Seminatural streams and irrigation canals can act as important refuges for freshwater biodiversity in intensively managed landscapes, but they are also highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and biological invasions. In the northwestern Po Valley (Northern Italy), this secondary hydrographic network hosts the last remaining populations of Isoëtes malinverniana, a critically endangered endemic quillwort that has undergone a severe decline in recent decades. Despite the ecological relevance of benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators of habitat conditions, their communities have never been investigated in relation to the distribution of this species. We characterized macrobenthic communities in nine seminatural streams, including current and historical sites of I. malinverniana occurrence and one recent reintroduction site. Macroinvertebrates were sampled in spring 2025 together with basic physicochemical variables. Community composition, diversity patterns, and the occurrence of alien taxa were compared among streams to explore their relationship with the presence of I. malinverniana. Benthic assemblages were dominated by insects, particularly Chironomidae, while mollusks and crustaceans contributed less to total abundance. Only four alien taxa were recorded, yet their abundance varied markedly among streams. Streams hosting extant populations of I. malinverniana showed low levels of alien macroinvertebrates and environmental conditions indicative of limited disturbance, whereas historical sites of species loss and the reintroduction site exhibited higher proportions of alien taxa and signs of habitat alteration. Although overall macroinvertebrate diversity was higher where I. malinverniana is absent, this pattern was largely driven by alien species. These results indicate that macrobenthic community composition, particularly the presence of alien taxa, reflects environmental gradients critical for the persistence of I. malinverniana. Integrating macrobenthic assessments into monitoring programs may therefore support conservation and management actions for this critically endangered species.
Understanding how stand development is linked to soil multifunctionality (SMF) is essential for sustaining ecosystem functions in plantation forests. In this study, five stand age gradients (21, 26, 32, 37, and 47 a) of larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) plantations were analyzed in northern China. SMF was quantified using a multithreshold approach, and a structural equation model was employed to resolve pathways through which stand age influences SMF via soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, and co-occurrence network. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) accumulated during early (21 and 26 a) to mid-aged stages (32 and 37 a). Specifically, SOC increased from 31.37 to 41.06 g·kg-1, while TN increased from 2.29 to 3.20 g·kg-1, before declining slightly in mature stands. Soil pH decreased from 6.67 to 6.31 along the stand age gradient, indicating intensified soil acidification. Microbial α-diversity increased from early to mid-aged stands and declined in mature (47 a) stands, with bacterial Chao1 index peaking at 37 a (P < 0.01) and fungal Chao1 index peaking at 32 a (P < 0.01). In contrast, microbial co-occurrence networks exhibited a continuous increase in structural complexity. SMF peaked in mature stands and was positively associated with SOC, TN, microbial α-diversity, and network complexity, but negatively associated with soil pH. Stand age influenced SMF primarily through indirect pathways. Specifically, SOC improved SMF mainly by promoting microbial α-diversity, whereas TN contributed primarily by strengthening bacterial network complexity. In contrast, soil pH exerted a persistent negative constraint on SMF by limiting microbial turnover. Notably, microbial network complexity explained variation in SMF more effectively than microbial diversity alone, particularly at higher multifunctionality thresholds. Overall, SMF in larch plantations was linked to a hierarchical, multi-pathway cascade in which soil nutrient dynamics structured microbial interaction networks, thereby amplifying functional integration, and informing stand age-specific management strategies.
Precision medicine, which is based on the idea of tailoring health care for individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, is rapidly revolutionizing biomedical research and clinical practice across the world. Despite the progress across the world, Africa only has a limited representation in precision medicine research and implementation. This view looks at where Africa stands today in the precision medicine sphere and identifies gaps in genomic data, infrastructure, workforce capacity, and policy frameworks. It examines the implications of these gaps for health equity globally the potential dangers of growing health disparities if African populations are not included in research and innovation. Furthermore, it outlines the strategies to enhance Africa's involvement in precision medicine, such as capacity building, regional partnerships, investment in bioinformatics, and research policies to ensure inclusivity. Strengthening Africa's role in precision medicine is crucial not only for improving health at the local level but also for ensuring equitable health outcomes across the globe.
