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Background Multibody dynamics simulation is a core technique in computational biomechanics and mechanical systems research. Existing open-source platforms are either poorly suited to biomechanics researchers or lack contact mechanics and graphical user interfaces. No single lightweight Python-native package provides forward dynamics, penalty contact, physiological joint constraints, and a graphical interface in combination. Methods OpenMBD is implemented in Python 3 with three external dependencies (NumPy, Matplotlib, Pillow). The dynamics engine applies the Principle of Virtual Power with analytic ZYX-Euler Jacobians and a Recursive Newton-Euler algorithm to assemble and solve the equations of motion with minimal coordinates. Contact mechanics use a penalty-based nonlinear viscoelastic model with hysteresis, applied to ellipsoid body geometry. Physiological joint range-of-motion limits for all major joints of the human body are enforced by continuous penalty spring-dampers parameterised from normative data. Numerical integration uses the Symplectic Euler scheme at a set time step. A Tkinter graphical user interface and a standalone browser-based JSON model editor are provided. Results OpenMBD is distributed with model files: an adult male, an adult female, a car and a bicycle, defined in an open JSON format. Use cases are presented covering fall, sport collisions and custom model definition using the JSON format and browser-based editor. Three output files are automatically generated per simulation run: an output CSV, a summary text file, and a GIF animation. Conclusions OpenMBD addresses a genuine gap in the open-source biomechanics software landscape by providing a Python-native forward dynamics simulator that is installation-trivial, GUI-accessible, and biomechanically parameterised. The software is released under the MIT licence and is available at https://gtbiomech.github.io/OpenMBD/.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-20 09:15:54 UTC.
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ABSTRACT
The importance of precise timing of neuronal activity, relative to ongoing slower oscillations, is reshaping the engram theory and our understanding of how memories are encoded and stored. The hippocampal theta-wave phase-encoding of neuronal firing predicts behavioral outcomes and cognitive performance in memory tasks. A single external stimulus or a sensory/cognitive cue may induce Phase-Resetting shift of theta waves, without changing their frequency or power. This phenomenon seems to be a core mechanism for temporal coordination, information encoding, and memory formation. We hypothesize that not only Phase-Resetting, but temporally coded neuromodulation packaged around an averaged theta cycle of 140 ms, plays a role in engram formation. Inter-pulse microstimulation patterns (MS) consisting of six stimuli within a 140 ms period were applied to the intermedial CA3 hippocampal area of C57/BL6 mice. Each MS-pattern consisted of a 10-bit word (each bit representing a 14-ms bin), indicating the phase at which MS was applied. The randomized (MSr) or fixed pattern (MSf) stimulus was applied during a 30 s presentation of a pure tone (CS) that terminated with a 2 s/0.4 mA footshock (US). Sham animals underwent surgery and cued fear conditioning, but no MS. Cued fear memory was tested by presenting the CS (without MS) in a different context. The group of mice that received the MSf during conditioning showed higher levels of freezing compared to the Sham group; the MSr group did not. We measured c-Fos/NeuN labeling as a proxy for neuronal activity 90 min after memory retrieval. As expected, since cued-fear memory is predominantly amygdala-dependent, all groups showed an increase in c-Fos expression in the amygdala. However, only the MSf group had higher hippocampal activation after retrieval, suggesting that fixed pattern stimulation framed around an averaged theta cycle led to neuronal integration into the memory trace. Our findings indicate that temporal organization plays a crucial role in how memories are stored and accessed.
in Hippocampus on 2026-04-20 06:36:57 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-04-20 06:21:22 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-04-20 06:12:25 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-04-20 06:11:25 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-04-20 06:01:22 UTC.
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ABSTRACT
Early activity patterns support the development of neuronal networks by promoting synaptic plasticity. In the hippocampus of neonatal rats and mice in vivo, early sharp waves (eSPWs) are the first pattern of synchronized network activity. The activation of glutamate- and GABA(A)-mediated synaptic currents was described during eSPWs. However, the contribution of different receptor subtypes to eSPW generation is still obscure. To explore the receptor mechanisms of eSPW generation we used a «superfused hippocampus» preparation, which allows a drug application directly to the large area of the hippocampal surface in vivo. Using silicon probe recordings from the superfused hippocampus of neonatal Wistar rats, we assessed electrophysiological properties of eSPWs in control conditions and during the superfusion with glutamate and GABA receptor antagonists. We showed that blocking the AMPA/kainate and NMDA glutamate receptors reduced to a different degree the eSPW frequency and neuronal firing associated with eSPWs. Only when applied simultaneously did the AMPA/kainate and NMDA receptor antagonists completely suppress eSPWs. At the same time, GABA(A) receptors appeared to have a limited role in eSPW generation as eSPWs persisted after GABA(A) receptor blockade alternating with recurrent epileptiform discharges; yet, eSPW amplitude was reduced after epileptiform activity onset. We also observed no changes in eSPW properties produced by blocking the GABA(B) receptors. Taken together, our findings reveal a predominant involvement of AMPA/kainate and NMDA glutamate receptors in eSPW generation and emphasize the role of eSPWs in providing conditions for NMDA receptor-mediated plasticity in the developing hippocampus.
in Hippocampus on 2026-04-20 04:45:43 UTC.
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in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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We review the positive effects of several existing drugs from different classes, such as chemical chaperones, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), iron chelators, and cluster-Abelson tyrosine kinase inhibitors (c-Abl TKIs), in preclinical disease models and in available published human data following use of these drugs in individuals with common neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD). A concept of combinatory neuroprotective therapy using a drug-repurposing approach is then discussed. Finally, we propose a strategy to design an ideal combination of drugs able to address multiple pathogenic processes involved in neurodegeneration to achieve clinically meaningful results. ANN NEUROL 2026 ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1099–1112
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Cladribine tablets are approved for relapsing multiple sclerosis, mediating their clinical effect by moderately depleting lymphocytes. In a prospective, monocentric study including 22 patients completing 2 annual cycles of cladribine, B- and T-cell receptor repertoires and relapse activity were assessed at baseline and after 24 months. T-cell clonality increased, driven by loss of low-frequency, naive clonotypes, and re-expansion of dominant CD8 memory clonotypes, particularly in clinically stable patients. In contrast, B-cell receptor richness increased because of reconstruction by transitional and naive B cells with higher clonotype numbers observed in relapsing patients. Therefore, competing immune reconstitution following cladribine therapy could result in differential clinical responses. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1166–1172
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is presumed to be an autoimmune disorder caused by hypothalamic loss of hypocretin (Hcrt; orexin). In postmortem NT1 brains, we observed an 11-fold increase of CD4+ T-cells in the Hcrt region compared with control hypothalami, without a corresponding rise in CD8+ T-cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell numbers were unchanged in other hypothalamic regions, including the paraventricular nucleus and median eminence, and in extra-hypothalamic areas such as the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus. Hcrt-region CD4+ T-cells expressed the tissue-resident memory markers CD49a and CXCR6. These findings support the autoimmune hypothesis of NT1. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1173–1178
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Cervical artery dissection (CeAD) may be limited to the extracranial extradural space or extend to the intradural space. Intradural extension can potentially increase the risk of stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, the factors associated with intradural extension and its impact on clinical outcome remain unclear.
Methods
This was a secondary analysis of the STOP-CAD observational, multi-center study. Patients with CeAD and intradural extension (CeADid) were compared with those with pure CeAD extradural dissections (CeADed) using multiple regression analyses.
Results
Of 4,023 patients with CeAD, 534 (13.3%) had CeADid. In comparison to patients with CeADed, those with CeADid more often had clinical overt stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) at presentation, acute infarcts on imaging, a vertebral artery affected, and severe stenosis of the involved vessel (p < 0.001 for all). In contrast, carotid involvement and complete occlusions were more frequent in patients with CeADed (p < 0.001 for both). CeADid was associated with a shift in the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) toward worse functional outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62–0.92) but the odds for favorable outcomes (mRS = 0–2) did not differ between the groups after appropriate adjustments on multivariate analysis. CeADid was independently associated with higher mortality at 180 days on multivariate analysis (adjusted OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.50–5.38).
Interpretation
CeADid is associated with more severe clinical presentation, a shift toward less favorable outcomes, and higher mortality rates. These findings suggest that CeADid may represent a high-risk type of CeAD. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1189–1197
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can drastically impair one's ability to work and interferes with activities of daily living. We recently demonstrated that, in rodents, conditioning electrical stimulation (CES) delivered to the nerve 7 days prior to surgery imparts a conditioning lesion-like effect by accelerating the rate of regeneration along the entire length of the nerve. The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that CES could accelerate nerve regeneration and improve function in patients with moderate or severe CTS.
Methods
Using a double-blind randomized controlled study design, patients received surgery + CES or surgery + sham stimulation. They were evaluated at regular intervals for 12 months following intervention. Primary outcome was motor unit number estimation (MUNE), supplemented with secondary outcomes including motor and sensory nerve conduction studies, Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments, and Moberg Pick-Up Test.
Results
Sixty-four participants were randomized to either the treatment or control groups. There was no significant demographic or physiological difference at baseline between the groups. No major adverse event was found with treatment. Following intervention, there was significantly greater increase in MUNE of 62 ± 71 in the treatment group compared to 25 ± 66 in the controls after 12 months. In the treatment group, there was correspondingly better physiological and functional recovery and hand dexterity compared with the controls.
Interpretation
CES is a safe, feasible, and efficacious treatment to improve nerve reinnervation and functional outcomes in patients with moderate or severe CTS. This may open future possibilities for more effective treatment for other peripheral nerve injuries. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1251–1262
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of brain-computer interface (BCI)-controlled exoskeleton training on lower-limb functional recovery, psychological outcomes, and neural plasticity in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods
We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized, single-blind pilot trial (ChiCTR2300074503) including 21 patients with SCI. Participants were randomized to a BCI-exoskeleton group (B + E, n = 10) or an exoskeleton-only group (E, n = 11) for lower-limb training. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation plus 30 minutes of training, 6 days per week, for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes were Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II) scoring. Secondary outcomes included Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS), Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM III), International Association of Neurorestoratology Spinal Cord Injury Functional Rating Scale (IANR-SCIFRS), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Cortical plasticity was assessed by electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Results
The B + E group showed a significant improvement in LEMS (p = 0.003), whereas both groups improved in IANR-SCIFRS (p < 0.05). The B + E group demonstrated significant within-group gains in walking speed (10MWT, p < 0.001) and endurance (6MWT, p = 0.031), although between-group differences were not significant. Compared with the E group, the B + E group had larger reductions in HADS scores (p = 0.003). EEG analyses revealed stronger μ/β desynchronization and increased network efficiency, whereas MRI showed no structural changes.
Interpretation
BCI-controlled exoskeleton training enhanced motor function, walking performance, and depressive symptoms more than exoskeleton training alone, likely through cortical reorganization. Extended training may further consolidate these benefits, supporting BCI-exoskeleton integration as a promising rehabilitation strategy for SCI. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1124–1138
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Evidence linking modifiable risk factors to age-related brain diseases, such as dementia, stroke, and depression (DSD), is robust, yet limited regarding long-term change in modifiable risk factors in association with these conditions, particularly in real-world settings. This study aimed to assess whether longitudinal changes in modifiable brain health risk factors were associated with reduced risk of DSD.
Methods
We analyzed UK Biobank data (2006–2019) from 155,469 participants with general practitioner-linked data. The Brain Care Score (BCS) assesses 12 modifiable risk factors across lifestyle, physical, and social–emotional domains. Longitudinal BCS measurements were derived from repeated general practitioner (GP)-recorded measurements. Changes in the BCS were modeled using linear mixed-effects models, and associations with DSD were evaluated using multivariable Cox models, adjusting for baseline BCS and genetic risk (polygenic risk scores for stroke and depression, and APOE genotype for dementia).
Results
Among 155,469 participants (median age = 51 years, 54.3% women), the median annual BCS change was 0.14 (Q1–Q3 = 0.008–0.30) points over a median follow-up of 12.3 years (Q1–Q3 = 11.5–13.1 years). Over time, 82.1% improved their BCS, 12.9% remained stable, and 5.0% worsened over time. Each 1-point annual increase in the BCS was associated with 4% lower risk of incident age-related brain diseases (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95–0.97).
Interpretation
In this large real-world cohort, improvements in modifiable risk factor profiles were associated with lower incidence of DSD, regardless of genetic risk or baseline BCS. Our results provide important information for communicating with patients about the brain health benefits of improving risk factor profiles. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1113–1123
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
The objective of this study was to compare clinical features and prognosis of late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (LO-NMOSD, onset age ≥60 years) with adult-onset NMOSD (AO-NMOSD, onset age 18–59 years), and to provide insights for individualized management in elderly patients.
Methods
Data from 748 patients with NMOSD (diagnosed according to the 2015 International Panel for NMO Diagnosis criteria) in the China National Registry of Neuro-Inflammatory Diseases (CNRID) were analyzed. Patients were stratified into AO-NMOSD (18–59 years, n = 617) and LO-NMOSD (≥ 60 years, n = 131). Demographics, clinical manifestations, imaging, treatments, and outcomes were compared using appropriate statistical methods including Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression.
Results
LO-NMOSD showed distinct traits: a lower female predominance (76.34% vs 86.55%), higher transverse myelitis (TM) incidence at onset (57.36% vs 40.17%), elevated annualized relapse rate (ARR; 0.52 ± 0.03 vs 0.38 ± 0.01), and accelerated disability (median Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] 4.75 vs 3.0). TM-predominant relapses (39 of 45, 86.67% in LO vs 96 of 148, 64.86% in AO) contributed significantly to disability. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed LO-NMOSD had a higher risk of relapse (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.932, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.427–2.615), disability (HR = 3.192, 95% CI = 1.932–5.274) and reaching visual acuity (VA) ≤20 of 30 (HR = 3.523, 95% CI = 1.585–7.828). Cox regression confirmed that onset age ≥60 years was an independent risk factor for relapse (HR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.60–2.59), disability (HR = 3.16, 95% CI = 2.14–4.62), and reaching VA ≤20 of 30 (HR 3.26, 95% CI = 1.83–5.48).
Interpretation
LO-NMOSD is characterized by myelitis-predominance with recurrent spinal cord involvement, high risk of relapses, and severe disability. It thus underscores the need for heightened clinical attention, with rigorous monitoring that balance safety and efficacy for elderly patients with NMOSD. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1139–1151
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Naturally occurring autoantibodies are commonly considered to be causative of autoimmune diseases or epiphenomena with no known biological impact. Although clinically beneficial autoantibodies have been described, there have been no naturally occurring anti-neuronal antibodies that have been found to be neuroprotective. Here, we identify a recombinant human antibody (TGM-010) derived from a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) that binds human and mouse neurons, leading to beneficial effects.
Methods
TGM-010 was examined for its ability to be internalized by human and mouse neurons and protect neurons from death in vitro following a stress event. TGM-010 was also injected systemically into a relapsing–remitting model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to examine its ability to impact disease score, extent of demyelination, and neuron frequency.
Results
TGM-010 demonstrates many novel characteristics including crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and internalizing into neurons. TGM-010 also protects primary mouse neurons from death in vitro. In a mouse model of MS, TGM-010 ameliorates disease severity and is associated with improved neuronal survival.
Interpretation
This study identified a patient-derived neuron-binding autoantibody that crosses the BBB in mice and reduces neuron loss in a mouse model of MS. These data suggest that the human derived anti-neuronal antibody, TGM-010, may potentially be used to ameliorate neurodegeneration that underlies disability in neurodegenerative conditions. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1152–1165
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Focal hand dystonia (FHD) severely impairs task-specific motor control, yet the optimal surgical target for stereotactic intervention remains uncertain. This study aimed to identify the precise thalamic lesion site associated with symptomatic improvement and to clarify its network connectivity.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 164 patients with FHD (mean age = 42.0 years, 26.2% women) who underwent stereotactic thalamotomy of the ventral lateral thalamus. Voxel-wise probabilistic lesion mapping was applied to relate lesion locations to clinical outcomes. Structural connectivity analyses assessed fiber tracts linked to the optimal lesion site. Model performance was evaluated by 10-fold cross-validation, validation in an out-of-sample cohort, and testing in reoperation cases.
Results
We identified that lesioning the border zone between the ventralis oralis posterior (Vop) and ventralis intermedius (Vim) nuclei was associated with improvement of FHD. The predictive model achieved high accuracy in cross-validation (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.836) and performed robustly in independent validation. Connectivity analyses showed that the Vop-Vim border zone was linked to cerebellothalamic and pallidothalamic afferents as well as thalamocortical projections to the supplementary motor area and premotor cortex. In contrast, lesions extending into the ventralis oralis anterior nucleus were associated with an increased risk of motor complications.
Interpretation
Precise targeting of the Vop-Vim border maximizes clinical benefit while minimizing adverse effects in FHD thalamotomy. These findings establish the first evidence-based thalamic target for FHD, offering practical guidance for stereotactic interventions and advancing understanding of dystonia pathophysiology. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1227–1238
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established surgical therapy for movement disorders, epilepsy, and psychiatric conditions, yet remains underutilized due to perceived risks. We therefore endeavored to compare the safety of DBS to other common elective procedures to provide context for its relative risk.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study utilized the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, encompassing diverse referral and community hospitals across the United States from 2015 to 2021. Patients with DBS were compared with those receiving one of the 16 most common elective procedures. The primary outcome of interest was the weighted odds of any postoperative complication at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included risk of readmission, reoperation, and discharge disposition. Logistic regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity scores adjusted for baseline group heterogeneity.
Results
We identified 2,853,662 patients for analysis, including 4,749 DBS procedures. After IPTW adjustment, patients with DBS experienced lower 30-day complication rates compared with other procedures (1.3% vs 4.1%, OR = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25–0.41, p < 0.0001). Readmission rates did not differ significantly (2.2% vs 2.6%, OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.69–1.02, p = 0.08). DBS cases had higher odds of discharge home (98.7% vs 96.3%, OR = 2.94, 95% CI = 2.27–3.82, p < 0.0001) and lower reoperation rates (0.7% vs 1.3%, OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.35–0.72, p = 0.0002).
Interpretation
DBS demonstrates a favorable safety profile with substantially lower complication rates compared with the most widely performed elective surgeries. These findings support broader consideration of surgical referral for appropriate DBS candidates. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1239–1250
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Immunothrombosis contributes to ischemic stroke pathophysiology through neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, which promotes thrombus stabilization and microvascular dysfunction. DNase1 is the principal endonuclease responsible for NET degradation. The rs1053874 polymorphism in DNase1 gene influences enzymatic activity and protein stability in vitro, but its clinical relevance in ischemic stroke remains unexplored. We investigated whether this variant modulates systemic NET burden and impacts stroke-related outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a prospective observational cohort study including 492 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Genotyping of rs1053874 was performed via Sanger sequencing and categorized into AA versus GG + GA genotypes (dominant model). Clinical variables, NET biomarkers (elastase, myeloperoxidase [MPO], and dsDNA), DNAse1 activity, infarct volume, thrombectomy metrics, and survival were assessed. Multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore associations between genotype and outcomes.
Results
AA genotype carriers (7.9%) had a significantly lower burden of prior vascular events compared to GG + GA carriers. At admission, they exhibited higher DNAse1 activity, reduced levels of circulating NET markers (elastase, MPO, and dsDNA), and lower neutrophil and monocyte counts. Despite similar initial stroke severity, AA carriers required fewer thrombectomy passes and had significantly better early neurological recovery and smaller infarcts. In adjusted models, both the AA genotype and dyslipidemia were independently associated with improved long-term survival. However, stratified analyses revealed the most robust survival benefit among AA carriers without dyslipidemia. No significant interaction was observed.
Interpretation
DNase1 rs1053874 polymorphism influences NET-related inflammation and is associated with improved vascular profile, procedural efficiency, and long-term outcomes in ischemic stroke. These findings support the potential of DNase1 as a therapeutic and prognostic target in personalized stroke care. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1210–1223
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Pathogenic variants in Kaptin (KPTN) cause KPTN-related disorder (KRD). KPTN modulates mTOR signaling activation within the KICSTOR complex in response to cellular amino acid levels. We define the clinical spectrum and investigate the developmental pathogenesis of KRD.
Methods
We report the genotype and clinical phenotype of 71 KRD individuals (28 female subjects, ages 1 to 55 years) including 48 newly identified KRD individuals. The effects of Kptn knockout on brain development were assayed in vitro and in vivo.
Results
We defined 15 novel KPTN variants. Intellectual disability (ID) was identified in all KRD individuals. Macrocephaly and epilepsy were observed in 46% and 47%, respectively. Neuroimaging revealed megalencephaly but no overt structural abnormalities. Ketotic hypoglycemia and endocrinopathies were identified in KRD. Increased head size was detected in unaffected parents heterozygous for KPTN variants. Two KRD individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy were treated with the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus but did not exhibit improved seizure control. CRISPR/Cas9 Kptn knockout in vitro induced mTOR activation and an mTOR-dependent increase in cell size. Kptn−/− mice exhibited increased cortical mTOR signaling that was reduced by rapamycin. Heterotopic neurons were identified in the subcortical white matter in the Kptn −/− mouse. Focal CRISPR/Cas9 Kptn knockout in cortex via in utero electroporation resulted in white matter heterotopic neurons. Electroencephalogram (EEG) did not detect ictal or inter-ictal abnormalities.
Interpretation
KRD is a multisystem neurodevelopmental disorder associated with ID, macrocephaly, epilepsy, mTOR signaling hyperactivation, and in a mouse model, subtle structural alterations in cerebral cortical cytoarchitecture. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1287–1302
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Clot composition may offer insights into the mechanism of ischemic stroke. Radiomics, a noninvasive imaging technique, enables tissue characterization through radiomic features (RFs). We aimed to evaluate clot composition using radiomics on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT).
