Browse Articles

Beyond vision: Exploring the impact of visual perception on participation in children with autism spectrum disorder

Visual perception plays a crucial role in the daily participation of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in everyday activities. Exploring the relationship between visual perception skills and participation levels can provide valuable insights into effective intervention strategies to enhance engagement in various settings. This study aimed to evaluate visual perception and participation levels in children with ASD in terms of demographic variables and to examine the relationships between visual perception skills and participation in daily life activities. Sixty-one children with autism (mean age = 8.21 ± 1.05 years) enrolled in a special education center were assessed using the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test – 4 (MVPT-4) for visual perception and the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) for participation levels across home, school, neighborhood, and community settings. Statistical analyses included correlation and regression analyses to examine relationships between variables. Findings indicated that boys participated more in home and school activities, whereas girls were more engaged in community settings. Additionally, children from nuclear families had higher participation levels than those from separated families. Regression analysis indicated that visual perception was strongly associated with participation levels (β = 0.617, p < 0.001), accounting for 55.8% of the variance in CASP Total scores. A significant positive correlation was found between visual perception and participation in home (r = 0.358, p < 0.001), school (r = 0.313, p = 0.014), and community activities (r = 0.361, p = 0.004), suggesting that better visual perception is linked to higher participation levels. The results suggest that visual perception is a significant factor influencing participation levels in children with ASD. Furthermore, family type showed a significant contribution to participation variance in the regression analysis. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating visual perception-based interventions to enhance the participation of children with ASD in everyday activities, yet they should be interpreted as correlational rather than causal, highlighting the need for future longitudinal or interventional research.

Closed-form answer to the molar volume of cubic equation of state

Ocotillo optimization-driven deep learning for bone marrow cytology classification

Manual diagnosis of hematological cancers like leukemia through bone marrow smear analysis is labor-intensive, prone to errors, and highly dependent on expert knowledge. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces a comprehensive deep learning framework enhanced with the innovative bio-inspired Ocotillo Optimization Algorithm (OcOA), designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of bone marrow cell classification. The contributions include developing a baseline Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) that achieves an initial accuracy of 86.29%, surpassing existing state-of-the-art deep learning models. Further integrate the binary variant of OcOA (bOcOA) for effective feature selection, which reduces the average classification error to 0.4237 and increases CNN accuracy to 93.48%. Additionally, utilize the continuous version of OcOA for hyperparameter optimization, further enhancing CNN performance to a maximum accuracy of 98.24%. Crucially, this optimization also results in a substantial clinical performance gain, with sensitivity increasing from 86.02% to 98.34% (+12.32%), specificity rising from 86.53% to 98.14% (+11.61%), and the false negative rate being significantly reduced, thereby enhancing diagnostic reliability in critical scenarios. These findings highlight the potential of metaheuristic optimization techniques to improve the effectiveness of deep learning models in clinical diagnostics quantifiably. The proposed approach demonstrates measurable gains in automated cytology technology, offering a scalable, interpretable, and accurate solution for hematological screening applications.

Geometric constraints and semantic optimization SLAM algorithm for dynamic scenarios

Abstract Traditional visual SLAM systems are predominantly designed for static environments, where they encounter challenges in dynamic scenes, leading to increased system errors and redundancy. This paper introduces a dynamic feature detection and filtering algorithm. Through a feature point selection and optimization strategy within quadtree nodes, high-response feature points are prioritized. Semantic information is leveraged to remove features on prior dynamic objects, and geometric constraints are applied to filter truly dynamic features. For unmatched features, an extension method is used, and high-confidence points are weighted to obtain feature point status information. Compared with the standard ORB-SLAM2 algorithm, our improved algorithm achieves over a 90% performance increase in highly dynamic environments, with absolute trajectory error performance improvements up to 96.84% in low-dynamic settings. Overall, our algorithm demonstrates superior adaptability and robustness in dynamic environments.