The crevice-like nanogap stands out as one of the most potent geometries for generating intense electromagnetic field localization; however, scaling such ultrasmall nanogaps into high-density metasurfaces remains a significant challenge. We report the fabrication of dense nanocrevice metasurfaces via the directed self-assembly (DSA) of a high-χ block copolymer (BCP). Using a poly(1,1-dimethylsilacyclobutane)-block-polystyrene (PDMSB-b-PS) block copolymer with a 9 nm half-pitch, we produce periodic, anisotropic Au nanocrevice metasurfaces with sub-10 nm gap features. Comprehensive optical characterization and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations reveal a robust, tunable optical plasmonic resonance localized within the nanocrevices. Utilizing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as a sensitive probe of the near-field, we validate that these structures deliver significant field enhancement. Optimal performance is achieved at a specific Au thickness using 638 nm excitation, a condition that aligns with both the simulated resonance and experimental reflectance, thereby maximizing plasmonic enhancement. Furthermore, we demonstrate a tunable polarization response, showing that the SERS anisotropy ratio can be tuned simply by varying the deposited metal thickness. This work establishes DSA as a scalable route to designer plasmonic metasurfaces, providing a versatile platform for advanced plasmonics and polarization-resolved spectroscopy.
Switching from transdermal fentanyl (TDF) to other opioids is clinically challenging because of the subcutaneous reservoir that delays drug elimination. This study compares the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) dose titration with morphine (MO) versus methadone (ME) as a "bridging" strategy to overcome this pharmacological lag. In this secondary analysis of an observational cohort study, patients who required an opioid switching from TDF (≥ 50 µg/h) to IV morphine or IV methadone were selected. As per protocol of the original study, patients were titrated with IV boluses of MO (n = 17) or ME (n = 22) until analgesia was achieved, followed by continuous infusion and subsequent oral conversion. The primary outcome was clinical stabilization; secondary outcomes included the comparison of final oral morphine equivalents (OME). Both groups achieved analgesia rapidly. The median IV dose required for stabilization was 10 mg for MO and 15 mg for ME (p = 0.152). Methadone demonstrated a significant "opioid-sparing" effect, allowing stabilization with equianalgesic doses (OME) significantly lower than those used in the morphine group and compared to baseline TDF. IV opioid dose titration is a safe and effective method for managing TDF switching effectively eliminating the "waiting period" associated with patch removal. While both drugs are effective, methadone stands out for its ability to significantly lower the total daily opioid requirement.
Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) is the rare ability to recollect nearly all of one's past personal experiences with great detail and accuracy. When given a date, a person with HSAM can recall verifiable details about what they experienced that day. People with HSAM do not tend to stand out on standard neuropsychological assessments, common laboratory tasks, or other measures that assess intentional forms of memory. Some clues suggest that the superior autobiographical remembering of people with HSAM occurs involuntarily. In a newly identified case of a person with HSAM, we found evidence using the Involuntary Autobiographical Memory Inventory (IAMI) that the person's involuntary memory indeed stands out. This person's past-oriented Involuntary Autobiographical Memory (IAM) frequency was two standard deviations above the mean reported in previous research. while, in line with past research, her performance on standard neuropsychological batteries and laboratory tasks was unremarkable. We propose that these intrusive recollections facilitate the consolidation of memory for past events.
Regenerative medicine is a dynamic, multidisciplinary area aimed at repairing and restoring the function of tissues and organs, incorporating diverse strategies like tissue engineering, bone regeneration, wound healing, and immunomodulation. In this field, biomaterials with exceptional physicochemical and biological properties-such as medical-grade metals, bioceramics, and polymers-play a crucial role. Among these, polydopamine (PDA) stands out as a highly promising material due to its straightforward synthesis, excellent biocompatibility, robust adhesive properties, ease of functionalization, high photothermal (PT) efficiency, and quenching capabilities. These qualities have sparked significant interest in PDA for regenerative medicine, where it acts as a versatile platform for surface modification, facilitating the development of multifunctional nanomaterials with extensive biomedical applications. This review offers a detailed examination of recent progress in PDA research, covering its synthesis processes, physicochemical properties, nanostructured forms, and diverse applications in regenerative medicine. Additionally, it critically assesses current challenges and provides insights into the future development of PDA-based nanoplatforms.
