Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Color patterns”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

123 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Antagonistic regulation by mango MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b regulates flowering time, drought and salt stress in Arabidopsis.

SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcription factors, which are unique to plants, contain a highly conserved SBP domain that regulates gene expression by binding to downstream targets. They play critical roles in various biological processes, especially in the regulation of flowering in plants. In this study, two SPL-like genes (MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b) were identified from mango genomic and transcriptomic data, and their sequence, expression and function were further analyzed. Sequence analysis revealed that MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b have open reading frames of 1173 bp and 1158 bp, respectively, with slight differences in the number of cis-regulatory elements within their promoter regions. Expression analysis under stress conditions revealed distinct patterns: MiSPL9a expression significantly differed under drought stress but did not significantly differ under salt stress, whereas MiSPL9b expression responded significantly to salt stress but changed minimally under drought stress. Phenotypic analysis of the transgenic Arabidopsis lines revealed that MiSPL9a overexpression delayed flowering, whereas MiSPL9b overexpression promoted early flowering. Under stress conditions, compared with wild-type plants, MiSPL9a-overexpressing plants presented increased drought tolerance but did not significantly differ. In contrast, MiSPL9b-overexpressing plants were sensitive to salt stress, with no notable phenotypic differences observed under drought conditions. Physiological assays revealed that under drought stress, MiSPL9a transgenic plants presented significantly reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and increased proline (Pro) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Under salt stress, MiSPL9b transgenic plants presented opposite trends in terms of these physiological markers. In summary, both MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b are involved in the regulation of plant flowering time and stress responses, but their functions differ.

Arabidopsis

An integrated multiscale air quality modelling framework for industrial park pollution: Linking local emissions to regional transport.

Capturing the spatiotemporal distribution of pollutants in industrial parks remains challenging for regional air quality models because of their coarse resolution (3 km), resulting in uncertainties in local emission quantification. To address this, we developed the Integrated Multiscale Air Quality Modelling System for Industry (IAQMS-Industry), coupling the regional Nested Air Quality Prediction Modelling System (NAQPMS) with a city-scale chemical transport model. This framework integrates point-source locations and Gaussian plume dispersion to simulate particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) at 100 m resolution. Applied to the Beijing Yi Zhuang and Tangshan industrial parks and evaluated against observations. The coupled model achieved a normalized mean bias (NMB) ranging from 3.1 % to 6.2 %, improving upon NAQPMS (-16.9 % to -7.7 %). Spatial analysis revealed that coarse regional grids underestimated the PM2.5​ concentrations at industrial sites by smoothing gradients, whereas IAQMS-Industry successfully resolved spatial patterns. Industrial point emissions accounted for 22.9 %-26.4 % of PM2.5 in the coupled model, which was significantly greater than the regional model estimates of 1.6 %-13.7 %. These findings indicate that regional models overestimate pollutant dispersion processes in industrial parks while underestimating local industrial impacts. By explicitly resolving point-source dynamics and linking them to regional transport, IAQMS-Industry provides a robust tool for designing targeted emission controls in industrial cities and balancing local air quality improvements with minimized regional pollution outflow. This study underscores the necessity of multiscale modelling for accurate source apportionment and informed environmental governance in industrial zones.

Air Pollution

Cerebrovascular involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease: a case report and systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenoses related to Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), often associated with ischemic events, are rarely documented. This study aims to characterize intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenoses. METHODS: We first report a new case of strokes revealing ECD with intracranial arterial involvement. We then searched all English- and French-language publications from database inception to November 2025 across 12 different search interfaces, including grey literature sources. Vascular involvement was defined by the presence of intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenosis on imaging and/or histopathological evidence of small-vessel involvement. Cases with intracranial nodules or masses abutting vessels but without clear longitudinal perivascular infiltration were excluded. RESULTS: We present a case of recurrent strokes with intracranial vertebral and basilar artery wall stenosis, and aortitis. Initially diagnosed as giant cell arteritis, the patient was treated with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide followed by methotrexate, but relapsed. The identification of tibial osteosclerosis led to the diagnosis of ECD, with a favorable response to anakinra. Twelve relevant articles were retrieved, in addition to our own case. Most patients exhibited focal cerebrovascular signs (11/13) and associated parenchymal involvement (11/13). Intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenoses involved the carotid arteries (7/13), the vertebrobasilar arteries (1/13), or both territories (4/13). Aorta was involved in 8/12 cases. Among the nine patients with available follow-up data, five had poor overall or neurovascular outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenoses, which leads to recurrent focal ischemic events, represents a likely underdiagnosed CNS pattern in ECD, referred to as "cerebrovascular ECD", which worsens overall prognosis. Vascular imaging should be included in brain MRI protocols for patients with ECD, given the overlap with parenchymal involvement.

