Heliyon

This study investigated how different forms of task influence the oral performance of Chinese second-language learners and native speakers. By analyzing data from 40 Chinese second-language learners and 40 native speakers through picture description tasks, formal and informal questions, and questions with different emotions (happy and unhappy), it was found that different task characteristics significantly affected language performance. Short picture tasks led to higher communication efficiency and noun rates but more errors, while long story tasks showed higher verb rates, function word rates, etc. Formal questions had more characters and nouns but lower communication efficiency compared to informal ones. Also, happy emotion questions resulted in fewer characters, sentences, and errors than unhappy emotion questions. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of task-based language performance in Chinese as a second language and offer practical implications for teaching, textbook compilation, and student evaluation.

Background: Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive malignant skin tumor, and metastasis represents the primary cause of patient mortality. Bisphenol S (BPS) has an unclear influence on melanoma metastasis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Potential BPS targets were predicted using the SEA, SwissTargetPrediction, and SuperPred databases. Based on TCGA-SKCM transcriptomic data, differential expression analysis was performed, and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct a gene co-expression network. Candidate genes were obtained by integrating BPS-related targets, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), module genes, and univariate Cox regression genes, followed by Gene Ontology (GO)/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO)-Cox regression was applied to screen core prognostic genes and construct a risk prediction model. Further analyses included network construction, molecular docking, and 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Results: Integration of BPS-related targets, DEGs, WGCNA module genes, and Cox regression results yielded 13 candidate genes enriched in kinase activity regulation and melanoma-related pathways. LASSO-Cox regression ultimately identified three core prognostic genes--ABCB1, PIM2, and TSHR--all significantly upregulated in metastatic tissues, with area under the curve (AUC) values of approximately 0.7. High-expression patients exhibited significantly better overall survival than low-expression patients (P < 0.05). A nomogram incorporating the three genes and clinical parameters demonstrated good calibration performance. Within the ceRNA network, MALAT1 and hsa-miR-155-5p were identified as key regulatory molecules, and 37 potential transcription factors were predicted, including CEBPA, JUN, and STAT3. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of BPS toward ABCB1 , PIM2, and TSHR, and MD simulations confirmed the structural stability of all three complexes. Conclusion: ABCB1, PIM2, and TSHR are the core target genes through which BPS influences melanoma metastasis via multidrug resistance, kinase signaling, and receptor-mediated signal transduction. The prognostic model based on these three genes demonstrates good clinical applicability, and the ceRNA and transcription factor regulatory networks provide a systematic molecular basis for understanding the association between BPS exposure and melanoma metastasis.

Cooling the skin may increase its tolerance to mechanical loading and decrease the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Yet, the mechanisms of action (e.g. cooling-modulation of cytotoxic, post-occlusive hyperaemia), and their individual variability, remain unclear. We investigated the effects of different cooling levels (24{degrees}C and 16{degrees}C) on microvascular, inflammatory and perceptual responses to mechanical loading of the sacrum in healthy young (N=23) and older adults (N=19), and in spinal cord injury patients (SCI; N=10). Healthy participants underwent 45-min loading (~60 mmHg) and 20-min unloading of the sacrum, using an instrumented indenter probe set at either 38{degrees}C (control condition), 24{degrees}C or 16{degrees}C. SCI participants completed a more conservative protocol (i.e. 25min, ~45mmHg loading, 38{degrees}C and 16{degrees}C conditions). Pre-insult skin structure was characterised with optical coherence tomography; skin blood flow (SkBF) at the loading site was continuously measured, alongside thermal acceptability; and post-insult inflammatory responses were determined via skin-sebum cytokines analyses. Compared to control, 24{degrees}C- and 16{degrees}C-cooling induced a similar ~8-fold decrease in peak post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia in healthy participants, with similar temperature-related differences observed in SCI. Pro-inflammatory cytokines decreased post-insult; yet this occurred similarly across all temperatures and groups. The majority of participants ([&ge;]70%) rated both 24{degrees}C- and 16{degrees}C-cooling as thermally acceptable. We conclude that cooling is a potent modulator of the skin microvascular response to mechanical loading in younger, older, and vulnerable skin (SCI). These findings can inform design parameters for thermal technology aimed at preventing the loss of skin integrity (e.g. integrating 24{degrees}C-cooling in support surfaces and skin wearables).

