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Radiomics-based machine learning for splenic injury diagnosis using computed tomography (CT) images

Sepsis neonatorum: Bacterial profile, antimicrobial resistance patterns, among neonates and associated factors, Dilla University Referral Hospital, southern Ethiopia, with special reference to WHO prioritized pathogens

Background Sepsis neonatorum (neonatal sepsis) constitutes severe, life-threatening infections, frequently necessitating intensive care unit admissions, and is a leading indication for antibiotic prescription in neonatal clinical practices. In Ethiopia, neonatal sepsis is quite rampant, and the widespread empirical therapy results in several interrelated challenges, such as incorrect or misuse of antibiotics, bacterial virulence, and aggravation of drug resistance and treatment failures. Aims This study was done to assess the culture-positive sepsis, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and associated factors among neonates attending Dilla University Referral Hospital, southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2023 among 280 neonates suspected of sepsis using systematic random sampling. Data and venous blood samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. SPSS and logistic regression were used for analysis, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results The overall culture-positive prevalence (n = 88) of neonatal sepsis was 31.4% (95% CI: 25.7, 36.8). Neonatal sepsis was predominantly caused by Escherichia coli (n = 27, 30.7%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 18, 20.5%). Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were extremely resistant (80–100%) to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftriaxone, and ceftazidime. Overall, 70.2% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant, including more than a quarter of isolates that were WHO prioritized, viz., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended-spectrum β-lactamase bacteria. Isolates exceeding one-fourth of the entire bacteria studied demonstrated resistance to both the first- and second-line regimens. Residence in rural areas [AOR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.22–5.84 ( p  < 0.05)], mode of delivery by Caesarean section [AOR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.04–9.46 ( p  < 0.002)], lengthy hospital stays [AOR: 4.65; 95% CI: 1.55–13.9 ( p  < 0.001)], prolonged labour [AOR: 3.36; 95% CI: 1.32–8.56 ( p  < 0.05)], and preterm premature rupture of membrane [AOR: 5.23; 95% CI: 4.11–9.49 ( p  < 0.001)] were statistically associated with the outcome. Conclusions A substantial prevalence of culture-confirmed cases of neonatal sepsis was identified, in comparison to other regions of the country. Alarmingly, bacterial isolates demonstrated considerable resistance to the first-and second-line regimens. Regular monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns and timely implementation of enhanced infection prevention strategies are the need of the hour.

Precursor characteristics of rock bursts in chain pillars based on microseismic monitoring

HIV-1 Nef inhibits the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by inducing proteasomal degradation of STAT1

Type I interferon (IFN-I) is critical for controlling viral infections through the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, which drives the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) with diverse antiviral functions. Despite its importance, the effectiveness of IFN-I treatment against HIV-1 is limited. The HIV-1 accessory protein Nef is highly expressed early during infection and is detectable in the serum of HIV-1-infected individuals. Furthermore, Nef is a key factor in viral pathogenesis and disease progression, that has been shown to antagonize specific ISG products via post-translational mechanisms. To investigate if Nef plays a broader effect in antiviral responses, we used a T cell line constitutively expressing Nef and analyzed the JAK/STAT pathway activation after IFN stimuli. Here, we demonstrate that Nef interferes with the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by selectively depleting STAT1 in T cells. This Nef-mediated depletion depends on Nef myristylation and proteasomal activity but not on lysosomal activity. In contrast, the levels of STAT2, an interaction partner of STAT1, as well as the phosphorylation of upstream kinases JAK1 and TYK2, remain unaffected by Nef. Importantly, the depletion of STAT1 in Nef-expressing T cells compromises the induction of antiviral ISGs by IFN-α. These findings reveal a novel role for Nef in T cells, suggesting a mechanism through which HIV-1 evades IFN-α-induced antiviral responses, potentially contributing to viral immune evasion.

