Birds can assess risk posed by predators in their environment and adjust their anti-predation strategies accordingly. However, the impact of nest site characteristics on nest defense behaviors has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nest defense behaviors and nest site characteristics in Asian tits (Parus cinereus) when confronted with Common chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus, ground predator) and Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus, aerial predator). Generalized linear mixed-model analyses revealed that predator type significantly influenced both aggressive and vigilance behaviors, with Asian tits less likely to exhibit these two behaviors toward Eurasian sparrowhawks than toward Common chipmunks. Nest-site shrub height negatively predicted the probability of vigilance behavior, whereas no measured nest-site characteristics influenced aggressive behavior. Neither predator type nor nest-site features significantly affected stationary observation or threatening behaviors. These findings demonstrate that Asian tits adopt predator-specific defensive strategies: they adjust vigilance behavior s according to local shrub height while maintaining stationary observation and threatening behaviors relatively invariant, supporting their capacity for dynamic risk assessment in heterogeneous predation environments.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common thrombotic condition with substantial morbidity when not identified early. Machine learning (ML)-based predictive models may improve early identification of patients at high risk for DVT, but few clinically applicable early-risk models exist. To develop and internally validate a ML model using routinely available clinical and laboratory indicators for early risk prediction of DVT, and to identify the most influential predictors using model explainability techniques. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 231 patients evaluated at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University between January 2017 and June 2024. Patients were labeled as DVT occurrence (n = 159) or non-occurrence (n = 72). Seven candidate predictors were selected by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. The dataset was split into training (70%, n = 162) and test (30%, n = 69) sets. Five ML algorithms were trained: XGBoost, CatBoost, Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression, and Support Vector Machine, with hyperparameter tuning on the training set. Model performance was assessed by 5-fold cross-validation and on the held-out test set using Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC), accuracy, recall, and F1 score. The best model was further interpreted via feature importance and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). LASSO selected seven predictors: hemoglobin, platelet count, leukocyte count, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, D-dimer (DD), and glucose. The Random Forest model showed the best discrimination (test-set AUC = 0.874), with favorable accuracy, recall, and F1 compared with other classifiers (detailed metrics reported in the manuscript). In the RF model, D-dimer had the highest feature-importance contribution; SHAP analysis confirmed DD as the dominant risk driver and characterized the directions and relative effects of other features. We developed an internally validated ML model for early DVT risk prediction using seven routine clinical variables; Random Forest achieved the best performance and identified D-dimer as the most influential predictor. This model may support earlier identification and intervention for patients at risk of DVT, pending external validation and prospective evaluation.
The single leg squat test (SLST) is commonly used for visual movement assessment in subjects with lower extremity injuries. While current methods utilize ordinal rating categorization, adopting a visual analog scale (VAS) may offer potential advantages. The study aims to determine the intra-rater, inter-rater reliability, and validity of a visual analog scale (VAS) for rating the single leg squat test (SLST) in subjects with lower extremity injuries. 58 subjects with lower extremity injuries participated. Intra-rater reliability was assessed by a physical therapist at 1-week and 2-week intervals. Single session inter-rater reliability was assessed by two physical therapists. A 10 cm VAS was used to measure trunk lateral flexion, hip adduction, and dynamic knee valgus during the SLST. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. Validity was assessed by comparing VAS scores to 2-D kinematic analysis. Intra-rater reliability was good at both 1 week (ICC = 0.81-0.92, MDC = 1.2-2.2 cm) and 2 weeks (ICC = 0.77-0.79, MDC = 2.7-3 cm). Inter-rater reliability was good to excellent (ICC = 0.78-0.93, MDD = 1-2.6 cm). The correlation between visual assessment and 2-D kinematic analysis was moderate to good (r = 0.66-0.78). Preliminary data indicate that VAS reliably and validly rates SLST in individuals with lower-extremity injuries, allowing calculation of minimal detectable change and minimal detectable difference to support clinical interpretation. The MDC and MDD values established for trunk lateral flexion, hip adduction, and dynamic knee valgus allows clinicians to objectively determine if scores between repeated measurement and two raters are different.