Methods
In the first phase, we conducted a prospective study comparing RFs with histopathology in thrombi retrieved via mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Thrombi were imaged using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and analyzed histologically. Matched micro-CT and histological slices identified red blood cells (RBCs) and fibrin-rich regions. RFs were extracted, and multivariate logistic regression identified features associated with each component. Spearman's correlation was used to assess associations between RFs and percentage composition. The same clots were localized on pre-MT NCCT, and RFs were extracted. Micro-CT and NCCT RFs were correlated to enable histology-informed interpretation. Receiver operating characteristic analysis evaluated the ability of NCCT RFs to discriminate clot composition. In the second phase, radiomics was applied to a retrospective NCCT dataset from patients with ischemic stroke with varying etiologies.
Results
Ten thrombi were analyzed using micro-CT. Total energy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–1.54, p < 0.001) and large dependence high gray level emphasis (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.07–1.32, p = 0.01) were associated with RBCs and correlated with >70% RBCs composition on NCCT (Rho = 0.752 and Rho = 0.815). Subsequently, 150 NCCT scans were analyzed, including 50 cardioembolic, 50 large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), and 50 cryptogenic strokes. Radiomic analysis indicated RBCs-predominant composition in 72% of cardioembolic, 30% of LAA, and 50% of cryptogenic clots.
Interpretation
Radiomics is a promising, noninvasive technique for characterizing clot composition. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1179–1188
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Quaking-induced conversion (QuIC) tests, which detect prion-seeding activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), have markedly advanced the antemortem diagnosis of prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). These tests provide high diagnostic accuracy and enable timely differentiation from other rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorders. However, a key limitation of current QuIC tests are the reduced sensitivity in detecting inherited prion diseases and rare sporadic subtypes, including variably protease-sensitive prionopathy (VPSPr). To address this gap, we evaluated a simplified QuIC test, end-point QuIC (EP-QuIC), incorporating a novel recombinant prion protein substrate derived from the North American deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus).
Methods
The diagnostic performance of the modified QuIC test was evaluated using CSF samples from 61 sporadic CJD, 50 inherited prion disease, and 5 VPSPr cases.
Results
EP-QuIC with the deer mouse substrate achieved 96.6% sensitivity (111/116) and 100% specificity (35/35), outperforming both standard EP-QuIC (87.1%) and next-generation (IQ-CSF) real-time-QuIC (72.4%) across the same cohort. Notably, this enhanced assay detected inherited mutations, such as D178N, that were previously undetectable with existing diagnostic tests.
Interpretation
These findings demonstrate that adapting EP-QuIC with an optimized substrate, termed enhanced sensitivity QuIC (ES-QuIC), significantly improves diagnostic performance for inherited and atypical prion diseases. By expanding the diagnostic reach of QuIC tests, this study strengthens antemortem surveillance, reduces reliance on postmortem confirmation, and improves opportunities for early intervention and clinical trial enrollment, particularly for genetic cases most likely to benefit from emerging therapeutic strategies. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1303–1314
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Sporadic late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a long pre-clinical phase where amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau begin to accumulate in the brain. The primary objective was to determine the age at which AD starts by finding the average population age when both positron emission tomography (PET) Aβ (Aβ-PET) and plasma Aβ42/40 become abnormal.
Methods
Two high performance immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) assays (WashU/C2N and Shimadzu) were tested on samples from 1,450 participants who were diagnosed as cognitively unimpaired (CU), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or AD-dementia across 4 international cohorts. Natural history modeling and trajectory analyses of the combined Aβ-PET and plasma Aβ42/40 data were analyzed.
Results
Data from both assays demonstrated Aβ42/40 undergoes a rapid change at approximately 15 Centiloid (CL), at an average population disease age at 66 years. On average, plasma Aβ42/40 becomes abnormal approximately 2 years before Aβ-PET, whereby it falls sharply to a stable level at the onset of preclinical AD. Average disease age where Aβ42/40 becomes abnormal, and the corresponding Centiloid level are lower for APOE allele carriers compared with non-carriers.
Interpretation
Plasma Aβ42/40 ratio presents a step-like function of peripheral change shortly before the detection of plaques by Aβ-PET. Results are consistent with plasma Aβ42/40 falling to a steady-state level in participants with Aβ-PET levels greater than approximately 14CL for both assays. The age at which this occurs is dependent on APOE ε4 carriership, consistent with the approximate 7-year age difference in Centiloid abnormality between carriers and non-carriers. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1327–1342
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a devastating consequence of some generalized convulsive seizures (GCS). Recent work has focused on seizure related apnea as a biomarker of SUDEP risk, frequently without characterizing the adequacy of non-apneic ventilation or identifying other dysfunctional breathing patterns. We hypothesized that GCS frequently induce immediate, severe, non-apneic respiratory dysfunction that can induce critical hypoxia and bradycardia and sought to characterize breathing patterns after GCS.
Methods
Adult patients admitted to an epilepsy monitoring unit were studied. The effects of GCS on breathing and heart rate were analyzed using nasal pressure transducers, chest and abdominal respiratory inductance plethysmography, capillary oxygen saturation, transcutaneous CO2, electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, and expert audiovisual analysis. Correlation analyses, the Mann–Whitney test, and an unpaired t test were used to analyze relationships between dysfunctional breathing patterns and both the severity of postictal hypoxemia and the heart rate.
Results
Thirty-two GCS from 22 patients were analyzed and 31 exhibited 1 or more of the following breathing patterns: disordered rhythmicity (n = 28/32, 87.5%), shallow breathing (n = 12/32, 37.5%), thoracoabdominal asynchrony (n = 24/30, 80.0%), and upper airway obstruction (n = 30/32, 93.8%). Oxygen desaturation was more severe when postictal breathing was shallow or irregular in amplitude. The latter was associated with absolute or relative bradycardia.
Interpretation
Nonfatal GCS frequently induce immediate, severe, non-apneic respiratory dysfunction temporally associated with severe hypoxia and bradycardia. Our study suggests that postictal respiratory and cardiac function are tightly coupled and highlights the importance of including all the relevant pathologic variables in studies of SUDEP pathogenesis. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1263–1276
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Though it is widely known that tau deposition affects brain structure, the precise localization of these effects is poorly understood, especially in relation to gyral and sulcal anatomy. We investigated whether tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) preferentially affects sulci, and particularly sulcal depths.
Methods
We analyzed 675 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) data to investigate relationships between neocortical tau PET signal and cortical thickness. We then examined an advanced AD case with postmortem MRI and coregistered whole-brain phospho-tau staining for evidence of sulcal tau distribution in AD. Finally, in a sample of 187 cognitively unimpaired young and older adults with resting-state functional MRI, we examined connectivity strength between tau-vulnerable regions and the hippocampus across adulthood, prior to disease-related cognitive decline.
Results
Our findings revealed that tau-related cortical thinning predominantly occurs in sulcal regions, especially the deepest parts. Postmortem histology confirmed preferential tau accumulation in sulcal depths. Additionally, connectivity analyses revealed that, across adulthood, these primarily sulcal regions most susceptible to tau-related thinning also have stronger connectivity to the hippocampus, suggesting a role for network connectivity in the vulnerability of sulci to the effects of tau pathology later in life.
Interpretation
These findings support the hypothesis that sulci, and particularly their depths, represent structurally and functionally vulnerable regions for tau deposition in AD. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this sulcal vulnerability provides insight into general principles driving regional susceptibility to pathology, and sheds light on the detrimental functional and cognitive effects of tau pathology. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1343–1353
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Age of symptom onset is highly variable in familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration (f-FTLD). Accurate prediction of onset would inform clinical management and trial enrollment. Prior studies indicate that individualized maps of brain atrophy can predict conversion to dementia in f-FTLD. We used a Bayesian linear mixed-effect (BLME) prediction method for identifying accelerated brain volume loss to predict conversion to dementia.
Methods
Participants included 234 asymptomatic or prodromal carriers of C9orf72, GRN, or MAPT mutations (including 21 dementia converters) with ≥3 longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1-weighted scans. The BLME models established individual voxel-wise gray matter trajectories using the first 2 scans. Person-specific clusters of accelerated volume loss were estimated in subsequent scans and tested as predictors of dementia conversion compared with other approaches in time-varying Cox proportional hazard models covarying for age. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves estimated utility of cluster volume in discriminating which participants converted to dementia within 24 months.
Results
The BLME cluster volume predicted conversion to dementia in f-FTLD mutation carriers overall and separately in C9orf72, GRN, and MAPT, with comparable hazard ratios observed for atrophy W-maps and regional volumes. Within a 24-month timeframe, BLME cluster volume discriminated dementia converters from non-converters with larger areas under the curve (AUCs) than other approaches.
Interpretation
Bayesian-modeled individualized atrophy scores predict dementia progression among asymptomatic f-FTLD mutation carriers and may have increased utility compared with other structural imaging methods when studying individuals over shorter timeframes that align with clinical trial design. ANN NEUROL 20269999:n/a–n/a
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
The optimal treatment for distal medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) stroke remains uncertain, and evidence comparing endovascular therapy (EVT) with medical management (MM) is limited. We aimed to develop and validate a predictive modeling tool to assess individual treatment benefit in DMVO stroke using explainable counterfactual treatment estimation.
Methods
Adults with isolated DMVO stroke (M3–M4, A2–A3, or P1–P2) were retrospectively identified from 7 stroke centers. To estimate individualized probabilities of favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] = 0–2 at 90 days), we developed a Penalized Logistic Regression (Elastic Net) model. This framework was selected a priori over other explored machine learning algorithms (Decision Tree, Support Vector Classifier, and XGBoost) for its superior interpretability and ability to handle multicollinearity among interaction terms. Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW) was implemented to address confounding by indication in the observational data. Internal validation used repeated K-fold cross-validation and bootstrapping; external validation was performed on an independent cohort (n = 86).
Results
Of 321 eligible patients, 179 received EVT (55.8%) and 142 received MM (44.2%). Adjusted models showed no significant overall group differences in favorable outcome (adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.97–1.80), mortality (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.78–1.85), or symptomatic hemorrhage (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.21–1.58). However, the model identified significant treatment effect heterogeneity; EVT benefit was amplified in patients with higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and attenuated with increasing treatment delay. Internal validation demonstrated strong performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.71–0.82). External validation confirmed generalizability (AUC = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.63–0.84). Individualized treatment estimates showed high concordance with a benchmark causal T-Learner model (Pearson r = 0.97 internal and r = 0.98 external).
Interpretation
Although aggregate outcomes did not differ significantly, the validated Distal and Medium Vessel Occlusion Stroke (DUSK) Tool enables individualized estimation of EVT benefit in DMVO stroke. This explainable counterfactual treatment estimation framework supports precision decision making by identifying specific patient subgroups most likely to benefit from EVT over MM. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1198–1209
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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Objective
Polymicrogyria (PMG) is one of the most common human malformations of cortical development and is often classified by its radiographic pattern of distribution. Unilateral polymicrogyria (uPMG) is a subtype of PMG affecting a portion or all of one cerebral hemisphere. As most PMGs occur bilaterally, there has been no specific investigation as to whether the genetic underpinnings of uPMG comprise a subset of or a distinct entity from bilateral PMG. In this study, our goal was to assess both the genetic etiology of uPMG and the value of diagnostic genetic testing in this setting.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from individuals with uPMG seen in the Brain Development and Genetics Clinic and/or research participants of the Walsh Laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital. The final study cohort included 35 individuals from 30 families who were diagnosed with uPMG on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and also underwent genetic testing.
Results
A likely genetic cause was identified in 26.7% (8/30) of unrelated individuals with uPMG in this cohort and segregated within one family (10/35 total subjects). Recessive genetic causes included ASPM, WDR62, and TMEM216. Dominant causes included 22q deletion syndrome, DYNC1H1, SCN3A, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) genes, ACVRL1 and ENG. This is the first report of variants in DYNC1H1, TMEM216, and ACVRL1 in association with uPMG.
Interpretation
The genetic causes of bilateral PMG and uPMG can overlap, but some are unique to certain distributions of the malformation. Genetic explanations for uPMG are found at comparable rates to bilateral PMG, suggesting that germline testing for this unique presentation is warranted. ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1277–1286
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-20 04:45:35 UTC.
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ABSTRACT
The ability to remember (i.e., memory ability) and to accurately discern memory function (i.e., metamemory) are both important facets of cognition. In the present study, we examined the shared and distinct sources of variance across memory ability and metamemory using psychometrically validated measures of memory ability, metamemory, and anxiety and depression symptoms in conjunction with multimodal imaging (i.e., structural MRI, tau PET) in a sample of cognitively normal older adults (N = 72). Replicating a growing body of work, we found that metamemory was more tightly linked to anxiety and depression symptoms relative to objective measures of memory ability. Our results also revealed that the hippocampus was a critical locus of both memory ability and metamemory—hippocampal volume was positively associated with memory ability, but not metamemory, whereas increased hippocampal tau pathology exacerbated the negative effect of anxiety and depression symptoms on metamemory. Importantly, we also found that after controlling for anxiety and depression symptoms and tau burden, there was a positive association between memory ability and metamemory. Our findings also demonstrated the importance of assessing different facets of metamemory; self-reported memory contentment and ability, but not strategy use, showed the strongest relationships with both anxiety and depression symptoms and hippocampal tau burden. Together, these results suggest that both shared and distinct mechanisms underlie memory ability and metamemory processes in older adults. Chiefly, this work highlights the potential of metamemory measures as sensitive tools to understand affective processes that occur in both healthy and pathological aging, independent of memory ability.
in Hippocampus on 2026-04-20 04:11:36 UTC.
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ABSTRACT
Adult-born hippocampal neurons are highly plastic but there remains uncertainty about the magnitude of neurogenesis and its long-term functional consequences. Theoretical predictions indicate that adult neurogenesis should lead to substantial growth of the dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell population. However, in practice, most studies find no changes in total cell number across adulthood. This discrepancy may partly be a sensitivity issue, where small sample sizes and the examination of older age windows (when neurogenesis is reduced) have prevented detection. However, neurogenic growth could also be masked by the turnover of developmentally-born DG neurons, which are known to die off in normal aging. To address the question of how neuronal birth and loss impacts DG population dynamics, here we quantified numbers of developmentally-born neurons, proliferating Ki67+ cells (as a proxy for adult-born neurons), and total DG neurons from 2–18 months of age in the rat. We estimate that over this timeframe 670,000 adult-born neurons are added (30% of the total population). Consistent with neurogenic growth, the total number of DG neurons increased across adulthood. However, net growth was only 385,000 cells, which is less than predicted by adult neurogenesis alone. Indeed, 20% of developmentally-born neurons were lost over the same interval, and so we propose that the difference is explained by neuronal turnover. Neuronal persistence and turnover may be relevant for theories of hippocampal long-term memory, as well as for understanding psychiatric conditions that are characterized by hippocampal plasticity and atrophy.
in Hippocampus on 2026-04-20 04:09:34 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15363v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Motivated behaviour relies on the brain's capacity to evaluate effort and reward. Dysregulation within these processes contributes to a spectrum of conditions, from hyperactivity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to diminished goal-directed behaviour in apathy. This thesis investigates the neural mechanisms underlying ADHD using electroencephalography (EEG) and examines individual differences in effort and reward sensitivity using neuroimaging, applying machine learning approaches through three main studies. In Study 1, task-based and resting-state EEG were employed with machine learning models to classify adult individuals with ADHD and healthy controls. Machine learning classifiers trained on task-based EEG during a stop signal task outperformed those trained on resting-state EEG, with the strongest predictive features arising from gamma-band spectral power over fronto-central and parietal regions. In Study 2, diffusion MRI and whole-brain permutation-based analyses identified associations between white matter integrity and computationally modelled parameters reflecting effort and reward sensitivity, with SMA-connected tracts emerging as a central hub. In Study 3, grey matter volumes from structural T1-weighted MRI were used to examine correlates of effort sensitivity, reward sensitivity, and subclinical apathy, with machine learning confirming robust decoding of reward sensitivity and apathy levels. Across studies, fronto-parietal circuits emerged as central to effort valuation and reward processing. These findings may serve as neural biomarkers for improving diagnostic accuracy in ADHD and motivational impairments, and for guiding personalised neurotechnological interventions.
in arXiv: Quantitative Biology: Neurons and Cognition on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15374v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Recent progress in visual brain decoding from fMRI has been enabled by large-scale datasets such as the Natural Scenes Dataset (NSD) and powerful diffusion-based generative models. While current pipelines are primarily optimized for perception, their performance under mental-imagery remains less well understood. In this work, we study how a state-of-the-art (SOTA) perception decoder (DynaDiff) can be adapted to reconstruct imagined content from the Imagery-NSD benchmark. We propose a latent functional alignment approach that maps imagery-evoked activity into the pretrained model's conditioning space, while keeping the remaining components frozen. To mitigate the limited amount of matched imagery-perception supervision, we further introduce a retrieval-based augmentation strategy that selects semantically related NSD perception trials. Across four subjects, latent functional alignment consistently improves high-level semantic reconstruction metrics relative to the frozen pretrained baseline and a voxel-space ridge alignment baseline, and enables above-chance decoding from multiple cortical regions. These results suggest that semantic structure learned from perception can be leveraged to stabilize and improve visual imagery decoding under out-of-distribution conditions.
in arXiv: Quantitative Biology: Neurons and Cognition on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15747v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Experimental evidence indicates that intracellular chloride concentration regulates the excitation and inhibition (EI) balance, yet the mechanisms by which activity-dependent chloride dynamics drive seizure evolution and stage transitions remain unclear. We present a conductance-based neuronal network in which EI balance emerges from chloride homeostasis via channel-mediated influx and transporter-mediated extrusion. We show that the fraction of inhibitory synaptic conductance contributing to channel-mediated influx acts as a control parameter that organizes seizure dynamics into distinct stages,pre-ictal, ictal-tonic, and ictal-clonic,distinguished by characteristic amplitude and frequency signatures. Decreasing this fraction shortens ictal activity and suppresses seizure initiation, whereas high fraction promotes the emergence of ictal-tonic and ictal-clonic stages and spiral-wave dynamics, rendering seizure dynamics largely insensitive to inhibition. At intermediate values, seizures bypass the ictal-tonic stage and emerge directly as the icta,clonic stage. Moreover, joint variation of fractions with synaptic strengths reveals that recurrent excitation expands the tonic-clonic seizure, while recurrent inhibition prolongs pre-ictal states and suppresses ictal-clonic activity.