Objective: The APOE {varepsilon}4 genotype is the known most significant risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the association between the blood levels of its encoded apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) and AD is poorly understood. Methods: We developed a chemiluminescent quantitative assay and a colloidal gold lateral chromatography qualitative assay to detect ApoE4 protein in plasma samples and compared the results with conventional genotyping. Results: In 185 samples, the plasma ApoE4 protein levels in non-{varepsilon}4 carriers ({varepsilon}2/{varepsilon}3 and {varepsilon}3/{varepsilon}3) were 0.07 +/- 0.23 and 0.05 +/- 0.17 g /mL, respectively; while the levels in {varepsilon}4 carriers ({varepsilon}2/{varepsilon}4, {varepsilon}3/{varepsilon}4, and {varepsilon}4/{varepsilon}4) were 4.58 +/- 1.96, 4.28 +/- 3.49 and 8.27 +/- 9.04 g/mL, respectively. Using a threshold of 1.1 g /mL, the quantitative method achieved a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.2%, while the qualitative method showed a concordance rate of 96.2% with genotyping. We also observed that among 133 non-{varepsilon}4 carriers, one had plasma ApoE4 protein levels higher than the threshold, which would require further investigation. Conclusion: Quantitative and qualitative detection of ApoE4 protein provides as rapid and accurate method for identifying APOE {varepsilon}4 genotype carriers, offering valuable insights for Alzheimer's disease risk assessment and early intervention.

Background: Academic achievement is crucial for university students, but various factors affect their performance. This study explores the impact of anxiety, sleep quality, social media use, and socioeconomic status on academic performance (CGPA) among public university students in Bangladesh. Data and Methods: Data were collected from 225 students using a structured questionnaire that assessed anxiety (GAD-7), sleep quality (PSQI), social media use (SMUQ), and socioeconomic status (income, parental education). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between these variables. Outcomes: The results showed that socioeconomic status had a strong positive effect on academic performance ({beta} = 0.745, p < 0.001), while anxiety negatively impacted academic outcomes ({beta} = -0.675, p < 0.001). Sleep quality was positively related to academic performance ({beta} = 0.113, p < 0.05), but with a weaker effect. Social media usage is found to have a negative significant effect on academic performance ({beta} = -0.137, p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of controlling social media usage and anxiety to enhance academic performance among adult students. Sleep quality and socioeconomic background of the students are also found to be meaningfully associated with their educational progress.

