Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) emergence has changed the medical education landscape. United States’ medical students must learn empathetic thinking for United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE). This study evaluates three AI platforms in answering such questions. Methods: Ethics questions from UWorld and Amboss were accumulated for Step 1 and 2. Multiple-choice questions were entered into ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, yielding a correct/incorrect response. Percentages of correct responses were compared between platforms and to student averages. ANOVA and t-tests conducted determined statistical significance, the upper threshold being P=0.05. Results: 109 UWorld and 63 Amboss questions were available for Step 1. 189 UWorld and 185 Amboss questions were available for Step 2. Google Gemini had highest accuracy for Step 1 (86.6%) while ChatGPT had the highest accuracy for Step 2 (83.6%). All platforms outperformed the student average for Step 1 (68.5%) and Step 2 (68.9%); ChatGPT and Gemini doing so significantly for Step 1 (p < 0.01), and ChatGPT doing so significantly for Step 2 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: It is critical to understand whether empathetic thinking can be replicated by technology or prepare students. This study highlights the ability for AI to solve ethical dilemmas that students may struggle with.

Quantum computing, a transformative leap in computational science, is rapidly emerging as a disruptive force capable of reshaping the foundational pillars of cybersecurity and cryptography. Unlike classical computing, which relies on binary states, quantum computing utilizes quantum bits (qubits), leveraging the principles of superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds. This paradigm shift poses a dual-edged impact on the field of cybersecurity: it offers unparalleled potential for advancing secure communication through quantum cryptographic protocols such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), while simultaneously threatening the integrity of classical encryption methods like RSA and ECC, which could be rendered obsolete by quantum algorithms like Shor's and Grover's. This paper explores the current state of quantum computing, its implications for existing cryptographic infrastructures, and the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. It also examines governmental and institutional responses to the quantum threat, including NIST's ongoing PQC standardization efforts, and the development of hybrid cryptographic models that combine quantumresistant algorithms with classical security measures. Furthermore, the study discusses ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and the importance of global cooperation in transitioning to a quantum-secure digital future. As quantum technology progresses from theoretical frameworks to practical applications, cybersecurity must evolve in tandem to address both its promises and perils.

The increasing penetration of renewable energy challenges single-converter systems to simultaneously provide transient support and rapid response. Hybrid microgrids integrating grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) converters are thus essential for dual-high power systems. Existing studies primarily focus on single-converter stability, neglecting the dynamic interactions between converters operating under different control paradigms. In this study, a scaling-based equal-area criterion (EAC) method is first applied to analyze the worst-case stability impacts of interaction terms. The first integration method then reveals that the additional GFM-VSC alters the potential energy and damping distribution of the GFL-VSC while introducing path-related terms. A novel concept, the dynamic parameter-dependent domain of attractions (PDAs), is employed to analyze the transient behavior of the GFL-VSC. The expansion of the PDA indicates that the additional GFM-VSC enhances the transient stability of the GFL-VSC by modifying its potential energy and damping distribution. However, the energy released or absorbed by path-related terms affects the effectiveness of the GFM-VSC in improving transient stability, which can be mitigated by increasing the inertia coefficient of the GFM-VSC. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed approach and verify the conclusions.

Italy's National Healthcare System (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN) has introduced various reforms and investments to enhance primary care and digital infrastructure, particularly through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale Ripresa Resilienza, PNRR). This paper examines the SSN's multilayered organisational structure, key initiatives, and physical and digital networks, including Care Networks, Hub-Spoke networks, and the Connected Care. These efforts aim to improve healthcare equity, resilience, and access across regions. While navigating the complexities of a decentralised healthcare system presents ongoing challenges, Italy's strategic focus on structural and digital innovation signals a clear path toward a more modern and accessible national health service.  

