In this work, we present a robust examination of the Bayesian estimators utilizing the two-parameter Upper truncated XLindley model, a unique Lindley model variant, and the oscillation of posterior risks. We provide the model in a censored scheme along with its likelihood function. The topic of sensitivity and robustness analysis of the Bayesian estimators was only covered by a small number of authors. As a result, very few apps have been created in this field. The oscillation of the posterior hazards of the Bayesian estimator is used to illustrate the method. By using a Monte Carlo simulation study, we show that, with the correct generalized loss function, a robust Bayesian estimator of the parameters corresponding to the smallest oscillation of the posterior risks may be obtained; robust estimators can be obtained when the parameter space is low-dimensional. The robustness and precision of Bayesian parameter estimation can be enhanced in regimes where the parameters of interest are of small magnitude.

BackgroundEchinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic parasitic species that causes alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a severe disease affecting both humans and animals. This disease is particularly prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in northeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Previous studies have often conflated the haplotypes of E. multilocularis from Inner Mongolia, China, and Siberia, Russia. Furthermore, the unique variant identified in Inner Mongolia is of significant importance for elucidating the evolutionary history of E. multilocularis.MethodsThe four complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences obtained were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR): one from an AE patient in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China, and three from E. multilocularis isolates maintained in gerbils at Academician Chongti Tang’s laboratory. Subsequently, these sequences underwent high-throughput sequencing using Illumina technology.ResultsThe four mitogenome sequences all span the full length of 13,738 base pair (bp). A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to assess the genetic differences between these sequences and others derived from major E. multilocularis endemic regions globally, with a particular focus on northeast Asia. The results demonstrated that the similarity among the four sequences was 99.24–99.26%. Furthermore, the genetic divergence between sequences originating from Mongolia, Siberia, Russia, and North America was relatively low, indicating a high degree of sequence similarity. The four sequences from Inner Mongolia, China were classified into four haplotypes: O1–O4. Sequencing and genetic analysis confirmed that the previously published E. m. sibiricensis belongs to the O1 haplotype.ConclusionsThis study clarifies the genetic relationship between E. multilocularis haplotypes in Siberia, Russia, and Inner Mongolia, China, confirming that E. m. sibiricensis is part of the O1 haplotype. The findings strengthen the foundation for molecular epidemiology of AE and underscore the need for international collaboration in monitoring this zoonotic pathogen. Public health strategies can leverage these insights to predict and prevent outbreaks, particularly in endemic regions.Graphical Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-025-07057-7.

Introduction Arteriopathy is a known stroke risk factor, with the recognized types being atherosclerosis, arteritis, fibromuscular dysplasia, and peripheral artery disease. While often driven by genetics or poor lifestyle, arteriopathies can develop due to comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. This manuscript centers around a unique arteriopathy variant, dubbed “popoca,” the Nahuatl word for “it smokes,” which causes patients to develop progressive bilateral “mirror" arteriopathy of the paraclinoid/cavernous segments of the internal carotid artery (ICA)‐but does not resemble the “plume of smoke” in imaging that moyamoya disease (MMD) or moyamoya syndrome (MMS) would usually show. MMS is caused by morbidities such as autoimmune disease, brain tumors, or sickle cell disease. This new arteriopathy does not mirror the smoky appearance, implying that these patients suffer from an undescribed pathology. Methods This single‐center study used a prospectively maintained patient database of a hospital in Southern Texas, filtering using key words like “moyamoya” and “ICA stenosis.” All data from 2013‐onward was collected. Patients who suffered from MMD, or only experienced stenosis outside of the cavernous/supraclinoid segments were excluded. The remaining data was organized in a separate data sheet. Demographics and stroke risk factors like CAD, HTN, DM, AFib, HLP, or SCA, prior TIA or stroke, family health history, cigarette or drug use were evaluated. Other variables included blood sugar level, hemoglobin A1C, and LDL upon admission, NIHSS upon admission and the symptoms, initial and final BMI, stenosis side and location, infarct location and number, hemorrhage, antiplatelets used prior to admission, anticoagulants used prior to admission, NIHSS upon discharge, total events during study period, angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery, case mortality, NIHSS on last visit, and mRS on last visit. Results 19 patients from this database, all women, were found to exhibit unique moyamoya type changes, ranging from April 2015 to February 2025. Among these women, all of them were of Hispanic descent. The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. 95% had hypertension and 69% had diabetes. 69% of the patients had hyperlipidemia. 8 of the women had either suffered a previous stroke or a previous TIA. 11 of the women had a BMI on admission of 30 or higher. 12 of the women had the “mirror” arteriopathy, with the involvement of both the right and left ICA supraclinoid segments. Conclusion “Popoca” disproportionately affects Hispanic women who typically have comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension (and majority are obese), in which they develop “mirror” arteriopathy of the paraclinoid/cavernous segments. It is unknown why this phenomenon targets this specific population. A multicenter retrospective study is recommended to analyze patterns, as well as genetic screening to pinpoint the population at risk.