Humans

Polygenic risk scores in major depressive disorder: A systematic review across diagnostic, treatment, course/severity, and subtype domains.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is heterogeneous across diagnostic, treatment-related, course/severity, and subtype domains. Polygenic risk score (PRS) studies have examined these domains, but differences in PRS sources, samples, methods, and endpoint definitions have fragmented the evidence. We synthesised findings and examined potential contributors to heterogeneity. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for studies published from January 2016 through 25 November 2025. Result records were synthesised using SWiM, and certainty was assessed with an adapted GRADE framework. RESULTS: Sixty studies contributed 493 retained records; 450 were descriptively classified as positive, null, or reverse, although records were not independent. Positive findings accounted for 44/56 diagnostic, 61/273 treatment-related, 64/100 course/severity, and 14/21 subtype records. For MDD/depression-derived PRSs and case-control MDD status, all 10 contributing studies showed higher liability in cases (exploratory exact sign test p = 0.002; FDR q = 0.004). The same PRS group showed positive findings for overall depressive symptom severity (14/18), although the study-level test was imprecise (5/5 studies; p = 0.063). Pharmacological response/remission findings for these PRSs were mostly null or directionally mixed (10 positive, 18 null, and 9 reverse). Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) findings differed by operational definition. Atypical and psychotic subtype signals arose mainly from single-study PRS and endpoint contrasts. CONCLUSIONS: PRS evidence was clearest for MDD diagnostic status and showed a tentative pattern for overall symptom burden. Treatment and subtype findings were less consistent or less replicated. Larger, ancestrally diverse studies with standardised endpoints and transparent PRS methods are needed.

Humans

Quantitative susceptibility mapping in neurodegenerative diseases: An umbrella review of iron-related biomarkers and mechanisms.

Pathological iron accumulation is a common pathophysiological hallmark across multiple neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), motivating the need for accurate, non-invasive quantification methods. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that enables in vivo measurement of tissue magnetic susceptibility (χ), providing a sensitive proxy for iron content. This umbrella review systematically evaluates the diagnostic accuracy, clinical correlations, and distinct iron distribution patterns of QSM in major NDDs, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and atypical Parkinsonism. We included 15 (13/15 were rated Low or Critically Low on AMSTAR 2) systematic reviews and meta-analyses (through July 15, 2026); however, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of heterogeneity and the low methodological quality. A Corrected Covered Area (CCA) analysis demonstrated only slight overlap of primary studies across the included reviews (CCA = 5.42%). Collectively, the evidence indicates that QSM provides comparable or higher diagnostic sensitivity and reliability than conventional R2* and SWI techniques, particularly for deep gray matter structures. The findings support significant iron overload in the substantia nigra, particularly in the pars compacta, as a robust biomarker for PD that correlates with motor severity and disease duration. Furthermore, regional iron profiling in the basal ganglia is critical for differential diagnosis; specifically, elevated χ in the putamen and globus pallidus effectively distinguishes multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy from idiopathic PD. Distinctively, AD and ALS exhibit specific χ alterations in the thalamus, motor cortex, and hippocampus, reflecting divergent iron-related pathophysiological mechanisms, which correlate with cognitive impairment and upper motor neuron signs. Overall, QSM shows diagnostic promise and offers mechanistic insights into iron-related neurodegenerative processes.

Humans

Evolutionary conservation of heat shock proteins in Blattodea and their roles in wing morphogenesis and ovarian development of Blattella germanica.

