PLOS One
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/
Multi source Earth observation and machine learning framework for mapping land degradation vulnerability in salinity- and hydrothermal-stressed regions of the southern main Ethiopian Rift
by Talema Moged Reda, Alemu Tadese, Wondimu Haimanote, Muralitharan Jothimani, Asmamaw Hangibayna, Solomon Gunta, Gizachew Kabite Wedajo, Berhan Gessesse, Admasu Adamu, Zewdneh Tomass, Guchie Gulie, Abdisa Yilma, Dereje Tsegaye
Soil erosion and land degradation are the main environmental challenges disturbing ecosystem services, agricultural productivity, and community livelihoods in Ethiopia. The Southern Main Ethiopian Rift is one of the regions experiencing high levels of soil erosion and land degradation, driven by active geological processes and anthropogenic activities. However, the contribution of these geological processes to salinization and their subsequent impact on soil erosion and land degradation in the region remains poorly understood and insufficiently studied. This study was conducted to assess and map the spatial patterns of soil erosion and land degradation vulnerability in the salinized and hydrothermally stressed region of the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift using integrated multi-source earth observation data and machine learning frameworks. Landsat, Sentinel-2, SRTM DEM, CHIRPS rainfall data, soil data, and field observations were integrated with Google Earth Engine and GIS platforms to analyze existing biological, chemical, and physical indicators of land degradation. Land degradation indicators like soil erosion, land use/land cover (LULC), soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), Normalized Multi-Band Drought Index (NMDI), land surface temperature (LST), salinity, and soil erosion were computed using respective approaches and integrated to produce a land degradation vulnerability map of the study area. The results show that large portions of the study area are moderately to highly vulnerable to land degradation. The major driver of land degradation in the study area is salinization, which increases surface runoff and sediment removal through surface crusting. The annual soil loss values for the area range from 25 to 100 t ha-1 yr-1, with about 10.69% of the area under moderate to very severe erosion risk. Accordingly, the land degradation vulnerability map shows that 1.68%, 50.15%, 38.14%, 6.31%, and 3.72% of the study area fall into the very low, low, moderate, high, and very high vulnerability categories, respectively. The land degradation vulnerability (LDV) model demonstrated strong validation performance, with an overall accuracy of 92.34%, a Kappa coefficient of 0.87, an F1-score of 0.948, and an ROC-AUC of 0.901. These validation results demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the LDV model for mapping land degradation vulnerability. The findings indicate that soil salinity, surface soil loss, and elevated land surface temperature, together with anthropogenic pressures, are the primary drivers of high land degradation risk in the study area.Identification of transcriptomic signatures associated with an ac4C related gene set and candidate expression based clusters in osteoarthritis through integrative bioinformatics
by Tianyang Li, Jinpeng Wei, Hua Wu, Ming Zhang
ObjectiveTo identify osteoarthritis (OA) associated transcripts overlapping a predefined N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) related gene set and evaluate their potential as an exploratory classification signature and basis for expression based clustering.
MethodsFive GEO datasets were analyzed using differential expression, functional enrichment, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, immune-signature scoring, machine learning, SHAP interpretation, consensus clustering, and gene set variation analysis. The predefined 2,135-gene set was derived from a published ac4C-RIP-seq comparison between wild-type and NAT10-deficient HeLa cells and was used only for candidate filtering. Twelve algorithms were combined into 113 two-stage feature-selection/classification pipelines, which were ranked by the mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) across the development cohort and two external evaluation cohorts. Five retained genes were assessed by qRT-PCR in IL-1β-treated primary mouse chondrocytes with three biological replicates per group.
ResultsAmong 441 differentially expressed genes, eight overlapped the ac4C related set. Three pipelines shared the highest mean AUC of 0.910. The representative glmBoost–Naive Bayes pipeline achieved AUCs of 0.883 (95% CI, 0.783–0.959), 0.980 (95% CI, 0.880–1.000), and 0.867 (95% CI, 0.600–1.000) in the development cohort, GSE114007, and GSE169077, respectively. Because the two secondary cohorts contributed to pipeline ranking, these estimates represent exploratory evaluation rather than independent validation. Ultimately, five genes were retained, including PCOLCE, KAZALD1, PDE3A, CRIP1, and ID1. Kazald1, Pde3a, Crip1, and Id1 showed nominally significant increases after interleukin-1βtreatment, whereas Pcolce did not. Immune signature differences and the two cluster solution were exploratory.
ConclusionsA five gene OA associated transcriptomic signature linked to a predefined ac4C related gene set was identified. These findings are hypothesis generating and do not establish direct ac4C modification, independent clinical validity, or reproducible molecular subtypes.
LHR-YOLO: A SAR small-target ship detection method based on improved YOLO11
by Miao Zhou, Dezhi Han, Xiang Shen, Yangshuyi Xu, Chongqing Chen
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) ship target detection holds significant application value in maritime traffic monitoring and marine environmental monitoring. However, due to challenges such as small ship targets, complex marine backgrounds, and speckle noise interference, existing methods still suffer from insufficient accuracy in small-target detection scenarios. To address this issue, this paper proposes a high-resolution detection algorithm named LHR-YOLO, based on YOLO11. In the Stem stage, a Gaussian–Laplacian edge-enhancement and Gaussian-filtering mechanism is introduced to effectively improve shallow-feature perception for tiny ship targets. In the Backbone, an improved C3k2 module is designed by incorporating channel shuffling, re-parameterized convolutions, and feature aggregation strategies to enhance multi-scale feature representation. Meanwhile, in the Neck–Detect stage, high-frequency perception, spatial dependency modeling, and a high-resolution detection head are integrated to further improve the localization accuracy of extremely small targets. Experimental results show that LHR-YOLO achieves mAP50:95 values of 71.59% and 73.40% on the HRSID and SSDD datasets, respectively. Compared with YOLO11n, LHR-YOLO improves mAPS on HRSID from 53.95% to 60.53%, corresponding to an increase of 6.58 percentage points. These results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for detecting tiny ships in complex SAR maritime scenes and provide technical support for high-precision maritime target monitoring.The source code is available at: https://github.com/LRYTH/LHR-YOLO.Dupuytren’s disease cords are weakened ex vivo by injection of recombinant collagenase G – A proof-of-concept study
by Guy Rubin, David Rothem, Ran Tohar, Maayan Gal
ObjectivesDupuytren’s disease is a fibroproliferative disorder that is characterized by collagen-rich cords that cause progressive flexion contractures. Collagenase from Clostridium histolyticum is an established nonsurgical therapy. Herein, we evaluated whether a recombinant form of collagenase G (ColG), expressed in Escherichia coli, weakens Dupuytren’s cords ex vivo.