ABSTRACT Minimalist music, a culturally bound variant of American minimalist music, first emerged in the Soviet Union during the early 1970s. Its key first-generation exponents included Vladimir Martynov, Alexander Knaifel, Nikolai Korndorf, and Alexandre Rabinovitch-Barakovsky. Similar to early American minimalist music in both style and technique, music by these composers differs primarily in that its main aim is to function as discourse. Often labelled ‘maximalist’, this aspect renders it paradoxical in that its goal is to convey far more than its transparent form and minimalist signifiers suggest. It is a controversial phenomenon given its hybrid qualities, but moreover, problematic, given the difficulties that this ‘minimalist–maximalist’ paradox poses for the listener. Using private interview material and manuscripts, I will examine minimalist music by Martynov, Knaifel, and Korndorf as an aesthetic and compositional identity while considering how it differs from its (early) American counterpart. I will explore how these composers' perceptions of American minimalist music have led them to create a unique variant, before discussing the problems that the ‘minimalist–maximalist’ paradox creates.

FoodABSANet: Developing an adaptive graph convolutional neural network for aspect-based sentiment analysis of food reviews with a weighted polarity score.

Ephedra species, important Tibetan medicinal plants, are widely distributed across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at altitudes of 2700-5000m. Their adaptation to high-altitude environments, such as low temperatures, strong UV radiation and low oxygen, is still poorly understood. This study investigated the morphological, metabolic, and genetic mechanisms underlying the reproductive advantage of a unique single-seed variant observed in high-germination-rate Ephedra species. Seeds from six Ephedra species were collected for germination assays and electron microscopic analysis. Results showed that E. saxatilis, E. intermedia, and E. monosperma exhibited significantly higher germination rates (Germination rates > 65%) and predominantly produced single-seed variants, while others mainly produced double seeds. Analysis of burr and fold numbers of phenotypic traits showed a significant positive correlation with germination rates. Time-course metabolomics analysis identified 762 KEGG annotated metabolites, and revealed E. saxatilis as the dominant species due to its faster metabolic rate, particularly simulated high-altitude conditions. Absolute hormone quantification highlighted the single-seed variant of E. saxatilis as the dominant type, with ABA content peaking in the shed seed coat. ABA exhibited antagonistic interactions with 2MeScZR, SA, IAA, GA7, IPR, and t-CA, suggesting a complex hormonal regulation network. Co-expression network analysis integrating transcriptome and hormone data predicted 23 key genes regulating seed germination adaptation. This study provides novel insights into the ecological and evolutionary significance of single-seed variation in high-altitude adaptation. The findings have potential applications in high-altitude plant breeding, conservation, and sustainable utilization of Ephedra species. Future research should focus on the genetic basis of single-seed variation and its role in other high-altitude plant species.

ObjectivesLenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV) refers to hyperechogenic vessels detected in thalami and basal ganglia, using cranial ultrasound. Awareness of LSV has revealed its links to various neonatal diseases that can affect brain development ante- or postnatally. Congenital infections and hypoxic- ischemic conditions are the main risk factors of LSV. However, precise etiology of LSV remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of newborns diagnosed with LSV to evaluate genetic linkages with LSV manifestation.Study designWe analyzed whole genome sequencing variation data of newborns with LSV (n = 6) and control group newborns (n = 19). WGS variation data was annotated using ANNOVAR in GRCh37 (hg19), RefSeqGene, gnomAD, SIFT, dbSNP151, CADD and gerp++gt2. Bash language was used to develop a program that counts variant frequency and compares them between groups.ResultsWe identified one exonic nonsynonymous variant putatively associated with LSV, located in WNK1 gene [NM_213655.5: c.2219T > C p.(Leu740Pro)]. This variant is associated with pseudohypoaldosteronism type 2C and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 2A. Pseudohypoaldosteronism can increase blood pressure, resulting in damaged or stiff blood vessels, similar to LSV. The variant is currently classified as a variant of uncertain significance due to insufficient evidence to determine its definitive role in these conditions.ConclusionsThe identification of this unique variant in WNK1 provides a potential genetic link to the etiopathogenesis of LSV, offering new insights into this condition. However, further functional studies and more comprehensive genetic research are required to establish definitive associations.

FLT201, a novel liver-directed AAV gene therapy candidate for Gaucher disease type 1.

Generation of induced pluripotent stem cell lines from three LGMD R1 patients carrying CAPN3 hypomorphic intronic variant c.1746-20C>G.

This research delves into the algorithmic complexities of the King of Diamonds game from Alice in Borderland II, a unique variant of the Keynesian Beauty Contest. This game features imperfect information, dynamic player elimination, and a critical rule where the objective is to choose a number closest to 80% of the average of all chosen numbers. We propose and evaluate a Bayesian Learning Agent designed to adapt its strategy against diverse opponents. The BLA employs Bayesian inference to dynamically update its beliefs about opponent behaviors, integrating these predictions into a Keynesian Beauty Contest decision-making framework. Through extensive simulations, the BLA consistently demonstrates superior performance. For instance, in games against four random opponents, the BLA achieved a survival rate of 67.00%, significantly outperforming the random players' combined 33.00% survival rate, and consistently maintained an average absolute distance to the target of 10.59 units across rounds. Notably, against four naive Fifty players, the BLA achieved a 100.00% survival rate with an extremely low average distance of 0.08 units, concluding games in a single round. Furthermore, the study provides a specialized algorithmic analysis for the game's challenging two-player endgame, where it exhibited a 1.30% draw rate in relevant scenarios. Our findings offer novel insights into designing adaptive AI agents for complex, imperfect information games with unique convergence dynamics, extending the understanding of computational strategies in evolving competitive environments.

Research excellence instruments (REIs) are among the most popular types of research funding in several research systems, including the Global South. A significant proportion of REIs is intended to promote pathbreaking or groundbreaking contributions. Specific research outcomes can often be traced back to a given project’s scientific objectives, but projections about the impact on the field and the broader scientific community require the researcher to engage in more speculative estimates. This paper takes its rationale from the assumption that such projections are sources of insight into researchers’ perspectives on the field significance of their research agenda. Consequently, they reveal the broader impact landscape of scientists who receive such funding, and hint at potential social implications, a concern that dominates extant research on impact. This study focused on the ‘value-added’ to the field projections in successful applications for the Swedish distinguished professor’s grant (DPG), a unique variant of REIs that targets individuals rather than the more commonly studied Centers of Excellence (CoEs). We categorize the value-added statements made in these applications into a typology based on their logical structure, distinguishing between intermediate and final values. We use a logic model analysis of these statements to uncover a series of cause-and-effect projections tied to research funding. Our study also sheds light on accepted preconceived notions of field impact and the pathways to achieving them. It adds a crucial dimension to the numerous studies on the after-the-fact social impacts of research.

