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Effect of SMA prestressing and MRF damping ratio on the seismic collapse capacity of steel moment frames equipped with hybrid SMA-MRF damper
The prognostic significance of stress hyperglycemic ratio in critically Ill patients with hypertension: A study using the MIMIC-IV database
Background Traditional ABG is susceptible to interference from acute stress and daily fluctuations, making it difficult to accurately assess true acute blood glucose surges. To bridge this gap, we adopted the Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio (SHR), which reflects true acute hyperglycemia by controlling for baseline glucose status. SHR is associated with critical illness and has been shown to associated with in-hospital mortality. However, there is a lack of studies investigating SHR and its prognostic significance in patients with hypertension. Methods This study utilized the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (MIMIC-IV) to extract patient information. All subjects were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of SHR. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves were utilized to assess the relationship between SHR and all-cause mortality at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days. The relationship between the SHR index and prognosis was evaluated using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression and Cox proportional hazards regression. At the same time, subgroup analyses were performed for gender, age, diabetes, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and paraplegia. Results A total of 2,140 participants with essential hypertension were included in the study. The KM curve analysis revealed that elevated levels of the SHR index were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days (log-rank P < 0.05). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed that the SHR index remained significantly associated with mortality risk ( P < 0.001 ) . RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear, inverse U-shaped association between SHR and all-cause mortality ( P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in all-cause mortality across gender, age, diabetes, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and paraplegia. Conclusions In critically ill patients with hypertension, a high level of SHR index is associated with all-cause mortality. The SHR index may be a potential prognostic indicator for assessing illness severity in ICU patients with hypertension.
A hybrid deep learning and quantum computing framework enhances cybersecurity threat detection and analysis
Psychometric properties of the Thai version of the Illness-Specific Social Support Scale Short Version-8 (ISSS-8) among hematological malignancy patients in the Northeastern region of Thailand: A multicenter study
Social support, which is an essential aspect influencing health, has resulted in the development of several approaches for assessment in cancer patients. The Illness-Specific Social Support Scale Short Version-8 (ISSS-8) effectively evaluates social support among diverse patient demographics; however, its psychometric validity has yet to be established in Asian cultural contexts. The objectives of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the ISSS-8 for the Thai setting and to assess its psychometric properties in patients with hematological malignancies (HMs). This study employed a convenience sampling method to select patients with HMs undergoing hospitalization at three tertiary institutions in Northeastern Thailand. Psychometric testing was conducted following the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ISSS-8 into Thai. A total of 350 patients were recruited. Participants were randomly divided into two groups for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n = 200) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n = 150). The EFA of the eight items yielded a loading from a two-factor model comprising Positive Support and Detrimental Interactions, which explained 82.44% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha (0.80) and item–total correlations (rho = 0.33–0.65) demonstrated acceptable reliability of the ISSS-8, while test–retest reliability was high (ICC = 0.924-–0.934). The average variance extracted (AVE) demonstrated convergent validity for all ISSS-8 subscales, with AVEs ranging from 0.76 to 0.80. Moreover, the total ISSS-8 scale demonstrated a statistically significant but weak positive correlation with the Stanford Inventory of Cancer Patient Adjustment (r = 0.244, p < 0.001), while the Detrimental Interactions subscale was significantly and weak negatively correlated with it (r = 0.237, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that the ISSS-8 captures distinct psychosocial and illness-specific relational constructs that differ from coping self-efficacy and psychological adjustment measured by the SICPA. The ISSS-8 is a short, accurate, and valid instrument for measuring social support in Thai patients with HMs. As a result, healthcare professionals can use the ISSS-8 to assess social support in both research and clinical settings. The findings emphasize the necessity of integrating social support evaluation into cancer management and family-centered care, thereby supporting comprehensive and adaptive healthcare delivery in Thailand.
Nonlinear dynamic transitions and equilibrium topology of a beam under sequential moving masses
Abstract The nonlinear dynamic behavior and stability characteristics of a supported Euler–Bernoulli beam—representative of material-based structures such as composite bridges and nano-engineered beams—subjected to a sequence of moving masses are investigated. The nonlinear response is based on the geometrical aspects of large transverse deflections of the beam, which contribute to changes in stability under traveling loads. Beam-moving mass systems arise in many realistic engineering problems and provide simplified models of flexible structural systems driven by time-varying excitation. The analysis is based on an accepted formulation that preserves the fundamental inertial effects of the moving mass. The paper focuses on the equilibrium topology and nonlinear response behavior near several equilibrium points. The modulation equations are obtained using the method of multiple scales (a two-variable expansion technique) to analyze the effects of system parameters and initial conditions on the dynamic response. The findings reveal clear equilibrium structures comprising nodal and saddle points, the evolution of which governs the transition between quasi-unstable and double-periodic responses. Phase-plane analysis and Poincaré maps show the presence of multiple attractors, leading to sensitivity of the long-term response to initial conditions. Damping is also analyzed, including the progressive collapse of heteroclinic and homoclinic structures into stable equilibria. The results highlight the importance of equilibrium-dependent nonlinear analysis for reliable stability evaluation and design of beam-moving-mass systems under time-varying loads.