in arXiv: Quantitative Biology: Neurons and Cognition on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2511.04047v4 Announce Type: replace-cross
Abstract: Why do some physical systems possess consciousness, while others do not? Is this a question of physics? Or is it a question of the theory of causation? Physics and the theory of causation serve different descriptive purposes, and in this study we refer to them respectively as the Physical Stance and the Causal Stance. We propose that the generation of consciousness is determined by its internal causal mechanisms in the Causal Stance. To describe a causal model, we will introduce an asymmetric relation between cause and effect into the formulation that is necessary for describing causality, though not physical laws. We argue that the causal conditions for the generation of consciousness are constituted by internal causal mechanisms of the system, rather than by external interventions.To explain such intrinsic causes, this study focuses on inter-level causality. Traditionally, inter-level causality has been considered an emergent phenomenon rather than a mechanism. We devise a method to implement these mechanisms explicitly in a causal model by examining how causes originating at higher levels are transmitted to lower levels within the system. We then propose a Dual-Laws Model (DLM), which features distinct dynamical laws at higher and lower levels. Finally, we discuss the generation of functional consciousness and its causality based on the DLM. Note that this study does not address the causal efficacy of the phenomenological aspect.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15714v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Always-on converter health monitoring demands sub-mW edge inference, a regime inaccessible to GPU-based physics-informed neural networks. This work separates spiking temporal processing from physics enforcement: a three-layer leaky integrate-and-fire SNN estimates passive component parameters while a differentiable ODE solver provides physics-consistent training by decoupling the ODE physics loss from the unrolled spiking loop. On an EMI-corrupted synchronous buck converter benchmark, the SNN reduces lumped resistance error from $25.8\%$ to $10.2\%$ versus a feedforward baseline, within the $\pm 10\%$ manufacturing tolerance of passive components, at a projected ${\sim}270\times$ energy reduction on neuromorphic hardware. Persistent membrane states further enable degradation tracking and event-driven fault detection via a $+5.5$ percentage-point spike-rate jump at abrupt faults. With $93\%$ spike sparsity, the architecture is suited for always-on deployment on Intel Loihi 2 or BrainChip Akida.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15761v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Designing optimizers that remain effective under tight evaluation budgets is critical in expensive black-box settings such as cardiac digital twinning. We propose Frenetic Cat-inspired Particle Optimization (FCPO), a hybrid swarm method that couples particle swarm optimization-like dynamics with an explicit-state Markov switching controller to schedule exploration and refinement operators online. FCPO integrates (i) state-conditioned bounded motion, (ii) an elite-difference global jump operator to escape stagnation, (iii) eigen-space guided local refinement from elite covariance, and (iv) linear population size reduction to control late-stage computational cost. We benchmark FCPO on five representative functions from the Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC) 2022 suite (F1, F2, F3, F6 and F10) at dimensions D$\in${10,20} over 30 independent runs, comparing against PSO, CSO, CLPSO, SHADE, L-SHADE and CMA-ES. FCPO achieves the lowest mean runtime across the ten benchmark cases (average 0.183 s), about 2.3x faster than CMA-ES and 2.6x faster than L-SHADE in our Python implementation. On the multimodal composition function F10 at D=20, FCPO attains the best mean objective (9.625x 10^2 $\pm$ 1.275x 10^3) and remains faster than CMA-ES (0.602 s vs. 1.126 s mean runtime). On structured landscapes (F1--F3) and on the hybrid function (F6), CMA-ES remains the most accurate method, while FCPO substantially improves over classical swarms and maintains a favorable accuracy--runtime trade-off. Finally, in a ventricular activation digital twin calibration task, FCPO reaches the target electrocardiogram (ECG) fidelity (RMSE<0.1 mV) within ~ 40 iterations and produces physiologically plausible activation maps with robust convergence across repeated initializations, supporting its use as a practical optimizer for expensive inverse problems.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15997v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are rapidly gaining momentum as an alternative to conventional artificial neural networks in resource constrained edge systems. In this work, we continue a recent research line on recurrent SNNs where axonal delays are learned at runtime along with the other network parameters. The first proposed approach, dubbed DelRec, demonstrated the benefit of recurrent delay learning in SNNs. Here, we extend it by advocating the use of convolutional recurrent connections in conjunction with the DelRec delay learning mechanism. According to our tests on an audio classification task, this leads to a streamlined architecture with smaller memory footprint (around 99% savings in terms of number of recurrent parameters) and a much faster (52x) inference time, while retaining DelRec's accuracy. Our code is available at: https://github.com/luciozebendo/delrec_snn/tree/conv_delays
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15356v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Recent work on KV cache quantization, culminating in TurboQuant, has approached the Shannon entropy limit for per-vector compression of transformer key-value caches. We observe that this limit applies to a strictly weaker problem than the one that actually matters: compressing the KV cache as a sequence. The tokens stored in a KV cache are not arbitrary floating-point data -- they are samples from the exact formal language the model was trained on, and the model is by construction a near-optimal predictor of that language. We introduce sequential KV compression, a two-layer architecture that exploits this structure. The first layer, probabilistic prefix deduplication, identifies semantically equivalent shared prefixes across sessions using the trie metric d_T(s, s') = -log_2 P_M(s ^ s') from Probabilistic Language Tries (PLTs). The second layer, predictive delta coding, stores only the residual of each new KV vector from the model's own prediction of it, achieving a per-token entropy bound of H(KV_{i+1} | KV_{<=i}) <= H(token_{i+1} | token_{<=i}). We prove that at typical language model perplexity -- approximately 10-20 for fluent English text -- this bound is 3.3-4.3 bits on average per token position, compared to TurboQuant's 3 bits per vector component (with typical attention heads having 64-128 components). The theoretical compression ratio over TurboQuant is approximately 914,000x at the Shannon limit. Even at 1000x above the entropy floor -- a deliberately pessimistic worst-case overhead, two orders of magnitude above the 2-5x typical of practical source coders -- the ratio remains approximately 914x over TurboQuant, with compression improving rather than degrading as context length grows. The two layers are orthogonal and compose with existing per-vector quantization methods including TurboQuant.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15414v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Continual reinforcement learning must balance retention with adaptation, yet many methods still rely on \emph{single-model preservation}, committing to one evolving policy as the main reusable solution across tasks. Even when a previously successful policy is retained, it may no longer provide a reliable starting point for rapid adaptation after interference, reflecting a form of \emph{loss of plasticity} that single-policy preservation cannot address. Inspired by quality-diversity methods, we introduce \textsc{TeLAPA} (Transfer-Enabled Latent-Aligned Policy Archives), a continual RL framework that organizes behaviorally diverse policy neighborhoods into per-task archives and maintains a shared latent space so that archived policies remain comparable and reusable under non-stationary drift. This perspective shifts continual RL from retaining isolated solutions to maintaining \emph{skill-aligned neighborhoods} with competent and behaviorally related policies that support future relearning. In our MiniGrid CL setting, \textsc{TeLAPA} learns more tasks successfully, recovers competence faster on revisited tasks after interference, and retains higher performance across a sequence of tasks. Our analyses show that source-optimal policies are often not transfer-optimal, even within a local competent neighborhood, and that effective reuse depends on retaining and selecting among multiple nearby alternatives rather than collapsing them to one representative. Together, these results reframe continual RL around reusable and competent policy neighborhoods, providing a route beyond single-model preservation toward more plastic lifelong agents.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15574v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Large language models are prone to hallucinating factually incorrect statements. A key source of these errors is exposure to new factual information through supervised fine-tuning (SFT), which can increase hallucinations w.r.t. knowledge acquired during pre-training. In this work, we explore whether SFT-induced hallucinations can be mitigated using established tools from the continual learning literature, since they arise as a by-product of knowledge degradation during training. We propose a self-distillation-based SFT method that facilitates effective factual learning while minimizing hallucinations w.r.t. pre-existing knowledge by regularizing output-distribution drift. We also show that, in settings where new knowledge acquisition is unnecessary, suppressing factual plasticity by freezing parameter groups, can preserve task performance while reducing hallucinations. Lastly, we investigate the mechanism behind SFT-induced hallucinations through three hypotheses: capacity limitations, behavior cloning, and localized interference. Our experiments show that a main driver is interference among overlapping semantic representations, and that self-distillation succeeds by mitigating this interference.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15746v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Influence maximization (IM) is a fundamental problem in complex network analysis, with a wide range of real-world applications. To date, existing approaches to influential node identification in IM have predominantly relied on standard graphs, failing to capture higher-order intrinsic interactions embedded in many real-world systems. Hypergraphs can be employed to better capture higher-order interactions. However, using hypergraphs may lead to an excessively large search space and increased complexity in modeling cascading dynamics, making it challenging to accurately identify influential nodes. Therefore, in this study, we propose a new hypergraph-modeled IM method, based on the Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm and the threshold model. In the proposed method, a particle (i.e., a candidate solution) represents the selection information of seed nodes, and the fitness function is designed to accurately and efficiently evaluate the influence of seed nodes via a two-layer local influence approximation. We also propose a degree-based initialization strategy to improve the quality of initial solutions and develop rules for updating particles' velocity and position, incorporated with a local search to drive particles toward better solutions. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms baseline methods on both synthetic and real-world hypergraphs. In addition, ablation studies validate the effectiveness of both the local search and the initialization strategies.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.15822v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Automated classification of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals is a useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular diseases. This study compares three traditional machine learning algorithms (Decision Tree Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, and Logistic Regression) and three deep learning models (Simple Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Complex CNN (ECGLens)) for the classification of ECG signals from the PTB-XL dataset, which contains 12-lead recordings from normal patients and patients with various cardiac conditions. The DL models were trained on raw ECG signals, allowing them to automatically extract discriminative features. Data augmentation using the Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) was applied to enhance model performance, increase the diversity of training samples, and preserve the essential characteristics of the ECG signals. The models were evaluated using multiple metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC-AUC. The ECG-Lens model achieved the highest performance, with 80% classification accuracy and a 90% ROC-AUC. These findings demonstrate that deep learning architectures, particularly complex CNNs substantially outperform traditional ML methods on raw 12-lead ECG data, and provide a practical benchmark for selecting automated ECG classification models and identifying directions for condition-specific model development.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.16076v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Concept Bottleneck Models (CBMs) aim to improve interpretability in Deep Learning by structuring predictions through human-understandable concepts, but they provide no way to verify whether learned concepts align with the human's intended meaning, hurting interpretability. We introduce Prototype-Grounded Concept Models (PGCMs), which ground concepts in learned visual prototypes: image parts that serve as explicit evidence for the concepts. This grounding enables direct inspection of concept semantics and supports targeted human intervention at the prototype level to correct misalignments. Empirically, PGCMs match the predictive performance of state-of-the-art CBMs while substantially improving transparency, interpretability, and intervenability.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2504.13541v5 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: Training resource-constrained autonomous agents on multiple tasks simultaneously is crucial for adapting to diverse real-world environments. Recent works employ reinforcement learning (RL) approach, but they still suffer from sub-optimal multi-task performance due to task interference. State-of-the-art works employ Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) to improve RL-based multi-task learning and enable low-power/energy operations through network enhancements and spike-driven data stream processing. However, they rely on fixed task-switching intervals during its training, thus limiting its performance and scalability. To address this, we propose SwitchMT, a novel methodology that employs adaptive task-switching for effective, scalable, and simultaneous multi-task learning. SwitchMT employs the following key ideas: (1) leveraging a Deep Spiking Q-Network with active dendrites and dueling structure, that utilizes task-specific context signals to create specialized sub-networks; and (2) devising an adaptive task-switching policy that leverages both rewards and internal dynamics of the network parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that SwitchMT achieves competitive scores in multiple Atari games (i.e., Pong: -8.8, Breakout: 5.6, and Enduro: 355.2) and longer game episodes as compared to the state-of-the-art. These results also highlight the effectiveness of SwitchMT methodology in addressing task interference without increasing the network complexity, enabling intelligent autonomous agents with scalable multi-task learning capabilities.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2512.21834v2 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: We introduce conserved active information $I^\oplus$, a symmetric extension of active information that quantifies net information gain/loss across the entire search space, respecting No-Free-Lunch conservation. Through Bernoulli and uniform-baseline examples, we show $I^\oplus$ reveals regimes hidden from KL divergence, such as when strong knowledge reduces global disorder. Such regimes are proven formally under uniform baseline, distinguishing disorder (increasing mild knowledge from order-imposing strong knowledge. We further illustrate these regimes with examples from Markov chains and cosmological fine-tuning. This resolves a longstanding critique of active information while enabling applications in search, optimization, and beyond.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.11665v4 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: This paper reports an unexpected finding: in a deterministic hyperdimensional computing (HDC) architecture **that inverts the conventional role of Galois-field algebra -- employing it not for error correction toward a unique answer but as an engine for relative similarity and path-quality ranking -- **a path-dependent semantic selection mechanism emerges, equivalent to spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), with magnitude predictable a priori from a closed-form expression matching measured values. Addressing catastrophic forgetting, learning stagnation, and the Binding Problem at an algebraic level, we propose VaCoAl (Vague Coincident Algorithm) and its Python implementation PyVaCoAl on ultra-high-dimensional SRAM/DRAM-CAM. Rooted in Sparse Distributed Memory, it resolves orthogonalisation and retrieval in high-dimensional binary spaces via Galois-field diffusion, enabling low-load deployment. Crucially, VaCoAl embeds a cognitive bound -- the Frontier Size -- into its architecture, ranking candidates by path-integral confidence (CR2) to achieve compositional generalisation; this bounded-rationality design produces STDP-like selection that error-correction paradigms structurally cannot attain. We evaluated multi-hop reasoning on about 470k mentor-student relations from Wikidata, tracing up to 57 generations (over 25.5M paths). HDC bundling and unbinding with CR-based denoising quantify concept propagation over DAGs. Results show a reinterpretation of the Newton-Leibniz dispute and a phase transition from sparse convergence to a post-Leibniz "superhighway", with structural indicators supporting a Kuhnian paradigm shift. VaCoAl thus defines a third paradigm, HDC-AI, complementing LLMs with reversible, auditable multi-hop reasoning.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2506.15064v3 Announce Type: replace-cross
Abstract: Deep neural networks are powerful tools for solving nonlinear problems in science and engineering, but training highly accurate models becomes challenging as problem complexity increases. Non-convex optimization and sensitivity to hyperparameters make consistent performance improvement difficult, and traditional approaches prioritize minimizing mean squared error while overlooking the $L^{\infty}$ norm error that is critical in safety-sensitive applications. To address these challenges, we present HiPreNets, a progressive framework for training high-precision neural networks through sequential residual refinements. Starting from an initial network, each stage trains a refinement network on the normalized residuals of the ensemble so far, systematically reducing both average and worst-case error. A key theme throughout the framework is concentrating training effort on high-error regions of the input domain, which we pursue through complementary techniques including loss function design, adaptive data sampling, localized patching, and boundary-aware training. We validate the framework on benchmark regression problems from the Feynman dataset, where it consistently outperforms standard fully connected networks and reported Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks results, with accuracy approaching machine precision depending on select problems. We further apply the framework to learning the flow map of a 20-dimensional power system ODE, which appears to be the highest dimensional problem studied using this class of multistage methods, achieving substantial reductions in both RMSE and $L^{\infty}$ norm error while enabling a surrogate that predicts system state $238\times$ faster than direct numerical simulation.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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arXiv:2604.13081v2 Announce Type: replace-cross
Abstract: The Forward-Forward (FF) algorithm trains networks layer-by-layer using a local "goodness function," yet sum-of-squares (SoS) has remained the only choice studied. We systematically explore the goodness-function design space and identify a unifying principle: the goodness function must be sensitive to the shape of neural activity, not its total energy. This principle is motivated by the observation that deep network activations follow heavy-tailed distributions and that discriminative information is often concentrated in peak activities. We propose two complementary families: selective functions (top-k, entmax-weighted energy) that measure only peak activity, and shape-sensitive functions (excess kurtosis / "burstiness" and higher-order moments) that reward heavy-tailed distributions via scale-invariant statistics. Combined with separate label-feature forwarding (FFCL), controlled experiments across 13 goodness functions, 5 activations, 6 datasets, and three continuous sweeps, each tracing a characteristic inverted-U, yield 89.0% on Fashion-MNIST and 98.2+-0.1% on MNIST (4x2000), a +32.6pp gain over SoS, with consistent improvements across all benchmarks (+72pp USPS, +52pp SVHN). The scale-invariant nature of burstiness makes it particularly robust to magnitude shifts across layers and datasets.
in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2026-04-20 04:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01262-9
Thrilling, frivolous, a waste: not everyone’s happy about the Artemis II Moon mission
in Nature on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01258-5
Two experts unpack how trends in climate and geopolitics might unfold to shape the far north.
in Nature on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Photonics, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41566-026-01894-3
Nonlinear optical responses of semiconductors induced by 150-fs and 4.2-MeV electron pulses are investigated. Sub-10-ps bandgap modulations with intensities up to 24.5% are observed near the bandgap and are explained by the band-filling effect and bandgap renormalization.
in Nature Photomics on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72031-5
Here the authors present TwinC, a CNN that predicts trans-chromosomal contacts with high accuracy. Trained on Hi-C and validated with DNA SPRITE, it reveals that compartments, chromatin accessibility, transcription factor clusters, and G-quadruplexes drive these interactions.
in Nature Communications on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-71953-4
Here they show that mRNA poly(A) tail elongation by TENT5C promotes ODF1 accumulation at the sperm neck to prevent sperm decapitation. These findings highlight poly(A) tail profiling as a powerful approach for identifying male infertility factors.
in Nature Communications on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-71947-2
Researchers develop a swellable polymer platform that immobilizes photocatalysts into flexible films and enables three-dimensional stacking architectures, boosting solar-driven hydrogen production and increasing energy output per unit area.
in Nature Communications on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72171-8
Accurate assessment of transcriptome assembly quality is essential for reliable downstream analyses. Here, the authors present CATS, an interpretable framework offering both reference-free and reference-based transcriptome assembly evaluation with detailed quality reporting.
in Nature Communications on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-71994-9
Author Correction: Emergent patterns of patchiness differ between physical and planktonic properties in the ocean
in Nature Communications on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72087-3
This work develops laser-engraved Janus microcavity surfaces to overcome the angular limitation of photothermal de-icing. The structure enables ice removal under oblique or weak sunlight and sustains superhydrophobicity, offering a thermal management solution for nonplanar infrastructures in extreme environments.
in Nature Communications on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72023-5
The unclear pathogenesis of cancer-related lymphedema (CRL) impedes therapeutic development. The authors here identify T-cell mesenchymal transition (TcMT) in CRL, where T cells acquire a fibrotic phenotype, offering a potential therapeutic target.
in Nature Communications on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72155-8
Bacteria employ diverse strategies to defend against phage infection. Here, Gao and Wassarman et al. show at the atomic level how a bacterial pathway called qatABCD repurposes a nucleoside biosynthesis enzyme to control antiphage immunity.
in Nature Communications on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07245-9
A reference genome assembly of Pteropus pselaphon
in Nature scientific data on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07264-6
Chromosome-level Genome assembly and annotation of the Chirolophis japonicus
in Nature scientific data on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10046-w
Higher frequency of permafrost type change is shown to exhibit higher vegetation conversion rates, with these areas characterized by grassland decline and expansion of broad-leaved forest and shrubland.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10024-2
External and internal (via optic fiber) light pulses modulate lizard sleep states in a wavelength-dependent manner, enabling control of sleep states and highlighting potential indirect effects in optogenetic experiments.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10002-8
MCT4 (SLC16A3) deficiency suppresses tumor incidence and metastasis through IGF1 downregulation and immune activation highlighting its potential as a metabolic-immune therapeutic target.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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A new biologically-informed training paradigm enables protein language models to predict affinity maturation trajectories for antibodies.
in eLife on 2026-04-20 00:00:00 UTC.
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Background Certain exemplars of the Dao-De Jing are composed of exactly 4,999 characters, and an historical source affirms that there existed a version of the Dao-De Jing composed of exactly 5,000 characters. Results Here, we show with a p-value of 5 × 10−21 ⇒ Z > 9σ, that the different textual witnesses presently available attesting unto Genesis 1–3 are all descended from an hyperarchetype of exactly 4,000 letters, reconstructible from the Masoretic Text alone, and about 1/20th shorter than this one, while those attesting unto Jeremiah 50–51 are all descended from an hyperarchetype of exactly 4,000 plus 300 letters, also reconstructible from the Masoretic Text alone, but about 1/3rd shorter than this one. Discussion Our results disprove the Model b in favour of the Model a, and demonstrate that the long form of the Book of Jeremiah is not an extended edition of the short form, but that the short form is an abridged edition of the long form.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 06:19:12 UTC.
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Background Glycogen Storage Disease IV (GSD IV) is a rare disease affecting 1 in every 760,000–960,000 live births. GSD IV is caused by mutations in GBE1, especially if it affects the central catalytic core domain of the glycogen branching enzyme (GBE) protein at 184th–600th residue. A novel missense mutation, GBE1 R198T, was detected in a 3-year-old boy in Indonesia. This variant has not previously been reported in allele frequency databases or classified as pathogenic. Method In this study, we used an integrative multi-omics diagnostic approach involving phenotype analysis, proband and trio genetic mutation analysis, protein molecular modeling, protein-ligand docking, and protein expression studies. We compared GBE1 R198T mutation with the wild-type and previously well-known pathogenic variants, L224P and Y329S, to analyze the clinical progression and pathogenic effects of R198T. Results Trio mutation analysis revealed that this mutation was inherited from a heterozygous parent. Functional prediction, molecular modeling, and docking analysis supported the R198T pathomechanism to cause structural changes in the GBE protein domain, which is detrimental to GBE ligand binding with maltoheptose (Glc7). An in vitro study further supported the decrease in GBE1 R198T protein expression compared to that in the WT. In addition, GBE1 R198T band intensity showed similar results to those of the GBE1 L224 variant, indicating potentially similar pathogenic characteristics exhibited by both variants. Conclusions This is the first study to establish the pathogenicity of the GBE1 R198T variant, and the first rare disease functional study reported in Indonesia.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 06:03:31 UTC.
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Objective To determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery on postoperative outcomes and the optimal frequency, timing, and type of intervention. Methods A literature search was performed in AMED, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2009 to 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined pre-operative and/or post-operative physiotherapy interventions on adults undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery were included. Intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and results were extracted. A tabulated summary and narrative discussion were generated to compare similarities and differences across each study. Results From 3811 studies identified, 9 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Preoperative incentive spirometry (IS) alone or with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) showed no postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) but had mixed effects on pulmonary function. Perioperative breathing interventions reduced PPCs, length of stay, and hospital costs. Trials on prehabilitation or postoperative IS found no significant PPC differences. However, prehabilitation, deep breathing exercises, IS, and mobilisation with chest physiotherapy improved pulmonary function. Mobilisation, preoperative IS, and perioperative breathing also enhanced arterial blood gas (ABG) results. Six-minute Walk test distances increased with prehabilitation, perioperative breathing, and mobilisation with chest physiotherapy. All trials had a high risk of bias, with PEDro scores of 5–8/10, indicating “fair” to “good” quality. Conclusion Perioperative breathing was the only intervention shown to reduce PPC rates. Prehabilitation, deep breathing exercises, IS, and mobilisation with chest physiotherapy improved pulmonary function. Larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions. PROSPERO (registration ID: 529588).
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 06:00:13 UTC.
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Background Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative technology in science education, offering immersive learning experiences that enhance conceptual understanding. However, its integration with ethnoscience remains underexplored. Methods This study employed a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines combined with bibliometric analysis. Data were collected from the Scopus and CrossRef databases (2016–2025) and analyzed using VOSviewer. Results The findings indicate a steady increase in VR-related publications, particularly in 2025. Research is predominantly conducted in higher education contexts, with chemistry and biology as the main disciplines. Research and development, as well as experimental methods, are the most commonly employed approaches, with questionnaires and tests serving as the primary data collection instruments. Bibliometric mapping identifies virtual reality as the central theme, with emerging interdisciplinary connections, including ethnoscience, although these remain limited. Conclusions VR research in science education is rapidly growing and holds strong potential to enhance learning. However, integration with ethnoscience remains limited, highlighting the need for culturally contextualized VR learning environments.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 05:57:43 UTC.
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Local food tourism (LFT) significantly impacts destination experiences by shaping tourists’ perceptions, satisfaction, and post-visit behavior. The limited empirical understanding of how experiential attributes influence satisfaction and behavioral intention (BI). This research uses a thorough Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) framework to examine the variables affecting customer satisfaction (CS) and business intelligence (BI) in LFT. 380 valid responses were obtained from a quantitative cross-sectional survey of visitors who sampled local cuisine at particular Thai culinary sites. A structured questionnaire measured six exogenous constructs: food quality (FQ), Authenticity (AU), service quality (SQ), physical environment (PE), cultural experience (CE), and perceived value (PV) along with CS as a mediator and BI (revisit intention and Consumer referral behavior) as the endogenous outcome. Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and discriminant validity using the Fornell-Larcker criterion were used to evaluate reliability and validity. Utilizing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the measurement model was validated. The findings suggest that CS is strongly and favorably influenced by FQ, AU, CE, and PV. The association between experience qualities and loyalty outcomes is partially mediated by CS, which also strongly predicts BI. A well-fitting measurement model is indicated by the model’s acceptable goodness-of-fit indices, which include a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.952, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.945, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.056, and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) of 0.058. SPSS findings provide practical insights for enhancing tourist loyalty through authentic and high-quality culinary experiences.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 05:54:32 UTC.
