Search Results (310,153)

In people-centered urban planning, enhancing the well-being of residents and tourists is one of the core objectives. Tourist emotion serves not only as a key indicator of the tourism experience but also indirectly reflects the quality of a city’s public spaces and built environment. In recent years, user-generated content has provided abundant data for understanding human emotional responses in urban environments, while deep learning models offer new technological pathways for extracting spatial–emotional associations from such data. However, existing research lacks a systematic evaluation of emotion analysis models from an urban spatial perspective and their application to uncover the relationship between emotional distribution and spatial characteristics in specific urban contexts. Based on a dataset of 9419 manually annotated travel reviews from Harbin, this study developed a multi-level evaluation framework and conducted a systematic comparison of seven emotion analysis models. This study then screened for the optimal model combinations based on two dimensions—spatial location and emotion polarity—to create a model matching matrix for mapping Harbin’s emotion map. Subsequently, a regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between emotions and built environment elements. The results show that the ERNIE model demonstrated the best overall performance. Road density, green space density, and accommodation facility density were positively correlated with emotion, while POI diversity showed a negative correlation. This study demonstrates that emotion analysis technology can serve as a valuable analytical tool for identifying spatial patterns of sentiment, thereby offering empirical support for optimizing spatial design parameters and advancing a more people-centered approach to urban development. Full article

Background: Neuroinflammation is recognized as a key contributor to Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the relationships between inflammatory signaling, immune-state alterations, and cell-type-specific transcriptional programs remain unclear. Methods: Public transcriptomic datasets, including GSE20141 (discovery cohort) and the substantia nigra subset of GSE114517 (external validation cohort), were analyzed. Genes identified by exploratory differential-expression screening in the discovery cohort were intersected with predefined inflammation- and chemokine-related gene sets to define a candidate space for downstream prioritization. Protein–protein interaction, Gene Ontology, KEGG, and immune-signature analyses were performed, followed by machine learning-based feature prioritization using Elastic Net, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination, and random forest. Prioritized candidates were further evaluated by cross-platform validation, single-nucleus transcriptomic mapping, and a hypothesis-generating in silico perturbation analysis in PD astrocytes. Results: Seventeen genes were retained at the intersection of PD-related differentially expressed genes and inflammation-/chemokine-associated gene sets. These candidates formed a response module enriched in mitochondrial organization, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitophagy pathways. Immune-signature analysis suggested an altered transcriptome-derived immune landscape in PD, with changes in NK cell-related signatures and significant correlations between immune-state scores and the candidate genes. Machine learning-based prioritization yielded five shared candidates, of which only CCL2 and PAK6 showed same-direction support with nominal significance in the external validation cohort. Single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis localized CCL2 predominantly to astrocytes, whereas PAK6 was more strongly associated with neuronal populations, particularly OTX2-positive ventral midbrain neurons. In silico perturbation analysis further predicted that CCL2 suppression in PD astrocytes may be associated with translational- and ribosome-related regulatory programs. Conclusions: CCL2 and PAK6 emerged as prioritized candidate biomarkers associated with PD-related inflammatory and chemokine-linked transcriptional alterations in the substantia nigra. More broadly, this study provides a multi-layered framework for candidate prioritization, cross-platform validation, and cell-type-level contextualization in PD neuroinflammation. Because the study is computational and the perturbation analysis is predictive, orthogonal experimental validation will be required to determine whether CCL2 and PAK6 are biomarkers of disease-associated transcriptional states, functional contributors to PD pathogenesis, or both. Full article

Ceramides are central bioactive sphingolipids that regulate diverse cellular processes, including membrane organization, energy metabolism, and stress signaling. Emerging evidence has implicated that ceramide dysregulation is associated with the onset and progression of heart failure. This review introduces the understanding of ceramide metabolism, focusing on its biosynthesis, and functional roles in cardiomyocytes. In addition, the contribution of systemic ceramides derived from circulating lipoproteins and peripheral tissues to cardiovascular risk is also discussed. In parallel, it is highlighted that cardiomyocyte-intrinsic ceramide synthesis plays physiological and pathological roles in the heart. Particularly, excessive ceramide accumulation is detrimental for cardiac function, through multiple mechanisms, such as lipotoxic effects, mitochondrial impairment, inflammation, and cell death. The current review discusses the potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting ceramide metabolism, as well as the open questions about ceramide association with heart disease. Full article

