Tag: nevin manimala

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 23;15(1):14045. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96223-z.

ABSTRACT

The learning and recognition of object features from unregulated input has been a longstanding challenge for artificial intelligence systems. Brains, on the other hand, are adept at learning stable sensory representations given noisy observations, a capacity mediated by a cascade of signal conditioning steps informed by domain knowledge. The olfactory system, in particular, solves a source separation and denoising problem compounded by concentration variability, environmental interference, and unpredictably correlated sensor affinities using a plastic network that requires statistically well-behaved input. We present a data-blind neuromorphic signal conditioning strategy, based on the biological system architecture, that normalizes and quantizes analog data into spike-phase representations, thereby transforming uncontrolled sensory input into a regular form with minimal information loss. Normalized input is delivered to a column of spiking principal neurons via heterogeneous synaptic weights; this gain diversification strategy regularizes neuronal utilization, yoking total activity to the network’s operating range and rendering internal representations robust to uncontrolled open-set stimulus variance. To dynamically optimize resource utilization while balancing activity regularization and resolution, we supplement this mechanism with a data-aware calibration strategy in which the range and density of the quantization weights adapt to accumulated input statistics.

PMID:40268966 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96223-z

Sci Data. 2025 Apr 23;12(1):680. doi: 10.1038/s41597-025-05010-y.

ABSTRACT

The utilization of datasets from beetle hindwings is prevalent in research of morphology and evolution of beetles, serving as a valuable tool for comprehending the evolutionary processes and functional adaptations under specific environmental conditions. However, the collection of hindwing images of beetles poses several challenges, including limited sample availability, complex sample preparation procedures, and restricted public accessibility. Recently, a machine learning technique called Stable Diffusion has been developed to statistically generate diverse images using a pretrained model with prompts. In this study, we introduce an approach utilizing Stable diffusion and ControlNet for the generation of beetle hindwing images, along with the corresponding results obtained from its application to a diverse set of 200 leaf beetle hindwings. To demonstrate the fidelity of the synthetic hindwing images, we conducted a comprarative analysis of three key metrics: Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), Inception Score (IS), and Fréchet Inception Distance (FID), which are crucial for evaluating image fidelity. The results demonstrated a strong alignment between the actual data and the synthetic images, confirming their high fidelity. This novel library of leaf beetle hindwings not only offers morphological image for utilization in machine learning, but also showcases the extensive applicability of the proposed methodology.

PMID:40268959 | DOI:10.1038/s41597-025-05010-y

Nat Commun. 2025 Apr 24;16(1):3841. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-59243-x.

ABSTRACT

Genetic risk prediction for non-European populations is hindered by limited Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) sample sizes and small tuning datasets. We propose JointPRS, a data-adaptive framework that leverages genetic correlations across multiple populations using GWAS summary statistics. It achieves accurate predictions without individual-level tuning data and remains effective in the presence of a small tuning set thanks to its data-adaptive approach. Through extensive simulations and real data applications to 22 quantitative and four binary traits in five continental populations evaluated using the UK Biobank (UKBB) and All of Us (AoU), JointPRS consistently outperforms six state-of-the-art methods across three data scenarios: no tuning data, same-cohort tuning and testing, and cross-cohort tuning and testing. Notably, in the Admixed American population, JointPRS improves lipid trait prediction in AoU by 6.46%-172.00% compared to the other existing methods.

PMID:40268942 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-59243-x

Nat Commun. 2025 Apr 23;16(1):3814. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58898-w.

ABSTRACT

Residual stress is an intrinsic property of semicrystalline plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene. However, there is no fundamental understanding of the role intrinsic residual stress plays in the generation of plastic pollutants that threaten the environment and human health. Here, we show that the processing-induced compressive residual stress typically found in polypropylene and polyethylene plastics forces internal nano and microscale segregation of low molecular weight (MW) amorphous polymer droplets onto the plastic’s surface. Squeeze flow simulations reveal this stress-driven volumetric flow is consistent with that of a Bingham plastic material, with a temperature-dependent threshold yield stress. We confirm that flow is thermally activated and stress dependent, with a reduced energy barrier at higher compressive stresses. Transfer of surface segregated droplets into water generates amorphous polymer micropollutants (APMPs) that are denatured, with structure and composition different from that of traditional polycrystalline microplastics. Studies with water-containing plastic bottles show that the highly compressed bottle neck and mouth regions are predominantly responsible for the release of APMPs. Our findings reveal a stress-induced mechanism of plastic degradation and underscore the need to modify current plastic processing technologies to reduce residual stress levels and suppress phase separation of low MW APMPs in plastics.

