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Cerebellar dentate nucleus lesions in monkey reveal both a motor-cognitive dichotomy and within-cognition dichotomy of dorsal vs ventral stream processing

Differential effects of hemodialysis modalities on circulating neutrophil extracellular traps in children on maintenance hemodialysis: a cohort study

Abstract Flow of blood through the extracorporeal circuit during conventional hemodialysis (HD) can induce neutrophil activation, leading to inflammatory and cytokine responses. So, we evaluated the effect of modality and membrane performance of dialysis session in children on maintenance HD on neutrophil activation by measuring the level of circulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Twenty-six incident children stable on LFHD for at least 3 months were recruited along with 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Pre-and post-session blood samples for complete blood count (CBC), C - reactive protein (CRP), and NETs were obtained on a mid-week session. Patients were shifted to HFHD for 3 months, followed by post-dilutional OL-HDF for additional 3 months. Blood tests were repeated at the end of each interval. Post-LFHD NETs levels were significantly higher than pre-LFHD (p = < 0.0001) and control levels (p < 0.0001). Both HFHD and OL-HDF resulted in significant reduction in the post-session NETs levels in comparison to their pre-session levels (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 respectively). However, OL-HDF resulted in a significant reduction of post- session NETs levels to a degree that they became comparable to control levels (p = 0.928). We conclude that children on HD have high serum levels of NETs that were significantly increased by using LFHD membranes. HFHD and OL-HDF sessions led to significant reduction in NETs reflecting their possible role in reducing the dialysis related production of NETs, however OL-HDF was superior to HFHD, as it lowered post-session NETs to levels that were comparable to that of controls.

Targeted Synthesis and Development of Neotype Antiviral Agents with a Radical-Mediated Deoxyphosphoamination Strategy

Spatial spillover effects of technological progress on energy intensity in China from the productivity improvement perspective

Phenotyping and characterising gait profiles of people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Gait disorders are among the most disabling symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), substantially affecting quality of life, autonomy, and participation. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) captures impairments -particularly pyramidal, cerebellar and sensory- that influence gait patterns. Quantitative gait analysis enables objective exploration of these patterns supporting personalised strategies. This study aimed to characterise gait profiles in pwMS based on EDSS-derived functional scores. In this cross-sectional study at University Hospital Dresden, 204 pwMS and 237 healthy controls underwent instrumented gait assessments under self-selected, fast, and dual-task conditions. PwMS were categorised into pyramidal, cerebellar, or sensory gait pattern groups based on EDSS functional system scores. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were analysed using generalised linear models adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index. Sensory gait patterns were observed in 57.8% of pwMS, pyramidal in 27.9%, and cerebellar in 14.2%. Significant group differences emerged across all walking conditions. Ataxic gait showed reduced speed and increased step and stride variability. Sensory patterns featured higher speed, longer steps, and increased cadence. Pyramidal patterns resembled ataxic ones but differed under fast walking. EDSS-based functional deficits correspond to distinct MS-specific gait profiles. Multidimensional clinical gait phenotyping provides actionable insights for tailoring rehabilitation and monitoring mobility outcomes in pwMS.

Impact of primary, specialist, and hospital care data on disease frequency estimates in older adults in Sweden

Abstract Nordic countries have a long-standing tradition of using administrative healthcare data from specialist and hospital settings to study disease frequency and etiological associations. While similar data are increasingly available elsewhere, large-scale primary care data remain limited. Understanding how data source affects disease identification is therefore critical. We conducted a register-based study including all individuals aged ≥ 60 years residing in Region Stockholm, Sweden, from 2017 to 2022. ICD-10 codes from primary care, specialist outpatient, and hospital care were grouped into 60 disease categories. One-year cumulative incidence and prevalence were estimated and compared. Disease patterns were broadly similar across care settings, with hypertension being the most common diagnosis. However, underestimation was generally greater for incidence than for prevalence. Hospital and specialist care data primarily captured acute and severe conditions, e.g., stroke, ischemic heart disease, falls, and cancer, while primary care data more effectively identified chronic risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and psychiatric disorders, particularly for incident cases. Age-related differences in underestimation varied by disease but showed no consistent pattern. Primary, specialist, and hospital care data each capture distinct aspects of the disease landscape in older adults. Excluding primary care data leads to systematic underestimation of many common and chronic conditions, especially for newly diagnosed cases. This study provides guidance for epidemiological research using administrative health registers and highlights the importance of integrating data from multiple levels of care to improve the accuracy of disease burden estimates in epidemiological research using administrative health registers.