Neuroinflammation plays a central role in multiple neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including ischemic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Microglia, the principal immune cells with in the central nervous system (CNS) are pivotal mediators of neuroinflammatory responses via their dynamic transition across a spectrum of polarization states, broadly delineated by pro-inflammatory M1-like and anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotypic profiles. A pathological skew towards pro-inflammatory microglial activation drives and exacerbates disease progression, thereby rendering the modulation of microglial polarization states a promising therapeutic target for neuroprotective intervention. Natural polyphenols have garnered increasing interest owing to their capacity to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), confer neuroprotective effects, and mitigate neuroinflammation. Despite challenges in clinical translation stemming from poor bioavailability and rapid in vivo metabolism, innovative delivery systems are being developed to address these limitations. This review consolidates current evidence regarding the mechanisms by which polyphenols modulate microglial phenotypic balance and polarization states and examines advanced delivery strategies designed to enhance their therapeutic efficacy in neuroinflammatory disorders. By synthesizing these perspectives, we offer novel insights into the potential application of polyphenols in neuroprotective therapies targeting pathological neuroinflammation.
Aerotaxis, the oxygen-directed motile behavior intrinsically linked to bacterial energy metabolism, serves as a fundamental survival and adaptive strategy for motile prokaryotes, including bacteria and archaea. This behavior enables these microorganisms to navigate along oxygen gradients and colonize metabolically optimal ecological niches. This review systematically synthesizes the latest research advancements in bacterial aerotaxis, focusing on the diverse signal-sensing mechanisms of aerotaxis receptors, which are primarily categorized into energy-dependent and direct oxygen-sensing types. Furthermore, we elucidate the distinct molecular mechanisms that underlie their oxygen signal perception and transduction. We also discuss the two major adaptive regulatory mechanisms of aerotaxis and its critical ecological functions in mediating microbe-host interactions, facilitating host colonization, and modulating biofilm formation. This work clarifies the evolutionary and ecological significance of aerotaxis in prokaryotic environmental adaptation and provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for future relevant research.
Modern buildings, designed for energy efficiency often lead to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), combined with prolonged indoor working activity resulting in Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms among occupants. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SBS symptoms especially ocular and general symptoms and their association with IAQ and ergonomic factors among office workers in a healthcare facility. A cross-sectional study involving 261 office workers was conducted, assessing demographics, working conditions, and SBS symptoms using questionnaires. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) parameters were measured, including thermal comfort, chemical, and biological parameters, light, and building inspection. Results revealed a substantial prevalence of ocular (27.2%) and general (22.2%) SBS symptoms, associated with prolonged computer usage and elevated formaldehyde levels. Multivariable analysis revealed that every hour of increase in computer screen time beyond seven hours increased the risk of ocular and general SBS by 21% and 23%, respectively. Formaldehyde concentrations ≥ ocular 0.74 ppm increased the probability of ocular SBS by 5.9 times. Furthermore, repetitive wrist and shoulder movements increased the risk of general SBS by 2.48 times. Recommendations include optimizing IAQ, reducing formaldehyde emissions, and implementing ergonomic workstation strategies to mitigate SBS effects. This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive workplace interventions for healthier indoor environments and improved occupational health and productivity.