Spatially dependent optical behavior of a quantum dot molecule system

Impact of vagus nerve cross-sectional area on electrocardiogram parameters in community-dwelling older adults: The YAHABA study

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the association between vagus nerve cross-sectional area (VN-CSA) using carotid ultrasonography and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in community-dwelling older adults, thereby clarifying the influence of VN-CSA on cardiac electrical activity. Methods A cross-sectional study examining the association between VN-CSA and ECG parameters. We prospectively enrolled participants aged ≥65 years who underwent both 12-lead ECG and carotid ultrasonography from the 2023 survey of a community-based cohort study (YAHABA study). The VN-CSA was measured offline at the thyroid level using carotid ultrasonography with a 3–8 MHz linear probe. Participants were divided into tertiles of each side; right tertile (RT)1 (<1.0 mm), RT2 (1.0–1.1 mm), and RT3 (>1.1 mm 2 ). and left tertile (LT)1 (<0.9 mm 2 ), LT2 (0.9–1.0 mm 2 ), and LT3 (>1.0 mm 2 ). ECG parameters were compared among the three groups on each of the left and right sides. Furthermore, linear regression analysis was performed to examine the association between left and right VN-CSA and ECG parameters. Results Finally, 183 participants enrolled in this study. In the analysis of covariance in multiple comparisons among tertiles of each side, RT1 had a higher heart rate (p = 0.021), a shorter R–R interval (p = 0.037), and a higher P-wave amplitude (p = 0.008) than RT2, while no significant differences were observed between RT1 and RT3. No significant associations were observed for the left VN-CSA. In the linear regression analyses, significant associations were observed between the left VN-CSA and QRS duration (p = 0.038), while there was no significant association between the right VN-CSA and ECG parameters. Conclusion The size of the vagus nerves had different effects on cardiac electrical activity in the left and right sides. The right VN-CSA may be associated with the electrical activity of the sinus node and atria, while the left VN-CSA may be associated with the electrical activity of the ventricles.

A novel semi-supervised strip steel surface defect classification model based on CycleGAN and ResNet-50

Green spot in ‘WA 38’: Growth dynamics, vascular integrity and architecture, and a hypothetical mechanism

‘WA 38’ is a cross of ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Honeycrisp’. It is susceptible to the surface disorder known as green spot (GS), which reduces its marketability. This study aimed to characterize fruit growth in ‘WA 38’, ‘Enterprise’, and ‘Honeycrisp’ and explore potential links to vascular integrity. Among the three cultivars, ‘WA 38’ exhibited the most rapid fruit growth, followed by ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Honeycrisp’. While fruit diameter was similar across cultivars, ‘WA 38’ apples were significantly longer. Allometric analysis revealed hyperallometric growth in the height of the calyx lobes and pedicel end region relative to diameter in all cultivars. Conversely, core height growth was hypoallometric. ‘WA 38’ showed faster calyx lobe elongation than either parent cultivar. However, in the pedicel end region, ‘Honeycrisp’ exhibited faster growth than ‘WA 38’. The positions of the vascular bundles were unusual across the three cultivars. Petal bundles were more peripheral than sepal bundles in ‘WA 38’, followed by ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Honeycrisp’. Acid fuchsin feeding pedicels of immature ‘WA 38’ fruit stained sepal and petal bundles and a dense network of minor veins. In mature fruit, staining was limited to petal and sepal bundles near the seed cavity. More petal bundles were stained in immature fruit than mature fruit, while sepal bundle staining remained constant. Notably, rupture of petal bundles occurred near the seed cavity. Green spot disorder did not consistently affect the calcium-to-dry-mass ratio. The xylem of ‘WA 38’ becomes dysfunctional, probably because of hyperallometric growth in height at the pedicel end and the unusual peripheral position of petal bundles. Although the total Ca/dry mass ratio of ‘WA 38’ appears sufficiently high, imbalances will likely arise between different Ca pools within the fruit.

