Browse Articles

Fourteen year retrospective study of craniofacial pain in a neurological emergency department

Abstract This fourteen-year retrospective cross-sectional study (August 2010 - July 2024) provides the first analysis of neuropathic craniofacial pain (CFP) in a neurological emergency department (ED), evaluating its types, characteristics, and management. Data from electronic medical records were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (p < 0.05). Among 156 adult CFP patients (median age 61 years; female 108/156, 69.2%), six CFP types were identified, with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) being the most common (122/156, 78.2%), and etiologically defined in 30/122 patients (24.6%). The typical patient was an elderly female with severe, right-sided TN affecting the V2 and V3 branches. Acute treatment lacked guideline-supported rapid-onset options, relying instead on nonopioid and opioid analgesics (48/54 patients, 88.9%). There was a decline in cases after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.001). Rare CFPs and their combinations can initially present in the ED, where diagnostic complexity and treatment gaps pose significant challenges. These findings highlight the ED’s critical role and the need for institutional guidelines based on ICHD-3 or ICOP to improve CFP management.

Sugar intake trajectories in adolescents: Evaluating behavioral change with group-based trajectory modeling

Background Sugar intake through sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) remains a major public health concern among adolescents. Tailored dietary interventions have garnered interest for promoting sustainable behavior change, yet traditional pre-post designs often overlook the temporal complexity of individual adaptation. This study applied a trajectory-based approach to assess how adolescents’ sugar intake trajectories evolved in response to an intake-based tailored intervention. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted on data from a 14-day chatbot intervention (CRIS, KCT0008114) aimed at reducing sugar intake among adolescents. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct intake trajectories. A linear mixed-effects model examined the impact of tailored intervention type, time, and trajectory group membership on sugar consumption, including their interactions. Subgroup analysis compared intervention responses between native Korean and racial and ethnic adolescents. Results Three trajectory groups were identified: reduction (38%), maintenance (57%), and no-intake (5%). Adolescents with higher baseline intake exhibited rapid declines in consumption, whereas those with lower intake showed gradual reductions. By the second week, reduction and maintenance groups converged. A significant three-way interaction among intervention type, time, and trajectory group was observed, indicating heterogeneous responses. No group exhibited increased consumption, suggesting sustained effects. Racial and ethnic adolescents demonstrated greater responsiveness to the tailored intervention. Conclusion Intake-based tailored interventions effectively accommodate individual variability in dietary behavior change, with particularly pronounced benefits among participants with higher baseline intake. These findings underscore the importance of adaptive intervention strategies and the need to consider individual and structural factors when designing public health interventions targeting adolescent diet.

Nanotechnology-driven coordination of shoot–root systems enhances rice nitrogen use efficiency

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in agricultural production can reduce fertilizer input, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and decrease water pollution incidence. However, improving NUE in farming systems without compromising food security remains challenging. Herein, we have successfully developed and applied selenium-based nanotechnology, which capitalizes on above- and belowground synergies to enhance field-scale NUE. Specifically, when N fertilizer application was reduced by 30%, foliar application of selenium nanomaterials significantly enhanced rice photosynthesis by 40.3% compared with reduced N fertilizer treatment (189 kg N/ha). This enhancement promoted carbohydrate synthesis and translocation, providing abundant carbon sources for rhizosphere processes. These abundant carbon sources modulated rhizosphere N transformation processes, stimulating ammonification and nitrification while suppressing denitrification, thereby reducing methane, ammonia, and nitrous oxide emissions by 18.8 to 45.6%. In addition, compared with controls (270 kg N/ha), our approach improved rice root growth and upregulated gene expression associated with N uptake and translocation, increasing rice NUE (48.3%). While maintaining comparable yields to conventional practice, we observed significant improvements in rice quality parameters including crude protein, amino acids, and Se content. Furthermore, the application of this above- and belowground synergistic nano-regulation technology reduced environmental negative impacts by 41.0% and increased economic benefits by 38.2% per ton of rice produced, relative to conventional practices. This work elucidates how nano-enabled agricultural regulation achieves reduced input, enhanced efficiency, and increased income, emphasizing the high potential of nanotechnology in agricultural applications, particularly in improving the utilization efficiency of N fertilizers.