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are essential molecular chaperones for protein homeostasis and stress responses. However, the Hsp repertoires and functions in Blattodea remain underexplored. Our genome-scale survey of nine Blattodea species revealed 37-46 conserved Hsp90, Hsp70, and DNAJ (Hsp40) genes, with DNAJ the most abundant and Hsp90 the least. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the evolutionary conservation of three Hsp90, seven Hsp70, and 29 DNAJ subclades in Blattodea. Selection pressure analysis revealed predominant purifying selection (dN/dS ≪ 1) across lineages, strongest in DNAJ and highest in Hsp90 conservation. In Blattella germanica, expression of six representative BgHsp genes progressively increased during development, peaking in fifth-instar nymphs. Tissue expression profiling revealed that BgHspA1-2/3/4 were predominantly expressed in legs, BgDNAJB5 and BgHsp90AB1-2 were enriched in the fat body, and BgHsp90AB1 was highly expressed in the head. dsRNA injection targeting conserved Hsp gene regions achieved 61.9-94.1% knockdown of all six target genes. RNAi knockdown of six BgHsp genes disrupted wing morphogenesis, causing distinct phenotypes: wing whitening (56.7%, dsBgHspA1-4), unequal length (66.7%, dsBgHspA1-3; 76.7%, dsBgDNAJB5), and wing wrinkling (70%, dsBgHspA1-2; 63.3%, dsBgHsp90AB1; 76.7%, dsBgHsp90AB1-2). During ovarian formation, the developmental delay was most severe in the dsBgHsp90AB1 group, moderate in the dsBgHsp90AB1-2 and dsBgHspA1-2/3/4 groups, and weakest in the dsBgDNAJB5 group. Besides, knockdown significantly downregulated key developmental genes (apterous-a, nubbin, scalloped, ultrabithorax, wingless, and vitellogenin). These findings provide a reference for understanding the evolutionary patterns of Hsps in Blattodea, and offer mechanistic insights into the developmental regulation mediated by Hsps in this important public-health pest.

Animals

Antennal transcriptome analysis of chemosensory proteins in the raspberry weevil, Aegorhinus superciliosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Aegorhinus superciliosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a polyphagous pest of economic importance in southern Chile, the chemical ecology of which remains poorly characterized. Across insect species, chemosensory proteins, including odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), mediate the detection of chemical cues involved in host selection, reproduction, and other ecologically relevant behaviors. In this study, the antennal transcriptome of adult A. superciliosus was sequenced and analyzed using a de novo RNA-seq approach. Three independent biological replicates per sex were used for RNA-seq, and the same number of independent biological replicates was used for RT-qPCR validation; sequencing yielded 147,409,936 high-quality reads after quality filtering. A total of 112 candidate chemosensory genes were identified, comprising 43 ORs, 34 OBPs, 10 CSPs, 18 IRs, 5 GRs, and 2 SNMPs. Phylogenetic analyses assigned these candidate proteins to established clades, providing a comparative framework for functional inference for ORs and OBPs. Sex- and tissue-biased expression analyses revealed that several ORs, including AsupOR4, AsupOR19, and AsupOBP13, exhibit antennal enrichment and sex-specific expression patterns. Notably, AsupOR19 and AsupOBP13 displayed strong female-biased expression. In addition, transcripts of selected ORs and OBPs were detected in non-antennal tissues, such as the rostrum and legs, suggesting potential functional versatility beyond canonical olfaction. Together, these findings represent the first molecular identification of the chemosensory repertoire of A. superciliosus. This study establishes a foundation for reverse chemical ecology approaches aimed at identifying behaviorally active volatile organic compounds (VOCs) toward environmentally sustainable strategies for integrated pest management.

