Candidate Genes Related to Spiritual Mediumship: A Whole Exome Sequencing Analysis of Highly Gifted Mediums.

Objective: There has been a call for neuroscientific studies of spiritual experiences due to their global prevalence, significant impact, and importance for understanding the mind-brain problem. Mediumship is a spiritual experience where individuals claim to communicate with or be influenced by deceased persons or non-material entities. We assessed whether mediums possess specific genetic alterations.

Metacognitive strategies improve self-regulation skills in expert sports coaches.

Self-regulation is linked to the ability to learn successfully, adapt to change, and project one's future behavior. This study aims to evaluate the impact of metacognitive strategies on self-regulation skills in the creation of educational content. Nine expert sports coaches participated in the research, and a mixed-methodology research plan was used to conduct the research.

Computational Analyses of Alkaloids as Green Corrosion Inhibitors on Fe(110).

One of the successful techniques developed for the inhibition of metal corrosion is the utilization of phytochemicals from plant extracts as corrosion inhibitors. Theoretical studies are utilized to predict how organic components behave on metal surfaces and can pave the way for the development and synthesis of innovative, efficient corrosion inhibitors. However, atomic-level insights into the inhibition mechanisms of these green components are still needed.

Optimized Scaffold-Free Human 3D Adipose Tissue Organoid Culture for Obesity and Disease Modeling.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are strongly linked to abnormal adipocyte metabolism and adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction. However, existing adipose tissue models have limitations, particularly in the stable culture of fat cells that maintain physiologically relevant phenotypes, hindering a deeper understanding of adipocyte biology and the molecular mechanisms behind differentiation. Current model systems fail to fully replicate in vivo metabolism, posing challenges in adipose research.

Magnetic vector field mapping of the stimulated abductor digiti minimi muscle with optically pumped magnetometers.

Mapping the myomagnetic field of a straight and easily accessible muscle after electrical stimulation using triaxial optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) to assess potential benefits for magnetomyography (MMG). Approach: Six triaxial OPMs were arranged in two rows with three sensors each along the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle. The upper row of sensors was inclined by 45° with respect to the lower row and all sensors were aligned closely to the skin surface without direct contact.

Primordial black holes and their gravitational-wave signatures.

In the recent years, primordial black holes (PBHs) have emerged as one of the most interesting and hotly debated topics in cosmology. Among other possibilities, PBHs could explain both some of the signals from binary black hole mergers observed in gravitational-wave detectors and an important component of the dark matter in the Universe. Significant progress has been achieved both on the theory side and from the point of view of observations, including new models and more accurate calculations of PBH formation, evolution, clustering, merger rates, as well as new astrophysical and cosmological probes.

Reducing Nonradiative Recombination in Halide Perovskites through Appropriate Band Gaps and Heavy Atomic Masses.

Halide perovskite optoelectronic devices achieve high energy conversion efficiencies. However, their efficiency decreases significantly with an increase in temperature. This decline is likely caused by changes in nonradiative recombination and electron-phonon coupling, which remain underexplored.

Understanding the Effects of Edge Planes in Porous Carbon: Quantum Capacitance and Electrolyte Behavior in Supercapacitor.

Electric double layer capacitors (EDLC) require large specific surface area to provide high power density. The generation of pores increases the electrochemical capacitance with more graphitic edge planes exposed to the electrolyte. Conventional theory believes this increasing in capacitance is owed to the increased specific surface area, but our work uncovers another mechanism.

Unveiling results and insights from multinational, multicenter Study of Prescribing patterns and Effectiveness of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Real-world Analysis (SPECTRA).

Objectives: Antibacterial-resistant gram-negative hospital-acquired infections result in significant morbidity and mortality. In clinical trials, ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) has been effective against these infections; however, real-world findings are limited.

Methods: SPECTRA was a global, retrospective, observational inpatient study of adults treated with C/T for ≥48 hours, conducted between 2016 and 2020.

Global impact of 10- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal meningitis in all ages: the PSERENADE project.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) introduced in childhood national immunization programs lowered vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), but replacement with non-vaccine-types persisted throughout the PCV10/13 follow-up period. We assessed PCV10/13 impact on pneumococcal meningitis incidence globally.

Methods: The number of cases with serotyped pneumococci detected in cerebrospinal fluid and population denominators were obtained from surveillance sites globally.

Anticancer diiron aminocarbyne complexes with labile N-donor ligands.

The novel diiron amine complexes [FeCp(CO)(NHR')(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Cy)}]CFSO [R' = H, 3; Cy, 4; CHCHNH, 5; CHCHNMe, 6; CHCH(4-CHOMe), 7; CHCH(4-CHOH), 8; Cp = η-CH, Cy = CH = cyclohexyl] were synthesized in 49-92 % yields from [FeCp(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Cy)}]CFSO, 1a, using a straightforward two-step procedure. They were characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the structure of 7 was confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 3-8 and the acetonitrile adducts [FeCp(CO)(NCMe)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}]CFSO (R = Cy, 2a; Me, 2b; Xyl = 2,6-CHMe, 2c) were assessed for their water solubility, octanol-water partition coefficient and stability in physiological-like solutions.

Herald Patch as the Only Evidence of Pityriasis Rosea: Clinical, Laboratory and Pathogenetic Features.

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a self-limited exanthem associated with the endogenous systemic reactivation of human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 and HHV-7. The disease typically begins with a single erythematous patch on the trunk (herald patch), followed by a secondary eruption of smaller papulosquamous lesions. Rarely, the herald patch may be the only cutaneous manifestation of PR.