Montane moist temperate forests are structured by steep elevational and edaphic gradients that drive plant community turnover over short spatial scales. However, integrated evidence linking community structure, diversity, and species turnover to environmental gradients remains limited for the Hindu Kush-Western Himalayan region. This study aimed to characterize plant community organization, quantify alpha and beta diversity, and evaluate vegetation-environment relationships in the moist temperate forests of northern Pakistan. Vegetation was sampled during 2022-2023 across 50 representative stands selected to capture environmental heterogeneity using nested quadrats, and phytosociological attributes were recorded. Soil samples were analyzed for texture and key physicochemical properties. Plant species were grouped into communities, and alpha diversity, beta diversity, and multivariate ordination were applied to examine compositional patterns. A total of 70 plant species were recorded, with herbs and hemicryptophytes representing the dominant growth and life forms. Five distinct plant communities were identified, each defined by significant indicator species. Ordination separated communities clearly, with the first two axes explaining 72.31% of total compositional variation. Alpha diversity was highest in the BRI community and lowest, with greatest dominance, in the QCL community. Beta diversity was driven primarily by species turnover, including complete replacement between high- and low-elevation communities, whereas nestedness was minimal. Communities differed significantly in altitude and soil texture fractions and also varied in pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Community composition was most strongly associated with clay, sand, and slope, while within-community diversity related mainly to soil texture and nutrient availability. These findings demonstrate that environmental filtering promotes strong species replacement across environmental gradients, underscoring the importance of conserving edaphically and topographically heterogeneous habitats.
Research in child and adolescent mental health stands at an inflection point: the burden of psychiatric illness is global, heterogeneous, and dynamic, whereas our evidence base often remains limited and insufficiently responsive to patient needs. To meaningfully improve outcomes for youth and families globally and at scale, innovation in child and adolescent mental health research must extend beyond developing new treatments to encompass how we design, measure, and disseminate research. Continued innovation is essential to build on the existing corpus of knowledge and to ensure that research keeps pace with real-world clinical and public health priorities.
Ceratonia siliqua is a nutritionally and economically important Mediterranean tree species whose natural stands in Morocco are increasingly threatened by habitat degradation and genetic erosion. However, the spatial organisation of genetic diversity across its natural range in Morocco remains insufficiently resolved. To support conservation and germplasm management initiatives, interpopulation genetic differentiation among Moroccan carobs populations was assessed using a pooled DNA sample and SSR markers analysed through three genotyping workflows: high-resolution melting (HRM), conventional PCR, and capillary electrophoresis. Genetic relationships among populations were evaluated using Neighbour-Joining (NJ) analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and K-means clustering. Among the evaluated approaches, HRM provided the highest discriminatory resolution and generated the most informative polymorphism profiles across loci. All analytical frameworks consistently revealed substantial interpopulation differentiation and broad geographic grouping patterns. Southern populations formed genetically cohesive groups, whereas northern and central populations displayed more complex patterns of genetic similarity. K-means clustering supported the presence of four major population groups, while PCA identified a subset of highly discriminative SSR loci contributing to regional differentiation. Overall, the results reveal a genetically diverse and spatially differentiated Moroccan carob germplasm and demonstrate that SSR-HRM is a robust and cost-effective approach for population-level genetic screening. These findings provide useful genetic resources for future conservation, germplasm management, and breeding programmes in Moroccan carob.
