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Hearing-loss related variations in turn-taking time affect how conversations are perceived
In conversations, interlocutors with hearing impairment (HI), initiate their turns with longer average delay and more variability than their normal-hearing (NH) conversation partners. This paper investigates whether third-party listeners were able to perceive this difference in turn-taking timing (denoted Floor-Transfer Offsets, FTOs) between NH and HI interlocutors. To this avail, the FTOs of segments of conversations were manipulated using four different schemes, such that the two interlocutors timed their turns as if 1) both were NH interlocutors conversing in quiet (NHQ) or 2) both were HI interlocutors conversing in noise (HIN). Two additional conditions were implemented to test if non-varying and faster FTOs affect the perception, manipulating conversations to have constant FTOs corresponding to 3) the median FTO of the NHQ condition (conNHQ) and 4) an even faster FTO of 50 ms (conLow). Forty-four participants rated conversations from the HIN condition as less natural, with poorer flow, and being more difficult to follow compared to conversations from the NHQ condition. Removing the FTO variability resulted in better ratings of flow (conNHQ vs NHQ), while further decreasing the average FTOs (conLow vs conNHQ) had no effect on the ratings. A detailed analysis revealed poorer ratings of flow for individual conversations with higher FTO median, but similar variability, while FTO variability alone did not affect ratings of flow. Together, the results indicate that listeners, and perhaps also conversation participants, are sensitive to small variations in turn-taking timing and that hearing loss may therefore affect the quality of conversations.
Variability in infection dynamics emerges from the interplay between unique host and pathogen characteristics
Abstract Variation in infection dynamics across host species can profoundly influence parasite epidemiology, ecology, and evolution. However, because experiments involving multiple hosts and multiple parasite species that capture the full infection dynamics within hosts are rare, the underlying mechanisms of host heterogeneity effects across different parasite species remain largely unknown. We dissected the specific roles of host and pathogen effects in shaping within-host infection dynamics using a model system comprising three coexisting rodent species from Israel’s northwestern Negev Desert and their predominant bacterial pathogens, Bartonella krasnovii A2 and Mycoplasma haemomuris-like bacterium. To test whether the effects of host species heterogeneity on parasite dynamics mainly derive from host trait variation (“host trait variation hypothesis”) or rather reflect a unique host-parasite interaction (“specific host-parasite interaction” hypotheses), we inoculated rodents of the three species (Gerbillus andersoni, G. pyramidum, and G. gerbillus) with either Bartonella or Mycoplasma and compared their infection dynamics during primary infection and upon reinfection. According to the “host trait variation” hypothesis, host heterogeneity effects would be consistent across parasite species. Supporting this hypothesis, both bacterial pathogens exhibited reduced performance in G. gerbillus compared to the other rodent species. However, consistent with the alternative “specific host-parasite interaction” hypothesis, all other aspects of the infection dynamics of these two pathogens exhibited varying trends across the three hosts, indicating the uniqueness of each pathogen-host interaction. Our findings support the notion that the variability in infection dynamics is not solely attributable to host heterogeneity, but rather emerges from the interplay between specific host characteristics and parasite traits. We discuss potential directions for future research to deepen our understanding of within-host dynamics in multispecies communities. We stress the necessity of analyzing each distinct host-parasite interaction independently when making inferences about community patterns based on infection dynamics within hosts until more experimental data on natural systems are accumulated.