Animals

Effect of cognitive enhancement therapy for early course schizophrenia on gray matter volume: A confirmatory multisite randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) is an evidence-based cognitive remediation intervention for early course schizophrenia with established benefits for cognition. CET may protect against broad temporolimbic gray matter volume loss associated with cognitive improvement, but this finding has yet to be replicated. This research reexamined if CET protects against temporolimbic gray matter volume loss in an independent and larger multisite early course sample, and if this neuroprotective effect predicts cognitive and social adjustment improvement. METHODS: Ninety-nine participants with early course schizophrenia completed MRI, cognitive, and social adjustment assessments at baseline, 9 (mid-treatment), and 18 (end of treatment) months. Linear mixed-effects models examined the differential impact of CET (n = 56) compared to Enriched Supportive Therapy (n = 43) on temporolimbic gray matter volume in regions-of-interest (ROIs) that previously demonstrated CET-related neuroprotection (primary ROIs), as well as frontotemporal ROIs outlined in the first trial (secondary ROIs). RESULTS: The right rostral anterior cingulate was the only primary ROI to demonstrate a significant group × time interaction, but was unrelated to cognitive and social adjustment change. No secondary ROIs exhibited a differential treatment effect. CONCLUSION: This confirmatory trial did not recapitulate the observed broad pattern of CET-related temporolimbic gray matter volume neuroprotection. Consistent with the larger literature demonstrating limited evidence of cognitive remediation effects on the brain in schizophrenia, these findings underscore the need for continued investigation of CET-related changes with other neuroimaging modalities, especially given its established cognitive benefits. Such information is critical for cognitive remediation optimization based on validated therapeutic mechanisms.

Humans

Risk of adverse events in elotuzumab-treated patients with multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Elotuzumab, an anti-SLAMF7 monoclonal antibody for multiple myeloma (MM), lacks a comprehensive safety profile from meta-analysis. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and CENTRAL through February 13, 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating elotuzumab in MM. Pooled relative risks(RRs) of adverse events observed in elotuzumab-containing regimens versus control therapies. RESULTS: 6 RCTs (N=1,736) were included. Elotuzumabsignificantly reduced incidence of neutropenia (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98), but increased risks of cough (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 0.96-2.09), pneumonia (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07-1.59), diarrhea (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30), pyrexia (RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.10-1.96) and infections (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.15). No significant differences were observed for anemia, thrombocytopenia, respiratory infections, nausea, appetite loss, back pain, muscle spasms, peripheral edema, insomnia, rash, pruritus, fatigue, or hypokalemia. For grade 3-4 events, elotuzumab was associated with higher risks of lymphopenia (RR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.31-2.64, p = 0.0005, I2 = 9%), diarrhea (RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.00-2.17), pneumonia (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.11-2.23), cataracts (RR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.15-7.21) and infections (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.62). CONCLUSION: Elotuzumab in MM appears safe but with a specific adverse events pattern : lower neutropenia, but higher respiratory, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and infectious events. Differences may be influenced by longer treatment and corticosteroid use; therefore, interpretation of outcomes such as hyperglycemia and cataracts requires particular caution.

Humans

Female genital mutilation knowledge, attitudes and training needs among health professionals in non-practicing countries: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: With increasing globalization and migration, the number of women affected by female genital mutilation who reside in countries where the practice is not traditionally performed is constantly increasing. Healthcare providers in these settings are required to address the complex health needs of this vulnerable population. We aimed to synthesize recent literature on their knowledge, preparedness, and educational background. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review across PubMed, Scopus and Embase, identifying papers published from January 2015 onwards, examining providers' knowledge, education and attitudes toward female genital mutilation in non-practicing countries. Both quantitative and qualitative observational studies were eligible. Given heterogeneity in study populations, outcome definitions, and assessment tools, findings were synthesized narratively. The review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD420251044761). FINDINGS: 1046 records were screened by title and abstract, and 140 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. 31 studies met the inclusion criteria (23 quantitative, 8 qualitative). Many providers reported clinical experience with women affected by female genital mutilation, yet substantial variability was observed in knowledge, training, and attitudes. Gaps were particularly evident regarding legislation, World Health Organization classification, clinical guidelines, referral pathways, workplace protocols. Midwives and younger professionals tended to demonstrate higher knowledge levels. Training exposure ranged from 5% to 91%, and many participants perceived it as insufficient. Qualitative findings echoed these patterns, highlighting challenges in female genital mutilation classification, legal awareness, documentation systems, the impact of providers' cultural beliefs on care delivery. CONCLUSION: Considerable efforts are needed to equip healthcare providers to deliver high-quality, culturally competent care to women affected by female genital mutilation. Research should develop validated tools to assess preparedness, adopt mixed-methods strategies to capture patient and provider perspectives, and guide standardized, up-to-date training programs, strengthening knowledge in managing female genital mutilation.

Humans

Diurnal differences in the effects of heat exposure on renal function: A randomized controlled crossover trial.