This study investigated the effects of different velocity loss (VL) thresholds during squat exercise at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) in basketball players. Nineteen male collegiate basketball players completed three familiarization sessions and four randomized crossover experimental sessions: control (passive rest), 5% VL, 10% VL, and 20% VL. Countermovement jump height (JH), peak power output (PPO), and reactive strength index modified (RSIm) were measured pre-test and at 3-min and 8-min post-squat. Linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) evaluated the effects of time, condition, and mean-centered relative strength on the outcome variables and repetition counts. To identify responders who exhibited meaningful improvements in jump height, the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) was calculated. At the group level, no significant condition × time interactions or main effects of condition were observed for JH, PPO, or RSIm (p > 0.05), indicating no uniform PAPE effect across protocols. Furthermore, no statistically significant strength × time × condition interaction effects were observed. Repetition counts did not differ between the 5% and 10% VL conditions but were significantly lower in both conditions compared to the 20% VL condition (p < 0.01). Individual analysis showed the 20% VL condition yielded the highest number of responders (n = 11; 58%). Squat protocols using 5-20% VL at 80% 1RM did not produce significant group-level CMJ performance improvements, suggesting that a comprehensive warm-up may create a performance ceiling. Furthermore, these responses were not moderated by relative strength. However, the high inter-individual variability and responder rates at higher VL thresholds highlight the importance of individualized PAPE programming.
With the rising incidence of hematologic malignancies (HMs) in recent years, caregivers of HMs patients have increasingly emerged as a significant factor affecting the treatment of these conditions. This study aimed to explore the association of coping strategies on the relationship between care burden and social support among family caregivers of HMs patients. A questionnaire survey was conducted involving 207 family caregivers of hospitalized HMs patients in a tertiary hospital in Dalian from October 2023 to May 2024 and 200 valid responses were collected. We used hierarchical linear regression and parallel mediation model to assess the relationships and potential mediating effects among care burden, coping strategies, and social support. In our study, the care burden showed a medium level and average score was 44.21 ± 15.92. Positive coping strategies (r =  - 0.769, P < 0.01) and social support (r =  - 0.654, P < 0.01) showed a negative correlation with care burden, while negative coping strategies was significantly correlated with care burden (r = 0.788, P < 0.01). According to the mediating effect analysis after covariate adjustment, the relationships between social support and care burden were mediated by coping strategies in total samples and the indirect effect value was -0.955, accounted for 73.57% of the total effect. Family caregivers of HMs patients with more negative coping strategies and less social support were significantly associated with higher levels of care burden. Coping strategies served as a partial parallel mediator between social support and care burden.
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a common cause of female infertility. Prior high-throughput sequencing showed specific follicular fluid exosomal miRNA profiles in DOR patients, implicating exosomal miRNAs in DOR pathogenesis. Using miRNA PCR arrays, we found miR-483-3p was significantly upregulated in DOR follicular fluid exosomes. Bioinformatics and experiments indicated METTL3 as a potential miR-483-3p target, suggesting excess miR-483-3p exerts cytotoxicity and suppresses METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. This study thus investigated miR-483-3p effects on METTL3 expression, m6A levels, cell proliferation, and mitochondrial function in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). The targeting interaction between miR-483-3p and METTL3 was confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and Dot blot were used to evaluate the effects of miR-483-3p mimics, cyclophosphamide (CTX), and STM2457 on METTL3 protein expression and m6A modification levels in KGN cells. Additionally, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, along with mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) measurements, were used to examine the impact of these treatments on KGN cell proliferation and mitochondrial function. miR-483-3p directly targeted the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of METTL3, and its mimics significantly suppressed METTL3 gene expression. In contrast, CTX robustly promoted METTL3 gene expression, accompanied by a substantial elevation in global m6A levels. STM2457 treatment also showed a similar trend. But miR-483-3p overexpression modestly inhibited METTL3 protein and m6A levels. Regarding cellular phenotypes, miR-483-3p overexpression, CTX, and STM2457 all exerted significant inhibitory effects on KGN cells. All three treatments consistently suppressed the cell viability of KGN cells, reduced the EdU-positive cell ratio, and decreased MMP levels. This study provides preliminary evidence suggesting a specific regulatory interaction between miR-483-3p and METTL3. We demonstrate that aberrantly high expression of miR-483-3p significantly suppresses METTL3 mRNA levels but only moderately reduces METTL3 protein and m6A levels, suggesting the involvement of complex post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, overaccumulation of miR-483-3p markedly inhibits the proliferation of ovarian GCs and impairs their mitochondrial function. Further investigation into the role of the candidate miR-483-3p-METTL3-m6A axis in DOR will be conducted using in vivo models alongside an expanded cohort of clinical samples.