Radical fluoroalkylation via electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex photochemistry stands out as a particularly attractive approach, owing to its mild conditions and the absence of an external metal photocatalyst or organic dye. Fluoroalkyl sulfones, valued for their stability, accessibility, and structural tunability, have emerged as versatile precursors for radical fluoroalkylation. Herein, we present a photocatalyst-free and straightforward method for direct fluoroalkylation through an EDA complex, utilizing inexpensive iodide anion as an electron donor and fluoroalkyl sulfones as acceptors. Upon visible light irradiation, the EDA complex undergoes single-electron transfer (SET) to generate fluoroalkyl radicals, which subsequently react with a diverse array of silyl enol ethers with high efficiency. The method features mild reaction conditions, broad functional group compatibility, and an extensive substrate scope that encompasses bioactive molecules and sterically demanding architectures. Mechanistic investigations indicate the involvement of an iodide-mediated EDA complex and support the proposed radical-generation pathway. This work establishes a practical and sustainable platform for fluoroalkylation, underscoring the utility of iodide in EDA-based photochemistry and broadening the scope of radical synthetic methods.
Baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a native fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, is gaining increasing scientific attention due to its nutritional value. While its traditional use as a food source for communities in this biome, particularly the almond, is well established, the health benefits of baru have yet to be extensively explored on a broader scale. This study aimed to collect and analyze evidence regarding the nutritional composition of both parts of the baru fruit: (1) pulp and peel, and (2) almond, and their potential effects on human health. The review considered data on chemical composition, alongside studies that investigate health effects. The potential health benefits of baru are significant, underscoring its value as a functional food. The pulp, rich in carbohydrates and insoluble fiber, and the almond, with its high protein content and fatty acid profile, particularly oleic and linoleic acids, stand out. Regarding bioactive compounds, flavonoids are the main compounds identified. Baru is mainly associated with potential prebiotic activity, an improved lipid profile, cardiovascular protection, and reduced oxidative stress. Therefore, this work highlights the potential of baru as a functional food and encourages its incorporation into healthy diets, also contributing to the preservation of Brazilian biodiversity.
This study evaluated the effects of different space allowances on the behaviour and coccidial load in intensively reared Sirohi goat kids. Seventy-two healthy Sirohi goat kids (approximately three months of age) with similar initial body weights were randomly allocated to four space allowance treatments: 0.8 m²/kid (T1), 0.9 m²/kid (T2), 0.7 m²/kid (T3), and 0.6 m²/kid (T4), with three replicate pens of six kids each. Daily behavioural observations were conducted over 90 days using scan sampling, and faecal samples were collected on Days 0, 30, 60, and 90 to measure coccidial oocyst counts (OPG). Results showed that space allowance significantly affected behavioural responses and coccidial burden (p < 0.05). Kids in lower space allowances (0.6 and 0.7 m²/kid) exhibited more feeding, standing, drinking, and agonistic behaviours, while resting, locomotor activity, self-grooming, and affiliative interactions decreased compared to those in higher allowances (0.8 and 0.9 m²/kid). Stereotypic and eliminative behaviours were not significantly affected (p > 0.05). Coccidial burden increased over the experimental period, being highest in kids at 0.6 m²/kid (T4) and lowest in those at 0.9 m²/kid (T2). These findings suggest that providing adequate space allowance can improve behavioural welfare and reduce coccidial burden in intensively reared Sirohi goat kids, highlighting the importance of appropriate housing management in intensive production systems.
Activity-based rehabilitation, such as locomotor training, is commonly used to induce positive systemic physiological adaptations and restore locomotion in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Restoration of locomotion with activity-based rehabilitation alone is not optimal and may require augmentation with neuromodulation strategies. We characterized the excitability of spinal locomotor circuits during stepping in humans with SCI who underwent transspinal stimulation before locomotor training, within the same session. A total of 14 participants with chronic SCI received an average of 40 sessions of 30 Hz transspinal stimulation delivered for 30 min during standing (active or sham) or in the supine (active) position, followed by 30 min of robotic-assisted step training. Before and after the completion of all training sessions, we assessed the soleus H-reflex phase-dependent amplitude modulation and reciprocal Ia and presynaptic inhibition in response to a conditioning stimulus delivered to the common peroneal nerve. Transspinal stimulation administered before locomotor training promoted soleus H-reflex depression during the swing phase in the active standing group (n = 5; F 1, 309 = 4.52, p = 0.034), stabilized soleus H-reflex excitability during the stance phase in the active supine group (n = 5; F 1, 327 = 18.44, p < 0.001), and promoted reduced ankle co-contraction during assisted stepping in all groups. Reciprocal inhibition between ankle flexors and extensors after treatment was reduced at mid-stance and during the swing-to-stance transition phase in the active standing group (n = 4; F 1, 81 = 7.4, p = 0.008), while it was markedly potentiated through the swing phase in the sham standing group (n = 3; F 1, 108 = 22.46, p < 0.001). Finally, generalized soleus H-reflex depression after the intervention in the active (n = 4; F 1, 150 = 42.32, p < 0.001) and sham (n = 3; F 1, 64 = 13.19, p < 0.001) standing groups supported potentiation for presynaptic inhibition. This study demonstrated that transspinal stimulation preceding locomotor training was associated with modulation of the spinal reflex pathways. These neurophysiological adaptations suggest increased responsiveness of spinal circuits, although further studies are needed to determine whether these changes translate into functional improvements in people with chronic SCI.
