Parallelization of Monte Carlo (MC) is required to observe the same growth as molecular dynamics because computer processor clock speeds have plateaued while the number of cores has increased. Although prefetch parallelization can speed up an Monte Carlo molecular simulation by a factor of 3 using four parallel threads for simultaneous single-particle displacements in the canonical ensemble, other ensembles require multiple trial types that impact efficiency when threads wait for the other threads with more time-consuming trials, such as volume changes or particle insertions and deletions in the isothermal-isobaric, grand canonical, and Gibbs ensemble. Load balancing increases efficiency by attempting the same trial in each thread of a parallel batch but violates detailed balance if done incorrectly. By computing standard deviations as a function of processor time, efficiency is systematically investigated over a variety of ensembles, load balancing algorithms, and trial attempt and acceptance probabilities for dense liquids of Lennard-Jones and an extended simple point charge model of water, to reveal numerous efficiency gains, including in serial simulations. Parallel efficiency in these ensembles approached the theoretical maximum by reducing overhead costs with improved algorithms and data structures released in the open-source Monte Carlo software called FEASST.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two psychiatric disorders frequently encountered in children. ADHD is further categorized into three subtypes. The diagnostic processes for these conditions are complex and often prone to misclassification. We proposed a lightweight deep neural network, ADBrainNet, to differentiate ASD, ADHD combined, ADHD hyperactive/impulsive, ADHD inattentive and neurotypical individuals. Our methodology was benchmarked against prevalent ImageNet transfer learning methods, including AlexNet, MobileNet, ResNet18, and Xception, for training on resting-state fMRI images sourced from ABIDE and ADHD-200 datasets. ADBrainNet achieved superior performance on the independent external testing set through five-fold cross-validation, with a mean (± standard deviation) accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of 61.87% (± 5.59%), 65.72% (± 6.98%), 61.87% (± 5.59%), and 62.50% (± 5.78%), respectively. Furthermore, the explainable artificial intelligence algorithm LIME was employed to explore the most significant features during ADBrainNet's decision process. Our model provides an interpretable computational framework for neuroimaging-based classification between ASD and ADHD subtypes. This approach may inform future research and, upon further validation and comparison with clinician performance, could potentially aid in patient assessment, stratification, and management of psychiatric disorders.

In this work, the manual multistep QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) approach has been streamlined into an in-syringe micro-QuEChERS method, referred to as an in-syringe-assisted fast drug extraction (IS-FaDEx) coupled with semi-automated (SA) dispersive solid-phase cleanup (dSPC), for fast quantification of direct oral anticoagulant drugs (DOACs) in human plasma samples using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) detection. In the IS-FaDEx-SA-dSPC method, 100 µL of plasma was taken into a 3-mL plastic syringe for salt-induced liquid-liquid extraction, after which the extractant was transferred to another 3-mL plastic syringe for the dSPC procedure using sorbents with salt (including C18, sorbent with primary-secondary amine functionalities, and anhydrous MgSO4), and the final clean extractant was injected into UHPLC-MS/MS for analysis. Experimental factors affecting the extraction efficiency of DOACs, including extraction solvent, salt type and amount, and cleanup sorbent type and amount, were tested and optimized. Good linearity was observed over a calibration concentration range from 0.1 to 500µgmL-1, with correlation coefficients > 0.99. Detection limits ranged between 0.02 and 0.1µgmL-1, and the intra- and inter-day (n = 6) relative standard deviations were < 6%. As a proof of concept, the developed method was applied in real time to determine DOACs in plasma samples from patients with atrial fibrillation, demonstratinggood accuracy,and good precision (spiked recoveries ranging from 85.3% to 105.3%). This method provides a simple, efficient, sensitive, and automated procedure for extracting and determining DOACs from plasma samples, which can serve as an alternative analytical tool for biomonitoring of DOACs in routine clinical laboratory practice, in particular in patients with atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism.