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Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) system focuses on planning and ensuring the availability of raw materials, parts and components, as needed during production stages, This requires highly, accurate determination of required quantities of production inputs and reliable delivery schedules. Consequently, it necessitates the development of robust and accurate databases with the organization’s suppliers. Block chain technology is one of the most important technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, enabling stakeholders (organizations, partners, and individuals) to interact directly without intermediaries. This technology rely on peer-to-peer networks, and allows sharing data between the partners within a secure, encrypted platform. This research aims to design a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system using blockchain technology in Italian Chaizlonat Furniture Exhibition/Baghdad (research site), with Corner (ES) product (research case), this by design blockchain platform that ensures Sharing the data required by the exhibition and suppliers about the corner, its components, Production and supplying timings, and tracks supply procedures without intermediaries. The research findings demonstrate the efficiency of the blockchain platform in meeting customer demand on time, eliminating the quantities and cost of stock, and increasing the profits from the corners.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 05:50:43 UTC.
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Introduction Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem and is frequently associated with malnutrition, which can negatively affect treatment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin levels before and after the intensive phase of tuberculosis treatment. Methods An observational analytic study with a prospective cohort design was conducted at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar. A total of 175 newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients were enrolled. BMI and serum albumin levels were measured at baseline and after completion of the two-month intensive treatment phase. Paired sample t-tests were used to assess differences between pre- and post-treatment values. Results BMI increased significantly from 19.21 ± 3.55 kg/m2 to 19.78 ± 3.50 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001), corresponding to a 2.96% improvement. Serum albumin levels also increased significantly from 3.06 ± 0.62 g/dL to 3.25 ± 0.64 g/dL (p < 0.0001), with an average improvement of 6.17%. Additionally, the proportion of patients with normal nutritional status increased, while the proportion of underweight patients decreased significantly after treatment (p = 0.002). Conclusions Intensive-phase anti-tuberculosis therapy is associated with significant improvements in both anthropometric and biochemical nutritional parameters. Routine monitoring of BMI and serum albumin may serve as practical indicators for assessing treatment response and guiding nutritional interventions in tuberculosis patients.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 05:47:23 UTC.
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Actinomycetes from arid environments are an important source of genes associated with abiotic stress adaptation and of biotechnological interest; in this context, the study aimed to genetically characterize strains isolated from the Lomas Cerro Campana ACP (Peru) to identify factors associated with tolerance to salinity, temperature, and pH, with potential applications in bio-inputs for degraded soils. Methods Rhizosphere soil samples were collected at four locations within the ACP; Streptomyces strains were isolated and their growth was evaluated under different temperatures, pH levels, and NaCl concentrations; Additionally, the genomes were sequenced and assembled, their quality was assessed, they were functionally annotated using Prokka and eggNOG-mapper, and taxonomic identification was performed using dDDH/GBDP. Results All four strains grew within a pH range of 4–10, with optimal growth occurring between pH 6 and 8, and showed limited tolerance to high salinity, with best growth observed at low or zero NaCl concentrations; P9.2 exhibited the best overall performance under varying temperature and pH conditions, while P2.1 and Q3.3 were confirmed as known species of the genus Streptomyces, and P9.2 and Q6.2 showed dDDH values below the species threshold. The functional profile revealed genes and categories associated with thermal adaptation and proteostasis, pH homeostasis and ion flux, and osmotic tolerance and structural integrity, with P2.1 standing out for its high concentration of genes involved in replication and repair, and Q6.2 showing a strong association with energy production for the maintenance of electrochemical gradients. Conclusions The results demonstrate that the strains isolated from Lomas Cerro Campana possess a genetic and functional basis consistent with their tolerance to extreme abiotic conditions, with P9.2 standing out for its superior overall phenotypic performance and P9. 2/Q6.2 for its taxonomic uniqueness, which supports its value as a promising biotechnological resource for soil restoration and agricultural strategies in the context of climate change.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 05:42:58 UTC.
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Background/purpose Bilingual education plays a vital role in expanding learning opportunities, preserving indigenous languages and cultures, and supporting minority students in attaining academic success in the national language. It also fosters social equity and inclusion, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of minority communities in multicultural contexts. Against this backdrop, the present study investigates the factors influencing Khmer–Vietnamese bilingual education (KhVBE) for Khmer ethnic minority primary students in the Mekong Delta. Materials/methods Survey data were collected from 269 educational administrators and teachers who were directly responsible for program management and instructional delivery. Results The findings reveal that internal learner factors (ILF), information channels (IC), situational factors (SF), and engagement in professional development activities (EPDA) exert statistically significant positive effects on KhVBE. In contrast, contextual factors for the application of bilingual education (CABE) did not show a significant influence. Conclusion The study contributes both theoretically and practically to the field of bilingual education in Vietnam. It provides policy recommendations for administrators and stakeholders aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Khmer–Vietnamese bilingual education programs.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 05:08:43 UTC.
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Background The global research and higher education landscape has expanded enormously within the last 30 years. Bibliometric data reveal the increase in knowledge production, co-authorship patterns and collaborations. There are, however, only limited data that allow for comparing the research conditions among the different regions in the world that cover different disciplines and status groups. Existing surveys on research conditions are restricted to specific groups of countries, mainly in the global north. Method Against this background, we present the results of a global survey on research conditions, conducted in partnership with the platform ResearchGate. The study draws data from more than 5,000 researchers from around the world. The study addressed key dimensions of professional environment: individual resources, perceived research conditions, work satisfaction. and network embeddedness. The survey data were enriched with other secondary data on the country level, namely, V-Dem data base as well as data on economic performance (GNI per capita). Results The results reveal significant regional disparities in funding, infrastructure, and time for research and teaching, with academics in the Global North reporting greater satisfaction and more time for research compared to their counterparts in the Global South. Academics in autocratic regimes report satisfaction with their infrastructure, although external funding remains limited. The findings demonstrate the diversity of research conditions in the organizational settings, career incentives, and institutional conditions. These findings complement bibliometric data showing rapid publication growth in autocratic countries and a tendency towards international collaboration and highlight the diversity and complexity of global research cultures, contributing to a richer understanding of epistemic diversity.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 05:06:02 UTC.
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Introduction This study examined the prevalence of anterior crossbite in school-age children, investigated the frequency of appearance- related bullying, and determined whether crossbite severity correlates with bullying exposure among children aged 8–12 years. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study involved 2,080 children from public schools in Damascus, using random cluster sampling. Anterior crossbite and other occlusal issues were assessed using the ROMA Index. Dental appearance-related bullying was evaluated using a modified Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire; children reporting bullying two or more times monthly were classified as victims. Bullying types—teasing, name-calling, social exclusion, and physical aggression—were documented along with occurrence settings. Severity scores were calculated by summing numerical codes for each bullying type. Relationships between occlusal characteristics and bullying were analyzed using Chi-square tests, Cramer’s V, and logistic regression, adjusting for age and gender. Results Of 2,080 children aged 8 to 12 years, 19.6% had anterior crossbite, and 34.4%reported dental appearance-related bullying. Children with anterior crossbite were significantly more likely to experience bullying (p < 0.001), with bullying intensity increasing proportionally to crossbite severity. Teasing and mocking were the most prevalent forms, primarily occurring in playground settings. Conclusion Anterior crossbite severity functions as a meaningful risk indicator for psychosocial bullying in children, extending beyond simple dental concerns. Incorporating crossbite severity screening into school-based prevention programs offers a practical strategy to improve both oral health and psychological well-being in childhood.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 05:02:49 UTC.
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Abstract* Background Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions play a crucial role in welcoming the era of Industry and Society 5.0, where the integration of cyber-physical technology requires the mastery of employability skills that include adaptability, work readiness, and transversal competencies. Deep Learning, as an advanced data-based computational learning system, offers transformative potential for redesigning vocational learning processes. Methods This study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method following the PRISMA protocol. A total of 16 articles were identified, screened, and analyzed in depth to synthesize the pedagogical and technical parameters of Deep Learning in VET and to develop an integrated conceptual framework. Results Key findings identify that the most effective Deep Learning parameters are not only technical (learning rate, epoch), but depend on their integration with pedagogical frameworks. The key parameters that emerge are the ability of Deep Learning models to support: (1) mastery learning through adaptive learning pathways; (2) contextual learning by presenting real-world industry problems; (3) authentic learning through smart work practice simulations; and (4) immersive learning in responsive virtual environments. Conclusions The implications of this research confirm that the application of Deep Learning in VET institutions is no longer sufficient to simply adopt the technology, but must be pedagogically integrated through a model structure specifically designed to strengthen authentic and competency-based learning. This model is positioned to enable graduates to independently update their occupational skills through a Deep Learning-based adaptive system.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 04:58:51 UTC.
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Background Fluoride administration plays a critical role in the management and prophylaxis of dental caries. Research indicates that laser irradiation can enhance the uptake of fluoride into dental enamel, an effect that is particularly pronounced when used as an adjunct to topical fluoride treatments. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of CO₂ laser irradiation on fluoride uptake in the enamel of permanent teeth. Methods Six human upper premolars, extracted for orthodontic reasons, were selected for this study. The roots were separated from the crowns, and each crown was then sectioned mesiodistally to create mesial and distal halves. These halves were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group (n = 6 per group). All specimens received an application of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish. Subsequently, the samples in the experimental group were subjected to irradiation with a 1 W CO2 laser for a duration of 15 seconds. To assess the effects of the treatments, fluoride uptake was measured and the topographic characteristics of the enamel surface were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS software version 26 (IBM, USA). Results Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis showed a significant increase in the percentage of fluoride with the application of the laser, The results of the mean ranks showed that the fluoride and CO₂ laser group recorded significantly higher ranks in the fluoride element (8.75 vs. 4.25), reflecting a higher concentration and confirmed statistical significance. Statistically, in the Mann-Whitney U test, a significant statistical difference in fluoride ratios appeared between the two groups (P value = 0.026) smaller than (0.05), which indicates the effectiveness of using CO₂ lasers in enhancing fluoride absorption within the tooth structure. Conclusion The results showed CO₂ laser irradiation of dental enamel resulted in increased fluoride uptake.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 04:48:20 UTC.
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Objective To study and analyze the role of smart manufacturing technologies in enhancing the production flexibility of industrial enterprises by enabling rapid responses to market and demand fluctuations, minimizing downtime and operational waste, and improving efficiency in resource utilization, thereby contributing to sustainable competitive advantage. Research Design and Methods The article is based on a survey. Data were used in a survey the many Industries Companies for Electrical and Electronic in Iraq, which is considered a significant factor in its Production Flexibility. This companies were selected because it primarily uses Smart Manufacturing Basics. Confirmatory factor analysis was used because it adopted the balanced free least squares method instead of the maximum likelihood method. Findings The research results indicate that smart manufacturing represents a strategic approach ensuring the ability of organization to respond effectively to market fluctuations and demand levels, in addition The results showed that organizations that adopt smart manufacturing have greater organizational flexibility and productivity compared to traditional organizations, which positively impacts their ability to cope with uncertainty in the business environment. Implications and Recommendations Encourage industrial organizations to invest in adopting smart manufacturing technologies (artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and predictive analytics) as a key tool for enhancing production flexibility, also Focus on building human capacity through continuous employee training and qualifying them to use and manage smart manufacturing technologies efficiently, enhancing organizations’ readiness to digital transformation. Contribution and Value Added While previous studies have not quantified The Role of Smart Manufacturing in Supporting Production Flexibility in Light of Market and Demand Fluctuations in industrial companies, this article makes an important contribution by providing empirical evidence on how industrial companies view their policies as a useful tool in meeting their needs when providing support and assistance for the flexibility of its production processes in industrial companies.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 04:37:05 UTC.
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Online learning increases student flexibility and engagement, but its effectiveness depends on a design that encourages deep learning and proactive decision-making rather than just surface activities. This study aims to examine the relationships among student perceptions of online learning, deep learning tendencies, and proactive decision-making abilities in 202 students (M ± SD = 20.46 ± 1.75). Data were collected using the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES), the Revised Two Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F), and the Students’ Proactive Decision-Making Scale (SPDMS-18). Spearman’s test showed that positive perceptions of online learning were significantly related to deep learning (ρ = 0.634, p < 0.001) and proactive decision-making (ρ = 0.474, p < 0.001). Descriptive results showed a positive trend in all online learning indicators, fluctuations in motivation and deep learning strategies in the middle semester, and high stability in the proactive decision-making aspect. These findings confirm that high-quality online learning experiences encourage the adoption of deep learning approaches and proactive decision-making, including intrinsic motivation, analytical strategies, initiative, and goal-setting. Practical implications emphasize the importance of digital pedagogy training for lecturers, the development of e-learning systems that support student independence, and curricula that stimulate analysis and reflection. This research contributes to the design of digital-based higher education oriented toward 21st-century competencies.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 04:34:28 UTC.
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Currently, cases of bullying and violence in secondary schools in Indonesia are showing an increasing trend. Therefore, the development of a proactive early detection system focused on the welfare and mental health of students is a primary goal. Current dynamics indicate that the use of AI in education is still dominated by technical, academic, and adaptive learning aspects, while the context of administrative counseling services and early detection of violence in schools has not been fully integrated. This study analyzes the integration of AI, administrative counseling quality, and school support in supporting the early risk detection of students in secondary schools in Indonesia. Using a quantitative approach with a survey design involving 619 students, data were collected through Google Forms and analyzed using SEM-PLS. The results of the research data analysis indicate a positive effect of AI on the quality of administrative counseling, organizational support, and early risk detection. The quality of administrative counseling also has a significant effect on school support and early risk detection, with school support having the strongest effect on early risk detection, with β = 0.497. Furthermore, administrative counseling quality and school support act as mediators of the relationship between AI variables and early risk detection. The novelty of this research lies in the development and testing of an integrative model based on socio-technical systems that places the quality of school counseling and support administration as a key factor in the effectiveness of AI utilization for the prevention of bullying and violence in secondary schools in Indonesia.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 04:30:51 UTC.
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Background Non-consensual condom removal (NCCR), generally referred to as “stealthing,” is an increasing trend among young people yet under-recognised as a form of sexual violence and may increase risk of STI/HIV transmission, unintended pregnancy, and psychological or psychosexual harm. Despite growing attention on social media platforms over the past few years, the epidemiology of NCCR remains unclear, and legal responses are inconsistent. This review asked: What is the prevalence of NCCR among adults (≥18 years), and how does it vary across populations and settings? The objectives were to synthesise quantitative prevalence estimates, describe demographic variation where data permit, and summarise reported outcomes. Methods Following PRISMA 2020, we searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and APA PsycINFO, supplemented by screening 200 Google Scholar records and backward/forward citation chasing. Eligible studies were English-language, peer-reviewed quantitative studies reporting NCCR prevalence (victimisation and/or perpetration) among adults. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts, with disagreements resolved through discussion. EndNote was used for reference management and de-duplication. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Due to heterogeneity in populations, recall periods, and measurement approaches, findings were synthesised narratively. Results Eleven studies were included from the United States (n = 6), Australia (n = 1), Australia/New Zealand (n = 1), Canada (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1), and India (n = 1). Most were cross-sectional surveys conducted among university students (n = 5), local community (n = 4), local community and college students (n = 1), Amazon MTurk sample (n = 1) and in sexual health clinic settings (n = 1). Sample sizes varied across the included studies, ranging from 96 to 2,550 participants. Women’s victimisation prevalence ranged from 9.3% to 32%, and MSM victimisation reached 35%. Men’s perpetration prevalence ranged from 1.3% to 19.8%. However, the reasons behind it remain unclear. Common correlates included substance use, minority status (where assessed), relationship or sexual history factors, and prior victimisation. Outcomes were inconsistently measured, but studies that assessed these domains included sexual health and psychological impacts. Conclusions NCCR is reported internationally with substantial prevalence in women and MSM, although estimates vary by setting and measurement. Standardised definitions, validated measures, and consistent reporting of outcomes are needed to strengthen surveillance and inform clinical screening, prevention, and legal responses. Unlike broad scoping syntheses, this review provides an objective-led, quality-appraised synthesis of quantitative prevalence estimates and measured impacts.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 04:27:11 UTC.
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Background Lymphedema remains a debilitating complication following axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in breast cancer surgery, with limited effective preventive strategies available, particularly in low-resource settings. Dermofat graft (DFG) implantation, an autologous technique combining dermis and adipose tissue, has emerged as a potential method to restore tissue volume, and promote lymphangiogenesis. This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of DFG implantation in preventing lymphedema and reconstructing surgical defects following ALND in breast cancer patients. Methods A prospective case series was conducted involving seven female breast cancer patients (aged 44–66 years) undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) or breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with ALND. Intraoperative DFGs harvested from the lower abdomen were implanted into axillary and/or breast defects. Outcomes included arm volume measurements (preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months), incidence of lymphedema (International Society of Lymphology criteria), lymphoscintigraphy for lymphatic regeneration, and postoperative complications. Results Across all seven cases, no early-stage lymphedema (stage 0–II) was observed at six months postoperatively. Lymphoscintigraphy performed in four patients (57.1%) demonstrated new lymphatic vessel formation. Minor complications included seroma with partial fat lysis (n = 2) and transient fever (n = 1), all of which resolved without long-term sequelae. Cosmetic outcomes were favorable, with improved axillary contour and preserved breast symmetry in BCS cases. Conclusion Dermofat graft implantation is a feasible and safe technique that may simultaneously prevent lymphedema and enhance reconstructive outcomes in breast cancer surgery. DFG offers a resource-efficient alternative to microsurgical procedures, particularly valuable in low- and middle-income settings.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 04:21:34 UTC.
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Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global health challenge. Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended as the preferred first-line regimen due to its high efficacy and tolerability. However, real-world evidence comparing clinical and immunologic outcomes between dolutegravir- and efavirenz-based therapies is limited in Indonesia. This study compared changes in clinical stage and immunologic parameters among adult HIV patients receiving these regimens. Methods This observational analytic study used a retrospective cohort design. Data were collected from medical records of adult HIV patients at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital (Makassar, Indonesia) from January 2020 to December 2025. Included patients were aged ≥18 years, received dolutegravir- or efavirenz-based therapy for ≥12 months, and had complete baseline, month 6, and month 12 data on WHO clinical stage and CD4 T-cell counts. Analyses used chi-square tests (p < 0.05 significance). Results Of 175 patients, most were male (76.6%) and aged <50 years (89.7%). At baseline, all had CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3; 73.1% were WHO stage III–IV. No baseline clinical stage difference existed between groups (OR 1.64; 95% CI 0.78–3.42; p = 0.12). By month 12, 77.1% achieved clinical stages I–II in both groups. Immunologic recovery occurred in 72.6% (CD4 ≥ 200 cells/mm3), with dolutegravir patients showing higher CD4 recovery (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.06–4.25; p = 0.02). Conclusions Both regimens improved clinical and immunologic outcomes over 12 months, but dolutegravir-based ART was associated with superior CD4 recovery. Early diagnosis and timely ART initiation are essential for optimizing HIV outcomes.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 03:40:15 UTC.
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Background Research misconduct (RM) in the academic community remains poorly understood among post-graduate dental students (PGDSs) in North Africa. Data on the knowledge of RM (KoRM) level in this population is lacking. This brief report assessed KoRM of Tunisian PGDSs’. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, involving 147 PGDSs registered in 2022. Students were recruited via email invitations and convenience sampling at a medical congress. A French survey (i.e. ; Laval University quiz) with 11 questions on KoRM, offering three-choice answers (yes/no/maybe) was administered. Each correct answer received one point, and a total score below six indicated a low-level of KoRM. Results The mean±standard deviation KoRM score of the 106 students who accepted to participate in the study was 4.4±1.8, indicating a low-level of KoRM. The majority of PGDSs (85.85%) demonstrated a low-level of KoRM. A comparison between subjective and objective assessments of KoRM levels revealed that a significant percentage of PGDSs underestimated their knowledge (62.26% vs. 85.85%, respectively). Conclusion North-African PGDSs have a low-level of KoRM. This emphasizes the need for further efforts to enhance awareness and promote better KoRM in this population.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 03:30:14 UTC.
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Introduction One-lung ventilation (OLV) is used to isolate one lung during thoracic surgery, but manipulation and positioning can affect heart-lung interaction. Cardiomegaly may exacerbate these changes, especially in the left lateral decubitus (LLD) position. Objectives To investigate the effect of cardiomegaly on heart-lung interaction during OLV, particularly in the LLD position. Case presentation A 20-year-old male with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax was scheduled for right-sided bronchopleural fistula repair via thoracotomy. The patient presented with cardiomegaly (cardiothoracic ratio 75%) and echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular and atrial dilation. In the LLD position, OLV led to desaturation when both lungs were ventilated, but oxygenation improved when only the left lung was ventilated. Results Cardiomegaly alters heart-lung interaction during OLV, particularly in the LLD position. The enlarged heart exerts pressure on the left lung, impairing ventilation. When both lungs are ventilated in this position, ventilation is directed toward the right lung, reducing oxygenation and causing desaturation. However, restricting ventilation to the left lung improved oxygenation due to better lung compliance and less interference from the enlarged heart. Conclusions Cardiomegaly affects heart-lung interaction during OLV in the LLD position. Oxygenation improves when only the left lung is ventilated, likely due to less compression of the left lung. The supine position may further enhance oxygenation even with bilateral ventilation. This case highlights the importance of considering cardiomegaly in OLV management. This section should be written as per the CARE checklist item 3.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 03:17:52 UTC.
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Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Islamic religious education and other factors on the religiosity of Indonesian Muslim by using a meta-analysis method. The study integrated data from 22 studies that examined various factors influencing religiosity among Muslim communities in Indonesia. Relevant literatures were sourced using the Google Scholar platform by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Articles were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, and the effect sizes (correlation values) were calculated using the Fisher Z transformation and analyzed through a random effects model. Results revealed that the meta-analysis identified several factors with significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) to Islamic religiosity, i.e., adherence to Islamic law (syariat), participation in dakwah activities, halal orientation, Islamic religious education, family education, and positive moral behavior. Negative moral behavior, such as accessing pornographic sites, exhibited a significant negative correlation (P < 0.05). Intelligence, however, was found to have no significant impact on religiosity. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of religiosity, shaped by educational, familial, and behavioral dimensions.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 03:12:55 UTC.
