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Pilot study MOVENDOP protocol - impact on quality of life following postoperative osteopathic abdominal mobilizations in patients operated for endometriosis

Background Surgery remains the gold standard for management of endometriosis, offering significant improvement in patient pelvic pain and quality of life (QoL). Postoperative tissue adhesions can however diminish these benefits, limiting the long-term effectiveness of the intervention. Despite the development of strategies and devices to reduce adhesion formation, their efficacy remains inconclusive. Objective This study aims to propose and evaluate a novel approach involving early visceral mobilization and training of patients in abdominal self-mobilization as a means to improve QoL following surgery. Methods This pilot study is a prospective, randomized, phase II superiority trial. Patients undergoing surgery for infiltrating endometriosis will be randomized, with a 2:1 ratio, into two groups. The intervention group (n = 42) will receive six sessions of osteopathic visceral mobilization with training in abdominal self-mobilization techniques, one preoperative, and five postoperative during the first month post-surgery. The control group (n = 21) will receive no osteopathic visceral mobilizations but will be offered an osteopathic session after one year. The primary endpoint is a minimum increase of 20 points (on a 100-point scale) in the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) global score, at one year. Secondary endpoints include assessment of gastrointestinal quality of life (GIQLI), sexual function (FSFI), urinary symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS), pain catastrophizing (PCS), as well as scar examination, pelvic pain, abdominal flexibility, use of medical and non-medical care, analgesic and hormonal treatments, pregnancy rate, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle and patient compliance. Statistical analyses will be based on a one-sided α=0.05 and β=0.15, assuming a standard deviation of 25 points in the EHP-30 global score. A total of 42 participants in the intervention group and 21 in the control group are required. Discussion This trial aims to demonstrate that early and repeated osteopathic sessions following surgery for endometriosis may significantly improve patient QoL.

Melt focusing along lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary below Axial volcano

Abstract Beneath oceanic spreading centres, the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB) acts as a permeability barrier that focuses the delivery of melt from deep within the mantle towards the spreading axis 1 . At intermediate-spreading to fast-spreading ridge crests, the multichannel seismic reflection technique has imaged a nearly flat, 1–2-km-wide axial magma lens (AML) 2 that defines the uppermost section of the LAB 3 , but the nature of the LAB deeper into the crust has been more elusive, with some clues gained from tomographic images, providing only a diffuse view of a wider halo of lower-velocity material seated just beneath the AML 4 . Here we present 3D seismic reflection images of the LAB extending deep (5–6 km) into the crust beneath Axial volcano, located at the intersection of the Juan de Fuca Ridge and the Cobb–Eickelberg hotspot. The 3D shape of the LAB, which is coincident with a thermally controlled magma assimilation front, focuses hotspot-related and mid-ocean-spreading-centre-related magmatism towards the centre of the volcano, controlling both eruption and hydrothermal processes and the chemical composition of erupted lavas 5 . In this context, the LAB can be viewed as the upper surface of a ‘magma domain’, a volume within which melt bodies reside (replacing the concept of a single ‘magma reservoir’) 6 . Our discovery of a funnel-shaped, crustal LAB suggests that thermally controlled magma assimilation could be occurring along this surface at other volcanic systems, such as Iceland.

The impact of outpatient settlement for cross-regional medical treatment on healthcare choice by the floating population: PSM+DID evidence based on CFPS

The issue of regional disparities in medical resources and insurance benefits is notably prevalent in China. As a result, seeking medical treatment across regions has emerged as a focal point of health reform efforts in recent years. This study examines the impact of outpatient settlement for cross-regional medical treatment on healthcare choices by the floating population who live and work in regions different from their registered residence. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study conducts an empirical analysis through Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences (PSM + DID). The analysis included a sample of 3,019 floating population from 2012 to 2020. The findings indicate that they are significantly more inclined to select advanced medical institution (coefficient = 0.252, p < 0.05) due to the influence of the policy. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis reveals that this policy primarily affects the labor force (coefficient = 0.268, p < 0.05) and urban residents (coefficient = 0.286, p < 0.05) within the floating population. Ultimately, the outpatient settlement for cross-regional medical treatment affects the floating population to seek care at advanced medical institution, which conflicts with the objectives of the hierarchical medical system. Policymakers should enhance communication to ensure better coordination between these policies.

