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Publisher Correction: Subcellular visualization and quantification of cyanotoxin synthesis in cyanobacteria reveals distinct compartmentation

Genome-wide sweeps create ecological units in the human gut microbiome

Abstract The human gut microbiome is shaped by diverse selective forces that originate from host and environmental factors and it substantially influences health and disease. Whereas the association of microbial lineages with various health conditions has been shown at different taxonomic levels 1–5 , the extent to which unifying adaptive mechanisms sort microbial lineages into ecologically differentiated populations remains poorly understood. Here we show that genome-wide selective sweeps are a pervasive mechanism that differentiates bacteria in the microbiome. This mechanism leads to population structures akin to global epidemics across geographically and ethnically diverse human populations. Such sweeps arise when an adaptation allows a clone to outcompete others in its niche followed by rediversification, and they manifest as clusters of closely related genomes on long branches in phylogenetic trees. This structure is revealed by excluding recombination events that mask the clonal descent of the genomes. Indeed, we show that genome-wide sweeps originate under a wide range of recombination rates in at least 66 taxa from 25 bacterial families. Estimated ages of divergence suggest that sweep clusters can spread globally within decades and that this process has occurred throughout human history. Sweep clusters are associated with different host conditions—such as age, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases and type 2 diabetes—as an indication of their ecological differentiation. Our results reveal an evolutionary mechanism for the observation of stably inherited strains with differential associations and provide a theoretical foundation for analysing adaptation among microbial populations.

Feasibility and acceptability of an electronic immunization registry in urban Bangladesh

Introduction Electronic Immunization Registries (EIRs) are increasingly being implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to support immunization tracking and data management. In Bangladesh, an EIR was introduced in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) to strengthen routine immunization services. However, evidence on user perceptions and operational implementation in this context remains limited. We assessed perceptions related to the feasibility and acceptability of the EIR among caregivers and healthcare providers (HCPs) in an urban pilot setting. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study between July and September 2024 in RCC, Bangladesh. Data were collected from caregivers of children receiving vaccinations and HCPs involved in immunization service delivery using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Perceptions of EIR-supported services were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Responses to open-ended questions were reviewed and summarized descriptively. This study was designed as a descriptive assessment and was not intended to evaluate the effectiveness or causal impact of the EIR system. Results A total of 321 participants were included, comprising 305 caregivers and 16 HCPs. Electronic registration was conducted primarily at the Expanded Program on Immunization centers (87%), with additional outreach through house-to-house visits. Reported vaccination uptake among children registered in the EIR system was high within the study sample. Caregivers and HCPs reported generally positive perceptions of EIR-supported services. Most respondents selected ‘satisfied’ or ‘highly satisfied’ responses across assessed items. HCPs also reported positive experiences, particularly in relation to record management and data accessibility, while noting operational challenges such as intermittent internet connectivity and device-related limitations. Conclusions The EIR was perceived as acceptable by caregivers and HCPs in this urban pilot setting. Further studies are needed to assess effectiveness, implementation challenges, and scalability across diverse settings.

Integrative omics elucidates the hepatopancreatic protective effects of Origanum vulgare-derived phenolic compounds via lipid remodeling and detoxification enhancement in Procambarus clarkii

DMS-informed secondary structure modeling of Epstein–Barr Virus LMP-1 pre-mRNA defines novel elements spanning introns

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infects over 95% of adults, establishing lifelong latency and contributing to the development of various malignancies, including Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, the RNA structures regulating the splicing of the critical EBV gene, latent membrane protein 1 ( LMP1 ), remain uncharacterized. To identify these regulatory elements, we applied spliceosome inhibition with RNA probing and sequencing (SIRP-seq) to the BJAB-B1 cell line. By utilizing the spliceosome inhibitor pladienolide B, we enriched pre-mRNA species, enabling the detection of structural features within both the full-length pre-mRNA ( LMP1-FL ) and an alternatively spliced isoform retaining intron 2 ( LMP1-AS ). The resulting chemical probing datasets informed the RNA folding algorithms RNAfold and ScanFold to generate the first high-resolution secondary structure models for the LMP1 pre-mRNA, encompassing both exonic and intronic regions. Our results identify 11 novel, thermodynamically stable RNA structures, with several key elements positioned near splice junctions. Notably, three structures (Structures 8, 9, and 10) were identified near the 3′ splice site of intron 2, appearing in alternative conformations that may influence splicing accessibility. Furthermore, these structures map to regions containing disease-relevant mutations associated with patient survival in Burkitt lymphoma. This structural framework provides new insights into how LMP1 splicing may be regulated by RNA structure and identifies potential novel therapeutic targets for mitigating EBV-associated diseases.