MethodsCords from Dupuytren’s disease patients were excised during surgery. Using a 30G needle, 0.5 mL of 4 mg/ml ColG or phosphate buffer Saline (PBS) was injected into the cord center. Samples were incubated in saline at 37 °C and mounted via size-1 Prolene Krackow sutures on an Instron tensile testing system. Force vs. displacement curves were recorded.
ResultsSix cords from five patients were tested (ColG n = 4; PBS n = 2). Representative force–displacement curves showed a reduced slope and lower peak force prior to rupture in ColG-treated samples compared with vehicle. The mean maximum rupture force was lower with ColG than with PBS (0.047 kN vs 0.069 kN), corresponding to ~32% reduction in the force required to tear the cord in this series.
ConclusionsRecombinant ColG weakens the tensile strength of Dupuytren’s cords ex vivo, consistent with potent collagenolytic activity. These proof-of-concept pilot data support further studies to define dose–response, optimize formulation and exposure time, and evaluate safety and clinical performance relative to current collagenase-based treatments.
Feasibility of an interdisciplinary primary care-based intervention to improve care transitions for hospitalized patients with substance use disorders: The IntACT pilot randomized controlled trial protocol
by Michael A. Incze, Ulises Amaton, Justin D. Smith, Molly B. Conroy, Ingrid A. Binswanger, Stefan Kertesz, Valerie M. Vaughn, Adam J. Gordon
BackgroundHospitalizations are common among individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and represent crucial opportunities to engage patients in treatment. Quality efforts to increase SUD treatment access in hospital settings must be paired with interventions that support linkage to follow-up SUD and medical care. However, the best way to support patients with SUD during transitions of care after hospitalization is unknown.
MethodsThe IntACT pilot study is a single-site randomized controlled trial that aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a primary care-based Interdisciplinary Addiction Care Transition (IntACT) team. IntACT deploys from a partnering primary care clinic to the hospital to meet patients with SUD while they are admitted, then follows them after discharge for four months to facilitate linkage to and retention in follow-up care. The pilot study will randomize 75 hospitalized patients with SUD to receive IntACT or Usual Care, assessing both implementation and effectiveness outcomes over a six month study period. Primary outcomes include implementation measures (e.g., reach, acceptability, feasibility, and cost) assessed using a mixed methods approach, as well as preliminary measures of effectiveness including successful linkage to follow-up medical and/or SUD care after hospitalization and retention in treatment. Secondary effectiveness measures include time to first post-discharge follow-up visit, substance use patterns, and acute care utilization (e.g., hospital readmissions). The IntACT study will also enroll 20 clinicians from hospital and outpatient settings who interact with IntACT while providing patient care to provide input on intervention feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability. Study design and procedural elements will also be assessed for feasibility and acceptability.
DiscussionIdentifying promising interventions to support transitions to follow-up SUD and medical care following hospitalization is imperative to increase SUD treatment access and improve care quality. The IntACT pilot study evaluates the feasibility of a novel, potentially scalable team-based care transition intervention, gathering implementation data from both patients and clinicians who are exposed to the intervention. The results of this pilot study will inform intervention refinement for a future fully-powered clinical trial, as well as other implementation and research efforts supporting care transitions for people with SUD.
Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT07575373
Bacterial expression of human small GTPases induces stochastic predatory responses and motility interference in Physarum polycephalum
by Rui Saiki, Rion Iimura, Makoto Ichimura, Yoshihito Osada, Ken-Ichi Sano
We investigated the behavioral responses of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum to Escherichia coli expressing human small GTPases to elucidate how internalized proteins affect its actomyosin-based motility machinery. We found that prey bacteria expressing hKRAS WT or hRhoA triggered a deterministic “conflict” behavior, in which P. polycephalum failed to complete ingestion despite physical contact. Notably, the oncogenic hKRAS G12C mutation induced a transition to stochastic switching among predation, conflict, and sampling-mediated rejection, whereas hRac1 expression showed a tendency toward diversified behavioral outcomes. To explain this, we propose a working model centered on molecular jamming or local perturbation of intracellular oscillatory dynamics, in which non-prenylated G-domains act as decoys that decouple the contractile machinery from leading-edge actin dynamics. This behavioral stochasticity likely reflects physical noise arising from the specific conformational states and functional heterogeneity of the expressed proteins. Our results suggest that P. polycephalum functions as a sensitive biological sensor of the biophysical properties of prey proteins, providing a unique platform for exploring the co-evolutionary arms race and molecular survival strategies between bacteria and amoeboid predators.Correction: Sleep inadequacy and the relationship with mucosal immunity and upper respiratory symptoms in elite swimmers: A longitudinal study leading into the Commonwealth Games
by Lauren H. Baker, Terun Desai, Jonathan Sinclair, Amy V. Wells
A cluster analysis of neonates using clinical signs of possible serious bacterial infection at hospital admission in Kenya: A retrospective multicentre cohort study
by Timothy Tuti, Tabitha Muema, Mike English, on behalf of The Clinical Information Network Group , Jalemba Aluvaala
BackgroundNeonatal sepsis remains a major cause of mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite presenting with considerable clinical heterogeneity, suspected cases are managed uniformly with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Typical data-driven approaches developed in high-resource settings to identify clinically meaningful phenotypes and support management of neonatal sepsis have limited generalisability to many SSA public hospital settings, due to inclusion of variables that are largely unavailable at admission. This study’s objective was to identify sepsis clusters using signs of possible Serious Bacterial Infection (pSBI) readily available at the time of admission, and to assess the clusters performance in predicting mortality.
MethodsWe conducted unsupervised model-based cluster analysis using Latent Class Analysis based on pSBI data collected at admission. All neonates <28 days old admitted to 21 Kenyan hospitals between January 2022 and December 2024 with ≥1 pSBI sign/symptom at admission were eligible for inclusion. We further explored the external validity of this clustering approach on new patient populations, and assessed the ability of the identified clusters to accurately predict in-hospital mortality compared to the World Health Organization neonatal sepsis severity classification guidelines.