Construction project work is a long process. During the implementation, various problems will inevitably be encountered. The most common problem is wasted materials. Waste materials are not only about wasted materials, but also wasted time and do not provide added value to the users of construction services. This study aims to provide answers to the factors causing material waste that are very dominant in the project to improve the quality of slum areas in Candikuning Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency. This study ran for 7 (seven) days from July 29, 2025 to August 4, 2025. This study was carried out by distributing questionnaires to 32 contractor members who carried out the construction project in Candikuning. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis through the results of the mean and standard deviation. This study provides answers to the most dominant factors in material waste in the project to improve the quality of slum areas in Candikuning Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency. There are 3 (three) main factors that influence waste material, namely design changes (F5) where the mean score is 4.5 and the standard deviation is 0.57; waiting time for equipment repair (A3) with a mean of 4.44 and a standard deviation of 0.56; and complex image detailing (F4) with a value for the mean of 4.44 and a standard deviation of 0.67.

Background and Objective Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent and debilitating complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a primary metric for glycemic control, many patients develop or experience progression of DPN despite achieving HbA1c targets, suggesting the importance of other dynamic glycemic parameters. Glycemic variability (GV) may contribute to nerve injury via mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotrophic factor dysregulation. However, clinical evidence linking GV to DPN remains inconsistent, and rigorous studies controlling for confounders are scarce. This study aimed to determine whether GV is independently associated with DPN beyond HbA1c in a propensity score-matched (PSM) cohort and to explore the potential mediating roles of inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors. Methods This single-center retrospective cohort study screened T2DM patients hospitalized between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. Patients with complete 72-hour continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data and bilateral nerve conduction studies (NCS) were included. DPN was diagnosed according to the Chinese Diabetes Society guidelines. Propensity score matching (PSM, 1:1, caliper=0.02) was used to balance the DPN and non-DPN groups on age, sex, BMI, diabetes duration, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, LDL-C, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Primary outcomes included GV parameters (mean amplitude of glycemic excursions [MAGE], coefficient of variation [CV], standard deviation [SD]) and a composite nerve conduction velocity (NCV) Z-score. Serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and neurotrophic factors (NGF, IGF-1) were measured in a nested subcohort. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression, dose-response analysis, causal mediation analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results After PSM, 256 well-matched patients (128 in each group) were included, with excellent covariate balance (all standardized mean differences &amp;lt;0.1). GV parameters (MAGE, CV, and SD) remained significantly higher in the DPN group compared to the non-DPN group after matching (all P &amp;lt; 0.001). Within the DPN group, stratification by MAGE tertiles revealed a clear dose-response relationship: higher MAGE tertiles were associated with progressively worse composite NCV Z-scores (P for trend &amp;lt;0.001). Subgroup analysis (n=160) showed that higher MAGE tertiles were associated with elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels and decreased NGF levels (P for trend &amp;lt;0.05). Multivariable linear regression confirmed MAGE (β = -0.38, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and CV (β = -0.31, P &amp;lt; 0.001) as independent negative predictors of NCV after adjusting for confounders including HbA1c. Mediation analysis indicated that IL-6 and TNF-α collectively mediated approximately 32% of the negative effect of MAGE on NCV (indirect effect β = -0.12, P &amp;lt; 0.001). ROC curve analysis identified optimal GV thresholds for discriminating DPN: MAGE ≥5.8 mmol/L (AUC = 0.84, sensitivity 76%, specificity 79%) and CV ≥32.5% (AUC = 0.81, sensitivity 72%, specificity 77%). Conclusion In this propensity score-matched cohort study, higher glycemic variability is independently and robustly associated with the presence and severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with T2DM, even after accounting for HbA1c and other conventional risk factors. This association exhibits a dose-response relationship and is partially mediated by systemic inflammation. Our findings advocate for incorporating GV assessment into clinical practice for better DPN risk stratification and suggest that therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing glycemic variability may offer additional neuroprotective benefits.