Process liquor carbonation and simulation on an industrial scale, harnessing exhaust gas from light diesel oil fired boilers in mining and ore processing plants

Optimization of acquisition time and reconstruction parameters for quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography using iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine

This study aimed to determine the optimal measurement conditions for accurate standardized uptake value (SUV) analysis of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) by examining the relationship between image convergence and quantitation. Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography images were acquired using JS-10 and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) body phantoms, with acquisition time per view varied (10, 30, 50, and 100 s/view). Image reconstruction was performed using three-dimensional-ordered subset expectation maximization, adjusting the product of subset and iteration (SI product; 60, 120, 180) and Gaussian filter parameters (8, 10, 12 mm). For the JS-10 phantom, we evaluated the dose linearity (DL), the recovery coefficient (RC) of individual rods, the scatter ratio (SR), and the coefficient of variation (CV). For the NEMA body phantom, we assessed the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the 17-mm-diameter hot sphere. We also evaluated the maximum and mean SUVs for all its hot spheres, and their relative standard error (RSE), using SUVs obtained at 100 s/view as reference. In the JS-10 phantom, the DL remained stable under all conditions. The RC decreased when the Gaussian filter was large and the SI product was small. A trade-off between the CV and the SR emerged, depending on the acquisition time and the SI product; optimal results were observed at 50 − 100 s/view and an SI product of 120 − 180. In the NEMA body phantom, contrast improved with acquisition times of ≥30 s/view, and the CNR increased as noise declined with longer acquisition times. At ≥50 s/view, variation in the maximum and mean SUVs decreased, with the RSE remaining below 5%. In conclusion, accurate SUV measurement with ¹²³I-MIBG requires an acquisition time of ≥50 s/view, an SI product of approximately 120, and a Gaussian filter of 10 − 12 mm. These findings provide a foundation for future studies comparing this method with the heart-to-mediastinum ratio, supporting its clinical application.

<i>Bacillus subtilis</i> in defense mode: Switch-like adaptations to protistan predation

Single-cell eukaryotic predators in the soil are a primary cause of bacterial cell death. Yet, most functional genomic studies on soil bacteria have been performed without predation, thereby selecting for phenotypes impacting growth rather than survival and biasing our view on the ecological factors driving genomic evolution. Here, we study how predation by the ubiquitous amoebal predator Dictyostelium discoideum affects Bacillus subtilis ’ growth and survival using both a genome-scale mutant screen and de novo evolution of resistance. We show that predation-related genes (many not previously identified) promote survival by enabling filament or aggregate formation, thereby outsizing D. discoideum and slowing or preventing ingestion. Importantly, we find that predation resistance is costly, causing a trade-off between growth and survival. B. subtilis navigates this trade-off through switch-like adaptations, where cells switch back-and-forth between a slow-growing resistant state and a fast-growing susceptible state. These behaviors are controlled through both genotypic and phenotypic switches, with a central role for the Spo0A phosphorylation cascade, whose ancestral function may have been to evade or slow predation. Taken together, we uncover how the antagonist selection pressure imposed by predation is an important ecological driver of phenotypic heterogeneity in B. subtilis .

A hybrid computational framework for fractional cancer diffusion models in uncertain settings

Correction: Overlapping point cloud registration algorithm based on KNN and the channel attention mechanism

A supporting-electrolyte-free four-compartment electrochemical reactor for aqueous and organic phase electrosynthesis

Electrosynthesis offers a promising method to make valuable chemicals under mild conditions; however, its application has been greatly hampered by issues including the requirement of a supporting electrolyte, the limited solubility of reactant(s) in electrochemical compartments, the complex product(s) separation processes, etc. Herein, we innovatively present a four-compartment electrochemical reactor equipped with delicately designed active species diffusion membrane electrodes. Four compartments include two chemical (reduction and oxidation) compartments and two electrochemical (cathode and anode) compartments. The unique membrane electrodes physically separate the chemical compartments (containing organic reactants in pure solvent) from the electrochemical compartments (containing supporting electrolytes), while allowing electrosynthesis of high-value-added chemicals in both nonconducting aqueous and organic environments without the need of a supporting electrolyte. The reactor is able to drive both the anodic electrosynthesis (e.g., oxidation with a halogenation yield &gt; 93%) and the cathodic electrosynthesis (e.g., reduction with a hydrogenation yield &gt; 95% and a deuteration incorporation &gt; 85%). The batch four-compartment electrochemical reactor can be engineered into a continuous type, where substrates in pure solvent can be converted into products with a conversion &gt; 90% as they travel from the inlet to the outlet of the continuous reactor.