Primary care screening for sexually transmitted infections in the United States from 2019 to 2021
Background Early identification and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is critical to improve patient outcomes. Barriers to healthcare seeking are potentially exacerbated by COVID-19. This study examined trends in STI testing and positivity from 2019 to 2021 in primary care in the United States. Methods This is a retrospective study using the PRIME Registry, a national primary care EHR registry, from January 1, 2019-December 31, 2021. We calculated age-standardized monthly and annual testing rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus stratified by gender and race/ethnicity. We also generated quarterly and annual rates for test positivity. Chi-square tests and 95% confidence intervals were used for comparison. 753 practices and 4,410,609 patients were included, with 180,558 having STI tests. Results We observed a substantial decline in testing rates for STIs from March-April 2020 (31% for chlamydia, 30% for gonorrhea, 23% for syphilis, 24% for HIV), followed by a rapid increase in May-June 2020 (64% for chlamydia, 65% for gonorrhea, 32% for syphilis, 48% for HIV). Testing rates per 100,000 decreased from 2019 to 2021 for chlamydia (3,592 vs 2,355 vs 2,181) while increased for gonorrhea in 2020 (2,129 vs 2,207 vs 2,057). STI testing rates from 2019 to 2021 for females and non-Hispanic Black or African American patients were higher than other groups. An increase in test positivity from 2019 to 2021 was observed for gonorrhea (0.4% vs 0.4% vs 0.5%) but no significant change for chlamydia (1.5% vs 1.6% vs 1.5%). Conclusion Testing rates for STIs substantially dropped during stay-at-home orders early in the pandemic and recovered after these were relaxed. Gender and race/ethnicity STI testing differences may reflect primary care’s prioritization of higher risk populations. This study emphasizes the role of primary care EHR data in monitoring and an opportunity for closer collaboration with public health agencies.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation inhibits food intake and body weight gain through the orexin dependent pathway in high fat diet mice
Electronic differential control based on speed and optimum slip ratio estimation for all-electric vehicles with in-wheel motors
Vehicle 2-degree of freedom (DOF) kinematic and dynamic models are derived. The former, which uses fixed parameters, is often used for speed-based electronic differential control, but this method does not yield accurate results under varying running situations. In contrast, the latter, which depends on the tire adhesion limit to produce tire saturation force, is typically adopted for torque-based electronic differential control. However, this method also faces many difficulties in real-time implementation, and its theoretical maturity is not strong. To combine the advantages of speed-based electronic differential control and torque-based electronic differential control, this paper focuses on speed and optimum slip ratio as key factors. Additionally, to address the difficulties associated with nonlinear modeling by leveraging the simplicity of linear modeling in design and implementation, this study presents an electronic differential control based on speed and optimum slip ratio estimation for all-electric vehicles with in-wheel motors. It aims to maintain the maneuvering ability of the driver at the maximum adhesion limit. Even when the two driving wheels are subjected to uneven external disturbances from the road surface, they maintain a synchronous speed when driving on a straight line or a differential speed when turning. Simulation validation confirms that the proposed method enhances safety for in-wheel motor electric vehicles in urban scenarios involving adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, ice) and aggressive lane-changing maneuvers. Experimental validation confirms the static performance of the motor controller and the differential control capability of the two drive wheels. These findings lay a foundation for improving extreme-condition adaptability through three future directions: adaptive tire dynamics integration, hierarchical energy-stability control architectures, and real-time deployment validated via hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Silicon-induced photosynthetic adaptations in common buckwheat under salt stress revealed by prompt chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis
Abstract This study aimed at investigating the protective role of silicon (Si) in mitigating salt-induced damage in common buckwheat plants (Fagopyrum esculentum cv. Smuga). Twenty one-day-old seedlings were subjected to salt stress by irrigating 50 mM sodium chloride solutions for seven days, with or without Si (two foliar applications with 1 mM sodium metasilicate nonahydrate). Salt stress significantly altered the chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (OJIP) curve, disrupting energy flow and electron transport in photosystem II (PSII), as reflected in the O-J, J-I, and I-P phases, along with the emergence of a positive K-band indicating damage to the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). Silicon application mitigated these effects, stabilizing the OEC and thylakoid membrane integrity while improving JIP test parameters and reducing excessive energy absorption, dissipation, and unregulated energy loss per reaction center. Silicon-treated plants under salt stress exhibited enhanced photochemical quenching, reduced regulatory energy dissipation, and decreased photosystem I (PSI) over-reduction. A significant increase in open PSI centers was observed, improving the balance and functionality between PSI and photosystem II. The application of Si resulted in significant photosynthetic improvements, which were also paired with enhanced morphological traits, such as increased root length and leaf thickness in saline conditions. Overall, findings indicate that exogenous Si helps to reduce salt-induced stress by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency in plants, positioning it as a promising strategy for improving crop performance in saline environments.
