BackgroundCement companies supply construction sites, and the mining industry relies on heavy equipment such as cranes, excavators, and dump trucks. These vehicles pose risks of severe injuries due to heavy machinery operations, high-energy movements, and complex environments, leading to collisions, rollovers, mechanical failures, and human error.ObjectiveThis descriptive-analytical study examined the relationship between unsafe behaviors and workplace conditions among 40 mining machinery drivers in three Kerman cement factories.MethodsSafety behavior sampling (SBS) was used to measure unsafe acts through defining behaviors, training observers, and random observations. The sample size followed established formulas. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21, applying descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, and correlation analyses to assess relationships between unsafe behaviors and factors including age, marital status, work experience, employment type, safety training, vehicle type, and environmental noise and vibration.ResultsFrom 421 observed activities, significant correlations emerged between unsafe behaviors and driver age (p = 0.001), work experience (p = 0.0001), education (p = 0.0495), employment status (p = 0.003), observation time (p = 0.0001), safety training (p = 0.02), car model (p = 0.0001), driving license (p = 0.0001), and vehicle inspection (p = 0.003). Additionally, unsafe behaviors were positively correlated with noise (p < 0.05) and vibration levels (p = 0.008).ConclusionsNoise levels strongly correlate with unsafe behaviors among mining vehicle drivers, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors. Integrated approaches involving driver training and noise reduction are essential to enhance occupational safety.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted endoscopy represents a promising approach for lesion detection, yet frequent false-positive detections impair clinical utility by disrupting examinations and diminishing physician confidence. Linked-color imaging (LCI), an image-enhanced endoscopy technique that amplifies mucosal and vascular contrast, may address this limitation. This investigation evaluated whether LCI reduces false-positive AI detections compared with white-light imaging (WLI). This retrospective study analyzed consecutive AI-assisted upper endoscopies performed between March 2024 and June 2025. WLI and LCI were performed sequentially within the same endoscopic session in each patient. False-positive AI detections were compared between modalities using two computer-aided detection (CAD) versions. Propensity score adjustment was used as a sensitivity analysis for baseline differences between CAD Versions I and II. Of 66 initially screened cases, 63 remained after excluding patients with prior gastric surgery. LCI reduced false-positive AI detections compared with WLI (median 2 vs. 5; p < 0.001). In CAD version-stratified sensitivity analyses, LCI reduced false-positive AI detections in both Version I (5 to 2; p = 0.01) and Version II (2 to 0; p = 0.03). This reduction remained consistent across atrophic grades. Both imaging modalities identified all gastric lesions, achieving 100% detection sensitivity. LCI assessment performed after WLI observation yielded fewer false-positive CAD-EYE detections while maintaining lesion detection sensitivity. However, because the observation sequence was fixed, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in prospective or counterbalanced studies. Trial Registration: N/A (retrospective study).
Drug manufacturing process models have been successfully applied to process development and control in regulatory submissions in at least 15 FDA-approved applications from 8 companies between 2012-2025. These submissions span drug substance and drug product manufacturing in approved NDAs, BLAs (including biosimilars), originals, and supplements. Eleven model-supported applications include continuous manufacturing which requires an understanding of material residence time distribution (RTD) through a process. Models in approved submissions have been applied to design space establishment and real-time process control. Multiple models have often been used in a single process control strategy. FDA has encountered mechanistic (e.g., mass balance), empirical (e.g., NIR/Raman chemometric), and hybrid process models (e.g., RTD). The amount of information about a process model in a regulatory submission has generally been commensurate with its determined risk or impact level. Models in approved FDA applications cover risk levels of high (e.g., release decisions, parametric control), medium (e.g., in-process controls, non-conforming material diversions), and low (e.g., design space definition, investigations/monitoring). FDA's modeling experts are often consulted when evaluating an applicant's modeling and control strategy to support an application decision, which at times has included building in-house FDA models calibrated using submitted experimental data. Excluding three submissions with issues unrelated to modeling (e.g., clinical matters), drug submissions using process models were approved prior to their goal date by an average of 20.3 days, including several under accelerated review. Sharing FDA's regulatory experience can advance global understanding of drug manufacturing process model implementation to foster transparency and further innovation and policy development.