Low-dose aspirin is not effective as an adjunct treatment for HIV infection among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy: A randomised double-blind, parallel-group placebo-controlled trial

Background Despite virologic suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART), immune activation (IA) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) remains high and is linked to non-AIDS complications. Alongside its other virologic and immunologic benefits, aspirin promisingly appears to lower the residual IA in PLHIV in small studies. Methods We conducted a double-blind, parallel-group randomised trial involving ART-naïve PLHIV initiating ART at recruitment. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 75 mg aspirin or placebo daily for 24 weeks, alongside standard of care. The primary outcome was proportion of participants attaining HIV viral load < 50 RNA copies/mL at weeks 8, 12 and 24. Secondary outcomes assessed at 12 and 24 weeks were CD4 count, platelet and monocyte activation (soluble P-selectin and soluble CD14, respectively), T-cell activation (CD69 expression, CD38/HLA-DR co-expression) and T-cell exhaustion (PD-1 expression). Data were analysed by intention-to-treat strategy. Between-treatment arm comparisons were made by regression models using generalised estimating equations. Competing risk analyses were employed for morbidity, all-cause mortality and adverse events (AE). Results Out of 430 recruited participants, 216 were randomised to aspirin and 214 to placebo arms, with 112 and 131 participants completing the study, respectively. Proportions of participants attaining primary outcome at week 24 were comparable (78.4% aspirin arm versus 80.67% placebo arm, p = 0.53). There was larger decrease in CD8+CD69+ (%) at 12 weeks only in the placebo arm (median change (IQR): −0.42 (−2.07, 0.33) versus −0.06 (−1.30, 0.90) in the aspirin arm, p = 0.04). Other markers and secondary outcomes: morbidity (35.6% versus 34.5%), mortality (4.63 versus 3.27 per 100 person-weeks) and AEs (96.7% versus 98.0%) were similar between the aspirin and placebo arms, respectively, p > 0.05. Conclusions Low-dose aspirin initiated alongside ART through 24 weeks did not impact virologic or immunologic markers among PLHIV. Trial registration PACTR202003522049711, NCT05525156

Hydroxychloride zinc and copper supplementation improves growth, feed efficiency, and gut health in broiler chickens

Abstract High-dose copper (Cu) supplementation is used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for improving gut health in broiler chickens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydroxychloride Zn (HyZ) and Cu (HyC) at different inclusion levels on productive traits and gut health biomarkers in broiler chickens. A total of 990 Ross 308 broilers were assigned to 55 floor pens (18 birds per pen) and received five dietary treatments as follows: (T1) an inorganic diet (INO) with 15 mg/kg Cu from CuSO₄ and 100 mg/kg of Zn from ZnSO₄; (T2) a hydroxychloride diet with 15 mg/kg of Cu from HyC and 100 mg/kg of Zn from HyZ; (T3 and T4) hydroxychloride diets with 80 mg/kg Zn from HyZ and either 100 (T3) or 150 (T4) mg/kg of Cu from HyC; and (T5) a hydroxychloride diet containing 80 mg/kg Zn from HyZ and Cu from HyC supplied at 200 mg/kg in the starter phase (1–10 days), 100 mg/kg in the grower phase (10–24 days), and 60 mg/kg in the finisher phase (24–35 days). Gut integrity and cecal bacterial populations were assessed on day 21, while carcass composition, liver, tibia and excreta mineral profiles, and tibia strength were evaluated on day 35 of the experiment. Hydroxychloride diets significantly improved body weight by ~ 4% at day 35 compared to INO (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio improved by 2.5% with T2 over INO, with further improvements in T3 (3.8%) and T4 (3.2%) (P < 0.05). Birds on T5 performed similarly to T3 throughout the trial (P > 0.05). INO birds had the lowest breast meat yield and the highest abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.05). Hydroxychloride diets reduced serum FITC-d levels and cecal Enterobacteria counts while increasing tibia breaking strength, Zn, and P levels (P < 0.01), and tended (P = 0.06) to increase cecal Bifidobacteria populations. In conclusion, these results suggest that replacing ZnSO₄ and CuSO₄ with HyZ and HyC has the potential to enhance gut health, body weight gain, and feed efficiency in broiler chickens.

Trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Feasibility study protocol

Symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common, severe and highly impairing in children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), but often non-responsive to medication, leaving many with no good treatment. External trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) is a minimal risk, non-invasive neuromodulatory intervention that is FDA-cleared for ADHD. No formal trial, however, has tested TNS in children with known PAE. We present here the protocol of the first clinical trial of TNS in children with ADHD associated with PAE. The study also uses multimodal MRI to explore possible brain mechanisms of TNS. An open-label pilot will be conducted of 4 weeks of TNS in 30 youth with ADHD associated with PAE, recruited in Southern California. Children will receive TNS nightly for 4 weeks. Safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy will be evaluated. Efficacy outcomes include change in the investigator-administered parent-rated ADHD Rating Scale and the Clinical Global Impression Improvement (CGI-I) score for ADHD. Effects on executive function, mood, and sleep are also assessed. Maintenance of effects is evaluated at 4-week follow-up. TNS-related brain changes and predictors of response are measured using structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and resting-state fMRI before and after treatment. This study will determine whether TNS is feasible in children with ADHD and PAE, whether it improves clinical and cognition symptoms, and whether efficacy persists 4 weeks. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06847165) and protocol ID: IRB-24–0648-AM-007 June 16, 2025.

Machine learning-based prediction of unconfined compressive strength of organic-rich clay shales using hybrid destructive and non-destructive inputs

Age-specific benefits of Vitamin D and its association with mortality

Background Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid that plays essential roles in calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, and numerous other physiological processes. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of various diseases and mortality. However, population-based studies examining the relationship between vitamin D and mortality across different age groups remain limited. Methods To investigate the correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, vitamin D status, and mortality in a cohort of 47,478 individuals aged 18–85 years. Results Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with lower mortality risk. Compared to the vitamin D deficiency group, the Hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality were 0.71 (95%CI: 0.66–0.76) in the insufficiency group and 0.64 (95%CI: 0.58–0.70) in the sufficiency group. The association varied by age: strongest in adults aged 40–59 years (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.65–0.85), significant in those ≥60 years (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82–0.90), but non-significant in those aged 18–39 years. The RCS analysis revealed a non-linear relationship between 25(OH)D and mortality, with significant risk reduction observed between 59.25–261.45 nmol/L for the overall population. The optimal 25(OH)D levels (lowest HR) varied by subgroups: 96.81 nmol/L for the overall population, 102.9 nmol/L for females, 67 nmol/L for ages 40–59, and 104.23 nmol/L for ages ≥60 years, while no significant association was found in ages 18–39 years. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Vitamin D are associated with mortality among the whole population. Individuals aged 40–59 may derive potential benefits from vitamin D supplementation.

Thermodynamic properties of tetragonal silicene nanoribbons under the influence of bias voltage and magnetic field

Spatial prediction of canine visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic urban area of Brazil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a widespread zoonotic disease in Brazil. This study aimed to identify and predict spatial patterns of CVL in an endemic city, Votuporanga, and examine disease associations with key environmental and anthropogenic factors at a fine spatial scale. First, we estimated the spatial clustering of CVL cases relative to non-cases from 8,146 dogs. Second, we assessed CVL density using a Kernel density ratio map. Third, we analyzed associations between disease occurrence and selected variables derived from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), number of buildings, building area, and street density using binary logistic regression models. Finally, we predicted the spatial odds of CVL using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) that incorporated the significant covariates. Our results revealed significant clustering of cases up to a range of 1.7 km. Mean NDVI, street density, and sparse vegetation were statistically significant, increasing the odds of CVL by 431%, 109%, and 100%, respectively, per unit change. The predictive performance of the GAM, evaluated through cross-validation, indicated that the model incorporating mean NDVI achieved the best fit, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.74 (CI 0.72–0.76). Our findings demonstrate that CVL is widespread across the city, predominantly in urban fringe areas, with nearly 45% of the city classified as having increased odds of CVL (>1). In contrast, the downtown area exhibited lower odds of disease. Furthermore, we identified distinct parasite genotypes across the city, primarily in areas with higher disease odds. Altogether, our results highlight how biological and environmental data can be integrated into mapping to enhance the understanding of the spatial dynamics of disease transmission in urban areas.

