Search Results (51,925)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pediatric respiratory infections, yet the frequency and composition of viral codetections in affected children have not been extensively profiled using unbiased sequencing approaches. Here, we performed viral metagenomic sequencing on nasopharyngeal swabs collected from 42 pediatric patients with confirmed RSV infection to characterize the codetection landscape. RSV was detected and genotyped in all specimens. Beyond RSV, we identified nine additional human respiratory viruses coexisting across the cohort; several of these fall outside the scope of routine diagnostic panels, although their clinical significance remains uncertain. Codetections were the rule rather than the exception: 30 of 42 samples harbored at least three viruses, with up to seven distinct viruses detected in a single case. These findings underscore the taxonomic breadth and polymicrobial complexity of respiratory infections in children. Our results describe the viral codetection landscape in RSV-infected children, revealing a broader spectrum of co-occurring viruses than typically captured by targeted diagnostics, although the clinical significance of most codetections remains uncertain. These findings highlight the polymicrobial complexity of RSV infections and underscore the need for prospective studies to determine which codetections are clinically meaningful. Full article

The timing and nature of the Late Paleozoic tectonic transition along the western northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) remain debated because arc-related and post-collisional magmatism overlap in the Damao–Siziwangqi region. We present zircon U–Pb ages, in situ Lu–Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry for the E’erdengaobao granitic rocks in the Damao area. Zircon U–Pb dating yields crystallization ages of 266 ± 3 and 259 ± 2 Ma, documenting Middle–Late Permian granitic magmatism. The rocks are highly evolved, silica-rich, ferroan, weakly peraluminous granites with A-type-like geochemical features. Their A-type-like geochemical affinity occurs within strongly fractionated felsic compositions, as indicated by quantitative fractionation indices and pronounced Sr–Ba–Eu depletion. Predominantly negative zircon εHf(t) values (−11.75 to +1.84; 19 of 20 analyses are negative) and Paleoproterozoic two-stage Hf model ages (1.60–2.04 Ga) indicate substantial involvement of ancient crustal material during magma generation. Together with regional magmatic records, the 266–259 Ma E’erdengaobao granites are consistent with late-orogenic tectono-magmatic reorganization in eastern Damao during the terminal evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Their ages provide a local temporal constraint on Middle–Late Permian magmatism in this sector of the northern NCC margin, although the precise geodynamic mechanism responsible for this reorganization remains uncertain. Full article

Because of the large dynamic range of scales between 3D turbulence and global circulation, the effects of small-scale turbulence, and indeed turbulence at many scales, often need to be parameterized in some way for input into large global-scale computer models. Ideally, it would be good to have a computer program large enough and powerful enough to solve all motions at all scales simultaneously, but this objective is still far from being possible. Yet if implemented poorly, parameterization can lead to errors that can propagate through the model. While turbulence is often considered a “wastebasket” for larger-scale motions, here we look in the other direction and examine how these smaller-scale motions work back to affect the larger-scale flows. The nature of background drag and diffusive forces is reviewed in the context of their impact on larger-scale motions, and the ways that these forces are implemented in models are discussed. The lack of use of measured (as distinct from hypothetical) small-scale turbulence data is noted. It is also noted that vertical diffusion is conceptually more important for atmospheric coupling than horizontal diffusion, and so-called two-dimensional (2D) “turbulence,” sometimes discussed in regard to atmospheric mixing, is less capable of vertical mixing because associated organized vertical motions are generally weak. Very strong evidence from the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) for a dominant gravity-wave spectral region at horizontal scales of 200–1000 km, as low in altitude as the tropopause, is presented. Errors in the interpretation of earlier well-cited analyses of these data (often incorrectly cited as evidence for 2D turbulence) are presented. These errors have a profound impact on previous beliefs about the relative roles of gravity waves and nominally 2D turbulence. Non-Kolmogorov diffusive processes that contribute to drag, diffusion and mixing but have rarely been practically employed are considered, including the impact of intermittency, wave saturation, “whitecaps” and Stokes diffusion. When these processes are included, typical realistic diffusion coefficients seem to be 2–3 × higher than those predicted by the COSPAR International Reference Atmosphere. Finally, a comparison between diffusivities using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM6) at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the USA and the Japanese Atmospheric GCM for Upper Atmosphere Research (JAGUAR), which use very different strategies, is undertaken. Full article