Dialogue with the public: A catalyst for professional identity formation in medical students
Objectives This study aimed to explore how Japanese medical students are influenced by their dialogue with the general public as part of the process of professional identity formation. These findings are expected to provide insights into supporting the development of professional identity from diverse perspectives, particularly for medical students in the pre-stage of legitimate peripheral participation and those currently engaged in it. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three medical students of different backgrounds. These students participated in a dialogue-based event with the general public, in which they ran a booth focused on medical education. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted and an interpretivist study was conducted through a thematic analysis. Data were analyzed using the Steps for Coding and Theorization (SCAT) qualitative data analysis method. Results The students reflected on their dialogue with the general public about medical education and discussed infrequent opportunities to recognize or disclose their professional identity in daily life. A preclinical student (third-year) noted, “I felt like I shared a similar sense of amazement with the visitors” and “It’s obvious, but I really came to realize that I’m seen from the perspective of a medical student or a healthcare professional.” In contrast, a clinical student (fifth-year) reflected, “Sharing my feelings about whether I’ve been helping others during my clinical training felt closely tied to me—there wasn’t much of a gap.” SCAT analysis revealed that preclinical students emphasized ‘reaffirming their professional identity through empathetic understanding,’ while clinical students focused on ‘disclosing their professional identity, leading to its integration with their personal identity.’. Conclusion Dialogue with the general public unexpectedly enhanced medical students’ awareness of their professional identity. In the process of professional identity formation, dialogue with the general public can support the traditionally emphasized socialization process through participation in professional groups, particularly by facilitating the reaffirming of professional identity and its integration with personal identity.
Size, not color, drives assortative mating and influences fledging survival, weight and immunity in a polymorphic owl
Abstract The persistence of color polymorphism in nature may be driven by disassortative mating based on color. In vertebrates, body size sometimes correlates with coloration, complicating mating patterns, as the selective pressures favoring mixed-color pairs might be counterbalanced by those influencing body size. This complexity is heightened in species with reversed sexual size dimorphism, such as owls, where males are smaller than females, and average dissimilarity in mate size may reflect sexual size dimorphism rather than an active disassortative mating pattern. Here we investigate the fitness consequences of mating by color and body size using a long-term dataset from the color polymorphic Eurasian Scops owl (Otus scops), a bird species with reversed sexual size dimorphism. Results reveal that size-disassortative mating enhances reproductive success, as highly size-dimorphic pairs have higher probability of fledging owlets, which may favor reversed sexual size dimorphism. In addition, larger pairs produce heavier owlets with higher immunocompetence, aligning with the conventional size-based mating hypothesis. Although body size and plumage coloration were correlated within pairs, only differences in body size between pair members, not coloration, were related to higher fitness estimates. While color-based assortative mating had no direct impact on any of the fitness proxies studied, greyer pairs exhibited higher feeding rates to offspring than browner pairs. These results underscore the importance of simultaneously considering traits that may covary with color and shape mating patterns to understand the persistence of color polymorphisms in nature.
Quality Management Systems implementation in public medical laboratories; A sustainable approach to health system strengthening in Lagos State, Nigeria
Background The effectiveness of Quality Management Systems (QMS) in public medical laboratories is crucial to ensure quality and reliable testing outcomes for quality healthcare. This research aims to achieve a minimum of 2 Stars WHO-AFRO rating at the external audit of ten public medical Laboratories within twelve months of intervention using improved documentation and institutionalization of robust QMS. Method A quasi-experimental design was used to assess QMS interventions in ten of 28 public secondary medical laboratories in Lagos State. These facilities were randomly selected using non-probability measures over 12 months from November 2022 to October 2023. The study measured resource allocation, conducted staff training for capacity building, and provided mentoring support. External audits were performed using the WHO-AFRO SLIPTA 2015 checklist, with a grading system from 0 to 5 stars. The data collected included baseline and post-intervention scores, analyzed using descriptive statistics and baseline compared with follow-up audit performance. Result The 12-month implementation of laboratory QMS in ten Lagos State’s public secondary health facilities revealed substantial progress. Nine Medical laboratories in the study had a baseline WHO-AFRO rating of 0 Star, while General Hospital Ikorodu had a baseline rating of 1 Star. Sixty percent of the medical laboratories demonstrated commendable QMS improvement and achieved 3 Stars WHO-AFRO rating each, while twenty percent of the medical laboratories attained 2-Stars each. However, the remaining twenty percent of the health facilities achieved minimal improvements, securing 1 Star WHO-AFRO rating each. Conclusion Overall, Eighty percent of the medical laboratories showed progress in QMS implementation in Lagos State. The study reveals that a Government-led QMS implementation drives a more sustainable culture of quality in medical laboratories and the twelve-month measure indicates the possibility to extend the QMS interventions to the remaining eighteen public medical laboratories in Lagos State.
