Longitudinal Metabolomics Data Analysis Informed by Mechanistic Models.

: Metabolomics measurements are noisy, often characterized by a small sample size and missing entries. While data-driven methods have shown promise in terms of analyzing metabolomics data, e.g.

Spectral Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function Simplification.

Non-diffuse materials (e.g., metallic inks, varnishes, and paints) are widely used in real-world applications.

Combined Input Deep Learning Pipeline for Embryo Selection for In Vitro Fertilization Using Light Microscopic Images and Additional Features.

The current process of embryo selection in in vitro fertilization is based on morphological criteria; embryos are manually evaluated by embryologists under subjective assessment. In this study, a deep learning-based pipeline was developed to classify the viability of embryos using combined inputs, including microscopic images of embryos and additional features, such as patient age and developed pseudo-features, including a continuous interpretation of Istanbul grading scores by predicting the embryo stage, inner cell mass, and trophectoderm. For viability prediction, convolution-based transferred learning models were employed, multiple pretrained models were compared, and image preprocessing techniques and hyperparameter optimization via Optuna were utilized.

A New Deep Learning-Based Method for Automated Identification of Thoracic Lymph Node Stations in Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a cornerstone in minimally invasive thoracic lymph node sampling. In lung cancer staging, precise assessment of lymph node position is crucial for clinical decision-making. This study aimed to demonstrate a new deep learning method to classify thoracic lymph nodes based on their anatomical location using EBUS images.

Transport Numbers and Electroosmosis in Cation-Exchange Membranes with Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions of HCl, LiCl, NaCl, KCl, MgCl, CaCl and NHCl.

Electroosmosis reduces the available energy from ion transport arising due to concentration gradients across ion-exchange membranes. This work builds on previous efforts to describe the electroosmosis, the permselectivity and the apparent transport number of a membrane, and we show new measurements of concentration cells with the Selemion CMVN cation-exchange membrane and single-salt solutions of HCl, LiCl, NaCl, MgCl, CaCl and NHCl. Ionic transport numbers and electroosmotic water transport relative to the membrane are efficiently obtained from a relatively new permselectivity analysis method.

Assessment of Developmental Prosopagnosia in an Individual with Tourette Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Case Report.

Background/objectives: Prosopagnosia is the inability to recognize people by their faces. Developmental prosopagnosia is the hereditary or congenital variant of the condition. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the assessment of developmental prosopagnosia in a clinical context, using a combination of commercially available clinical assessment tools and experimental tools described in the research literature.

The Neurodevelopmental Dynamics of Multilingual Experience During Childhood: A Longitudinal Behavioral, Structural, and Functional MRI Study.

Background/objectives: A neurobiological framework of bi- or multilingual neurocognitive development must consider the following: (i) longitudinal behavioral and neural measures; (ii) brain developmental constraints across structure and function; and (iii) the development of global multilingual competence in a homogeneous social environment. In this study, we investigated whether multilingual competence yields early changes in executive attention control mechanisms and their underlying neural structures in the frontal-striatal system, such as the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex/pre-supplemental area and the left caudate.

Methods: We employed longitudinal neuroimaging and functional connectivity methods in a small group of multilingual children over two years.

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels (BNDF): A Systematic Review.

Background/objectives: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) alternates short periods of intense exercise with recovery, effectively enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness, endurance, and strength in various populations. Concurrently, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports neuronal resilience and activity-dependent plasticity, which are vital for learning and memory. This study aims to systematically review changes in BDNF levels in response to HIIT, with three primary objectives: evaluating the benefits of HIIT for BDNF modulation, assessing methodological quality and the risk of bias in reviewed studies, and identifying patterns in BDNF response based on HIIT protocols and population characteristics.

Dual Functions of Androgen Receptor Overexpression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Complex Prognostic Marker.

A subset of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) expresses the androgen receptor (AR), but thresholds for AR positivity and its clinical significance vary. We hypothesize that objective assessment outperforms subjective methods, and that high AR negatively impacts prognosis. In a population-based TNBC cohort ( = 198) with long follow-up (4-383 months), AR expression was evaluated via subjective scoring (AR-Manual) and automated digital image analysis (AR-DIA).

Social Iatrogenesis and Social Risks Among Queer PrEP Users in Dar Es Salaam.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, is an HIV-preventative pill taken to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. During a PrEP study in Dar es Salaam among queer PrEP users, this ethnographic study observed how PrEP users experienced novel types of (social) risks and harms, or social iatrogenesis, imposed by the biomedical HIV prevention pill or the PrEP program. These forms of social iatrogenesis related to lack of autonomy, creating demand for PrEP, then removing services, projectivization of PrEP programs, social risks related to fear of stigma by association, and clinical encounters producing multiple understandings of adherence and usage of PrEP.

