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Correction: SARS-CoV-2 infection in 3,241 School working staffs: Impact of SARS CoV-2 variants of concern [Wild, B.1.1.7 and Omicron]

Proliferation and regeneration of the healthy human urothelium: A multi-scale simulation approach with 16 hypotheses of cell differentiation

The urothelium as a stratified epithelium of the urinary tract is a slow regenerating tissue of different layers and shares similarities with the epidermis. Characteristics of its cell types, regeneration, tissue homeostasis, integrity and self organization are only partly understood. Precise computer-based models which investigate the cell kinetics of the urothelium from a theoretical perspective are beneficial for the regenerative medicine field and cancer research. Here an agent-based computer simulation based on the Glazier-Graner-Hogeweg (GGH) approach were developed and tested on 16 hypotheses of proliferation and differentiation mechanisms of the healthy urothelial tissue in steady state and tissue regeneration. A fitness-function was introduced for the quantitative comparison of respective models. The findings indicate that two similar hypotheses with the following features describe the healthy tissue best: 1) Progenitor cells either divide and differentiate in a stem cell fashion or proliferate according to the population asymmetry model in epidermis, 2) Basal cells divide symmetrically and differentiate into intermediate cells depending on contact to the basal membrane. 3) Intermediate cells do not proliferate but differentiate into umbrella cells when they are in contact with the medium.

Visual impairment in any eye adversely affects quality of life: Psychometric validation of the Malay NEI VFQ-25

Purpose To cross-culturally translate and adapt the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEIVFQ-25) into Malay or Bahasa Malaysia, and to analyze its psychometric properties in a cohort of Malaysian patients with visual impairment from various causes. Design Cross-sectional validation study Methods The NEI-VFQ 25 was translated and cross-culturally adapted into the Malay version. Total of 324 visually impaired patients caused by cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) or diabetic macular edema (DME), and a control group were included. Psychometric analysis was performed including test-retest and internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and factor analysis. Clinical validity was measured by correlation of clinical measurements with subdomain scores and known-groups comparison. Results Participants’ average age was 60.4 years (SD 15.4) and 47.2% were male. The internal consistency was high in most subdomains, with Cronbach alpha ranging from 0.66–0.89. The test-retest reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92). Even when just one eye had impaired vision, participants scored much lower on the Malay NEIVFQ 25, highlighting how well the questionnaire reflects the real impact of visual impairment. Moderate correlations were detected between visual acuity and the ‘General vision’, ‘Near Activities’, ‘Distance Activities’, ‘Social Functioning’, ‘Mental Health’, ‘Role Difficulties’, ‘Dependency’ and ‘Driving’ subdomains suggesting that these subdomains were associated with central vision. Factor analysis demonstrated that 4 factors can be extracted from 12 subdomains. Conclusions This study revealed that the Malay version of the NEIVFQ-25 is a valid, reliable, and reproducible instrument to measure the vision-related quality of life in patients with visual impairment. Quality of life was adversely affected even with only one eye having poor vision.

Psychological repercussions of breast or uterine cervical cancer disclosure to women in Gabon

Background Breast and cervical cancers are major health issues globally, with particularly high burdens in sub-Saharan Africa, including Gabon. Limited epidemiological data and insufficient attention to the psychological impacts of these cancers highlight critical research gaps. This study aimed to explore the psychological repercussions experienced by Gabonese women following the disclosure of a breast or cervical cancer diagnosis. Methods A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023 at the Institut de Cancérologie d’Akanda. Women recently diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer were recruited using a consecutive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and one focus group to explore emotional responses, coping strategies, and perceptions of patient–provider interactions. In addition, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was administered to assess depressive symptoms. Results Thirteen Gabonese women diagnosed with breast (n = 10) or cervical cancer (n = 3) participated in this mixed-methods study. Following the disclosure, all patients reported depressive symptoms ranging from minimal to moderately severe (PHQ-9). Qualitative analysis revealed intense emotional distress, including anxiety, sadness, sleep disturbances, and despair. The diagnosis affected participants’ identity, body image, and social relationships, reinforcing feelings of stigma, isolation, and loss. Beliefs about disease etiology and social representations shaped emotional responses. While some relied on spirituality, social support, or personal resilience to cope, others expressed unmet psychological needs. Participants emphasized the importance of clear, compassionate communication from healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for empathy, trust, and active listening during diagnosis disclosure. Conclusion This pioneering study in Gabon identifies profound psychological effects associated with breast and cervical cancer diagnosis disclosure. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved psychosocial support, effective communication training for healthcare providers, and culturally tailored interventions to address mental health concerns in this population.