Standing balance is maintained through the integration of signals from the proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular systems. Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) delivered through head-worn electrodes is increasingly used in clinical vestibular rehabilitation and immersive entertainment interfaces, but it is known to impact on-feet postural stability. Prior studies assessing balance and postural effects have predominantly focused on bilateral mastoid-based uniaxial GVS paradigms. Limited research has characterized balance metrics under multiaxial GVS configurations using four-electrode montages generating multiple directional stimulation paradigms. Standing balance was assessed in healthy participants with eyes closed using a dual force-plate system to record center-of-pressure (COP) dynamics. Participants were exposed to six randomized GVS stimulation conditions across four electrodes placed on the left and right mastoids, center forehead, and nape of the neck, while static, dynamic sway, and velocity-based COP features were extracted to characterize postural responses. GVS significantly altered static, dynamic sway, and velocity-based balance measures compared with the Null condition across six stimulation paradigms. All GVS stimulations increased COP displacement, sway length, sway area, and peak velocities, while reducing sway density metrics across mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) axes. These findings provide an early quantitative characterization of postural responses to an unconventional GVS montage and create a foundation for predicting body motion during multiaxial vestibular stimulations. Such insights are important for the safe application of GVS in standing and ambulatory contexts, including clinical vestibular rehabilitation and immersive simulation environments.
Subjective well-being is a core indicator of livelihood quality and grassroots governance effectiveness. Against the backdrop of China's Rural Revitalization Strategy, improving rural residents' well-being is a central goal of national governance. However, existing scholarship has long focused on material determinants such as income and education, while lacking systematic analysis of the well-being transmission mechanisms of non-economic institutional factors like political participation. In particular, how grassroots political participation affects rural residents' happiness through socio-cognitive pathways, and the heterogeneous boundary effects of subjective social status (SSS), remain critical research gaps in rural well-being studies. Drawing on Equity Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, this study constructs a moderated parallel mediation framework based on nationally representative data from the 2023 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). We employ OLS regression with robust standard errors, instrumental variable estimation, and bias-corrected Bootstrap testing to systematically examine the mechanisms and boundary conditions of village committee election participation on rural residents' subjective well-being. First, political participation exhibits a stable positive association with rural residents' subjective well-being, which remains consistent across multiple robustness checks. However, instrumental variable estimation does not support definitive causal inference, so we prudently frame our core finding as a robust correlational association. Second, the association is transmitted through two parallel pathways: social fairness perception acts as the dominant mediating mechanism, while general social trust plays a secondary complementary role. Third, SSS exerts an asymmetric moderating effect: it only significantly strengthens the well-being returns of fairness perception among individuals with lower SSS, while no significant moderating effect is observed for the social trust pathway. Fourth, heterogeneity analysis shows that the well-being association is only significant among middle-aged (45-60 years) and high-income rural residents. This study delineates the dual psychological mechanisms and asymmetric stratification boundary of political participation's well-being effects in rural China. It not only fills the academic gap of existing well-being research's long-standing focus on material factors and neglect of non-economic psychological mechanisms, but also verifies the central role of institutional fairness perceptions in the well-being effects of grassroots governance. Our findings provide empirical evidence for advancing inclusive rural governance and precisely improving the sense of gain among different groups.