The most prevalent RNA alteration in the mammalian genome is N-6-methylenediosine (m6A). There is mounting evidence linking dysregulation of m6A regulatory factors and alterations in m6A levels to the development, course, or prognosis of ovarian cancer. Genes having prognostic value were screened using the univariate, multifactorial, and Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses. Important genes' m6A expression in clinical material was verified by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In present study, all 23 regulators were significantly differentially expressed in ovarian cancer tissues. LASSO regression analysis screened for 10 key genes associ-ated with both autophagy and m6A. A risk score was constructed and nomogram was developed to forecast the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Additionally, individuals with ovarian cancer were classified as high-risk or low-risk; and the low-risk group might be more likely to benefit from im-munotherapy. RT-qPCR was used for the bioinformatics study of human ovarian cancer and normal tissues. Lastly, PLK2 and LEPR were confirmed to be associated with tumorigenesis in scRNA-seq. The risk score established by m6A and autophagy can be used to predict prognosis and susceptibility to anticancer drugs in patients with ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Background: Road traffic injuries (RTI) related trauma is associated with heavy psychosocial burdens for family members involved as informal caregivers after the event. Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) experience of family members of RTI survivors in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the QoL outcomes of family members after the administration of the Friendship Bench psychosocial intervention among RTI survivors in Cameroon. Methods: A pre post study design was utilized in two trauma centers in Cameroon. The relatives underwent assessment both at baseline (Session 1) and follow up sessions (Session 6) using the WHOQOL BREF tool, without being exposed to any intervention. The domain scores were scaled from 0 to 100. Statistical analysis consisted in paired t-tests/Wilcoxon signed-rank tests along with effect sizes using Cohen s d. Results: The study involved twenty nine participants. Baseline assessment revealed overall poor quality of life across all domains, with scores in the poor range (Social = 33.33 [IQR: 25.00 47.92]; Environmental = 34.38 [IQR: 25.78 45.31]; Psychological = 45.83 [IQR: 34.38 50.00]; Physical = 46.43 [IQR: 39.29 56.25]). These scores had a statistically significant increases across all domains after the intervention (p < 0.001), accompanied by medium to large effect sizes (Cohen s d:Social = 1.35; Environmental = 1.57; Psychological = 1.46; Physical = 0.73). The relationship type was found to predict social QoL (F(6,22) = 4.57, p = 0.004), with children of patients demonstrating the greatest gains. Conclusion: Family members of RTI survivors showed a significant improvement in QoL during the Friendship Bench intervention. These results highlight the importance of evaluating family member outcomes in task shifted psychosocial programs in LMICs. Keywords: Quality of life, WHOQOL BREF, road traffic injuries, family caregivers, Friendship Bench, Cameroon, spillover effects

Background A persistent gap between motivation and action threatens voluntary blood supply. This study examined the publics knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding blood donation, with a particular focus on identifying the different determinants of past blood donation behavior and future willingness to donate. Methods Convenience sampling was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey among 1,058 eligible people in Qingdao, China, between July and November 2025. Data were collected via a self-designed KAP questionnaire. To find independent characteristics linked to previous behavior and future intention, respectively, multivariable binary logistic regression was used. Results Overall, 37.0% of participants (n=391) had a lifetime donation history, while 39.2% (n=415) intended to donate in the next 12 months. Past behavior was positively associated with older age (36-45 years: OR=6.84; 95% CI: 3.21-14.58), higher education (OR=2.06; 95% CI: 1.33-3.17), and interpersonal interaction channels (OR=1.45; 95% CI: 1.01-2.09) but hindered by safety concerns (OR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.16-0.34). Conversely, future intention was positively correlated with male sex (OR=1.69; 95% CI: 1.24-2.29), prior donation history (OR=2.69; 95% CI: 1.87-3.86), having family members or friends in need of blood (OR=2.75; 95% CI: 1.96-3.85), and traditional media exposure (OR=3.33; 95% CI: 2.18-5.10). Higher education was adversely correlated with future intention (OR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.38-0.79). Conclusion There is a substantial disparity between donation motivation and action. The determinants of past behavior and future intention are asymmetric, suggesting that stage-specific interventions are required, using social mobilization for initiating first-time donations, while employing family reciprocity and authoritative communication to sustain long-term engagement.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as the predominant subtype of lung cancer, presents a considerable clinical challenge due to its high rates of recurrence and the significant adverse effects associated with conventional therapeutic modalities. In response to these challenges, this study explored the new combined anticancer effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) together with thermal cycling-stimulation (TCS). The findings demonstrated that the combination of EGCG and TCS synergistically decreased the viability of A549 and NCI-H460 NSCLC cells, while exhibiting minimal cytotoxic effects on IMR-90 normal lung fibroblasts. Further investigation revealed that EGCG mitigated the TCS-induced upregulation of heat shock proteins HSP70 and HSP105 and concurrently diminished the expression levels of proteasome subunits. This combined effect disrupted proteostasis, resulting in pronounced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Subsequently, a positive feedback mechanism was established between inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-mediated ER Ca2+ release and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ultimately leading the cells to undergo mitochondrial apoptosis. This combined treatment reduces the necessary dosage of EGCG, thereby overcoming limitations related to its poor bioavailability and systemic toxicity, while also preventing the development of thermotolerance induced by TCS. Consequently, this method offers a new and potentially practical therapeutic strategy for treating NSCLC.