ResultsFive clusters of minimal, low, moderate, substantial and critical mortality risk were identified from development dataset with 33094 patients from eight hospitals. The models had an accuracy, positive predictive value and specificity of at least 83.16% (82.72% to 83.62%), 81.02% (80.58% to 81.45%) and 86.91% (86.61% to 87.23%) respectively in predicting cluster membership of 23704 patients in the external validation dataset admitted to thirteen different hospitals. From an internal-external cross-validation approach of the in-hospital mortality risk, the model-based clustering approach had discrimination (AUROC) of 0.867 (0.863 to 0.871) and calibration intercept and slope of −0.004 (−0.031 to 0.023) and 0.996 (0.979 to 1.014) respectively, outperforming the WHO sepsis severity classification whose discrimination was 0.721 (0.715 to 0.727) and calibration intercept and slope being 0.018 (−0.005 to 0.041) and 1.015 (0.986 to 1.043) respectively.
ConclusionThe identified clusters can complement clinicians’ judgement in assessing risk among neonates with sepsis at admission. Future work evaluating the utility of these clusters and potential differences in treatment response across clusters are therefore recommended to help strengthen the case for more targeted, risk-based neonatal sepsis management.
Digital divide in information verification among young seniors: An analysis of literacies and sociodemographic factors
by Wenting Yu, Yanxinyue Liu, Cindy Sing Bik Ngai, Jihye Park
In the post-truth era, characterized by rampant misinformation, seniors are particularly susceptible to its ramifications. This study endeavored to identify how sociodemographic factors and five literacy dimensions were associated with intentional information verification among young seniors and bridge the digital divide in verification. Based on the empirical data collected from 405 young seniors aged 55–74 in Hong Kong, the findings indicated that education was associated with both literacy levels and verification behaviors. Different literacy dimensions showed distinct associations with information verification: media literacy and digital literacy emerged as core correlates of both interpersonal and institutional verification, while information literacy showed an additional association with institutional verification. This research enriches the conceptual comprehension of the connection between literacy and information verification and provides feasible insights for developing targeted interventions to narrow the digital divide in seniors’ verification engagement and mitigate the effects of misinformation.Joint mobilization combined with cervical resistance training for pediatric atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial with musculoskeletal ultrasound assessment
by Ge Cai, Yi Sun, Shuaizi Yin, Shuaiyu Ying, Huasong Luo, Yuanyuan Li, Ting Wu, Haoyang Zhang
BackgroundAtlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS) is a common cause of acquired painful torticollis in children. Conservative treatment is widely used, but high-quality randomized evidence for structured muscle-focused rehabilitation is limited. Musculoskeletal ultrasound, especially shear-wave elastography (SWE), can measure cervical muscle stiffness in a non-invasive way. This trial aims to test the efficacy and safety of joint mobilization combined with cervical resistance training in children with AARS. It will also examine whether ultrasound-based measures can detect treatment-related changes in cervical muscle stiffness.
MethodsThis is a single-center, assessor- and analyst-blinded, randomized controlled superiority trial with two parallel groups. Seventy children aged 2–18 years with clinically and radiologically confirmed AARS will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to joint mobilization plus cervical resistance training or joint mobilization alone. Both groups will receive treatment 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is affected-side sternocleidomastoid stiffness at week 4 measured by SWE and adjusted for baseline stiffness. Secondary outcomes include bilateral sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius SWE parameters, pain intensity, cervical disability, cervical rotation range of motion, overall clinical efficacy, and recurrence-related outcomes. SWE outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 4. Pain and disability outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 2, week 4, and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Cervical rotation range of motion will be assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 4. Recurrence-related outcomes will be recorded at the 3- and 6-month follow-up visits.
DiscussionThis randomized controlled trial is designed to provide high-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of joint mobilization combined with cervical resistance training for pediatric AARS. By incorporating musculoskeletal ultrasound as an objective assessment tool, the study aims to elucidate the relationship between cervical muscle mechanical properties and clinical outcomes. The findings may contribute to the development of standardized, muscle-focused conservative treatment strategies for children with AARS.
Trial registrationInternational Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR2025002448), registered on 27 October 2025.
Resmetirom attenuates atherosclerosis-associated dyslipidemia and vascular inflammation in high-fat diet-fed ApoE−/− mice
by Xuedong Bai, Wenjie Fei, Jingzhou Fang, Chaomin Kong, Yaqi Xiang, Yuele Tian, Limin Wei
BackgroundAtherosclerosis is driven by interacting lipid and inflammatory pathways. There remains a pressing clinical need for drugs that exert both lipid-lowering and vascular anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have suggested that thyroid hormone receptor β (THR-β) agonists can alleviate atherosclerosis while avoiding the cardiotoxic adverse effects associated with thyroid hormone. Resmetirom is an oral, once-daily, liver-targeted selective THR-β agonist. It has attracted attention for improving lipid metabolism, yet its effects on vascular inflammatory phenotypes remain poorly clarified. We investigated the effects of resmetirom on atherosclerosis-associated dyslipidemia, plaque burden and vascular inflammatory phenotypes.
MethodsApolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks were randomized to vehicle, low-dose (3 mg/kg/day), or high-dose (10 mg/kg/day) resmetirom for eight weeks (n = 10 per group). Serum lipids, inflammatory cytokines, aortic plaque morphology, NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, NF-κB activation, oxidative stress, and macrophage polarization were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc testing; dose-response regression was performed across disease-bearing groups.
ResultsResmetirom treatment reduced aortic plaque burden, corrected atherogenic dyslipidemia, and suppressed aortic NLRP3 and caspase-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. High-dose resmetirom lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 39.48%, and reduced aortic lipid accumulation on Oil Red O staining compared to model controls. Additionally, it suppressed interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by 59.28%; Western blotting showed lower p-p65/total p65 ratio and higher IκBα/GAPDH abundance. Flow-cytometric ROS intensity decreased by 35.56%, and the M1/M2 macrophage ratio decreased by 72.81%. Exploratory cross-assay analyses showed coherent associations among systemic cytokines and aortic NF-κB/ROS/macrophage readouts.