Multi-layer network analysis of ACG color semantic hierarchies in digital cultural communication

Hip, knee, and ankle joint forces during exoskeletal-assisted walking: Comparison of approaches to simulate human-robot interactions

The overall goal of this study was to develop a computational framework to quantify hip, knee, and ankle joint forces during exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) in the ReWalk P6.0, an FDA-approved lower-extremity exoskeleton. The first objective was to quantify hip, knee, and ankle joint forces during unassisted walking and compare the results to existing in vivo and simulation data. The second objective was to compute hip, knee, and ankle joint forces from four different approaches to simulate human-robot interactions during EAW. We recorded the three-dimensional motion of one able-bodied participant during unassisted walking and EAW, with simultaneous measurements of (i) marker trajectories, (ii) ground reaction forces, (iii) electromyography, and (iv) exoskeleton encoder data. We developed a subject-specific virtual simulator in OpenSim to reproduce unassisted walking and EAW. Next, we utilized OpenSim’s extension, OpenSim Moco, to determine the joint reaction forces at the hips, knees, and ankles during unassisted walking and EAW. The computed peak hip, knee, and ankle joint compressive forces during unassisted walking were 3.42–3.82 body weight (BW), 3.10–3.48 BW, and 4.97–5.83 BW, respectively; these joint forces were comparable to prior in vivo and simulation results. The four approaches to simulate human-robot interactions during EAW resulted in peak compressive forces ranging from 2.98–4.66 BW, 2.82–5.83 BW, and 3.39–3.79 BW at the hip, knee, and ankle joints, respectively. This computational framework provides a low-risk and cost-effective technique to quantify the loading of the long bones and assess fracture risk during EAW in patients with severe bone loss in the lower extremities.

Comparative evaluation of large language models performance in medical education using urinary system histology assessment

Effectiveness of radiofrequency and exercise-based rehabilitation on symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction in breast cancer patients: A study protocol

Background Breast cancer is currently the most diagnosed type of cancer in the world, with a five-year survival rate of 90%. Survivors develop genitourinary dysfunction symptoms due to cancer treatment, which implies that they have to endure physical and psychological sequelae, with a negative impact on their quality of life. We present a study protocol to verify the effect of radiofrequency (RF) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the treatment of genitourinary dysfunction in breast cancer survivors. Methods/Design This is a double-blind, three-arm, randomised clinical trial (Registration: NCT06694519). Participants from two breast cancer associations from Alicante (Spain) will be randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups (RF, PFMT, RF + PFMT). It will include survivors aged ≥ 18 years who present pelvic dysfunction assessed by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory questionnaire (PFDI20) ≥ 100. Pelvic muscle strength, pelvic function, vaginal symptoms, sexual function, self-esteem and quality of life will be evaluated before the intervention, with follow-up at 15 days, 6 months and 1 year after the intervention. Expected results RF could offer additional benefits to PFMT due to its proven effectiveness in the treatment of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. The expected results will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of women with breast cancer, reducing the symptomatology associated with the disease and its treatment, and improving their quality of life, as well as providing value for the development of more effective treatment protocols. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06694519

Examining the asymmetric effects of internationalization factors on student satisfaction

Abstract Following the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of Chinese students are choosing to pursue internationalized higher education domestically rather than studying abroad. However, current internationalization strategies are often not fully aligned with students’ evolving needs. This study examines the determinants of student satisfaction with internationalization practices at Sino-foreign Cooperative Universities (SFCUs), emphasizing both globally recognized and context-specific elements. The findings suggest that several formal aspects of internationalization, such as curriculum internationalization, institutional reputation, and mobility programs, as the most significant predictors of student satisfaction. Among these, a globally oriented curriculum stands out as the strongest determinant, emphasizing the importance of academic quality, cross-cultural relevance, and alignment with global competencies in influencing the student experience. Conversely, we found that more subjective aspects of internationalization, such as cultural integration and student management practices, had a less direct impact on satisfaction. Nevertheless, this study confirms the importance of the perceptions of fairness in resource allocation and student treatment, suggesting that equity and transparency in institutional practices are essential for fostering a sense of belonging. While formal language support did not emerge as a major predictor of satisfaction, this finding suggests that SFCUs should instead focus on fostering an immersive English environment, especially given students’ already high language proficiency. These findings provide valuable insights into how SFCUs can refine their internationalization strategies, emphasizing the need for an approach that balances global educational standards with the specific institutional contexts of the host country.