The aim of this study was to explore the scalp bacterial flora structure and functional characteristics in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients, analyze its association with disease phenotypes and unhealthy lifestyles, and provide a basis for clarifying AGAs microecological pathogenic mechanism and targeted interventions. A total of 7 AGA patients and 6 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled, with scalp microbial samples collected. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region was used to analyze flora alpha/beta diversity, species composition and differential species. LEfSe and KEGG functional prediction screened marker bacteria and differential pathways, and clinical/lifestyle data were collected for inter-group comparisons. No significant difference in Chao index was observed between groups (P>0.05), but Shannon/Simpson indices/Pielou evenness (P<0.01) and intra-group Bray-Curtis distance (P<0.001) were significantly higher in the AGA group, indicating reduced community stability. Staphylococcus dominated healthy scalps; the AGA group had fewer symbiotic bacteria but enriched Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, andCutibacterium. LEfSe identified Firmicutes/Staphylococcus as HC markers and Proteobacteria/Gammaproteobacteria/Acinetobacter/Pseudomonas as AGA dysbiotic flora. KEGG showed upregulated metabolic, immune and cell motility pathways in AGA (P<0.05), with only infectious diseases pathway enriched in HC. AGA patients had more frequent hair washing and higher rates of staying up late, high-fat diet and insufficient fruits/vegetables (all P<0.05). In conclusion, AGA patients have typical scalp microecological dysbiosis closely related to unhealthy lifestyles, which may accelerate alopecia by inducing follicular inflammation. Scalp flora can be potential biomarkers and targets for AGA assessment and intervention.

Abstract The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in all countries, and diabetic foot is a complication with serious functional consequences. Due to its prevalence and the morbidity it causes, diabetic foot has become a public health problem. Our retrospective cross-sectional study is primarily descriptive. Its aim is to determine the frequency of diabetic foot in the surgical department of the Panzi General Referral Hospital during the period from January 2017 to December 2021. During these five years, the hospital recorded 745 hospitalized patients, of whom 25 were included in this study. The frequency was 3.4%, the mean age was 46.84 +/- 22.4 years (range 3 to 80 years), and patients aged 41 to 60 years were the most affected, representing 44% of our series. There was a female predominance, with 68% of the cases studied, and a sex ratio of 0.47. The majority of patients came from urban areas (64% of cases). Arteriopathy was the most frequent type of diabetic foot (48%), with gangrenous lesions accounting for another 48%, and type 2 diabetes being the most prevalent (68%). Conversely, 94% of patients admitted to the surgical department of the Panzi General Referral Hospital were discharged with their lesions stabilized. Diabetic foot is common among diabetic patients in South Kivu. Combating this scurge requires patient and healthcare staff education, as well as multidisciplinary and coordinated care. Our study and literature review highlighted the epidemiology of diabetic foot in order to determine its prevalence in South Kivu. Keywords: Epidemiology, diabetes and diabetic foot.