Surveillance of Escherichia coli clones and their antimicrobial resistance profiles in wastewater and drinking water treatment plants of Barcelona, Spain
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, and environmental reservoirs such as wastewater (WWTPs) and drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) may facilitate its persistence and spread despite reducing bacterial loads. We investigated 152 antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli strains collected across treatment stages from two WWTPs and one DWTP in Barcelona, Spain. Strains were characterized through antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, multilocus sequence typing, biofilm assays, and screening of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factors (VFGs), biocide and heavy-metal tolerance genes (HMTGs). Although E. coli bacterial loads decreased along treatment, AMR remained highly prevalent: 85.5% of strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR), 5.3% extensively drug-resistant, and 11.2% carbapenemase-producers. Strains harboring integrase genes were 2.4 to 11.8 times more likely to harbor ARGs for sulfonamide, aminoglycoside, phenicol, trimethoprim, mercury and quaternary-ammonium compounds. Strains carrying bla CTX-M genes were 3.0 to 20.3 times more likely to carry VFGs, while high-risk clones were 3.2 to 7.0 times more associated with VFGs. Some MDR and high-risk E. coli clones persisted in reclaimed water, and one MDR strain was detected at the DWTP inlet. These findings highlight environmental AMR reservoirs as a public health concern and support a One Health approach integrating antibiotic stewardship and environmental monitoring.
A scalable system architecture for multimodal learning behavior data acquisition and analysis in virtual reality educational environments
A multiplex dual-probe RT-LAMP assay for rapid subtype-specific detection of respiratory syncytial virus A and B
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory tract infections, particularly in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. RSV is classified into two major subtypes, RSV A and RSV B, which co-circulate seasonally and exhibit genetic variability, highlighting the need for rapid and subtype-specific diagnostic methods. Although reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is the reference standard for RSV detection, its reliance on complex instrumentation limits its applicability in decentralized testing settings. In this study, we developed and evaluated a probe-based reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for rapid detection and differentiation of RSV A and RSV B. The assay incorporates a dual-probe strategy, employing an assimilating probe for RSV A detection to ensure robust signal generation under multiplex conditions, and hybridization-based TaqMan-style probes (HyTaq probes) for RSV B detection and for an internal control targeting the human ACTB gene to ensure reaction validity. Analytical performance was assessed using serially diluted RSV positive clinical specimens and plasmid standards. Clinical performance was evaluated using 91 RSV A positive specimens, 97 RSV B positive specimens, and 120 RSV negative specimens, as defined by the reference diagnosis. The RSV A and RSV B RT-LAMP assays demonstrated sensitivities of 92.31% and 98.97%, respectively, with a specificity of 100% for both targets. No cross-reactivity was observed with a panel of common respiratory viruses. These results indicate that the proposed dual-probe RT-LAMP assay provides a rapid and specific approach for subtype-specific RSV detection, with potential applicability in decentralized diagnostic settings pending further validation.
Botanical origin influences the performance of thermosetting plastics derived from dialdehyde starches including pineapple stem starch
Diagnostic accuracy of automated hematology analyzer abnormal flags for detecting hematological malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Hematological malignancies including leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes, are characterized by clonal proliferation of abnormal blood or bone marrow cells. Early and accurate detection is essential for improving treatment outcomes and survival. Automated hematology analyzers generate abnormal flags that may indicate underlying hematologic malignancies; however, their overall diagnostic accuracy has not been comprehensively evaluated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of abnormal flags for detecting hematological malignancies. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant diagnostic accuracy studies. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2(QUADAS-2) tool. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated using a bivariate random-effects model in Stata version 17.0. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore potential sources of variability. Results Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of abnormal hematology analyzer flags for detecting hematological malignancies were 91% (95% CI: 87%–94%) and 89% (95% CI: 84%–92%), respectively, indicating good diagnostic accuracy. Significant heterogeneity was observed across studies (I 2 > 50%). Meta-regression analysis identified the type of abnormal flag as a significant source of heterogeneity in sensitivity (p < 0.001), whereas both the type of abnormal flag and the analyzer platform significantly influenced specificity. Conclusion Automated hematology analyzer abnormal flags showed promising diagnostic performance. However, substantial heterogeneity and differences in analyzer platforms, flag types, and reference standards reduce the certainty and generalizability of pooled estimates. Nevertheless, these findings support the use of abnormal hematology analyzer flags as an effective initial screening tool in routine laboratory practice, particularly in resource-limited settings where rapid and cost-effective diagnostic support is essential. Systematic review registration PROSPERO (CRD42024601908 ).