Effects of confined thermal cycling on sealants with different thermomechanical properties for CCS

Abstract In geological CO2 storage, the integrity of seals between well and caprock is crucial for ensuring permanent CO2 storage. One key mechanism that might affect this integrity is thermal cycling when cold CO2 is injected periodically into a hot reservoir. Our study aims to identify which properties of a sealant are key to its ability to withstand thermal cycling under in-situ conditions. We investigate sealants of four different compositions, namely two ordinary Portland cement-based blends (S1 and S2), and two blends designed for carbon capture and storage applications, namely a novel ordinary Portland cement-based blend with CO2-sequestering additives (S3), and a calcium aluminate cement-based blend (S4). These four sealants possess different thermomechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus, tensile strength, unconfined compressive strength, thermal diffusivity, and thermal expansion coefficient, also characterized in this study. Samples of these sealants were placed in a triaxial deformation apparatus, and subjected to either 1.5 or 10 MPa confinement at 120 °C. Then we applied eight thermal cycles by injecting 20 °C water through a central bore in these samples. To assess the effects of the thermal treatment, we used X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), helium pycnometry, and compressive strength testing on thermal-treated as well as intact samples. Micro-CT results indicate that all sealant samples maintained integrity without cracking (above 32 µm) after thermal cycling under confinement. For all four sealants, post-treatment porosity (determined by either micro-CT or pycnometer) was reduced, which is ascribed to compression during confinement. This reduction in porosity was associated with an increase in compressive strength. Compared to experiments conducted under 1.5 MPa confinement, those at 10 MPa exhibit a greater reduction in porosity, and more enhanced compressive strength. The application of confinement suppressed the potential of crack formation by increasing the effective strength including tensile strength of the sealant during thermal cycling by a reduction in porosity. Based on these findings, we conclude that to limit potential damage to seal integrity induced by thermal cycling, sealants for carbon capture and storage should ideally have high tensile strength and thermal diffusivity, but low Young’s modulus and thermal expansion coefficient.

The impact of masculinity and femininity on disordered eating symptoms and the mediating role of muscularity ideals

Abstract This study examines the role of gender role orientation in shaping body ideals and its impact on disordered eating and muscle dysmorphic symptoms in women. We explore how self-perceived Gender Roles regarding Masculinity and Femininity relate to thinness and muscularity ideals and whether these body ideals mediate the relationship between Gender Roles and disordered eating behaviors. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 304 adult women. Participants completed measures assessing gender role orientation, body ideals, disordered eating symptoms, and muscle dysmorphic symptoms. Mediation analyses were performed. Self-reported Masculinity was associated with stronger muscularity ideals, while Femininity predicted a weaker drive for muscularity. The mediation analysis showed that muscularity ideals completely mediated the relationship between self-perceived Masculinity or Femininity and disordered eating symptoms. The study highlights the importance of considering Gender Roles and muscularity ideals when examining the development of body image concerns and disordered eating behaviors. The findings suggest that promoting flexible gender role perceptions could be an effective focus for public health interventions aimed at preventing and reducing disordered eating. Future research should further investigate these relationships in clinical populations and explore additional mediators. Trial registration: This study was preregistered on the Open Science Framework (OSF, https//osf.io/efn4v May 6, 2024).