Perceived knowledge, attitudes and practices of Parkinson’s disease patients and their families regarding exercise rehabilitation: a cross-sectional survey across 27 provinces in China

Utilization of cell-penetrating peptide adaptors to enhance delivery of variably charged protein cargos

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can deliver biomacromolecular cargos into cells, potentially enabling a new mode of intracellular drug delivery. However, a major problem with CPP-mediated delivery is entrapment of CPPs within endosomes as covalent linkages ensure CPPs and cargos share common fates. We previously developed a CPP-adaptor system based on reversible, calcium-dependent cargo binding that produces cargo release from adaptors as complexes dissociate following internalization and Ca 2+ efflux from early endosomes. Having employed CPP-adaptors with an array of protein cargos of differing charges, it became apparent that positively charged cargos often appeared to dominate internalization and that association with the adaptor had little effect. To systematically address the effects of cargo charge and CPP function, we tested the ability of several adaptors to increase internalization of a set of adaptor binding GFP cargos having charges of +9, + 15, + 20, + 25 and +36. Intrinsic internalization of these cargos reproduced reported patterns showing that positive charge increases internalization. Interestingly, labeling these cargos with a chemical fluorophore revealed that GFP fluorescence grossly underestimated total internalization as shown by the fluor. Internalization was charge and concentration dependent with more positive cargos showing apparent saturation of internalization at 100–400 nM, well below the concentrations at which covalently linked CPP-cargos are commonly dosed. We tested the ability of 5 adaptors to internalize these cargos. Our prototype adaptor, TAT-CaM, was completely ineffective with the + 9 cargo, but internalized moderately charged cargos extremely efficiently at concentrations far below the µM range. A derivative adaptor, TAT-LAH4-CaM, was highly effective with all cargos and produced similar maximal internalization at 100–400 nM. However, two adaptors specifically designed with increased positive charge inhibited internalization of the most positive cargos. One of these, GFP-CaM, based on the supercharged GFP with net charge of +36, did increase internalization of the least positive cargos, demonstrating an adaptor with high affinity for the cell surface can increase internalization of a neutral cargo at very low concentration. The common maximal level of intrinsic GFP cargo internalization correlated with surface loading of these cargos, suggesting a limit to the beneficial effects of increased plasma membrane association. However, TAT-CaM further increased internalization above intrinsic levels via an apparently distinct mechanism. In this limited study of the interaction of cargo charge and adaptor efficacy, we found diverse behaviors that hint at the power and flexibility possible with adaptor/cargo internalization.

Psychological aspects of taxation in Morocco

Abstract The current study explored the psychological aspects of taxation in Morocco. In this sense, we aimed to analyze the Moroccan taxpayer beliefs and feelings, in addition to drawing a broad psychological view of the trade-off between the Moroccans and the tax policy. For this reason, we adopted a descriptive method that consisted of collecting data from a sample of adult Moroccans that consisted of 100 participants, aged between 20 and more 40 years, using a qualitative procedure in which the above sample responded to a short questionnaire that consisted of 4 questions that targeted psychological fiscal representations and feelings. After analyzing the collected data, it appears that there are different representations and feelings towards tax and tax policy. Mainly, there is a tendency to consider tax as a public interest, which is at the same time characterized by unfairness. We concluded that the Moroccans like other nations, share the same representations and feelings about tax and tax policy.

Real-world evidence of physical activity practices and policies in Greater London primary schools: A cross-sectional survey