The impacts of sea-level rise and other hazards on the coasts of the world are determined by coastal sea-level height and land elevation1. Correct integration of both aspects is fundamental for reliable sea-level rise and coastalhazard impact assessments2,3, but is often not carefully considered or properly performed. Here we show that more than 99% of the evaluated impact assessments handled sea-level and land elevation data inadequately, thereby misjudging sea level relative to coastal elevation. Based on our literature evaluation, 90% of thehazard assessments assume coastal sea levels based on geoid models, rather than using actual sea-level measurements. Our meta-analyses on global scale show that measured coastal sea level is higher than assumed in most hazard assessments (mean offsets [standard deviation] of 0.27 m [0.76 m] and 0.24 m [0.52 m] for two commonly-used geoids). Regionally, predominantly in the Global South, measured mean sea level can be more than 1 m above global geoids, with the largest differences in the Indo-Pacific. Compared with geoid-based assumptions of coastal sea level, the measured values suggest that with a hypothetical 1 m of relative sea-level rise, 31-37% more land and 48-68% more people (increasing estimates to 77-132 million) would fall below sea level. Our results highlight the need for re-evaluation of existing coastal impact assessments and improvement of research community standards, with possible implications for policymakers, climate finance and coastal adaptation.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common inherited cardiac abnormality, with intermittent right-to-left (R-L) shunt of variable size. To study the quantification of R-L shunt (shunt) in PFO patients using an original thermodilution method in relationship to the morphology of the interatrial septum, measured by echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise tests before and after the occlusion of a PFO. A multicenter study enrolled a population of 151 patients, eligible for PFO closure in secondary prevention, underwent transthoracic echocardiography and contrast transesophageal echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise tests before and 6 months after the closure. The size of the shunt was measured by catheterization using the thermodilution Inntherm® system. Shunt was detected in 133 (90%) patients. Size of shunt >20% was present in 41 (28%) patients, 10%-20% in 33 (22%), and <10% in 49 (40%) patients. Shunt size >10% was associated with greater atrial septal separation during the Valsalva (P = 0.03) and respiration (P = 0.04), amplitude of septal displacement (P = 0.009), amount of contrast media in the left atrium (LA) (P = 0.03) and hypermobility of septum (P = 0.03). After PFO closure, work capacity increased in patients with shunt ≥20% (Δ +6.8; standard deviation [SD] 16.9 [W]) compared with those with <10% (Δ -2.1; SD 24.5 [W]; P = 0.02). Migraine occurrence decreased in 8 patients (62%) (P = 0.008). A decrease in saturation on exercise occurred in 12 cases (9%), after the PFO closure saturation normalized from 90.5% to 95.0% (P = 0.009), with no effect on exercise. We proved safe use of thermodilution for R-L shunt measurement. The main cause of inducible shunt severity is atrial septal mobility. A severe PFO shunt impacts work capacity.

Background: Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) remains a major public health challenge in South Africa. Treatment options are costly and often require prolonged hospital stays. Assessing the cost of meropenem and clavulanate-based regimens can help guide resource allocation and policy. Methods: A retrospective chart analysis was conducted of adults aged 18–70 years with XDR-TB and treated with meropenem and clavulanate-based regimens between January 2018 and July 2023 at a specialised Tuberculosis (TB) hospital. Data sources included the hospital pharmacy dispensing system, National Health Laboratory Services billing records and the Electronic Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Register. A budget impact model was developed from the payer’s perspective using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to assess costs related to hospitalisation, medication and laboratory diagnostics. Results: A total of 62 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 39.5 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.2–41.8), with 66.1% being male (n = 41). HIV co-infection was present in 40 patients (64.5%). The mean direct medical cost per patient for the 6-month inpatient phase was R559268.78 (≈$30 198) (95% CI: R515786.56 – R602751.00; standard deviation [s.d.]: R172653.48). Hospitalisation accounted for 87.1% of the total cost, medicines 11.9% and laboratory monitoring less than 1%, resulting in a total budget impact of R30.7 million (≈$1.66 million). Hospitalisation costs increased across the study period, and the year of initiating treatment was strongly associated with hospitalisation cost (R2 = 0.91), reflecting annual adjustments in the hospital’s patient day equivalent tariffs rather than inflation alone. Conclusion: Treatment of XDR-TB with meropenem and clavulanate-based regimens places a significant financial burden on the public health sector. Decentralised care, reduced inpatient duration and optimised procurement could reduce costs. Contribution: This study quantifies the cost of XDR-TB treatment in South Africa, highlighting hospitalisation as the main cost driver. Findings can guide improved budgeting, policy and service delivery in TB management.