Biological age quantifies functional decline beyond chronological aging; however, current epigenetic clocks exhibit limitations in resolving dynamic metabolic fluctuations and tissue-specific aging trajectories. Metabolomics emerges as a pivotal solution, representing the endpoint cascade of biological events shaped by multifactorial interactions that capture real-time physiological status. This review delineates aging clocks through a metabolomic lens and proposes an executable research workflow comprising data preprocessing, feature selection, model construction, and model application. Furthermore, we design a three-phase causal strategy structured as global screening, local verification, and dynamic validation. This integrated methodology aims to enhance the predictive accuracy of aging clocks while strengthening the biological plausibility and causal inference potential of metabolite-derived aging biomarkers. Additionally, we evaluate the translational prospects and applied value of metabolomic aging clocks, providing actionable guidance for extending human healthspan and advancing prevention and treatment strategies for aging-related pathologies.
Dog ownership may benefit brain and cognitive health by supporting physical activity and social connectedness, among other mechanisms. Studies that include brain health outcomes (e.g., neuroimaging outcomes) are lacking. As the population ages, studies investigating whether and how dogs support healthy brain aging are needed, as dog ownership and dog walking are modifiable targets for dementia prevention efforts. This study piloted all methods for a full-scale investigation of how dog ownership in older adulthood impacts brain aging. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants (n = 25; n = 13 dog owners) completed physical activity monitoring (activPAL + diary for 7 days) and questionnaires relating to social connectedness. They also completed cognitive testing (NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain structural volumes (e.g., total gray matter volume) and cortical thickness were quantified. Process outcomes of interest included sample characteristics and data completeness. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data overall and by group. Participants were 74.8 ± 3.9 years old, 60% were female, 100% were non-Hispanic White, 84% had at least a 4-year college degree, and 76% reported very good or excellent health. Most (84%) provided complete survey, physical activity, cognition, and brain MRI data. Dog owners took 8,972 ± 5,650 mean steps per day, while non-dog owners took 7,107 ± 2,989 mean steps per day. Most dog owners (11/13; 85%) reported dog walking, and most (11/13; 85%) reported meeting people in their neighborhood through their dog. Dog owners scored 6.8 ± 2.9 on the PROMIS Social Isolation v2.0-Short Form 4a (scale 4-20, higher scores = more isolation), while non-dog owners scored 6.7 ± 2.7. Dog owners scored 112.2 ± 12.8 on the NIH Fluid Cognition Composite Score (100 indicates average function), while non-dog owners scored 116.3 ± 10.3. Total gray matter volume was 599,156 ± 10,035 mm3 for dog owners and 588,028 ± 12,945 mm3 for non-dog owners. Total cortical thickness was 2.35 ± 0.03 mm2 (right hemisphere) and 2.35 ± 0.03 mm2 (left hemisphere) for dog owners and 2.30 ± 0.04 mm2 (right hemisphere) and 2.32 ± 0.04 mm2 (left hemisphere) for non-dog owners. This pilot research was performed to inform a larger study on the brain and cognitive health impact of dog ownership in older adulthood. This study confirmed feasibility of data collection procedures while identifying important modifications needed for the success and rigor of the hypothesis-testing study, namely that recruitment strategies must be modified in the larger study to ensure a more representative study sample with greater variability in mechanisms of interest (e.g., social connection, physical activity, dog walking).