Development and Characterization of Lyophilized Chondroitin Sulfate-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Encapsulation Efficiency and Stability.

This study explores the development and characterization of lyophilized chondroitin sulfate (CHON)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) as an innovative platform for advanced drug delivery. Solid lipid nanoparticles are increasingly recognized for their biocompatibility, their ability to encapsulate diverse compounds, their capacity to enhance drug stability, their bioavailability, and their therapeutic efficacy. CHON, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan with anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, was integrated into SLN formulations using the hot microemulsion technique.

Central Asia Cold Case: Siberian Pine Fingers New Suspects in Growth Decline CA 1700 CE.

Tree-ring width chronologies of Du Tour from near the upper treeline in the Western Sayan, Southern Siberia are found to have an exceptional (below mean-3SD) multi-year drop near 1700 CE, highlighted by the seven narrowest-ring years in a 1524-2022 regional chronology occurring in the short span of one decade. Tree rings are sometimes applied to reconstruct seasonal air temperatures; therefore, it is important to identify other factors that may have contributed to the growth suppression. The spatiotemporal scope of the "nosedive" in tree growth is investigated with a large network of (14 sites) and Ledeb.

Alkaloid Profile, Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Activities, and Sexual Propagation in (Amaryllidaceae).

, a recently described endemic species from southern Peru, belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is known for its diversity of alkaloids. Amaryllidoideae have been studied for their diverse biological activities, particularly for their properties in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This work examines the alkaloidal profile using GC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS of alkaloid-enriched extracts obtained from the leaves and bulbs of and their inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes.

Overweight and Obese Children Aged 6-17 Years in China Had Lower Level of Hydration Status: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to explore the differences in total body water and hydration status among Chinese children aged 6-17 years.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was implemented among children aged 6-17 years in China. The total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW) were determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

Acoustic, Mechanical, and Thermal Characterization of Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)-Based Wood Composites Reinforced with Beech and Oak Wood Fibers.

Considering the growing need for developing ecological materials, this study investigates the acoustic, mechanical, and thermal properties of wood composites reinforced with beech or oak wood fibres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a complex network of interconnected pores within the composite materials, with varying pore sizes contributing to the material's overall properties. Acoustic characterization was conducted using a two-microphone impedance tube.

The Application of Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms for Image Alignment in Multi-Channel Imaging Systems.

This study presents a method for aligning the geometric parameters of images in multi-channel imaging systems based on the application of pre-processing methods, machine learning algorithms, and a calibration setup using an array of orderly markers at the nodes of an imaginary grid. According to the proposed method, one channel of the system is used as a reference. The images from the calibration setup in each channel determine the coordinates of the markers, and the displacements of the marker centers in the system's channels relative to the coordinates of the centers in the reference channel are then determined.

Diagnostic Challenges of Medullary Carcinoma of the Small Intestine During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

: Medullary carcinoma of the small intestine is an exceptionally rare subtype of gastrointestinal cancer, characterized by its solid growth pattern and lack of glandular structures, which complicate timely diagnosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnostic delays for rare cancers became increasingly common due to the prioritization of COVID-related cases and patient reluctance to seek medical attention. : We present the case of a 70-year-old male initially misdiagnosed with COVID-19, whose persistent symptoms led to the eventual discovery of medullary carcinoma.

Changes in the Content of Dietary Fiber, Flavonoids, and Phenolic Acids in the Morphological Parts of (L.) Gaertn Under Drought Stress.

Background: Tartary buckwheat is a plant recognized for its resistance to various environmental stresses. Due to its valuable source of phenolic compounds, is also characterized as a medicinal plant; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the drought stress for the levels of phenolic compounds in the morphological parts of the plant.

Methods: This experiment was conducted in 7 L pots under laboratory conditions.

Terbium-Labeled Gold Nanoparticles as Nanoscale Brachytherapy Agents Against Breast Cancer.

Due to their intriguing emission profile, Terbium-161 (Tb) radiopharmaceuticals seem to bring significant advancement in theranostic applications to cancer treatment. The combination of Tb with nanoscale brachytherapy as an approach for cancer treatment is particularly advantageous and promising. Herein, we propose the application of a hybrid nanosystem comprising gold decorated (Au@TADOTAGA) iron oxide nanoflowers as a form of injectable nanobrachytherapy for the local treatment of breast cancer.

Viability and Radiosensitivity of Human Tumor Cells from Breast and Colon Are Influenced by Extract HP01.

To enhance the treatment of tumors that are resistant to radio- and chemotherapy while minimizing the side effects of radiochemotherapy, researchers are continuously seeking new active compounds for use in combination with radiotherapy. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects of an extract from St. John's Wort (, referred to as HP01, on human epithelial tumor cells in vitro.

A Systematic Review of Microbiota in Cirrhosis: A Change Towards a More Pathogenic Predisposition.

The microbiome of the human intestine is a regulator of health that modulates immune response and plays an important role in metabolism. The diversity, and abundance of microbiota communities in the gut have been shown to change in cirrhosis and its complications. We aimed to review the current knowledge regarding microbiota alterations in cirrhosis, its potential differences according to etiology, and its role in the development of cirrhosis complications.

Recombinant Production of Bovine α-Casein in Genome-Reduced Strain IIG-Bs-20-5-1.

Background: Cow's milk represents an important protein source. Here, especially casein proteins are important components, which might be a promising source of alternative protein production by microbial expression systems. Nevertheless, caseins are difficult-to-produce proteins, making heterologous production challenging.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Micromachined Acoustic Transducers for Audio-Frequency Range.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) refer to miniaturized mechanical and electro-mechanical elements that are fabricated through microelectronic processes [...