(248/250 words) The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) has been shown to inhibit midbrain dopaminergic centers through its GABAergic projections, and to be critical for regulating responses to aversive and rewarding stimuli. This nucleus has primarily been evaluated in rodents and non-human primates, while recent postmortem analysis of human brainstem tissue localized GABergic cell clusters in the putative RMTg. The objectives of this preliminary investigation in healthy controls (HC) were to (i) define RMTg function during evoked thermal stimulation and the resting-state using 7T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and (ii) explore the expression of putative RMTg markers, µ-opioid receptors (OPMR1), nociceptin receptors (NOPR), and FOXP1 as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the midbrain tegmentum. Relative to 40°C stimuli, greater responses to 46°C (normally noxious) in the putative RMTg as well as raphe nuclei, locus coeruleus, substantia nigra, thalamus, putamen, and anterior cingulate were observed. Resting-state 7T fMRI showed robust RMTg functional connectivity with components of mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal circuitry, thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellar subdivision. In postmortem analyses, neurons immunolabeled for OPMR1, NOPR, and FOXP1 were detected in an area adjacent to the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle. These immune-positive neurons in the area of the putative RMTg were adjacent to intense TH immunoreactivity. This investigation provides novel evidence of activation of a distinct area within the human midbrain tegmentum, putatively identified as the RMTg, particularly during nociceptive processing in addition to its resting-state connectivity with the broader central nervous system. Further exploration of the human RMTg is warranted.
The genetic identity of coffee cultivars is fundamental to the specialty coffee sector, where premium prices are paid under the assumption that the purchased planting material corresponds to the declared variety. However, many producing countries lack the certification infrastructure necessary to guarantee this identity in their informal seed systems, exposing producers to undetected varietal non-conformity. In this study, we examine a case from a specialty coffee (Coffea arabica L.) farm in southern Ecuador where seeds labeled as Sidra (USD 100/kg) and Gesha (USD 500/kg) were purchased without genetic or phytosanitary certification. Using a combination of SSR-based DNA fingerprinting and quantitative morphological characterization, including plant architecture, leaf functional traits, and fruit characteristics, we documented varietal identity and assessed the discriminant capacity of morphological traits across the four resulting morphotypes. Using eleven microsatellite markers for SSR fingerprinting, we found that two of the four morphotypes did not match their declared commercial identity. One plant sold as Sidra was identified as compatible with Batian, a composite variety of Kenyan origin that is genetically unrelated to Ethiopian landraces. The plants acquired as Gesha corresponded to a pure Ethiopian landrace that is genetically similar to, but not identical to, the Panamanian Geisha reference accession T.02722. Only two morphotypes were confirmed as Sidra. Furthermore, the placement of Sidra within the Core Ethiopia genetic group is consistent with prior population-level analyses and with its likely status as a selected Ethiopian landrace rather than a variety of hybrid origin. Morphological linear discriminant analysis achieved 82.4% overall classification accuracy under leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV), with internode length dominating the first discriminant function (LD1 = 66.6%). These results demonstrate that varietal nonconformity in the specialty coffee seed sector can extend to the inadvertent introduction of genetically unrelated material and underscore the urgent need for accessible seed certification.
Inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, require long-term management strategies that balance efficacy with safety. The 2025 American Academy of Dermatology guidelines encourage the judicious application of topical corticosteroids when their use is deemed necessary and for short durations of therapy. Recent availability of newer nonsteroidal topical therapies that are effective and safe, including for prolonged durations and on sensitive skin sites, has prompted a need for evidence-based guidance for clinicians in real-world practice. Tapinarof, a first-in-class, nonsteroidal aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults and atopic dermatitis in patients aged 2 years and older in 2022 and 2025, respectively; however, its optimal place in therapy remains to be established. To develop expert consensus statements on the role of AhR agonists in the management of inflammatory skin diseases. A literature search produced 31 articles meeting inclusion criteria that were independently reviewed by an 11-member expert panel that convened on January 19, 2026. A modified Delphi process was used to develop 9 consensus statements. AhR agonists represent a distinct therapeutic class with a unique multimodal mechanism involving immune modulation across Th1/Th2/Th17/Th22 pathways, skin barrier normalization, and antioxidant activity; tapinarof demonstrates a favorable safety profile with no restrictions on anatomic site, body surface area, or duration of use; tapinarof may be used concomitantly with systemic therapies; tapinarof is appropriate as both initial and long-term therapy for psoriasis in adults and atopic dermatitis in patients aged 2 years and older; and nonsteroidal topical therapies are preferred for chronic inflammatory skin diseases, particularly on the face and intertriginous areas. AhR agonist therapy offers a clinically meaningful, advanced nonsteroidal option that addresses key limitations of traditional topical therapies in inflammatory skin disease management.
To evaluate the diagnostic performance and image quality of four accelerated knee MRI protocols (~ 6 minutes) compared with a conventional 2D fast spin echo (FSE) protocol (12-15 minutes). In this prospective single-center study, 32 adults with knee pain and/or self-reported osteoarthritis underwent 3T MRI using five protocols: conventional 2D FSE, 2D FSE with deep learning (DL) reconstruction, 3D Cube, 3D quantitative double-echo steady-state (qDESS), and thin-slice 2D FSE. Five radiologists independently evaluated joint pathologies. Interreader and intermethod agreement (Gwet's AC1), positive and negative percent agreement (PPA and NPA), and diagnostic image quality (Likert scale; Friedman test, p < 0.05) were assessed. Overall, 12/160 protocol scans were excluded due to motion artifacts. Interreader agreement was similar across protocols but varied by tissues. Intermethod agreement between accelerated protocols and the conventional protocol approached the repeatability of the conventional protocol. NPA remained consistently high across tissues and protocols. PPA was more variable, particularly for synovitis and effusion, whereas for bone marrow, cartilage, and meniscus, PPA for the DL, Cube, and qDESS protocols approached the repeatability of the reference protocol. For all accelerated protocols except the thin-slice approach, diagnostic image quality was diagnostically acceptable or better in > 94% of examinations. Accelerated 2D DL, 3D Cube, and 3D qDESS protocols demonstrated diagnostic agreement and diagnostic image quality comparable to the conventional knee MRI protocol while reducing scan time to ~ 6 min. These approaches may serve as practical alternatives to conventional protocols, with potential benefits for clinical workflow and patient experience.
The rapid expansion of distribution networks and the increasing complexity of their topological structures pose significant challenges to fast and reliable post-fault service restoration. Meanwhile, driven by carbon neutrality goals, the large-scale integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) enhances operational flexibility but also introduces pronounced intermittency and uncertainty, further complicating post-fault load transfer decision-making. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an expert-guided and virtual power plant (VPP)-assisted load transfer optimization framework based on hierarchical graph reinforcement learning. A topology-aware graph neural network (GNN)-based state representation is developed, in which buses are modeled as nodes and switches as controllable edges, enabling explicit modeling of network connectivity and electrical coupling. On this basis, a hierarchical decision-making architecture is constructed: the upper-level agent, guided by expert knowledge, dynamically selects the restoration task type to coordinate the timing of network reconfiguration and VPP-assisted DER regulation; driven by this high-level directive, two specialized lower-level agents respectively execute the specific switch operations and stepwise DER power adjustments, ensuring power balance and voltage security. Simulation results on a practical distribution network demonstrate that, under high DER penetration, the proposed method achieves faster service restoration, higher load recovery ratios, and significantly fewer voltage violation events than conventional reinforcement learning approaches, exhibiting improved operational safety and scheduling stability.