ConclusionsResmetirom attenuated atherosclerosis-associated dyslipidemia, plaque burden and vascular inflammation in HFD ApoE−/− mice. The data support an association between resmetirom treatment and suppression of the NF-κB/ROS-NLRP3 inflammatory phenotype, warranting mechanistic validation in models with direct pathway perturbation. These findings support its translational potential in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Navigating grief and healthcare: Mixed-methods study on patient experiences of miscarriage during COVID-19
by Madeline Fernandez-Pineda, Alison Swift, Christyn Dolbier, Melvin Swanson, Marianne Rose Choufani, Kaitlin Guard Banasiewicz
This paper aims to understand the patient experiences of women who suffered a miscarriage during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the relationships of patient experience with miscarriage management, psychological distress, and COVID-19-related stressors. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design combined cross-sectional survey data and qualitative descriptive interviews. Seventy-one women in North Carolina who experienced a miscarriage during the COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates were assessed on patient experience, miscarriage management, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and COVID-19–related stressors. In-depth interviews were conducted with a subsample of 18 participants. Quantitative and qualitative findings of the subsample were integrated using a joint display to examine the level of convergence. Approximately half of participants reported poor patient experiences (52%), and half reported good patient experiences (48%). COVID-19–related stressors, including inability to have a support person present and access to care disruptions, did not differ significantly between groups. Participants reporting poor patient experiences had significantly higher levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (p < .05). Among those receiving medical and/or surgical management, good patient experiences were associated with lower psychological distress; this pattern was not observed among participants undergoing expectant management. Qualitative findings identified four categories shaping miscarriage care: Access to Care, Healthcare Provider Interactions, Healthcare Support Staff Interactions, and Healthcare System Interactions. Data integration demonstrated strong convergence for all four subcategories of the Healthcare Provider Interactions category; moderate convergence for access to care; and weak convergence for healthcare support staff interactions and healthcare system interactions. Findings underscore the central role of provider and nursing interpersonal care in shaping patient experiences and psychological well-being following miscarriage, even amid COVID-19-related system disruptions. Results highlight the need for structured follow-up, emotionally supportive care, and attention to organizational policies to improve miscarriage care during public health crises.scLTF: A self-training clustering framework for large-scale single-cell RNA-Seq data
by Hongyi Yuan, Chunyan Wang, Qiucheng Sun, Mingyu Sun, Mujie Fan
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, driving significant breakthroughs in developmental biology, cancer research, immunology, and other related fields. However, existing clustering methods still face performance bottlenecks when handling large-scale scRNA-seq data. To address this challenge, we propose a self-training clustering method for large-scale single-cell RNA-seq data, termed scLTF (Single-cell Louvain-Transformer Framework for Large-scale Clustering). This method first generates preliminary clusters using a fast Louvain algorithm and then selects key cells based on a custom “Cluster Representativeness Index”. Subsequently, a Transformer model is employed for iterative representation learning and optimization to optimize the final clustering results. Experiments on multiple real-world datasets demonstrate that scLTF achieves overall superior or comparable performance in clustering accuracy compared with several state-of-the-art deep clustering methods, with evaluation metrics (ARI, NMI, and ACC) improving on average by approximately 3.9%–24.1%; meanwhile, its runtime is only about 6.7%–43.9% of existing deep learning-based methods. scLTF integrates the advantages of traditional graph-based clustering and deep learning models, achieving both high clustering performance and computational efficiency, thus providing a practical and reliable tool for biomedical research and cellular analysis.Physicochemical and biological properties of three calcium silicate-based root canal sealers
by Xianyu Li, He Liu, Lari Häkkinen, Guoqiao Jiang, Binwen Chen, Markus Haapasalo, Ya Shen
BackgroundCalcium silicate based root canal sealers exhibit diverse physicochemical and biological properties that may influence periapical tissue responses. This study compared three sealers, Grey MTA Plus (MP), BioRoot RCS (BR), and Bio C Sealer (BC), using ProRoot MTA (PM) as a mechanistic reference material.
MethodsPhysicochemical properties, including pH, solubility in deionized water (n = 5), and elemental release (Ca, P, Bi, Pb, K, Mg; n = 3), were evaluated. Human periodontal ligament cells were used to assess cytotoxicity by CCK 8 assay, mineralization by Alizarin Red S staining, and gene and protein expression of IL 6 and MMP 1 by qRT PCR, ELISA, and Western blot (n = 3 independent experiments). MAPK pathway activation was analyzed in cells treated with BR. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test after verification of assumptions.
ResultsAll materials exhibited alkaline pH values above 11. BC and BR showed higher solubility than PM under the tested conditions, whereas PM and MP released higher levels of calcium and were associated with increased mineralization. BC and BR reduced cell viability at higher concentrations and longer exposure times, particularly under serum free conditions. IL6 mRNA expression was reduced in BC and BR, but IL 6 protein levels were unchanged. In contrast, BR increased MMP 1 protein secretion. BR also induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK1 2, and inhibition of these pathways reduced MMP 1 secretion.
ConclusionPM and MP showed higher calcium release and were associated with increased mineralization, whereas BC and BR showed higher solubility and concentration dependent cytotoxicity. BR increased MMP-1 secretion and was associated with MAPK activation. These findings are based on in vitro conditions and should be interpreted with caution.
Prognostic associations of anthropometric indices with major health outcomes: A nationwide cohort study of 1.1 million adults
by Se-Jun Jeon, Sun-Hwa Kim, Si-Hyuck Kang, Tae-Jin Youn, In-Ho Chae
Background and AimsThe global escalation of obesity necessitates precise tools for assessing diverse health risks. This study aimed to compare the prognostic associations of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and the body roundness index (BRI) across multiple cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in a large cohort of Korean adults using a nationwide database.
MethodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,199,633 Korean adults (aged ≥55 years) from the National Health Insurance Service database. Prognostic association for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), all-cause mortality, and atrial fibrillation (AF) over a 10-year follow-up was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.