This study investigated the principals’ managerial capabilities as predictor of senior secondary school teachers’ job productivity in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Four research question were raised while three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Correlational research design was used for the study. The populations of the study were all senior secondary school (SSS) teachers and principals in the five education zones in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Out of the total population of 5,965, a sample size of 653 observed using multi-stage random sampling technique which comprised of 622 teachers and 31 principals for the study. Principals’ Managerial Capability Questionnaire (PMCQ) and Teachers’ Productivity Questionnaire (TPQ) were used for data collection. Questionnaire validated for face and content validity. Reliability result PMCQ 0.77 and TPQ 0.87 was observed through Cronbach alpha. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions raised. The result showed principals’ managerial capabilities had a significant positive prediction of planning (grand mean =2.92); organizing (grand mean = 2.92); coordinating (grand mean= 2.92) and teachers’ productivity (grand mean= 2.93). The null hypotheses were analyzed using linear regression statistical tool to determine principals’ managerial capabilities as predictive of senior secondary school teachers’ productivity. The results showed principals’ managerial capabilities had a significant positive prediction of planning (r=0.959, P&lt;0.05), organizing (r=0.929, P&lt;0.05), and coordinating (r=0.839, P&lt;0.05) on teachers’ productivity in senior secondary school. It was recommended among others that school principals should be knowledgeable, professionally, administratively capable and resourceful so as to complement the efforts of the government towards achieving the goals of the schools.

Abstract Context: Emergence agitation (EA) is a frequently encountered postoperative complication in children after adenotonsillectomies. Aim: Our study aimed to see the effect of dexmedetomidine on the presence and severity of EA in children, 2–8 years old, undergoing adenotonsillectomies under sevoflurane anesthesia, and to compare the effectiveness of two doses (0.5µg/kg and 0.75µg/kg) in reducing EA. Subjects and Methods: Medical records of a total of 197 children (American Society of Anesthesiologists I/II, aged 2–8 years) were analyzed. Group I ( n = 89) did not receive dexmedetomidine, Group II ( n = 108) received either 0.5 µg/kg (Group A) or 0.75 µg/kg (Group B) as intravenous infusion over 10 min at induction. The presence of EA was assessed using the Four-Point Agitation Scale (AONO)scale (EA≥3) and severity using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale, (EA severity ≥10), at extubation and 10, 20, and 30 min postoperatively. Hemodynamics and adverse events were documented. Statistical Analysis: Mean ± standard deviation and an Independent t test were used to compare continuous variables. For categorical variables, the Chi square test was used. Results: Heart rate and systolic blood pressure were lower in the dexmedetomidine group (Group II), but without any adverse effects. Both the presence and severity of EA were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group (II). No statistically significant difference was found between the two dexmedetomidine doses, 0.5 µg/kg or 0.75 µg/kg, in reducing Emergence Agitation ( P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The presence and severity of EA in children undergoing adenotonsillectomies are effectively reduced using intravenous dexmedetomidine. When administered as a slow infusion after intubation, a dose of 0.5 µg/kg is as effective as 0.75 µg/kg in preventing emergence, and both doses maintain stable hemodynamics. The result of this study shows reduced Emergence Agitation, safer and smooth recoveries with dexmedetomidine and support it’s use as adjunct for pediatric adenotonsillectomies.

The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Modified Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) is the gold standard evaluation of Parkinson's Disease (PD), but there is inter-rater variability. Wearable biosensors are a novel tool to quantify neurodegenerative symptoms in PD. This project aimed to use XSens sensors to assess PD patients during motor tasks and identify differences compared to controls. Participants with PD (n = 6) exhibiting freezing of gait (FOG) were compared to controls meeting inclusion criteria (n = 5). Participants donned inertial motion capture sensors and underwent motor assessments. Data was analyzed using MATLAB and Prism. Using XSens, we found stride length in PD patients is reduced compared to controls (0.58 m vs. 0.97 m, p = 0.0028). Wrist rotational area is reduced in PD patients compared to controls (445mm2 vs. 2731 mm2, p < 0.01). When following the beat of a metronome, PD patients exhibited an increased standard deviation in beats per minute compared to controls (0.072 vs. 0.040, p = 0.024). We identified novel clinical tests of wrist rigidity and rhythmicity, which identified significant differences between groups. This exploratory study indicates accelerometry is a promising biomarker for remote monitoring and screening of PD, which needs to be substantiated with large-scale clinical studies.