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a key regulator of hair follicle cycle progression, and aberrant activation or suppression of this pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of alopecia. Horse oil (HO) and Folium Isatidis (FI) have been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for hair growth, but their combined molecular mechanism remains unclear. We evaluated a topical preparation combining HO and FI (HOFI) in two C57BL/6 mouse models: physiological depilation (telogen-to-anagen transition) and testosterone-induced seborrheic alopecia. Hair growth was assessed by gross appearance, hair length, and histomorphometry (follicle number, size, dermal thickness). Plasma and skin levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured by ELISA. Protein expression of β-catenin, Bcl-2, and Bax in skin tissue was analyzed by Western blotting. Compared with NC, HO, FI, and HOFI significantly increased hair length, follicle density and size, and dermal thickness (p < 0.05). All three treatments upregulated VEGF and β-catenin, suppressed TGF-β1, elevated Bcl-2, and reduced Bax expression. HOFI exhibited significantly greater effects than either monotherapy across all endpoints (p < 0.05). HOFI promotes hair growth by activating the VEGF/β-catenin signaling axis, inhibiting TGF-β1, and shifting the Bcl-2/Bax balance toward follicular cell survival. These findings provide a molecular rationale for developing HO–FI combinations as topical agents for alopecia. Full article

Tianzhu Jiangsheng Chuxiang Jingjie 天主降生出像经解 was published to justify the “complementing Confucianism and replacing Buddhism” strategy and to establish illustrative Christian storytelling that preserves the design and art style of Nadal’s Evangelica historiae imagines, thus marking an important step in Sinicizing and disseminating these Christian narratives to Chinese audiences during the Late Ming period. From this perspective, this article explores Giulio Aleni’s decisions when writing Jingjie, particularly focusing on compilation by replication, re-compositing, and re-design to preserve Western Christian storytelling while incorporating necessary Chinese elements. It further clarifies Evangelica historiae imagines and Vita D.N. lesu Christi as the primary visual and storytelling references, respectively. A map of Jerusalem was included as it relates to Chinese historical documentation. Moreover, through this exploration, Jingjie is further compared with Evangelica historiae imagines and Song Nianzhu Guicheng 诵念珠规程 to examine the transformation of Christian stories through Chinese and Western imagery, thus distinguishing two different transformation approaches to Chinese Christian storytelling (i.e., the retelling of Christian stories for Chinese audiences), serving as a complement to prior related studies. Full article

This case study draws on innovative, collaborative research to demonstrate the benefits and limitations of using mixed methods data collection, including peer-led Qualitative Impact Protocol (QuIP) interviews and Photovoice, and causal analysis. We illustrate how the methodological design addressed the needs of research participants, policymakers, and wider stakeholders and was more incisive than general thematic analysis in assessing how different forms of social protection were perceived to mediate or hinder UK asylum seekers’ wellbeing. Despite challenges in adopting a peer-researcher model, the QuIP was effective in drawing out detailed stories of change in participants’ lives while mitigating potential response bias. The use of peer researchers from the refugee community encouraged open, frank conversations and empathic listening and supported both interviewee and peer researcher wellbeing. The Causal Map (v2) software successfully analysed and visualised complex causal relationships in the mixed, textual data, producing top-level quantitative visualisations linked clearly to underlying qualitative evidence. Full article