ResultsNo single index consistently outperformed the others; rather, association was outcome-specific. BRI demonstrated the highest discrimination for ASCVD (AUC: 0.553) compared to WC (0.540) and BMI (0.512; P < 0.05 for all). Conversely, BMI showed the highest AUC for all-cause mortality (0.595), largely due to a significant inverse relationship in the underweight category. For incident AF, WC showed the highest AUC (0.567), followed by BRI (0.550) and BMI (0.527). Restricted cubic spline analyses revealed non-linear (U-shaped or J-shaped) relationships for most outcomes.
ConclusionsThese findings indicate that each anthropometric index captures distinct biological aspects of adiposity, highlighting the need to consider the specific clinical outcome when interpreting obesity-related risk.
Differences in weight loss practices and perceptions between medalists and non-medalists in national-level adolescent Sanda athletes
by Xu Han, Jianpeng Hou, Carl Langan-Evans, Anthony Weldon, Jad Adrian Washif, Nemanja Lakicevic, Yukun Wu, Shaoyun Liu, Mengfan Li, Haidong Jiang, Yuming Zhong
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare weight loss (WL) practices and perceptions between medalists and non-medalists among Chinese national-level adolescent Sanda athletes.
MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among national-level adolescent Sanda athletes using the Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire (RWLQ). One hundred and sixty-four participants completed the questionnaire, with 158 valid responses obtained. Athletes were categorized as medalists or non-medalists based on their competitive achievements.
ResultsOverall, 79% of athletes (n = 125) reported intentional WL. In unadjusted analyses, three nominal associations were observed, with medalists reporting greater habitual WL%, greater habitual WL% during the 9–60 days prior to weigh-in, and lower habitual WR/WL before competition than non-medalists. However, none remained statistically significant after Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment. No statistically significant difference were observed for the other WL practices and perceptions variables (all p > 0.05).
ConclusionsWL practices and perceptions were similar between national-level medalists and non-medalists. Although three nominal associations were identified in the unadjusted analyses, none remained statistically significant after Benjamini–Hochberg FDR adjustment. The present findings therefore do not provide robust evidence of systematic differences in WL characteristics according to medal achievement. The high prevalence and substantial magnitude of WL observed in this population warrant attention, particularly among adolescent athletes.
Preferences for physician sex among adults attending Syrian public teaching hospitals: A multicenter cross-sectional study
by Ahmad Bishr Nasra, Malaka Abubakir, Lana Sabbagh, Zakaria Huseen, Mohammad Nasra, Mohammad Wesam Almohammad Alibrahim, Basel Zeitoun, Maria Kheder, Mohamad Morjan
BackgroundPhysician sex can influence communication, comfort, and care-seeking. Evidence from conservative contexts suggests preferences are strongest in intimate examinations and vary by specialty. Local data from Syria are limited.
MethodsWe conducted a multicenter cross-sectional survey in major Syrian public teaching hospitals. Adults attending participating hospitals, including patients and accompanying companions, completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from prior work and reviewed for clarity in Arabic, capturing preference for physician sex (male, female, no preference) across (i) attitudinal domains, (ii) common clinical interactions (e.g., history taking, general and intimate examinations, emergencies, procedures), and (iii) medical specialties. Demographics included age, participant sex, marital status, education, religion, religiosity, and income. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression with “no preference” as the reference category.
ResultsAcross attitudinal domains and routine interactions, many participants reported no preference. In sensitive contexts, particularly intimate examinations, sex-concordant care was frequently preferred. Female participants tended to prefer female physicians for intimate and reproductive health encounters, whereas male participants more often preferred male physicians for general and intimate examinations. By specialty, preference for male physicians was more common in surgery-related fields (e.g., general surgery, orthopedics, urology), while preference for female physicians predominated in obstetrics/gynecology and select relational specialties (e.g., psychiatry, dermatology). In emergency or life-threatening scenarios, neutrality was common. Exploratory adjusted analyses identified several demographic associations, with participant sex showing the most consistent pattern across multiple contexts.
ConclusionsPreferences for physician sex among adults attending Syrian public teaching hospitals were context-dependent, peaking in intimate examinations and varying by specialty. Ensuring feasible options for sex-concordant care in selected services, alongside communication training for all clinicians, may improve comfort and engagement among hospital attendees. Future research should evaluate how these preferences affect care utilization and outcomes, and explore clinician factors (e.g., seniority, communication style) that may mitigate or amplify preference effects.
Retraction: Examining the convergence of dominant themes related to social entrepreneurship, NGOs and globalization–A systematic literature review
by The PLOS One Editors
Retraction: Loss of CCDC6, the First Identified RET Partner Gene, Affects pH2AX S139 Levels and Accelerates Mitotic Entry upon DNA Damage
by The PLOS One Editors
Leveraging GIS-based multi-criteria analysis for flood-prone area detection in Nsanje District, Malawi
by Charles Bakolo, Lusungu Ngwira, Kennedy Nazombe, Veronica Immaculate Bukani, Ken Chapita, Devie Chilonga, Harineck Mayamiko Tholo, Chikondi Chisenga, Jabulani Nyengere
Flooding remains one of the most severe and recurrent natural hazards in sub-Saharan Africa, posing persistent threats to rural livelihoods, infrastructure, and environmental stability. In Malawi, the Lower Shire River Valley, particularly Nsanje district, is highly vulnerable to recurrent flooding due to climatic variability, land-use change, and geomorphological characteristics. Despite the growing availability of geospatial data, localized flood vulnerability assessments remain limited, constraining effective disaster preparedness and land-use planning. This study applied a Geographic Information System-based multi-criteria analysis using the Analytical Hierarchy Process to identify flood-prone areas in Nsanje district, Malawi. Five key spatial parameters were integrated: land cover, precipitation, slope, proximity to water bodies, and elevation. The datasets included Sentinel-2 imagery, CHIRPS precipitation records, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation data, and official hydrological data. The weighted overlay analysis revealed that land cover and precipitation were the dominant determinants of flood susceptibility, accounting for 59.4 percent and 21.0 percent of the total influence, respectively. The resulting flood susceptibility map showed a pronounced north–south gradient in vulnerability, with the southern corridor exhibiting the highest exposure to flooding. Traditional Authority Nyachikadza emerged as the most critically affected area, with more than 1,500 residents situated in high-risk zones, whereas Traditional Authorities Malemia and Tengani displayed moderate levels of vulnerability. The findings indicate that the combined effects of land-use practices, rainfall intensity, and terrain configuration strongly influence flood susceptibility in Nsanje. This study provides a cost-effective and replicable framework for flood risk assessment in data-scarce environments. By leveraging freely available satellite data and open-source geospatial tools, it offers actionable intelligence to support disaster management, spatial planning, and community resilience in flood-prone areas. This approach contributes to the broader sustainability agenda by informing climate adaptation strategies that are aligned with national and global commitments to disaster risk reduction and Sustainable Development Goals. The five-factor model used here should be read as a first-order, operationally feasible approximation of flood susceptibility; geology, soil permeability, and drainage density were not incorporated and are discussed as an explicit limitation, and the precipitation criterion reflects cumulative seasonal totals rather than storm-scale rainfall intensity.Clinically significant neck pain and tablet tilt angles in real-world educational settings: A nationwide cross-sectional study of university students
by Saikaew Chuachan, Jetsadakorn Thawornrattanachot, Jakrapan Sen, Nathaworn Chanpen, Narumon Roynarin, Nimit Kosura
IntroductionTablet use has been steadily increasing, particularly among students. However, the long-term effects of tablet tilt on neck pain remain underexplored.