Little is known about the association between direct pollen exposure and cognitive performance. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of pollen exposure on performance in the Finnish matriculation examination. The study was conducted among students who participated in the national high school matriculation examinations in the metropolitan area of Helsinki and Turku in southern Finland between 2006 and 2020. Daily regional pollen counts of alder and hazel were monitored throughout the study period as part of the Finnish pollen monitoring network. Extensive data on matriculation examination results were retrieved from Statistics Finland, and air pollution and weather data from the Finnish Meteorological Institute. A fixed effect regression analysis was used to identify the effect of pollen exposure (as independent variables) on matriculation examination results (as dependent variable) controlling for student-semester fixed effects, pollutants and precipitation. The regression coefficients indicated that on average an increase of 10 pollen grains in alder and hazel reduced the matriculation examination score by 0.0034 (p<0.01) and 0.0144 (p<0.05) standard deviations (SDs), respectively. Increasing pollen exposure per additional unit (an increase of 10 pollen grains) especially dropped examination scores in mathematical subjects among males (alder -0.0118 (p<0.001) and hazel -0.0328 (p<0.05) SDs). The association between alder pollen exposure (low, moderate and abundant) and examination scores was inversely U-shaped. Exposure to pollen can hinder a student's performance in the matriculation exam, which strongly determines the future opportunities and emphasises early initiation of medication.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and autism are distinct conditions, yet individuals with AN often exhibit elevated autistic traits. These traits are linked to complex clinical presentations, but their impact on AN remains unclear. This longitudinal study investigates associations between autistic traits, AN symptoms, and weight recovery in adolescents with first-onset AN. The study compared 66 females with first-onset AN and 64 typically developing (TD) controls. Autistic traits, AN symptoms, and weight recovery were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Eating Disorder Examination (EDE),and standardized deviation score for weight-for-height (SDS weight-for-height). Measurements at baseline and 1year later were analyzed using linear regression models. Adolescents with AN exhibited higher baseline autistic traits than TD controls. Over 1year, AN symptoms and SDS weight-for-height improved significantly in the AN group, while autistic traits remained stable. No significant associations were found between baseline autistic traits and clinical outcomes or between changes in autistic traits, AN symptoms, and SDS weight-for-height. The stability of autistic traits despite improvements in AN symptoms and weight suggests these traits may not influence the initial trajectory of first-onset AN in adolescence. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore their long-term impact on AN progression.

Determine whether shipboard motion variability relates to simulator‑sickness symptoms, Mal de Débarquement syndrome (MdDS) features, and cognition, and whether migraine or motion‑sickness history modify these vestibular effects. Prospective observational cohort. USNS Mercy (T‑AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2024. 38 Active‑Duty personnel were tested at baseline (land), after California-Hawaii (CA-HI; rougher), and after Chuuk-Hawaii (CHUUK-HI; calmer). A centrally mounted, inertial measurement unit (IMU) yielded per‑minute standard deviation of linear‑acceleration magnitude (IMU SD). Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ); MdDS calculator mapped to Bárány criteria; Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF); Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT); Stroop Test; linear mixed-effects model using voyage leg and IMU SD as predictors of symptom outcomes and adjusted for migraine and motion‑sickness history. IMU SD was higher on CA-HI. SSQ totals were higher on CA-HI and increased with IMU SD. MdDS criteria counts, and cases were similar between legs; Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) was positively associated with MdDS criterion burden, but not with SSQ. ROCF showed slower copy/recall and lower recall accuracy on CA-HI; SDMT and Stroop errors were largely unchanged. There were no statistical differences based on migraine or motion‑sickness history, but analyses were limited by small subgroup sizes. Rougher sea states (greater IMU variability) were linked to higher acute symptom burden and specific visuospatial memory impairments. The incidence of persistent MdDS did not differ by leg. IMU‑informed monitoring with brief, targeted cognitive tests may support future planning and post‑voyage screening to identify at-risk individuals.