There is a long-standing international research interest in how substance use and criminality are intertwined. Research on adolescents in substance use treatment has observed high rates of criminality, but little is known in the international literature about how different types of criminality are patterned among patients. The aim of this study was to identify different criminal profiles, in terms of convictions, among adolescents and young adults in Swedish substance use treatment. The sample included all patients aged 13 to 25 who were in contact with Sweden's largest specialized regional provider of substance use treatment for adolescents and young adults, Maria Ungdom (MU) Stockholm, between 2011 and 2021 (n = 29,960). Data on convictions were gathered from the Swedish National Conviction Register and linked to data from patient journals and other Swedish registers. Latent class analysis was used to identify different subgroups based on 12 different offenses. Differences between these sub-groups on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were also explored. Over 40% of the patients had been convicted between 2011 and 2021, with drug offenses being the most common. The LCA identified six classes based on offenses included in the convictions, including classes defined by single offense types to a class characterized by multiple offenses. The largest class (47.8%) consisted of patients with primarily drug offenses and the smallest class consisted of patients primarily defined by shoplifting (6.47%). Comprising only about 5% of all patients, the class with multiple offenses accounted for 32.8% of all convictions. Classes differed across socio-demographic and clinical variables, where the class with multiple offenses was the most severe. Patients with no convictions scored more favorably on socio-demographic and clinical variables compared to those who had been convicted. A large share of adolescents and young adults in substance use treatment have been convicted for criminal offenses. However, there is profound heterogeneity in this group related to type of offenses as well as to socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. This heterogeneity should be considered in further research and in the provision of treatment.
To report recently described type 4 macular neovascularization (T4MNV) in eyes with diabetic retinopathy (DR). A retrospective analysis including nine eyes with DR (and without any features of age related macular degeneration or AMD) that displayed T4MNV with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). The mean age of the patients was 64 years, and the mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 20 years. All patients displayed unilateral T4MNV with an average visual acuity of 20/500 in the affected eye. Seven of the nine patients (77.8%) were diagnosed with proliferative DR, and the remaining exhibited severe non-proliferative DR. Central posterior hyaloid fibrosis was detected in 7/9 eyes (77.8%) and showed flow on OCTA in 4/9 eyes (44.4%). All 9 eyes showed subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) on OCT corresponding to Type 2 (and Type 1) MNV on OCT and OCTA. Drusen were not detected in any of the 9 affected or fellow eyes. T4MNV can occur in eyes with long-standing DR without signs of AMD. It is possible that early identification of T2MNV and timely anti-VEGF intervention may potentially mitigate progression to T4MNV, but this requires validation with prospective analysis. Early recognition of T4MNV imaging features is important in counseling patients about the poor visual prognosis.
A 45-year-old woman with long-standing hypertension and premature menopause presented with progressive bilateral pitting leg edema. Initial evaluation showed albuminuria, microscopic hematuria and pyuria, severe mixed dyslipidemia, and prediabetes. Despite optimization of blood pressure and cardiometabolic therapy, edema progressed to the thighs, and urinary protein excretion increased. Renal ultrasonography showed increased parenchymal echogenicity, with scarring of the lower half of the left kidney. Subsequent evaluation revealed hypoalbuminemia and nephrotic-range proteinuria of 8.64 g/day. Autoimmune and viral hepatitis screening was negative, and a right renal biopsy confirmed minimal change disease (MCD)/podocytopathy. Treatment with prednisolone 60 mg/day and diuretic therapy led to rapid clinical remission, with complete resolution of edema and reduction of 24-hour urinary protein to 190 mg/day by May 2025 and 55 mg/day by July 2025. The course was complicated by steroid-induced Cushingoid features and worsening glycemia, requiring temporary addition of glimepiride. By March 2026, the patient remained clinically well with excellent lipid and glycemic control. This case highlights the importance of early nephrology referral and kidney biopsy in adults with progressive albuminuria and edema, even when cardiometabolic comorbidities such as hypertension, prediabetes, and severe dyslipidemia coexist.