Effective environmental monitoring and sustainable landscape management require spatially explicit approaches that can identify ecologically sensitive areas and support targeted conservation and restoration planning. Although Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and multi-criteria decision-making approaches are widely used for ecological sensitivity assessment, integrated frameworks that simultaneously account for biophysical conditions and anthropogenic pressures remain limited in data-scarce Mediterranean mountain environments. This study develops a GIS–AHP framework to assess ecological sensitivity in the Safita region of western Syria by integrating eleven climatic, topographic, hydrological, biophysical, land-use, demographic, and infrastructure-related criteria. The criteria were standardized, weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and integrated through a weighted linear combination to derive a spatially explicit Ecological Sensitivity Index (ESI). Moderate and High sensitivity classes dominated the study area, accounting for 55.3% and 35.5%, respectively, whereas the Extremely High class occupied only 0.29%. Vegetation, Soil, Rainfall, and LULC were the dominant criteria, collectively representing 70.08% of the total AHP weight. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated 100% stability in the criterion ranking across all ±10% weight-perturbation scenarios, while 93.9–97.1% of valid raster cells retained their baseline ESI class in the spatial-output tests. Spatial analysis showed that Safita Center and the northern and northeastern sectors contain extensive areas of elevated sensitivity and therefore warrant particular attention for environmental monitoring and restoration-oriented planning. In this context, the high contribution of vegetation reflects the ecological value and disturbance sensitivity of densely vegetated areas rather than environmental degradation per se. The resulting ESI should therefore be interpreted as an integrated measure of relative ecological sensitivity arising from the interaction of intrinsic environmental susceptibility and anthropogenic pressure, rather than as a direct measure of environmental degradation. The proposed framework provides a transparent and reproducible decision-support approach for prioritizing monitoring, conservation, and restoration actions in data-scarce Mediterranean mountain landscapes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prior NordBord studies have documented eccentric knee-flexor asymmetry during the first postoperative year and at later follow-up after hamstring-autograft ACLR. This study directly compared relative and Newton-based eccentric hamstring deficits between independent male-athlete cohorts tested with the same single-center protocol approximately 12 and 24 months after ACLR. Methods: In this single-center cross-sectional comparative study, 60 male athletes were assessed once in an independent 12-month cohort (n = 30) or 24-month cohort (n = 30) after unilateral primary ACLR. Bilateral eccentric peak force (PF) and mean force (MF) during the Nordic hamstring exercise were recorded with a NordBord device at 50 Hz. For PF, the highest value across three maximal trials was retained independently for each limb, so the retained involved- and uninvolved-limb values could originate from different trials. The primary outcome was PF limb symmetry index (LSI; involved/uninvolved × 100); secondary outcomes included MF LSI, bilateral PF values, and PF LSI < 90%. Results: PF LSI was 84.6 ± 9.3% in the 12-month cohort and 93.5 ± 6.8% in the 24-month cohort (mean difference 8.9 percentage points, 95% CI 4.7–13.1; p < 0.001; d = 1.09). Involved-limb PF was 32.5 N higher in the 24-month cohort (95% CI 6.8–58.2; p = 0.014; d = 0.65), whereas uninvolved-limb PF was similar between cohorts (mean difference 2.5 N, 95% CI −21.9 to 26.9; p = 0.838; d = 0.05). PF LSI was <90% in 21/30 athletes (70.0%; 95% CI 52.1–83.3%) in the 12-month cohort and 7/30 (23.3%; 95% CI 11.8–40.9%) in the 24-month cohort (χ² = 13.13; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The smaller eccentric hamstring asymmetry observed in the independent 24-month cohort was driven predominantly by higher involved-limb force rather than by a difference in uninvolved-limb force, yet nearly one quarter of that cohort remained below the 90% LSI benchmark. Postoperative time alone should therefore not substitute for late-stage objective eccentric knee-flexor assessment. Full article

Cyclists are vulnerable road users, and factors associated with cyclist injury severity may vary across geographic contexts. This study compares a spatial statistical model, Geographically Weighted Logistic Regression (GWLR), with a spatial machine learning model, Geographically Weighted Neural Network (GWNN). Eight years of North Carolina motor vehicle–bicycle crash data (2015–2022), comprising 6373 crashes, were analyzed, with marginal effects used to compare spatially varying relationships between the two models. Results show that older cyclist age, higher vehicle speeds, intersection locations, multi-lane roadways, and dark conditions are associated with higher probabilities of evident or more severe injuries. Cyclists over 65 years showed mean marginal effects of 15.0% in GWLR and 5.7% in GWNN, indicating a strong association with injury severity. Vehicle speed, intersection location, and unlit dark conditions exhibit strong spatial heterogeneity, with elevated effects concentrated mainly in western and central North Carolina. GWNN achieved 73.7% accuracy on the test set, while GWLR achieved 64.7% accuracy on the full estimation sample. Despite different modeling frameworks, both models identified similar spatial patterns of local effects for most risk factors. These findings highlight the predictive capability of spatial machine learning while retaining interpretable geographic variation, supporting targeted bicycle safety interventions. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis, largely driven by metastasis and therapy resistance, processes closely linked to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ferroptosis. Neodymium nitrate (Nd(NO₃)₃), a predominant neodymium species, has shown antitumor potential, yet its specific effects and underlying mechanisms in HCC remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether Nd(NO₃)₃ exerts anti-malignant effects in Hep-G2 cells through the Nrf2–ferroptosis axis. We treated Hep-G2 cells with Nd(NO₃)₃ and assessed proliferation (CCK-8), migration, invasion (wound-healing and Transwell assays), EMT markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin), Nrf2 and GPx4 expression (Western blotting, qRT-PCR), and ferroptosis indicators (ROS, MDA, GSH, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺). Low-dose Nd(NO₃)₃ significantly inhibited migration, invasion, and EMT-associated marker expression without affecting proliferation and promoted ferroptotic phenotypes, as evidenced by elevated ROS, MDA, and ferrous iron expression; decreased GSH levels; and downregulated GPx4 expression. Mechanistically, Nd(NO₃)₃ downregulated Nrf2 expression. Nrf2 overexpression reversed the suppression of migration, invasion, EMT-associated markers, and ferroptotic phenotypes, while the ferroptosis inhibitor deferoxamine rescued migration and invasion. These findings suggest that Nd(NO₃)₃ exerts anti-malignant effects in Hep-G2 cells by targeting Nrf2 to coordinately suppress EMT and promote ferroptosis, identifying the Nrf2–ferroptosis axis as a potential therapeutic target in HCC cells. However, these findings are based on in vitro experiments in a single Hep-G2 cell line with n = 3 biological replicates, which limits statistical power and generalizability; the results should therefore be interpreted as preliminary evidence requiring further validation in additional cell lines and in vivo models. Full article