Genetic variability in microbial eukaryotes reshapes marine biodiversity assessment in the age of amplicon sequencing

Rapidly improving DNA sequencing technology has revolutionized our ability to efficiently survey the biodiversity of microbial life. We are now equipped to investigate protistan richness and community dynamics on scales that would not have been imaginable with traditional observational methods. However, for most taxa the relationship between DNA sequences and morphologically-defined species is poorly understood, and morphology has remained the cornerstone of taxonomy for centuries. To better utilize the wealth of sequence data being collected, we must understand how it relates to entities such as individuals, populations, and species. Here we use a combined microscopy and sequencing approach to unveil the striking intragenomic and intraspecies genetic variation in one group of ecologically-important marine protists, the polycystine Radiolaria. Long-read 18S rRNA gene amplicon data from 173 isolated and morphologically-identified radiolarians showed that the vast majority (90%) yielded multiple sequence variants per specimen. Furthermore, every morphospecies analyzed displayed a range of different genetic signatures. Intraspecies genetic variability was expressed as specimens having different assemblages of ASVs, different dominant ASVs, or having no ASVs in common with other specimens of the same morphospecies. By integrating morphological and molecular information, we begin to parse the genetic richness of Radiolaria in ocean environments, as well as illuminate relationships between taxa, and their poorly-known life stages. Our findings emphasize the need to account for protists’ taxon-specific sequence variability, particularly their intragenomic and intraspecies genetic variation, in interpreting metabarcoding diversity survey data.

Time matters: Transcriptomic insights into temporally regulated reproductive and physiological processes in the life cycle of salps

Despite the increasing importance of salps and the recognition of their role as important players in food webs and biogeochemical cycles, their life cycle characteristics and physiology remain mysterious. This uncertainty encourages oversimplifying modeling approaches, leading to inaccuracies that may affect population dynamics results. This lack of knowledge is critical, making it difficult to adequately assess their sensitivity to global warming and their impact on ecosystems if their abundance and distribution change with rising seawater temperatures. Therefore, we generated a de novo transcriptome of Salpa fusiformis to further investigate the physiological processes involved in the life cycle of salps. We examined differentially expressed genes between both reproductive forms, blastozooids and oozoids, and detected a general form-specific difference among Salpa. Furthermore, we identified mainly temporally driven processes (energy delivery, cell communication, spermatogenesis) by studying gene expression profiles of different developmental stages of blastozooids of Salpa fusiformis. A life cycle that physiologically prepares blastozooids during the potential reproductive period, regardless of their fertilization status, may favor rapid response to favorable conditions and formation of salp blooms. Understanding the processes involved will contribute to a better assessment of their sensitivity to environmental change and support the implementation of their role in ecosystem models. In addition, the generated transcriptome was used to select and validate a set of potential reference genes for future qPCR applications. This will facilitate molecular studies of tunicates generally and stimulate future physiological studies on salps.

NOMO-1 cells expressing an NF-κB luciferase reporter gene facilitate a simple, rapid monocyte activation test that can detect a wide range of pyrogens

