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A universal scaling framework for granular asteroid strength and its application to the surface of asteroid Bennu
Air fryer ownership, household food-related task sharing, cooking skills, and mediterranean diet adherence among cohabiting adults in Türkiye: A cross-sectional study
Air fryers are increasingly used in home kitchens, yet their relationships with domestic culinary labour and diet quality remain unclear. This cross-sectional study included cohabiting adults in Istanbul, Türkiye, with one respondent recruited per household (N = 384; 50% women); 192 participants (50%) reported owning an air fryer. Cooking and food preparation skills were assessed using a validated 33-item scale (14-item cooking skills and 19-item food skills subscales), and Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed using MEDAS. Group comparisons and robust regression models were performed. Compared with non-owners, owners had longer education duration (median 14 vs 12 years) and lower BMI (median 25.7 vs 27.4 kg/m²) (both p < 0.001). Women scored higher than men on cooking skills, food skills, and MEDAS within both ownership strata (all p < 0.01). In robust regression models, air fryer ownership was positively associated with cooking skills (β = 4.253, p = 0.028) and food skills (β = 6.589, p = 0.004). Higher MEDAS scores were associated with older age (β = 0.049 per year, p < 0.001) and regular exercise (β = 1.873, p < 0.001), whereas male sex (β=−1.311, p < 0.001), lower perceived income, and regular smoking were associated with lower MEDAS scores (p < 0.05). Air fryer owners also more frequently reported equal sharing with a spouse for selected routine kitchen tasks, particularly table setting, meal preparation, and dishwashing. Air fryer ownership was associated with higher cooking- and food-skill scores and with more equal sharing of some kitchen tasks, but not with Mediterranean diet adherence.
Hybrid metaheuristic approaches for grey generalized quadratic assignment problem
Translation initiation by the Kozak mRNA sequence is based on a conformational readout on the ribosome
Abstract The recognition mechanism of Kozak mRNA, typically comprising purines in the −3 and +4 positions flanking the AUG start codon, has remained enigmatic for decades. To address this fundamental function in eukaryotes during translation initiation, we analysed several cryo-EM structures of human 48S preinitiation complexes with mRNA sequences differing in Kozak activity revealing distinct modes of recognition. The pre-codon triplet forms a fan-like intercalation into the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), while a −3 pyrimidine destabilizes ternary complex positioning. Specificity towards the +4 purine is achieved beyond a single residue recognition by mutual conformational adaptations of eIF1A, mRNA and rRNA that involve the insertion of a reading head in which decoding residue A1825 (rRNA) stacks with the A-site codon to stabilize the fully accommodated state. Hence, instead of relying on base pairing as in bacteria, the specific recognition of the Kozak sequence on eukaryotic ribosomes is based on an induced-fit mechanism that triggers a conformational readout of the mRNA.
Integrative analyses reveal the evolution of the Old World Swallowtail in the Palearctic
Based on a dataset of 585 samples originating from across the Palearctic region and four genes (COI, CAD, Ca-ATPase, and 28S) for a subset of these samples, we studied the phylogenetic relationships within and between the Old World Swallowtail ( Papilio machaon Linnaeus, 1758) and its closest relatives in the Palearctic region. We used Machine Learning (ML) to investigate the concordance of morphological characteristics with the molecular data. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that the Palearctic taxa everesti , archias and hippocrates formed strongly supported sister-group relationships with P. machaon . Within the Palearctic machaon a few distinct mitochondrial linages were observed, including one from the Himalayas and Central Asia, and another one that included all of the north African samples (taxa mauretanica , saharae and neosaharae ) without any distinction. ML clustering was supportive of the haplotype and geographic analyses and a positive correlation was measured between average genetic phylogenetic and machine learnt specimen-image distances. Screening for Wolbachia revealed infection only in females of P. archias. We present a biogeographic scenario for the evolution of the P. machaon species group in the Palearctic region.
Alcalase-derived egg white hydrolysates exhibit ACE inhibition In silico and gut microbiota modulation In vivo
Organic planar π-conjugated anions enable structural design of anion-π+ NIR-II phototheranostic agents
Abstract Anion-π + phototheranostic agents (PTAs) have attracted considerable interest for their exceptional luminescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, current development is constrained by limited structural diversity and lack of second near-infrared (NIR-II) emission and photothermal performance, with the role of organic π-conjugated anions remaining unexplored. Here, we propose an organic π-conjugated anion-exchange strategy to construct advanced NIR-II PTAs. DTPAP-2B (with Br - ) and DTPAP-2P (with pentacyanocyclopentadiene anion ((CCN) 5 - )), were synthesized. Upon nanoformulation, DTPAP-2P NPs exhibit pronounced absorption redshift, intense NIR-II emission, a large Stokes shift (340 nm), superior ROS generation, and high photothermal conversion efficiency (72%) compared to DTPAP-2B NPs. Single-crystal and theoretical analyses reveal that the planar (CCN) 5 - anion enhances dual anion-π + interactions, promoting intramolecular charge transfer while suppressing intermolecular π-π stacking. This enables high-resolution NIR-II angiography and effective NIR-II imaging-guided synergistic photodynamic/photothermal therapy in female mice model. This work establishes organic π-conjugated anion exchange as a powerful strategy for developing robust NIR-II PTAs.
