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Dual antibiotic PLGA microspheres for the treatment of traumatic osteomyelitis
Modeling the formation of a worldwide health network fighting TBC: Key drivers in policy, management and governance in developing countries and global health institutions
We present an original study on the usage of a model of network formation to analyze the X (formerly Twitter) friendship network relative to the health organizations that are fighting a specific infectious disease such as Tuberculosis (TBC) as well as how the network evolves over time. Using this model, that mixes information from social media and the underlying reconstructed economic network of their actors, together with disease incidence information, we can then study how the TBC global health network (GHNs) works. Specifically, we investigate the key drivers of this global network partnerships as well as the interplay between economic, social media, and disease incidence. The network diversity (a measure of node size dispersion), has been identified as the leading feature for the network growth, while improving its resilience. We use these insights to suggest better health strategies especially targeted to weak GHNs operating in low and middle income countries that often lack funding, coordination and the capability to attract new donors.
Longer scans boost prediction and cut costs in brain-wide association studies
Abstract A pervasive dilemma in brain-wide association studies 1 (BWAS) is whether to prioritize functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan time or sample size. We derive a theoretical model showing that individual-level phenotypic prediction accuracy increases with sample size and total scan duration (sample size × scan time per participant). The model explains empirical prediction accuracies well across 76 phenotypes from nine resting-fMRI and task-fMRI datasets ( R 2 = 0.89), spanning diverse scanners, acquisitions, racial groups, disorders and ages. For scans of ≤20 min, accuracy increases linearly with the logarithm of the total scan duration, suggesting that sample size and scan time are initially interchangeable. However, sample size is ultimately more important. Nevertheless, when accounting for the overhead costs of each participant (such as recruitment), longer scans can be substantially cheaper than larger sample size for improving prediction performance. To achieve high prediction performance, 10 min scans are cost inefficient. In most scenarios, the optimal scan time is at least 20 min. On average, 30 min scans are the most cost-effective, yielding 22% savings over 10 min scans. Overshooting the optimal scan time is cheaper than undershooting it, so we recommend a scan time of at least 30 min. Compared with resting-state whole-brain BWAS, the most cost-effective scan time is shorter for task-fMRI and longer for subcortical-to-whole-brain BWAS. In contrast to standard power calculations, our results suggest that jointly optimizing sample size and scan time can boost prediction accuracy while cutting costs. Our empirical reference is available online for future study design ( https://thomasyeolab.github.io/OptimalScanTimeCalculator/index.html ).
Microscopic assessment of lymph node status in gynecological malignancies using full-field optical coherence tomography
Flexible PVDF sensors for bruxism bite force measurement: A redefined instrumental approach
Bruxism, characterized by involuntary clenching or grinding teeth, is a prevalent condition primarily associated with oral health consequences such as dental wear, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and masticatory muscle pain, while also being linked secondarily to tension-type headaches and sleep disturbances. Accurate measurement of bite force is valuable for assessing bruxism severity, understanding its biomechanical effects, and evaluating treatment outcomes. However, existing measurement methods often lack practicality for continuous or real-time monitoring. This study introduces a novel, noninvasive approach using flexible polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) capacitive sensors, leveraging PVDF’s piezoelectric properties to correlate bite force with the output frequency of a precision timer circuit. Experimental results demonstrated the sensor’s ability to measure bite forces in two bruxism scenarios. Static tests simulating clenching forces (0−80 kg) demonstrated sensor sensitivities of 0.0051–0.00533 × 103 Hz/kg, while dynamic tests simulating grinding motions (0−24 kg at 1 Hz) showed sensitivities of 0.0052–0.01019 × 103 Hz/kg. While the sensor demonstrated high sensitivity in static loading, its response to rapid force fluctuations was non-linear, suggesting a need for further optimization in dynamic applications. The sensors effectively tracked. real-time force variations while accounting for PVDF’s viscoelastic properties and minimizing thermal effects. The proposed sensor system offers flexibility and biocompatibility, making it ideal for real-time monitoring. This innovative system for measuring bite force in bruxism-simulated scenarios represents a step forward in objectively assessing this masticatory behavior. Future work will focus on integrating the sensor with digital health tools and exploring its use in detecting other valuable variables in the oral cavity.