Transient tachypnea of the neonate (TTN) is the most common cause of respiratory distress in newborns. While often self-limiting, the severity of TTN varies significantly, ranging from mild tachypnea to severe respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation. Early and objective grading of TTN severity remains difficult in routine practice. Clinical scores are subjective, and chest radiography is insensitive to the extent of lung fluid. This study evaluated a semi-quantitative lung ultrasound (LUS) B-line score as a predictor of oxygen requirement in neonates with TTN. In a prospective cohort at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we enrolled 267 neonates (gestational age ≥ 33 weeks) with a clinical diagnosis of TTN. Within 6 hours of admission, we recorded a standardized twelve-zone LUS score, respiratory rate, and arterial blood gas values. The primary outcome was the highest level of respiratory support within 72 hours, classified as no oxygen support, low-flow oxygen support, or escalated respiratory support. Analyses included Spearman correlation, receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves, and multivariable ordinal logistic regression. The LUS score correlated inversely with arterial oxygen (PaO2) (ρ = -0.705, P < 0.001) and positively with partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) (ρ = 0.399, P < 0.001). Mean scores rose with increasing support (0.5 ± 2.1, 15.0 ± 6.4, and 27.0 ± 4.8 for room air, low-flow, and high-flow groups; P < 0.001). For predicting any oxygen use, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.982 (95% CI [0.968-0.997]) with an optimal cutoff of 5.5. A cutoff of 22.5 identified infants needing high-flow support (AUC 0.965). In multivariable analysis, the LUS score was the strongest independent predictor of respiratory support level (adjusted odds ratio per point, 1.70; 95% CI [1.41-2.05]; P < 0.001). A semi-quantitative LUS score provides a non-invasive and physiologically coherent measure of disease severity in TTN and can help stratify early oxygen and respiratory support requirements at the bedside. These findings suggest that incorporating LUS scoring into early NICU assessment may help standardize decisions about initiation and escalation of respiratory support in infants with TTN.
The incidence of distal femur fractures (DFF) has shown a continuous annual increase. Preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs in DFF patients is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Inflammation has been recognized as an essential contributor to thrombus formation, drawing increasing research attention in recent years. This study aimed to construct a predictive model utilizing inflammatory blood indicators to estimate the preoperative risk of DVT in patients with DFF. A retrospective analysis was performed on 493 eligible patients treated for DFF, admitted to a single-center, between January 2022 and September 2025. Clinical baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters were collected. Independent risk factors for preoperative lower limb DVT were identified through univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses. The predictive model was established using R 4.2.0, with patients randomly allocated to training and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and corresponding areas under the curve (AUC) were computed for internal validation. Model performance was further assessed using calibration curves (CC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) in both cohorts. A total of 493 eligible patients were analyzed, comprising 205 cases with DVT and 288 without DVT. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression identified neutrophil- to-lymphocyte (NLR) (OR = 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.774-0.95], P = 0.004), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (OR = 1.545, 95% CI [1.3-1.851], P = 0.000), white blood cell count (OR = 1.245, 95% CI [1.152-1.353], P = 0.000), neutrophil count (OR = 1.563, 95% CI [1.398-1.766], P = 0.000), lymphocyte count (OR = 0.151, 95% CI [0.077-0.285], P = 0.000), and eosinophil count (OR = 2.343, 95% CI [0.657-8.447], P = 0.19) as independent variables associated with preoperative lower limb DVT in DFF patients. Incorporating age with these indicators, a predictive model was developed. The ROC analysis demonstrated AUC values of 0.926 and 0.939 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Among the preoperative inflammatory indicators evaluated, NLR, LMR, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and eosinophil count were identified as independent determinants of preoperative lower limb DVT in patients with DFF. The predictive model constructed based on independent risk factors has excellent predictive efficacy and clinical application value.