Dihydroartemisinin ameliorates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via restoring mitochondrial function via HIF-1α/HO-1 pathway

Integrative genomic characterization of five Pediococcus acidilactici strains reveals differing probiotic safety profiles

The increasing use of probiotics in livestock necessitates rigorous safety assessments to mitigate risks such as their inadvertent contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This study employs whole-genome sequencing using both long-read (GridION, Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and short-read (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) platforms to assess the genomic and plasmidome profiles of five Thai strains of Pediococcus acidilactici, that previously have been evaluated for probiotic potential in livestock. Our comprehensive analysis identified genes encoding AMR, virulence factors, and probiotic-related genes. Notably, strains AF2519 and AF2019 harbored plasmid-borne tet(M) and erm(B) genes, with tet(M) embedded in a novel composite genetic arrangement flanked by mobile elements, suggesting historical recombination and altered mobility potential. Strains IAF6519, IAF5919, and P72N, free from plasmid-borne AMR genes, emerged as safer candidates, lacking virulence genes. Phenotypic tests revealed discrepancies with genomic data; for instance, AF2019 was resistant to clindamycin without detectable genes, and showed susceptibility to tetracycline despite the presence of tet(M). The absence of complete transfer machinery in AF2519 and AF2019 suggests a reduced HGT risk. These findings underscore the importance of integrating genomic and phenotypic approaches in probiotic safety evaluations. The presence of plasmid-borne AMR genes in certain strains advises caution in their use, impacting probiotic selection and regulatory compliance in agriculture. This research informs policies and best practices for safe probiotic deployment, ensuring both efficacy and safety.

Sperm meet the elevated energy demands to attain fertilization competence by increasing flux through aldolase

Prior to ejaculation, mammalian sperm are stored in the epididymis in a “resting” metabolic state. Upon ejaculation, sperm must alter their metabolism to generate the energy needed to support the motility and maturation process known as capacitation to reach and fertilize the oocyte. How sperm regulate the capacitation-induced increase in carbon flux is unknown. Here, we use 13 C stable isotope labeling in mouse sperm isolated from the cauda epididymis to follow glucose metabolism through central carbon metabolic network before and after sperm activation. As sperm transition from resting to highly activated states, they boost energy yield by increasing flux through glycolysis at the expense of the pentose phosphate pathway. Increased glycolytic activity seems to be achieved via capacitation-induced stimulation of flux through aldolase. In the mitochondria-containing midpiece, glycolytically generated pyruvate feeds the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to further maximize energy yield via oxidative phosphorylation. In the mitochondria-free principal piece of the flagellum, pyruvate produced from glycolysis is reduced to lactate by lactate dehydrogenase, which also serves to regenerate oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) ensuring a sufficient supply to support glycolysis. The resultant lactate is at least partially secreted. Finally, we find evidence that there is an as yet unknown endogenous source of energy in sperm, feeding the upregulation of TCA cycle intermediates. These studies provide the most complete picture of the metabolic shift which occurs in capacitating mouse sperm in glucose.

Comparing cappadocia honey samples for elements level

Generally weighted moving average control chart in the presence of measurement error via auxiliary information utilization

Control charts are essential tools for monitoring the stability of manufacturing processes. However, measurement error can reduce their effectiveness by weakening their ability to detect process shifts. This study introduces an improved version of the Generally Weighted Moving Average (GWMA) chart, called the Auxiliary Information Based GWMA with Measurement Error (AIB-GWMA-ME) chart. This new chart combines auxiliary information with a measurement error adjustment mechanism to improve monitoring accuracy. Three types of measurement error models are considered – namely, the covariate model, multiple measurements model, and linearly increasing variance model. For each model, the statistic of the AIB-GWMA-ME chart is developed, and the corresponding control limits are determined. Monte Carlo simulations are used to assess the chart’s performance based on Average Run Length (ARL). Results show that the AIB-GWMA-ME chart improves sensitivity to small shifts and performs better than existing GWMA and EWMA charts in the presence of measurement error.