Dual effects of digital technology on high quality development of road transportation in Heilongjiang Province China
Prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among government employees in Doti district of Nepal
Introduction Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which remains the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, with a disproportionate impact on low and middle income countries. While hypertension is prevalent across various populations, government employees are particularly susceptible due to high stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, and work-related pressures. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among government employees in the Doti district of Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 195 government employees in Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality of Doti district of Sudurpashchim province of Nepal. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using Simple Random Sampling (SRS) technique and analysed using SPSS v25. The structured questionnaire adopted from the WHO STEPS survey tool was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the factors associated with hypertension. Results The prevalence of hypertension among government employee was 36.4%% ± 5.6%. Participants with age group 30–40 years [Adjusted Odd’s Ratio (AOR) 14.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.6, 127.7)], 40–50 years [AOR 13.7, 95% CI (1.04, 180.3)] and work experience (20–30 years) [AOR 6.67, 95% CI(1.23, 35.9), and drinking alcohol [AOR 0.35, 95% CI (0.17, 0.72)] were found to be statistically significant with hypertension. Conclusion The study revealed the high prevalence of hypertension among government employees; significantly associated with risk factors like age group 30–50 years, work experience and alcohol consumption, indicating an alarming public health concern. These results highlight the pressing need for focused interventions to reduce the risk of hypertension and its related problems among government employees, such as lifestyle changes, workplace health programs, and routine health screenings.
Dynamic assessment of PI4P metabolism using split GFP based sensors
Cost-effectiveness of livelihood interventions for families of children with cerebral palsy in rural Bangladesh
Background Families of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often experience extreme poverty, compounded by limited livelihood opportunities and the added demands of caregiving, which further restrict their ability to earn an income. Targeted livelihood interventions may help improve their economic well-being. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of livelihood interventions to improve household incomes of ultra-poor families of children with CP in rural Bangladesh. Method This was a mixed-methods study utilising a subgroup of a pragmatic, open-label, cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT). This subgroup was part of the “Supporting People in Extreme Poverty with Rehabilitation and Therapy (SUPPORT CP)” trial (ACTRN12619001750178), which was implemented in three rural subdistricts of Sirajganj district, Bangladesh. This RCT involved 251 children across three arms— integrated microfinance-based livelihood and community-based rehabilitation (IMCBR), community-based rehabilitation (CBR), and care-as-usual. We investigated 80 children with CP whose parents received an IMCBR program as part of the SUPPORT CP trial. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 participants from the IMCBR arm. Descriptive statistics to depict respondent characteristics and the average return on investment (ROI) were calculated to evaluate the most cost-effective livelihood support. Furthermore, thematic analysis was performed with the interview data to explore the advantages and disadvantages of different livelihood products. Results The parents/caregivers of included children with CP were given five forms of livelihood support: Chickens (n = 3, 15 for each), Sewing machine (n = 11, 1 for each), Ghee making utensils (n = 1, 1 for each), Lamb (n = 7, 2 for each), and Goat (n = 59, 2 for each). The average cost of livelihood intervention per family was 65⸱9 USD. The net return on investment after 12 months was 59.0% for lamb, 70.0% for ghee-making tools, 24.0% for goat, 34.0% for sewing machines, and −25.0% for chicken. Lambs proved to be advantageous due to their sustainability, minimal space requirements, and disease resistance. Conclusions This study suggests that the provision of lambs as livelihood support is the most effective intervention for empowering ultra-poor families with CP in Bangladesh. This experience can potentially enhance the well-being of ultra-poor families in Bangladesh and other low- and middle-income countries.
Exploring the metabolic-immune score in advanced NSCLC treated with immunotherapy
Sexual dysfunctions related to use of antipsychotics: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction Sexual dysfunctions are a challenging side effect associated with antipsychotic treatment. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of overall sexual dysfunction, as well as the specific phases of sexual function affected by antipsychotic medications. Additionally, the analysis will explore the relationship between prolactin levels and sexual dysfunction. Methods and analysis This protocol has been registered in the database of the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD42024573877. We will conduct a systematic search across electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and CINAHL, to identify relevant studies. Studies will be included if they meet predefined inclusion criteria, which include only controlled randomized trials assessing sexual functioning in patients receiving antipsychotic treatment. The antipsychotic medications of interest are amisulpride, aripiprazole, asenapine, brexpiprazole, cariprazine, chlorpromazine, clopenthixol, clozapine, droperidol, flupenthixol, fluphenazine, haloperidol, iloperidone, levomepromazine, loxapine, lurasidone, molindone, olanzapine, paliperidone, penfluridol, perphenazine, perazine, pimozide, prochlorperazine, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, sulpiride, thiothixene, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, ziprasidone, zuclopenthixol and zotepine. The primary outcome is the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment, while the secondary outcomes include the domains of sexual dysfunction (e.g., desire, arousal, orgasm) and serum prolactin levels. A network meta-analysis (NMA) will be performed using random effects to combine all available evidence for each outcome, aimed to provide a comprehensive ranking of different antipsychotics. NMA will be performed in R within a frequentist paradigm. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and RoB 2.0 will be used to assess the risk of bias in studies. We will evaluate the quality of the evidence contributing to network estimates for the primary outcomes using the GRADE framework, and key factors that may affect the observed effects will be analysed for consistency across studies.