Detection of pre-seismic ionospheric electric field perturbation remains an open challenge in the scientific community, hindered by methodological biases and a lack of reproducible frameworks. In this study, we investigate the existence of ionospheric perturbations associated with earthquakes by developing a deep learning framework for detecting anomalous patterns in global ionospheric electric field measurements provided by the DEMETER satellite and evaluating their statistical relationship with global seismicity. We developed an unsupervised LSTM autoencoder framework trained under a rolling-window scheme with two alternative optimisation strategies. The iterative rolling-window approach enabled the preservation of long-term temporal continuity while adapting to the non-stationary ionospheric background. Anomalies detected by the model were subjected to a seismic association and evaluated statistically. Findings were consistent across multiple network configurations, independent training optimisation strategies and different segments of the dataset, demonstrating strong methodological robustness. Our study suggests that modern sequential deep-learning models, when combined with an adaptive temporal training approach and statistical evaluation, provide an effective tool for the systematic detection and statistical quantification of associations between ionospheric electric field perturbations and seismic events. Full article

Purpose: To investigate the association between COVID-19 infection and the 1-year risk of acute urinary retention (AUR) and related urological complications in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTs). Materials and Methods: Using the TriNetX global network, patients with BPH and LUTs between January 2020 and January 2024 were identified. Participants were classified into a COVID-19 cohort (N = 32,948) and a non-COVID control cohort (N = 434,123). Propensity score matching (1:1) balanced demographics, comorbidities, medications, and laboratory parameters. The primary outcome was AUR within one year. Secondary outcomes included Foley catheterization, urinary tract infection (UTI), gross hematuria, bladder stones, and prostate-related surgery. Results: After matching, 32,918 patients remained in each cohort. The COVID-19 group showed a significantly higher 1-year incidence of AUR compared with controls (2.18% vs. 0.32%; aHR 6.89, 95% CI 5.62–8.45; p < 0.0001). Increased risks were also observed for Foley catheterization (aHR 4.10), UTI (aHR 3.52), and prostate-related surgery (aHR 6.02). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated persistent divergence in AUR-free survival. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection is independently associated with a markedly increased risk of AUR and urological complications in patients with BPH, highlighting the need for closer post-infection monitoring. Full article

Background: Left ventricular (LV) thrombosis after blunt trauma is uncommon and is most often attributed to traumatic coronary artery injury; however, it can also arise from severe myocardial contusions. Here, we report a case of LV thrombosis due to severe myocardial contusion without coronary artery injury. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old man struck by industrial fan fragments presented with hemorrhagic shock. Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma revealed cardiac tamponade. An emergent sternotomy was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass via the femoral vessels, which exposed severe contusion-associated hemorrhage with epicardial–myocardial dissection at the LV apex. On postoperative day (POD) 5, transthoracic echocardiography showed apical akinesia with mural thrombi; prophylactic anticoagulation was escalated and later transitioned to warfarin. Coronary computed tomography on POD 21 and invasive angiography at 6 months revealed negative findings. The thrombi resolved within 3 months; however, apical akinesia persisted. After discontinuing anticoagulation, a transient ischemic event occurring at 9 months prompted direct oral anticoagulant therapy. Apical akinesia persisted for over 7 years without recurrent thrombosis. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of vigilance for intracardiac thrombosis in severe contusions, as well as the value of stepwise imaging (contrast echocardiography) and cautious, individualized discontinuation of anticoagulation when regional dysfunction persists. Full article