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease of major importance for cattle health, farm productivity, and public health. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological features and assess their associations with farm characteristics of bovine tuberculosis-positive herds in a high-prevalence area of Greece. Apparent animal-level positivity for MBTC infection was evaluated in cattle from 30 infected farms in the Regional Unit of Florina, and patterns associated with positivity were explored. A total of 1464 animals were examined using the single intradermal tuberculin test, of which 563 were positive (38.46%). All skin test-positive animals were confirmed by PCR. After accounting for herd-level clustering, age group had the highest influence on positivity. Differences in positivity associated with production systems, husbandry categories, and co-infection with bacteria such as Mycoplasma bovis, which was identified in 12 animals, were observed but were not significant. Large differences were observed in positivity associated with proximity to the cross-border area, which, although not significant, indicated an interesting trend, suggesting that this parameter may be a potential risk factor for tuberculosis due to the different regulations. Overall, the findings indicate substantial variation between farms and highlight conditions linked with positivity within the infected herds. The results underscore the need for representative surveillance and improved monitoring approaches to better understand infection patterns and support evidence-based control strategies in similar livestock systems in rural areas. Full article

Hypoxia poses a significant threat to hippocampal neurons, but the temporal dynamics of mitophagy pathways in neuronal models remain incompletely characterized. This study aims to delineate time-dependent mitochondrial structural damage, fragmentation, and mitophagic responses in hippocampal neuronal cells under sustained hypoxia and to explore the key mitophagy receptors involved. Murine HT22 immortalized hippocampal neuronal cells were exposed to 1% O₂ for 6–72 h. Mitochondrial integrity was assessed using Western blot and transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial fragmentation was quantified via HSP60 intensity, mitochondrial length, and number of fragments per cell using immunofluorescence and MitoTracker live-cell labeling. Mitophagic activity was evaluated using LC3B puncta quantification, LC3B–Tom20 colocalization, and mitochondria–lysosome proximity via LysoTracker co-labeling. The transcriptional responses of five mitophagy-related genes (Bnip3, Bnip3l, Pink1, Fundc1, and Atg5) were screened using RT-qPCR, with protein validation by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Prolonged hypoxia progressively reduced Tim23 and Tom20, with ultrastructural damage and mitochondrial fragmentation seen. Mitophagy-associated phenotypes were evident, as shown by increased LC3B puncta, LC3B–Tom20 colocalization, and mitochondria–lysosome proximity. Bnip3 and Bnip3l showed the earliest and most pronounced transcriptional upregulation, with BNIP3 and BNIP3L protein levels elevated from 12 to 48 h. BNIP3 and BNIP3L intensities increased after 48 h, exhibiting granular and filamentous morphologies, respectively. This study provides a temporal framework for hypoxia-induced mitophagy in hippocampal neurons, identifying BNIP3/BNIP3L as early and prominent responders, which may inform therapeutic targeting in hypoxic brain injury. Full article

