Superficial white matter (SWM) supports local cortico-cortical communication. Still, its whole-brain organization remains difficult to characterize in vivo, due to its short length, high curvature, proximity to the gray-white matter interface, and individual variability. Here, we constructed a high-resolution, tractography-derived human SWM atlas using 7T diffusion MRI data from 171 participants in the Human Connectome Project. We combined deterministic and probabilistic tractography, multi-stage clustering, geometric filtering, and a deep-learning classifier trained on expert-informed SWM labels to identify anatomically plausible SWM clusters. The resulting atlas retained approximately 10% of whole-brain streamlines and comprised 643 and 1,403 SWM clusters under Yeo 7- and 17-network parcellations, respectively. Cross-dataset analyses supported reproducible SWM-like tractography patterns. We further provide network-level annotations, Neurosynth-based functional associations, and a TW-dFC-derived uncertainty index as complementary references for interpreting clusters. Together, this work provides a publicly available SWM atlas and processing framework for future studies of white matter connectivity.
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) share overlapping clinical features, making differentiation challenging. Although characteristic spinal cord gray matter lesions are typically present in AFM, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may evolve during the disease course. In later stages, isolated ventral nerve root enhancement can be observed without visible gray matter lesions, mimicking the radiologic features of GBS. We report a child in whom AFM was ultimately favored, although the initial radiologic impression suggested GBS. A 23-month-old boy developed acute flaccid weakness of the left leg shortly after a febrile illness, which persisted for one month before presentation. Spinal MRI revealed ventral nerve root enhancement without gray matter lesions, a pattern suggestive of GBS; however, the clinical presentation was more consistent with AFM. Over two years of follow-up, persistent unilateral weakness and marked limb atrophy supported AFM as the more likely diagnosis. This case highlights the temporal evolution of imaging findings in AFM and emphasizes that delayed imaging may obscure characteristic features, potentially leading to diagnostic confusion with GBS.
Air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters aim to reduce particulate matter from the air, including infectious aerosols, potentially lowering airborne disease transmission in classrooms. This pilot study, informing a larger randomized trial (RCT), explored the acceptability and feasibility of air purifiers in classrooms, and estimated their effect on particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration. This study, conducted in schools in the greater Oslo area, Norway, from January to April 2023, consisted of two parts lasting 6 and 9 weeks, respectively. In part 1, eligible primary school classrooms received either ceiling-mounted or portable purifiers. In part 2, we conducted a three-arm randomized multiple crossover trial of ceiling-mounted versus portable purifiers versus no air purification. Schools with three classrooms on the same floor with adequate space for air purifiers were eligible. We evaluated acceptability and feasibility of installing and operating air purifiers by collecting interview data from students (part 1) and teachers (parts 1 and 2). The feasibility of collecting consent and questionnaires from students' legal guardians and student absences from municipality records was explored. We evaluated superiority of air purification versus no air purification and noninferiority of portable versus ceiling-mounted air purifiers on PM2.5 concentration using sensor measured air quality data. Five primary schools (five classrooms) and one adult education school (three classrooms) participated in parts 1 and 2 of the study, respectively. Ceiling-mounted and portable air purifiers were feasible to install and operate and were well-accepted by students (n = 11) and teachers (n = 7). No harms were reported. Consent and questionnaires were collected from 23 of 114 students' legal guardians. Collecting absence data from municipality records was feasible, although inconsistencies in teachers' recording affected weekly accuracy. Air purification was superior to no air purification in reducing PM2.5 concentration (p = 0.011), and portable purifiers were noninferior to ceiling-mounted units (p < 0.001) and significantly reduced PM2.5 compared to no air purification (rate ratio 0.71; 95% CI 0.57-0.89). Installing and operating air purifiers in classrooms is feasible and acceptable. Portable purifiers are user-friendly and reduce PM2.5 concentration. It was challenging to obtain consent from students' legal guardians to collect absence data; municipality records proved more practical. A larger RCT on air purifier effectiveness in schools will be feasible if data collection challenges can be overcome. NCT06374316 (retrospectively registered 15 April 2024).
Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a ubiquitous synthetic flocculant and water treatment agent whose extensive agricultural and industrial applications have sparked increasing concerns regarding aquatic ecosystems. The environmental fate of PAM is fundamentally governed by interfacial interactions within the aqueous phase, where natural organic matter (NOM) acts as a key mediator in biogeochemical processes. Although NOM effectively associates with PAM through multiple functional groups, the microscopic mechanisms underlying NOM-PAM complexation, particularly in terms of molecular-level structural characterization and dynamic association processes, remain insufficiently resolved. Therefore, this study integrates molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to systematically investigate the complexation and aggregation behavior between NOM and three PAM variants, namely, nonionic (NPAM), cationic (CPAM), and anionic (APAM). Results indicate that in unitary systems, NPAM exhibits the highest intrinsic aggregation propensity, while electrostatic repulsion hinders the self-assembly of APAM and CPAM. Upon NOM addition, heteroaggregation is markedly enhanced through hydrophobic interactions and cation-mediated interfacial coupling. Specifically, NOM-APAM assemblies form the most compact, alternating layered architecture via multipoint Ca2+ bridging, whereas NOM-CPAM complexes display the loosest, interpenetrating arrangements with free fragments due to competitive Ca2+ coordination. Consequently, NOM complexation significantly restricts the mobility of PAM, with the most pronounced dynamic constraints observed in ionic PAM systems. Furthermore, PAM effectively immobilizes NOM within heteroaggregates, with NOM-APAM complexes imposing the strongest restriction on NOM migration. Collectively, these findings suggest that the formation of NOM-PAM aggregates has profound implications for the environmental fate of natural and anthropogenic polymers in aquatic systems.
Colloidal suspensions exhibit diverse phases from fluid-like to solid-like, which are critical for numerous industrial applications. However, accurately identifying their phases remains a challenge, as they depend on a complex interplay of solid volume fraction, particle size distribution, and interparticle interactions. Near phase boundaries, subtle microstructural changes can induce drastic macroscopic property variations, yet these differences are often indistinguishable through conventional observation. To overcome these limitations and the high computational costs of long-time simulations, we propose a transformer-driven framework based on reference-based data embedding. Unlike standard point cloud models that directly embed positions, our approach utilizes particle stress information as the primary feature while using spatial coordinates solely as a reference to map interparticle relationships. This allows the transformer-driven model to effectively capture structural characteristics at both local and global scales. By training the model exclusively on unambiguous regions far from phase boundaries to prevent mislabeling, we successfully predicted the complete phase diagram, which was further validated through theoretical and statistical analysis. Notably, our methodology significantly alleviates the need to monitor long-term structural convergence, which is typically challenging due to the inherently slow phase evolution in attractive colloidal systems. This framework provides a robust and cost-effective tool for the systematic discovery and reverse engineering of complex soft condensed matter.
The dry-hot valley region is characterized by pronounced topographic relief and a complex land-use mosaic, resulting in strong nonlinearity and fine-scale spatial heterogeneity in soil organic matter (SOM). These characteristics increase the difficulty and uncertainty of remote sensing-based digital soil mapping. Although Yuanmou County has been widely investigated, limited attention has been paid to regional-scale SOM prediction in dry-hot valley ecosystems using long-term satellite-derived phenological dynamics and deep learning approaches. To address this gap, this study integrated 475 topsoil samples, topographic factors, environmental covariates, and multi-year satellite-derived phenology time-series variables to develop a regional-scale SOM prediction and assessment framework in Yuanmou County, Yunnan Province, China. The predictive performance of four models was compared, including a convolutional neural network (CNN), a CNN-random forest hybrid model (CNN-RF), a CNN-long short-term memory model (CNN-LSTM), and an attention-augmented CNN-LSTM model (CNN-LSTM-Att). The results showed that model architecture had a substantial influence on SOM prediction accuracy, with overall performance ranked as CNN-LSTM-Att > CNN-LSTM > CNN-RF > CNN. Among the four models, CNN-LSTM-Att achieved the best performance on the independent test set, with R2 = 0.61, RMSE = 2.49 g kg⁻1, and MAE = 1.39 g kg⁻1. The incorporation of temporal modeling and the attention mechanism improved the extraction of dynamic phenological signals associated with SOM formation, resulting in a more refined spatial representation. The CNN-LSTM-Att prediction map clearly identified low-SOM areas along the northern valley corridor and high-SOM zones in the forest-dominated southern and eastern regions, while showing stronger sensitivity to local patches and transitional ecotones. Overall, coupling long-term phenological dynamics with an attention mechanism improved both the predictive accuracy and spatial expressiveness of SOM mapping in complex terrain, providing a useful methodological reference for SOM assessment and precision land management in dry-hot valley regions.