Deucravacitinib is a novel, allosteric, selective TYK2 inhibitor FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Currently, deucravacitinib is under investigation in numerous clinical trials to establish its efficacy and safety for other indications. Thus, this expert consensus panel was assembled to provide clinical guidance on the applications of and clinical considerations for deucravacitinib. The aim of this study was to assess the literature and formulate consensus statements covering the indications, safety, and efficacy of deucravacitinib. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was completed for English-language original research articles regarding deucravacitinib. The expert panel, which included eight dermatologists with advanced knowledge on both dermatologic and rheumatologic conditions, reviewed the pertinent literature and developed consensus statements regarding the additional indications, safety, and efficacy of deucravacitinib. Using a modified Delphi process, each statement had supermajority approval and was designated a strength of recommendation based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy criteria. The panel unanimously voted to adopt 14 consensus statements and recommendations: 11 were a strength of "A", 1 was a strength of "B", and two were a strength of "C". The 14 consensus statements created by the expert panel provide expert recommendations regarding the efficacy, safety, and additional potential indications for deucravacitinib. Additionally, the expert panel notes that deucravacitinib is generally safe, as it can be safely combined with conventional synthetic DMARDs, immunosuppressants, and biologics and currently does not have data that support elevated malignancy risk, tuberculosis reactivation, increased risk for herpes zoster, or associated laboratory abnormalities. Deucravacitinib is an established treatment for plaque psoriasis that has shown strong evidence supporting safety and efficacy for psoriatic arthritis, cutaneous lupus, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Overall, deucravacitinib is a versatile and safe medication that may warrant further therapeutic consideration by clinicians. The expert panel concludes that deucravacitinib is an exciting medication that will likely have a larger role in the treatment of various conditions in the future.
Accurate prediction of fetal drug exposure is essential for optimizing pharmacotherapy but remains challenging due to limited clinical data. Maternal-fetal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (m-f PBPK) modeling has emerged as a key tool for these predictions. Transplacental clearance (CLPD) is a critical parameter in m-f PBPK modeling, but various estimation methods exist, and their predictive performance has not been systematically evaluated. Model drugs were selected based on available data for CLPD estimation and m-f PBPK modeling. PBPK models for non-pregnant adults were developed in Simcyp and extended to pregnancy. Four CLPD estimation methods were evaluated: ex vivo human placental perfusion (exHPP), quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR), Caco-2 permeability-based in vitro-in vivo correlation (Caco-2 IVIVC), and midazolam-based calibration with Caco-2 scaling (MDZ-Caco2 Cal). Predictive performance was assessed using predictive success rate (PSR), defined as the percentage of drugs with >50% of observed umbilical cord blood concentrations within simulated 90% prediction intervals. Nine drugs with diverse properties were tested. AUC and Cmax predictions for non-pregnant adults were within 0.5-2-fold of observed values. Maternal plasma concentrations were well predicted, with most observations falling within the 90% prediction intervals. However, fetal exposure predictions were limited (PSR: 14.3-33.3%). The exHPP approach had the highest performance (33.3%), followed by MDZ-Caco2 Cal (28.6%) and QSPR (22.2%), while Caco-2 IVIVC performed the worst (14.3%). CLPD prediction methods show variable performance and limited accuracy for fetal exposure, posing a significant uncertainty in m-f PBPK modeling. Further refinement is needed for more reliable fetal exposure predictions.
Intranasal delivery offers a noninvasive route of administration. This proof-of-concept and feasibility study evaluates whether nozzle angle is a key factor in posterior nasopharyngeal deposition, given the limited research on this parameter. In Part I (in vitro), nasopharyngeal outflow was quantified in a CT-derived, 3D-printed anatomic nasal cast using a pharma-grade pump sprayer at 12-15° and 67.5° nozzle orientations (5-mm insertion depth; n = 5 replicates/angle/nostril; N = 20 trials); orientations were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05, two-sided). In Part II (human factors), a nine-step application protocol was evaluated among 191 lay users (simulated use, n = 50; real use, n = 141); stepwise task completion rates with 95% confidence intervals were assessed against a prespecified ≥80% acceptance threshold for essential steps. The 12-15° orientation yielded higher mean nasopharyngeal penetration per actuation than the 67.5° orientation in both the right nostril, 0.0649 vs. 0.0296 mL (difference, 0.0353 mL; p < 0.001), and the left nostril, 0.0581 vs. 0.0505 mL (difference, 0.0076 mL; p = 0.019). The in vitro section of this study was conducted in a single CT-based anatomical model. In the HF study, all essential task completion rates exceeded 80% in both cohorts, with global mean completion rates of 90.8 ± 8.2% (simulation) and 86.1 ± 11.1% (real use). A 12-15° nozzle angle produced greater nasopharyngeal penetration than the conventional orientation in a single-anatomy cast model. Lay users followed the optimized protocol with acceptable fidelity for essential steps. Validation across diverse anatomical nasal models and clinical settings is needed before translation into clinical practice.