High temperature is a major risk factor for kidney injury, and population exposure to nighttime heat is increasing as the climate warms. However, whether renal responses to heat exposure differ between daytime and nighttime remains unclear. Forty-one healthy adults participated in a randomized crossover experiment conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. Participants were exposed to heat (32°C during daytime; 30°C during nighttime) and thermoneutral conditions (26°C) for 8 h. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after each exposure to examine various renal biomarkers reflecting glomerular filtration function, tubular injury, and early kidney stress. Heat exposure affected both blood and urinary biomarkers of kidney function, with notable diurnal differences in renal responses. Daytime heat exposure primarily affected blood markers of glomerular filtration, increasing creatinine by 7.67% (95% CI: 4.73%-10.61%) and cystatin C by 3.05% (95% CI: 0.17%-5.93%), while reducing estimated glomerular filtration rate by 0.05% (95% CI: 0.02%-0.08%). In contrast, nighttime heat exposure predominantly elevated urinary biomarkers of early kidney stress, including insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (58.40%, 95% CI: 27.66%-89.14%), kidney injury molecule-1 (47.25%, 95% CI: 18.91%-75.59%), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (51.88%, 95% CI: 22.26%-81.51%). Moreover, increases in insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 were significantly greater at night than during the day. Sleep-related parameters, including sleep quality, duration, and heart rate variability, partially mediated nighttime heat effects on renal responses. These results indicated that heat exposure induced different diurnal patterns in renal responses.

Humans

Dissemination of blaKPC-3-harbouring Klebsiella pneumoniae across ST48 and ST628 in multiple healthcare facilities in the Republic of Korea.

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-3 (KPC-3) remains rare in South Korea, where KPC-2 is the dominant carbapenemase, making the repeated detection of a concentrated blaKPC-3 signal over five years notable. We performed genomic analyses of blaKPC-3-harbouring K. pneumoniae from a regional healthcare network. Two chromosomally distinct lineages with concordant capsule loci (ST628/KL15 and ST48/KL62) presented multidrug-resistant phenotypes, and the virulence-associated loci were confined to ST48. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses revealed near-clonal relatedness within lineages, with 0-38 pairwise SNPs among ST628 isolates and 8 SNPs between the two ST48 isolates. Core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) supported this structure, as ST628 isolates were assigned to complex type 19149 with 0-7 allelic differences, and ST48 isolates were assigned to complex type 19150 with 5 allelic differences. These patterns support vertical spread via clonal expansion across multiple facilities. Despite substantial chromosomal separation, most isolates carried the same IncFII(K) plasmid backbone and blaKPC-3, and they were nearly indistinguishable from a plasmid previously reported in South Korea. One isolate carried blaKPC-3 on a distinct multireplicon IncFIB(K)/IncFII(K) plasmid, indicating that the signal was not confined to a single plasmid backbone. In both plasmids, blaKPC-3 was embedded within Tn4401b. These findings indicate that a rare blaKPC-3 genotype can persist regionally through sustained clonal dissemination and that cross-lineage linkage is compatible with past horizontal transfer involving a conserved plasmid. These findings underscore the need for subtype-resolved, regionally coordinated genomic surveillance in connected healthcare networks to detect uncommon carbapenemase variants early.

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Estrone disrupts early reproductive development in juvenile male Siniperca chuatsi and is associated with brain and gonadal responses.