This article relates to Interpreting particulate matter-depression trajectory findings: Baseline adjustment, mixtures, and mediation.
Biofilms, ubiquitous in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, strongly regulate arsenic (As) cycle. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can stimulate the development and activity of microbial communities, thus enhancing arsenic biogeochemical processes. However, how DOM regulates groundwater biofilms to drive arsenic migration and transformation remains unclear. Incubation experiments were integrated with biofilm characterizations, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, qPCR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to explore the behaviors and potential mechanisms of arsenic under the mediation of biofilms and fulvic acid (FA), a representative molecule of DOM in groundwater. FA induced a 7.5‑fold increase in EPS secretion, characterized by a marked enrichment of α‑configuration polysaccharides, which provided additional binding sites and steric hindrance, thereby enhancing arsenic adsorption by 21.98%. Biofilms enhanced As(III) oxidation potentially via aoxA/B, regardless of FA presence. Subsequent As(V) reduction was mainly driven by FA‑enriched N and S cycling bacteria in biofilms. The reductive products of these bacteria, especially NH₄⁺, enhanced arrA, thereby promoting arsenate reduction. FA-Ca-As ternary complexes likely further contributed to arsenic sequestration. Additionally, the electron shuttle function of FA potentially accelerated As(V)/As(III) inter-conversion. To the best of our knowledge, this study initially revealed the importance of DOM and biofilms on groundwater arsenic fate, and provided new insights into environmental arsenic cycles.
Antibody responses to individual antigens vary widely in their relative contributions of the four human IgG subclasses. Detection of IgG subclasses is usually done using specific monoclonal antibodies. Ideally, such antibodies recognize a subclass irrespective of polymorphic structural variation (also called allotypes), while not recognizing any of the other subclasses. For IgG2 this is especially challenging. There are many monoclonal antibodies commercially available, but whether they meet the abovementioned requirements is unclear. In this study, we examined twelve commercially available monoclonal antibodies against human IgG2 (HP6002/AB4-DH4, HP6014/AC3-AA11/MH162.1, HP6200/HG2-56F, KT138, 985028/MAB9794, 31-7-4, MTG211E, 52G1, EPR4418, 2348B/MAB97941, and RM118) for their ability to selectively bind to human IgG2, and not to the other three subclasses. We used a panel of recombinant monoclonal antibodies comprising different human IgG subclasses and allotypes, and tested binding in ELISA. Of the twelve anti-human IgG2 clones tested, only three were found to be highly specific for IgG2 (>1000-fold). Two further clones demonstrated good selectivity albeit with measurable cross-reactivity to IgG4 of up to ca. 1-2%. Three clones were cross-reactive to certain IgG4 and IgG3 allotypes. These clones may possess G4m(b) specificity. The remaining clones showed only low selectivity for IgG2. In conclusion, specificity determinations of anti-IgG subclass reagents should take into account the genetic/allotypic variation across IgG subclasses. Antibodies with proclaimed IgG2 specificity do not always meet requirements for subclass-specific antibody detection.
Standardising taxonomic names is an essential step in biodiversity studies to ensure robust data aggregation under the most recent accepted species nomenclature. Fuzzy (inexact) matching is widely used in this process to detect correspondences between scientific names that differ due to alternative spelling or orthographic mistakes. Such an approach assumes that species names are sufficiently distinct such that names differing in just a few characters in fact refer to the same taxon, but this has rarely been evaluated. Across c. 230,000 marine species names, we show that name similarity is common: 19.34% of specific epithets differ by three or fewer edits from another epithet within the same genus. Shared epithets are also widespread within and across phyla, occurring in 73% of all marine species; in 6.05% of these cases, the associated genera differ by three or fewer edits. This level of similarity increases the risk of incorrect matches, limiting the reliability of automated text-string tools in biodiversity big data analyses and highlighting the importance of combining post-matching filters with systematic and authorship information in taxonomic workflows to support name resolution beyond orthographic similarity.