A key challenge for disease ecology is predicting the size of epidemics. Most models forecast disease in a single population using long-term historical data from that population. However, long-term data is not always available and a possible alternative is to borrow data from multiple similar populations to forecast disease for a population of interest. One step further is to weight the contribution of epidemics to the forecast based on their similarity to the focal population. In this study, we use data from twenty populations of the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna and its sterilizing bacterial parasite Pasteuria ramosa tracked over four epidemic seasons (a total of 80 epidemics) to predict future epidemics. We evaluate single population, multiple average population and multiple weighted average population approaches for training three suites of forecast model: seasonal naïve, auto-regressive integrated moving average and time series regression models. We found that forecast accuracy depended on both the type of training data and the choice of forecast model, but models trained on data from multiple populations consistently outperformed those trained on single population data. Our study demonstrates the benefit of using a collection of similar populations to forecast disease for a focal population which has limited data.

A document by Gidion Edwin. Click on the document to view its contents.

A document by Seyed Abbas Fatemiyoun. Click on the document to view its contents.

Since this is a commentary paper, it does not have an abstract.

Background and Purpose: Brain neurovascular coupling (NVC) involves voltage-gated Ca++ channels (VGCC) and prostaglandins. However, their differential contribution in the spinal cord neurovascular coupling (NVC) is unknown. This study used non-invasive functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess how ibuprofen (COX inhibitor) and pregabalin (VGCC α2δ subunit binder) affect human perispinal neurovascular responses (NVR). Experimental Aproach: Perispinal cervical and lumbar NVRs elicited by painless electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve were recorded using a non-invasive fNIRS technique before and 60 minutes after oral administration of a single clinical dose of 10mg∙kg-1 IBU (n=38) or 75 mg PGL (n=32) in healthy volunteers. Key Results: IBU reduced the NVR amplitude by 17% (Lumbar) and 34% (Cervical), rise time by 20% (Lumbar) and 25% (Cervical), and duration by 12% (Lumbar) and 20% (Cervical). PGL reduces the amplitude of perispinal NVR by 35% (Lumbar) and 70% (Cervical) and its duration by 20% (Lumbar) and 30% (Cervical). Conclusion and Implications: These results demonstrate the differential pharmacological intensity effect of clinical dose of IBU or PGL across cervical and lumbar spinal cord levels, but also contribution of the neuronal excitability, mediated by Ca++ channels, and prostaglandins in the perispinal NVR. Furthermore, they underscore the potential of the fNIRS for monitoring the pharmacological effects of IBU and PGL on the human spinal cord.

A document by Andrew Hantel. Click on the document to view its contents.

We deal with a PDE problem with a polynomial Robin boundary condition. We prove the existence and unicity of solution of the problem and we propose an iterative method allowing the construction of the solution. The proposed method is a generalization of a result recently proved by Benameur and Elhechmi [3].

Kinetic theory frameworks are widely used for modeling stochastic interacting systems, where the evolution primarily depends on binary interactions. Recently, in this framework an external action has been introduced. In this paper, we introduce nonconservative kinetic equations where a particular shape external force field acts on the overall system. Then, this framework is used in an ecological context for modeling the evolution of a system composed of two species interacting with a prey--predator mechanism. The linear stability analysis concerned with the coexistence equilibrium point is provided, and a case where a Hopf bifurcations occurs is discussed. Finally, some relevant scenarios are numerically simulated.

Reduced-representation sequencing methods, such as Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), use restriction enzymes to achieve a cost-effective approach for generating genome-wide SNP data. However, a major limitation of these methods is their inability to directly assay specific loci of interest unless located near restriction sites. Here, we present ampliRAD, a novel method combining targeted (i.e., amplicon) and reduced-representation sequencing. AmpliRAD uses an initial multiplex PCR step to amplify target loci and append restriction enzyme recognition sites onto them. The PCR product is then combined with genomic DNA and used as input for a traditional RAD library preparation protocol, enabling the incorporation of virtually any target loci into a standard RAD dataset. We also introduce updates to an existing RAD protocol, including enzymatic shearing, that enhance its accessibility and efficiency. To demonstrate ampliRAD’s utility, we investigate genetic associations with adult migration timing in Dean River Chinook salmon, revealing a clear link between the GREB1L locus and migration timing that extends previous findings from southern populations to this northern river. AmpliRAD provides a powerful new tool for genomic analyses, offering the combined benefits of both reduced representation and targeted sequencing approaches.