Pyrogens, which include endotoxin and non-endotoxin pyrogens (NEPs), act on immune cells in the bloodstream, causing various effects such as fever and endotoxic shock. The limulus amebocyte lysate test, a commonly used endotoxin test in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, can detect endotoxin but not NEPs. The monocyte activation test (MAT), which uses monocytes, is a testing method included in the European Pharmacopoeia (EP 11.5; 07/2024:20630) that can detect NEPs. The MAT detects the cellular response following activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) by pyrogens; released cytokines, such as IL-6, are often the targets of detection. This cytokine release is regulated by the transcription factor NF-κB. In this study, we investigated whether it is possible to detect pyrogens with an NF-κB reporter gene-expressing cell line, using the NOMO-1 cell line as a model monocyte-like line. This study demonstrates that the reporter gene-expressing cells can detect 0.0125 EU/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after 3 hours of incubation, and a stable calibration curve for LPS quantification can be created. Moreover, these cells can detect agonists for TLR1–9 in a concentration-dependent manner. Pharmaceuticals, including blood products and antibody drugs, were used in LPS recovery tests to confirm that they do not interfere with LPS detection. This study demonstrates that NF-κB reporter cells facilitate a simpler, more concise MAT, eliminating the complexity associated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Moreover, using the NOMO-1 cell line allows for the detection of a wider range of NEPs compared with using existing reporter gene-expressing cell lines.

Expression of Concern: Real-time recognition of spraying area for UAV sprayers using a deep learning approach

Uncovering common disease mechanisms and critical biomarkers in Crohn’s disease with concurrent psoriasis and exploring potential therapeutic agents

Introduction Research findings show a substantial correlation between Crohn’s disease and psoriasis. However, the exact cause or pathogenesis of the concurrent manifestations of these two conditions in the same individuals remains uncertain. This research aimed to scrutinize the important molecules and mechanisms responsible for the concomitance of Crohn’s disease and Psoriasis by using quantitative bioinformatics utilizing a publicly available RNA sequencing repository. Methods The database Gene Expression Omnibus were assessed, specifically for Crohn’s disease (GSE95095) and psoriasis (GSE13355). The ‘limma’ library of the R programming syntax is employed to identify differentially expressed genes. The Search Tool for Interacting Genes dataset was utilized to study the interaction between proteins networks. The Cytoscape software was utilized to efficiently view and analyse these Protein-Protein Interaction networks. The ctoHubba Cytoscape plugin helps in the selection of hub genes. These hub genes have been confirmed using data from GSE102133 for Crohn’s disease and GSE14905 for psoriasis. The ROC curves were utilized in this study to assess the diagnostic value of the hub genes. Moreover, new research involving gene-set enriched studies and the study of immunological surveillance associated with these specific genes is attainable. Results Among the identified common DEGs, 40 genes were downregulated and 37 were upregulated, totaling 77 genes. Crohn’s disease and Psoriasis had a higher concentration of pathways associated with inflammation. After validation, functionality of hub genes was confirmed for S100A12, CXCL8, IL1RN, S100A9, CXCL10, MMP1, CXCL1, FPR1, CXCR2, and S100A8. The hub genes showed an increase in expression in response to neutrophil infiltration. The expression of S100A12, CXCL8, IL1RN, S100A9, CXCL10, MMP1, CXCL1, FPR1, CXCR2, and S100A8 was found to be significantly linked to immune processes such as neutrophil activation, neutrophil chemotaxis, and neutrophil migration associated with Crohn’s and Psoriasis disease. Conclusions This bioinformatics study has elucidated S100A12, CXCL8, IL1RN, S100A9, CXCL10, MMP1, CXCL1, FPR1, CXCR2, and S100A8 as the central genes in the pathogenesis of CD and Psoriasis comorbidity. The significance of neutrophil infiltration in promoting inflammatory and immune-mediated dysfunction seems to be crucial in the etiology of concurrent Crohn’s and Psoriasis, offering an avenue for diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Attachment beyond the screen: The influences of demographic factors and parasocial relationships on social media use in Qatar

Background Most studies on social media usage and parasocial relationships (PSRs) have been conducted in WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) societies, potentially overlooking the unique cultural, social, and economic factors present in non-WEIRD contexts. Examining these phenomena in a non-WEIRD setting is essential for a comprehensive understanding of social media’s global impact. Methods Secondary data from 574 participants in Qatar who followed Instagram influencers were analyzed using Bayesian analyses aided by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms to examine the relationships between social media usage time, PSRs, and demographic factors. Findings The analysis results show that, regarding linear effects, a stronger parasocial relationship with Instagram influencer(s) is associated with higher daily social media usage time. Meanwhile, being male, being older, and having higher incomes all have negative associations with daily social media usage time. When parasocial relationships and the three demographic factors are seen in their interactions, negative associations with social media usage were also found in a similar pattern. To elaborate, among those with high parasocial relationship degrees, females, young people, and poor people tend to use social media for more hours each day. Conclusions This study highlights that demographic factors such as gender, age, and income in their interactions with parasocial relationships are associated with social media usage time within the non-WEIRD social context of Qatar. The findings underscore the necessity of considering the specific local cultural settings when studying social media behaviors.