Analysis of transcriptome and differential expression of different types of calli of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis

Eucalyptus urophylla X Eucalyptus grandis is an important afforestation hybrid clone that supports wood safety in China. To explore the mechanism of callus formation and differentiation of different types of E. urophylla × E. grandis, we cultivated four different types of E. urophylla × E. grandis calli, measured their enzyme activities and endogenous hormones, and sequenced them at the transcriptome level. Transcriptome analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the clustering of differentially expressed genes. Compared with the green calli, 2203, 2485, and 2078 differentially expressed genes were identified in the red, white, and yellow calli, respectively. Differentially expressed genes were involved in metabolic processes, biological regulation, signal transduction, stimulus response, catalytic activity, and binding, such as GRFs gene. Combined with the changes in physiological indices and transcription levels, we revealed the regulatory characteristics of substance storage and antioxidant capacity in the process of callus differentiation of E. urophylla × E. grandis, which contributes to the understanding of the mechanism of plant cell growth and differentiation.

CpG methylation changes associated with hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes occur at angiogenic glomerular and retinal gene loci

Abstract Chronic hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for glomerular or retinal microangiopathy and cardiovascular complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D). At the interface of genetics and environment, dynamic epigenetic changes associated with hyperglycemia may unravel some of the mechanisms contributing to these T1D complications. In this study, blood samples were collected from 112 young patients at T1D diagnosis and 3 years later in average. Whole genome-wide bisulfite sequencing was used to measure blood DNA methylation changes of about 28 million CpGs at single base resolution over this time. Chronic hyperglycemia was estimated every 3–4 months by HbA1c measurement. Linear regressions with adjustment to age, sex, treatment duration, blood proportions and batch effects were employed to characterize the relationships between the dynamic changes of DNA methylation and average HbA1c levels. We identified that longitudinal DNA methylation changes at 815 CpGs (with suggestive p-value threshold of 1e-4) were associated with average HbA1c. Most of them (> 98%) were located outside of the promoter regions and were enriched in CpG island shores and multiple immune cell type specific accessible chromatin regions. Among the 36 more strongly associated loci (p-value < 5e-6), 16 were harbouring genes or non-coding sequences involved in angiogenesis regulation, glomerular and retinal vascularization or development, or coronary disease. Our findings support the identification of new genomic sites where CpG methylation associated with hyperglycemia may contribute to long-term complications of T1D, shedding light on potential mechanisms for further exploration.

Anticoagulant prescribing trends, bleeding events, and reversal agent use in pediatric patients: A retrospective, real-world study

This retrospective real-world study aimed to describe anticoagulant prescribing trends, particularly for factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, bleeding events, and reversal agent use in pediatric patients to assess potential populations for clinical trials of the FXa inhibitor reversal agent andexanet alfa. Real-world health care data from the TriNetX Global Network and Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (CDM) were analyzed to identify patients aged <18 years old who were prescribed a direct oral FXa inhibitor, warfarin, or low-molecular-weight heparins from 2007 through 2024 (TriNetX, N = 59,780) or 2023 (CDM, N = 6470). The only anticoagulants prescribed to children were warfarin and/or low-molecular-weight heparins in 2007 and 2008 in TriNetX and from 2007 through 2010 in CDM. Prescriptions of the FXa inhibitor rivaroxaban increased from 0.4% (2009) to 18.0% (2023) in TriNetX and from 0.8% (2011) to 34.0% (2023) in CDM, with similar trends for apixaban. Relevant bleeding was reported in 9.4% of patients prescribed an FXa inhibitor in TriNetX; ≤ 0.1% of patients received andexanet alfa the day of a bleed. Among patients prescribed an FXa inhibitor, ≤ 0.1% in TriNetX and 0 in CDM received andexanet alfa the day of surgery. Direct oral FXa inhibitor use in children is growing, as is the potential for associated bleeds; however, reversal agent use is rare in this population. Given the possible unmet need and subsequent patient recruitment challenges, designing pediatric clinical trials of reversal agents requires innovative approaches.