Isavuconazole (ISCZ) is an azole antifungal with a low risk of QTc prolongation and no requirement for renal dose adjustment. However, real-world data in Asian patients remain limited. We retrospectively evaluated 45 patients who received ISCZ between April 2023 and March 2025. Laboratory parameters and QTc values (QTcB/QTcF) were extracted from medical records. Longitudinal changes were assessed using linear mixed-effects models. In patients receiving arsenic trioxide (ATO), QTc trajectories were compared among ATO alone, ATO with ISCZ (ATO-ISCZ), and ATO with other antifungals. Grade ≥2 elevations in AST and ALT occurred in 11.1% and 13.3% of patients, respectively, and were transient. No significant deterioration in laboratory parameters was observed. In the ATO subgroup, QTc values in the ATO-ISCZ group were lower than those in the ATO group from Day 30, with the largest difference at Day 70 (-45.5 ms for QTcB and -42.3 ms for QTcF; both p < 0.001). The ATO-other antifungals group showed similar trends to the ATO group. No clinically significant cardiac events were observed. ISCZ showed a favorable safety profile in Japanese patients with hematologic malignancies and may be a safe option during QT-prolonging therapies.
Air-curing is a key process shaping cigar flavor quality. The mechanism underlying microbial-mediated color-class aroma precursor conversion remains unclear. This study explores their dynamic correlations during air-curing. Water content, color class aroma precursors (CCAP, e.g., chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β-carotene, etc.) and CCAP-derived aroma components in cigar tobacco leaves were determined during air-curing (AC). To explore the microbial drivers of these dynamic changes, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze microbial communities across different AC stages. Furthermore, β-carotene-degrading microorganisms were isolated from the leaves using β-carotene-containing solid medium (β-CSM), and their degradation capacity was verified. Most CCAP contents presented an overall downward trend, while amino acid levels increased initially before declining, and aroma components also changed. Moreover, the structures of bacterial and fungal communities varied in each key phase during the AC process. Partial least squares discriminant analysis identified four core functional microorganisms. Unclassified_f__Burkholderiaceae was closely related to amino acid metabolism of CCAP, whereas Paenibacillus, Bacillus and Alternaria correlated negatively with β-carotene but positively with its degradation products, indicating roles in β-carotene breakdown and CCAP-to-aroma conversion. Further functional screening and validation confirmed that the screened Paenibacillus and Bacillus strains possessed prominent β-carotene degradation capacity. In particular, the isolated Paenibacillus strain could degrade β-carotene alone and produce typical cigar aroma components, such as linalool and tabanone 2. The future utilization of microorganisms for the targeted processing of cigar tobacco during production holds significant potential. These findings provide a strong theoretical and practical foundation for the development of high-quality raw materials for manufacturing cigars.