Ethnomedicinal documentation of plants used for gastrointestinal disorders in Sahiwal District Pakistan
Phosphoproteomic profiling of feline mammary carcinoma: Insights into tumor grading and potential therapeutic targets
Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is the most prevalent reproductive tumor in queens and is characterized by aggressive metastatic progression and short survival. Protein phosphorylation is a crucial process in cell regulation, with dysregulation linked to cancer progression, including human breast cancer. Although phosphoproteins have emerged as diagnostic and predictive markers in human breast cancer, knowledge remains limited on their role in FMC. In this study, the phosphoproteomic profiles of specimens for FMC grades 1 (n = 6), grade 2 (n = 11), grade 3 (n = 14), and normal controls (n = 6) were compared by phosphoprotein enrichment coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Seventeen downregulated phosphoproteins were identified across all FMC grades, many of which have established roles in human breast cancer pathogenesis and prognosis. Serine/threonine–protein phosphatase was identified as a potential growth promoter and therapeutic target, while acid phosphatase, prostate, and ribonuclease L were identified as tumor suppressors. Furthermore, the ABC-type glutathione-S-conjugate transporter was associated with multidrug resistance. Protein kinase AMP-activated noncatalytic subunit gamma 3 was associated with increased breast cancer risk. In this study, it was also found to be associated with Ki-67 expression in FMC (p = 0.03). These phosphoproteins interacted with various proteins, immune checkpoint molecules, and chemotherapy drugs associated with mammary cancer in both human and feline species. Furthermore, proteins, such as butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1, keratin, type I cytoskeletal 10, HECT domain E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 3, nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 3, and stomatin-like 2, were identified and implicated in cancer progression and prognosis. This study is the first phosphoproteomic investigation of FMC, highlighting the interactions of relevant phosphoproteins with other proteins and chemotherapy drugs associated with both feline and human mammary cancers. The findings provide valuable insights for the identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in cats with mammary carcinoma.
A novel and efficient personalized stress detection technique using a deep learning model
Students’ attitudes and experiences toward mental health support services in Ireland: A qualitative study
Background: There is a high prevalence of mental health difficulties among students in higher education. Barriers to seeking mental health support are well documented in this population. However, there is very little research on students’ experiences of accessing mental health support services in Ireland. This study aims to: 1) explore students’ experiences of accessing mental health support services in Ireland, and 2) investigate barriers to the use and continuous utilisation of these services. Methods: We distributed an anonymous online survey to students at University College Cork through mailing lists and posters. The results presented in this study are a thematic analysis of the open-ended responses describing experiences with mental health support services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: This analysis produced three main themes encompassing students’ experience seeking support. They include: 1) barriers to service use and engagement, 2) impact of COVID-19 restrictions on service use, and 3) barriers to continued use of support. These themes summarise barriers encountered by students throughout their help-seeking journeys. The process of seeking support was not straightforward, and students often encountered barriers that prevented or delayed their use of services. Conclusion: There is a need to improve mental health literacy in this population, specifically, teaching students how to access support and what to expect from services. In addition, we recommend that mental health support services improve the process of gaining entrance to a service, by making it better suited to the student population.
Automated detection of Parkinson’s disease using improved linknet-ghostnet model based on handwriting images
Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD), is a neural disorder that damages movement control, which is reflected by different non-motor and motor symptoms. PD is caused by the weakening of neurons that produce dopamine in the brain, and it includes symptoms like bradykinesia (delay in movements), stiffness, and tremors. People frequently suffer from loss of motor skills when the illness worsens, which has a big influence on everyday tasks like writing. Micrographia is a disorder marked by very tiny, cramped handwriting and is one of the symptoms of PD. As a reflection of the disease’s wider motor impairments, patients may observe that their handwriting gets harder to read and control. Detecting Parkinson’s disease via handwriting images is one of the major research areas in the medical field. This research proposes an automated PD detection approach with handwriting images using an improved hybrid classification model. Primarily, a modified Wiener filter is employed for pre-processing the handwriting image. Then, modified PHOG, Deep features and Shape features are extracted. Finally, detection is performed using hybrid Improved LinkNet and Ghostnet models, termed (ILN-GNet), whose outcomes indicate if the individual is healthy or affected. From the analysis, a higher precision of 0.99 is achieved by the ILN-GNet, while existing methods attained low precision. Thus, these innovations significantly enhance early diagnosis and monitoring, enabling timely interventions before the disease progresses. Moreover, the proposed approach can contribute to remote healthcare solutions, by providing a scalable, and efficient tool for PD diagnosis.