Selective sonochemical post-synthesis modification of LTA zeolite with zinc species

LTA zeolite is known for its straightforward synthesis and well-defined structure, composed of α and β cages. This structure offers a versatile platform for hosting molecules of varying sizes. In the sodic form (NaA), the Na⁺ ions are located within these cages’ cation exchange sites. When substituted with zinc species, a precise tuning of pore size and properties can emerge. In this study, we employed an eco-friendly post-synthesis modification of a NaA zeolite with zinc species: ZnO, ZnO₂, and Zn(OH)₂ by a sono-assisted deposition method. This approach allowed a short deposition time (30 min), providing control over the desired Zn species incorporated into NaA zeolite. Equally, the facile selective integration of zinc species in the form of supported nanoparticles and Zn2+ in cation exchange sites modified the physicochemical properties of the material, including unique surface charge redistribution and pore architectures. These results highlight the potential of sono-assisted deposition as an alternative strategy for engineering advanced zeolitic materials, opening new avenues for innovative applications in catalysis, adsorption, and beyond.

The incidence and influencing factors of postoperative acute kidney injury in elderly patients with hip fractures: A meta-analyses

Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common complications after hip fracture in the elderly, and its hospitalization rate, mortality rate and medical expenses are high, resulting in serious social and economic burden. Therefore, we aim to systematically evaluate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative AKI in elderly patients with hip fracture, so as to identify the occurrence of postoperative AKI in elderly patients with hip fracture early, so as to prevent it in advance. Methods This meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024498009).We systematically searched Embase, Pubmed, web of science, the cochrane Library, CBM, VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang Data to collect studies on the incidence or influencing factors of postoperative acute kidney injury in elderly patients with hip fracture published up to 18 December 2023. All studies were screened, relevant data extracted, and quality assessed by two independent authors, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software. Results A total of 22 articles were included, with a total sample size of 25195 cases and 16 influencing factors. The results of meta-analysis showed that the incidence of postoperative AKI in elderly patients with hip fracture was 17.2% [95%CI (14.3% ~ 20%), P < 0.0001], and there were 6 statistically significant influencing factors, which were baseline serum potassium [OR(95%CI)=2.23 (1.22, 4.05)], hypertension [OR(95%CI)=3.00 (1.75, 5.88)], and chronic kidney disease [OR(95%CI)=4.40 (1.10, 14.75)], diabetes mellitus [OR (95% CI) = 1.84 (1.19, 2.83)], intraoperative hypotension [OR (95% CI) = 5.61 (3.36, 9.35)], and operative time [OR (95% CI) = 1.01 (1.00, 1.02)]. Conclusions Our study indicated that the incidence of postoperative AKI in elderly patients with hip fracture was 17.2%. Baseline serum potassium, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, operative hypotension and operation time were the influencing factors of postoperative AKI in elderly patients with hip fracture. PROSPERO registration number for this study: CRD42024498009

The adverse events of toripalimab in nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on FAERS database and bibliometric analysis