Assessment of heavy metals in total suspended particles and deposited dust in different areas in Assiut city, Egypt

Abstract Heavy metals are major environmental pollutants due to their carcinogenic and toxic properties. This study investigates the levels of heavy metals different heavy metals in deposited dust and total suspended particles (TSP) in Assiut City and evaluates their potential health risks. The TSP and deposited dust samples were collected from six sites chosen based on their anthropogenic activities. The levels of the heavy metals in the collected samples were determined by an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer. During the seasons of the year, the average TSP concentrations in the most polluted location reached 1605 µg/m3, exceeding the air quality limits (230 µg/m3). Also, the most polluted locations went beyond the threshold value limit (TVL = 18 g/m2.month) in deposited dust rates. The average concentrations of heavy metals at selected sites ranged from 0.006 to 0.826 µg/m3 in TSP, and ranged from 6.302 to 64.65 µg/g in settled dust. These values were greater than those reported in comparable investigations conducted in other countries. By conducting a preliminary health risk assessment to the chronic exposure of the reported heavy metals concentrations, it was percussive that 20,000 cases per million are expected to get cancer because of the high-risk value of Chromium in the study area. The high Hazard Quotient values (ranging from 4 to 8) in this study suggest multi-organ toxicity, particularly to the nervous, reproductive, and respiratory systems. As a result, air quality management and the implementation of targeted policies within a risk management plan are necessary to lower the concentration of various heavy metals in the environment of this society.

Molecular Simulations with a Pretrained Neural Network and Universal Pairwise Force Fields

Prevalence and risk factors of viral hepatitis and HIV among people experiencing homelessness in Germany based on a nationwide study

Abstract People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at risk of contracting and transmitting infectious diseases. Data on PEH blood-transmitted virus prevalence and vaccination coverage is needed to design targeted interventions. A nationwide multicentre cross-sectional study of PEH was conducted. Clinical data were collected through questionnaire-based interviews, and blood samples were tested by serology and qPCR. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified subgroups of PEH, while univariable regressions identified risk factors of viral hepatitis. 643 PEH from four metropolitan areas in Germany were included. LCA revealed national short-term, long-term and international short-term PEH subgroups. The prevalence of anti-HAV-IgG, anti-HBc, anti-HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HEV and anti-HIV was 44% (95%CI: 39–48%), 17% (95%CI: 14–21%), 25% (95%CI: 21–29%), 18% (95%CI: 15–22%), 29% (95%CI: 25–33%) and 0.7% (95%CI: 0.2–1.7%), respectively. Active HBV and HCV infection was detected in 1.4% (95%CI: 0.7–2.7%) and 12% (95%CI: 9.6–14%), respectively. Univariable logistic regression revealed PEH with former imprisonment had 13.24 times the odds of active or past HCV infection (95%CI: 6.28–27.90) that individuals without had. This study shows the high acquisition and transmission risks for HCV/HIV among PEH. Low vaccination coverage for HAV/HBV calls for revising vaccine recommendations. High HCV infection risk associated with imprisonment highlights the need to address health disparities faced by incarcerated individuals.

Author Correction: Latexin deficiency in mice up-regulates inflammation and aggravates colitis through HECTD1/Rps3/NF-κB pathway

The FIFA 11 + Referees program improves knee proprioception in female futsal referees

Abstract While the FIFA 11 + Referees program (the 11 + Referees) is the only structured injury prevention program for referees, its effects on injury-related risk factors among referees remain underexplored. This study investigated the effects of the 11 + Referees on knee joint proprioception and dynamic balance. Thirty four female referees from the Tehran Premier Futsal League voluntarily participated and were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 17) or the 11 + Referees group (n = 17). All participants underwent a baseline assessment including knee joint proprioception at angular velocities of 15°/s, 45°/s, and 60°/s, and position sense, as well as dynamic balance. Subsequently, the intervention group performed the 11 + Referees program three times weekly for 8 weeks, while the control group performed general warm-ups. Post-intervention, the same test battery was administered, and changes were analyzed to identify the program’s effects on the measures understudied. Significant improvements were observed in knee joint proprioception at 15°/s (F = 18.19, p < 0.001, η²=0.44), 45°/s (F = 4.07, p = 0.056, ηp²=0.15), and 60°/s (F = 6.63, p = 0.017, η²=0.22) in the intervention group. However, dynamic balance did not show significant improvement (F = 0.79, p = 0.38, η²=0.033). In conclusion, an eight-week application of the 11 + Referees enhanced knee joint proprioception in female referees with large effect sizes, but had no significant effect on dynamic balance. Improvements in proprioception may be attributed to neuromuscular adaptations resulting from regular program use. The absence of balance improvement could be due to the short intervention period and the hard futsal court surface, which may limit the effectiveness of certain balance exercises. Future studies should explore the program's effects on other injury risk factors and injury rates.