PMID:40268905 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-58898-w

Nat Commun. 2025 Apr 23;16(1):3802. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58821-3.

ABSTRACT

Craniofacial malformations arise from developmental defects in the head, face, and neck with phenotypes such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome illustrating a developmental link between cardiovascular and craniofacial morphogenesis. NKX2-5 is a key cardiac transcription factor associated with congenital heart disease and mouse models of Nkx2-5 deficiency highlight roles in cardiac development. In zebrafish, nkx2.5 and nkx2.7 are paralogues in the NK4 family expressed in cardiomyocytes and pharyngeal arches. Despite shared cellular origins of cardiac and craniofacial tissues, the function of NK4 factors in head and neck patterning has not been elucidated. Molecular evolutionary analysis of NK4 genes shows that nkx2.5 and nkx2.7 are ohnologs resulting from whole genome duplication events. Nkx2.7 serves as a previously unappreciated regulator of branchiomeric muscle and cartilage formation for which nkx2.5 cannot fully compensate. Mechanistically, our results highlight that Nkx2.7 patterns the cranial neural crest and functions upstream of Endothelin1 to inhibit Notch signals. Together, our studies shed light on an evolutionarily conserved Nkx transcription factor with unique functions in vertebrate craniofacial development, advancing our understanding of congenital head and neck deformities.

PMID:40268889 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-58821-3

Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1245/s10434-025-17286-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A high-risk margin is a recurrence risk factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its exact definition is debated. The effectiveness of the margin-to-depth-of-invasion ratio (MDR) in identifying high-risk margin remains to be determined.

METHODS: Patients who had a diagnosis of pT1-4N0 OSCC with negative margins (margin > 1 mm) recorded in the Taiwan Cancer Registry between January 2018 and December 2021 were reviewed. All patients were categorized into two groups: MDR < 0.5 and MDR ≥ 0.5.

RESULTS: The study analyzed 7420 OSCC patients without a positive margin. Of these 7420 patients, 4669 (62.92%) had an MDR ≥ 0.5, and 2751 (37.08%) had an MDR < 0.5. The group with an MDR < 0.5 exhibited significantly poorer 3-year disease-free survival (DFS, 74% vs 86%) and overall survival (OS, 79% vs 89%) than the group with an MDR ≥ 0.5. Despite a higher rate of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in the group with an MDR < 0.5, multivariate Cox analysis showed that patients with a margin < 5 mm and an MDR ≥ 0.5 had a significantly better DFS than those with a margin < 5 mm and an MDR < 0.5 (p = 0.001). Treatment with PORT improved DFS and OS for the patients with an MDR < 0.5, but worsened outcomes for the patients with an MDR ≥ 0.5.

CONCLUSION: For OSCC patients without positive margin, an MDR < 0.5 was associated with worse survival and higher locoregional recurrence risk. The patients with an MDR < 0.5 may benefit from PORT, whereas those with an MDR ≥ 0.5 could experience worse outcomes. An MDR < 0.5 could serve as a criterion for high-risk OSCC margin.

PMID:40268847 | DOI:10.1245/s10434-025-17286-w

J Echocardiogr. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s12574-025-00689-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Right atrial (RA) strains (RASr, RAScd, and RASct) are increasingly used in clinical and research settings, such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, but their feasibility and reference ranges across different strain software vendors are not well established. We aim to evaluate and compare two-dimensional RA strain values, reference ranges, and related factors across four strain software vendors in healthy subjects.

METHODS: Healthy subjects (n = 100) undergoing echocardiography during January-April 2023 were prospectively studied, with equal numbers by age groups, gender, and GE versus Philips scans. RA strains were quantified using TomTec version 51.02 (Autostrain LA), EchoPAC version 206 (AFI-LA), Velocity-Vector Imaging (VVI) version 2.00, and Epsilon software (5.0.2.11295) for statistical analyses.