Traditional Chinese herbal tea Psychotria rubra suppresses inflammatory response caused by respiratory tract infections via STAT3/IL-6/TNF
Abstract Psychotria rubra Herbal Tea (PRHT) is a traditional Chinese folk medicine used to treat in-flammation induced by respiratory infections. Its specific mechanisms of action, however, remain unclear. The study combined ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, and in vitro cell experiments to systematically analyze the chemical composition and validate the biological activity of PRHT. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and molecular docking were used to identify key targets and mechanisms. PRHT was found to contain 128 active compounds, including alkaloids, amino acids and their derivatives, and flavonoids. Key targets such as STAT3, IL-6, and TP53 were identified through PPI network analysis. PRHT exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the STAT3/IL-6/TNF-α signaling pathway. Experimental results demonstrated that PRHT inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking confirmed strong interactions between PRHT components and core targets. The study reveals that PRHT exerts anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the STAT3/IL-6/TNF-α signaling pathway, contributing to inflammation balance and tis-sue repair. These findings provide scientific evidence for the development of PRHT as a functional anti-inflammatory agent and offer new insights into treatment strategies for respiratory infections.
A mapping review of worldwide current and previous cohort research programmes in cats and dogs
Cohort research programmes follow individuals over time to enable study of effects from various factors on health or other outcomes. To date, the global distribution of formal cohort programmes in cats and dogs has not been mapped, and a comprehensive synthesis of their methodological characteristics is lacking. That limits methods improvement and wider adoption of cohort programmes in veterinary medicine. A mapping review methodology aligned with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis was used to summarise existing cohort research programmes on cats and dogs worldwide. Electronic databases were searched (Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science) to identify eligible cohort papers, followed by a two-step selection process (title and abstract screening, full text screening) for paper inclusion. Information extracted at the individual cohort programme level covered: 1. location and veterinary specialty; 2. study design; 3. study variables; 4. collected data; 5. recruitment and retention strategies. Database searches yielded 6,777 unique papers, of which 73 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two programmes were identified, predominantly in the UK (8/22, 36%) or US (6/22, 27%) with 55% (12/22) involving dogs. Most of the programmes (18/22, 82%) aimed at disease prevention. Out of 19 programmes for which full-text papers were available, and therefore more information could be extracted, animal demographics were the most commonly considered study variable (15/19, 79%). The biggest reporting gaps were identified in the study planning phase, design, and programme management. Consequently, limited information was retrievable from the programmes papers to create learning opportunities for other researchers planning future cohort programmes. Improved or new reporting practices are needed to enhance knowledge sharing and promote cohort programmes in veterinary medicine. The study protocol was preregistered on the 27th of December 2023 (https://osf.io/wkg53/).
Study on the macro and micro characteristics of the influence of deviator stress on true triaxial unloading failure
Synergistic evolution of soil microaggregates biogeochemical processes driven by elevation gradients in Tongbai Mountain
The altitudinal gradient in mountainous areas triggers significant changes in landscape, climate, and vegetation, which in turn affect the vertical differentiation of soil type and their properties. Located in the transitional zone between the northern and southern climates of East Asia, Tongbai Mountain is of great geographical and ecological significance and is highly sensitive to global changes. However, systematic research on soil biogeochemical processes in the vertical zonation of mountainous areas in this transitional zone is still lacking. In this study, a sampling strategy based on altitude gradients was used, combined with a variety of advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to comprehensively characterize the mineral composition, soil organic carbon (SOC), and heavy metal element distribution of soils at different altitudes in Mount Tongbai. The results showed that the mineral composition of the soil exhibited a clear gradient based on altitude. The Quartz content was higher at low and high altitudes, while the feldspar mineral content was highest in the middle altitudes. Illite increased with increasing altitude. SOC content increased significantly with increasing altitude, and hydroxyl, amino and aliphatic organic matter were enriched in high altitudes. Heavy metal elements such as Fe, Ti, Cu, and Zn increased in high altitudes, and the microstructure of soil aggregates in high altitudes was more complex and stable. Through a comprehensive analysis, MgO, Zr, 2929 cm⁻¹, 3423 cm⁻¹, and Cu were selected as sensitive biogeochemical factors in the vertical band spectrum. This study reveals for the first time the mechanism behind the coordinated evolution of soil minerals, SOC, and heavy metal elements driven by the altitude gradient. This deepens our understanding of biogeochemical processes in the vertical band spectrum of mountains in the climatic transition zone between North and South East Asia, and provides a scientific basis to formulate management strategies for mountain ecosystems in the climatic transition zone.