Occurrence of impaired swallowing ability and change over a year in older adults living in nursing homes

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of dysphagia in three nursing homes and to investigate whether swallowing function changes over a year. Seventy-three individuals participated (median age 89 years) and were tested with the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). The participants estimated self-perceived swallowing ability with a self-report questionnaire. Thirty-eight participants (52%) exhibited dysphagia according to the GUSS. Thirty-six participants (49%) showed symptoms of dysphagia according to the self-report questionnaire. The study also investigated how well the results from the GUSS agreed with self-rated swallowing function and found 60% agreement. No association was found between age and swallowing function. Twenty participants were examined twice, one year apart with no statistically significant change between these occasions. Results show that approximately half of the participants have persistent swallowing difficulties after one year. Swallowing difficulties are common in older adults living in nursing homes, even though few have an ongoing intervention to improve swallowing safety and efficiency.

Utilizing unified progressive hybrid censored data in parametric inference under accelerated life tests

Contamination of private water supplies after a well communication event (frac-out) in southwest Pennsylvania

Correction: Morbidity patterns and long-term outcomes of central lymph node dissection in thyroid cancer patients

Pain and mental-health scores significantly different in male and female football-players with traits of decision-reinvestment, but heart-rate-variability differences are unsupported

Abstract Decision-reinvestment is a tendency to consciously monitor and control performance, particularly under pressure, and associated with impaired motor-control, self-reported health concerns, and conflicting evidence with regard to cognitive performance decline. Reinvestment however has also been associated with decreased cardiac vagal activity, and alternations in heart-rate-variability (HRV) which is a reflective measure of autonomic modulations and overall athletic performance. This observational study examined the relationships among HRV, cognitive function, perceived health, and decision-reinvestment with respect to on-pitch performance. The null-hypothesis was that HRV and cognitive function do not differ between reinvestment groups, but high-reinvesters report increased health concerns. HRV of 88 football-players was recorded (5-min) using an HRV-analyser. Participants self-reported mental and physical-health (SF-36), decision-reinvestment strategy (DSRS), and were assessed for memory (Backwards Corsi), selective attention (STROOP), and cognitive flexibility (WCST). Spearman correlations and two-sample tests were used for analysis. Perceived health correlated significantly with HRV, reinvestment, and WCST perseveration errors. High-reinvesters reported more pain, diminished well-being, vitality, social functioning, and emotional capability (all p ≤ 0.05), but showed no group differences in HRV or cognitive function. Reinvestment is linked to poor mental-health-, and health perception is in turn associated with HRV, advocating performance-focused mental-health optimisation.

Comparative evaluation of deep learning and traditional models for predicting traffic accident severity in Saudi Arabia

Assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of probiotics, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles, and their combination with physical irradiations against cattle endometritis pathogens

Abstract Endometritis is a postpartum uterine inflammation caused by bacterial infection often linked to complications such as abortion. The current study aims to manage microbial endometritis in cattle using the antimicrobial effects of probiotics, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and biophysical factors. The antimicrobial effects of some selected commercial Bacillus probiotic strains -divided into seven groups and biosynthesized AgNPs (1–5 mM) against various pathogenic strains were investigated. Experiments included AgNPs characterization (SEM/EDX, UV–Vis, and FTIR), and disc diffusion assays. The impact of UV, IR, and 50 Hz sinusoidal EMF at 5 mT on pathogen viability; both alone and in combination with AgNPs; was assessed followed by ultrastructural analysis (TEM). Group 1 (G1) probiotics showed the highest inhibition (16.57 ± 5.59 mm), especially against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. AgNPs (5 mM) synthesized from G1 achieved maximum antimicrobial activity (up to 52 mm for E. coli), with IR + AgNPs reducing bacterial counts by over 75%. In contrast, UV and EMF treatments, especially when combined with AgNPs, unexpectedly increased fungal growth. This study highlights the potent antimicrobial effects of probiotics and biosynthesized AgNPs, with the combination of IR and AgNPs demonstrating the strongest inhibitory activity, particularly against bacteria. In contrast, UV and EMF treatments were less effective and, in some cases, appeared to promote fungal growth.