PurposeThis study examined tablet tilt angles and factors associated with neck pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale; NRS ≥ 4) among university students.
MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students using a self-administered questionnaire.
ResultsA total of 328 responses were collected from 17 universities, with 95% being complete. Participants were predominantly female, aged 21 (20,22) years old. The prevalence of tablet-related neck pain (NRS ≥ 4) was 42.17%. Fourth-year students had lower risk (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14–0.66), whereas 10° and 60° tablet tilt angles increased the risk (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.83–8.46; aOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.15–7.51) with moderate predictive ability (AUC = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63–0.75).
ConclusionsTablet tilt angles of 10° and 60° were associated with increased neck pain. Proper tablet positioning and posture are essential to reduce musculoskeletal strain.
Influence of arteries, vein and placenta interactions on the blood flow in the human umbilical cord
by Hatim Machrafi, Xavier Capelle, Sébastien Grandfils, Christine Vanlinthout, Frédéric Kridelka, Pierre C. Dauby
The mechanisms governing umbilical venous return in early pregnancy remain incompletely understood, particularly the roles and interactions of arterial pulsatility, umbilical cord mechanics, and placental compliance. In this study, we combine numerical modelling and in vivo measurements to investigate hemodynamic and mechanical interactions within the feto-placental circulation. A fully coupled three-dimensional fluid–structure interaction model of the umbilical cord—comprising two pulsatile arteries, a compliant vein, and Wharton’s jelly—was developed and connected to a zero-dimensional compliant placental model. The model incorporates arterial pressure pulsations, vessel wall deformation, and mechanical coupling within the closed arteries–placenta–vein system. In parallel, Doppler ultrasound measurements were performed in singleton pregnancies to assess umbilical venous flow at the placental insertion and in a free loop of the cord. Numerical results show that venous flow is dynamically modulated by arterial pulsations transmitted through both the cord and placenta, producing phase-shifted venous deformation and low-amplitude oscillations. Despite strong placental damping, the model predicts measurable venous flow oscillations with increasing amplitude toward the fetus. This behaviour depends on cord elasticity and placental compliance. The numerical model also points out that mechanical interactions between arteries, vein, and Wharton’s jelly contribute positively to the mean flow rate, demonstrating a pulsometer-like effect. Doppler measurements confirm that venous flow is not strictly steady and that oscillation amplitude increases toward the fetus, which is consistent with simulations. Overall, our combined computational and in vivo approach reveals that the interplay between arterial pulsations and placental compliance is a key driver of umbilical venous return. Finally, beyond their physiological significance, our findings may contribute to the design and optimization of future artificial placenta and extracorporeal fetal support systems.Transcriptomic associations and biomarkers in ANCA‑associated Glomerulonephritis and IgG4‑related Disease: A bioinformatics and machine learning study
by Xu Li, Yufeng Qiao
IntroductionAnti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN) and immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) are rare autoimmune conditions. Although case reports suggest potential clinical and pathophysiological overlaps, the cross-tissue transcriptional associations between these diseases remain largely unexplored.
MethodsWe retrieved the ANCA-GN glomerular dataset (GSE104948) and the IgG4-RD labial salivary gland dataset (GSE40568) from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ANCA-GN were screened via protein–protein interaction networks, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and the Boruta algorithm. Given tissue heterogeneity and small IgG4-RD sample size, we used expression trend consistency (log-fold change direction) rather than differential validation to explore shared transcriptional features. Receiver operating characteristic curves assessed discriminative potential. Pathway associations were explored using gene set enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration was evaluated with CIBERSORT, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, and MCPcounter. Transcription factor–mRNA–microRNA networks were also constructed.
ResultsWe identified 305 DEGs (209 upregulated, 96 downregulated) in ANCA-GN, enriched in immune/inflammatory pathways including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. After machine learning and cross‑trend comparison with IgG4‑RD, ITGAM and CXCL1 were identified as candidate cross‑tissue markers, with ITGAM demonstrating robust predictive performance in both internal and external validation (AUC = 0.921, AUC = 0.844, respectively). CXCL1 showed good internal discrimination (AUC = 0.937) but substantially lower external validity (AUC = 0.622), suggesting limited generalizability. ITGAM therefore emerges as a more reliable cross‑disease biomarker candidate, whereas CXCL1 requires further validation. Both diseases showed increased B‑cell, T‑cell, and monocyte infiltration, but effector profiles differed: neutrophils dominated in ANCA‑GN, while plasma cells/M2 macrophages dominated in IgG4‑RD. Regulatory analysis suggested SPI1 may regulate ITGAM, and CEBPD, NFKB1, and RELA may drive CXCL1 expression under inflammation.
ConclusionThis study systematically revealed shared differential expression trends and immune‑related pathway enrichment features between ANCA‑GN and IgG4‑RD at the transcriptomic level, and identified ITGAM and CXCL1 as potential cross‑tissue candidate biomarkers, offering novel insights into the transcriptomic‑level cross‑tissue associations between the two diseases. However, these findings are entirely derived from bioinformatics predictions and require further experimental validation. The low AUC value of CXCL1 in the external validation underscores this need.
