Spatio-temporal transformers for decoding neural movement control.

Deep learning tools applied to high-resolution neurophysiological data have significantly progressed, offering enhanced decoding, real-time processing, and readability for practical applications. However, the design of artificial neural networks to analyze neural activity in vivo remains a challenge, requiring a delicate balance between efficiency in low-data regimes and the interpretability of the results. Approach: To address this challenge, we introduce a novel specialized transformer architecture to analyze single-neuron spiking activity.

Interface Acoustic Waves in 128° YX-LiNbO/SU-8/Overcoat Structures.

The propagation of interface acoustic waves (IAWs) in 128° YX-LiNbO/SU-8/overcoat structures was theoretically studied and experimentally investigated for different types of overcoat materials and thicknesses of the SU-8 adhesive layer. Three-dimensional finite element method analysis was performed using Comsol Multiphysics software to design an optimized multilayer configuration able to achieve an efficient guiding effect of the IAW at the LiNbO/overcoat interface. Numerical analysis results showed the following: (i) an overcoat faster than the piezoelectric half-space ensures that the wave propagation is confined mainly close to the surface of the LiNbO, although with minimal scattering in the overcoat; (ii) the presence of the SU-8, in addition to performing the essential function of an adhesive layer, can also promote the trapping of the acoustic energy toward the surface of the piezoelectric substrate; and (iii) the electromechanical coupling efficiency of the IAW is very close to that of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) along the bare LiNbO half-space.

Oral Hygiene in Children with Autism: Teaching Self-Toothbrushing via Behavioural Intervention Including Parents.

Background/objectives: Children on the autism spectrum experience more oral hygiene issues than peers, and tooth-brushing behavior seems particularly challenging for them since it includes diverse skills and collaboration. In this study, the efficacy is explored of a behavioral intervention mediated by staff and parents in teaching self-brushing teeth in eight autistic children. First, we wanted to examine whether the intervention improved self-brushing teeth skills in a short-term period.

Optimizing TMS dosimetry: evaluating the effective electric field as a novel metric.

Objective: This study introduces the effective electric field (Eeff) as a novel observable for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) numerical dosimetry. Eeff represents the electric field component aligned with the local orientation of cortical and white matter neuronal elements. To assess the utility of Eeff as a predictive measure for TMS outcomes, we evaluated its correlation with TMS induced muscle responses and compared it against conventional observables, including the electric (E-)field magnitude, and its components normal and tangential to the cortical surface.

Through restful waters and deep commotion: A study on burnout and health impairment of Italian seafarers from the JD-R model perspective.

Background: The work experience of seafarers differs significantly from other land-based occupations due to several factors, particularly remoteness and the restricted work environment. This study seeks to examine the impact of burnout and health impairment in the maritime industry, using the Job Demand-Resources theory as a framework.

Methods: To investigate these phenomena, an online questionnaire was sent to 239 Italian seafarers (94.

Minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) following surgical knee ligament reconstruction: a systematic review.

Introduction: The minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) are designed to prioritise clinically significant outcomes that demonstrate true clinical benefit rather than relying solely on statistical significance. These instruments aid clinicians in understanding the patient's perspective, allowing healthcare professionals to set treatment goals that align with patients' desires and expectations. This systematic review analysed tools to estimate the clinical relevance of the most commonly used PROMs to assess patients following surgical knee ligament reconstruction.

Selective expression and significance of ACKR2 in lung aerocytes.

Background: ACKR2 is an atypical chemokine receptor that plays a significant role in regulating inflammation by binding to inflammatory CC chemokines and facilitating their degradation. Previous findings suggest that the genetic absence of ACKR2 leads to heightened tumor growth in inflammation-driven models. Conversely, mice lacking ACKR2 exhibit protection against lung metastasis in melanoma and breast cancer models.

Differences and analogies in thyroid cancer discovered incidentally or by thyroid related screening: A multicenter study.

Objective: The prevalence of Thyroid-Cancer (TC) has increased worldwide and an association with metabolic and cardio-vascular disorders has been reported. Moreover, an increasing percentage of patients are currently diagnosed incidentally through non-thyroid related imaging for other clinical conditions. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of Thyroid-Related (TD) versus Incidental (ID) pre-surgery reasons leading to TC diagnosis and to compare the two groups in terms of clinical characteristics, size and severity of TC at presentation and rate of non-thyroid cancers and cardiovascular/metabolic comorbidities.

Eating behavior patterns, metabolic parameters and circulating oxytocin levels in patients with obesity: an exploratory study.

Purpose: Obesity is a complex heterogeneous disease often associated with dysfunctional eating behavior patterns. Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and eating behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a population of patients with obesity circulating levels of OT and dysfunctional eating behaviors in relation to anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters.

Temporomandibular disorders in migraine and tension-type headache patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

The simultaneous occurrence of primary headaches and temporomandibular disorders can pose a challenge in determining the best clinical management of patients. Therefore, we aimed to summarize evidence regarding the risk and prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in migraine and tension-type headaches (TTH) patients. Cross-sectional studies published in English comparing the presence of TMDs in adults with TTH or migraine to subjects without headaches were included, International Classification of Orofacial Pain, Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders or Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, and large epidemiological studies (sensitive diagnostic criteria (SDC)).

Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke: a study on intravenous thrombolysis in patients over 80 years of age with acute ischaemic stroke.