Bioinformatics analysis reveals the characteristics of immune microenvironment in major depressive disorder and vitiligo
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) and vitiligo often occur together, worsening patient outcomes. However, the shared pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Methods This study applied integrated bioinformatics to identify shared candidate markers for MDD and vitiligo. Public transcriptomic datasets from the GEO database were analyzed for differential expression. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the STRING database. Shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underwent GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses. Three machine-learning algorithms were applied to select candidate biomarker genes. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis was quantified through ssGSEA and a TF-miRNA network was constructed via NetworkAnalyst platform. Single-gene GSEA further explored pathways linked to the biomarker in both diseases. Results Differential expression analysis and PPI network construction suggest the involvement of 14 hub genes potentially linked to both MDD and vitiligo. Functional enrichment analyses indicate their putative roles in immune processes and inflammatory responses. Machine learning further prioritized three key genes: EXOSC7 , KLRG1 , and MAPK14 . Immune infiltration analysis revealed distinct patterns of inferred immune enrichment signatures, and the TF-miRNA network highlighted the complexity of the regulatory landscape. Preliminary validation suggests MAPK14 as a potential candidate gene warranting further investigation in MDD and vitiligo. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that immune dysregulation and inflammatory activation may be interconnected in MDD and vitiligo. MAPK14 represents a potential candidate marker for their comorbidity. These findings primarily serve to generate hypotheses regarding shared mechanisms and prioritize targets for subsequent experimental validation.
A transferable machine learning framework integrating multi-dimensional vegetation thresholds to predict green infrastructure cooling efficacy in arid urban areas
Elevated CO2 and warming intensify plant reliance on soil nitrogen reserves despite intensive fertilization
Abstract Understanding how ecosystems sustain plant nitrogen (N) supply under climate change is critical, yet whether increasing plant N demand is met by external inputs or mobilization of soil N reserves remains unresolved. Here we show that climate change increases plant reliance on soil N reserves despite intensive fertilization. Using a two-year 15 N-tracing experiment combining elevated CO 2 , warming, and drought in a montane grassland, we found that plants obtained 82–88% of their N from soil and acquired 4.6–7.3 times more N from soil than from fertilizer despite high N inputs. Elevated CO 2 and warming increased plant uptake of soil-derived N but not fertilizer N. Consequently, plant N export exceeded fertilizer inputs, causing ecosystem N deficits and depletion of soil N stocks, with the strongest soil N mining under combined elevated CO 2 and warming. Our findings reveal that climate change accelerates biological mining of soil N reserves, potentially constraining the long-term sustainability of intensively managed agroecosystems.
A clinical pilot study for personalized risk-based breast cancer screening utilizing a polygenic risk score
Background Population-based mammographic screening is primarily age-based. However, breast cancer risk is multifactorial, and women may benefit from personalized risk-based screening. This pilot study aimed to explore the use of polygenic risk score (PRS) as a tool for risk stratification in personalized screening. Methods We included 80 women aged 40–49 years referred for clinical mammography. Exclusion criteria were prior breast cancer or premalignant breast disease, and previous genetic testing. After DNA collection, PRS was calculated from 2805 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Screening recommendations were based on each participant’s relative 10-year breast cancer risk estimated from PRS and compared with the 10-year risk of an average woman of the same age. Women with a self-reported family history of cancer meeting standard criteria were referred for gene panel testing for pathogenic variants in high-risk genes. A follow up questionnaire regarding participants’ experiences was distributed 6–9 months after PRS testing. Results Mean age was 45.2 years (SD 2.8). Mean relative 10-year breast cancer risk was 1.18 (SD 0.57). Based on PRS, 40 participants were recommended standard biennial screening 50–69 years, while 40 were advised to begin biennial screening before age 50. Among these, 7 were recommended annual mammography from when their 10-year risk reached twice that of an average 50-year-old. Twenty-one women underwent gene panel testing; no pathogenic variants in breast cancer genes were identified. Five women were advised annual mammography from 40–60 years due to family history of breast cancer, regardless of PRS. Most respondents viewed breast cancer risk assessment positively and did not report increased anxiety after testing. Conclusions In this pilot cohort, PRS-based risk stratification led to earlier or more intensive screening recommendations in half of the participants, while family history also influenced management.