•Normative WMH-based evaluation framework improves early detection and risk stratification of covert CSVD.•Age-inappropriate WMH burden identifies advanced CSVD independent of chronological age.•Higher WMH deviation associates with adverse vascular profiles despite similar or younger age.•WMH deviation shows graded associations with multidomain cognitive impairment and gray matter atrophy.•Severe WMH deviation predicts increased long-term all-cause mortality (HR ∼1.9) independent of age.
•Age-adjusted WMH deviation may reflect cumulative vascular risk burden.•Incremental value beyond absolute WMH burden requires validation.•Mortality associations should be assessed for clinical utility.•Risk prediction metrics are needed to support implementation.•Network-level analyses may strengthen biological interpretation.•Vascular and neurodegenerative mechanisms require further differentiation.•Normative WMH grading shows promise for personalized CSVD assessment.
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The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a group of nonselective cation channels, which play critical roles in a variety of physiological processes and are also involved in the development of various carcinomas. However, the presence of TRP channels and their role in human benign salivary gland tumors has not been investigated yet. We assessed the mRNA expression of the TRP channels TRPA1, TRPC3, TRPC6, TRPM4, TRPM8 as well as the channel associated factors TCAF1 and TCAF2 in human specimens of pleomorphic adenoma (PA, n = 10) and Warthin tumors (WT, n = 10) of the parotid gland. The control group consisted of 5 healthy human parotid gland (PG) specimens. The analysis has been performed using qRT-PCR. The mRNAs of TRPM4, TRPC6, TCAF1 and TCAF2 were found in normal parotid gland tissue and even more pronounced in PA and WT. However, no mRNA of TRPA1, TRPC3 and TRPM8 could be detected in normal parotid tissue nor in WT. In contrast, TPRC3 and TRPM8 mRNA were detected in PA. In 4 out of 10 PA high mRNA expression levels were found for these two genes. Our current pilot study suggests that TRPM4, TRPC6, TCAF1 and TCAF2 are expressed in normal parotid gland tissue and partially elevated in PA as well as WT of the parotid gland. TRPC3 and TRPM8 seem to be restricted to PA and may be highly expressed in a subgroup of parotid gland PA. These findings are important for a better understanding of PA biology.
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictive factors of contralateral-interictal epileptiform discharges (c-IEDs) in patients with acute stroke (AS) using point-of-care EEG within the first 72 h of admission. We retrospectively analyzed the data of AS patients who underwent point-of-care EEG within 72 h of admission between September 2020 and May 2023 of a single-center Stroke Unit. A multivariate logistic regression model identified variables associated with the onset of c-IEDs. Among 647 patients, 148 (22.9%) exhibited IEDs on EEG within 72 h of admission. Of these, 21 patients (14.2%) showed exclusively contralateral IEDs, while 127 patients (85.8%) exhibited ipsilateral IEDs, including 28 (18.9%) with contralateral spread. Independent predictors of c-IEDs occurrence included NIHSS at admission (p = 0.012), stroke lesion volume (p = 0.048) and C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.009). This study highlights the pivotal role of early point-of-care EEG in detecting c-IEDs in patients with AS, observed in 3.25% of the cohort. Higher NIHSS scores at admission, larger stroke lesion volumes, and elevated CRP levels were identified as independent predictors of c-IEDs. These findings suggest that the identification of c-IEDs may serve as an additional marker of stroke severity.