Background Toripalimab, a monoclonal antibody designed to target PD-1, has recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a first-line treatment in adults diagnosed with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The purpose of this study is to utilize the FAERS database and bibliometric analysis to examine adverse events associated with toripalimab in real-world settings, thereby enhancing the safety management of clinical medications. Methods This research implemented a disproportionality analysis to assess the safety of toripalimab by reviewing all adverse event reports from the FAERS database dating back to 2004, wherein toripalimab was recognized as the main suspected medication. Various statistical techniques were applied in the analysis, such as the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS), and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), to evaluate the adverse events linked to toripalimab. CiteSpace is utilized to search for authors, countries, keywords, and various indicators within research fields, facilitating the identification of research hotspots and future trends. Results From 2004 to 2024, 441 AEs linked to toripalimab were recorded across 27 SOCs. The top five SOCs were procedural complications, investigations, blood/lymphatic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin/subcutaneous disorders. At the PT level, the top five AEs by ROR were myelosuppression (n = 192, ROR 687.41), decreased granulocyte count (n = 11, ROR 515.72), immune-mediated hepatic disorder (n = 7, ROR 343.20), immune-mediated myocarditis (n = 3, ROR 214.68), and bicytopenia (n = 3, ROR 117.49). Additionally, 91.62% of AEs occurred within the first 30 days, and immune-related AEs were highlighted in bibliometric analysis. Conclusion This research provides initial safety information regarding the real-world application of toripalimab, affirming previously acknowledged adverse effects and concurrently uncovering new possible risks. These results could act as important cautionary evidence for healthcare professionals and pharmacists engaged in administering toripalimab for NPC.

Antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity of selenium nanoparticles synthetized via Zambian medicinal herbs

Previous studies of green synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) showed their unique properties such as antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to use traditional Zambian medicinal herbs (Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera Gliricidia sepium, Cissus quadrangularis, Aloe barbadensis, Kigelia Africana, and Bobgunnia madagascariensis) to synthesize SeNPs and examine their potential to enhance the endogenous antioxidant system of model eukaryote. For SeNP characterization, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and absorbance spectra were used. Their minimal inhibitory concentration was investigated on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The antioxidant potential of SeNPs was examined on Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae). Cell viability, total antioxidant capacity, and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were evaluated. SeNPs did not show antimicrobial activity against E. coli, only mild activity against S. aureus. Experimental data suggested that SeNPs didn´t inhibit Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth while plant extracts and sodium selenite had an inhibitory effect. All tested plant extracts and SeNPs resulted in a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity compared to the control. Catalase activity significantly increased only in treatments with plant extracts or sodium selenite alone. Glutathione peroxidase activity remained the same for all studied SeNPs and plant extracts. These findings provide evidence of a complex influence of SeNPs or plant extracts on the cellular antioxidant system in S. cerevisiae. From the point of view of overall effectiveness, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, Aloe barbadensis, and Cissus quadrangularis SeNPs are promising, green-synthetized nanoparticles for combating oxidative stress in living organisms.

Mechanism of Plantamajoside in inhibiting ferroptosis of pancreatic β cells and treatment of T2DM via activation of the xCT/GPX4 pathway

Pancreatic β-cell damage, a key pathology in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), may be mitigated by inhibiting ferroptosis. Plantamajoside (PMS) shows promise in alleviating cellular damage and improving T2DM outcomes, though its mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated PMS’s role in suppressing ferroptosis in pancreatic β-cells via the cysteine/glutamate transporter (xCT)/ glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. In our in vivo experiments, PMS was administered to T2DM mice via gavage, and its effects on tissue damage, ferroptosis, and xCT/GPX4 pathway modulation were assessed. Furthermore, in vitro experiments employed high glucose (HG) and palmitic acid (PA) conditions, to induce damage in pancreatic β-cells. We investigated the beneficial impacts of PMS on pancreatic β-cell damage, its modulation of ferroptosis, and its influence on the xCT/GPX4 pathway. To compare the capacity of PMS to inhibit ferroptosis, we utilized the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) as a positive control, while the GPX4 inhibitor RSL-3 validated PMS’s mechanism through the xCT/GPX4 axis. Our findings revealed that PMS effectively mitigated pancreatic tissue damage in T2DM mice, reduced ferroptosis, and enhanced the expression of factors associated with the xCT/GPX4 pathway. Moreover, PMS alleviated HG and PA-induced damage in pancreatic β-cells, suppressed ferroptosis, and upregulated factors linked to the xCT/GPX4 pathway. Similar to the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1, PMS exhibited comparable effects. Conversely, RSL-3 attenuated the protective effects of PMS on pancreatic β-cell damage, its inhibition of ferroptosis, and its activation of the xCT/GPX4 pathway. PMS exhibited the capacity to diminish damage to pancreatic islet β-cells induced by T2DM, both in vivo and in vitro. This favorable outcome may stem from the alleviation of lipid peroxidation and reduction of ferroptosis. Moreover, this regulatory mechanism was accomplished through the enhancement of the xCT/GPX4 axis.