Cervical cancer (CC) remains one of the most prevalent malignancies in the female reproductive system. Methionine metabolism (MM) plays a pivotal role in various biological processes and has been implicated in cancer progression. However, its mechanisms in CC remain unclear. Transcriptomic data from 305 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (training cohort) and 299 patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (GSE44001) (external validation cohort) were analyzed for differentially expressed MM-related genes (MM-RGs). Prognostic MM-RGs were identified using Cox regression, proportional hazards testing, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. A risk model was constructed and validated. Functional enrichment (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis/Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSEA/GSVA)), in-silico immune infiltration (CIBERSORT) and drug sensitivity (oncoPredict) analyses were performed. Five genes were validated by Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) on clinical samples. Eight MM-RGs (MTHFD1, SMYD2, MSRB3, MTR, ENOPH1, DNMT3B, SLC38A7, PEMT) were identified as prognostic genes. A robust risk score model was developed, stratifying patients into high- and low-risk groups with significant differences in survival outcomes. Functional enrichment revealed pathways such as ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion. Immune analysis indicated altered infiltration of Tregs and mast cells. In-silico drug sensitivity analysis predicted 57 agents with significantly different IC50 values between the high- and low-risk groups (p < 0.05). Notably, agents such as Cediranib and BI-2536 exhibited markedly lower IC50 values in the high-risk cohort, suggesting their potential efficacy for advanced-stage treatment. qRT-PCR preliminarily indicated the overexpression of four genes in CC tissues within a small clinical cohort. This study establishes a novel MM-based prognostic model for CC and based on in-silico predictions suggests potential therapeutic targets through comprehensive transcriptomic and experimental validation.
As a highly reproductive meat sheep breed in China, Hu sheep is an important economic group in ruminant animal breeding. However, research on its intestinal microbiomes under the background of diarrhea and antibiotic treatment remains relatively limited. This study investigated the intestinal microbiota of Hu sheep lambs in the preliminary stage of diarrhea (group DM), the late recovery stage of diarrhea (group DL), and the healthy stage (group H). Diseased individuals (groups DM and DL) were treated with a combination of Shuanghuanglian, Cefazolin, Lincomycin, and Dexamethasone (0.2 mL dosage). To characterize the intestinal microbiota, fecal samples were collected from all groups, and metagenomic sequencing was performed. Using metagenomic binning tools and co-assembly methods, we reconstructed 482 high-quality non-redundant metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs). Among these MAGs, 70% belong to the phyla Bacillota, Bacteroidota, and Pseudomonadota, highly consistent with the typical structure of intestinal microbiota in ruminants. Functional annotation revealed that the genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) are more abundant in Bacillota and Bacteroidota, which supports the degradation and energy metabolism functions of Hu sheep on fibrous feed. During the preliminary stage of diarrhea, the virulence genes carried by symbiotic bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae, Acutalibacteraceae and Bacteroidaceae were enriched. Although diarrhea symptoms alleviated during the late recovery stage of diarrhea, the combined use of multiple antibiotics led to the continuous enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) related to lincosamides and cephalosporins. The average abundance of cephalosporin-related ARGs in group DL was significantly higher than that in group DM and H, indicating a risk of residual ARGs. Microbial diversity analysis showed that there was no significant overall difference in MAGs between group DM and H, but both groups showed significant differences compared to group DL, suggesting that antibiotic driven clearance of sensitive bacteria is the core driving force. Moreover, our study shows that the abundance of the zoonotic pathogens Barnesiella and Campylobacter significantly increased in the diarrhea group (p <  0.05), and they carry 567 and 382 virulence genes, respectively. Their pathogenicity is regulated by the dynamic changes in the host intestinal microbiota. This study not only expands the genomic database of ruminant intestinal microorganisms but also provides a key theoretical basis for formulating intestinal microecological regulation strategies and optimizing diarrhea treatment regimens for Hu sheep.