Incidence and predictors of unintended perioperative hypothermia in cancer surgery: a prospective cohort study
Alternatively spliced killer–protector system confers S19-mediated hybrid male sterility in rice
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding type 2 diabetes and associated factors among rural adolescents in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study
Introduction Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an increasingly important public health concern in Indonesia and is increasingly affecting adolescents at a growing rate due to lifestyle transitions and limited awareness. Evidence regarding adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward T2D in rural settings remains limited. This study assessed KAP levels related to T2D, identified sociodemographic factors associated with KAP outcomes, and examined interrelationships among KAP domains among rural Indonesian adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025 among 1,546 senior high school students in Kampar Regency, Riau Province. Participants were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a validated KAP questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.725). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Mann–Whitney U tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, Spearman’s rank correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses, were used to examine KAP outcomes and associated factors. Results Participants demonstrated limited knowledge regarding T2D, particularly related to risk factors, symptoms, and complications. Although attitudes toward diabetes prevention were generally positive, preventive practices remained suboptimal, especially regarding physical activity. Female gender, peri-urban school location, higher academic rank, extracurricular participation, and prior exposure to diabetes information were associated with higher KAP scores. Knowledge was moderately associated with attitude but only weakly associated with preventive practices. Conclusions Rural adolescents demonstrated limited diabetes-related knowledge and suboptimal preventive behaviors despite generally positive attitudes toward T2D prevention. Several sociodemographic and school-related factors were associated with KAP outcomes. However, the weak relationship between knowledge and practice highlights a persistent gap between awareness and preventive behavior. School-based, peer-led, and after-school interventions that integrate education with behavioral reinforcement may strengthen diabetes prevention efforts among rural adolescents.
Distance judgement in individuals with vision and hearing loss
Orbital coupling in bridge-mediated FeCu dual-atom catalysts for water decontamination
Prevalence of criminal legal involvement among emergency department patients: Insights from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2021-2023
Introduction Criminal legal involvement (CLI) is a known predictor of short- and long-term adverse health outcomes, and those with CLI often use emergency departments (EDs) to access health care. However, the prevalence of CLI among ED patients is unknown. We sought to assess lifetime and past year CLI among those reporting an ED visit for any reason, for substance use and for mental health, and predictors of ED use among those with CLI to inform efforts to establish ED-based screening and interventions. Methods We analyzed data from the 2021–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Participants reported lifetime CLI, past year CLI and ED visits in the last 12 months for any reason, for substance use and for mental health. We performed descriptive analysis and logistical regression to determine the association between lifetime CLI and ED visits. Results Of those reporting an ED visit for any reason, 19% reported lifetime CLI and 3% reported past year CLI. These numbers rose to 44% (lifetime CLI) and 15% (past year CLI) for substance use related ED visits and 29% (lifetime CLI) and 8% (past year CLI) for mental health related ED visits. Those with lifetime CLI had higher odds of an ED visit for any reason (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12–1.29), for substance use (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.36,2.43) and for mental health (aOR 1.54, 95%CI 1.19,1.99). Conclusions EDs should recognize lifetime CLI as social determinant of health which impacts a significant proportion of their patients.
Evaluation of low-cost sensors for size-resolved indoor particle monitoring
Elimination of myotonia improves myopathy in a muscleblind-like knockout model of myotonic dystrophy
Abstract A cardinal sign of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is myotonia, slow muscle relaxation after voluntary contraction. Myotonia results from mis-regulated splicing of chloride channel 1 (ClC-1), leading to loss of channel function and runs of involuntary action potentials in muscle fibers. Preceding the onset of weakness, myotonia is often the first symptom of DM1, and thus this raises the possibility that muscle hyperexcitability contributes to the subsequent weakness and myopathy. Here, we show that genomic deletion of ClC-1 exon 7a (E7a), a cryptic exon abnormally regulated in DM1, completely rescues of ClC-1 function and yields permanent elimination of myotonia in the muscleblind-like 1 (Mbnl1) knockout mouse model of DM1. The restoration of normal excitability results in normalization of muscle force generation, correction of fiber-type distribution, and improvement of muscle histology. E7a deletion also partially corrects the muscle transcriptome, including changes of differential gene expression and alternative splicing. These results indicate that E7a inclusion is a lynchpin splice event that contributes to myotonic myopathy, and support myotonia reduction as a therapeutic objective in DM1.
India’s biofuel blending policy presents serious trade-offs with land use, nitrogen emissions and food security
This study examines the environmental and resource implications of India’s 20% ethanol blending mandate, with a focus on its effects on land use, water and fertilizer use, and greenhouse gas emissions. Using a global partial equilibrium model of the land-use sector, MAgPIE, we evaluate scenarios involving different feedstock combinations involving molasses and sugarcane juice. Results reveal that ethanol production from molasses exerts considerable pressure on natural resources due to the high land, water, and fertilizer demands of sugarcane. Conversely, ethanol derived from sugarcane juice proves to be a more sustainable option, requiring less water and fertilizer while generating lower greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, all scenarios present challenges related to food security, through increases in food prices, and resource competition. Sensitivity analysis shows that limited technological progress or constrained trade amplify domestic land, water, and emission burdens. Our findings provide directly usable evidence for designing India’s biofuel roadmap. They can inform (a) the choice of feedstock-mix for achieving blending targets with lower land, water, and nitrogen footprints (b) complementary policies on fertilizer management, irrigation efficiency, and trade; and (c) the timing and scale-up of diversified and second-generation feedstocks. Overall, the study highlights that careful management of feedstock portfolios and supporting agricultural policies is essential for aligning India’s ethanol expansion with long-term climate, food security, and resource sustainability goals.