypoproteinemia, pancreatic atrophy, monocytopenia, cardiac death and arrhythmia. Conclusion Patient evaluation should be conducted prior to the clinical use of cinacalcet, particularly for individuals with heart failure, hepatic or renal insufficiency, and hypocalcemia. Close monitoring of electrolytes and vigilance for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine-related AEs are recommended. Prompt interventions should be implemented in cases of adverse reactions or disease progression to prevent serious complications or deterioration.

Intelligence prediction of microfluidically prepared nanoparticles

Abstract Developing poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles with optimized drug encapsulation and loading is crucial for effective drug delivery. However, controlling the physicochemical properties of these nanoparticles remains challenging. In this study, we compiled a dataset of over 300 PLGA nanoparticle formulations from the literature, including 25 key features related to their preparation on microfluidic platforms. We applied various machine learning algorithms to predict encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL). The random forest model showed the best performance, achieving R² values of 0.93 and 0.96 for DL and EE predictions, respectively. Although EE and DL had minimal impact on each other’s prediction, they provide distinct insights into nanoparticle formulation. Our results demonstrate that machine learning can effectively guide the design of drug delivery systems with desired properties, accelerating their development.

Associations between day of admission, admission hyponatremia and hospital outcomes in medical patients: A retrospective multicenter cohort study

Introduction We investigated the relationship between admission day, serum sodium concentration, and outcomes in medical inpatients. Hyponatremia, the most common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized adults, is associated with prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) and higher mortality. Weekend admissions are also linked to worse outcomes, but the magnitude of this “weekend effect” may vary with diagnoses and particular day of admission. Design Retrospective multicenter cohort study. Setting Four Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs hospitals in Saudi Arabia (January 1, 2016 – May 9, 2022). Participants 43,361 adult medical admissions. Patients with hypernatremia (n = 1,892) or LOS > 30 days (n = 2,988) were excluded. Interventions Admissions were categorized by admission day (Sunday – Saturday) and serum sodium concentration (normonatremia and hyponatremia with severity sub-classification). Main outcome measures LOS, intensive therapy unit (ITU) admission, and mortality. Statistical analyses Multivariable gamma generalized linear models (GLM) were used to evaluate LOS, and logistic regression for ITU admission and mortality, adjusting for age, sex, and hospital site. Sensitivity analyses examined associations with the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Hyponatremia on admission (42.4%) was associated with longer LOS than normonatremia, on all admission days (except Fridays). Association strength between admission day and LOS decreased as the severity of hyponatremia increased. In Saudi Arabia the statutory weekend is Friday-Saturday. Friday admissions had the longest LOS, while Mondays had the shortest (reference = Sunday). Tuesday admissions showed an unexpectedly prolonged LOS, potentially reflecting internal medicine resident half day teaching activities. Mortality was not significantly associated with admission day or serum sodium concentration in adjusted analyses, but the study was underpowered to detect modest mortality differences (58% power for 10% relative risk reduction). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that admission day associations with LOS and ITU admission remained consistent across the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. Admission during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased mortality (OR 1.41) in the primary analysis. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that this excess mortality probably reflected an additive main effect of the COVID-19 period rather than a differential effect by day of admission, confirming that the primary findings on admission day associations are robust. Conclusion This study reveals associations between admission day, serum sodium, and hospital outcomes. LOS varied with both admission day and hyponatremia severity. Friday admissions had the longest LOS, but admission day associations with LOS weakened with increasing hyponatremia severity. Institutional scheduling and staffing patterns may create day-specific variations that extend beyond the traditional weekend-weekday dichotomy. These temporal variations highlight opportunities for targeted workflow adjustments and resource allocation that could improve care delivery, and potentially reduce morbidity and mortality.

Daily briefing: Surprise illnesses had a role in the demise of Napoleon’s army

Evaluation of CuS nanorods surface interaction with Cd2+ ions, Methyl Orange and microbes for clean water management

Challenges, innovations and considerations for the use of tongue swabs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex detection

Background Sputum-based testing is most used for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), but non-sputum specimens such as tongue swabs (TS) offer additional approaches for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). This two-phase study evaluated various storage, transport, and processing conditions to improve MTBC detection using TS tested on quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra). Methods Adults (≥18 years) with Ultra-positive sputum were enrolled at a healthcare facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. In Phase 1, five serial TS were collected per participant and transported “dry” at 2–8°C, to the testing laboratory. In Phase 2, seven TS were collected: three stored “dry,” two in Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer, and two in PrimeStore® Molecular Transport Medium (MTM). Across both phases, pre-testing methods included heat lysis (HL)-only or HL combined with vortex bead beating (VBB), and storage at varying temperatures before qPCR. Swabs stored in MTM were tested on Ultra. Results A paired t -test revealed no statistically significant differences in Ct values between sequentially collected TS (adjusted p   > 0.05). Similarly, mean IS 6110 /IS 1081 Ct values did not differ between fresh and frozen samples (t (85) = −0.031, p  = 0.98; 95% CI: –0.44 to 0.43). VBB significantly reduced Ct values compared to HL alone (t (85) = −9.67, p  = 2.422 x 10 -15 ; 95% CI: −2.44 to −1.61). While storage conditions influenced Ct value and consistency to some extent, mean Ct values varied slightly from 32.48–34.28. Ultra detection improved when TS were processed with MTM and SR buffer. Conclusions MTBC detection from serially collected TS was variable, but Ct values were consistent across swab order and storage conditions. VBB improved yield on qPCR, and Ultra detection was enhanced with diluted SR buffer, highlighting the value of optimized processing. These findings support the continued development of TS-based TB diagnostics.