Whether estrone (E1)-associated disruption of early reproductive development in fish is accompanied by brain responses in addition to direct gonadal effects remains unclear. Here, juvenile Siniperca chuatsi, a non-model but economically important freshwater species, were exposed for 60 d to 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 μg/L E1, spanning environmentally reported and elevated concentrations. By integrating waterborne concentration monitoring, histopathology, transcriptomics, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) validation, we evaluated E1-associated changes in brain and gonadal tissues during early reproductive development. Waterborne E1 concentrations remained generally stable throughout the exposure period. At the highest tested concentration (1.0 μg/L), E1 caused neuronal vacuolation and pyknosis in the hypothalamic region and induced distinct ovarian-like structures in the gonads of genetic males. In the brain, cyp19a1, crhr1, and adcy2a were significantly upregulated, whereas egr1 was significantly downregulated, indicating transcriptional changes in genes associated with local estrogen conversion, stress-response/cAMP signaling, and neuronal activity-related regulation within a broader injury/stress-response background. In the gonad, RNA-seq analysis showed significant downregulation of star2, hsd3b1, cyp17a1, and cyp11b and significant upregulation of hsd17b1, suggesting alterations in steroidogenesis-related gene expression at the transcriptomic level. qPCR analysis of selected gonadal candidate genes showed expression directions generally consistent with the RNA-seq results, and these molecular patterns were consistent with the feminized histological phenotype. Together, these results indicate that E1 can disrupt early reproductive development in juvenile S. chuatsi and support a cautious working model in which E1 exposure is accompanied by concurrent brain and gonadal responses. This study provides new evidence for understanding the toxic effects and ecological risk implications of natural estrogen E1 during early fish development.

Animals

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for post COVID-19 condition: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a disabling condition with urgent need for effective treatments. This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the feasibility and efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for PCC in a parallel-group design. METHODS: N = 53 individuals with PCC were randomized to CBT (n = 27) or 16-week wait-list control (WLC) condition (n = 26). One participant allocated to WLC was excluded after randomization, resulting in an intention-to-treat (ITT) sample of N = 52 participants (CBT: n = 27, age: M = 48.59, SD = 11.52, 77.8% female; WLC: n = 25, Age: M = 48.44, SD = 9.81, 60% female). CBT comprised eight group and five individual sessions addressing cognitive and behavioral factors of symptom maintenance (treatment duration if completed: M = 14 weeks, SD = 1 week). Primary outcomes included fatigue (FSS), overall somatic symptom burden (PHQ-15), and respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms (SBQ™-LC "Breathing" and "Circulation"), assessed at pre-, post-assessment, and follow-up. RESULTS: Participants receiving CBT showed a significant medium-sized reduction in fatigue directly after treatment compared to the WLC condition (d = -0.58, p = .045), whereas the WLC group showed a significant increase in overall somatic symptoms (d = 0.60, p = .027). Results for respiratory symptoms were mixed, showing inconsistent patterns across analyses. Retrospectively assessed feasibility and treatment satisfaction were good, with few adverse effects reported. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot trial suggests the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of CBT for PCC. Larger RCTs with active control groups should confirm these findings.

Humans

Co-Use of Some Substances Associated With Higher Doses in Adolescents: Findings From the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

PURPOSE: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by heightened vulnerability to initiating substance use, with long-term implications for health and behavior. Nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis are the most commonly used substances among adolescents. Their use often co-occurs but few studies have described or quantified the patterns and doses of substance co-use in this vulnerable population. METHODS: We used data from six waves of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. Substance use was measured through a web-based timeline followback interview, and outcomes are operationalized into substance use quantity (in standard units), single use, and co-use (use of two substances on the same day) of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine. Group differences of average dose in standard units between single use and co-use for each substance class were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling in years 4-6. RESULTS: The average dose of nicotine was significantly higher when co-used with alcohol (4.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.55-6.09; p < .001) or when co-used with cannabis (4.41; 95% CI: 2.76-6.05; p < .001) in year 6; nicotine trends were similar in years four and five. In year 6, the average dose of alcohol was higher when co-used with cannabis (1.87; 95% CI: 0.37-3.36; p = .004) or co-used with nicotine (1.64; 95% CI: 0.06-3.22; p = .03) compared to single use of alcohol. The average dose of cannabis was not significantly different when used singularly or co-used with either alcohol or nicotine in our study years. DISCUSSION: During adolescence, the co-use of substances (namely alcohol and nicotine) may lead to higher average doses compared to single-substance use.

Humans

Comparative genomic epidemiology of food- and patient-derived diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from sentinel surveillance in Southeast China.