Seasonal-to-interannual hydroclimatic variability in Afromontane environments during the late Early Pleistocene hominin occupations on the Southeastern Ethiopian Highlands

Supplementation of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium in critically ill patients: A multicenter cohort study

Objective To investigate hospital-level variation in the supplementation of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium in critically ill patients. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Premier Healthcare Database of inpatients from the USA. Patients Adults (age ≥ 18 years) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) on hospital day 1 between October 1, 2022 and July 31, 2024, who had at least one calcium (total or ionized), magnesium, phosphate, or potassium level measured in an ICU between day 2 and 28. We excluded patients with renal failure, a pregnancy-related diagnosis, and intracranial bleeding on admission. Interventions Calcium, magnesium, phosphate, or potassium supplementation. Measurements and main results We included 47,988 patients from 67 ICUs across 52 hospitals, totaling 167,621 patient-days with a measurement of one of the studied electrolytes. Median age was 64 years (interquartile range [IQR] 52–74) and 46% (22,057) were female. There were 38,621 patients (80.5%) with a minimum value below a lower limit of normal, and 33,626 (70.1%) patients who received supplementation. Across hospitals, the median (IQR) percentages receiving supplementation per day were: calcium 9.4% (6.7–12.2); magnesium 28.6% (22.6–35.0); phosphate 19.1% (15.9–23.2); potassium 28.9% (25.8–34.6). From a multilevel model, the median relative odds of supplementation, comparing any two hospitals, ranged from 1.51 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–1.55) for potassium to 2.09 (95% CI 1.99–2.19) for magnesium. At most hospitals, there were no calcium or phosphate levels at which the percentage receiving supplementation exceeded 50%. At 75% of hospitals there was a magnesium level at which the percentage receiving magnesium supplementation was 50% or more (range: 1.5–2.1 mg/dL), and at 96% of hospitals there was an analogous potassium level (range: 3.3–3.9 mmol/L). Conclusion Supplementation of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, or potassium is common in critically ill patients and varies across hospitals, suggesting a need for randomized trials to clarify optimal supplementation practices.

NA-YOLO: an enhanced anti-UAV detection network for complex scenarios based on YOLO11

Cirrhosis outcomes on rurality and weekend admissions revisited: A contemporary analysis of the national inpatient sample

Background and Aims The impact of hospital rurality and weekend admission on outcomes in decompensated cirrhosis remains unclear. Studies suggest mixed effects of weekend admission on mortality and increased mortality in rural hospital admissions for decompensated cirrhosis. This study evaluated the influence of hospital rurality, weekend admission, and their interaction on outcomes in decompensated cirrhosis from 2016 to 2020. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) assessed in-hospital mortality (primary outcome), likelihood of specific procedures (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, paracentesis, TIPS, hemodialysis), and time to first procedure. Regression models adjusted for demographics, liver disease etiology, clinical severity (APR-DRG mortality risk), and other factors. Results Among 11,845,223 hospitalizations, rural hospitalizations were linked to lower in-hospital mortality (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.80–0.86) and higher transfer rates for severe cases (7.2% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). Weekend admissions showed a statistically significant but only modest reduction in mortality odds (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.975–0.998). No significant interaction existed between rurality and weekend admission regarding mortality. Rural hospitals showed lower odds of performing procedures (95% CIs < 1), though time to procedure was comparable, except for earlier hemodialysis (−1.35 days; 95% CI: −2.59 to −0.11). Weekend admissions did not significantly impact procedure rates, except for paracentesis (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.88–0.99). Conclusions Using a national cohort of hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis, we showed that rural hospitals exhibited lower in-hospital mortality, fewer procedures, and higher transfer rates, and that weekend admissions showed only a minimal, clinically insignificant reduction in mortality, irrespective of hospital rurality.

Tuning light-matter interaction of near-infrared nanoplasmonic scintillators

Association between laryngoplasty and pneumonia incidence in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis: A Japanese insurance claims database study