Mitochondrial proteins: Potential pathophysiological mechanisms of malignant progression in HCC
Objective Based on the special role of mitochondria in tumour energy metabolism. We hope to explore the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of Hepatocellular carcinoma by analysing the expression of 1136 mitochondrial proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma and their mechanisms in the Human.MitoCarta3.0 database. Methods The expression of 1136 mitochondrial proteins in HCC was analysed by the TCGA database. We selected the top eight mitochondrial proteins among the highly expressed mitochondrial proteins that had not been studied in HCC and were statistically (P < 0.05) significant, according to fold change. Protein expression was verified by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in tumours and adjacent paracancerous tissues of 34 pairs of HCC patients. Further in HCC cells, the expression of FDPS, DNA2 and MYO19 was verified. Clinical correlations of FDPS, DNA2 and MYO19 were analysed by UALCAN and KM-plot databases. Immune correlation of FDPS, DNA2 and MYO19 was analysed by TIMER2.0 and Sangerbox3.0 online databases. Results Mitochondrial proteins were expressed on all 24 chromosomes. More than 2/3 of the mitochondria were 100–600 bp long, of which 204 were secondary transmembrane proteins. 1136 mitochondrial proteins, of which 202 are not included in the TCGA database. Of the 934 mitochondrial proteins included in the TCGA database, 706 were highly expressed and 228 were poorly expressed in HCC. Further validated by HCC tissues and cells, the study found that significantly high expression of FDPS, DNA2 and MYO19 was negatively correlated with the prognosis of HCC patients. The results of the immune correlation analysis showed that DNA2 and MYO19 may be involved in regulating the infiltration of immune cells. Conclusion 934 out of 1136 mitochondrial proteins in the Human.MitoCarta3.0 database were differentially expressed in HCC, suggesting that mitochondrial proteins play an important biological role in the development of HCC. Further experimental validation and bioinformatics analyses showed that functional mitochondrial proteins are potential pathophysiological mechanisms for malignant progression of HCC. Mitochondrial proteins, in the future, have the potential to be valuable therapeutic targets for HCC.
Positive impact of hydroponics and artificial light on yield and quality of wheat
Abstract Growing crops in controlled-environment indoor farming systems offers new ways of producing high-yield, pesticide-free, environmental-friendly food. However, it replaces soil with hydroponics and the sun with LED lights. Compared with the field, wheat grown indoors showed a much higher yield potential and bread-making quality parameters. Many mineral concentrations were higher due to the unrestricted water supply and nutrients in hydroponics. However, concentrations declined with increasing yields. The microbiome richness inside the grains of wheat grown without soil indoors was still within the range of wheat grown in the field. However, taxa were different among cultivars and treatments. There were differences in the presence of undefined secondary metabolites between indoor and outdoor wheat and across the indoor experiments. Regardless of the growing environment, immunoreactive proteins were present. Indoor-grown wheat had a higher share of ω5-gliadins but lower shares of γ-gliadins and low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits, which may affect the gluten protein immunoreactive potential for individuals with wheat-related disorders (allergy and celiac disease). Growing wheat without soil and sunlight indoors can produce high-yielding, high-quality grains. However, the food quality and health aspects associated with gluten proteins might deteriorate with a further, theoretically possible, yield increase in a controlled growing environment.
Assessment of anxiety symptoms with low social support and associated factors among men who have sex with men (MSM): A cross-sectional study
Objective This study aims to examine the levels of anxiety symptoms and perceived social support among the men who have sex with men (MSM) population, to assess the level of both anxiety and low social support, and associated factors in this population. Method The study used an Internet service platform for MSM between March and June 2024. Sociodemographic information, laboratory test data, and scores from the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) were collected among men who have sex with men (MSM). Decision tree model and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the factors associated with anxiety with low perceived social support. Results A total of 1070 MSM respondents were recruited, of whom 19.6% had anxiety symptoms, and 12.90% had low social support. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was significantly higher among individuals with low social support (38.41%) than among those with medium or high social support (16.95%) (P < 0.001). Specifically, 4.95% of all respondents had both anxiety and low social support. Logistic regression analysis showed that employment status (P = 0.028), self-esteem (P < 0.001) and psychological resilience (P < 0.001) were significant factors associated with both anxiety symptoms and low social support in the MSM population. Furthermore, the decision tree model identified self-esteem and psychological resilience as key predictors of both anxiety and low social support in the MSM population (all P < 0.05). Conclusion Our study demonstrated that in the MSM population in China’s eastern region, the prevalence of both anxiety and low social support was relatively low. Employment status, self-esteem, and psychological resilience were identified as significantly correlated factors for them. To effectively reduce anxiety in this population, interventions should focus on enhancing these factors.