The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill legalized hemp but created regulatory gaps that contributed to the emergence of synthetic THC analogs in consumer products. An UHPLC-DAD method was developed and validated in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines for the quantitative analysis of twenty-three neutral cannabinoids, including two epimeric pairs and six Δ8/Δ9 positional isomer pairs of synthetic THC analogs, six naturally occurring neutral cannabinoids, and one common synthetic THC byproduct. The method was applied to fifteen commercial products comprising four tinctures, six vaping oils, and five gummies. Fourteen cannabinoids were detected above their limits of quantification at concentrations ranging from 0.008–79.6%, with triplicate relative standard deviations of 0.8–18.3%. Analytical results revealed mislabeling in ten of the fifteen samples. Real-time recovery was evaluated using spiked abnormal CBD, a synthetic cannabinoid structurally unrelated to the target analytes, yielding recoveries of 95.0–110.3% with RSDs of 1.0–10.5% across all matrices. High-resolution ESI/TOFMS was used for optional confirmation, verifying method specificity, minimal matrix interference, and the presence of several HHC stereoisomers.

Background Impaired glymphatic function is linked to cerebral atrophy and contributes to clinical disability in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Deep gray matter volume (DGMV) loss is associated with disability; however, its mediating effect in MS-related disability and glymphatic function changes remains underexplored. Methods One hundred and thirty-one RRMS patients and 50 healthy controls (HC) underwent MRI scans. The DTI-ALPS index was used to evaluate glymphatic function. Z-scores of cortical and deep gray matter volumes (CGMV and DGMV) and WM-FA in RRMS patients were determined based on the mean and standard deviation of HC. RRMS patients were divided into two subgroups: the “MS-DGM-preserved” subgroup (z-scores of both CGMV, DGMV, and WM-FA &amp;gt; -2) and the “MS-DGM-atrophied” subgroup (z-scores of DGMV &amp;lt; -2) according to combinations of z-scores compared to HC. The mediating effect of DGMV in the relationship between the DTI-ALPS index and the clinical disability was further explored. Patients were followed up and had longitudinal outcomes. Results Among all participants, 79 cases (60.3%) were classified as the MS-DGM-preserved subgroup, and 52 cases (39.7%) as the MS-DGM-atrophied subgroup. The MS-DGM-atrophied subgroup exhibited lower DTI-ALPS index (d=1.42, p-FDR&amp;lt; 0.001), higher T2-hyperintense white matter lesion volume (d=0.98, p-FDR&amp;lt; 0.001) and EDSS scores (d=0.49, p-FDR&amp;lt; 0.001), and longer disease duration (d=0.33, p-FDR=0.005) compared to the MS-DGM-preserved subgroup. Additionally, in the MS-DGM-atrophied subgroup, the DTI-ALPS index was significantly positively correlated with DGMV (r=0.59, p-FDR&amp;lt;0.001), and negatively correlated with EDSS scores and disease duration (r=-0.59, r=-0.56, p-FDR&amp;lt;0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that DGMV partially mediated the relationship between the DTI-ALPS index and clinical disability (EDSS and disease duration). In the longitudinal cohort, 18 MS patients were followed for a median time of 14 months (12.75, 14.00 months; range: 8–18 months). Compared to baseline, the DTI-ALPS index significantly decreased during follow-up (d=0.92, p-FDR=0.009). Conclusion The RRMS subgroups based on the gradient classification of DGMV using structural MRI effectively distinguishes differences in glymphatic function and clinical disability. When DGM atrophy reaches a certain threshold, it partially mediates the relationship between glymphatic function and clinical disability.