Correction for Nehemy et al., Embolism resistance supports the contribution of dry-season precipitation to transpiration in eastern Amazon forests

Networks of intermuscular coordination distinguish male and female responses to exercise

Potential field reconstruction-based path planning system for autonomous vehicle with enhancing stability

In recent years, the critical role of path planning and path tracking in autonomous vehicles (AV) has led to a growing focus on these areas. Generally speaking, the path planning layer plans the collision-free path, and then the path tracking layer ensures the stability of AV. However, in emergency scenario, the path planned by conventional method is difficult to guarantee the stability of AV. In this study, a potential field reconstruction-based path planning system (PFR-BPPS) is proposed to address the aforementioned issue. The PFR-BPPS consists of two main components: a potential field reconstruction module and an adaptive fusion module. To ensure simultaneous obstacle avoidance and stability for AV, the potential field reconstruction module reconstructs both the potential velocity field and the potential stability field. For adaptive integration of these two fields, the adaptive fusion module employs fuzzy inference rules for effective fusion. The simulation is carried out on the Matlab-Carsim co-simulation platform. The results demonstrate that the path planned by PFR-BPPS exhibits outstanding performance in improving velocity adaptability and maintaining path stability in emergency situations.

A spatially differentiated water pollution policy leads to economic and health inequity

Disparities in air pollution exposure by socioeconomic status (SES) are well documented. However, there is much less evidence on the inequitable consequences of water pollution and policies affecting water pollution gaps. This study uncovers the distributional impact of China’s 11th Five-Year Plan (2006–2010), which triggered spatially differentiated water pollution abatement for a population of almost 1.3 billion. We document that the policy reduced water pollution overall, targeting areas based on pollution level. Since high pollution areas tend to be wealthier, this policy concentrated firm water pollution abatement and reductions in polluting firm entry in higher-SES areas. While pollution fell, the policy further widened the gap in health and economic outcomes, particularly for those without tap water access: Disparities in risks of tumor, cardiovascular disease, labor supply, and wages increased. Our findings demonstrate that policy-induced changes in water pollution can interact with unequal access to defensive infrastructure to exacerbate SES gaps in outcomes. The analysis also suggests that consideration of heterogeneous pollution vulnerability across the population may affect the overall benefits of a policy.

Harnessing operating room signals to estimate mean arterial pressure with AnesthNet

Abstract Monitoring mean arterial pressure (MAP) is essential for ensuring safe general anesthesia. Current practices rely either on non-invasive cuff measurements, which suffer from poor temporal resolution, or invasive arterial lines, which provide excellent accuracy and resolution but carry a significant risk of complications. Therefore, identifying alternatives to arterial lines in the operating rooms is a pressing need. Despite the importance of this issue in the community, clinically viable non-invasive MAP monitoring methods have yet to emerge. Existing approaches often encounter reproducibility issues, notably on large, open-source databases, and are not always optimized for real-time predictions. To address these limitations, this study introduces AnesthNet, a deep learning architecture designed for MAP estimation, using data exclusively from non-invasive and routine sensors such as photoplethysmography, ECG, and cuff oscillometer. AnesthNet was evaluated against the best-performing state-of-the-art deep learning architectures, using international standards to assess their performance on two of the largest datasets to date: VitalDB (2,833 patients) and LaribDB (5,060 patients). AnesthNet achieved superior performances, reaching an MAE of 4.6 (± 4.7) mmHg on VitalDB and 3.8 (± 5.7) mmHg on LaribDB. Our model also outperformed other architectures for different delays in cuff values and yielded no significant latency during inference, meeting clinical real-time requirements.

Optimization strategy for sound environment of college basketball stadium

As an important sports venue, the sound environment of the basketball stadium is crucial for the experience of spectators and participants. In order to improve the quality of the acoustic environment of the basketball stadium, the acoustic parameters such as reverberation time, language transmission index and background noise were used to build a comprehensive evaluation system, and the software simulation was improved and optimized. The results show that the language transmission index of most measuring points in the basketball stadium has a high consistency between the on-site measurement values and the simulation results, and the simulation results are relatively accurate. The improved language transmission index values of each measurement point have significantly increased, with an average of 0.58, an increase of 93.33% compared to before the improvement. The improvement strategy effectively improves the acoustic environment of the basketball stadium and better controls the reverberation time in the stadium. The research provides a valuable analysis of the optimization of the sound environment of college basketball stadiums, which provides some reference for the improvement of the sound environment of basketball stadiums, and also has some reference significance for the optimization of the sound environment of other sports venues or entertainment venues. Index terms college basketball stadium; acoustic environment; optimization strategy; acoustic simulation; AHP.