Migration is a well-established risk factor for psychosis, yet limited research has examined long-term clinical trajectories following first-episode psychosis (FEP) in migrant populations within Southern European settings. This study investigates how country of origin and time since migration influence psychiatric outcomes in a naturalistic FEP cohort. A 5-year longitudinal study was conducted on 184 patients with FEP attending the Early Intervention Service from Hospital Universitari de Mataró. Patients were grouped by geographic origin (Spanish, Latin American, Maghrebi, Sub-Saharan) and migration recency (≤5 years vs. >5 years). Primary outcomes included treatment adherence, use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, relapse, and service disengagement. Logistic regression and survival analyses were used to identify associations. Maghrebi origin was associated with lower treatment adherence (OR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.12-0.89], p = 0.030). In time-to-event analyses, Maghrebi patients showed a higher hazard of service disengagement compared with Spanish-born patients (HR = 2.42, 95% CI [1.10-5.34], p = 0. 028). Recent migrants (≤5 years in Spain) also had a significantly increased hazard of disengagement (HR = 2.89, 95% CI [1.30-6.40], p = 0.009). Sub-Saharan origin was strongly associated with earlier initiation of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (HR = 3.40, 95% CI [1.58-7.32], p = 0.002), alongside higher overall odds of LAI use. No significant differences were observed in relapse rates across groups. Both migrant origin and recent arrival were associated with differences in psychiatric care trajectories following FEP. These findings highlight the need to consider adaptation of treatment approaches for migrant populations according to their origin and migration context in order to improve long-term outcomes.
Plyometric training (PT) is a popular method of improving explosive power, speed, and agility in adolescent athletes. Nevertheless, earlier reviews have been mainly based on individual performance domains, individual sports or general youth groups. It is therefore not clear whether the effects of PT differ based on sex, type of sport, frequency of training or duration of intervention. This meta-analysis and systematic review investigated the impact of PT on jumping, sprinting, and agility performance in adolescents. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched from database inception to 1 January 2025, with an updated search on 30 January 2026. Randomized controlled trials that included healthy adolescents aged 10-19 years were included. Conventional random-effects models were used to pool the effects of PT on jumping, sprinting, and agility performance as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To account for multiple effect sizes contributed by the same study, dependency-adjusted analyses were additionally conducted using three-level random-effects models with CR2 cluster-robust variance estimation. A total of 63 studies were included. Conventional random-effects analyses showed that PT significantly improved jump performance (SMD = 0.648, 95% CI [0.523-0.772]; P < 0.001), sprint performance (SMD = -0.496, 95% CI [-0.609 to -0.383]; P < 0.001), and agility performance (SMD = -0.659, 95% CI [-0.851 to -0.467]; P < 0.001). Dependency-adjusted analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings for jump performance (SMD = 0.613, 95% CI [0.447-0.779]; P < 0.001), sprint performance (SMD = -0.414, 95% CI [-0.583 to -0.245]; P < 0.001), and agility performance (SMD = -0.595, 95% CI [-0.796 to -0.394]; P < 0.001). Benefits were more consistent with longer intervention durations, whereas sex- and sport-specific subgroup findings remained exploratory because of small subgroup sizes and heterogeneity. PT seems to be effective in enhancing jumping, sprinting, and agility performance among adolescents, especially when the interventions are continued at least 10 weeks. However, between-study heterogeneity, testing protocol variability, and small sample sizes in some sex- and sport-specific studies limit the generalizability of subgroup results. Future randomized controlled trials should use standardized outcome measures, report training dose and adherence in detail, and have a higher proportion of female participants. PROSPERO registration: CRD42024627316.