The prevalence of undernutrition and associated risk factors in people with tuberculosis in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Objective Undernutrition is common in individuals with tuberculosis (TB). There is a bidirectional association between having TB and undernutrition; undernutrition increases the risk of having active TB, and having TB worsen undernutrition by reducing appetite and food intake. Despite World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for comprehensive nutritional assessment and counselling for people with TB, systematic implementation is lacking in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), leading to an insufficient understanding of undernutrition prevalence in this population. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023 in six central and provincial hospitals in Lao PDR. We assessed the prevalence of undernutrition in 312 people diagnosed with TB at TB diagnosis using body mass index (BMI). Undernutrition was defined as a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, and severe undernutrition as a BMI below 16.5 kg/m2. Data on demographic, clinical and economic information and nutritional status were extracted from an intervention study assessing the effect of nutritional counselling and feeding on the financial burden of TB and TB treatment outcomes. Results Of 312 participants, 40.7% (n = 127) were with undernutrition (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) at the time of TB diagnosis. 20.5% (n = 64) with severe undernutrition (BMI < 16.5 kg/m2). Factors significantly associated with undernutrition included age group 15–24 years (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6.9, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 2.2–23.2), drug-resistant TB (AOR 3.2, 95%CI: 1.0–11.8), experiences of hospitalization until TB diagnosis (AOR 3.4, 95%CI: 2.0–5.9), self-reported weight loss (AOR 7.8, 95%CI: 2.3–36.4), and below the poverty line at TB diagnosis (AOR 1.9, 95%CI: 1.0–3.6). Conclusion A high prevalence of undernutrition was observed in people diagnosed with TB at their diagnosis in Lao PDR. The findings underscore the urgent need for systematic nutritional assessment and counselling as integral components of TB care to identify and address undernutrition, thereby enhancing overall health outcomes for individuals with TB.

The effect of viewing-only, reaching, and grasping on size perception in virtual reality

In virtual environments (VEs), distance perception is often inaccurate but can be improved through active engagement, such as walking. While prior research suggests that action planning and execution can enhance the perception of action-related features, the effects of specific actions on perception in VEs remain unclear. This study investigates how different interactions – viewing-only, reaching, and grasping – affect size perception in Virtual Reality (VR) and whether teleportation (Experiment 1) and smooth locomotion (Experiment 2) influences these effects. Participants approached a virtual object using either teleportation or smooth locomotion and interacted with the target with a virtual hand. They then estimated the target’s size before and after the approach by adjusting the size of a comparison object. Results revealed that size perception improved after interaction across all conditions in both experiments, with viewing-only leading to the most accurate estimations. This suggests that, unlike in real environments, additional manual interaction does not significantly enhance size perception in VR when only visual input is available. Additionally, teleportation was more effective than smooth locomotion for improving size estimations. These findings extend action-based perceptual theories to VR, showing that interaction type and approach method can influence size perception accuracy without tactile feedback. Further, by analysing gaze spatial distribution during the different interaction conditions, this study suggests that specific motor responses combined with movement approaches affect gaze behaviour, offering insights for applied VR settings that prioritize perceptual accuracy.

Life cycle assessment of soil carbon dynamics in peach and olive cultivation in Greece: Implementing nature-based solutions