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) remains an important foodborne pathogen, yet long-term comparative genomic surveillance data jointly characterizing food-derived and patient-derived isolates remain limited. This surveillance-based comparative study integrated antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing to characterize diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolates recovered from food and patient sources in Lishui, Southeast China, during 2018-2025, with emphasis on occurrence, resistance profiles, genomic backgrounds, and plasmid replicon-associated features. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 258 selected isolates, and whole-genome sequencing was conducted for a curated analytical subset of 204 isolates. The sequenced subset was used for diversity-oriented comparative genomic analysis rather than for unbiased prevalence estimation of the entire DEC collection. EAEC predominated in both sources, although food-associated occurrence was heterogeneous across categories, with the highest recovery rate observed in raw meat. Patient-derived isolates showed a broader overall resistance burden, whereas food-derived isolates retained substantial resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and florfenicol. Phylogenetic analysis showed partial overlap in genomic backgrounds between food-derived and patient-derived isolates, while representative resistance determinants displayed both broadly distributed and lineage-enriched patterns. Replicon-based plasmid profiling identified 42 plasmid types, including 12 detected in both sources, with IncF-related replicons predominating among these shared profiles. Several food-derived isolates carried multiple plasmid replicon types that were also observed in patient-derived isolates. Overall, food-derived and patient-derived DEC showed partial overlap in genomic backgrounds, resistance determinants, and replicon-defined plasmid profiles within this surveillance setting, while retaining source-associated heterogeneity. These findings should be interpreted as surveillance-based comparative evidence rather than as evidence of direct source attribution or transmission.

Humans

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage care in a middle-income public healthcare system: A real-world neurocritical care cohort.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although aneurysm treatment capacity has expanded worldwide, outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remain strongly influenced by neurocritical care (NCC) delivery, referral pathways, and access to specialized treatment. Contemporary data describing real-world aSAH care in resource-limited healthcare systems remain scarce. We aimed to characterize treatment patterns, NCC delivery, complications, and outcomes in a large Brazilian public referral center. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive adults with confirmed aSAH admitted between June 2018 and March 2022 to a high-volume Brazilian tertiary referral center. Only patients admitted within five days of symptom onset were included. Demographic, clinical, radiological, treatment, complication, and outcome data were extracted from institutional records. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and 3-month functional outcome assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included. Disease severity was high, with 45% presenting WFNS grades 4-5, 73% modified Fisher grade 4 hemorrhage, and 64% hydrocephalus. Endovascular treatment was performed in 73% of cases, and median time from admission to aneurysm treatment was 1&#xa0;day. Despite early treatment capability, only 28% of patients were admitted to an ICU within 48&#xa0;h, while 38% never received ICU care. Delayed cerebral ischemia occurred in 43%, radiologic vasospasm in 58%, ventriculitis in 22%, and infectious complications in 57%. External ventricular drainage was required in 42%, and vasoactive drugs were used in 85%. In-hospital mortality was 42%, and 66% had unfavorable 3-month outcomes (mRS 4-6). CONCLUSIONS: This real-world cohort highlights the substantial neurocritical care burden of aSAH in a middle-income public healthcare system. Despite timely access to definitive aneurysm treatment, patients experienced frequent neurological and systemic complications, emphasizing that contemporary aSAH care extends well beyond aneurysm occlusion.

Humans

Respiratory-swallow coordination training using bimodal signal biofeedback for patients with post-stroke dysphagia: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose&#xa0;was to investigate the effects of respiratory-swallow coordination training with bimodal signal biofeedback on swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. METHODS: Post-stroke dysphagia Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation, while the experimental group underwent additional respiratory-swallow coordination training based on biofeedback. The training protocol consisted of three phases, conducted at an intensity of 30&#x2009;min/day, 6&#x2009;days/week, for two consecutive weeks. Outcome measures included the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) score, the Rosenbek Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) score, respiratory-swallow coordination, and videofluoroscopic swallowing study temporal and kinematic parameter. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and at a one-month follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled. Both groups showed significant improvement in FOIS scores from baseline to both two-week post-treatment and one-month follow-up (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Compared to the controls, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater FOIS scoreimprovement at both post-treatment and follow-up (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). The proportion of patients with a&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;2-point increase in FOIS scores was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group at both post-treatment (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01) and one-month follow-up (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01). After two weeks of treatment, the percentage of PAS scores &#x2265;6 was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Additionally, the percentage of optimal respiratory-swallow pattern was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). CONCLUSION: Bimodal signal biofeedback-based respiratory-swallow coordination training can effectively improve respiratory-swallow coordination and swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.

Humans