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Purpose Accurate replication of mandibular movements is essential for successful prosthodontic rehabilitation. Semi-adjustable articulators are commonly used for this purpose, and zeroing is a preparatory step intended to standardize articulator settings. However, its influence on condylar guidance values remains unclear. Therefore the purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of zeroing on condylar guidance values and compare measurements obtained from Hanau and Artex articulators. Methods Thirty dentate participants (20–30 years) were included. Maxillary casts were mounted using facebow transfer, and mandibular casts were mounted in maximum intercuspation. Four groups were evaluated: Hanau with zeroing (H0), Hanau without zeroing (H1), Artex with zeroing (A0), and Artex without zeroing (A1). Condylar guidance was recorded using protrusive interocclusal records. Data were analyzed using statistical tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results Significant differences were found between Hanau and Artex articulators under both zeroing and non-zeroing conditions (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed within each articulator when comparing zeroing and non-zeroing conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusions The difference in the condylar guidance angle between zeroing and non-zeroing of the articulator is minimal and not statistically significant. However, this small variation could potentially impact the accuracy and precision of prosthesis fabrication. Additionally, there is an observable difference in the condylar guidance angle between the Hanau and Artex articulators, when comparing measurements with and without zeroing.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 03:00:46 UTC.
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Background Partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla is frequently complicated by alveolar bone resorption and maxillary sinus pneumatization, limiting implant placement and negatively affecting oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). Minimally invasive sinus augmentation techniques, such as CAS KIT–assisted indirect sinus elevation, aim to reduce surgical morbidity; however, evidence regarding patient-reported outcomes and quality of life following such interventions remains limited. Objective To evaluate oral health–related quality of life and patient-reported outcomes following implant rehabilitation using CAS KIT–assisted indirect maxillary sinus augmentation. Materials and Methods This observational cross-sectional study included 34 patients who underwent CAS KIT–assisted transcrestal sinus augmentation with implant placement in the posterior maxilla. Postoperative recovery and satisfaction were assessed using the HRQOLquestionnaire over seven postoperative days. OHRQoL was evaluated using the OHIP-14 questionnaire at baseline and one month after prosthetic rehabilitation. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results HRQOLscores showed a statistically significant improvement over the seven-day postoperative period (p < 0.001), with stabilization observed from Day 5 onward. OHIP-14 scores demonstrated a highly significant reduction from baseline to post-intervention assessment (p < 0.001), indicating marked improvement in OHRQoL across all participants. Conclusion CAS KIT–assisted indirect sinus augmentation followed by implant rehabilitation results in rapid postoperative recovery and significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes, supporting its role as a predictable and patient-centered treatment modality for posterior maxillary rehabilitation.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 02:55:12 UTC.
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Introduction Dysgerminoma is a malignant germ cell tumor in young women, often detected early with favorable prognosis and distinct immunological features influencing its treatment. This case highlights an unusual presentation of ovarian dysgerminoma in a phenotypic male with ambiguous genitalia. Case presentation We report a case of a phenotypically male patient in his 20s presenting with progressive abdominal distention and ambiguous genitalia. Clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and histopathological examination were performed. Physical examination revealed a mobile, non-tender mass, with ascites and ambiguous genitalia. Imaging revealed a large heterogeneous abdominal mass with para-aortic lymphadenopathy and internal female reproductive organs. Surgical resection was performed, and histopathological and immunohistochemical findings (OCT3/4 and CD117 positivity) confirmed dysgerminoma. The patient was treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and showed favorable clinical improvement. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of considering gonadal malignancies in patients with DSD and emphasizes the role of multidisciplinary and patient-centered management, particularly in resource-limited settings.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 02:43:22 UTC.
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Background Green finance has emerged as a key mechanism for promoting corporate environmental performance and supporting sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies where environmental challenges and financing gaps remain substantial. However, the effectiveness of green finance may depend on macroeconomic conditions, especially economic policy uncertainty, which can influence firms’ willingness to undertake longterm environmental investments. Methods This study examines the relationship between green finance and corporate environmental performance using a balanced panel dataset of 1,370 listed firms across nine emerging economies from 2014 to 2024 (13,970 firm-year observations). The analysis employs two-way fixed effects panel models, interaction terms, and instrumental variable two-stage least squares (IV–2SLS) estimation to address endogeneity and examine the moderating role of economic policy uncertainty. Results The findings indicate that green finance significantly improves corporate environmental performance, suggesting that access to sustainable financial instruments enables firms to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and practices. However, the positive impact of green finance is weakened under conditions of higher economic policy uncertainty, as firms become more cautious about committing to long- term environmental investments. The results also show that strong institutional quality and higher levels of green technology adoption mitigate the negative effects of policy uncertainty, enabling firms to sustain environmental investments despite uncertain policy environments. Conclusions Overall, the study highlights the importance of stable policy environments, effective institutional governance, and technological innovation in strengthening the environmental benefits of green finance and supporting sustainable climate transitions in emerging markets.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 02:09:05 UTC.
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Background Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a serious global health threat, with treatment success rates stagnating despite advances in therapy. Health literacy, defined as the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and apply health information, may play a role as a modifiable determinant of MDR-TB treatment success. Methods Two databases (PubMed and Scopus) were used following the PRISMA guidelines to find articles published between January 1st, 2015, and October 11st, 2025. A total of 231 records were identified and seven articles were included in this systematic review. Results Health literacy was operationalized via patient knowledge, counseling/education, self-care behaviors, communication, and digital adherence support, with outcomes capturing adherence, completion, attitudes, self-care, and literacy levels. Synthesis suggested a consistent directionality in which literacy-oriented strategies and communication-focused approaches aligned with improved adherence and programmatic indicators, while contextual and methodological heterogeneity limited cross-study comparability. Conclusion Available evidence supports health literacy as a promising, modifiable lever to enhance MDR-TB adherence and treatment success, particularly when addressed through multi-component, patient-centered strategies. Future work should use validated, multidomain literacy instruments and robust designs to quantify effects and guide scalable, literacy-sensitive MDR-TB programs.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 02:07:58 UTC.
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xx.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 02:01:33 UTC.
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Introduction Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent liver condition linked to metabolic disorders. Uric acid, a pro-inflammatory mediator, has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of MASLD. This study aims to analyze the relationship between serum uric acid levels and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and its affiliated hospitals in Makassar form July to December 2025. A total of 128 adult patients diagnosed with MASLD were enrolled using consecutive sampling. All participants underwent serum uric acid measurement and liver fibrosis assessment using transient elastography (FibroScan). Fibrosis was categorized as non-significant (F0-F1) or significant (F2-F4). Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid >7.0 mg/dL in men and >6.0 mg/dL in women. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test to determine the association between uric acid levels and fibrosis. Results The mean age of the 128 participants was 49.8 ± 12 years, with a slight male predominance (52.3%). Significant fibrosis (F2-F4) was found in 56 patients (43.8%). Hyperuricemia was present in 65 patients (50.8%). The proportion of significant fibrosis was higher in the hyperuricemia group (52.3%) compared to the normal uric acid group (34.9%). The Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant association between hyperuricemia and the presence of significant liver fibrosis (χ2 = 3.93; p = 0.047). Patients with hyperuricemia had a 2.04 times higher odds of having significant fibrosis compared to those with normal uric acid levels (OR = 2.044; 95% CI: 1.004–4.161). Conclusions There is a significant relationship between elevated serum uric acid levels and the presence of significant liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD. Hyperuricemia may serve as a simple, non-invasive biomarker for stratifying the risk of fibrosis in this population.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 01:57:46 UTC.
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Introduction Maternal anaemia is a major public health challenge globally. In India, it affects over half of all pregnant women and contributes significantly to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The Government of India launched the “Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)” or “Anaemia Free India” program in 2018, focussing on iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and deworming. In Haryana, a northern state of India, 56.5% of pregnant women are anaemic (NFHS-5), indicating a high-burden area. This study aims to design, implement and evaluate an optimised implementation strategy for AMB in a high burden low-resource setting, setting, which will help develop a replicable model for managing this major public health issue through contextual adaptation. Methods and analysis This is a mixed-method, hybrid type II effectiveness–implementation study in Hodal block, Palwal district, of Haryana. The study will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will include formative research using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify barriers and enablers, through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and facility assessments. These findings will inform the development of a co-designed implementation model using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Phase II will scale and evaluate the optimised strategy across four clusters, guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. Primary outcomes are the proportion of pregnant women consuming IFA for at least 100 days and receiving a dose of albendazole. Secondary outcomes include 180-day IFA coverage, haemoglobin change, compliance with AMB treatment protocols, and acceptability and feasibility of strategies. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative data thematically analysed using NVivo. This protocol is reported in accordance with SPIRIT guidelines https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.31827730. 1
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 01:42:30 UTC.
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Abstract* Background Self-medication for common illnesses remains widespread and may lead to inappropriate drug selection, incorrect dosage, adverse interactions, and delayed professional care. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) can provide informational support to promote safer therapeutic decisions. This paper presents Medibot AI, a web-based intelligent system designed to generate informational over-the-counter (OTC) medication recommendations from user-reported symptoms using Google’s Gemini API, with an emphasis on transparency, traceability, and safety warnings. Methods The system was developed iteratively using agile principles and implemented with a three-layer architecture: (i) user interface, (ii) recommendation and validation logic, and (iii) data persistence. The frontend was built using Next.js 18, React 18, and Tailwind CSS 3, while backend services were implemented with Node.js 20 and Prisma ORM 6.8 connected to PostgreSQL 17 (Neon). User inputs are transformed into a structured JSON prompt, and Gemini responses are constrained to return strict JSON outputs. A server-side validation layer verifies both JSON integrity and schema compliance before results are displayed or stored. The system also implements safety-oriented rules that suppress recommendations in high-risk scenarios and generate visible warnings. Results Medibot AI enables users to register, submit symptom descriptions with optional clinical context, obtain structured recommendations with dosage instructions and warnings, and download PDF reports. Functional integration testing confirmed stable data flow across modules and consistent schema-compliant outputs. Conclusions Medibot AI provides a reproducible and auditable approach for AI-assisted OTC medication guidance. While it does not replace clinical diagnosis or professional medical advice, it offers an educational tool that supports more informed and responsible self-medication practices.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-19 01:31:57 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 19 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10075-5
A genetic screen identifies long-chain fatty acid resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and highlights a universal stress protein required for balanced long-chain fatty acid degradation and survival in infection-relevant models.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 19 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10080-8
Cisplatin induces BAX-dependent outer mitochondrial membrane rupture in cochlear hair cells. Inhibiting BAX attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, hair-cell loss, and hearing impairment.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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The 7nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (7nAChR) has driven extensive research over the past three decades for its pro-cognitive potential. It is the leading druggable target for the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia and has motivated major pharmaceutical and clinical efforts to ameliorate similar impairments in other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet, a systematic evaluation of the role played by 7nAChR in cognition, and its mechanistic underpinnings, is still lacking. Here we report that 7nAChRs on principal and inhibitory forebrain neurons are largely inconsequential to mouse behavior, including in domains that are most sensitive to schizophrenia-related cognitive impairments. By contrast, loss of 7nAChR from astrocytes produces profound behavioral alterations that are cognitive domain-specific, are time-of-day dependent, coincide with reduced levels of the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) co-agonist D-serine, and are fully restored by D-serine supplementation. Further, an 7nAChR partial agonist previously evaluated in Phase III trials for cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia and AD fails to augment behavior in mice lacking astrocytic 7nAChRs. Together, these findings identify astrocytes and D-serine/NMDAR signaling as a central mechanism through which 7nAChR, a major drug target, promotes cognitive behavior
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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Awareness of other individuals is a foundational element of social behavior. Here we examined how specific neural systems detect and signal the visual presence of conspecifics related to social arousal and motivation. We found that visual exposure to videos of other mice can activate hypothalamic oxytocin neurons and promote onset of pup retrieval behavior in naive virgin female mice. A range of social videos depicting conspecifics in diverse contexts, including but not limited to parental behavior, could accelerate onset of pup retrieval compared to non-social controls. Animals would elect to watch social videos over non-social videos. We made photo-tagged recordings from oxytocin neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which were preferentially activated during social video viewing. Optogenetic silencing of PVN oxytocin neurons during exposure prevented this behavioral enhancement of pup retrieval onset. We also made photo-tagged recordings from a population of PVN-projecting neurons of the superficial superior colliculus (sSC[->]PVN units). Compared to other sSC neurons, the sSC[->]PVN neurons had specialized horizontal direction tuning with robust and sustained responses to social videos. sSC[->]PVN neurons differentiated visual scenes based on social content, responding most strongly to pup retrieval and less to scenes with increasing numbers of animals. Our results identify a subcortical visual pathway that signals the presence and salience of conspecifics to the oxytocin system, providing a circuit mechanism by which social visual awareness drives neuroendocrine arousal and the acquisition of parental behavior.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a major vascular contributor to cognitive decline, is present in 85-95% of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. Despite its high prevalence, the mechanisms by which CAA contributes to neurodegeneration remain poorly understood. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), an innate immune receptor expressed exclusively by microglia, regulates activation, phagocytosis, and amyloid clearance, thereby shaping neuroinflammation. Loss-of-function mutations in TREM2 markedly increase AD risk, but its role in CAA pathology remains unknown. To investigate this, we crossed the Familial Danish Dementia (Tg-FDD) mouse model, which accumulates robust vascular amyloid, with TREM2 knockout (TREM2KO) mice to generate Tg-FDD/TREM2KO animals. Histological and transcriptomic analyses revealed region-specific effects of TREM2 deficiency. In the cortex, TREM2 loss markedly reduced vascular amyloid deposition, accompanied by decreased tau pathology. In contrast, in the cerebellum, TREM2 deletion exacerbated vascular amyloid accumulation, promoted astrogliosis, and enhanced tau pathology. Transcriptomic profiling further identified distinct neuroinflammatory signatures between cortex and cerebellum, particularly in cytokine signaling, matrix remodeling, and lipid metabolism. Together, these findings demonstrate that TREM2 deficiency leads to region-specific effects on CAA, revealing extensive regional variability in vascular amyloid pathology and underscoring the importance of considering these differences when developing TREM2-based therapies.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more than mere lesions and generate a persistent secondary pathology. This, combined with functional reorganization of circuits post-injury, may explain the increased risk for psychiatric disorders in patients with TBI. In the current studies, we demonstrate that frontal TBI changed the Pavlovian behavioral response to reinforcer-predicting cues and reduced the motivational value of cues. TBI also chronically impaired decision-making on a gambling-like task with reinforcer-paired cues. To investigate how these changes occur, we evaluated the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core. At a subacute time point (14 days), we confirmed reduced input to the NAc with optogenetics and evaluated electrophysiological and transcriptional changes. TBI increased neuronal excitability and the single nucleus RNA sequencing profile indicated a substantial stress and inflammatory response, but also high indicators of plasticity, particularly in D1- and D2-positive medium spiny neurons. To evaluate how these subacute changes transitioned to chronic NAc dysfunction, we measured immunohistochemical surrogates of activity post-mortem and recorded calcium activity from the NAc after TBI during Pavlovian conditioning. TBI reduced histological markers of activity and reduced cue-evoked calcium activity. Overall, these data indicate that substantial reorganization of the NAc occurs following frontal brain injury. A primary effect of this is to reduce the salience of environmental cues linked to outcomes. The inability to properly process outcomes could contribute to broader psychiatric symptoms after TBI, including impairments in decision-making, behavioral flexibility, and impulsivity but also presents a potential treatment target.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study is the largest U.S.-based neuroimaging initiative of adolescent brain maturation. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) provides unique insights into white matter organization, yet applying advanced processing pipelines and managing technical variability across scanning environments remains challenging at scale. To address these issues, we present ABCD-BIDS Community Collection (ABCC) release 3.1.0, including a curated resource of more than 24,000 fully processed ABCD dMRI datasets. ABCC provides fully processed images, nuanced image quality metrics, advanced microstructural measures, and person-specific bundle tractography. Evaluating these rich data revealed that measures of diffusion restriction and non-Gaussianity--in particular the intracellular volume fraction from NODDI and return-to-origin probability from MAP-MRI--were highly sensitive to neurodevelopment and robust to variation in image quality. Additionally, harmonization of microstructural features markedly improved the cross-vendor generalizability of developmental effects. Together, ABCC accelerates reproducible, rigorous research on adolescent white matter development.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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Adaptive behavior under threat requires balancing reward pursuit against the risk of harm. During approach-avoidance conflict, animals often pause at decision points, but whether these pauses reflect a unified process or distinct decision states remains unclear. Here, we replicate and extend findings from Calvin et al.1 by analyzing hippocampal activity in rats performing a predator-based foraging task across two cohorts. We compared three behaviors: mid-track aborts (MTAs), mid-track continues (MTCs), and attack-triggered retreats. Behaviorally, MTAs and MTCs emerged from a shared pause state but led to different outcomes, whereas retreats reflected rapid, reactive escape following attack. Despite similar behavioral endpoints (return to safety), retreats and MTAs differed markedly in movement dynamics and neural activity. During retreats, hippocampal representations remained biased toward the attack location, consistent with ongoing encoding of immediate threat. In contrast, MTAs showed a shift in representation toward safe locations following the decision to abort. During pauses, hippocampal activity differentiated future behavioral outcomes before movement diverged: pauses preceding MTAs showed stronger representation of threat-related locations, whereas pauses preceding MTCs emphasized goal-related locations. These representational biases were already present during the outbound approach, indicating that decision-related processes emerged at the beginning of the outbound journey. Across experience, representations of threat and goal locations became increasingly differentiated when encountering an attacking robot, diminished during extinction, and re-emerged when the attack was introduced again. Together, these findings extend prior work by dissociating hippocampal representations associated with reactive escape from those underlying anticipatory, anxiety-like decision-making, suggesting that the hippocampus dynamically tracks behaviorally relevant features to guide decisions under threat.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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Metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptors (mGluR2/3) have been implicated in depression, anxiety, learning, and memory. However, their causal role in reward-related behaviors remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of intraperitoneal administration of LY341495, a selective mGluR2/3 antagonist, on reward-related behaviors in mice. In a head-fixed temporal conditioning task, mice received a 10% sucrose solution every 10 seconds. After training, mice exhibited anticipatory licking and pupil dilation aligned with expected reward delivery, indicating successful reward prediction. LY341495 dose-dependently reduced licking behavior without disrupting temporal prediction, as normalization analyses revealed reduced gain but preserved timing. LY341495 also induced overall pupil dilation and attenuated reward-proximity pupillary responses. To determine whether reduced licking reflected general motor impairment, we assessed spontaneous locomotion in a freely moving open-field task. LY341495 did not affect locomotor activity or excretion, suggesting intact general motor and autonomic function. To further evaluate orofacial motor function, we measured ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during a social interaction task. LY341495 did not significantly alter USVs, indicating preserved mouth-related motor function independent of licking. In contrast, LY341495 dose-dependently reduced food intake in a freely moving feeding task. Moreover, social preference testing revealed that LY341495 reduced social interaction, suggesting impaired processing of non-food rewards. Together, these findings demonstrate that mGluR2/3 signaling regulates reward-seeking behaviors independently of general locomotor or orofacial motor function. These results provide new insights into glutamatergic mechanisms underlying reward processing and may have clinical implications for obesity, eating disorders, and psychiatric conditions involving motivational dysfunction.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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Novel (nua) Kinase 1 (NUAK1) encodes a serine-threonine protein kinase, mutations in which are associated with neurodevelopmental disorder. Direct phosphorylation targets of NUAK1 have been elusive hindering mechanistic understanding of its role in brain development. Here, we characterize autism-associated NUAK1 variants and shows their differential impact on catalytic activity and subcellular distribution. Next, we employed a chemical-genetic strategy with engineered ATP analog-sensitive kinase to identify over 30 direct phosphorylation targets of NUAK1. We demonstrate that Pleckstrin Homology and Sec7-domain containing protein 3 (PSD3) is a bona fide phosphorylation target of NUAK1. A guanine exchange factor (GEF) for ARF6 GTPase, PSD3 is phosphorylated by NUAK1 at S476. Expression of phosphodeficient PSD3 leads to aberrant activation of ARF6 and generation of PI(4,5)P2 that accumulates in intracellular vesicles. In neurons, phosphomutant PSD3 leads to enhanced spine maturation in an ARF6 dependent fashion. This study reveals direct neuronal substrates of an autism risk gene NUAK1, and delineates a mechanism by which PSD3 phosphorylation regulates ARF6 activation and spine maturation.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-19 00:00:00 UTC.
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Background Food Exchange Lists are commonly used by dietitians to facilitate meal customization and help in reducing the risk of diet-related diseases. However, there are still no exchange lists for sports food products that contribute to dietary planning during training and competitions. The aim of this study is to design a sport food exchange list for dietetic practice in sport nutrition based on the sport products available in Lebanon. Methods A mapping study was conducted by trained dietitians between January 2022 and April 2022 in which the nutrition fact labels of 60 sports food products from 20 companies marketed in 50 Lebanese markets, including protein powders, protein bars, nut butters, sport chips, and sport drinks were screened. The resulting database of sports food compositions was used to define exchange lists taking into consideration the macronutrients and energy content of the sport food products in 30 grams and based on typical athlete product’s serving size. The sports food products were defined into different subgroups based on their macronutrient and energy contents. The use of this exchange system by athletes is also presented as an example. Results Results showed varying macronutrient composition which were categorized as high, moderate, and low among the sports food products with some providing greater than the recommended daily values. Conclusion This study developed a preliminary sports food exchange list based on commercial sport foods specific to the context of Lebanon. While it provides a practical tool for dietitians and sport nutritionists to complement athletes’ diets, its applicability is limited by reliance on Lebanon-specific products and the absence of validation with athletes in real-world settings. Future studies should validate and adapt this tool across different populations and sporting contexts.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 18:38:17 UTC.