Neonatal mortality remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, complex interrelated factors contribute to high neonatal mortality rates, creating a multifaceted public health concern that demands comprehensive investigation. Despite the magnitude of this challenge, there exists a notable lack of longitudinal studies that examine the temporal patterns of neonatal deaths, survival, and associated risk factors throughout the complete neonatal period. This study addresses this gap by evaluating survival outcomes and identifying determinants of mortality among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, a referral facility serving a high-burden urban population in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A retrospective cohort study of 1,014 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from September 11, 2020 to September 10, 2023 was conducted. Systematic random sampling was used to select patients. An electronic data collection method was used, and the data were exported to STATA version 17.0 for cleaning and analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to identify mortality risk predictors. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank tests were used to compare survival probabilities. Model adequacy was assessed using the Cox-Snell residual test. Over 7,945 neonate-days, the mortality incidence rate was 13.72 deaths per 1,000 neonate-days (95% confidence interval (CI) [11.37-16.55]), with most deaths occurring within the first week. Significant predictors of mortality risk were extremely low birth-weight (<1,000 g; Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) = 18.94, 95% CI [7.89-45.23]), very low birth weight (1,000-1,499 g; AHR = 5.09, 95% CI [2.75-9.43]), perinatal asphyxia (AHR = 3.52, 95% CI [2.25-5.49]), neonatal sepsis (AHR = 2.47, 95% CI [1.28-4.77]), respiratory distress syndrome (AHR = 1.65, 95% CI [1.01-2.68]), and meconium aspiration syndrome (AHR = 2.35, 95% CI [1.20-4.57]). This study found associations between elevated neonatal mortality rates and birth weight and specific perinatal complications as key factors linked to survival. The predominance of deaths within the first week, particularly among neonates with low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, and meconium aspiration syndrome, necessitates the implementation of risk-stratified care and intensive early monitoring. These findings provide evidence for targeted interventions that could substantially reduce neonatal mortality in resource-constrained healthcare settings.
This study aims to systematically evaluate the impact of exercise interventions on reproductive endocrine profiles in adult patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using a three-level meta-analytical approach. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of exercise on reproductive endocrine profiles in PCOS patients, spanning from database inception through April 7, 2026. A three-level meta-analysis was conducted in R using a random-effects model fitted via restricted maximum likelihood (REML). Effect sizes were quantified as Hedges' g with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Global heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test, and the robustness of results was verified through leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Model fit was compared using likelihood ratio tests (LRT). Publication bias was scrutinized via Egger's test, with the trim-and-fill method employed as a corrective measure where necessary. Methodological quality was appraised using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was graded via the GRADE profiler. Nineteen studies involving 1,018 participants were synthesized. Exercise interventions significantly lowered testosterone levels (g = -0.34; 95% CI [-0.61 to -0.07]; P = 0.0146). Subgroup analysis revealed that the "aerobic exercise" group was statistically significant (k = 14, g = -0.5120, 95% CI [-0.8230 to -0.2010], P = 0.0027). The mean body mass index (BMI) "25 to 29.9" group was also statistically significant (k = 17, g = -0.4859, 95% CI [-0.7775 to -0.1943], P = 0.0025), as was the mean age group of "26 to 30 years old" (k = 13, g = -0.4878, 95% CI [-0.8465 to -0.1290], P = 0.0105). In conclusion, exercise interventions exert a favorable impact on serum testosterone (T) levels in adult patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PROSPERO (registration no. CRD420251108464; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).
Acoustic signaling is fundamental to dolphin ecology, with echolocation primarily supporting foraging, navigation, and predator avoidance, and whistles facilitating social communication. Here we investigate potential acoustic habitat differentiation in oceanic dolphins (delphinids) along the Florida Atlantic coast by identifying distinct environmental conditions associated with each signal type and investigating their relationships with soniferous fish presence. Delphinid acoustic signals were recorded during a two-month deployment of a wave glider equipped with a Remora-ST acoustic recorder. Additionally, environmental variables including sound pressure level (SPL), anthropogenic noise, soniferous fish presence, location, temperature, current speed and direction, depth, distance to the coast, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration were recorded. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to identify key predictors of whistle and echolocation occurrence, and best fit models were then used to generate predictive maps of suitable habitat for each signal type and for soniferous fish. Our results revealed unique environmental predictors of delphinid presence, depending on acoustic signal type (echolocation vs whistles) and distinctly different areas of high detection, which was further reflected in predicted habitat suitability. Furthermore, the presence of soniferous fish is shown to influence acoustic vocalization type and detection, offering an initial look into potential predator-prey interactions shaping delphinid vocalization behavior. This research offers valuable insight for management, particularly in identifying key foraging grounds and social hotspots and further validates the capabilities of passive acoustic monitoring via wave gliders for ecological insights of cetaceans.