Experimental investigation of internal gas distribution characteristics in loaded water-bearing coal during N2 displacement
Integrative multi-omics and machine learning identify CHRNA1 putative circadian-immune hub in COPD
Background Circadian rhythm disruption is increasingly recognized as a contributor to chronic inflammatory disorders; however, its specific significance and underlying mechanisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain unclear. This study aimed to identify circadian rhythm-associated biomarkers in COPD and explore their diagnostic value, immune correlations, and therapeutic potential. Methods This study integrated four lung transcriptomic datasets from the public GEO database (GSE151052, GSE38974, and GSE76925 as the discovery set, and GSE47460 as the validation set). Differentially expressed circadian rhythm‑related genes (DECRRGs) were identified by intersecting differentially expressed genes with circadian rhythm‑related genes. Functional enrichment analyses (GO and KEGG) were performed, and three machine learning algorithms were applied to screen for signature DECRRGs. An exploratory risk stratification model based on multivariate logistic regression was constructed and evaluated. Immune cell infiltration was assessed using CIBERSORT, and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis was conducted to localize the distribution of key circadian rhythm genes within specific lung cell populations. Finally, the expression of a core gene CHRNA1 was validated by qRT-PCR in peripheral blood samples from COPD patients and healthy controls. Results We identified eight circadian rhythm-associated feature genes, among which CHRNA1 emerged as a consistently upregulated hub gene in COPD. An exploratory risk stratification model based on these genes exhibited good discriminatory ability in the discovery cohort (AUC = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.806–0.902). Differential expression of CHRNA1 was validated in an independent cohort and correlated significantly with pro-inflammatory immune infiltration, including increased M1 macrophages and CD8 ⁺ T cells. Single-cell transcriptomics further localized CHRNA1 expression predominantly within B cells in COPD lung tissue. In silico drug screening and ceRNA network analysis predicted potential therapeutics (e.g., amitriptyline, rocuronium bromide) and regulatory miRNAs/lncRNAs. Finally, qRT-PCR confirmed a marked upregulation of CHRNA1 in peripheral blood from COPD patients ( *p* < 0.0001). Conclusions Our findings suggest that CHRNA1 may serve as a candidate circadian rhythm‑associated immunomodulator in COPD. It demonstrates consistent upregulation across cohorts and shows a significant association with pro‑inflammatory immune infiltration. Single-cell analysis revealed that CHRNA1 is predominantly expressed in pulmonary B cells. The exploratory risk stratification model and predicted therapeutic candidates highlight the translational potential of targeting circadian disruption in COPD, though prospective validation is needed before clinical application.
Serum and hepatic lipid fractions and total protein status of laying hens supplemented with tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) under different stocking densities
Sustainable conversion of waste plastics to biofuel: Process insights and fuel characteristics
Plastic consumption has become pervasive in modern society, with over 300 million metric tonnes produced annually worldwide, contributing significantly to municipal waste. In Bangladesh, where annual per capita plastic use has risen to 22 kg as of 2022, innovative solutions for managing plastic waste are urgently needed. This research introduces a novel approach to the pyrolysis of various plastics (PET, PVC, PP, HDPE) within a temperature range of 300 °C to 550 °C to produce pyrolytic bio-oil and biochar. We established optimal conditions for each plastic type—500 °C for PET, PVC, and HDPE, and 450 °C for PP—resulting in maximized yields of high-quality liquid oils (61.3% for PP and 47.23% for HDPE). Unique to this study, we innovatively adjust the pyrolysis process parameters to enhance the yield and quality of the derived bio-oils, tailored specifically to the types of plastics treated. The liquid products were characterized as predominantly consisting of C6–C16 hydrocarbons, aligning them closely with naphtha, gasoline, and diesel specifications, suitable for use as renewable fuels. Furthermore, our research applies FTIR and GC-MS analyses in a novel way to provide a detailed examination of these bio-oils, revealing significant quantities of paraffinic hydrocarbons in PP and olefins and naphthenes in HDPE, contributing to their potential fuel applications. The solid char byproducts were also comprehensively characterized using SEM and XRD, providing insights into their suitability for various industrial applications. This study not only demonstrates the potential of pyrolysis to transform waste plastics into valuable renewable energy resources but also advances the technological framework for sustainable waste management practices, marking a significant leap forward in the efficiency and application of plastic waste conversion technologies.