A facial structure sampling contrastive learning method for sketch facial synthesis

Establishing best-practice statements for post-custody community transition: Insights from a modified Delphi study

Introduction The transition from custody to community is a critical juncture for people exiting custody, necessitating substantial support. However, the programs and services providing this support are often fragmented and lack a unified approach in terms of terminology, design, resourcing, timing, delivery, and monitoring and evaluation. This study sought to establish an agreed terminology and promote a broader consensus on best practices relating to these programs and services. Methods We used a two-phased Delphi methodology to provide a structured, formal, and iterative process for gathering and refining the opinions of subject experts, knowledge holders, and people with lived experiences. Using purposive sampling, 160 national and international participants were invited to participate. Comprehensive study protocol has already been published elsewhere. Results This modified two-phased Delphi study delivers a set of 40 best-practice statements that can be adapted to the individual needs and contexts of different programs and services. These best-practice statements clarify several key themes, including language and terminology, program aims and outcomes, best-practice principles, the significance of an interconnected phased approach, timing related to services and programs, responsibility for funding and coordination of programs, and monitoring and evaluation. This study introduces an umbrella term, ‘Transitional and Post-Release Support Programs (TPSP)’, to describe programs and services for people exiting custody and provides best-practice statements that can enhance access, documentation, monitoring, and evaluation processes. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of a value-based approach in TPSPs to foster purposive program design and a human rights-aligned approach to service provision for people exiting custody. The use of umbrella term and the best-practice statements will promote the use of humane, dignified language, a streamlined, timely, structured, and collaborative discourse, and a more cohesive approach to service provision for people exiting custody.

Comparative study on antibacterial activities and removal of iron ions from water using novel modified sand with silver through the hydrothermal technique

Abstract The hydrothermal-calcination technique was used to modify raw sand with silver (Ag) at different weight percentages: 2%, 5%, and 10% using silver nitrate. The raw and sand-coated Ag nanoparticle samples were analyzed using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The antibacterial properties of the raw and modified sand samples were evaluated using the zone of inhibition test and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. This study aims to determine the efficiency of sand-coated Ag nanoparticles in removing iron ions and bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), compared to raw sand. The results showed that the Ag content in the modified sand increased proportionally with the silver nitrate concentration. The modification of raw sand with 2% Ag nanoparticles resulted in a significant increase in surface area (85.78%), adsorption pore diameter (138%), and micropore volume (65.65%). The sand modified with 2% Ag exhibited a 31.29% higher removal efficiency and 14.6 mg/g greater adsorption capacity for iron ions than raw sand. A feed pH level between 4 and 10 was found to be optimal for iron removal efficiency (99.95%) using a 1.5 g/L sand-coated with 2% Ag. The maximum adsorption capacity of iron ions obtained in this study was 64 mg/g using sand-coated 2%Ag (dose = 0.2 g/L) at 24 °C in 4 h. Studies utilizing zone of inhibition and MIC methods revealed that the modified sand exhibits strong antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. In contrast, the raw sand shows no antibacterial activity. All sand-coated Ag nanoparticle samples achieved 100% growth inhibition at 72 µg/mL.

Exploratory factor analysis of post traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5: investigating post traumatic stress disorder interconnected dynamics with depression and anxiety in the aftermath of multiple collective stressors

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a psychological condition linked to traumatic events, sees continuous Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) criteria adjustments. The PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) is a favored screening tool for its versatility. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA/CFA) studies on PCL-5’s utility across languages and settings reveal varied models, with conflicting outcomes attributed to methodological differences. Prompted by lack of research on PCL-5 in populations exposed to multiple collective traumas, we aim to conduct an EFA among a Lebanese nationally representative sample. To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt at PCL-5 construct validation in Arabic. Recruitment involved 1,000 Lebanese adults aged 18 +. EFA with Promax rotation, aimed to identify the minimal number of factors among PCL-5 items, supported by Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity. Eigenvalues above 1 indicate appropriateness for EFA with two retained factors (trauma specific vs non-trauma specific), supported by the scree plot with loadings ranging from 0.532 to 0.775. Understanding PCL-5’s structural factors is crucial, as it directly impacts diagnostic algorithms in clinical and research settings and informs knowledge about PTSD’s comorbidities. This, in turn, affects disorder prevalence, etiology, and intervention formulation. Our paper offers suggestions to tackle PCL-5 performance amidst comorbidity, categorized into DSM and non-DSM related recommendations. DSM-related recommendations include grouping PTSD, depression, and anxiety into a single “distress” disorder or eliminating non-specific PTSD symptoms. Non-DSM-related recommendations propose a shift towards a transdiagnostic approach and advocating for nuanced clinical interviews over self-report questionnaires to address symptom complexity and potential double counting in individuals with significant emotional distress.

