Browse Articles

A randomized controlled trial of a health literacy–based digital intervention to promote postpartum recovery and self-care

Comparative analysis of gut microbiome alterations in early- and late-onset preeclampsia: A case control study

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication during pregnancy characterized by hypertension, organ damage, and systemic inflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome may play a role in the pathophysiology of PE. However, previous studies on the gut microbiome have generally overlooked the distinction between subgroups of PE, although clinical manifestations may differ. Also, most studies have not used deep sequencing techniques. Therefore, this study aimed to explore further potential differences in gut dysbiosis in different PE subgroups compared to controls using shotgun metagenomics. We studied the bacterial gut microbiome using shotgun metagenomic sequencing in 37 pregnant patients in the third trimester from a Swedish cohort, separating patients according to subtype (healthy controls N = 21, late-onset PE N = 8, early-onset PE N = 8). Differential relative abundances and alpha diversity were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank sum test, and beta diversity was evaluated using PERMANOVA. Multiple linear regression was used to study associations between gut microbiome composition differences and clinical parameters. Late-onset PE and early-onset PE were both associated with significantly different beta diversity compared to controls. Differences remained significant after adjusting for age, and were not affected by gestational age, BMI or parity. Alpha diversity was lower in late-onset PE compared to controls. While no significant differences in taxonomic abundances were seen after correcting for multiple testing, several interesting leads were identified, including a higher abundance of genus Blautia in late-onset PE, and lower abundance of Coprococcus catus and unclassified Lachnospiraceae in early-onset PE. Functional analysis did not reveal any significant differences after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. In conclusion, our results showed subgroup-specific gut microbiome differences in PE with more pronounced associations in late-onset PE, despite limited power due to the observational design and small cohort. Accordingly, our results highlight the importance of subgroup analysis when studying PE.

Approaching background sounds extend the duration of foreground auditory stimuli

Nuclear shell structure governs short-range nucleon pairing

Focus shifts in contextual and lexical cue interactions in GPT models

Transformer-based language models have demonstrated sensitivity to a range of linguistic dependencies, yet it remains unclear how they represent information-structural focus and integrate discourse and lexical focus cues during ellipsis resolution. We investigated GPT-style models’ interpretation of elliptical remnant continuations in double-object constructions by manipulating contextual focus via preceding interrogatives ( who vs. what ) and lexical focus via the particle only , whose surface position was varied. Using word-by-word surprisal as an index of processing difficulty, we conducted three experiments with GPT-2 models (Small–XL) and GPT-Neo. In Experiment 1 (no only ), models robustly tracked the wh -induced discourse focus, assigning higher surprisal to remnants that mismatched the contextually focused constituent. In Experiment 2 ( only preceding the indirect object), contextual focus continued to dominate, indicating that discourse cues were maintained despite the presence of a competing lexical marker. In Experiment 3 ( only preceding the direct object), lexical focus effects became stronger: models favored remnants aligned with the lexically biased direct object, consistent with locality-based cue weighting when only is adjacent to that object. Comparisons with human reaction-time data revealed broad convergence in contextual-focus sensitivity but divergence when the remnant was compatible with one cue but not the other, with GPT-style models exhibiting a stronger bias toward alignment with only than humans. Together, these findings suggest that the tested models maintain discourse-level focus representations while integrating multiple focus cues in a proximity-sensitive manner, revealing both overlap and limits in their alignment with human processing.

Multi-pathogen serosurveillance in Tonga examining demographic correlates and geographic clustering of 17 pathogens

Queen cell architecture shapes honey bee queen development

Start order and medal outcomes: An analysis of apparatus finals in men’s artistic gymnastics

Purpose This study examined the relationship between start order and competition outcomes in men’s artistic gymnastics apparatus finals. Methods Competition outcomes from three Olympic Games and nine World Championships were analyzed. Ordinal-based analyses, including Spearman’s rank-order correlation and Kendall’s tau-b, were conducted to examine the relationship between start order and final rankings. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between start order and medal attainment. In addition, Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare final rankings between start-order groups; independent-samples t -tests were used to assess differences in Difficulty (D) scores, Execution (E) scores, and total scores; and Chi-square tests were used to evaluate associations between start-order grouping, medal attainment, and continental affiliation. Results Ordinal correlation and logistic regression analyses showed no significant associations between start order and final rankings or medal attainment across apparatuses. Start-order grouping had limited influence on final rankings across most apparatuses. A significant effect was observed only in the pommel horse, where second-half gymnasts achieved higher E-scores and won more medals. Medal distributions between European and non-European athletes were similar across apparatuses and start-order groupings. Conclusion Overall, start-order grouping had minimal effects. However, pommel horse results highlight the importance of execution stability. The findings support the general fairness of the current judging system and Code of Points. Future research should examine warm-up procedures under revised FIG regulations and extend analyses to women’s artistic gymnastics.

Molecular diversity and evolutionary dynamics of phage receptor binding proteins in Staphylococcus aureus: implications for phage therapy and resistance

HIF-2α drives osteoarthritis progression via suppression of the HDAC4-ATF4-CHOP signaling axis

Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) is a key regulator of cellular adaptation to hypoxia, but its role in osteoarthritis (OA) remains incompletely defined. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of HIF-2α to OA pathogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Human cartilage specimens were collected to examine HIF-2α expression and components of the histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) signaling pathway using Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. An in vitro OA model was established in chondrocytes using interleukin-1β (IL-1β), followed by HIF-2α knockdown with small interfering RNA and overexpression via adenoviral transduction. Chondrocyte apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. To evaluate in vivo effects, HIF-2α was silenced using an adeno-associated viral vector in a rat OA model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Disease progression was assessed by X-ray, computed tomography (CT), FMT® small animal in vivo fluorescence molecular tomography imaging system, Safranin O staining, and immunohistochemistry. HIF-2α expression was significantly increased in cartilage from OA patients and ACLT rats. In vitro , HIF-2α modulation altered HDAC4 expression and downstream apoptotic signaling. Knockdown of HIF-2α reduced chondrocyte apoptosis and attenuated cartilage degeneration in vivo . These findings indicate that HIF-2α promotes OA progression by regulating chondrocyte apoptosis and matrix homeostasis through the HDAC4-ATF4-CHOP pathway. This study identifies a previously unrecognized mechanism linking HIF-2α to OA and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target.

Development and psychometric validation of digital tool maturity scale for primary healthcare supply chain system in Ethiopia

Protocol for a qualitative mechanistic study of MDMA with a sample of psychoanalytic psychotherapists: A phenomenological investigation

Introduction Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) is a potentially transformative intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite encouraging Phase III trial results, the psychological mechanisms underpinning MDMA’s therapeutic effects remain insufficiently understood. Existing research on MDMA has emphasised neurobiological processes but has not adequately incorporated subjective, relational, and experiential processes that are likely to be central to optimising psychedelic-assisted treatments. In the absence of an established clinical psychological theory of MDMA-AP, qualitative approaches can support theory development to refine and optimise MDMA-AP, and identify cross-diagnostic change processes that may broaden its therapeutic scope. Materials and methods Approximately 25 experienced psychodynamically trained psychotherapists will receive two doses of MDMA (80–120 mg, oral), separated by ≥1 week, under controlled research conditions in an open-label, qualitative mechanistic study. Clinician-participants will complete baseline interviews examining beliefs and attitudes toward MDMA-AP, brief phenomenological interviews during MDMA sessions, in-depth phenomenological and theory-oriented follow-up interviews examining experience and understandings of MDMA-associated change processes, and daily reflective journals between dosing sessions. Additional standardised measures will assess reflective functioning and related constructs. Qualitative data will be analysed using phenomenological and thematic approaches, and grounded theory-inspired techniques will be used to develop a theoretically coherent model of MDMA’s psychological mechanisms of action grounded in the full dataset. Discussion In this study of MDMA’s potential mechanisms-of-action, we treat psychotherapists as expert observers of their own psychological processes. By examining first-hand experience in participants selected for their well-developed capacity for self-reflection, meta-awareness, and advanced theoretical and clinical frameworks for understanding mental phenomena, psychopathology, and psychological treatment, we anticipate generating novel insights into MDMA’s therapeutic mechanisms-of-action. The primary study output will be a theoretically grounded model of MDMA’s psychological mechanisms of action, intended to inform novel treatment models amenable to future experimental evaluation. The study also offers a transferable framework for qualitative mechanistic investigations of psychedelic compounds, supporting the development of integrative and evidence-based models of psychedelic therapy.