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends six domains for a whole-school approach to promote physical activity (PA) levels. This approach aims to help children achieve 30 of the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Evidence on PA practice and policy in school settings is limited, particularly in urban areas with high deprivation, where children’s PA levels are lowest. Methods We developed a 20-item survey based on the WHO domains and distributed it to 1826 state-funded primary schools in all 32 Greater London boroughs between 6 November 2023 and 31 December 2024. We extracted survey items relating to each domain and calculated the percentage of schools reporting each practice. Results Our sample of 185 schools (10.1%) included at least one school from each borough and was broadly representative of school populations in Greater London, except that responding schools were more likely to have fewer pupils eligible for free school meals. Most schools (68.5%) reported implementing at least one practice aligned with each of the six WHO domains. Specifically, 98.4% reported providing curricular physical education (Domain 1), 78.9% had an active travel plan (Domain 2), 98.4% offered PA opportunities before/after school (Domain 3), 92.4% provided opportunities for PA during breaks (Domain 4), 81.7% incorporated PA into lessons (Domain 5), and 81.5% reported supporting the inclusion of pupils with additional needs in PA opportunities (Domain 6). However, implementation within domains varied; for example, only 53.5% met the nationally recommended two hours of physical education per week, with similarly low levels for before‑school PA provision and active travel initiatives. Conclusion Most primary schools in this large, multi-ethnic urban sample reported school policies and practices aligned with WHO domains, suggesting that a whole-school approach to creating an active school environment is feasible to implement. However, we identified areas for improvement within domains, and alignment alone may be insufficient to meaningfully increase children’s PA levels. This study provides a foundation for future research linking active school environments with children’s PA and mental health, thereby informing efforts to increase MVPA and promote equitable outcomes.

Geospatial variability and nutrient partitioning of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in Iranian wheat grains: implications for flour and bread quality

Examining relationship between unhealthy lifestyle and life satisfaction among new students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Background Transitioning to university is a critical period marked by lifestyle changes, academic pressures, and increasing autonomy, which can influence students’ overall well-being. Previous research suggests that unhealthy lifestyle behaviors—including poor diet, insufficient physical activity, inadequate sleep, and ineffective stress management—may negatively impact life satisfaction among young adults. Methods This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between lifestyle and life satisfaction among newly enrolled undergraduate students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2024. Participants completed structured questionnaires assessing multiple lifestyle domains (diet, physical activity, sleep, smoking, alcohol use) and life satisfaction using validated Iranian questionnaires. Lifestyle scores were categorized as “healthy” or “unhealthy,” and life satisfaction as “good” or “poor.” Associations were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and anxiety. Results Overall, of the 419 students, 294 (70.2%) reported good life satisfaction. Socioeconomic status and anxiety levels differed significantly across life satisfaction groups (p < 0.001). Students with healthier dietary patterns reported higher life satisfaction (76.6% vs. 60.4%, p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis indicated that students with healthy lifestyles had significantly higher odds of good life satisfaction compared to those with unhealthy lifestyles (adjusted odds ratio [aOR = 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10,3.35; p = 0.02). Each one-unit increase in lifestyle score was associated with a 28% increase in the odds of good life satisfaction (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.05,1.57; p = 0.02). Conclusion Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are negatively associated with life satisfaction among new university students. Interventions promoting balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and overall health-conscious behaviors may enhance students’ life satisfaction and well-being.

Chemical profile and in vitro antischistosomal activity of Crotalaria madurensis different extracts

Abstract Chromatographic isolation of Crotalaria madurensis Wight & Arn leaves aqueous methanol extract availed a new potassium sulfonate acylated flavonol glycosides named quercetin 8-potassium sulfonate 3- O -[2- O -sulfonyl]- β - D - 4 C 1 -glucopyranosyl-(1’’’’→3’’’)-4- O -[ E - caffeoyl]- β - D - 4 C 1 -glucopyranosyl-(1’’’→2’’)-3- O -[ E -caffeoyl]- β - D - 4 C 1 -glucopyranoside ( Crotalamad oside A) ( 1 ), along with three known flavonoids identified as quercetin 7- O -neohispredoside ( 2 ), 3’,4’-dimethoxy quercetin 3- O -neohispredoside ( 3 ) and isoquercetin ( 6 ) besides two triterpene saponin compounds named as hedragenin 3- O - β - D - 4 C 1 -glucopyranoside ( 4 ) and hedragenin 3- O - α - L - 1 C 4− rhamnopyranoside ( 5 ). This was in addition, to two cinnamic acid derivatives named as E -caffeic acid 4- O - β - D - 4 C 1− glucopranoside ( 7 ) and E -caffeic acid ( 8 ). Identification of the isolated compounds relied on their chromatographic properties and spectral data (UV, ESI-MS, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, 1 H- 1 H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC). The antischistosomal activity of the C. madurensis different extracts were assessed in vitro using schistosome worm killing, findings revealed that the aqueous methanol extract was the most effective extract, chromatographic fractionation of this extract revealed significant antischistosomal activity for fractions number V and VI rich in flavonoids and triterpene saponins, respectively.