Genetic Variants in the SCN9A Gene are Detected in a Minority of Erythromelalgia Patients.

Gain-of-function variants in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7, encoded by the SCN9A gene, have previously been identified in patients with erythromelalgia, a clinical diagnosis defined by intermittent attacks of painful, hot, swollen, and red skin, predominantly involving the hands and feet. Symptoms are induced or aggravated by warming and relieved by cooling.

Considerations and expectations for the administration of dispersible arpraziquantel to young children: a landscape analysis.

Schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem in many African countries and beyond. Preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel is a successful public health intervention that is recommended for all communities at risk, commonly reached through large-scale mass drug administration campaigns. However, preschool-age children are currently not routinely targeted for treatment due to operational challenges related to dosing and administration with the standard drug formulation.

Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST) science: Probing the transient and time-variable sky.

The study of transient and variable events, including novae, active galactic nuclei, and black hole binaries, has historically been a fruitful path for elucidating the evolutionary mechanisms of our universe. The study of such events in the millimeter and submillimeter is, however, still in its infancy. Submillimeter observations probe a variety of materials, such as optically thick dust, which are hard to study in other wavelengths.

Use of the chronic illness research recruitment taxonomy to evaluate recruitment strategies in an eHealth feasibility study.

Background: Chronic illness research has many challenges making research recruitment difficult. Despite reports of facilitators and barriers to research recruitment challenges remain. The reporting of research strategies and their impact on recruitment and subsequent randomised control trials is not sufficient.

Lifitegrast in Treatment of Dry Eye Disease-A Practical, Narrative Expert Review.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder affecting millions worldwide. Inflammation plays a central role in DED. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the literature concerning the efficacy and safety of lifitegrast, a small molecule immunomodulator that blocks the action of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1.

Physicians', pharmacists', and nurses' education of patients about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in primary care settings: a qualitative systematic literature review.

Background: Patients' adherence to antibiotic treatment and related prevention of AMR is significant. Understanding healthcare professionals' strategies for advising and educating patients in primary care settings is crucial.

Aim: From the perspectives of professionals and patients, to explore how physicians, pharmacists, and nurses educate patients about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in primary care settings.

Allostery.

describes the ability of biological macromolecules to transmit signals spatially through the molecule from an site – a site that is distinct from binding sites of primary, endogenous ligands – to the functional or active site. This review starts with a historical overview and a description of the classical example of allostery – hemoglobin – and other well-known examples (aspartate transcarbamoylase, Lac repressor, kinases, G-protein-coupled receptors, adenosine triphosphate synthase, and chaperonin). We then discuss fringe examples of allostery, including intrinsically disordered proteins and inter-enzyme allostery, and the influence of dynamics, entropy, and conformational ensembles and landscapes on allosteric mechanisms, to capture the essence of the field.

Colorectal carcinogenesis in the Lynch syndromes and familial adenomatous polyposis: trigger events and downstream consequences.

Carcinogenesis encompasses processes that lead to increased mutation rates, enhanced cellular division (tumour growth), and invasive growth. Colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis in carriers of pathogenic APC (path_APC) and pathogenic mismatch repair gene (path_MMR) variants is initiated by a second hit affecting the corresponding wild-type allele. In path_APC carriers, second hits result in the development of multiple adenomas, with CRC typically emerging after an additional 20 years.

'Striving to achieve control'. Registered nurses' experiences of palliative care quality during the COVID-19 pandemic - a qualitative study.

Background: Providing quality palliative care during a pandemic was challenging. Both specialist and community healthcare services cared for patients that faced life-threatening illness and who were influenced by the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little knowledge has yet been provided on how registered nurses (RNs) experienced the palliative care quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sex-specific association between maternal childhood adversities and offspring's weight gain in a Brazilian cohort.

Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to negative health and developmental outcomes in offspring. However, whether maternal ACEs influence infant weight gain in the first months of life, and if this effect differs by infant sex, remains unclear. This study included 352 full-term newborns from low-risk pregnancies and their mothers in low-income settings in Brazil.

The influence of depth on the global deep-sea plasmidome.

Plasmids play a crucial role in facilitating genetic exchange and enhancing the adaptability of microbial communities. Despite their importance, environmental plasmids remain understudied, particularly those in fragile and underexplored ecosystems such as the deep-sea. In this paper we implemented a bioinformatics pipeline to study the composition, diversity, and functional attributes of plasmid communities (plasmidome) in 81 deep-sea metagenomes from the Tara and Malaspina expeditions, sampled from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans at depths ranging from 270 to 4005 m.