Understanding the chemical linkage from non-volatile precursors in leaf to flavor compounds in mainstream smoke is critical for evaluating the contrasting sensory perceptions of different tobacco phenotypes. To elucidate this mechanism, we systematically compared high-quality Zimbabwe tobacco leaf and China Hehua tobacco dust using a multi-platform analytical strategy, including cascade membrane ultrafiltration, UV-vis, 1H NMR, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The results indicated that the bulk macromolecules were predominantly carbohydrates and highly conserved across both tobacco leaves, while trace chemical divergences drive their distinct sensory profiles. Zimbabwe tobacco smoke particulates were enriched in aromatic pyrazoles and other N-heterocycles, fueled by a nitrogen-rich precursor matrix in the uncombusted extract of Zimbabwe tobacco leaf. Conversely, Hehua smoke featured sweet-toned furans and heavy alkanes, originating from an altered chemical balance alongside a carbon-hydrogen-oxygen (CHO) fraction that is relatively more aliphatic and lipid-rich. Furthermore, by tracking nontargeted markers in the smoke particulates generated from filtrates and retentates attained through the cascade filtration stages, potential macromolecular interactions were found influencing the combustion transformation. Specific macromolecular fractions of the 50 to 300 kDa range in the Hehua matrix exhibit pronounced co-enrichment with free small-molecule precursors. The observed co-enrichment suggests that these specific macromolecular fractions may act as carriers during their transfer into mainstream smoke. This novel comparative framework successfully bridges the analytical gap between uncombusted tobacco precursors and flavors in smoke particulates, establishing a chemical foundation for the digital quality evaluation and targeted formulation of substitute tobacco materials.
Cephalosporin antibiotics are highly allergenic and present serious cross contamination problems in analytical and manufacturing environments. Regulatory agencies require quality control laboratories to establish strict zero-tolerance or health-based carryover exposure limits, making verification of equipment and glassware cleanliness extremely important. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of cleaning laboratory glassware procedures by identifying the level of residual contamination of a worst-case cephalosporin antibiotic, cefixime. A validated reverse-phase liquid chromatographic technique was used to measure chemical residues of cefixime, with the remaining detergent contamination measured by conductivity of final rinse water. Cefixime and its related impurities were separated on a C18 reverse-phase column using an environmentally friendly isocratic mobile phase of acetate buffer with a pH of 6.5 and ethanol in an 89:11 (v/v) ratio, and UV was used to detect cefixime at 254 nm. The technique was sensitive, selective, and linear at low levels appropriate in the analysis of residues on glass surfaces. Recovery experiments verified the capability of the approach to find cefixime residues that were left behind after normal cleaning activities. Conductivity measurements were used to demonstrate the effective removal of detergent residue, that could not be adequately detected at 254 nm. The integrated analytical method provides a scientifically grounded and regulatory-applicable approach to holistic cleaning validation of laboratory glassware, which facilitates the control of contamination in pharmaceutical analytical facilities without violating the postulates of green analytical chemistry.
Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) is defined by unexplained cytopenias with myeloid-associated somatic mutations not meeting diagnostic criteria for myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) yet carries a highly risk-stratified probability of progression to myeloid neoplasms. The clinical distinction between CCUS and lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS) is challenging because current criteria rely heavily on semi-quantitative morphologic thresholds, despite substantial clinical and molecular overlap. In this prospective study of 409 patients with CCUS and 241 with LR-MDS, we applied harmonized diagnostic and progression criteria, rigorous centralized pathology review, and uniform genomic profiling to compare clinical, molecular, and outcome data. Risk stratification was performed using two independent models-the Clonal Hematopoiesis Risk Score (CHRS) and the Clonal Cytopenia Risk Score (CCRS). Patients with high-risk CCUS, as defined by CHRS or CCRS, exhibited clinical features and event rates comparable to those with LR-MDS. In contrast, patients with low- or intermediate-risk CCUS had markedly improved outcomes, supporting conservative management. These findings underscore that CHRS and CCRS are clinically informative tools that extend beyond morphology-based classification and enable a risk-adapted approach to the management of CCUS. Importantly, a subset of patients with high-risk CCUS demonstrated substantial clinical and genomic convergence with LR-MDS, supporting their consideration for enrollment in prospective clinical trials designed for LR-MDS. These observations highlight the need for further study of risk-adapted therapeutic approaches in this population and underscore the importance of prospective clinical evaluation.