Hydrothermal aquifers are natural systems useful for understanding deep fluid–rock interaction processes and, in particular, the fate of strategic raw materials, such as Rare Earth Elements (REE). This study investigates the geochemical behavior of dissolved REEs in hydrothermal systems of western Sicily (Italy), a tectonically active area of the south Mediterranean. These waters are discharged at a wide range of temperatures (18 °C to 56.1 °C) and electrical conductivities (0.81 to 35.06 mS cm⁻¹). Three major hydrochemical groups were individuated in the Langelier–Ludwig diagram: Group I (chloride–sulfate alkaline waters, with a seawater-like composition), Group II (chloride–sulfate earth-alkaline waters), and Group III (bicarbonate earth-alkaline waters, governed by CO₂ circulation). Total dissolved REE concentrations variate in a two-order magnitude range, from 10.2 to 954 ng L⁻¹. Patterns of shale-normalized REE show a progressive enrichment from light (LREE) to heavy (HREE) REEs, together with persistent negative Ce (Ce/Ce^∗ = 0.16–0.88) and prominent positive Eu (Eu/Eu^∗ = 1.87–4.42) anomalies. A shallow oxidative scavenging of Ce onto iron oxyhydroxide surfaces (Ce³⁺ → Ce⁴⁺) is suggested by its negative anomaly. The strong positive Eu is attributed to the preferential leaching of Eu²⁺ from feldspars, occurring at high temperatures at depth, before the upwelling of hydrothermal fluids. The amplitude of the third (T3) and fourth (T4) lanthanide tetrad effects was used for reconstructing the non-CHARAC (Charge And Radius Controlled) fractionation pathways, isolating distinct trajectories: Group I and II fluids are characterized by combined tetrad amplitudes, driven by the competitive complexation between un-fractionated deep sulfate/halide species and shallow, highly fractionating carbonate ligands. Furthermore, the middle-REE (δMREE) enrichment highlights interactions with fluids circulating in evaporitic deposits, and iron reductive dissolution by deep gas forcing. This comprehensive REE behavior is a useful geochemical tool for the characterization of the low-to-medium enthalpy geothermal systems in the south Mediterranean structural domain. Full article

Generative conversational AI can make health information easier to access, but its responses may still be unsupported, outdated, or poorly matched to the user. These risks are important in neurodevelopmental care, where occupational therapists and parents or caregivers require different levels of detail, language, and guidance. This narrative review used a structured multidisciplinary search to examine knowledge-base governance, retrieval-augmented generation, source verification, role adaptation, uncertainty communication, safety routing, privacy, human oversight, and lifecycle control. The evidence was synthesized into a sociotechnical reference architecture for adult-facing conversational AI serving occupational therapists and parents or caregivers. The architecture comprises five connected layers: intended use and request classification; knowledge governance and retrieval; claim-level verification; role-specific response design and safety review; and response delivery and lifecycle control. Occupational relevance, documentation, accountability, and continuous evaluation operate across the layers. Each layer is linked to operational requirements, responsible actors, and evaluation indicators. The framework is intended to guide future development and evaluation rather than function as a validated clinical tool. It excludes diagnosis, autonomous treatment planning, direct child-facing interaction, and replacement of occupational therapy assessment. The review provides a practical basis for developing conversational AI that is evidence-grounded, traceable, role-appropriate, and compatible with professional oversight. Full article

Background/Objectives: Screening for neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) or antiviral small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) using live virus is laborious and often confined to higher biosafety levels, thus restricting accessibility. The use of murine leukemia virus (MLV)-derived pseudotype vector particles displaying spike or envelope proteins of the targeted human pathogen and susceptible target cells expressing the cognate virus receptor lowers biosafety requirements. Extended drug discovery campaigns demand larger quantities of pseudotype vector particles most favorably produced by stable high-titer suspension vector-producing cells (SVPCs). We aimed to demonstrate that this can be achieved by employing transposon vectors. Methods: Sleeping Beauty transposon vectors were used to rapidly establish MLV-derived SVPCs using two SARS-CoV-2 spike variants as well as highly susceptible target cells expressing the virus receptor ACE2 and the cellular protease TMPRSS2. Generated cell lines and viral vectors were characterized by employing syncytial-formation assay, Western blot analysis, vector titration and neutralization experiments using two SMIs and two nAbs. Results: The expression, fusogenicity and particle incorporation of two spike variants was confirmed and the production of high-titer MLV(SARS-CoV-2) particles was demonstrated. The components of this novel cellular assay platform consisting of stable susceptible target cells and high-yield SVPCs were successfully utilized to characterize nAbs directed against the spike protein and cell-entry-inhibiting SMIs targeting the cellular protease TMPRSS2. Conclusions: The proof-of-concept (POC) cellular assay platform components, namely, the two SVPCs and the highly susceptible target cell line, should prove useful in future small-molecule cell-entry inhibitor discovery campaigns, as well as the development of neutralizing antibodies and vaccine candidates directed against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the panel of transposon vectors should be easily adaptable to other non-cytotoxic viral pathogens provided these efficiently pseudotype MLV. Full article