Background/Objectives: Managing postoperative drainage and reducing the length of hospital stays continue to represent significant challenges in thoracic surgery. While systemic antifibrinolytics are effective, concerns persist regarding neurotoxicity and thromboembolic risks. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of a unique, high-volume topical tranexamic acid (t-TXA) lavage protocol designed to optimize pleuroparenchymal contact and stabilize local hyperfibrinolysis. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted involving 52 patients undergoing major lung resection, divided into a t-TXA group (n = 26) and a control group (n = 26). The t-TXA group received an intrathoracic lavage consisting of 5 g of tranexamic acid (TXA) diluted in 500 mL of saline, while the control group received 500 mL of saline alone. The primary outcomes included postoperative day (POD) 1 drainage volumes and length of stay (LOS). The secondary outcomes were focused on hematological parameters and safety profiles, including a structured one-year follow-up for all patients. Due to the study’s exploratory nature, primary outcomes were assessed using 95% confidence intervals for hypothesis generation rather than a priori sample size calculations. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups regarding sex, surgical approach, or resection type. The t-TXA group demonstrated a significantly shorter LOS (4.20 ± 1.23 days) compared to the control group (5.88 ± 2.23 days; p = 0.001). While POD 1 drainage was numerically lower in the t-TXA group (189.23 ± 235.06 mL) versus the control (284.23 ± 169.40 mL), this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.101). However, exploratory correlation analysis revealed a moderate negative association between t-TXA application and POD 1 drainage (r = −0.412; p = 0.002). Postoperative platelet counts were significantly lower in the t-TXA group (p = 0.009). No thromboembolic events, late complications, or deaths occurred in either group during the one-year follow-up period. Conclusions: High-volume t-TXA lavage is a promising adjuvant associated with significantly shorter hospital stays and a trend toward reduced postoperative drainage. While our 12-month follow-up confirmed a favorable safety profile with no adverse events, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating. The retrospective nature of this study precludes definitive recommendations, underscoring the need for well-powered prospective randomized trials to establish the long-term safety and clinical utility of t-TXA in thoracic surgery. Full article

Background: Cemented and cementless fixation techniques in total hip arthroplasty (THA) each present distinct biomechanical properties and perioperative risk profiles. While cementless fixation has gained increasing popularity, large-scale nationally representative comparisons of perioperative outcomes between cemented and cementless elective THA remain limited. This study aimed to compare complication rates, healthcare utilization, and temporal trends between cemented and cementless elective THA using the National Inpatient Sample. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2021. Adult patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty were identified using ICD-10-PCS codes and categorized into cemented and cementless fixation groups. Patient demographics, comorbidities, indications, postoperative complications, length of stay, hospital charges, and in-hospital mortality were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent association between fixation type and postoperative complications while adjusting for demographic, clinical, and hospital-level variables. Results: A total of 81,668 elective THAs were identified, including 40,290 cemented (49.33%) and 41,378 cementless (50.67%) procedures. Cemented THA was associated with a shorter length of stay (2.09 ± 1.88 vs. 2.26 ± 2.47 days, p < 0.001) and lower total hospital charges ($65,584.53 ± 48,797.21 vs. $72,186.84 ± 49,860.20, p < 0.001). Unadjusted analyses demonstrated higher rates of acute kidney injury and sepsis in the cementless group. After multivariate adjustment, cemented fixation was associated with lower odds of acute kidney injury (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.96, p = 0.004). However, cemented THA was associated with higher odds of postoperative delirium (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02–1.42, p = 0.030), blood transfusion (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17–1.37, p < 0.001), and periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02–1.71, p = 0.035). Rates of myocardial infarction, pneumonia, venous thromboembolism, urinary tract infection, and in-hospital mortality were similar between groups. Temporal analysis demonstrated comparable utilization trends, with a decline in elective procedures during 2020–2021. Conclusions: In this nationwide analysis, cemented total hip arthroplasty was associated with lower risk of acute kidney injury, shorter length of stay, and lower hospital charges, but higher odds of postoperative delirium, blood transfusion, and periprosthetic fracture compared with cementless fixation. These findings highlight distinct perioperative risk profiles between fixation strategies and may assist surgeons in individualized decision-making for elective total hip arthroplasty. Full article

Background: Stroke–heart syndrome (SHS), particularly acute myocardial injury, is a critical complication following acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The C-reactive protein–triglyceride–glucose index (CTI) integrates inflammatory and metabolic parameters but remains unexplored in the context of post-stroke cardiac complications. This study investigated whether CTI predicts cardiac injury patterns and 90-day clinical outcomes in AIS patients. Methods: A two-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in AIS patients undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT). Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) trajectories were classified into: no injury, non-dynamic elevation, and dynamic elevation. The primary endpoint was poor functional status at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 3–6); the secondary endpoint was 90-day all-cause death. Results: Among 493 individuals (median age 69 years, 42% female), higher baseline CTI was associated with a greater likelihood of dynamic troponin elevation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per 1-unit increase = 1.56 (1.26–1.94); p < 0.001). Patients with dynamic elevation had significantly worse outcomes compared to those with no injury. Elevated CTI was an independent predictor of 90-day poor functional outcome (Q4: aOR = 3.04 (1.53–6.05); p < 0.001) and mortality (Q4: aOR = 2.82 (1.33–6.00); p = 0.007). Conclusions: In EVT-treated AIS patients, the CTI is a predictor of SHS and adverse 90-day outcomes. This easily calculable index may help identify individuals at higher risk of cardiac complications after AIS. Full article