Objectives: To investigate the safety and efficacy outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients aged >80 years with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) after IVT was approved in this patient population in several European and non-European countries during 2018-2019.

Design: This is an observational registry study using prospectively collected data from the Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke (SITS) registry. Comparisons will be performed between patients treated post-approval (July 2018 to December 2021) period with those treated pre-approval (June 2015 to June 2018) period using propensity score matching (PSM).

Advancing Thoracic Surgical Oncology in the Era of Precision Medicine.

The landscape of surgical oncology is rapidly evolving with the advent of precision medicine, driven by breakthroughs in genomics and proteomics. This article explores how integrating molecular data is transforming surgical decision-making and enabling personalized treatment strategies. We examine emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing, proteomic analysis, and molecular imaging, which provide critical insights into tumor biology and guide surgical interventions.

Brewers' Spent Grain-Derived Arabinoxylan as a Sustainable Filler for Enhanced PHBV Biocomposites.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a highly promising biodegradable and bio-based thermoplastic recognized for its environmental benefits and potential versatility. However, its industrial adoption has been limited due to its inherent brittleness and suboptimal processability. Despite these challenges, PHBV's performance can be tailored for a wide range of applications through strategic modifications, particularly by blending it with other biodegradable polymers or reinforcing it with natural fibers and bio-based fillers.

Intrathecal fluorescein guidance in the treatment of intracranial hypotension due to spinal CSF-venous fistula.

Among the causes of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venous fistulas (CVFs) represent a recently discovered and poorly understood aetiology, for which invasive treatment (surgery vs endovascular treatment) may be required. However, CVFs are not always immediately identified during surgery. We describe a case of a woman with a 2-year history of SIH who was found to harbour a T8 CVF.

Development of a Wearable Electromyographic Sensor with Aerosol Jet Printing Technology.

Electromyographic (EMG) sensors are essential tools for analyzing muscle activity, but traditional designs often face challenges such as motion artifacts, signal variability, and limited wearability. This study introduces a novel EMG sensor fabricated using Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP) technology that addresses these limitations with a focus on precision, flexibility, and stability. The innovative sensor design minimizes air interposition at the skin-electrode interface, thereby reducing variability and improving signal quality.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Pain Management in Musculoskeletal Disorders Across Anatomical Regions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: The use of virtual reality (VR) in physiotherapy is expanding across various fields; however, while extensively researched in neurology, its application in musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders remains underexplored. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in pain management across different anatomical regions.

Materials And Methods: The research was conducted using the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, including randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of VR interventions, encompassing immersive VR, specialised non-immersive VR, and gaming platforms.

Enhancing Autism Detection Through Gaze Analysis Using Eye Tracking Sensors and Data Attribution with Distillation in Deep Neural Networks.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and repetitive behaviors, often associated with atypical visual attention patterns. In this paper, the Gaze-Based Autism Classifier (GBAC) is proposed, which is a Deep Neural Network model that leverages both data distillation and data attribution techniques to enhance ASD classification accuracy and explainability. Using data sampled by eye tracking sensors, the model identifies unique gaze behaviors linked to ASD and applies an explainability technique called TracIn for data attribution by computing self-influence scores to filter out noisy or anomalous training samples.

No Effect of Cigarette Smoking in the Outcome of Arthroscopic Management for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review.

The impact of smoking in arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabolar impingement (FAI) is controversial. This systematic review updates and discusses current evidence on the influence of cigarette smoking on the outcome of arthroscopic management of FAI. The outcomes of interest were to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complications.

Epidemiological Assessment of Malaria Prevalence among Children Under 5 in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Cameroon, particularly affecting children under 5 years of age. Despite these efforts, its prevalence persists, highlighting the need for comprehensive epidemiological studies to guide interventions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected health areas across five regions of Cameroon.

Intrinsic and environmental drivers of pairwise cohesion in wild Canis social groups.

Animals within social groups respond to costs and benefits of sociality by adjusting the proportion of time they spend in close proximity to other individuals in the group (cohesion). Variation in cohesion between individuals, in turn, shapes important group-level processes such as subgroup formation and fission-fusion dynamics. Although critical to animal sociality, a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing cohesion remains a gap in our knowledge of cooperative behavior in animals.

Screening and diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic lung disease (PH-CLD): A consensus statement from the pulmonary vascular research institute's innovative drug development initiative-group 3 pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent complication of chronic lung disease (CLD). However, PH is difficult to diagnose early since accompanying symptoms overlap and are similar to those of the underlying CLD. In most cases the PH is mild to moderate and therefore physical signs may be absent or subtle.

How to define temperature in active systems?

We are used to measuring temperature with a thermometer, and we know from everyday life that different types of thermometers measure the same temperature. This experience can be based on equilibrium thermodynamics, which explains the equivalence of different possibilities to define temperature. In contrast, for systems out of equilibrium such as active matter, measurements performed with different thermometers can generally lead to different temperature values.

Robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of urologic cancers: recent advances.

Introduction: Recent advancements in single-port surgery, robotic platforms, 3D models and artificial intelligence have transformed surgical procedures, especially in urology. These innovations enhance precision, safety, and efficacy, reducing invasiveness and recovery times. The review focuses on the latest in robotic-assisted surgery for genitourinary cancers, highlighting the shift toward personalized, minimally invasive treatments.