The diatom genus Microcostatus, initially distinguished from Navicula sensu lato based on Navicula krasskei Hustedt, currently comprises 27 established species worldwide. However, the phylogenetic position of this genus continues to be undetermined. Our study utilized light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, along with SSU rDNA and rbcL gene sequencing, to describe two novel species. M. hainanensis L.Y. Tan, Y.H. Gao & C.P. Chen was collected from a Haina sand beach. M. witkowskii H.N. Lin, Y.H. Gao & C.P. Chen was obtained from a Fujian esturine mangrove. Both are small (valve length 2 - 13 μm) with rounded ends and a slightly curved filiform raphe. Additionally, both species possess two axial depressions on both sides of the raphe sternum. Striae that form macroareolae are externally occluded by perforated hymenes. Striae exhibit a distinct radial pattern but are absent at the center of the valve in M. hainanensis, whereas they are nearly parallel and continuous with microcostae in M. witkowskii. Furthermore, microcostae are scarcely discernible and a conopeum is absent in M. hainanensis, whereas microcostae and unperforated conopeum are obviously present in M. witkowskii. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have indicated that these two species are members of the Sellaphoraceae family, rather than the Naviculaceae family. On the other hand, the paired, lateral plastids in M. hainanensis and M. witkowskii differ from the single H-shaped plastid found in the Sellaphoraceae, suggesting a more extensive phylogenetic relationship.

Background: Health inequality and inequity persist as pressing global challenges, disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries. These disparities are driven by complex and interrelated factors, including historical injustices, socioeconomic deprivation, political marginalization, and systemic failures in global health governance. Objectives: This article seeks to critically examine the multifactorial causes of global health inequality and inequity, assess their wide-ranging consequences on population health, and propose ethically grounded strategies for promoting equity and justice within global healthcare systems. Methods: A rapid review approach was employed to examine global health inequality and inequity. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Rabbit using key terms such as “global health inequality,” “health equity in global health policy,” and “healthcare disparities across countries.” Literature was selected based on its relevance to structural determinants and systemic patterns of health disparities across varying income levels of countries. The analysis identified recurring themes related to the drivers of inequity and potential pathways toward more just healthcare systems while acknowledging limitations inherent in rapid review methodologies, including possible language and selection biases. Results: The findings highlight that structural determinants such as poverty, educational and gender disparities, environmental degradation, conflict, and unequal allocation of health resources serve as primary contributors to global health inequities. These factors result in disproportionate disease burdens, limited access to essential services, and heightened mortality rates in disadvantaged populations. Conclusion: Addressing global health inequity demands a transformative, ethically grounded framework that emphasizes justice, solidarity, and equity. Key actions include redistributive policy reforms, strengthened health systems in resource-limited settings, and the decolonization of global health governance. These measures are fundamental to realizing the right to health and achieving meaningful global health justice.

α-Allenols have become common advanced synthon for the synthesis of various of structures and frequent motif in natural products and pharmaceuticals. The special reactivity could occurs due to the synergistic effect of the allene and hydroxyl functional groups. Thus, many remarkable and elegant protocols have been explored through two-electron transfer ionic pathway for the construction of α-allenols. Recently, the rapidly growth of radical chemistry provided a alternative strategy to achieve α-allenols via single electron transfer with mild conditions, high-efficiency, excellent selective control. In this perspective, we will summarize the most important contributions for the construction of α-allenols via radical intermediates by categorizing them into different types of substrates. Additionally, the mechanistic studies and synthetic challenges will also be highlighted.