Purpose To determine the frequency of echocardiographic abnormalities in women with preeclampsia with severe features. To describe the spectrum and types of echocardiographic abnormalities associated with preeclampsia with severe features. Method This is a Prospective observational study conducted in Vani Vilas hospital attached to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore from January 2023 to December 2025. 560 pregnant women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia(SPE) were included in the study. Chronic hypertension without superimposed preeclampsia, underlying cardiac diseases and previous history of peripartum cardiomyopathy were excluded from the study. Transthoracic echocardiography-TTE (2D ECHO) was done to evaluate cardiac structure and function. Echocardiographic abnormalities identified during the study were documented and analysed using descriptive statistical methods. Results Abnormalities in ECHO was noted in 23.03%. A unique finding was the documentation of elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASP) suggestive of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) (PASP >35 mm HG) among 20.25% of the participants. It was also the commonest abnormality on ECHO. Mild PH was the commonest (15.71%), moderate PH was seen in 3.92% and severe PH in 0.71% of cases. Next most frequent abnormality was moderate to severe valvular regurgitation (10%), followed by left ventricular hypertrophy (5.53%). Diastolic dysfunction (DD) was seen in 3.92%, systolic dysfunction(SD) in 3.57%, chamber dilatation in 3.57% and LV global hypokinesia in 3.03% cases of SPE Conclusion Preeclampsia with severe features (SPE) is associated with 23.03% abnormalities on echocardiography. SPE is associated with systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, chamber dilatation, valvular regurgitation, left ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients who underwent surgical treatment for hepatic hydatid cyst (HCC) disease and, in particular, to investigate the effect of scolicidal agent (SA) application method and the presence of cystobiliary fistula (CBF) on the development of recurrence. Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 197 patients who underwent surgical treatment for HCC disease. Hypertonic saline was used as SA in all patients and was classified as intracystic or pericystic application according to the application method. The presence of CBF was evaluated according to intraoperative and postoperative findings. Patients were followed for 86 months, and the development of recurrence was identified by radiological methods. Comparisons were made between the groups with and without recurrence in terms of SA application method and the presence of CBF. Results: The median age of the patients was 38 years, and the median follow-up period was 86 months. SA application was performed into the cyst in 51.3% of the patients and around the cyst in 48.7%. The presence of CBF was detected in 49.7% of the patients. No statistically significant difference was found between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups in terms of SA application method (p = 0.344). Similarly, no significant relationship was found between the presence of CBF and the development of recurrence (p = 0.721). Conclusion: This study showed that the SA application method and the presence of CBF are not determinants of recurrence in HCC disease. It is thought that recurrence rates can be kept low with appropriate surgical technique and effective biliary tract management.

Abstract Background: Stroke is a neurological disorder which is defined as the sudden onset of focused or global disruptions in functions of brain caused due to vascular issue which lasts more than 24 hours or sometimes leading to death. Objective: To determine the effects of multimodal balance training with and without auditory cues on balance, gait mobility, risk of fall and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial, conducted at Islam Teaching Hospital and Idrees Hospital Cant. Sialkot, Pakistan, included 21 stroke survivors per group, 42 in total, (aged 45-70, 1-year post-stroke) using non-probability convenient sampling. Group A received multimodal balance training with auditory cues, while Group B received the same training without cues for 12 weeks. Exclusion criteria included respiratory or orthopedic conditions, cognitive disorders (MMSE < 24), aphasia, non-healing ulcers, or osteoporosis. Outcomes (Berg Balance Scale, Time Up and Go Test, Fall Efficacy Scale-International, Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale) were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results: Group A (with auditory cues) showed statistically significant improvements in balance (Berg Balance Scale: median 21 to 47.5, p < .001), gait mobility (Time Up and Go Test: median 26 to 11 seconds, p < .001), fall risk (Fall Efficacy Scale-International: median 61 to 17, p < .001), and quality of life (Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale: median 91 to 176.5, p < .001) over 12 weeks, outperforming Group B (without auditory cues) in all measures (p < .001 for balance, gait, and fall risk; p = 0.001 and p < .001 for quality of life at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively). Conclusion: Chronic stroke treatments including multimodal balance training with auditory cues have demonstrated significant advantages over a 12-week therapy session. The results demonstrate significant improvements in balance, gait mobility, risk of fall, and quality of life in chronic stroke survivors. Abbreviations: MMBT (Multimodal Balance Training), MMBTwAC (Multimodal Balance Training with Auditory Cues, referring to Group A), RAS (Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation), RCT (Randomized Controlled Trial), MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination), BBS (Berg Balance Scale), TUG (Time Up and Go Test), FES-I (Fall Efficacy Scale-International), SSQOL (Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale), SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), SD (Standard Deviation), and MAS (Modified Ashworth Scale). Key words: Multimodal, Balance, Stroke, Gait, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Auditory cues.