Background: CIDP is a rare immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathy which has significant phenotypic variability. Despite extensive efforts, a unifying immunopathologicalmechanism remains elusive and this is likely due to etiological heterogeneity among the variant presentations. This is best exemplified by the identification of nodal/paranodal antibodies, such as neurofascin 155 (NF155) in a small subgroup of CIDP patients, who present with a distinct phenotype and embody a poor response to IVIG. Methods: We present the case of a 39-year-old male who presented with a 2-year history of progressive stocking-glove sensory loss and sensory ataxia. Electrodiagnostics confirmed an acquired demyelinating neuropathy, with serum anti-NF155 IgG4. His case was refractory to standard immunomodulatory therapy, including adequate trials of IVIG, steroids, azathioprine, and rituximab. He also had a non-therapeutic trial of PLEX, methotrexate, and tacrolimus. Results: After cessation of all immunomodulatory therapy for 2 years, he had spontaneous remission of his CIDP and near-complete resolution of electrodiagnostic/clinicalabnormalities. Conclusions: This case highlights a unique supra-refractory seropositive CIDP variant which underwent spontaneous remission with near-complete resolution. Delayed effect from rituximab was posited as a contributor, however, the patient had no clinical or electrophysiological improvement 20-months after initiation of anti-CD20 therapy. Current data suggests that CIDP respond to rituximab within 6-12 months.

Ganoderma sichuanense, a unique antler-type variant of the Ganoderma genus, is renowned for its bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which offer several health benefits. This study aimed to optimize the growth of G. sichuanense and the production of bioactive compounds using different types and concentrations of fruit peels as substrates in both solid and liquid media. The results indicate that durian peel was the most effective for mycelial growth on solid medium, with a maximum observed mycelium growth rate of 9.4 mm/day. In the liquid medium, when using mango, durian, and mangosteen peels as substrates, there was no significant difference in the maximum dry mycelium yield among the three types of fruit peels, ranging from 10.98 to 11.12 g/ L (p ≥ 0.05). In a 21-day liquid culture using various fruit peels, 0.1% (w/v) durian peel exhibited the most significant impact on the production of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds in the dried mycelium, with contents of 74.25 mg/g and 57.26 mg GAE/g, respectively. Employing 0.1% (w/v) durian peel for 21 days resulted in the achievement of 21.52 mg/g of triterpenoids as a secondary metabolite. Therefore, the use of fruit peel as a supplement to grow mushrooms can add value to the production of bioactive compounds by an antler-type variant of the G. sichuanense. This work highlights the benefits of enhancing biotechnological production, promoting sustainable waste management, and utilizing fruit peels, a byproduct of the food industry, for bioactive compound production.Graphical abstract

Diminished MYCN Dosage Endows Cavitary Transformation in Retinoblastoma

Since 2017, goose astrovirus (GoAstV) has been widely prevalent in various provinces of China, causing economic losses in the goose industry, with outbreak mortality rates ranging from 10 to 60%. Notably, a goose farm in Sichuan Province has faced an outbreak of infectious disease in 1–3 weeks old goslings, with a mortality rate of approximately 30%. Viral metagenomic analysis of fecal samples identified Goose astrovirus genotype 1 (GoAstV-1), and PCR analysis confirmed the presence of GoAstV-1. Furthermore, we successfully isolated a GoAstV-C1 strain using goose embryos named AAstV/Goose/CHN/2023/C1 (GenBank No. PP108251), and its viral titer was calculated as 10^4.834 ELD50/0.5 mL using the Reed-Muench method. The genome size of GoAstV-C1 was about 7,261 nucleotides through amplifying with Sanger sequencing and assembling with SeqMan software. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that GoAstV-1 strains are classified into three major subtypes: A, B, and C, with the GoAstV-C1 strain identified as a unique variant within subtype B, characterized by distinct genetic divergence features. Experimental inoculation of one-day-old goslings with the virus resulted in a mortality rate of 5 out of 15 (p-value = 0.0421) and a significant reduction in weight gain compared to controls (p-value = 0.005). Pathological examination revealed that GoAstV-C1 infection caused severe damage to the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Interestingly, unlike most GoAstV, which leads to characteristic gout symptoms, our isolates GoAstV-C1 caused obvious intestinal damage characterized by necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and crypt architectural disruption. We indicated that GoAstV-C1 displays a unique intestinal tropism rather than characteristic gout symptoms and elucidated genomic features and evolutionary relationships of GoAstV strains. These findings help advance our knowledge of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of GoAstV-1, and the predicted structure of capsid protein could serve as a potential target for designing novel antiviral drugs or vaccines against GoAstV-1.