Advancing environmental DNA (eDNA) beyond conventional species detection applications to support wildlife and fisheries management has garnered great interest. The management of spawning Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) could especially benefit from highly scalable eDNA tools for estimating local salmon abundance due to their extensive freshwater habitat distributions. Past studies have shown great promise for using salmonid eDNA to estimate abundance or biomass, though this predictive ability has rarely been evaluated beyond individual systems. We evaluated the potential for broadscale applicability of eDNA to estimate salmonid spawner abundance across a suite of disparate stream and river systems representing a range of different environmental conditions. We collected eDNA, spawner counts, and environmental variables at 39 salmon spawning grounds and/or migratory routes that encompassed a variety of freshwater habitats. We demonstrate that eDNA concentrations, when corrected for discharge, can be used to predict live salmon abundance across streams, whereas dead salmon were not well predicted. We also show that in the absence of equipment-intensive discharge measurements, point measurements of flow velocity and channel width may be used as a sufficient discharge proxy. Furthermore, discharge-corrected salmonid eDNA concentrations were not significantly influenced by water temperature or turbidity, but were positively related to bacterial eDNA concentrations. Collectively, these findings support the use of eDNA as a versatile tool for enumerating salmonids across systems and for integration of eDNA into salmonid monitoring programs. This work more broadly represents an important advancement of eDNA for applications beyond species detection and towards estimating abundance across lotic systems.

This systematic review characterizes adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with cadonilimab (AK104), a bispecific immune checkpoint inhibitor, to inform clinical safety protocols. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, and Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP Network), identifying 16 case studies involving 22 patients (11 male, 11 female; age range: 34–81 years). Geriatric patients (≥60 years) accounted for 68.2% (15/22) of ADR cases, with 36.4% (8/22) receiving concomitant pharmacotherapies. ADR onset exhibited temporal heterogeneity, ranging from 1 day to 9 months post-administration, with 72.7% (16/22) occurring within the first 90 days. Symptomatic intervention and therapy discontinuation resulted in clinical resolution in 90.9% (20/22) of cases, while longitudinal outcomes remained undocumented for 22.7% (5/22). Organ-specific toxicity profiles revealed predominant involvement of the integumentary (36.4%, 8/22), cardiovascular (31.8%, 7/22), and endocrine systems (18.2%, 4/22), consistent with immune-related adverse event patterns. These findings underscore the necessity for protocolized surveillance of cutaneous, hemodynamic, and metabolic parameters during early-phase treatment cycles (≤90 days post-initiation). This evidence base supports risk-benefit reassessment for next-generation immunotherapeutics and informs precision monitoring strategies to optimize therapeutic indices in oncologic applications.

Compound eyes of Drosophila are widely used to get exciting insights into genetics, developmental biology, cell biology, disease biology, gene regulation, etc. Various parameters like eye size, pigmentation loss, disorientation/fusion/disruption of ommatidial arrays, and formation of necrotic patches are used to assess the status of eye development and degeneration. Here we developed an optimized optical alignment (LARIS) for high-contrast imaging of the Drosophila eye under stereomicroscope. This technique would also be useful for high-contrast eye imaging of other insects.

A document by Maher Asaad Baker. Click on the document to view its contents.

A prolonged period of TEC data was observed at 5 IGS stations, alongside recent IRI models (2016 and 2020) analyzed from 2010 to 2020, encompassing the entire Solar Cycle 24. The data were processed using well-established statistical techniques during various periods of solar activity, including diurnal and seasonal variations. The IRI models exhibited similar variations, as indicated by a high correlation coefficient (> 0.92), except at LCK, where the correlation coefficient ranged from approximately 0.31 to 0.42 for IRI 2020. A significant correlation was found between space weather activity parameters (Solar Flux F10.7 and Sunspot Numbers) and TEC variations, indicating a strong association (ranging from 0.83 to 0.99) and a moderate association (≈ 0.6 for LCK) with solar activity. A moderate correlation (≈ -0.5 and 0.55) between observed TEC and geomagnetic activity parameters (Dst and ∑Kp indices) was identified, with a negative correlation found for the Dst index. In some cases, lower correlations (≈ 0.3) were observed with geomagnetic activity. Neural Network Entropy (NNetE) was calculated to assess the chaotic behavior of the TEC data, revealing that equinox data is more chaotic than data from other seasons. The observed TEC results were compared with the predicted TEC from the ANNs and IRI models using the root mean square deviation (RMSD) model, which indicated low values (≈ 0.08 to 2) and showed that the variations of IRI models and predicted TEC by ANNs closely resemble the observed TEC with over and underestimations at all stations except at LCK.