To investigate the correlation between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and pathological changes in the gastric mucosa (GM), and to perform logistic regression analysis (LRA) to identify independent risk factors for gastric mucosal lesions (GML). A total of 800 individuals with H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis (CG) were enrolled as the case group, and another 800 individuals with H. pylori-negative CG were selected as the control group. The dataset was randomly divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. Compared with the control group, the H. pylori-positive group had significantly higher proportions of individuals aged ≥50 years, those working as farmers or manual laborers, and those who frequently consumed unboiled water. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between H. pylori infection and various GML. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following independent risk factors for H. pylori infection: age ≥50 years, occupation as a farmer or manual laborer, frequent consumption of unboiled water, consumption of grilled foods, habit of sharing meals, and disease duration >2 years. Conversely, tea consumption was significantly associated with a reduced risk of infection, indicating a potential protective effect. A risk prediction model was constructed, and the model demonstrated high discrimination with sensitivities of 88.59% and 82.06%, and specificities of 81.17% and 78.96% in the training and validation sets, respectively. In the Jiuquan population, H. pylori infection is significantly correlated with an increased severity of GML. Key independent risk factors comprise older age, occupational exposure, and poor dietary and hygiene behaviors.
We assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of Dimetia hedyotidea (DC.) T.C.Hsu. It is 154,385 bp with 37.6% GC. In total, 128 genes were annotated, consisting of 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The order and composition of genes were similar to those of other Spermacoceae species. A phylogenetic tree based on the chloroplast genome showed that D. hedyotidea is nested within Spermacoceae and is sister to Exallage chrysotricha. This study enriches the chloroplast genome database for Rubiaceae and provides a foundation for future phylogenetic and genomic studies of the family.
Coffea canephora plays a strategic role in global coffee production and is increasingly cultivated in non-traditional regions as climate change reshapes suitable growing areas. Understanding genotype performance in these new environments is essential for maintaining productivity and processing efficiency. We evaluated 44 genotypes cultivated in eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil, a recently established production frontier. Traits assessed included the ratio of ripe fruit mass to dry bean mass (RFM/DBM), the ratio of ripe fruit volume to ripe fruit mass (RFV/RFM), grain and husk mass percentages, and average yield expressed in fruit volume and mass. Significant genetic variability was detected, with moderate to high heritability (48-59%). Hierarchical clustering identified four groups with contrasting efficiency profiles, while mean comparisons revealed genotypes with reduced fruit biomass requirements, higher fruit density, and greater grain proportion. Bean mass percentage ranged from 48% to 61%, and average yield varied from 325.92 to 470.33 L per 60-kg bag and from 209.22 to 282.61 kg of ripe fruits per bag. Several genotypes showed superior conversion efficiency, including LMG 11, LMG 01, LMG 07, LMG 08, and Graudão HP, which combined low fruit-to-bean ratios with high grain mass proportions. These results demonstrate exploitable genetic variability and provide reference parameters to support breeding, regional recommendations, and strategies to enhance processing efficiency in C. canephora systems.
Psoriasis impairs quality of life, and treatment efficacy is limited by poor adherence. Although patients prefer oral therapies, adherence to oral medications can also be low. To examine factors influencing adherence to deucravacitinib, an oral selective tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor. Forty adults with plaque psoriasis were provided deucravacitinib 6 mg daily and an electronic monitoring dock that recorded dose events. Participants were randomized to standard monitoring or monitoring with electronic reminders. After study completion, participants were stratified into the most (top 20%, T20) and least (bottom 20%, B20) adherent groups. Short-answer qualitative interviews were conducted at study conclusion, and responses were grouped into themes based on content analysis. Twenty-eight participants completed the study. Mean adherence was 98.6% ± 0.9% in T20 (n = 13) and 82.5% ± 10.7% in B20 (n = 6). All participants self-reported taking the medication as prescribed. The T20 participants reported understanding how deucravacitinib works and cited electronic reminders as helpful for adherence. The B20 most frequently relied on routine to help with adherence. Greater understanding of therapy and use of reminders were associated with higher adherence. Patients relying on routine may benefit from structured reminder systems.