Fertility desire in northeast China amid population shrinkage differential identification and influence mechanisms
Conserved domains and structural motifs that differentiate closely related Rex1 and Rex3 DEDDh exoribonucleases are required for their function in yeast
The DEDD family of exonucleases has expanded through evolution whilst retaining a conserved catalytic domain. One subgroup with closely related catalytic DEDD domain sequences includes the yeast enzymes Rex1 (RNA exonuclease 1) and Rex3, the metazoan REXO1 (RNA exonuclease 1 homologue) and Rexo5 proteins, and the plant protein Sdn5 (small RNA degrading nuclease). Comparison of protein structure models and sequence analyses revealed that this group can be differentiated into two distinct clades consisting of Rex1, Rexo5 and Sdn5 on the one hand, and Rex3 and REXO1 on the other. The catalytic domain of Rex1-related proteins is inserted within a conserved, discontinuous alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) domain. The AlkP domain of yeast Rex1 contains three surface loops that are modelled to be directed towards the DEDD domain, one of which forms an extended helical arch that is found in homologues across fungi and plants. We show that this arch and an adjacent loop are required for Rex1-mediated processing of 5S rRNA and tRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Rex3-related proteins, including REXO1, lack the AlkP domain but contain a KIX domain (CREB kinase-inducible domain (KID) interacting domain) and a cysteine- and histidine-rich domain (CHORD) adjacent to a C-terminal DEDD domain. Deletion of the N-terminal region within yeast Rex3 spanning the KIX domain blocked its function in RNase MRP processing. In contrast to Rex1, Rex3 proteins are found in metazoans and fungi but not in plants or algae. This work identifies evolutionarily conserved structural hallmarks within Rex1 and Rex3 proteins and demonstrates that specific features are required for Rex1- and Rex3-mediated RNA processing pathways in vivo.
Effect of nano carbonate calcium on the low temperature performance of bitumen and asphalt mixtures in acidic and alkaline moisture
Spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of soil organic carbon in black soil landscapes of Northeast China
Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is crucial for soil health, agricultural productivity, and climate regulation. This study examines the temporal and spatial changes in SOC over a decade (2013–2023) in the Tongken River Basin, a key area within the black soil region of Northeast China. Using machine learning techniques and advanced spatial mapping techniques, the study identified temperature, precipitation, and soil managements as key drivers of SOC dynamics. The results revealed a significant increase in SOC content from 2.99% to 3.25%, and SOC density rose from 7.08 kg/m² to 7.72 kg/m², with precipitation exerting the strongest positive influence. These findings highlight the potential of climate-smart land-use strategies to enhance SOC storage and mitigate soil degradation. This research provides valuable insights for sustainable soil management and climate adaptation efforts in vulnerable agricultural regions.
Out-of-distribution reject option method for dataset shift problem in early disease onset prediction
Assessing changes to the fecal microbiota in dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery: A preliminary investigation
Background Studies assessing the impact of surgery on the canine gut microbiota are limited. This study assessed the fecal microbiota before and up to 3 months after elective orthopedic surgery. Methods Fourteen client-owned dogs >1 year of age undergoing elective orthopedic surgery were recruited. Dogs received perioperative antibiotics only (perioperative cefazolin, n = 7) or were discharged with oral cephalexin following surgery for 5–7 days (n = 7) in conjunction with perioperative antibiotics. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and at recheck 1 (13–50 days post-operatively) and recheck 2 (55–90 days post-operatively). The fecal microbiota was analyzed using 16S amplicon sequencing. Alpha diversity was assessed with the Sobs Index, Shannon Diversity Index, and Inverse Simpson Index, whereas beta diversity was assessed with the Bray-Curtis Index and Jaccard Index. Results In the perioperative and post-operative antibiotic groups, the Inverse Simpson and Shannon Diversity Index differed between baseline and recheck 1 (p < 0.05), baseline and recheck 2 (p < 0.05), but not between recheck 1 and recheck 2 (p > 0.05). The Sobs Index was only significantly different between baseline and recheck 1 (p = 0.02) in both groups. The Bray-Curtis and Jaccard Index were significantly different at rechecks 1 and 2 compared to baseline (p > 0.05) in the post-operative antibiotic group but not in dogs that received only perioperative antibiotics. Both the Bray Curtis and Jaccard Index were significantly different between the antibiotic prescription types (p = 0.001) although measures of alpha diversity were not (p > 0.05). Conclusions Alterations in community structure, richness, and diversity were identified in dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery, with many changes persisting at least 2–3 months post-operatively in dogs receiving perioperative and/or post-operative antibiotics.