Waterpipe smoke condensate activates autophagy in non-tumorigenic lung epithelial cells: Implications for inflammation and stemness
by Rania F. Zaarour, Bilal Azakir, Ayda S. Mahmood, Zohra Nizami, Husam Nawafleh, Yehya ElSayed, Salem Chouaib
Waterpipe smoking has emerged as a major global health concern, with incompletely characterized effects on bronchial epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and adaptive responses of non-tumorigenic human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells exposed to waterpipe smoke condensate (WPSC). Increasing concentrations of WPSC reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner; however, exposure to 0.1% WPSC caused only a modest, transient reduction in viability that was no longer significant by 72 hrs and did not significantly induce apoptosis over 72 hrs, as determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) apoptosis assays. To elucidate the adaptive mechanisms underlying this resistance, we examined autophagic flux and found that WPSC induced time-dependent accumulation of LC3-II and p62, which was enhanced by bafilomycin A1 cotreatment, indicating the activation of autophagy. This was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of AMPK and decreased phosphorylation of mTORC1, consistent with an autophagy-mediated stress response. Functionally, the inhibition of autophagy with bafilomycin A1 increased apoptosis and necrosis, suggesting that autophagy could play a protective role. Moreover, WPSC exposure induced DNA damage, as evidenced by increased γH2AX and 53BP1 nuclear foci, and elevated proinflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1β and CCL2). Finally, WPSC treatment upregulated the expression of the cancer stem cell-associated markers CD44 and CD133. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that subcytotoxic exposure to waterpipe smoke activates autophagy in non-tumorigenic lung epithelial cells. This adaptive mechanism may represent an early cellular event linking waterpipe smoke exposure to lung carcinogenesis.Retraction: Decorin inhibits glucose-induced lens epithelial cell apoptosis via suppressing p22phox-p38 MAPK signaling pathway
by The PLOS One Editors
Outcomes of real-ear measurement-based fitting in unilateral hearing aid users: Influence of contralateral hearing
by Jeon Mi Lee, Tae Hoon Kong, Jeong-woo Lee, Hyun Jin Lee
ObjectivesReal-ear measurement (REM) is commonly used to verify hearing aid fittings; however, its added benefit over non-REM fitting in unilateral users and the influence of contralateral ear hearing remain unclear. In this retrospective study, we compared short-term audiometric and patient-reported outcomes between an REM-based fitting pathway and a manufacturer-first-fit pathway followed by routine clinical fine-tuning in unilateral hearing-aid users, and examined associations with contralateral-ear hearing.
MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 105 unilateral hearing aid users with 3 months of follow-up (REM: n = 60; non-REM: n = 45). Baseline measures included pure-tone averages (PTA4) of the aided ear (i.e., the ear fitted with the hearing aid) and contralateral ear (i.e., the opposite ear), as well as the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE). Outcomes included sound-field functional gain (ΔPTA4), achievement of ≥10 dB gain, change in HHIE (ΔHHIE; responder ≥18-point reduction), and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) scores at 3 months. Group comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests, and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to adjust for demographic and audiometric covariates. Associations between contralateral ear hearing and outcomes were examined using correlation and subgroup analyses.
ResultsBaseline characteristics were generally comparable between groups, although fitted side differed. At 3 months, mean functional gain was 11.0 ± 10.6 dB HL in the REM group and 9.1 ± 10.1 dB HL in the non-REM group (p = 0.2145). Mean ΔHHIE was 25.7 ± 30.3 and 32.9 ± 28.6 points (p = 0.1680), and mean IOI-HA scores were 24.4 ± 6.7 and 23.9 ± 5.9, respectively (p = 0.9492). In adjusted analyses, the REM-based fitting pathway was not associated with ΔHHIE (β = 1.97; 95% CI, −3.12 to 7.06) or 3-month IOI-HA score (β = 0.32; 95% CI, −2.23 to 2.86). Worse contralateral-ear PTA4 was associated with greater HHIE improvement (r = 0.389, p < 0.001).
ConclusionIn this retrospective cohort of unilateral hearing-aid users, an REM-based fitting pathway was not associated with statistically significant 3-month audiometric or patient-reported outcome differences compared with manufacturer first-fit followed by routine fine-tuning; this does not establish equivalence or isolate the effect of REM. Contralateral-ear hearing was associated with perceived handicap improvement and may be relevant to outcome interpretation and counseling.
Nationwide trends in dementia subtypes and in-hospital mortality among hospitalizations with type 2 diabetes in Spain, 2021–2024: A focus on sex disparities
by Natividad Cuadrado-Corrales, Diana María Mérida, Ana Lopez-de-Andres, Jose J. Zamorano-Leon, Rodrigo Jimenez-Garcia, David Carabantes-Alarcon, Andres Bodas-Pinedo, Valentin Hernandez-Barrera, Lucia Fuentes-Arroyo
BackgroundThe co-occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and dementia represents a major public health challenge in Spain, where prevalence among hospitalized patients rose from 6.9% in 2011 to 10.6% in 2020. However, post-pandemic trends and sex-specific clinical outcomes remain under-characterized. We aimed to evaluate the frequency and temporal trends of dementia subtypes, clinical profiles, and predictors of in-hospital mortality (IHM) among T2DM-related hospitalizations in Spain (2021–2024).
MethodsWe conducted a nationwide retrospective observational study using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database (RAE-CMBD) and analyzed 2,786,184 T2DM-related hospital discharge episodes recorded between 2021 and 2024. The unit of analysis was the hospitalization episode rather than the unique individual; therefore, recurrent admissions for the same person could be included as separate observations. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of dementia presence and IHM.
ResultsAll-cause dementia was coded in 180,623 hospital episodes, corresponding to 6.48% of T2DM-related hospitalizations. This proportion was higher among hospitalizations involving women than among those involving men. Regarding specific subtypes, AD was the most frequent diagnosis with 80,174 cases (2.88% prevalence), presenting an IHM of 16.3% across the study period. VaD affected 1.44% of the sample. A remarkably strong association was found between prior stroke/TIA and the presence of VaD (aOR 5.89; 95% CI 5.69–6.09). Hospitalizations involving all-cause dementia had higher in-hospital mortality (17.06% vs. 7.22%), lower ICU admission rates (1.33% vs. 7.58%), and higher frequencies of palliative-care coding (3.76% vs. 1.65%) than hospitalizations without dementia (Table 3). They also had shorter hospital stays and lower median estimated hospitalization costs (€6,129.3 vs. €8,602.94). A comprehensive breakdown of in-hospital mortality according to specific concomitant conditions and dementia status is available in S3 Table.