Objective Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can lead to both voice impairment and dysphagia. Previous studies have suggested that surgeries aimed at improving voice function in patients with UVFP may also incidentally enhance swallowing. However, the preventive effect of such surgeries on pneumonia remains unclear. We evaluated the impact of laryngoplasty on the incidence of pneumonia in Japan using a large employment insurance claims database of corporate employees under 75 years of age and their family members. Methods The study cohort consisted of patients diagnosed with UVFP between January 2013 and December 2022, identified from an insurance claims database. A propensity score–matched cohort was created using a 1:3 matching ratio between the treatment and non-treatment groups. Follow-up began at the index date, defined as the initial diagnosis of UVFP, and continued until the end of the study period. The primary analysis compared the cumulative incidence of pneumonia between treatment and non-treatment groups. The secondary analysis employed a self-controlled design to compare pneumonia incidence before and after laryngoplasty within treated patients. Results The full cohort included 7,641 patients with UVFP, of whom 914 comprised the matched cohort (treatment group, n = 230; non-treatment group, n = 684). The cumulative incidence of pneumonia tended to be higher in the treatment group than in the non-treatment group (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.93–2.08; p = 0.098). In contrast, the self-controlled analysis demonstrated a lower pneumonia incidence after laryngoplasty compared with the pre-treatment period (incidence rate ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.27–0.52; p < 0.001). Conclusions Given the discordant findings across analytical approaches, no definitive conclusion regarding a preventive effect can be drawn from the present study. Further studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and to clarify causal relationships.

A zero-watermark scheme for the protection of pediatric orthopedic medical images using dual-source collaborative cross-attention mechanism

Downstream community risks post dam-spillage flooding along the Volta River in Ghana: potential pathogens and public health implications

Flooding compromises the microbiological quality of domestic and recreational water sources, increasing exposure to waterborne and opportunistic pathogens in affected communities. Following widespread flooding triggered by the September 2023 controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams in Ghana, which led to massive flooding, we assessed the microbial quality of water bodies in communities downstream of the Volta River and associated public and ecosystem health implications. In July 2024, water was collected from multiple source types across four downstream townships (Asutsuare, Aveyime, Battor, and Mepe), including river sections, ponds, puddles, wells, boreholes, and canal-associated sites. Samples were filtered, microbial DNA was extracted, and bacterial community composition was profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with downstream bioinformatics analyses used to characterize microbial diversity, assess spatial variation across sites, and stratify detected taxa according to ecological origin and public health risk. Sequence data obtained from 17 out of 22 samples revealed communities dominated by Proteobacteria with frequent co-occurrence of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Across all sites, 56 microbial taxa and 118 microorganisms were detected. Community composition varied by location and water source type, with bank and mid-river sites generally exhibiting higher richness than puddles and a canal drain. Thirteen samples contained site-specific taxa, indicating marked spatial heterogeneity within and between communities. Microorganisms of public health relevance were frequently detected, including enteric-associated bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella species , and Cronobacter sakazakii , as well as opportunistic and healthcare-associated bacteria including Acinetobacter baumannii , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia . Higher-risk organisms were most widely distributed in Mepe and Battor, including in groundwater-associated sources. These findings provide molecular evidence of persistent, spatially heterogeneous microbial hazards months after flooding, underscoring continued exposure risks in downstream communities and the need for targeted water safety interventions and risk-informed public health responses.

Alkaline-earth metal ion-modified black phosphorene as a potential platform for anticancer drug delivery and phototherapy: a multiscale computational study

Simulation and performance analysis of a solar-assisted venturi-plasma pasteurization system for milk

This research evaluates the feasibility and performance of a novel solar-powered milk pasteurization system integrating a Venturi tube hydrodynamic reactor and liquid-phase cold plasma technology. Designed for a daily capacity of 600 liters, the system utilizes flat-plate collectors and photovoltaic panels to supply thermal and electrical energy, respectively. Performance was simulated across three Iranian cities with distinct climates: Shahrekord (cold, mountainous), Yazd (hot, arid), and Bandar-e-Abbas (hot, humid). The results revealed that annual efficiencies for solar collectors and PV panels reached up to 0.47 and 0.18, respectively. Yazd exhibited the highest solar energy potential with a peak radiation of 8311 kWh/m 2 , while Shahrekord demonstrated the most consistent thermal gain during spring and summer. The system successfully maintained the target pasteurization temperature (40 ± 5°C) with a solar fraction ranging from 0.036 to 0.32. These findings confirm that the integrated system reduces dependence on fossil fuel-based energy by increasing renewable energy contribution up to 32% (solar fraction) and also provides a promising sustainable solution for remote and energy constrained regions for milk pasteurization in diverse climatic conditions, enhancing both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of equine group formation reveal the gradual emergence of social cohesion

Abstract Stable social relationships are essential for horse welfare, yet domestic management often involves regrouping unfamiliar individuals, potentially causing social stress. Fine-scale dynamics of social integration remain poorly quantified due to limitations of observational sampling. Using ultra-wideband real-time positioning, we tracked the development of spatial and social relationships in two newly formed equine groups ( n  = 19) over 2–12 months. Inter-individual distances decreased significantly, with time spent within 3 m of conspecifics increasing from 1.2 to 27.3% within two months, demonstrating progressive spatial cohesion. Horses introduced with familiar companions integrated more rapidly than those introduced without familiar partners. Agonistic behaviour peaked initially and declined as stability emerged, yet occurred most frequently between closest associates, reflecting either active relationship negotiation or increased interaction opportunity from sustained proximity. No clinically relevant injuries occurred. Affiliative behaviours increased over time and were concentrated among preferred partners. Proximity to hay influenced social interactions, but its effects were context-dependent, varying with resource density, spacing opportunities, and group composition. Network structures initially showed centralisation near feeding areas, later transitioning to more even distribution. These high-resolution data reveal temporal trajectories of equine social integration and underscore welfare recommendations to minimise regrouping, introduce horses with familiar companions, and allow extended stabilisation periods.