Prevalence of excess binaural broadband loudness summation in the hearing-impaired population and implications for hearing aid gain targets

Previous studies reported large individual differences in binaural broadband loudness summation in hearing-impaired listeners after narrowband loudness was normalized. These differences in loudness perception might require substantial fine-tuning for some hearing aid users to provide acceptable loudness in daily use. The present study aims at characterizing binaural broadband loudness summation for a hearing-impaired population, the prevalence of higher-than-normal values, and the potential implications for hearing aid target gains. For 180 hearing-impaired participants we measured standard audiological diagnostic parameters, binaural broadband loudness summation and computed gain targets according to NAL-NL2, DSLm[i/o] and trueLOUDNESS, a prescriptive procedure that includes individual loudness measurements. The observed binaural broadband loudness summation of the hearing-impaired participants was, on average, 13 dB higher and showed a higher variance relative to a normal-hearing reference group. In about 40% of all participants a binaural broadband loudness summation was beyond the normal-hearing range. The average excess loudness summation appears to be included in established prescriptive procedures, while relevant differences to trueLOUDNESS gain targets were observed in more than half of the participants. Elevated binaural broadband loudness summation appears to be a prevalent and individual trait in the hearing-impaired population and its assessment might be useful for individualized hearing aid fitting.

The IL-36γ/PEDF/PPARγ signalling pathway plays an anti-inflammatory role in Candida albicans keratitis

Exosomal miRNA expression profiling in patients with imatinib resistant Chronic myeloid leukemia: A pilot study

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematologic malignancy originating from hematopoietic stem cells and driven by the BCR-ABL fusion oncogene. Imatinib (IM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is commonly used as a frontline therapy for CML. However, some patients exhibit primary resistance or show persistent molecular evidence of disease despite treatment. Emerging studies indicate that exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in mediating drug resistance and may serve as promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and predicting therapeutic response. This study aimed to investigate the plasma exosomal miRNA expression profiles in CML patients to identify potential biomarkers associated with IM resistance. Exosomes were isolated from plasma samples of both IM-sensitive and IM-resistant CML patients. The exosomal miRNA content was analyzed using RNA sequencing, followed by differential expression analysis, which revealed 13 upregulated and 21 downregulated miRNAs in IM-resistant patients. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis indicated significant enrichment in pathways related to autophagy and PI3K-Akt signaling. Notably, miR-451a and miR-16–2-3p were among the most significantly upregulated miRNAs in exosomes from IM-resistant individuals. Interestingly, miR-16–2-3p expression showed a strong inverse correlation with clinical laboratory results, specifically blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. This pilot study identified plasma exosomal miRNAs, particularly miR-451a and miR-16–2-3p, as potential biomarkers for imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia. Target gene prediction was performed to explore their regulatory roles. Despite the limited sample size, these findings enhance our understanding of drug resistance mechanisms and warrant further validation in larger cohorts to assess their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential.

A comparative study of flaxseed gum effect on Lactobacillus acidophilus genes expression, and textural, sensory, structural, and microbiological properties of synbiotic Iranian white cheese

Abstract Flaxseed gum (FG), a natural polysaccharide with prebiotic potential, may enhance probiotic functionality by modulating bacterial gene expression and improving viability in synbiotic dairy matrices. This study evaluated the effect of FG (2.5% and 5%) on Lactobacillus acidophilus gene expression, viability, sensory properties, texture, and microstructure in Iranian white cheese. Four functional genes were selected for their roles in amino acid biosynthesis, stress adaptation, metabolic regulation, and cell wall integrity. Gene expression was assessed on days 15 and 60 using real-time PCR, while bacterial viability was measured by PMA-qPCR and plate count methods. Significant differences in relative gene expression were observed across all treatments and both time points (day 15 and day 60), with distinct fold-change values for each gene. All gene expressions peaked on day 15 and declined by day 60, possibly due to adaptive stress responses or diminishing FG effect. On day 60, the FG 5% treatment exhibited the highest L. acidophilus viability (1.55 × 107 CFU/g), outperforming both the control and other treatments, and highlighting its superior protective effect during cheese ripening. Sensory analysis revealed FG 5% had the highest general acceptance score, with textural and structural parameters (springiness, chewiness, and porosity) comparable to or improved over control. SEM and ImageJ analyses confirmed enhanced matrix cohesion, reduced porosity (7%), and finer fat dispersion (10 μm) in FG 5%. These findings show that FG may support probiotic viability and cheese quality, offering new insight into the molecular basis of probiotic survival and a promising strategy for developing functional dairy products.