RESULTS: Overall means and lower limits of normal (LLNs) of each type of RA strain by strain vendor, age group, sex, and scanner vendor were reported. For example, RASr (%) means and LLNs (95% confidence intervals) were 41.2 (38.5, 43.0) and 29.6 (26.5, 32.7) for TomTec, 35.9 (34.4, 37.3) and 27.0 (24.5, 29.5) for EchoPAC, 44.8 (42.3, 47.3) and 27.6 (23.3, 31.9) for VVI, and 38.9 (36.7, 41.0) and 25.5 (21.7, 29.3) for Epsilon, respectively. Linear mixed model regression showed EchoPAC and VVI had significantly lower RASr and higher RAScd magnitude than TomTec, with older age linked to lower RASr and RAScd magnitudes.

CONCLUSION: TomTec and VVI were vendor-neutral for measuring RA strains, while EchoPAC worked only on GE scans. Normal values, lower limits of normal, and related factors for RA strain measurements by vendor were established for clinical use.

PMID:40268844 | DOI:10.1007/s12574-025-00689-9

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s12664-025-01744-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants, attracting significant concern due to their potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. This study hypothesizes that microplastics may significantly impact gastrointestinal (GI) health through various mechanisms. The objective of this systematic review is to explore the effects of microplastics on GI health, focusing on animal models such as mice, fish and earthworms.

METHODS: A systematic review approach was employed, analyzing studies that investigate the impact of microplastics on the gut microbiota, gut barrier integrity and GI inflammation. The review includes a synthesis of findings from multiple animal models.

RESULTS: The review reveals consistent evidence that microplastics can disrupt the gut microbiota, impair the gut barrier, and induce inflammatory responses in the GI tract. Statistical analysis shows a significant correlation between microplastic exposure and GI health deterioration across various animal models.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the harmful effects of microplastics on GI health, emphasizing the urgent need for policy interventions to reduce plastic pollution. Implementing measures to limit the production and usage of disposable plastics is crucial for mitigating the risks posed by microplastic contamination to promote environmental sustainability and safeguard human well-being.

PMID:40268833 | DOI:10.1007/s12664-025-01744-0

Drugs Aging. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s40266-025-01206-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the increasing use of cannabis by older Canadians, little is known about cannabis safety in this population, particularly in non-clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to describe the self-reported adverse effects experienced by community-dwelling older Canadians who use cannabis.

METHODS: Canadians aged 50 years and older completed an online survey regarding their knowledge, perceptions, and experiences with cannabis. Respondents who reported current cannabis use were asked to report any adverse effects experienced in the past year related to their cannabis use. Adverse effects were categorized, and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess predictors of adverse effects.

RESULTS: A total of 1615 older adults completed the survey, of whom 503 reported current use of cannabis and were included in this analysis. Adverse effects were reported by 308 participants (61.2%) and included dry mouth (36.2%), feeling high (25.9%), and adverse effects impacting balance (22.1%) and mental alertness (20.3%). Compared with participants aged 50-60 years, those aged 70 years and older had lower odds of reporting any adverse effects (odds ratio (OR) 0.524, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.303-0.906) or adverse effects impacting mental alertness (OR 0.318, 95% CI 0.172-0.588). Female participants had higher odds of reporting any adverse effect (OR 1.989, 95% CI 1.332-2971) or adverse effects impacting balance (OR 1.930, 95% CI 1.198-3.109).

CONCLUSIONS: Adverse effects to cannabis are common amongst community-dwelling older adults. Increased education and guidance regarding adverse effects of cannabis, including the composition and dose of cannabis products, may help increase safe use by this population.

PMID:40268822 | DOI:10.1007/s40266-025-01206-4

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s10549-025-07688-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

They expressed their concerns about making comments regarding the sample size in our study. The preferred propensity score analysis was the statistical method chosen because it is the analysis after balancing the small number of patients with the much larger number of patients in this situation in terms of both number and prognostic factors. In fact, the reference to future studies on this subject has been made for new retrospective series rather than prospective randomized studies. We wanted to draw the attention of researchers to propensity score analysis and to show that future retrospective series studies can ask questions with clearer answers using propensity score analysis.

PMID:40268812 | DOI:10.1007/s10549-025-07688-5