Abstract This study examines consumer preferences for the potential benefits of CRISPR technology using a best–worst scaling (BWS) approach within an online survey of a representative Spanish sample. The BWS discrete choice experiment focuses on seven key environmental and health-related benefits of CRISPR, using tomatoes as a case study. The selected benefits are derived from science-based information and align with the EU regulatory context, following the European Commission’s 2023 proposal on gene-editing technologies. Estimates from a random parameter logit (RPL) model indicate that pesticide reduction is the most highly valued benefit, followed by water saving and health improvement, thereby highlighting the combined influence of environmental and personal benefits on consumer acceptance of genetically engineered food. The significant standard deviations in the RPL estimates reveal substantial heterogeneity in preferences, which is further examined by identifying two distinct consumer segments. While both segments strongly prioritise pesticide reduction, one is primarily motivated by environmental sustainability outcomes, whereas the other places greater emphasis on health and sensory quality improvements. These findings underscore the need for targeted communication strategies to address distinct consumer concerns, rather than a uniform approach.

To address severe measurement error fluctuations and heterogeneous information source uncertainties in master–slave unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formations, a high-precision cooperative navigation method is proposed. Integrating inertial navigation, satellite positioning, and inter-UAV relative distance, the method innovatively introduces three key components: a multi-source information fusion-based cooperative navigation framework for accurate formation state estimation, a cooperative geometric dilution of precision (CGDOP) model based on hybrid observation configurations for positioning accuracy evaluation, and a dynamic-weight Gaussian belief propagation (WGBP) algorithm for adaptive measurement weight adjustment to suppress low-quality observation interference. Experiments demonstrate that WGBP achieves the lowest mean error in 22 out of 24 cases and the smallest standard deviation in 21 cases compared with EKF, WGP, HRGBP, and WGBP. Empirical field experiments further demonstrate consistent superiority of WGBP in dynamic environments.

This study examines the impact of Christian affiliated schools on the academic performance of students in Rijau Local Government area, Niger state. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving surveys, interviews, and analysis was done using mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) for ranking. The findings reveal three Christian affiliated schools; they are Warari Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) School, United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) Bible College Tungan-magajiya and Water Wins Academy, Gulbin Boka. They prioritize biblical teachings and moral discipline, focusing on science subjects, with limited emphasis on language subjects (except Hausa) and some arts subjects. Geography subject receives little attention. Despite challenges such as understaffing, lack of community financial support, and insecurity from banditry, the schools maintain a non-denominational approach and welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Results show that students' SSCE performance from each school are (M=3.00; SD=0.73, M=4.29; SD=0.83 and M=3.25; SD=0.46), it is satisfactory, averaging at a respectable level. Parental participation in school development is strong. The schools owned by individual churches, face significant security challenges disrupting the school calendar. It is recommendations that government extend support for staffing and infrastructure even though they are mission schools, community should also engage in support and address insecurity; there should be balance in curriculum, emphasis on sciences and arts; and exploration of alternative funding sources.

Appropriate treatments for nonopioid substance use are currently unavailable. Venlafaxine may reduce withdrawal from nonopioid substances, but the effects have not been evaluated. We aimed to investigate the association between venlafaxine use and the risk of withdrawal from nonopioid substances. We linked Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and the Taiwan Illicit Drug Issue Database from January 2012 to December 2019. We used a case-case-time-control study involving a case-crossover analysis and a control-crossover analysis consisting of future cases. The outcomes were withdrawal from substances and all-cause mortality. For each individual, venlafaxine use during the hazard period (day - 8 to - 67 before the outcome) was compared with that during the 60-day reference period (between days - 248 and - 307). Conditional logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the associations between outcome events and the use of venlafaxine. The participants' average age on the index date was 39.5years (standard deviation 8.7), with 84.1% men and 88.3% having low income. Venlafaxine was significantly associated with a lower risk of withdrawal from substances (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.96). However, we found no association between the recent use of venlafaxine and all-cause mortality (1.08, 0.55 to 2.14). The point estimates were similar in a series of sensitivity analyses, though not all analyses statistical significance. This study provides strong ground for clinicians to consider the use of venlafaxine to reduce patient experiencing withdrawal symptoms from substances.