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Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy originating from the epithelial lining of the colon and rectal mucosa, with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. KRAS gene mutations play a significant role in CRC carcinogenesis and affect therapeutic responses. This study aimed to determine the relationship between KRAS gene mutation status and clinicopathological features of CRC patients in Makassar. Methods This was an observational analytic study with a retrospective cohort design using medical record data and KRAS gene mutation examination results. The study was conducted at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital and its network hospitals from May 2025 until the sample size was fulfilled. Thirty-three patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma who met the inclusion criteria were included. KRAS mutation status was assessed using PCR from paraffin-block tissue samples. Data analysis used chi-square test, Fisher exact test, independent T-test, Mann-Whitney, and logistic regression with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results Most subjects were aged ≥50 years (75.8%) and male (54.5%). KRAS mutant type was found in 42.4% of patients and wild type in 57.6%. There was no significant relationship between KRAS mutation status and histological grading (p = 0.607). However, a significant relationship was found between KRAS mutation status and tumor location (p = 0.040). KRAS mutant type was predominantly located in the right colon (64.3%), while KRAS wild type was predominantly located in the left colon (73.7%). Conclusions KRAS gene mutation status is significantly associated with tumor location but not with histological grading in colorectal cancer patients. KRAS mutant type is predominantly found in right-sided tumors, while KRAS wild type is predominantly found in left-sided tumors.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 18:32:56 UTC.
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The world has been witnessing a growing and accelerating expansion in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, as leading worldwide technology businesses compete to develop systems and software that can simulate the human mind, produce technological solutions, and accomplish activities that previously needed human mental effort. This has given rise to a host of new and unfamiliar legal challenges, including those connected to errors and ‘hallucinations’ that may produce inaccurate or misleading outputs. This paper examines the technical and practical risks associated with the use of AI, with a focus on the phenomenon of hallucinations that has recently become widely discussed, and its potential effects on users and third parties. This study adopts a comparative, analytical legal approach by analyzing the current legal framework to determine the extent to which the law protects the injured party, assessing the adequacy of existing civil-liability rules, and emphasizing the difficulties associated with proving fault and causation, as well as identifying the responsible party within the complex smart-transactions ecosystems. Accordingly, the objective of this paper is to determine how civil liability arising from the use of AI systems in numerous fields may be attributed, and to identify the future legal implications of such systems in light of the general rules of the UAE Civil Transactions Law and the substance of the EU regulation. Accordingly, the study presents a contemporary legal perspective on conventional culpability to safeguard the harmed person against AI faults and hallucinations. It concludes by proposing innovative legal mechanisms, such as strict (objective) liability, transparency obligations, and compulsory insurance, to compensate the injured party for ‘digital harm’ caused by AI technologies. The research indicates that legal responsibility and technical innovation must be balanced to safeguard the damaged party.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 18:27:56 UTC.
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Background Parental knowledge of newborn care is essential, as it can influence the newborn’s health, growth, and development. It is challenging due to a lack of mothers’ knowledge and skills, insufficient resources, and limited training facilities. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the prenatal training module (PTM) on maternal knowledge and skills on newborn care. Methods A quasi-experimental research design was adopted. Forty women at or beyond 36 weeks of gestation were recruited using a non-probability purposive sampling. The pre-test knowledge was assessed during the antenatal period for both the interventional and control groups. The interventional group received two sessions of prenatal training using a simulation, with a one-week interval. The post-test was conducted for both the Interventional and control groups on the third day of child birth. Results There was an evident variation between post-test knowledge score (Z = -5.345; P < 0.05) and post-test skill score (Z = -5.144; P < 0.05) among mothers on newborn care between groups. Conclusions Post-training skill demonstration and knowledge were markedly better among women in the interventional group than in the control group. The PTM with the newborn simulation model has shown success in improving knowledge and skills among mothers.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 16:21:10 UTC.
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Background Internal functional capabilities — encompassing marketing, operations, research and development, and human resources — are widely recognized as key determinants of firm competitiveness. However, most existing studies rely on linear regression models that fail to capture nonlinear interdependencies among these capabilities, and few simultaneously assess both profitability-based and market value-based performance outcomes. A methodological gap remains in combining efficiency benchmarking with predictive modeling to evaluate how capability configurations translate into financial and investor-oriented results across diverse industry contexts. Methods This study proposes a hybrid two-stage analytical framework integrating Data Envelopment Analysis and Backpropagation Neural Networks. In the first stage, Data Envelopment Analysis quantifies the relative transformation efficiency of each functional capability using objective multi-input and multi-output configurations. In the second stage, Backpropagation Neural Networks — benchmarked against Ordinary Least Squares Multiple Regression — model the nonlinear relationships between capability efficiency scores and firm performance outcomes. The empirical sample comprises 1,271 publicly listed firms in Taiwan across high-technology, manufacturing, and service industries, drawn from the Taiwan Economic Journal database covering fiscal years 2020 to 2023. Results Backpropagation Neural Networks consistently outperformed regression-based models in predictive accuracy across all three performance dimensions — market value, Tobin’s Q, and stock return. Industry-specific patterns emerged: research and development and human resource capabilities were most critical in high-technology firms, operational capability dominated in manufacturing, and marketing capability was most influential in service firms. Performance-tier segmentation further revealed that high-performing firms maintained a more balanced and strategically coherent deployment of capabilities, whereas low-performing firms exhibited excessive reliance on short-term profitability signals. Conclusions Functional capability configurations differ meaningfully across industries and performance tiers. Effective capability alignment — rather than resource possession alone — is the primary mechanism through which firms achieve superior profitability and favorable market valuation.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 15:20:33 UTC.
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Background Technological innovation continues to transform mathematics education by creating new opportunities to improve students’ higher-order thinking skills and engagement. Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a promising learning tool in geometry education. This study examines the relationship between students’ critical thinking skills and their acceptance of AR-based learning using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Methods A quantitative survey was conducted with 234 junior high school students from 13 schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships among variables in the Technology Acceptance Model framework, while Fuzzy C-Means Clustering was used to identify patterns in students’ technology adoption. Results The findings indicate that critical thinking skills significantly influence perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of Augmented Reality-based learning applications. These perceptions subsequently affect students’ actual usage of the technology in geometry learning. Conclusions The results suggest that cognitive abilities, particularly critical thinking, play an important role in shaping students’ acceptance of educational technology. This study extends the Technology Acceptance Model by integrating critical thinking as a cognitive factor that supports the adoption of emerging technologies in mathematics learning.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 15:06:26 UTC.
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Background Psychological factors can have an impact on non-cardiac chest pain presentations to emergency departments (ED). The current study aims to investigate if providing psychological interventions for non-cardiac chest pain can reduce the number of ED re-presentations Aim The primary aim of the study is to reduce the number of ED re-presentations in the target population through provision of psychological interventions. Specifically, the aim of this study is to determine whether there are differences in outcomes for individuals who present to ED with non-cardiac chest pain and receive psychological intervention vs those who receive usual care, in relation to ED re-presentations over a 6-month period. The secondary aim is to study if the intervention will be cost effective and result in an improvement in the quality of life and reduction in psychological distress Methods This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial in which the assessor is blind to treatment vs standard care condition. All individuals between 18 and 65 who present with non-cardiac chest pain to ED will be invited to participate in the research. Consenting participants who meet the selection criteria, will be randomly allocated to either -: A) Psychological treatment group consisting of 6 sessions of psychotherapy B) Usual care/Wait list controls Outcomes will be assessed for both groups at baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 24 weeks Discussion Results are expected to inform practice guidelines for ED and referral pathways for patients with non-cardiac chest pain. Trial registration: ACTRN12619000872134 (prospectively registered on 19/06/2019) The ethics approval for the study was provided by: Human Research Ethics Committee; Townsville University Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee Reference number: HREC/2018/QTHS/47872
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:59:18 UTC.
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Background The inability to differentiate between dominant hues is known as color vision deficiency. Color blindness is a hereditary condition that damages or weakens color receptors in the human eye. Race and region have an impact on color blindness. In order to determine the frequency of color blindness among primary and secondary students from different Basrah regions in Iraq, a study was conducted because there hasn’t been any prior research on the subject. Method Random samples were obtained from 2760 students (1448 males and 1312 females) from various locations of Basrah Governorate, ranging in age from 10 to 18. Color vision was evaluated using an Ishihara chart. Result Among 1448 male students, 93 (6.40%) were determined to be color blind, with 49 showing deutan and 44 showing protan. Among 1312 female students, 12 (0.91%) were found to be colorblind: 7 were deutan and 5 were protan. According to data from the X2-square test, no statistically significant difference existed between male and female students in any region. Conclusion The fact that none of the screened participants had ever taken a color vision screening test or been aware they were color blind indicates how uncommon knowledge and awareness of color blindness are in Basrah. The frequency of the colorblind allele was 0.084, while the normal allele was 0.916.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:55:43 UTC.
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Background This experimental study examines the performance of ring footing on geogrid-reinforced sandy soil under the combination of eccentrically inclined loading, which is a case that is commonly encountered in structures such as tower foundations, silos, tanks, and offshore supports. Methods An experimental laboratory program was conducted to evaluate three parameters: reinforcement length ratio (L/B), spacing ratio between layers (Z/B), and number of geogrid layers (N). Tests were performed under eccentricity ratios e/B = 0, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.16, and load inclination angles α = 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°. Results The outcomes showed that the optimal values of the parameters that achieving substantial improvement in both bearing capacity and tilting resistance were identified as L/B = 5, Z/B = 0.50, and N = 4 layers, which increased the bearing capacity by approximately 200% and enhanced tilting resistance by up to 1.52 under the most critical values of (e/B = 0.16, α = 15°). On the other hand, spacing ratios of (Z/B = 0.25 and 1.25), which are too small or too large, and the addition of layers beyond N = 4 resulted in minimal benefit due to ineffective stress transfer and reduced soil-reinforcement interaction. Conclusions The study outcomes offer recommendations for the optimal values of reinforcement parameters that optimize ring footing performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness under complex loading conditions of eccentrically inclined loads.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:53:01 UTC.
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Background Zirconia is widely regarded as a highly promising material for dental prosthetics due to its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength, making it an attractive alternative to metal restorations. However, its chemical inertness and high hardness pose challenges for bonding with resin cements, potentially leading to clinical debonding. Methods Thirty-six high-translucency zirconia cubes (10 × 10 × 10 mm) were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 – sandblasting; Group 2 – CoJet system; Group 3 – SIE. Surface roughness, morphology, and composition were assessed using a profilometer, SEM/EDX, and AFM. Following bonding with resin cement, all specimens underwent 5,000 thermocycles. Shear bond strength was then measured. Results The SIE group demonstrated significantly greater surface roughness and bond strength compared with the other groups. SEM analysis revealed that SIE generated a well-defined nanoporous surface promoting deep resin infiltration. In contrast, sandblasting and CoJet treatments produced irregular, less retentive surface morphologies. Conclusion These findings indicate that SIE provides a superior micromechanical and chemical interface, thereby enhancing the durability of zirconia–resin bonding.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:44:46 UTC.
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Fixed-point iterative methods play a fundamental role in nonlinear functional analysis and its applications. In this paper, we consider a real uniformly convex Banach space and introduce a modified accelerated four-step iterative scheme for approximating fixed-point of a class of total asymptotically nonexpansive TAN-mappings. The proposed approach is formulated within a general TAN framework and does not require compactness assumptions at the level of weak convergence. Weak convergence of the algorithm is established under Opial’s condition, whereas strong convergence is obtained by additionally assuming semi-compactness of the underlying mapping. Moreover, a rigorous comparative convergence analysis is provided to examine the rate of convergence of the proposed scheme relative to the HR-type iterative process. The theoretical results are supported by numerical experiments illustrating the convergence dynamics of both methods. Finally, the applicability of the framework is demonstrated by applying it to a nonlinear two-dimensional Volterra integral equation.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:38:58 UTC.
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Background Carbonization of woody biomass under inert atmospheres is a practical route to producing functional carbon materials. However, carbon yield and microstructural development are strongly influenced by temperature and by the presence of metal additives. The temperature-dependent roles of such additives remain insufficiently clarified. Methods The catalytic effects of copper and titanium were systematically examined during heat-induced carbonization of Todo fir (Abies sachalinensis) wood flour at 500 °C and 800 °C under nitrogen, using controlled heating rates. Carbonization behavior was analyzed by thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis. The resulting char was characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Results At 500 °C, copper addition promoted the formation of partially layered turbostratic carbon structures with expanded interlayer spacing, suggesting stabilization of carbon frameworks with reduced bond cleavage. In contrast, titanium enhanced devolatilization and fragmentation, leading to lower carbon retention and more heterogeneous microstructures. At 800 °C, thermally stable, carbon-rich residues were obtained largely independent of heating rate, indicating that the final hold temperature governed bulk carbon ordering. Under these conditions, copper suppressed carbon consumption and increased char yield, whereas titanium promoted interfacial reactions and accelerated carbon decomposition. Transmission electron microscopy showed that overall structural ordering was primarily determined by the final temperature rather than by the additive. These findings indicate temperature-dependent catalytic role-switching, with copper favoring solid carbon formation at moderate temperatures and titanium promoting decomposition, particularly at elevated temperatures. Conclusions The results clarify distinct, temperature-dependent functions of copper and titanium during biomass carbonization and provide a basis for controlling carbon yield and microstructure through additive selection and thermal design.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:31:15 UTC.
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Background Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) reference intervals used in Syrian clinical laboratories are derived predominantly from Western or manufacturer-specified populations, without local validation. Given that TSH distributions are shaped by population-specific genetic architecture, iodine sufficiency, autoimmune burden, nutritional status, and chronic psychosocial stress—factors operating with particular intensity in a conflict-affected Syrian context. This study sought to establish age- and sex-stratified, population-specific TSH reference intervals for Syria using a large indirect retrospective dataset. Methods A total of 9,735 consecutive TSH results were analysed from Alkhatib Medical Laboratory, Damascus (2020–2024), comprising 6,708 females (68.9%) and 3,027 males (31.1%). The cohort was stratified into six subgroups: children, adolescents, and adults of each sex. TSH was measured by third-generation electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Elecsys, Roche Diagnostics; LOD 0.005 μIU/mL; calibrated to WHO IRP 80/558). Reference intervals were derived by iterative ±2SD truncation of the inlier distribution per CLSI EP28-A3c. Results Upper reference limits exceeded the manufacturer’s generic ceiling of 4.20 μIU/mL in five of six subgroups. Male adults exhibited the widest dispersion and highest upper boundary (7.01 μIU/mL; CV 117.9%), representing a 66.9% excess. Female adults yielded an upper limit of 6.34 μIU/mL (+51.0%), and paediatric subgroups ranged from 5.85 to 6.06 μIU/mL. A consistent ontogenic trajectory emerged in both sexes: HPT axis variability was greatest in childhood, contracted during adolescence (the only subgroup whose upper limit fell below 4.20 μIU/mL, with female adolescents reaching 3.05 μIU/mL, 27.4% below the manufacturer’s threshold), then re-broadened substantially in adulthood. A sex-dimorphic inversion was observed in adults, with males displaying greater TSH dispersion than females—contrary to classical Western epidemiological patterns. Conclusions Applying generic TSH intervals to the Syrian population produces systematic diagnostic misclassification: over-diagnosis of hypothyroidism in adults and potential failure to detect subclinical hypothyroidism in female adolescents. The derived intervals represent a clinically actionable foundation for improving thyroid diagnostic practice in Syria and should be considered for formal laboratory adoption, pending prospective validation in rigorously screened healthy cohorts. More broadly, these findings reinforce the imperative that diagnostic reference standards in populations defined by distinct genetic, nutritional, and environmental profiles must be locally derived rather than imported.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:23:42 UTC.
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Introduction Older adults admitted to hospital are particularly vulnerable to rapid functional decline, primarily due to prolonged inactivity, a phenomenon known as hospital-associated disability (HAD). Structured exercise interventions preserve functional independence and physical performance in this population substantially better than usual care. Many research articles fail to provide sufficiently detailed descriptions of the exercises and their specific modalities, limiting the feasibility of translating these interventions into clinical practice. Aim We aim to use evidence from an ongoing living systematic review with network meta-analysis to establish consensus on two exercise programmes identified as the most effective for hospitalised older adults. One programme will consist exclusively of resistance training exercises, while the other will adopt a multicomponent approach integrating balance, resistance, and gait training exercises. Each programme will be refined through a separate Delphi study. Methods and analysis We will use a modified Delphi study design to reach consensus among 30 participants, including clinicians, prescribing physical exercises to older adults and researchers in the relevant fields. Each study will consist of three Delphi rounds conducted via electronic surveys. Quantitative responses will be analysed by dichotomising the results of Likert items with a six-point ordinal scale into “in favor” and “not agreeing”, with consensus defined as ≥80% agreement. Qualitative responses will be examined using a modified version of the argument-based qualitative analysis strategy (AQUA). Ethics and dissemination: This study does not collect health-related data. These two studies are part of a broader project designed to enhance the accessibility of up-to-date scientific evidence on preventing hospital-associated disability (HAD) in older adults for both clinicians and patients. The findings will serve as a foundation for developing structured clinical training programmes tailored for geriatric hospitals in Switzerland.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:21:16 UTC.
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Background Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are slow-growing primary brain tumors for which the optimal treatment to prolong progression-free survival (PFS) in adults remains debated. This network meta-analysis compares the efficacy of various treatment modalities for improving PFS in adult patients with LGG. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to September 22, 2025 for studies evaluating PFS outcomes in adult LGG. Included studies were analyzed following PRISMA guidelines using a frequentist framework random-effects network meta-analysis with survival modeling. Results Seventeen trials involving 3,588 patients were included. Compared with biopsy alone, gross total resection with radiation (GTRR; HR = 0.47), subtotal resection with radiation and chemotherapy (STRRC; HR = 0.49), gross total resection alone (GTR; HR = 0.59), subtotal resection with chemotherapy (STRC; HR = 0.66), and subtotal resection with radiation (STRR; HR = 0.67) all significantly reduced progression risk (all p < 0.05). GTRR, STRRC, GTR, and STRC also outperformed subtotal resection alone (STR; HR = 0.57, 0.59, 0.70, and 0.79 respectively; all p < 0.05). SUCRA analysis ranked GTRR (84.7%) and STRRC (82.2%) as the most effective regimens. Conclusions These results demonstrate that combination therapies—particularly gross total resection with radiation or subtotal resection with radiation and chemotherapy—significantly improve PFS in adult LGG patients. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023470802.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 12:17:57 UTC.
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Background The post-pandemic financial landscape presents a paradox: record asset price highs coexist with mounting systemic vulnerabilities. Market concentration in equity indices has reached levels comparable to the dot-com era, driven by passive investment inflows and the dominance of technology mega-caps. Yet the relationship between this concentration and systemic risk remains poorly quantified. Methods Using daily data from January 2020 to October 2024 (1,218 observations) across equity, fixed income, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, we develop a novel econometric framework combining a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) with a Markov-Switching Regime model. We construct three concentration measures—the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), Concentration Ratio (CR10), and Entropy-Based Concentration Index (ECI)—and introduce a composite Market Fragility Index (MFI) derived via Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results The HHI for the top-10 S&P 500 holdings reached 0.18. A 1% increase in HHI corresponds to a 2.31% increase in tail risk (Value-at-Risk at 1%), rising to 2.67% in high-volatility regimes. The MFI achieves an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.891 in predicting market stress events, with an average lead time exceeding seven days. Volatility spillover analysis yields a Total Connectedness Index of 40.6%, with the S&P 500 as the primary risk transmitter and the cryptocurrency market as the largest net receiver. Conclusions Market concentration is a significant nonlinear amplifier of systemic risk in post-pandemic financial markets. The MFI provides superior early-warning capability over traditional indicators. These findings support concentration-adjusted portfolio strategies and enhanced macroprudential oversight, including mandatory stress testing when HHI exceeds 0.18.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 11:53:08 UTC.
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Background Diabetic neuropathy is one of the complications of diabetes that occurs due to poor glycemic control. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels can increase when patients are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and can change in response to glycemic control conditions throughout the course of the disease. However, the correlation between glycemic control and BDNF remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate whether glycemic control can predict the BDNF levels in patients with diabetic neuropathy, based on diabetic duration. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 8 patients with diabetic neuropathy who were treated at a clinic in Central Java. We use glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels as a parameter of glycemic control, which were measured according to the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program. BDNF serum levels were evaluated using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method in the laboratory. Analysis was performed using ANCOVA tests. Results Together, HbA1c levels, diabetic duration, and interactions between diabetic duration and HbA1c could predict BDNF levels with a significant 9.9% accuracy and 6.4% after adjustment (p = 0.046). However, only HbA1c levels can predict BDNF levels significantly at 8.3% (p = 0.011). Conclusions The HbA1c levels significantly predict BDNF levels in patients with diabetic neuropathy regardless of diabetic duration.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 11:52:56 UTC.
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Background Biogas production from various types of biodegradable waste is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, and provides a reliable method for handling food waste. Methods This study evaluated the effects of rumen fluid and S. cerevisiae isolate MUTJ0F as digestion activators on biogas production from the co-digestion of cattle manure, fruit and vegetable waste, and cafeteria leftover food. Under mesophilic conditions (38°C), 12 treatments with different rumen fluid (0–150 ml/100 g) and S. cerevisiae isolate MUTJ0F inoculum (5–10 ml/100 g) dosages were assessed. Biogas was produced from mixed waste using plastic digesters (0.6 L) after the 60-day retention period. Result Rumen fluid with S. cerevisiae isolate MUTJ0F increased biogas generation by more than four times compared to the uninoculated control. The combination of 100 ml rumen fluid and 10 ml S. cerevisiae isolate MUTJ0F per 100 g of mixed waste produced the highest volume of biogas (6900.3 ml). pH variations in digesters revealed normal acidogenesis followed by a gradual return to methanogenesis conditions, while combustibility tests showed the presence of biogas in the digester. Conclusion These results suggest that using rumen fluid and the S. cerevisiae isolate MUTJ0F as inoculants in a biogas digester can enhance the efficiency of biogas production.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 11:47:55 UTC.