This paper applies a discrete adjoint gradient computation method to a multi-class traffic flow model on road networks, where vehicle classes are characterized by their speed functions. The resulting hyperbolic system of conservation laws is discretized using a Godunov-type finite volume scheme based on demand and supply functions, which extends to coupling conditions at junctions and boundary conditions. The optimization of the different travel metrics is accomplished through the definition of a minimization problem using the adjoint gradient method. Numerical simulations are also presented to illustrate the efficiency of the method on a test network.

Regional odontodysplasia (ROD), a rare developmental odontogenic defect severely compromising oral health and quality of life, was investigated through integrated microstructural, compositional, and biomechanical analyses of two exfoliated primary teeth (mandibular lateral incisor and maxillary molar) compared to caries-free controls. Clinical examinations revealed yellowish discoloration, surface roughness, and advanced root resorption, while radiographs demonstrated hypocalcified enamel, enlarged pulp chambers, and delayed permanent successor development. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) demonstrated marked enamel thinning (ROD: 0.11-0.65 mm vs. control: 1.00-2.70 mm) and reduced mineral density in both enamel (ROD: 1.40±0.17 g/cm 3 vs. control: 1.65±0.08 g/cm 3, P＜0.05) and dentin (ROD: 0.82±0.03 g/cm 3 vs. control: 0.92±0.02 g/cm 3, P＜0.05). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed compromised hydroxyapatite crystallinity in ROD enamel (ROD: 71.4% vs. control: 84.5%), with lattice expansion along the a-axis (ROD: 9.42 Å vs. control 9.35 Å). Ultrastructural defects were evident via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing hypomineralized enamel prisms with irregular cross-banding and disorganized dentin collagen matrices with aberrant calcospherite fusion. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) quantification revealed significant elemental deviations: Ca/P ratio reduction (ROD: 1.770±0.200 vs. control: 1.900±0.100, P＜0.05) and Mg/Ca ratio elevation (ROD: 0.013±0.009 vs. control: 0.007±0.004, P＜0.05). Nanoindentation evidenced severe biomechanical compromise, with ROD enamel hardness and elastic modulus reduced to 0.093-1.30 GPa and 2.90-47.97 GPa, respectively, versus 4.96-7.09 GPa and 89.9-115.6 GPa in controls. These multiscale alterations highlight the critical need for early interventions targeting structural reinforcement and permanent dentition monitoring to mitigate ROD-associated complications.

Several plant species adapted to low-phosphorus (P) conditions develop cluster roots, specialized structures that release organic acids and acid phosphatases (APases) to increase inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability. White lupin ( Lupinus albus L.) is used as a model for studying cluster root function. Using a positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS), we previously observed spot-like carbon (C) secretion patterns in the cluster roots of white lupin, amounts of which differed widely among spots, suggesting variation in secretion activity among cluster roots. Here, we combined PETIS with RNA-Seq to investigate transcriptomic differences between cluster roots with varying secretion activities. We identified 564 genes positively correlated and 135 genes negatively correlated with secretion levels. Among the positively correlated genes, we found three aluminum-activated malate transporter genes and two multi-drug and toxic compound extrusion genes, likely involved respectively in malate and citrate secretion. Two APase genes encoding putative secreted enzymes were also upregulated. All Pi transporter genes except PHO1;6H were stably expressed, whereas PHO1;6H was significantly upregulated in high-C-secreting roots. We also identified seven transcription factors potentially involved in organic acid transporter and APase gene expression. Our findings provide key candidates for genes involved in Pi mobilization, offering insights into plant adaptation to P deficiency. (200/200 words)