Preneoplastic and neoplastic biliary disease comprises biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN), intraductal papillary neoplasms, mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), and cholangiocarcinoma and their variants. Correct recognition of these entities can be challenging, especially on small/needle biopsies, but is required to plan therapy and guide transplant in the setting of cirrhosis. Salient histologic features of these entities, along with ancillary use of immunostains and key molecular findings aiding in diagnosis, are discussed. Type 2 intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts is typically associated with an invasive malignancy and lack unique molecular features associated with the Type 1 intraductal papillary neoplasm, thus they are called "papillary cholangiocarcinoma" by some authors. Some of the cholangiocarcinoma variants, like enteroblastic and mucoepidermoid, are under-recognized and can pose diagnostic challenges. The tubulocystic and cholangioblastic variants are relatively recently described but are being increasingly recognized. The cholangioblastic variant has a novel NIBPL-NACC1 fusion described in the more recent larger series reported, making it a somewhat unique variant of cholangiocarcinoma. Nomenclature of the cholangioblastic variant is in evolution as is the link between adenofibroma and the tubulocystic variant. Correct recognition of these variant subtypes would aid in long-term studies to better determine the prognosis in these subtypes.

Mass-forming isolated ischemic necrosis of the cecum mimicking malignancy: Clinicopathologic features of 11 cases.

Hb Monza: A novel extensive HBB duplication with preserved α-β subunit interaction and unstable hemoglobin phenotype.

Presently, a few brachioradialis muscle (BR) variants have been reported, mainly concerning their inserting tendons or the accessory forms (accessory BR muscles). During a routine dissection of a 74-year-old female donated cadaver, a unique muscle variant was observed unilaterally. An aberrant origin of the BR from the lateral head of the triceps brachii was identified on the left arm. The radial nerve (RN) superficial branch coursed posteriorly to the BR before obtaining its superficial position. On the right arm, the BR was typical. So far, some of the BR variants in its origins have been reported, such as arising from the muscular belly of the brachialis or the insertion of the deltoid muscle. Thus, the present variant could be a worth noting rare case. Furthermore, the posterior position of the RN superficial branch could have potential clinical significance and may cause entrapment neuropathy.

The lateral thoracic artery (LTA) is one of six main branches that originate from the axillary artery. The LTA has a textbook origin from the 2nd part of the axillary artery posterior to the pectoralis minor muscle. Contrary to the textbook origin, there are numerous reports of LTA variants that originate from the thoracoacromial artery, subscapular artery, and thoracodorsal artery, or even its duplication. This case report involves description of an additional unique duplicate variant of the LTA, bilaterally. The right duplicate LTA has its origin from the 3rd part of the axillary artery and then courses with the axillary sheath before coursing towards the breast. The right duplicate LTA variant also gives off two small subcutaneous branches in the medial upper arm. The left duplicate LTA has its origin from the brachial artery and courses directly to the breast through the axilla. Additional detail on the variants of the LTA could prove useful in surgical procedures that involve the lateral thorax, chest, and axilla and contribute to broader anatomical knowledge.