Evolution of tunable phononic frequency combs via three-mode interaction in curved piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers

A mechanism of global gene expression regulation is disrupted by multiple disease states and drug treatments

Conventional expression studies quantify messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript levels gene-by-gene. We recently showed that protein expression is modulated at a global scale by amino acid availability, suggesting that mRNA expression levels might be equivalently affected. Through re-analysis of public transcriptomic datasets, it was confirmed that nucleobase supply interacts with the specific demands of mRNA A + U:C + G sequence composition to shape a global profile of expression, which can be quantified as a gradient of average expression change by average composition change. In mammals, each separate organ and cell-type displays a distinct baseline profile of global expression. These profiles can shift dynamically across the circadian day and the menstrual cycle. They are also significantly distorted by viral infection, multiple complex genetic disorders (including Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and autoimmune disorders), and after treatment with 115 of the 597 chemical entities analysed. These included known toxins and nucleobase analogues, but also many commonly prescribed medications such as antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, thus revealing a new mechanism of drug action and side-effect. As well as key roles in disease susceptibility, mRNAs with extreme compositions are significantly over-represented in gene ontologies such as transcription and cell division, making these processes particularly sensitive to swings in global expression. This may permit efficient, en bloc transcriptional reprogramming of cell state through simple adjustment of nucleobase proportion and supply. It is also proposed that this mechanism helped mitigate the loss of essential amino acid synthesis in higher organisms. In summary, global expression regulation is invisible to conventional transcriptomic analysis, but its measurement allows a useful distinction between active, promoter-mediated gene expression changes and passive, cell state-dependent transcriptional competence. Linking cell metabolism directly to gene expression offers an entirely new perspective on evolution, disease aetiopathology (including gene x environment - GxE - interactions), and the nature of the pharmacological response.

Detection and assessment of potential landslides in the Xiaojiang River Basin using SBAS-InSAR

Spatial distribution characteristics and accessibility analysis in the Weibei Imperial Mausoleum Protection Zone under the hierarchical clustering algorithm

This study mainly aims to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics and accessibility of the Weibei Imperial Mausoleum Protection Zone, and gain a deeper understanding of cultural heritage preservation and urban planning in this area. Settlements represent areas where people reside over the long term, including villages, towns, etc., and their spatial distribution reflects the interplay between human activities and the natural environment, as well as historical heritage. The relationship among population distribution, land use, cultural heritage preservation areas, and resident lifestyles can be understood by analyzing the spatial distribution of settlements. This is crucial for formulating effective urban planning and cultural heritage protection strategies. Initially, factor analysis is employed to reduce the dimensionality of the original multidimensional data. Subsequently, the hierarchical clustering algorithm is applied to categorize and cluster settlements based on these factors, then combines them into clusters, thereby revealing the spatial distribution patterns among different settlements. Next, this study constructs a settlement spatial distribution model based on factor analysis combined with the hierarchical clustering algorithm. Additionally, through accessibility analysis, this study examines the situation of residents accessing cultural heritage sites at different times during weekdays and weekends. The results indicate that with a classification number of 4, the Goodness of Variance Fit (GVF) for different hierarchical features exceeds 0.7, and the average silhouette coefficient reaches 0.58 at this classification number. Furthermore, the accessibility analysis also illustrates residents’ visiting patterns to cultural heritage sites on weekends and weekdays, providing valuable insights for urban planning and cultural heritage preservation. Therefore, this study concludes that categorizing settlements into four classes in this area is reasonable and emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage site preservation and urban planning. This method demonstrates a high level of accuracy and interpretability in spatial analysis.

The analysis of international communication value assessment of Chinese mythology themed animated films in belt and road under BPNN algorithm

Human and rat ex vivo sweat glands for the observation of acetylcholine induced intracellular calcium signalling