Background: Detecting higher order relationships in datasets of complex traits, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), has been challenging. Conventional statistics largely rely on comparing averages across groups and thereby discard important information on the underlying distribution of datapoints. The Genomic Information Field Theory (GIFT) overcomes this limitation by ranking individuals based on linear measures, for example immunoglobulin titres. The exact role of humoral immune responses against several human herpes viruses in a sex-dependent manner in MS is currently unknown. Materials and methods: We compared the performance of GIFT with conventional statistical frameworks to detect differences in the humoral immune response against 4 highly prevalent herpes viruses linked to an individuals susceptibility to develop MS in 200 MS patients and 137 healthy controls. Results: GIFT validated the well-known association that the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) protein EBNA1 is strongly linked to MS susceptibility in both sexes. In contrast to conventional statistics, GIFT also identified association between herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus and the EBV VCA protein and female susceptibility to develop MS, whereas male MS susceptibility was only linked to CMV immunoglobulin levels. None of these associations was observed using conventional statistical tools. Conclusion and discussion: We here show for the first time that GIFT is able to detect novel associations in human immunoglobulin data linked to MS susceptibility, which remained undetected by conventional statistical frameworks. This shows the power of GIFT to detect complex phenotype-trait associations and underlying subgroups within populations.

The increasing deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) assistive systems across healthcare, education, and organisational domains necessitates a deeper understanding of dispositional factors shaping trust and acceptance. This study investigated the Big Five personality traits as predictors of trust in and acceptance of AI assistive systems among a large adult sample (N = 380) in Makurdi Benue State. Anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed by Davis (1989), the study examined both direct and indirect pathways linking personality traits to AI acceptance through trust. Participants completed standardised measures of the Big Five Inventory, Trust in AI Scale, and AI Acceptance Scale. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with maximum likelihood estimation. The hypothesised model demonstrated good fit indices (CFI = .84, TLI = .82, RMSEA = .05). Openness to experience ({beta} = .34, p < .001) and agreeableness ({beta} = .27, p < .01) significantly predicted trust in AI systems, which in turn strongly predicted AI acceptance ({beta} = .62, p < .001). Neuroticism negatively predicted trust ({beta} = -.29, p < .001), while conscientiousness showed a modest positive direct effect on acceptance ({beta} = .18, p < .05). Extraversion was not a significant direct predictor but exerted an indirect effect through trust. Mediation analysis confirmed that trust significantly mediated the relationship between personality traits and AI acceptance. The findings underscore the centrality of dispositional traits in shaping technological trust formation and highlight the psychological architecture underlying human AI interaction. These results contribute to social psychological theory and provide empirical guidance for designing personality sensitive AI systems to enhance user adoption and sustained engagement.