Background: Hip fractures represent a major public health challenge in aging populations and are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. While osteoporosis is the main underlying cause, biochemical markers of bone metabolism may provide additional insight into skeletal remodeling processes. However, the relationship between bone turnover biomarkers and specific hip fracture patterns remains poorly understood. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted, including patients admitted with hip fractures between January 2022 and December 2023 at our institution. Serum levels of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP), and beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) were analyzed. Fractures were classified as intracapsular or extracapsular. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with extracapsular fractures. Results: A total of 131 patients were included, comprising 57 intracapsular fractures and 74 extracapsular fractures. Patients with extracapsular fractures were significantly older (83 (75–89) vs. 80 (71–86) years; p = 0.0079). No significant differences were observed in vitamin D levels between fracture groups (p = 0.446). PTH levels were higher in extracapsular fractures (p = 0.030), while β-CTX levels tended to be lower (p = 0.080). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age remained independently associated with extracapsular fracture pattern (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.09; p = 0.03). Higher β-CTX levels were inversely associated with extracapsular fractures (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–0.96; p = 0.03), whereas vitamin D levels were not independently associated with fracture type. Conclusions: Extracapsular hip fractures were primarily associated with older age in this cohort. Among bone metabolism biomarkers, β-CTX showed an inverse association with extracapsular fracture pattern after adjustment for confounding factors. These findings should be interpreted with caution and considered exploratory, highlighting the need for prospective studies to clarify their clinical significance. Full article

This study examines the roles of startup hubs within the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) and their implications for cultural innovation and tourism in European cities. Despite the growing importance of CCIs in urban development and destination branding, few studies have explored the organisational, social and communicative dynamics of cultural startup hubs. To address this gap, a comparative mixed-methods approach is applied to analyse 91 incubated startups in three European hubs: 104factory (Paris, France), Makerversity (London, UK) and A Lab (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). This study integrates structural variables (sustainability and institutionalisation), social variables (gender representation in leadership) and communication variables (activity and engagement on Instagram). The results reveal distinct organisational models, from highly institutionalised structures to more flexible, community-oriented approaches, with notable differences in terms of sustainability and gender distribution. In terms of communication, greater engagement is associated with content focused on community, identity and collective creativity, rather than promotional strategies. These findings highlight the role of startup hubs as hybrid intermediaries that not only support cultural entrepreneurship, but also contribute to the symbolic positioning and tourist appeal of the cities in which they are located. This study offers theoretical and practical insights for the development of more inclusive, sustainable and effectively communicative cultural ecosystems. Full article

Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) maintain lifelong neurogenesis, a fundamental process for neuroplasticity, memory and brain homeostasis. Despite decades of research, translating basic NSC biology into effective clinical therapies remains a central challenge. Here we present a narrative review that provides a comprehensive update on the current landscape of adult NSC research, associating molecular mechanisms with the emerging translational technologies. First, we analyze the biological features and neurogenic sequences within canonical niches such as the subventricular lateral zone and the subgranular zone, emphasizing phylogenetic and migratory differences between rodent models and humans. Second, we integrate these mechanisms with the influence of environmental and pathological modulators, describing how aging, metabolic changes, chronic stress and neuroinflammation disrupt NSC quiescence and lineage progression. Finally, we highlight recent technological advances driving the field toward clinical applications. By examining current NSC isolation strategies, induced pluripotent stem cell modeling, direct somatic reprogramming and the use of CRISPR-Cas9-based gene-editing therapies, this review delineates the pathways to overcome existing methodological limitations. Ultimately, we provide an integrated context that connects the modulation of the neurogenic niches with advanced in vitro technologies, offering new perspectives for regenerative medicine and the treatment of neurological disorders. Full article