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Background Studies, including umbrella reviews, have provided evidence linking greenspace exposure to specific health outcomes. To address methodological limitations in existing umbrella reviews, this umbrella review aims to expand knowledge on the association between greenspace and human health by summarising evidence from both quantitative and qualitative systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methods This umbrella review builds upon our previous review with updates to reflect recent developments in the field. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched for articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals between December 2020 and June 2024. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included if they clearly defined measures of greenspace exposure and reported health outcomes directly attributable to greenspace exposure (PROSPERO: CRD42022383421). The methodological quality and risk of bias of each included review were evaluated by two independent reviewers. Results A total of 45 articles were included in this umbrella review. Greenspace exposure was beneficially associated with mental health, general health and quality of life, and cardiovascular and metabolic health. Inconsistent associations were observed for respiratory health and allergies, maternal health and birth outcomes, and cancer. Most of the included reviews had a high risk of bias and critically low methodological quality. Discussion This umbrella review highlights the multifaceted health benefits of greenspace exposure while underlining existing evidence gaps and methodological challenges. The results indicate that increasing access to greenspace could be a simple and cost-effective strategy to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 11:40:25 UTC.
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Background Hunter-Schreger bands (HSBs) are distinctive optical features observed in enamel and are characterized by alternating dark and light bands that reflect the orientation of the enamel prism. Despite their clinical relevance, variations in HSB patterns across different tooth surfaces remain poorly understood. The aim of this study wass to correlate the width and density of HSB with the surface (labial, lingual, mesial distal and occlusal) of the tooth and the type of tooth. Materials and Methods Eighty intact permanent human teeth (20 each: incisors, canines, premolars, molars) from the maxillary and mandibular arches were sectioned in mesiodistal or labiolingual planes. Reflected-light photomicrographs (4× objective; Olympus CX20i) were analysed with ImageJ. HSB density was defined as the number of HSB pairs per millimetre (one dark + one light = pair). Group differences were assessed via repeated-measures ANOVA and independent t tests; p< 0.05. Statistical analyses Repeated-measures ANOVA and independent t tests were used to assess differences of HSB densities among surfaces and tooth types. A p value of of p<0.05 was considered . Results Significant variations in HSB density were observed across tooth surfaces within each tooth type and between the maxillary and mandibular arches. Compared with molars, mandibular buccal surfaces presented greater mean HSB densities in premolars (p=0.001) (p=0.201),whereas lingual surfaces presented consistent patterns across all tooth types (p<0.05). Notably, incisal/occlusal surfaces demonstrated the greatest variability, with mandibular incisors exhibiting greater densities (p<0.001) than maxillary incisors (p<0.001). Conclusion This micrometric analysis provides detailed insights into the microstructural variations in the HSB across tooth surfaces, highlighting functional and anatomical influences. These findings underscore the clinical importance of HSB in adhesive restorations and enamel-related conditions, suggesting tailored approaches on the basis of tooth type and surface location. Further research is needed to explore the biomechanical implications and refine the clinical applications in dental practice.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 11:28:31 UTC.
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Introduction Interprofessional Education (IPE) fosters the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for collaborative practice in complex clinical settings. Despite its recognized benefits, IPE remains underutilized in many medical and nursing schools. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of medical and nursing students toward interprofessional collaboration in the clinical learning environment. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted from April to August 2022 at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, and the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. The study used the 27-item Interprofessional Attitude Scale (IPAS) to assess teamwork, patient-centeredness, inter-professional biases, diversity and ethics, and community-centeredness. Undergraduate students in years 3 to 5 from medical and nursing programs were sampled consecutively. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results A total of 467 students participated, including 404 (86.5%) medical and 63 (13.5%) nursing students. The majority (74.5%) were from Makerere University. Only 17.8% had prior IPE exposure. Despite this, students demonstrated a strong willingness to engage in interprofessional learning. Nursing students scored higher in patient-centeredness (p = 0.0467) and inter-professional biases (p = 0.0160). Busitema University students had higher scores in teamwork, diversity and ethics, and community-centeredness (p < 0.05). Female students scored significantly higher in teamwork, patient-centeredness, and community-centeredness (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although formal IPE exposure was limited, students showed positive attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration. These findings highlight the need to integrate structured IPE activities in clinical training to enhance teamwork, reduce professional silos, and improve patient care.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 10:29:23 UTC.
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Background The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in the general population is notably high, ranging from 4% to 20%, and varies according to sex and age. SCH has been reported to be associated with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. While the therapeutic decision for overt hypothyroidism is fairly straightforward, treatment of SCH, especially the timing of the initiation of therapy, has been a point of discussion. Objective To assess the effect of early initiation of treatment compared to watchful waiting, delayed initiation, or no treatment on progression to overt hypothyroidism, prevention of complications, and associated adverse outcomes through a "systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA)”. Methods The SRMA protocol adhered to the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P 2015)” guidelines. Only “randomized controlled trials (RCTs)” will be included. The databases “PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library” will be searched from inception until 30.12.2025. Two stages (title abstract followed by full-text review) and two-pass screening (two authors independently) with a third reviewer adjudication of conflicts will be adopted. Data will be extracted, and the risk of bias will be assessed independently by two authors using a process to resolve differences. The risk of bias for RCTs will be assessed using Cochrane ROB 2.0. Pooled estimates will be calculated for meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression will be performed if heterogeneity was present. The certainty of the evidence will be ascertained through “GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation)”. Intended outcomes The SRMA can inform the framing of clinical guidelines for SCH management for all population groups and also intends to bring out gaps in the existing literature for future studies. PROSPERO ID: CRD420251270021 (Date: 08 February 2026)
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 10:18:30 UTC.
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Abstract* Introduction Severe damage to teeth or the periodontium can significantly affect oral functions of athletes during sport games reducing their performance and participation. We aimed to determine the prevalence of dentoalveolar trauma in high-performance athlete participating in multi-sport events in Latin American countries. Methods A comprehensive search was performed between December 15–22, 2024 in 12 databases including following the PRISMA guidelines and Robvis for bias assessment. The inclusion criteria encompassed original articles, correspondences, scientific letters, prevalence studies, and studies on dentoalveolar trauma in athletes during multi-sport events in Latin America. Results The initial literature search yielded a total of 798 articles. The remaining articles underwent full-text review, leading to the inclusion of one article for analysis. The selected study was authored by Enrique Amy, a researcher from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medi-cine. Published in the Dental Traumatology Journal in 2005, the study aimed to investigate the incidence of dental and orofacial trauma among athletes participating in the Central American and Caribbean Games across six different editions. The main reasons for seeking dental care among the 279 athletes included mouthguard fabrication, resolution of acute dental and orofacial conditions, restorations, and dental evaluations. Detailed information on the specific injuries and sports associated with the athletes is provided, including 18 cases of treated acute dental conditions, which primarily occurred during sport-related activities and accounted for 6% of all dental consultations during the games. Conclusions This systematic review provides valuable insights into the prevalence of dentoalveolar trauma in high-performance athletes participating in multi-sport events in Latin America. The findings highlight the importance of preventive measures, such as mouthguard use, to mitigate the risk of dental and orofacial injuries in this population.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 10:00:51 UTC.
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Background The research aims to know the role of social marketing practices in enhancing digital etiquette at the University of Fallujah, through a descriptive and analytical study on a sample of students amounting to (215) students. The research problem was the deficiency in some students' commitment to digital etiquette. The importance of the study is highlighted in analyzing the impact of social marketing tools on raising awareness of ethical values on the Internet and elsewhere. The research recommends the necessity for Iraqi universities to adopt innovative social marketing practices to enhance digital responsibility, and develop technological infrastructure and human resources in line with the modern digital environment. Methodology The research followed the descriptive analytical approach, and the data were collected via a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the program (SPSS V.24) based on arithmetic means, standard deviations, the simple correlation coefficient (Pearson), and multiple linear regression testing to verify the influence relationships between the study variables. Results Analytical results indicate that the university regularly adopts social marketing tools and activates its four dimensions (social product, social pricing, social promotion, and social distribution), which has had a positive impact on digital transformation. The data showed an increase in the level of commitment to digital etiquette among students by (25%) according to the approved digital behavior standards, with a significant moral impact (p < 0.05) of social marketing practices in promoting positive digital behaviors and reducing irresponsible behaviors. Conclusions Social marketing practices play an important role in raising awareness among Fallujah University students about the importance of responsible digital behavior. The use of various methods such as awareness videos, infographics, and direct interaction with students also helped deliver ethical messages more effectively. The study confirms that social marketing is a real catalyst for social change in the digital environment.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 09:56:25 UTC.
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Background The rapid growth of mobile technology has significantly influenced individuals' daily lives; however, there are limited studies on how older adults adopt these technologies. Understanding the factors that influence this demographic is essential for promoting digital inclusion and enhancing the quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to explore these factors based on a qualitative research approach. Methods This study employed a structured interview approach to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of mobile apps among older adults. The study uses the purposive sampling method. The only older adults who use smartphones are included in the interviews. Fourteen participants aged 60 years and above were interviewed. All the interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. The data were coded, and several factors were identified and categorized based on existing theories and models, such as the Technology Acceptance Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and Perceived Risk Theory. Results Based on the thematic analysis, several factors were identified and categorized in relation to existing theories and models, including the Technology Acceptance Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and Perceived Risk Theory. The factors that emerged were Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Social Influence, Facilitating Condition, and Perceived Risk. The study also develops a conceptual model and propositions based on the identified factors. Conclusion Based on the qualitative insights and thematic analysis, this study identifies the factors influencing the mobile adoption of older adults. The findings reveal that older adults are likely to adopt mobile apps when they perceive them as useful and easy to use. Privacy and financial risk emerged as major barriers for older adults in using the mobile apps. However, older adults are likely to use the mobile apps if proper training is provided to them.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-18 09:49:15 UTC.
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Objective
The objective of this study was to examine whether machine learning has the capacity to prospectively identify and predict the emergence of Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) among male fragile X premutation carriers (PCs).
Methods
We explored neuropsychological and motor evaluation metrics, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and health metrics in 103 male participants (72 PCs, mean = 60.4 years at enrollment) and 31 healthy controls (HCs; mean = 57.8 years at enrollment) across a total of 299 visits to identify optimal FXTAS risk markers. We compared different machine learning model and feature selection method combinations to identify the best features and models for (a) identifying patients with FXTAS and (b) for predicting which individuals were likely to later develop FXTAS in the study to date. Using an optimal set of features (including age, psychological symptoms, executive function and motor measures, IQ, body mass index (BMI), and structural brain measurements), we developed random forest binary classifiers for the 2 tasks. We split the dataset randomly into multiple different train and test splits and observed the average classification performance metrics across all the splits.
Results
The models showed promising ability to identify and pre-emptively predict the emergence of FXTAS and achieved a reasonable balance between precision and recall. Accumulation of body fat (BMI), executive function weaknesses, slower reaction time and dexterity, and mental health changes, are clinical factors that may significantly increase a carrier's risk. Structural brain MRI measurements significantly added to the predictive power of the models.
Interpretation
These results suggest that machine learning has the potential to inform prediction of risk for FXTAS early, enabling better planning, timely interventions, and provision of necessary care. ANN NEUROL 2026
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-18 05:22:01 UTC.
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(Neuron 114, ◼◼◼–◼◼◼; May 20, 2026)
in Neuron: In press on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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(Neuron 114, ◼◼◼–◼◼◼; May 6, 2026)
in Neuron: In press on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01014-9
This year’s winners include hundreds of physicists across more than 30 institutions.
in Nature on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07242-y
High-Density EEG and Multi-Muscle EMG Dataset during Object Prehension with a sensorized Grasping Box in Humans
in Nature scientific data on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07254-8
A seventeen-year soil analysis dataset for ecosystem management
in Nature scientific data on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07248-6
A large-scale fMRI dataset for vision-language semantic association
in Nature scientific data on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07262-8
Global Soil Water Stable Isotope Dataset
in Nature scientific data on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07240-0
Spectral Quantum Chemistry and Infrared Resonance Library for Data-Driven Molecular Spectroscopy
in Nature scientific data on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-09996-y
Structural studies of the human LRP2-LRPAP1 complex reveal that multiple LRPAP1 molecules can bind to the receptor, highlighting new binding sites that may control how LRP2 binding to other ligands is regulated in health and disease
in Nature communications biology on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10032-2
Data-driven 3D modeling of mouse motor thalamic nuclei reveals that topography and spatial weight scaling are necessary for physiological spindle oscillations, uncovering architectural design principles of spatially organized thalamic circuits.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 18 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10084-4
The E1 elements in both Ins1/2 promoters are regulated for the in vivo transcription of insulin genes in mice.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Naturally occurring pain and itch disorders in the domestic dog represent an important and underexploited opportunity for translational sensory neuroscience. These conditions largely mirror human disease, highlighting the need for detailed comparative understanding of canine somatosensory neurobiology. Here, we present a single-cell transcriptomic characterisation of the canine dorsal root ganglion (DRG), providing molecular insights into sensory neuron diversity in a species of direct veterinary and biomedical relevance. We develop a novel mechanical dissociation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting strategy enabling purification of intact whole neurons from adult canine DRG, followed by deep, full-length RNA sequencing using FLASH-seq. This approach yields high-quality transcriptional profiles with molecular depth analogous to deep neuronal profiling in human DRG, enabling resolution of neuronal identities and subtype-specific gene programs. Using these data, we identify canine sensory neuron clusters conforming to conserved principles of DRG molecular organization observed across species, including peptidergic and non-peptidergic nociceptors, low-threshold mechanoreceptors, proprioceptors, and thermosensory populations. Cross-species comparisons with human and mouse DRG datasets reveal broad conservation of pain- and itch-relevant pathways and therapeutic targets, alongside biologically meaningful divergence. We further identify species-specific differences in subtype-restricted expression of the pharmacologically relevant receptors IL31RA and SSTR2, which we validate using in situ hybridization and contextualize with human spatial transcriptomic data. Finally, we provide evidence that domestication-associated genes are non-randomly enriched in specific sensory neuron populations, suggesting that evolutionary history may have shaped somatosensory function. These data represent a resource for comparative sensory neuroscience and inform translational interpretation of pain and itch therapeutics across species.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Objective. Magnetophosphenes are visual percepts induced by extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF; <300 Hz), yet their EEG correlates remain poorly characterized and are not reliably captured by classical low-frequency markers. We tested whether magnetophosphene perception is associated with broadband high-frequency EEG changes rather than focal oscillatory effects. Approach. EEG was recorded in N=13 healthy volunteers during 20 Hz sinusoidal magnetic-field exposure delivered using transcranial alternating magnetic stimulation (tAMS) in a global-head configuration. Three conditions were analyzed: no exposure (0 mT), subthreshold (5 mT), and suprathreshold (50 mT). Gamma-band activity (30-80 Hz) was quantified using complementary spectral approaches, including aperiodic-adjusted measures. Main results. Perception reports sharply dissociated the three conditions, with frequent perception at 50 mT only. Suprathreshold stimulation was associated with spatially distributed increases in gamma-band activity over frontal and occipital electrodes. These effects persisted after aperiodic correction using two independent parameterization methods and did not exhibit a consistent narrowband peak, indicating broadband high-frequency changes. Significance. Magnetophosphene perception is not reliably captured by focal low-frequency EEG markers but is instead associated with distributed broadband high-frequency activity. These findings challenge standard assumptions derived from classical visual paradigms and suggest that perception under magnetic stimulation reflects large-scale, state-dependent neural dynamics.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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During tactile interaction, skin deformation drives the widespread activation of tactile afferents distributed across the fingertip. Yet the full spatial extent and evolution of these deformations remain largely unquantified. Using high-resolution 3D imaging, we reconstructed the complete volar surface of the fingertip under progressive tangential loadings typical of object manipulation. We show that much of the deformation occurs in the out-of-contact regions, accounting for approximately 70% of the total deformation energy. This deformation consistently initiates in the peripheral zones and smoothly propagates inward as partial slip develops. Tangential loading also induces pronounced directional asymmetries and local curvature changes, reflecting both surface and bulk tissue deformation. Furthermore, we observe localized strain patterns consistent with skin wrinkling across all participants, with individual variations in intensity and location driven by distinct frictional and biomechanical properties. This dataset provides a strong foundation for developing highly accurate biomechanical models and for linking fingertip mechanics to tactile neural encoding.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) quality assurance has traditionally relied on static, geometrically regular phantoms that cannot generate the dynamic signal changes fMRI analysis pipelines are designed to detect. Here we present the Signal Generating (SiGn) anthropomorphic brain phantom, a 3D-printed cortical model derived from an individual participant's structural MRI, filled with tissue-mimicking agar gels and coupled to a hemin-based infusion system that produces controlled, time-varying T2*-weighted signal changes. We validated the phantom across two scanning sessions on a 3,T Siemens MAGNETOM Vida scanner, demonstrating that hemin infusion produced spatially localised activation detectable by standard general linear model analyses. Because the phantom's geometry is derived from real participant anatomy, its functional data can be coregistered and spatially normalised to standard brain templates through the same pipeline applied to human data, enabling end-to-end assessment of how each preprocessing step affects a known ground-truth signal. To support adoption and reproducibility, we openly release the full resource at https://doi.org/10.60809/drum.31411158, including 3D-printable STL model files, tissue-mimicking gel recipes, the BIDS-formatted dataset, preprocessing and analysis scripts, and a containerised reproducibility workflow; the corresponding archival container image is also deposited on Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19495290. This framework is intended to lower the barrier for other groups to fabricate, scan, and analyse an equivalent device on their own hardware, adapt it to specific research questions, and iteratively improve the design, thereby supporting more rigorous and transparent fMRI quality assurance practices across the neuroimaging community.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-04-18 00:00:00 UTC.
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by Yihong Liang, Emine Celiker, Ping Lin
This paper presents a phase-field model for simulating the three-dimensional deformation of vesicle membranes, incorporating area-difference elasticity (i.e., the elasticity arising from the difference between the inner and outer lipid leaflets), with constraints on bulk volume and surface area. We develop efficient numerical schemes based on the Fourier-spectral method for spatial discretization and temporal evolution. The model successfully captures a wide variety of steady-state vesicle shapes. The numerical experiments demonstrate that by tuning the simulation parameters, the vesicle can transition from a simple spherical and discocyte shape to complete membrane fission, asymmetric pear shaped structures, as well as complex multi-armed starfish-like and nested configuration. These results highlight the crucial role of area-difference elasticity in determining vesicle morphology.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-17 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Kevin Max, Ismael Jaras, Arno Granier, Katharina A. Wilmes, Mihai A. Petrovici
Neural responses to mismatches between expected and actual stimuli have been widely reported across different species. How does the brain use such error signals for learning? While global error signals can be useful, their ability to learn complex computation at the scale observed in the brain is lacking. In comparison, more local, neuron-specific error signals enable superior performance, but their computation and propagation remain unclear. Motivated by the breakthrough of deep learning, this has inspired the ‘backpropagation and the brain’ hypothesis, i.e., that the brain implements a form of the error backpropagation algorithm. In this work, we introduce a biologically motivated, multi-area cortical microcircuit model, implementing error backpropagation under consideration of recent physiological evidence. We model populations of cortical pyramidal cells acting as representation and error neurons, with bio-plausible local and inter-area connectivity, guided by experimental observations of connectivity of the primate visual cortex. In our model, all information transfer is biologically motivated, inference and learning occur without phases, and network dynamics demonstrably approximate those of error backpropagation. We show the capabilities of our model on a wide range of benchmarks, and compare to other models, such as dendritic hierarchical predictive coding. In particular, our model addresses shortcomings of other theories in terms of scalability to many cortical areas. Finally, we make concrete predictions, which differentiate it from other theories, and which can be tested experimentally.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-17 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Yue Gu, Traver Hart, Luis Leon-Novelo, John Paul Shen
Advances in functional genomic technology, notably CRISPR using Cas9 or Cas12, now allow for large-scale double perturbation screens in which pairs of genes are inactivated, allowing for the experimental detection of genetic interactions (GIs). However, as it is not possible to validate GIs in high-throughput, there is no gold standard dataset where true interactions are known. Hence, we constructed a Double-CRISPR Knockout Simulation (DKOsim), which allows users to reproducibly generate synthetic simulation data where the single gene fitness effect of each gene and the interaction of each gene pair can be specified by the investigator. We adapted Monte-Carlo randomization methods to extend single knockout simulation methods to double knockout designs, which simulate the gene-gene interactions between all possible combinations of the input genes. Using DKOsim, we generated simulated datasets that closely resemble real double knockout CRISPR datasets in terms of Log Fold Change (LFC), GI distribution, and replicate correlation. We further inferred optimal CRISPR library designs by systematically investigating critical experimental parameters including depth of coverage, guide efficiency, and the variance of initial guide distribution. This simulation scheme will help to identify optimal computational methods for GI detection and aid in the design of future dual knockout CRISPR screens.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-17 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Shuzhen Zuo, Chenyu Wang, Lei Wang, Zhiyong Jin, Xufeng Zhou, Ning Su, Jianhua Liu, Thomas J. McHugh, Makoto Kusunoki, Sze Chai Kwok
Episodic memory involves encoding and remembering the order of events experienced over time. Previous work examining the mechanisms of temporal order memories has focused primarily on the hippocampus and prefrontal cortices, with comparatively less attention paid to population-level memory signals in the medial posterior parietal cortex (mPPC). Combining in vivo multi-unit electrophysiology and a temporal order judgment task with naturalistic cinematic material in macaques, we show that population activity in mPPC exhibits temporally structured dynamics during both encoding and retrieval. During encoding, mPPC neuronal ensembles exhibit gradually evolving activity patterns consistent with temporal context representations embedded in the unfolding video episodes, whereas during retrieval these neurons engage in coordinated, synchronous activity preceding memory-guided decisions. Moreover, trial-by-trial similarity between population activity patterns during encoding and retrieval predicts temporal order judgment performance. A separate control experiment further ruled out eye saccades, fixation patterns, and scan paths as confounding factors contributing to the observed neural dynamics. Together, these findings suggest that mPPC contributes to temporal order memory through population-level representations that integrate temporally extended experience with retrieval-related decision processes, rather than through simple sensory-driven or motor-related responses.
in PLoS Biology on 2026-04-17 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Birgit C. Voigt, Florian Rau, Luc Estebanez, James F. A. Poulet
How the motor cortex controls movement remains a fundamental question in neuroscience. Although somatosensory input is thought to influence motor cortex activity and the execution of voluntary movements, its role in driving motor cortex activity during voluntary behavior remains unclear. To address this, we performed whole-cell recordings from motor cortex neurons in mice during self-initiated, voluntary forelimb movements, either with intact somatosensory input or transection of the sensory nerves innervating the forelimb. In the absence of somatosensation, mice were still able to perform forelimb movements, including reaches, but these movements were significantly slower and more prolonged. Membrane potential recordings showed that cortical state changes were centrally generated, whereas external somatosensory input drives motor cortical activity before movement onset, curtails synaptic input during reaching to a hyperpolarized reversal potential value, and shapes membrane potential dynamics correlated with limb kinematics. Together, these findings demonstrate that somatosensory inputs play a central role in shaping motor cortex activity and its control of limb movement.
in PLoS Biology on 2026-04-17 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Isabel Sola, Sonia Zuñiga
Non-spike changes driving SARS-CoV-2 fitness remain undercharacterized. Two PLOS Biology papers show that evolutionary N gene changes create a transcription-regulating sequence producing a truncated N protein that enhances fitness by blocking antiviral responses.