ConclusionsAmong T2DM-related hospitalizations with dementia, female sex was associated with lower adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality. Prior stroke or transient ischemic attack was strongly associated with vascular dementia coding. Lower ICU admission and higher palliative-care coding were observed among hospitalizations involving dementia; however, the clinical reasons underlying these patterns cannot be determined from administrative discharge data.
Automatic bridge crack detections: A lightweight segmentation model for UAV inspection
by Xuwei Dong, Zhibing Yu, Jiashuo Yuan, Jinpeng Dai
Bridge cracks are among the primary factors affecting structural safety and durability. Intelligent and precise detection and quantification of cracks are important in improving bridge operation and maintenance efficiency and safety assessment. Traditional manual detection methods are inefficient and highly subjective, while existing deep learning methods still have shortcomings in terms of computational overhead and detailed modelling. Therefore, this study proposes a high-precision and lightweight crack semantic segmentation network—Feather SFASwinUnet. The model introduces two new modules: Scale Fusion Attention (SFA) and Feather ConvBlock (FCB). SFA effectively fuses global semantic information and local detailed features through a dual-branch structure, which improves spatial structure modelling capabilities. Meanwhile, FCB compensates for feature distortion with extremely low overhead in skip connections, which enhances the recovery capability of fine-grained cracks. Experimental results show that, on the public dataset SDNET2018, the proposed model achieves an mIoU value of 81.25% and an mDice value of 88.57%. It significantly outperforms typical methods such as Unet, DeepLabV3+ and SwinUnet while maintaining low computational load. Furthermore, the YOLO11-BD detection algorithm is combined to achieve crack detection and segmentation under complex backgrounds, which effectively improves robustness. Lastly, the orthogonal skeleton method is used to quantitatively analyse the segmentation results. As a result, the measurement errors of crack width and length are controlled within 5%, which provides reliable technical support for bridge structural health assessment and maintenance decisions. The Feather SFASwinUnet proposed in this study provides an efficient and scalable technical approach for automatic crack detection and quantitative analysis of bridges under UAV inspection. In addition, it has high engineering application potential.Vascular anatomy of the right colon: A cadaveric study in a Vietnamese population with surgical implications
by Duc Minh La, Viet Van Ung, Vu Hoang Nguyen, HuyBang Nguyen
The right colon receives its blood supply from branches of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and its venous drainage converges on the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), in part via the gastrocolic trunk (Henle’s trunk). Anatomical variations in these vessels are clinically significant during complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) for right-sided colorectal cancer. Population-specific cadaveric data from Vietnam are lacking. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 31 embalmed adult Vietnamese cadavers (16 female, 15 male; mean age 75.4 ± 11.0 years) at the Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, between April 2024 and May 2026. After standardized laparotomy, mesenteric dissection was performed from root to periphery. The SMA was left of the SMV in 96.8% of specimens; one variant (3.2%) showed right-of-SMV positioning. The ileocolic artery (ICA) was present in 100% of specimens and always originated from the SMA; 74.2% coursed posterior to the SMV and 25.8% anterior. The right colic artery (RCA) was absent in 35.5%, and when present originated from the SMA (55.0%), middle colic artery (MCA) (40.0%), or ICA (5.0%). The MCA was present in 100% of specimens; a dual-MCA variant was found in 6.5%. The ileocolic vein drained to the SMV in 100% of cases. The gastrocolic trunk (GCT) was present in 71.0% of specimens (absent in 29.0%), with a median length of 11.04 mm (IQR 10.40–12.74 mm). This study provides the first comprehensive cadaveric dataset of right colic vascular anatomy in Vietnamese subjects. Key findings — including the 35.5% absence rate of the RCA, 25.8% anterior ICA crossing, and 29.0% GCT absence — serve as direct intraoperative warning indicators for Vietnamese laparoscopic colorectal surgeons: approximately 1 in 4 patients will have the ICA crossing anterior to the SMV (mandating anterior-surface inspection before peritoneal incision), 1 in 3 will lack the RCA (precluding its use as a reliable landmark), and nearly 1 in 3 will have no GCT (requiring individual tributary ligation at the pancreatic head). These proportions constitute population-specific benchmarks that should inform preoperative planning and intraoperative decision-making during CME-CVL in this setting.Performance enhancement of 6g millimeter wave links via RIS beamforming and CDL-based channel modeling
by KCT Swamy, Suman Turpati, Sivasubramanyam Medasani, Tathababu Addepalli, Bathula Ravi Chandra, Manish Sharma, Sameena Pathan
Communication using millimeter waves offer large bandwidth, become one of the key components of future sixth-generation wireless (6G) network. However, high levels of path loss and blockage limit the reliability of these types of links and communication, especially in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) scenarios. Recently, a novel technology known as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) has been developed to help reconfigure the wireless propagation environment through programmable electromagnetic reflection. This paper discusses how using realistic cluster-delayed-line (CDL) channel modelling can improve the performance of RIS-assisted millimeter-wave communication links. A cascaded base station (BS)-RIS-user equipment (UE) system using a propagation channel that has been modelled according to mobile radio channel characteristics from the 3GPP Technical Report (38.901) was simulated at a frequency of 28 GHz in order to study the multipath clustering, angular dispersion and delay spread effects that take place when propagating signals using a wireless or radio channel. An iterative RIS phase optimization algorithm was developed for maximizing the coherent signal power obtained by combining all of the reflected signals based on the available directional antennas operated by RIS hardware. We present performance evaluations of the RIS-assisted channel compared to performance evaluations of traditional direct based channel configurations of identical communications facilities based on analysis of communications efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio, coverage probability, energy efficiency and accuracy of localization. The results show that RIS-assisted beamforming greatly improves communication performance from direct established links. For instance, when using 200 RIS elements, spectral efficiency of communication increases from approximately 2 bps/Hz to greater than 8 bps/Hz and the SNR at the receiver will have improved by almost 40 dB when using RIS technology compared to direct-established links.