Diet quality, nutrition knowledge, and psychosomatic literacy—defined as the understanding of the interactions between diet, gut microbiota, and mental well-being—may shape weight-related behaviours in youth. This study used a cross-sectional design to integrate these domains with digital information pathways in Central–Eastern Europe. This study assessed diet quality, nutrition, and psychosomatic knowledge, supplement use, and health-information sources among Polish adolescents and young adults, with emphasis on age-related differences and the role of social media. A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey (October 2025–January 2026) was conducted in Poland (final analytical sample: n = 478; adolescents 15–19 years vs. young adults 20–30 years). Of 591 individuals who accessed the survey, 478 were included in the final analytical sample. Diet quality was estimated from FFQ data using KomPAN-derived indices (pHDI-10, nHDI-14, DQI). Nutrition knowledge (0–25 points), psychosomatic/gut–brain indicators, supplementation, and information sources were analysed using χ²/Fisher tests and Mann–Whitney U tests with effect sizes. The primary outcomes measured were dietary supplement use and excess body weight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²). Multivariable logistic regression examined predictors of supplement use and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m². Overall diet quality was low to moderate, with limited intake of whole grains, legumes, and fish, and common nutrition misconceptions. Social media was the most frequently indicated source of diet/supplement information and was independently associated with more frequent supplement use (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.43–3.64). Adolescents reported lower whole-grain intake and more misconceptions than young adults. Predictors of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² included male sex (OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.46–4.15), lower education, and lower nutrition knowledge, while age showed a non-linear positive association with excess body weight. Polish adolescents and young adults show gaps between declared pro-health attitudes and actual diet quality/competencies. Social media reliance appears particularly linked to product-oriented behaviours (supplementation). Prevention should strengthen nutrition and food safety education, digital health literacy, and professional guidance on supplementation, especially in adolescents. Our findings suggest that social media is a primary driver for dietary supplementation among Polish youth, more so than objective nutrition knowledge. While diet quality is linked to weight status, the relationship is complex. These results may inform future public health interventions targeting digital health literacy to promote balanced nutrition and safe supplementation practices. Full article

Replicating the authentic masticatory properties of conventional animal meat remains a primary technical bottleneck for sustainable plant-based analogues. To address critical textural deficiencies like structural fragmentation, this study systematically optimized plant-based patty formulations. The independent and interactive effects of textured fibrous soy protein (TFSP), water, and konjac glucomannan (KGM) were quantified using single-factor experiments and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Single-factor experiments revealed that springiness peaked at 60 g TFSP, 15 g water, and 10 g KGM, respectively, with excessive additions of each component resulting in structural network disruption. Designating springiness as the core metric, a reliable quadratic regression model identified the optimal matrix: 63.36 g TFSP, 14.39 g water, and 8.57 g KGM. Empirical validation achieved a maximum springiness of 1.56 mm and hardness of 5.51 N, with a negligible relative error (1.27%) from theoretical predictions. Mechanistically, KGM functioned as an active polymeric filler, interacting synergistically with hydrated protein fibers via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic associations to reinforce the structural network. Comparative Texture Profile Analysis demonstrated that the optimized PBP exhibited a tender masticatory profile with hardness and springiness approximating conventional beef patties, while presenting lower chewiness and higher adhesiveness attributable to the water-binding capacity of KGM. Ultimately, this research provides mathematically validated engineering parameters and theoretical insights into protein–polysaccharide phase behaviors to facilitate the industrial manufacturing of premium plant-based meats. Full article

This case-control study investigated the association between polymorphisms in the dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) gene and susceptibility to COVID-19 in a Mexican population. Methods: Genotyping of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DOCK2 gene (rs9307 A/G, rs1045176 G/T, rs1045168 C/T, rs2112703 A/C, and rs2287727 A/C) was performed using TaqMan assays in 248 COVID-19 patients and 288 healthy controls. Results: No significant differences were observed in the allelic or genotypic distributions of rs1045176 G/T and rs2287727 A/C between cases and controls. However, under multiple genetic inheritance models (co-dominant, dominant, recessive, heterozygous, and additive), the rs9307 A, rs1045168 C, and rs2112703 A alleles were significantly associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, sub-analyses stratified by genotype in COVID-19 patients revealed that the rs9307 AA, rs1045168 CC, and rs2112703 AA genotypes correlated with altered plasma concentrations of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and ferritin. Conclusions: The DOCK2 SNPs rs9307 A/G, rs1045168 C/T, and rs2112703 A/C are associated with decreased susceptibility to COVID-19 in this population and influence plasma levels of LDH, ALT, AST, and ferritin, suggesting a potential role in disease pathogenesis and severity. Full article