Menopause is a substantial life transition for women, signifying the end of reproductive capability, with implications for symptoms, long-term health and well-being. Women's experiences during menopause can differ widely, affecting their attitudes towards this transition. This study aimed to investigate knowledge and attitudes towards menopause among midlife women in Malaysia. A community-based cross-sectional online survey using non-probability sampling was conducted among Malaysian women aged 40-60 years residing in an urban setting. A validated online questionnaire was used to assess the study parameters. Knowledge and attitudes were quantified, and associations with sociodemographic factors were examined using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation analysis were performed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics version 26.0. Of the 300 respondents, the majority were Malay (94.7%), married (85.3%) and aged 55-60 years (27.3%). Over half (52.0%; mean score=12.98±6.77 [22 max score]) demonstrated poor knowledge, while 45.3% held negative attitudes towards menopause. The average attitude score was 33.48±6.58 [56 max score], indicating a generally negative orientation towards menopause. A weak but significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitudes (r=0.249, P<0.01). Targeted educational initiatives may be beneficial in enhancing menopause-related knowledge and fostering more positive attitudes among midlife Malaysian women. Future research should rigorously assess changes in knowledge, attitudes and related clinical behaviours after such interventions to inform policy and practice.
Combined sewer overflow structures (CSOs) represent an important source of pollution for the receiving water bodies. A significant amount of pollutants is attached to the suspended solid matter. The DSM-flux is an innovative technology conceived to improve CSO (combined sewer overflow) quantity and quality monitoring and, due to its original geometry, to intercept pollutants bounded to suspended matter. This study aims to evaluate the hydrodynamic behavior and particle interception-entrainment performance of the DSM-flux at small scale in controlled laboratory conditions. Flow patterns and turbulence quantities are measured with precision over the whole device and particles interception and entrainment of solid matter are investigated by means of experimental particle transport tests. The results reveal a clear dependence between the interception efficiency and the inflow rate, this efficiency reaching up to 53.6% under low flow conditions. Moreover, a correlation was observed between the deposition areas in the DSM-flux and the regions with low near-base turbulent kinetic energy values, thereby contributing to the hypothesis of an existing relationship between turbulent kinetic energy and entrainment/deposition phenomena. In-situ observations of a full-scale DSM-flux device during a storm event corroborate the laboratory observations, and confirm the capacity of particles interception by the facility.
Gapless fracton quantum spin liquids are exotic phases of matter described by higher-rank U(1) gauge theories, which host gapped and immobile fracton matter excitations as well as gapless photons. Despite well-known field theories, no spin models beyond purely classical systems have been identified to realize these phases. Using error-controlled Green function Monte Carlo, here we investigate a square lattice spin-1 model that shows precise signatures of a fracton quantum spin liquid without indications of conventional ordering. Specifically, the magnetic response exhibits characteristic patterns of suppressed pinch points that accurately match the prediction of a rank-2 U(1) field theory and reveals the existence of emergent photon excitations in 2+1 spacetime dimensions. Remarkably, this type of fracton quantum spin liquid is not only identified in the system's ground state but also in generic low-energy sectors of a strongly fragmented Hilbert space.
The CNS imaging manifestations of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) are poorly systematized. We aimed to characterize the spectrum of MRI brain findings and evaluate the association between dysautonomia, CNS findings, and enteric manifestations. We retrospectively identified patients with biochemically confirmed AIP who presented between 2008 and 2018 with acute neurovisceral episodes. This observational study did not include a control group. MRI brain studies performed during acute presentations were reviewed at the study level and categorized by predominant anatomical distribution into lobar-cortical, hippocampal, cortical-subcortical, deep gray matter, and normal patterns. Clinical and biochemical parameters were analyzed at the episode level with respect to dysautonomia status. Twenty-three patients with 27 acute neurovisceral episodes were identified; 17 underwent MRI, yielding 28 studies. The lobar-cortical pattern was most frequent (9/28; 32.1%), followed by hippocampal (6/28; 21.4%), cortical-subcortical (3/28; 10.7%), and deep gray matter (3/28; 10.7%); 7 of 28 studies (25.0%) were normal. Two patients showed evolving findings across serial MRI. Dysautonomia, documented in 12/27 (44.4%) episodes, was significantly associated with ileus (p < 0.001) and hyponatremia (p = 0.02). AIP is associated with a broader range of MRI brain appearances than classical PRES alone, with overlap from seizure-related, metabolic, and electrolyte-related processes; no single pattern is diagnostic on its own. The observed clustering of dysautonomia, ileus, and hyponatremia, together with the inverse correlation between aminolevulinic acid and serum sodium, supports a shared autonomic basis for these manifestations. Recognizing this combined imaging and clinical pattern may help raise AIP as a diagnostic consideration.