The role of organic compounds in modifying functional relationships and morphophysiological traits of wheat under water stress: a correlation network analysis

Whole-genome characterization of halotolerant Enterobacter roggenkampii OSNO4 and its potential for climate-resilient agriculture

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent an eco-friendly strategy to improve crop yield under abiotic stress conditions. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive genomic and functional profiling of a halotolerant rhizobacterium to evaluate its multi-trait plant growth-promoting (PGP) potential and its precise contribution to mitigating salinity stress for climate-resilient agriculture. In the present study, 24 (8.5%) rhizobacterial isolates showed phosphate-solubilizing activity out of 283 isolated bacteria from rice rhizosphere. From these, strain OSNO4 was selected for detailed evaluation. The isolate demonstrated phosphate solubilization (solubilization index: 1.22) and potassium solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production (38.34 µg/ml), nitrogen fixation, siderophore and ammonia production, protease activity, and biofilm formation in vitro . Additionally, it showed tolerance to salinity (10% NaCl), drought (20% PEG 6000), temperature (45 °C), and a broad pH range. Strain OSNO4 further suppressed the growth of phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium concentricum by 54.23%. Whole-genome sequencing analysis identified the strain as Enterobacter roggenkampii (ANI 98.2%, dDDH 85.7%), with a 4.67 Mb genome harboring total 4,546 predicted genes and diverse functional subsystems. Comprehensive genomic study further revealed the presence of genes linked to nutrient mobilization, phytohormone biosynthesis, abiotic stress tolerance, and antifungal activity. Six biosynthetic gene clusters, including siderophore-related and putatively novel clusters were also identified. Pan-genome analysis revealed an open genome structure with high flexibility and genetic variability. Under salinity stress, OSNO4 inoculation significantly improved rice seed germination (52.22% to 85.56% at 100 mM NaCl; 42.22% to 72.22% at 150 mM NaCl), root and shoot development, and biomass accumulation compared to uninoculated controls. The strain also showed broad antibiotic susceptibility and non-hemolytic phenotype, suggesting its biosafe nature. In summary, these data demonstrate that E. roggenkampii OSNO4 possesses a robust repertoire of genomic determinants and functional capabilities, establishing it as a highly potent bioinoculant for deployment in climate-resilient and sustainable agroecosystems.

Long-term dynamic characteristics and cumulative strain prediction modeling of round gravel foundation under cyclic subway loading

Evaluation of steroids for acute COVID in the prevention of long COVID in children: An EHR and pediatric cohort study from the RECOVER Initiative

Background Studies have shown that use of immunomodulators during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection may decrease development of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or long COVID; however, such studies have not been conducted in children. Objective Evaluate the effectiveness of steroid use during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in preventing long COVID in children. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using target trial emulation methodology to compare children and youth who did and did not receive dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone or methylprednisolone within 12 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Inverse propensity of treatment weighting was used to balance covariates between treated and untreated patients in hospitalized and outpatient groups. The primary outcome was the development of PASC in the 1–6 months following acute infection using a computable phenotype definition. Secondary outcomes included respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and neurological subphenotypes and the PASC ICD-10-CM diagnosis code. We calculated hazard ratios from Cox proportional models with 95% confidence intervals. Results From a starting cohort of 854,128 children/youth, of whom 768,845 (90.0%) were outpatients and 85,283 (10.0%) were inpatients at the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the weighted outpatient cohort included 22,085 steroid-treated children and 20,373 in the non-steroid group. Following weighting, the hospitalized cohort included 11,250 steroid-treated children and 10,340 untreated children. In hospitalized patients, there were no significant treatment differences in the development of PASC in the 1−6 months following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection except for a lower risk of gastrointestinal PASC in treated patients (HR: 0.58; [95% CI: 0.39–0.85], p = 0.01). In outpatients, no treatment differences were observed in the development of PASC subphenotypes. Conclusions Steroids administered during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection did not lead to a decreased risk of PASC, with the exception of gastrointestinal presentations. Additional studies are needed to confirm the benefit of steroids and other immunomodulators in preventing long COVID.