Carbon sequestration is a natural process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in plant biomass, soils, oceans, and geological formations- a very important process for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations, mitigating climate change and improving soil health. This study explores the environmental impact of implementing Nature Based Solutions (NBSs) in peach orchards and olive groves in Greece, using a cradle-to-farm-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. It specifically examines the chemical, physical, and soil conditions necessary for humification and organic carbon accumulation. The objectives are to: (1) assess the effectiveness NBSs in enhancing soil carbon sequestration within different agricultural management practices, (2) quantify the impact of cultivation transitions on soil carbon storage capacity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, (3) integrate soil carbon stock dynamics into LCA methodologies to improve accuracy in carbon footprint assessments, and (4) highlight the importance of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools and soil properties in refining LCA interpretations for sustainable land management. By Implementing NBSs at pilot sites and using the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification system to track GHG emissions and SOC changes in the field, carbon stocks increased: −179.2 kg CO₂ eq in the peach orchard and −186.3 kg CO₂ eq in the olive grove. GHG emissions reduced by 16.4% in peach cultivation and 51.1% per hectare in olive grove. Main emission sources included crop protection and field energy use; in olives, residue management also played a significant role. This study provides empirical evidence on how NBSs can enhance soil carbon sequestration and reduce GHG emissions, contributing to both climate change mitigation and sustainable agricultural management. These findings demonstrate the value of integrating SOC dynamics into LCA for more reliable carbon assessments, offering a more accurate representation of carbon sequestration potential. The study can support policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders in adopting strategies that maximize environmental benefits and promote soil health. More long- term research on the implementation of Nature Based Solutions is required to properly assess their impact across cultivations, soil types and pedoclimatic zones.

Cardiovascular risk in aging adults with double deficits in social support: A gender-sensitive, cross-sectional analysis of the CLSA cohort

Background Synergistic effects of diverse social supports (informational, tangible, emotional and belonging) on cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVRF), by gender, is unknown. Aim To quantify gender differences in the singular and combined associations of four different forms of social support with cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVRF) in aging adults. Methods Cross-sectional study of 28,779 adults (45−85 years) in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Comprehensive cohort (2011−15); independent variables were self-reported measures of informational, tangible, emotional and belonging support; dependent variables were clinically measured BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure. We used stratified multivariable linear and logistic regression with principal component regression with cross-product terms to post-estimate adjusted means and 95% CIs for combined associations. Results All low-low support combinations were consistently associated with the highest adjusted mean BMI and WC levels among women. Adjusted mean BMI differences were largest among women with low informational and low tangible supports (27.95 kg/m 2 [27.93, 27.97]), compared to women with high informational and high tangible supports (27.34 kg/m 2 [27.30, 27.38]). Similarly, the greatest difference in adjusted mean WC was seen among women with low informational and low emotional supports (88.69 cm [88.62, 88.76]) compared to the high-high combination (86.88 cm [86.75, 87.01]). Women with low availability of informational support, with or without deficits in a second support type, had the highest adjusted mean SBP levels (range: 119.94 to 119.95 mmHg). Among men, mean CVRFs were not consistently worse for combinations of dual deficits in social support. Results were null for DBP. Conclusion Women with two deficits in social supports, particularly combinations with low informational support, showed worse CVRF measures than one social support deficit. Results indicated no antagonistic/synergistic effects of social support on CVRFs. Heart health care and prevention for aging women would benefit from ensuring informational support with other supports is available.

Secure mobile agents for efficient medical information retrieval: A verifiable variable threshold secret sharing approach

Mobile Agents are a new type of computing that is replacing the client-server approach. Mobile agents are little pieces of code that function automatically on behalf of the owner. Many applications, such as e-commerce, parallel computing, network management, and health care, use mobile agents. The healthcare industry is one of the most growing fields in any country. As the population increases day by day the requirement of medical resources is proportionally increasing. Due to high patient demand and a severe lack of medical resources, a remote medical healthcare system is required. However, the deployment of remote healthcare systems over the Internet introduces a new set of challenges, including interoperability among heterogeneous networks and the need to navigate through multiple public systems dispersed over insecure networks. This paper explores how mobile agents can effectively tackle these challenges, especially in heterogeneous and potentially malicious environments. A key focus of this research is the development of a mathematical model for secure medical information retrieval. This model incorporates a variable threshold secret-sharing mechanism, employing the Chinese remainder theorem and multiplicative inverse with modular arithmetic at different levels. By integrating these cryptographic techniques, the proposed approach ensures the confidentiality and integrity of medical information during its retrieval, contributing to the overall safety and robustness of mobile agent computing in healthcare scenarios.