Corrosion assessment in aluminum pipe based on nonlinear ultrasonic technique using macro fiber composite transducers

Pipe corrosion, specifically pitting corrosion, is the main cause of destructive pipe leakage, driven by the harsh working environment of liquid and gas transportation. Therefore, detecting pitting corrosion is essential for ensuring the safe operation of metal pipes. This study investigates a nonlinear ultrasonic technique using macro fiber composite transducers, aiming to assess pitting corrosion in metal pipes at an early stage, with a focus on characterizing the influence of temperature on the ultrasonic nonlinearity. Macro fiber composite transducers with flexibility and high ultrasonic performance were used to actuate and detect ultrasonic guided waves propagating in pipes with curved surfaces. Considering the multi-mode propagation characteristics, the 1.4 MHz second-harmonic ultrasonic component generated by the nonlinear interaction between ultrasonic guided waves and pitting corrosion was extracted. Repeated experiments revealed that both the second-harmonic amplitude and relative nonlinear parameter exhibited a monotonic increase with the number of cycles and area of pitting corrosion. For comparison with the nonlinear results, statistical metrics including the mean slopes, coefficient of determination, and relative standard deviation of the linear fitting parameter were determined alongside the linear ultrasonic experiments. These results indicate that, despite some inherent data variability, the proposed nonlinear ultrasonic technique exhibits comparatively better sensitivity, goodness-of-fit and repeatability than linear ultrasonic methods for identifying pitting corrosion. Thus, the proposed nonlinear ultrasonic technique using macro fiber composites offers a promising complementary alternative for early corrosion assessment in metal pipes.

Assessment of health-related quality of life and determinants among pulmonary tuberculosis patients, Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Editorial Note: Study on optimization of inspection mechanism of concrete beam bridge

FDEM-BEM simulation of hydraulic fracture propagation and control factors in conglomerate reservoirs

miR-132 overexpression is associated with modulation in miR-21 expression and glioblastoma cell behavior

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal primary tumor of the central nervous system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and increasing evidence suggests that miRNA relationships may contribute to regulatory complexity in cancer biology. In this study, we combined in silico analyses of ten independent miRNA expression datasets (TCGA and GEO) with functional validation in GBM cell models to investigate the association between miR-132 and miR-21 in GBM. Differential expression analysis consistently demonstrated significant overexpression of miR-21-5p and downregulation of miR-132-3p in GBM tissues compared with normal brain. These findings were validated in U87 and C6 GBM cell lines using qRT-PCR, confirming consistent dysregulation of both miRNAs in vitro (p < 0.05). Functional experiments demonstrated that miR-132 overexpression is associated with reduced miR-21 expression and increased expression of established miR-21 target genes, including BMPR2 and BCL11B at both mRNA and protein levels. These molecular changes were accompanied by reduced metabolic activity, impaired wound closure, and increased apoptotic cell death in both U87 and C6 GBM models. Collectively, these findings support a strong functional association between miR-132 expression and miR-21 related regulatory networks and phenotypic changes in GBM. However, the present study does not provide evidence for a direct physical or fundamental interaction between miR-132 and miR-21. Further mechanistic studies, including rescue experiments and direct binding assays, are required to clarify the underlying regulatory mechanisms.