Incidence of Dengue Fever in Pakistan

Introduction Dengue is a growing health threat in Pakistan due to climate, urbanization, and inadequate sanitation. Despite recurrent seasonal outbreaks, comprehensive evidence on the dengue burden in Pakistan remains limited due to due to underreporting, incomplete data capture, and inconsistencies in diagnostic practices. Methods We analyzed laboratory-confirmed dengue cases from January 2012 to December 2022 to estimate incidence rates per 1,000 individuals across Pakistan at the subnational level including all 4 provinces, 86 districts, and a federal territory, stratified by 5 distinct age groups (below 5 years, 5–14 years, 15–49 years, 50–69 years, and 70 + years) and sex. The population estimates were adjusted to account for variations in treatment-seeking behavior and the utilization of partnering laboratories to ensure that the estimated incidence rates accurately represent the broader population. Results The incidence rate of dengue in Pakistan exhibited an increasing trend. Across all age groups, the 15–49 years age group had the highest incidence rates, with 56 cases per 1,000 individuals in 2022 (estimated 1.6 million cases). Sex analysis showed a higher proportion of dengue cases in males compared to females, consistent across all age groups. Spatial analysis revealed regional disparities, with higher incidence rates reported from Sindh compared to other provinces. In 2022, Sindh had the highest incidence rate of 45.63 (95% UI: 34.13–60.68) per 1000 individuals (2.63 million estimated cases), while Baluchistan had the lowest incidence rates of 0.44 (95% UI: 0.08–4.48) per 1,000 individuals (6,785 estimated cases). All age groups experienced increasing incidence, with the 15–49 age group showing the most pronounced rise. Conclusion The findings underscore the growing burden of dengue in Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for effective public health interventions and enhanced data collection mechanisms to better understand and address this rising public health concern.

Feasibility and preliminary effects of outdoor versus indoor cognitive–motor therapy in women with Alzheimer’s disease: A randomized single-blind pilot study

Short-term effects of alcohol detoxification on cardiovascular, hematological, and oxidative stress biomarkers: A prospective cohort study

Introduction Chronic alcohol consumption induces multisystem dysfunction, including cardiovascular instability, hematological alterations, and oxidative stress imbalance. However, the extent of short-term recovery following structured detoxification remains incompletely characterized. Objective To evaluate the short-term effects of a standardized inpatient alcohol detoxification protocol on cardiovascular, hematological, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Methods A prospective observational before-and-after cohort study was conducted on 75 male participants, including 50 patients with alcohol use disorder and 25 healthy controls. Patients underwent a 21-day inpatient detoxification program comprising pharmacological stabilization and nutritional rehabilitation. Clinical and biochemical parameters—including body mass index, vital signs, lipid profile, complete blood counts, troponin-I, and oxidative stress markers (TBARS, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase)—were assessed at baseline and post-treatment. Results Compared to healthy controls, treatment-naïve patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) exhibited significantly elevated baseline levels of lymphocytes, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and catalase (CAT), alongside significantly lower heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Baseline anthropometric, vital, hematological, and metabolic markers—including BMI, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), hemoglobin (Hb), platelets, total white blood cell count (WBCs), cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), and triglycerides—showed no statistically significant differences. Following a 21-day inpatient detoxification protocol, post-treatment assessments revealed significant increases in red blood cell parameters (RBCs, Hb, Hct), neutrophils, lymphocytes, NLR, and HDL. Conversely, standard detoxification induced significant reductions in cardiovascular, lipid, and oxidative stress indices, specifically HR, SBP, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), total WBCs, cTnI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, TBARS, and CAT. No significant post-treatment alterations were observed in BMI, DBP, platelet counts, LDL, or GPx. Conclusion Short-term alcohol detoxification leads to partial recovery of cardiovascular and hematological parameters, while oxidative stress markers show limited normalization within the 21-day period. These findings highlight differential recovery patterns across biological systems following early abstinence.

Effect of gonadotropin supplementation on oocyte maturation and mean oocyte diameter in rescue IVM: a prospective sibling-oocyte study