Reconstructing overall competitiveness efficiency using the SCP paradigm with evidence from Saudi Arabian construction contractors
Reproducibility of fetal global longitudinal strain measured with speckle tracking echocardiography using a fixed cardiac cycle
Fetal speckle tracking echocardiography is an ultrasound-based technique used to assess myocardial velocity and deformation of the fetal heart. Despite its potential, the method has not yet been integrated into routine pregnancy care, partly due to concerns about inconsistent reproducibility. This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of global longitudinal strain measurements derived from a fixed fetal cardiac cycle, using speckle tracking echocardiography. Healthy women with singleton pregnancies were enrolled during the second trimester. From enrolment until delivery, four-chamber view clips of the fetal heart were acquired every four weeks. For intra-observer reproducibility, a single observer analyzed the same heart cycle in one DICOM clip twice for global longitudinal strain in the left and right ventricles, with a minimum interval of two weeks between assessments in a blinded manner. For inter-observer reproducibility, two independent observers analyzed the same cardiac cycle within one DICOM clip. A total of 124 women were included, yielding 632 ultrasound clips. Intra-observer reproducibility was poor to moderate for global longitudinal strain for the right and left ventricles. Inter-observer reproducibility demonstrated moderate to good reproducibility for global longitudinal strain in both ventricles. The reproducibility was generally higher in the left ventricle than in the right, and the highest reproducibility was observed before 32 weeks of gestation. In conclusion, speckle tracking echocardiography during pregnancy showed variable reproducibility of strain analysis when performed on a fixed cardiac cycle, with more consistent results in the left ventricle. These findings support the potential utility of fetal speckle tracking echocardiography, while highlighting the need for further refinement of reproducibility before clinical implementation.
Rootstock-dependent scion effects shape root transcriptomes in grafted Pinus pinaster
Abstract Maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster Aiton) is a key conifer in southwestern Europe showing ecological plasticity and economic importance. Understanding molecular interactions between above- and below-ground organs is essential for improving forest resilience and management under changing environmental conditions. Previous transcriptomic analyses of a full-sib family using progenitors from contrasting precipitation regions identified differences between drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive genotypes. Grafting experiments further indicated that rootstocks can modulate transcriptomes in aerial tissues. Here, we analyse truTranscriptomes were influenced by scion origin in a rootstock-dependent manner. In tolerant rootstocks, scions from an arid-region promoted transcriptional patterns related to resource conservation and root remodelling. Scions from a wetter region triggered transcriptional patterns related to broader metabolic adjustments. Sensitive rootstocks showed greater transcriptional responsiveness to scion identity, particularly in pathways related to primary metabolism, osmolyte synthesis and growth. A shared set of genes was consistently regulated across graft combinations, suggesting conserved components of scion–root communication. These findings provide the first comprehensive description of root transcriptomic variation in grafted maritime pine and advance a whole-plant framework for understanding molecular integration in conifers.
Integrative network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and molecular docking identify candidate Centella asiatica constituents and targets in neurodegenerative diseases
Background Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD), are progressive disorders with limited therapeutic options. Centella asiatica ( C. asiatica ), a medicinal and edible plant, has been reported to exert neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. Yet, the mechanisms underlying its effects against neurodegenerative diseases remain largely unclear. Methods We employed an integrative strategy combining network pharmacology, transcriptomic analyses, machine learning and molecular docking to prioritize disease-associated molecular networks and candidate compound–target relationships in AD, PD and HD. Results Sixteen candidate constituents of C. asiatica met the predefined drug-likeness, gastrointestinal absorption and blood–brain barrier permeability criteria, yielding 370 unique predicted targets. Disease-gene mining identified 983 AD-associated genes, 1,103 PD-associated genes, and 3,316 HD-associated genes. Integration of compound targets, disease-associated genes, and transcriptomic profiles prioritized five hub genes in PD (CCKAR, MAPK8, PSEN2, SLC6A3, and TH), four in AD (APP, PGK1, PIK3CA, and TTR), and four in HD (CHRND, HSP90AA1, PRKCQ, and TH). Enrichment analyses highlighted disease-relevant processes involving neurotransmitter signalling, cAMP and calcium pathways, MAPK-related responses and inflammatory regulation. ROC analyses provided additional support for the discriminatory performance of the prioritized genes in independent datasets, whereas molecular docking identified favourable predicted Vina docking scores and structurally plausible interactions between selected compounds and hub targets. Conclusion This integrative computational analysis prioritizes candidate C. asiatica constituents, putative disease-associated targets, and molecular pathways in AD, PD, and HD. The findings provide a foundation for subsequent biochemical, cellular, and in vivo validation.