Non-spike changes driving SARS-CoV-2 fitness remain undiscovered. This Primer comments on two PLOS Biology papers that show that evolutionary N gene mutations create a transcription-regulating sequence producing a truncated N protein that enhances fitness by blocking antiviral responses.
in PLoS Biology on 2026-04-17 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Yao D. Cai, Joanna C. Chiu
The circadian clock and cellular metabolism are tightly coupled to maintain homeostasis. A new study in PLOS Biology leverages metabolic tracing to reveal time-of-day-dependent activities of glucose metabolic pathways in Drosophila that are disrupted in clock and sleep mutants.
The circadian clock and cellular metabolism are tightly coupled. This primer discusses a recent PLOS study that elucidates how glucose metabolism changes over the course of the day in Drosophila and how this is disrupted in clock and sleep mutants.
in PLoS Biology on 2026-04-17 14:00:00 UTC.
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We counted the number of cells in bees’ brains. Female C. pallida bees have more neurons in their brains overall than males. Small male morph bees had fewer cells and reduced densities in the visual input brain regions than large morph males, despite specializing on sight to find mates.
ABSTRACT
Intraspecific variation in behavior is associated with variable brain resource allocation patterns: There is frequently increased tissue investment in discrete regions that support fitness-relevant cognitive abilities. However, the relationships between tissue volume and actual cell numbers have rarely been explored for insects due to methodological hurdles recently addressed via the application of isotropic fractionation. In solitary desert Centris pallida (Hymenoptera: Apidae) bees, there are two major levels of intraspecific variation: sex (males vs. females) and male morph (as a result of alternative reproductive tactics, large morph and small morph males rely on scent or sight, respectively, for mate location). Using isotropic fractionation, we separately analyzed optic lobe (OL) and central brain (CB) cell numbers of males and females to determine the impacts of sex and morph on brain cell allometry. Female bees’ brains were bigger and had higher cell numbers and cell densities than males of the same size. In both sexes, total brain cell number increased with brain size, driven by increases in OL cell numbers. Between male morphs, we found that OL masses were relatively larger in small-morph males, consistent with the relationship between body size and OL volumes reported in prior studies. However, small-morph C. pallida males had fewer total cells (as represented by cell nuclei) and reduced cell density, in their OLs. Together, these data suggest that there is intraspecific and brain-region-specific variation in brain cell numbers and that variation in brain tissue volume may not match other levels of neural organization like brain cell numbers/densities.
in Journal of Comparative Neurology on 2026-04-17 12:39:55 UTC.
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Introduction Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory dermatosis that is often diagnosed clinically but may require histopathological confirmation in equivocal cases. Dermoscopy enhances the visualisation of subsurface morphologic features and may improve non-invasive diagnosis. Ultraviolet-induced fluorescence dermoscopy (UVFD) is an emerging modality that may reveal additional diagnostic clues through the interaction of ultraviolet light with cutaneous structures. This study aims to investigate the dermoscopic and UVFD features of cutaneous LP, correlate them with histopathological findings, and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy using histopathology as the reference standard. Methods This is a two-year prospective observational study to be conducted in the Dermatology outpatient department of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Wardha, India. Adults with clinically suspected cutaneous LP who are willing to undergo biopsy will be enrolled after written informed consent. Dermoscopic and UVFD findings from selected lesions will be documented before punch biopsy. Histopathological examination will serve as the reference standard. Dermoscopic, UVFD, and histopathological findings will be correlated using imaging alignment methods and image analysis software, including ImageJ and QuPath. Diagnostic accuracy measures, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, agreement statistics, and receiver operating characteristic analysis, will be calculated. Ethics and dissemination The study has received approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, India (study approval number: DMIHER (DU)/IEC/2024/141; IEC registration/re-registration number: ECR/440/Inst/MH/2013/RR-2019). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrolment. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and academic presentation. Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry–India (CTRI): CTRI/2025/05/086296; Reference No. REF/2024/03/080873.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 11:31:39 UTC.
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Author(s): Aymeric Lutier, Jean-Baptiste Fournier, and Frédéric van Wijland
Active matter systems comprise self-propelled particles that move on a substrate while leaving chemical trails that influence other particles through chemotaxis (e.g., slime-depositing bacteria). Orientational chemotaxis manifests as a torque that steers the particle toward the chemical gradient. As…
[Phys. Rev. E 113, 044413] Published Fri Apr 17, 2026
in Physical Review E: Biological physics on 2026-04-17 10:00:00 UTC.
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Author(s): Vishnu Srinivasan, Wei Wang (汪巍), and Brian A. Camley
This study introduces a theoretical model explaining how eukaryotic cells can achieve perfect adaptation in chemical gradient sensing through cooperative allosteric regulation of receptor activity.
#AdvancingField #BiophysicsSpotlight

[Phys. Rev. E 113, 044414] Published Fri Apr 17, 2026
in Physical Review E: Biological physics on 2026-04-17 10:00:00 UTC.
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Background Corporate Political Activity (CPA) has gained growing academic attention as a non-market strategy for influencing policy, reducing uncertainty, and enhancing firm-level outcomes. However, existing studies remain fragmented, often confined to single industries, regions, or political mechanisms, with limited cross-country comparisons and minimal exploration of digital political engagement. Moreover, no recent comprehensive synthesis has captured post-2020 developments across diverse institutional and industrial contexts, leaving gaps in understanding the broader patterns and boundary conditions of CPA effectiveness. Methods This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of peer-reviewed empirical articles published between 2020 and 2025, guided by the PRISMA framework. Articles were systematically identified, screened, and synthesized from the Scopus database. Out of 589 initial articles, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Results The findings show that CPA is primarily positioned as an independent variable affecting performance, innovation, and competitiveness. While CPA frequently generates positive outcomes, risks such as agency problems, reputational damage, and bribery emerge in weak governance environments. The review also reveals that integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with CPA strengthens legitimacy and strategic impact, particularly in politically volatile contexts. Conclusions Theoretically, this study contributes by mapping empirical trends, clarifying contextual boundary conditions, and proposing an integrated conceptual framework that bridges resource-based and institutional perspectives on CPA. Practically, it offers guidelines for aligning political engagement with ethical governance, enabling firms to leverage CPA–CSR integration to navigate complex institutional environments while maintaining legitimacy and stakeholder trust.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 09:23:11 UTC.
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Background Specific learning disabilities are disorders that affect the processing of spoken or written language. One form of specific learning disability is dysgraphia, which affects children’s writing abilities. In Indonesia, studies examining Indonesian language writing difficulties among students with dysgraphia remain limited. In addition, teachers’ understanding of dysgraphia is still insufficient, highlighting the need for further investigation. This study aimed to describe writing difficulties experienced by students with dysgraphia in school, identify the type of dysgraphia they experience, and explore teachers’ perspectives and solutions for addressing these difficulties. Methods This study employed a qualitative design with a case study approach. Data were collected through direct classroom observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data were analyzed in three stages: data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. Results The findings showed that students experienced difficulties in classroom writing activities, including problems with letter formation, inconsistent word spacing, and uneven writing on paper. These difficulties varied in severity across students. The findings also indicated that the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms made the students’ writing difficulties more complex. Teachers recognized the challenges faced by these students and highlighted the importance of appropriate support in the learning process. Conclusions Students with dysgraphia experience significant difficulties in writing instruction, which can be further complicated by co-occurring attention and behavioral difficulties. Schools should provide inclusive educational programs and appropriate support strategies to help address the learning needs of students with dysgraphia.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 09:06:39 UTC.
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Objective
Pathogenic variants in GNAO1 cause a spectrum of epilepsy, movement disorders, and developmental impairment. Clinical heterogeneity complicates prognosis and therapeutic development. We present the first longitudinal natural history study of GNAO1-related disorders (GNAO1-RD) to delineate phenotypic trajectories.
Methods
Sixty-six individuals with GNAO1-RD were included in a cross-sectional analysis. Of these, 21 were enrolled in a prospective natural history arm (March 2021–December 2024), undergoing annual standardized evaluations with validated clinical scales to monitor phenotypic progression.
Results
Our cohort exhibited broad phenotypic and severity variability. GNAO1-RD severity scores ranged from 0.5 to 13. Neurodevelopmental impairment varied: 45.5% lacked head control, whereas 22.7% achieved independent walking; and 65% had no expressive language. Movement disorders were nearly universal (95.5%), with dyskinetic crises in 54.5%. Epilepsy affected 51.5%, with different seizure types. Individuals carrying recurrent variants showed consistent phenotypes and severity, supporting a genotype–phenotype correlation reinforced by molecular functional data. Molecular functional analysis for 20 of 31 missense variants correlated with severity scores. Longitudinal data from 21 patients in the natural history cohort showed overall stability or mild improvement across most functional domains. No significant deterioration was observed in global severity, motor function, cognition, or quality of life. However, severe patients experienced progressive worsening of movement disorder.
Interpretation
This largest GNAO1-RD cohort and first longitudinal natural history study provide insights into disease progression. GNAO1-RD generally follows a non-degenerative course, showing stability or mild improvements over time in cognition, language, adaptive skills, and motor function. Importantly, although global severity scores remained stable overall, severe cases showed cumulative functional burden driven by progressive movement disorder, rather than global neurodegeneration. Mortality occurred in a subset of patients because of complications from dyskinetic crises, infections, and epilepsy-related events. Genotype–phenotype data and the GNAO1-RD severity score support early risk stratification and personalized treatment development. ANN NEUROL 2026
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-17 08:49:23 UTC.
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In this paper, every module M is unitary and every ring F is commutative with identity.The paper studied properties of the S-pseudo bounded radical. We used the symbol End ( M ) which means the set of all endomorphism maps of F − module M and S − rad M PS . B . ( ℵ ) refers to the intersection of all S-pseudo bounded submodules of M containing ℵ. The characterization of S-Pseudo bounded radical for finitely generated and multiplication module is given. It must be emphasized that scalar module and prime submodule played a major role in achieving new results and to study the relationship between the radical of submodules and the radical of S-pseudo bounded submodule. In our work, many properties and corollaries were established, which illustrated the concept of the radical of an S-pseudo bounded submodule and a new class of F − modules, as well as F − submodules. Some examples were provided to demonstrate and clarify this type of module (submodule) in a clear and effective manner.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 08:49:12 UTC.
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Background The accelerating rise of antibiotic resistance, increasing complexity of cancer treatment, and emergence of infectious and chronic diseases continue to challenge global drug discovery efforts. Marine ecosystems offer exceptional chemical diversity and have yielded numerous structurally unique metabolites with promising pharmacological properties. Within this context, the Coral Triangle, recognized as the global center of marine biodiversity, represents a valuable yet insufficiently synthesized resource for drug discovery. Although numerous marine natural products from this region have been isolated and characterized, their broader contributions to pharmaceutical development remain insufficiently consolidated. This study presents a systematic review of novel compounds reported from marine organisms inhabiting the Coral Triangle between early 2010 and late 2025, highlighting their potential biological applications. Methods The primary literature dataset was generated through bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database and subsequently refined according to predefined inclusion criteria. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the dataset was complemented by structured manual searches in Google Scholar and PubMed using specific keywords. The extracted data included the investigated organisms, identified secondary metabolite classes, and reported biological activities. Results The findings reveal that sponges, corals, tunicates, mollusks, algae, echinoderms, and their associated microorganisms produce diverse alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, peptides, and phenolic compounds exhibiting notable anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulatory activities, highlighting the strong potential of the Coral Triangle to support future drug discovery efforts. Conclusion The Coral Triangle’s biodiversity and chemical diversity offer significant potential for marine-derived drug discovery, which can be realized through integrated research approaches and sustainable resource management.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 08:45:53 UTC.
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Background The climate change, severe level of resource depletion, and widespread ecological pressures highlight the need to identify the factors that predetermine environmental sustainability in the developing economies. Recent studies in the BRICS+T framework have focused largely on digitalisation, green finance, and innovation in Laissez-Faire, one-dimensional analytic models and thereby not considering the multi, asymmetric, and dynamic relations, which are the foundations of sustainable development. Method This study is based on formulating a question concerning the effect of digitalisation, green finance, green innovation, human capital, and institutional quality on environmental sustainability based on annual time-series data of BRICS + T economies. Using highly developed econometric techniques such as Fourier ARDL, NARDL, QARDL, and Bootstrap ARDL. Findings Empirical results show that the two, digitalisation and green finance, have a positive impact as they lead to improved low-carbon performance in addition to limiting the emission of CO2 and ecological pressure in the long run. Strong adoption of green technology and high-quality institutional increases the effects of the environment, and human capital advances sustainability by enabling the uptake of technology and facilitating human behaviour transition. It is also revealed that the outcomes reveal strong non-linear country irregularities whereby desirable perturbations in digitalisation, green finance and innovation generate stronger and more sustainable environmental returns compared to those brought about by negative shocks. These results support the presence of an Environmental Kuznets Curve among the discussed economies. Contribution By providing a comprehensive analytical model that complements digital, financial, technological, and institutionally mediated forces of environmental sustainability in BRICS+T economies, the study develops the analytical literature outside of the linear paradigm. Further, it provides practical policy guidance that is based on digital investment, green financing, skills enhancement, and policy reform, and thus provides a robust low-carbon transition and supports sustainable development paths.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 08:39:21 UTC.
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Background Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is ubiquitous among patients with critical conditions and contributes to high mortality rates. Experimentally, SA-AKI was elicited in murine models via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) technique. Aims This study aimed to determine the possible protective effects of montelukast on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury in a mouse sepsis model. Methods Albino male Swiss mice (n = 40) were allocated into four distinct groups: (i) normal group, (ii) CLP group, (iii) vehicle group, and (iv) CLP + Montelukast group (20 mg/kg one hour before CLP). Blood and tissue biochemical/routine indicators, renal function, SA-AKI-related pathophysiological processes, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 gene and protein expression in septic mice were assessed using histological hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results The findings highlight that Montelukast reversed CLP-induced increases in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and kidney injury molecule (KIM) levels. It also significantly inhibited elevated concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), F2-isoprostane, and caspase-3 in renal tissues. Additionally, NF-κB p65 gene and protein expression levels were notably lower in the CLP+ montelukast group than in CLP group P<0.001. In addition, montelukast significantly mitigated extensive tubular damage in the murine sepsis group p<0.001. Conclusion These findings suggest that montelukast may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for sepsis-induced AKI.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 08:34:55 UTC.
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Background Notch signaling, especially via Notch1 and Notch3 receptors, is involved in normal eye development by maintaining retinal progenitor cell state before their differentiation although comprehensive analysis into the expressions and chromatin landscape of the four Notch receptors is still lacking. Methods We re-analyzed publicly available human fetal retina single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data (GSE183684) at days 59, 74 and 78, using Seurat/Signac/Monocle3 pipelines. Results We observed NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 mRNA expressions in retinal progenitor cells, which diminished at later stages of differentiation. Integration of single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq revealed that chromatin remodeling in the NOTCH1 locus and less prominently in the NOTCH3 locus that were accompanied by the decrease of their mRNA expressions. Importantly, those chromatin remodeling regions contained the binding motifs of PAX6 transcription factor that is essential for retinal progenitor cells. Since PAX6 was expressed even in the later differentiation stages and suggested to bind DNA in some cell populations in and after the retinal progenitor cell stage, chromatin remodeling in PAX6’s binding sites might direct NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 expression decrease after the retinal progenitor cell stage. Conclusions These results suggest that chromatin remodeling may be involved in the differential expression of NOTCH1 during retinal progenitor cell differentiation.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 08:28:36 UTC.
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Objective
Accurate electrode placement and individual stimulation parameters influence the outcomes of subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease. Neuroimaging-based models can help evaluate how electrode placement impacts improvement, aiming to reduce the burden of programming. However, most existing models have been developed to explain differences between patients rather than differences between contacts within the same patient, leaving the clinical relevance of image-guided programming unclear.
Methods
We analyzed data from patients with Parkinson's disease treated with subthalamic deep brain stimulation to develop and validate a neuroimaging-informed model of motor improvement measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Scale. Five approaches were tested: active contact coordinates, electric fields, tract activations, as well as structural and functional networks. All approaches were integrated into a combined ridge regression model and validated using 2 hold-out datasets.
Results
The sample included 236 patients (604 stimulation sites), divided into a training cohort (N = 129), a retrospective validation cohort (N = 89), and a prospectively acquired validation cohort (N = 21 electrodes). Consistent with expectations, our model explained approximately 12% of the variance in unseen group-level data (R
2 = 0.12, p = 0.001). At the individual level, the model identified the optimal clinical contact or its neighboring contact in all but one case (mixed-effects R
2 = 0.31, p = 3.67 × 10−10).
Interpretation
An imaging-informed model explained the expected variance at the group level and demonstrated potential for guiding stimulation programming, suggesting that image-guided approaches may improve clinical decision making while reducing the need for lengthy postoperative testing. ANN NEUROL 2026
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-17 08:24:57 UTC.
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Background and Aim Globally, Salmonella is a leading cause of bloodstream infections and foodborne diseases. Treatment and public health are seriously threatened by the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains and biofilm formation. As a result, novel approaches are required to manage illnesses linked to biofilms. With a focus on the expression of biofilm-related genes, this work attempts to assess the antibiofilm and antibacterial activity of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against MDR Salmonella isolates. Methods Thirty-two isolates were recovered from 167 blood samples collected from Baghdad, Iraq. All isolates were screened for biofilm formation using congo red and microtiter plate assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested against a range of antibiotics. Selenium nanoparticles were biosynthesized and characterized (UV-Vis, DLS, TEM) and applied at sub-MIC concentrations. RT-qPCR was then done to quantify the expression levels of biofilm-associated genes csgD and ssrB. Results All isolates form biofilms, while 75% of them are classified as strong formers. High resistance was observed to beta-lactams; moderate resistance accompanied fluoroquinolones. RT-qPCR results indicated a dose-dependent downregulation of csgD and ssrB with the SeNP treatment with stronger suppressive effects at higher concentrations. Conclusions SeNPs effectively inhibit biofilm formation and hold strong antimicrobial activity against MDR Salmonella, presenting an opportunity for application as adjunctive therapeutic agents in food safety and clinical medicine.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 08:21:12 UTC.
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This paper presents a Neutrosophic extension of the New odd Weibull inverse Weibull (NNOWIW) distribution, aiming to develop a statistical model capable of handling ambiguous or imprecise data. The mathematical formulation of the proposed distribution was derived by combining Neutrosophic logic with the T-X method, specifying the NCDF, the NPDF and the survival and hazard functions. The statistical probability of the distribution was analyzed. To achieve optimal estimation of the distribution parameters, the maximum likelihood (MLE), least square (LSE), and weighted least squares (WLSE) methods were used, and their performance was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations. The models efficiency was also tested using real battery life data and compared to competing distributions. The results show that the proposed distribution shows competitive and flexible performance in terms of information criteria (AIC, CAIC, BIC, HQIC) and goodness-of-fit tests suggesting its potential usefulness for modeling complex data. However, further validation on larger and more diverse datasets is required to generalize these findings.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 08:13:04 UTC.
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In the present study , every module M is unitary and every ring F is commutative with identity. We gave a definition of a new class F − module which is namely S-pseudo bounded module symbolically (S-PS.B. F − module) and introduced some different approaches to attach this class with other types of well-known modules such that monoform module, quasi-Dedekind module, compressible module and retractable module. The main purpose of this article is to present a few new conditions for some corollaries and properties. The F − homomorphism of monoform and compressible modules connect in a useful way with an endomorphism of a F − module M that we relied on it in the definition of S-pseudo bounded module. We used the symbol End ( M ) which means the set of all endomorphism maps of F − module M . Also S-pseudo bounded module gave us directly or with some conditions different modules such as retractable module, an injective module and others.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-17 07:57:50 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 16, April 2026.
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