Objectives: Research on mental health in agriculture has increased in recent years; however, it remains largely focused on farmers themselves and is predominantly male-oriented. The mental health of farm wives and partners, many of whom play integral roles in farm operations, business management, and family life, remains difficult to characterise. This study therefore aims to explore the prevalence and causes of mental health challenges among farm wives and partners, and to investigate their use of, and barriers to, mental health support services. Methods: Quantitative data was collected using over 450 structured questionnaire responses that assessed mental health prevalence, contributing stressors and support service utilisation. Results: Findings indicate that there is a high prevalence of mental ill health amongst farm wives, seemingly due to industry stressors and support role overwhelm. Interpersonal relationships played a significant role in the types of mental distress experienced and highlighted the toll that farm life can take on farm wives' social and emotional connections. Despite a range of formal and informal support services being available, and effective when used, significant barriers to accessing these services were identified, including both practical difficulties and self-stigmatisation due to cultural beliefs. Conclusions: Farm wives and partners experience substantial mental health burdens linked to their diverse and often underrecognized roles within agricultural systems. In future, targeted interventions are needed to reduce stigma, improve service accessibility, and recognize women's contributions within farm enterprises. Further research and dedicated investment are also essential to better understand and help improve the mental health of this overlooked population within agricultural industries.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is one of the most common and widely used laboratory diagnostic parameters in connection with inflammatory reactions and it is probable that every reader has already experienced a determination of their ESR. A rapid ESR is a non-specific parameter that provides information about the inflammatory process. Although the origins of this methodology date back to antiquity, the description of the process as the collapse of a percolating gel formed from erythrocytes has only recently been achieved. It was not yet known whether slow ESR has any medically relevant significance. Here we show a variety of clinical pictures that exhibit a systematically slow ESR (e.g., sickle cell disease, neuroacanthocytosis syndromes, chronic mountain sickness). Using a combination of measured data and physical modelling, we show how the accuracy and significance of ESR data can be increased. With this improved ESR (supraESR), we introduce a completely new, cost-effective diagnostic parameter, based on an established and easily automated measurement method, that enables low-cost screening for neuroacanthocytosis syndrome, a group of rare neurodegenerative diseases previously detectable only through complex diagnostic tests.

BackgroundReactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are the small, unstable and highly reactive species, having DNA oxidizing ability. Oxidation of the DNAs purine and pyrimidine bases can lead to single or double strands in this macromolecule. In this situation, the ATM molecule, a serine-threonine kinase, targets several proteins for phosphorylation, which causes the cell cycle to stop and the DNA damage repair begins. It has previously been proven that natural polyphenols have the cancer inhibiting properties due to their high efficacy and low side effects. Silibinin is the main herbal and medical ingredient in Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a polyphenol flavonolignan, which has been widely considered as an antioxidant and anticancer agent. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the ATM gene expression and measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in SKBR3 cell line, treated with Silibinin. Materials and MethodsAt first, the SKBR3 cell line was cultured in RPMI1640 culture medium and MTT assay was carried out to evaluate the Silibinin cytotoxicity. Flow Cytometry was carried out for cell cycle analysis, apoptotic induction, and ROS detection. While, Real Time PCR was used to evaluate the ATM gene expression in the Silibinin-treated and un-treated SKBR3 cells. ResultsPresent results have shown that 150 {micro}M Silibinin had the most significant cytotoxicity and apoptotic induction influence after the treatment period of 48 h. Flow cytometry data have shown that Silibinin induced considerable amount of apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase and induced production of ROS. Real-time PCR results have revealed that Silibinin increased the ATM expression in SKBR3 cell line. ConclusionSilibinin causes increased ATM gene expression by inducing ROS production, which initiates cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction in SKBR3 cells line.

Background: Sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI) is commonly assessed using static laboratory values, although liver dysfunction during sepsis is dynamic.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 162 ICU patients with SALI. Early trajectories of alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and albumin during the first 7 days after ICU admission were identified using group-based multi-trajectory modeling. Landmark analysis and Cox regression were used to evaluate 60-day mortality.Results: Twenty-five patients died within 60 days. Four trajectory classes were identified. Between-class separation was driven mainly by alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin, whereas albumin showed limited short-term variation. After the landmark time point, Class 3 (HR, 4.374; 95% CI, 1.960-9.759; P <0 .001) and Class 4 (HR, 7.451; 95% CI, 3.649-15.212; P <0 .001) had higher mortality risk than Class 1.Conclusions: Early joint trajectories of liver-related laboratory biomarkers may identify clinically meaningful SALI subphenotypes and support risk stratification in critically ill patients.