Spatial differentiation and influencing factors of urban economic resilience: an empirical study from China

Multi-scale closed-loop tuning via spatial frequency collaborative sensitivity for rice leaf disease detection

Rice is a fundamental food source for more than half of the global population, making stable yields and quality improvements vital for food security and sustainable agricultural development. Early infections of rice leaf diseases often exhibit subtle symptoms, while conventional control methods based on empirical judgment and routine pesticide application result in both yield losses and environmental pollution. A Multi-scale closed-loop tuning via spatial frequency collaborative sensitivity (MCCA-YOLO) model has been proposed in this paper with a multiscale closed-loop tuning and spatial frequency collaborative attention mechanism for the early detection and classification of rice crop diseases. MCCA-YOLO incorporates a closed-loop tuning compound network architecture that combines a dual-backbone feature extractor with a spatial frequency enhancement module to achieve system self-verification feedback, reducing transmission errors and enhancing the texture features of leaves. The framework implements a cross-scale weighted fusion and a deformable spatial hybrid attention enhanced bidirectional feature pyramid fusion network for dynamic feature adaptation, effectively accommodating the complex morphology of rice leaf lesions. By conducting comprehensive ablation studies and comparative experiments with existing techniques on the rice plant diseases v8 dataset, the proposed approach achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 92.2%, outperforming well-established methods, while delivering superior precision (0.915) and recall (0.900). Extensive empirical validation of additional v9 and Rice Leaf Spot Disease (RLSD) datasets for rice plant diseases further demonstrates the model’s outstanding performance.

Mechanical and flexural fatigue behaviour of steel fibre reinforced RAP-based concrete: experimental and machine learning investigation

Trends and spatial distribution of low-level viremia among Ugandan children and adolescents, 2014–2023

Background Low-level viremia (LLV) is as an early warning signal for treatment failure and onward transmission risk. Uganda has achieved major progress in expanding viral load (VL) testing coverage, yet the burden and trends of LLV among children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) remain insufficiently described. This study assessed national LLV prevalence, temporal trends, and regional distribution from 2014–2023 to guide pediatric HIV program planning. Methods We analyzed routine VL data from Uganda’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) housed at the Central Public Health Laboratories for CALHIV aged 0–19 years with VL results between 2014 and 2023. Viral suppression was defined as <200 copies/mL for plasma and <400 copies/mL for dried blood spot (DBS) samples. LLV was categorized as 201–999 copies/mL for plasma and 401–999 copies/mL for DBS. We analyzed LLV proportions over time and disaggregated them by demographic (age, sex), clinical (ART regimen, duration on ART, adherence, WHO stage), and facility-level (ownership, level of care) characteristics. The Mann-Kendall trend test was used to assess the significance of observed trends. Results A total of 974,873 VL tests were analyzed, of which LLV accounted for 14% (138,126). Nationally, LLV increased from 10.5% in 2014 to 16.2% in 2023 (p < 0.001). LLV rose in both males (10.7% to16.9%, p < 0.001) and females (10.3% to15.6%, p = 0.025), with the steepest increase among infants (12.7%to 22.5%, p < 0.001). Increases were observed among CALHIV on first-line regimens (10.2% to15.7%, p < 0.01), those on ART ≥ 5 years (12.5% to17.8%, p < 0.01), and those with good adherence (10.2% to14.9%, p < 0.001). In 2023, five of fifteen regions recorded LLV prevalence above 20%. Conclusion The rising LLV burden among CALHIV in Uganda signals emerging virologic challenges that may compromise long-term treatment outcomes. Strengthening VL monitoring, early detection of LLV, and tailored adherence interventions are critical to sustaining viral suppression and preventing progression to high-level viremia.