Sweating is imperative for thermoregulatory function in humans. However, many individuals find it undesirable due to its associated malodorous nature. Despite these concerns, aluminium salts remain among the most efficacious sweat-inhibiting agents. Nevertheless, the discovery of novel antiperspirants is challenging due to restrictions on animal testing and the limitations of existing cellular models. Sweat glands, when isolated from human subjects, have been shown to possess only minor functional limitations. Consequently, they are regarded as a leading alternative, despite their limited availability. As the primary analytical metric for isolated sweat glands is sweat output, the objective of this study was to devise experiments that enhance both analysability and availability. We consequently present a method for the reliable observation of intracellular calcium responses in isolated human sweat glands ex vivo. Furthermore, we show that availability can be improved by demonstrating that isolated human sweat glands can be cryopreserved while preserving viability, structural integrity and functionality. In order to obtain these results with limited access to human sweat glands, we set up an experimental set-up using rat sweat glands and compared them to human sweat glands. The study demonstrates that isolated sweat glands from rats and humans exhibit a remarkably similar physiological calcium response to cholinergic stimulation. This validates the use of rat sweat glands as a suitable model for the development of novel experimental procedures, thus circumventing the scarcity of human sweat gland samples. This approach significantly enhanced the analysability and availability of human sweat gland samples. The calcium imaging method applied in this study facilitates the exploration of sweat gland physiology at the cellular level, thereby enabling a more detailed understanding of sweating disorders. This, in turn, enhances the suitability of the model for use in cosmetic testing and the discovery of new antiperspirant agents, thus circumventing the need for animal testing.

Preliminary results of lateral interaction and radial deformity hyperacuity in children with glaucoma

Whole genome sequencing and molecular detection of potato virus X in Bangladesh

Potato Virus X (PVX) is a significant viral pathogen affecting potato (Solanum tuberosum) crops globally, yet its molecular characterization in Bangladesh remains limited. This study presents the first whole genome sequence (WGS) and molecular analysis of PVX isolated from potato plants in Gazipur, Bangladesh. Initial virus detection was performed using DAS-ELISA on symptomatic potato leaves, followed by RT-PCR targeting the coat protein (CP) gene, which confirmed PVX presence in ‘Patnai’ and ‘Challisha’ potato varieties through a 562 bp amplicon. The WGS of the Patnai-PVX isolate was determined to be 6,435 nucleotides long and deposited in GenBank (accession: PQ527059). Genome analysis identified five major open reading frames encoding the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), triple gene block proteins (TGBp1, TGBp2, TGBp3), and CP. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool X (BLASTX) analysis revealed high sequence similarity with PVX isolates from neighboring regions, suggesting evolutionary conservation. Mutation analysis identified 265 SNPs, predominantly synonymous mutations, indicating maintained protein-coding integrity despite genetic variation. Fewer non-synonymous mutations were detected, potentially affecting viral protein functions and pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analysis based on the entire genome sequence placed the Bangladeshi isolate (PQ527059.1) in a well-supported clade (bootstrap value 99%) with isolates from Peru (MT752634.1, MT752612.1, MT752621.1), highlighting potential international transmission routes while also exhibiting unique genetic markers indicative of regional specificity. This comprehensive molecular characterization enhances understanding of PVX genetic diversity and evolution in Bangladesh, providing valuable insights for developing effective virus management strategies in potato cultivation.

Relationship between caudal fin closing motion and acceleration capability of Rudarius ercodes balistiform locomotion

Abstract Fish leverage the interaction of multiple fins to improve their swimming ability. Acceleration performance, in particular, is a key aspect of locomotion that directly affects survival through predator evasion and prey capture. Most of these studies have focused on body and caudal fin (BCF) swimmers, which are specialized for high-speed locomotion. In contrast, relatively few studies have examined median and paired fin (MPF) swimmers, and fins’ functional roles under different locomotor modes remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, MPF swimmers may employ acceleration strategies distinct from those of BCF swimmers. Understanding the effects of fin interaction on acceleration performance in MPF swimming can contribute to a unified understanding of how such interactions influence swimming performance across fishes with different locomotor modes. A type of MPF swimmer is the balistiform, which uses its dorsal and anal fins as the main propulsion organs. We observed the closing of the caudal fins in Rudarius ercodes in balistiform locomotion during acceleration. We hypothesized that R. ercodes increased their average acceleration (the time taken to reach the experimentally observed velocity) by closing their caudal fins. We performed water tank observations to capture swimming behavior and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (3D-CFD) analysis to clarify the impact of caudal fin opening and closing on acceleration capability in balistiform locomotion. For example, parameters such as swimming speed and caudal fin spreading angle were measured in the swimming observations. In contrast, the fluid dynamic analysis computed the vortex structures, propulsive efficiency (the ratio of input energy contributing to thrust), and the cost of transport (the energy required to travel a unit distance). Our analysis showed that closing the caudal fin increased the average acceleration by 30%, increased the cost of transport, and decreased the dimensionless Froude efficiency. We also clarified the role of the caudal fin in MPF locomotion straight-line swimming. Our findings will help us better understand how fin interactions affect fish’s swimming ability.

Bifidobacteria support optimal infant vaccine responses