Tag: pubmed

Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 17. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-57664-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study proposes a data-driven experimental decision framework to identify the most suitable sustainable supplementary materials for green concrete, aiming to reduce cement usage, industrial waste burden, and environmental impacts in the construction sector. It experimentally evaluates compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of green concrete incorporating waste materials including silica fume, GGBS, metakaolin, granite dust, rice husk ash, ceramic waste, marble powder, coconut shell powder, plastic waste, and bottom ash. A hybrid methodology integrating Pearson correlation, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and k-means clustering was developed to capture complex interrelationships. Correlation-based dependency analysis was incorporated into AHP to generate objective performance weightages, where compressive strength was ranked highest (37%), followed by flexural strength (25%), UPV (22%), and split tensile strength (16%). K-means clustering then categorized materials into best and worst performance groups. The findings revealed silica fume as the most optimal and balanced material, achieving 48.5 MPa compressive strength, 4.0 MPa split tensile strength, 7.5 MPa flexural strength, and 4400 m/s UPV, indicating superior structural performance and durability potential. ANOVA confirmed strong statistical distinction between clusters (p < 0.0001), validating the robustness of the classification. The main contribution of this work lies in introducing a scalable machine-learning-assisted multi-criteria framework that objectively ranks sustainable cement replacement materials, enabling reliable selection for high-performance green concrete design.

PMID:42310371 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-57664-2

Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 17. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-57887-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recent technology requires materials with unusual combinations of properties to meet specific needs. Composite materials are gaining more importance due to high toughness, stiffness, specific strength, strength to weight ratio etc. Hybrid composite materials are in more demand with varying reinforcement which enhances mechanical properties. The present work is aimed at reinforcing AL6061 alloy with 13% Silicon carbide and varying % of graphite (1%, 2% and 3%). The hybrid composites are fabricated using bottom pouring stir casting machine. The fabrication of specimens is done as per ASTM standards. The wear characteristics of Al-SiC (13%)-Graphite composites, with and without cryogenic treatment, were investigated using a statistical optimization approach based on the Taguchi method. The multiple regression equation obtained using ANOVA correlates the evaluation of the wear of the HYBRID combination of both untreated and cryogenically treated (CT) specimens with a reasonable degree of approximation. Cryogenic treatment resulted in a reduction in wear scar depth and coefficient of friction under the tested conditions. The Al 6061/13%SiC/2%Gr is best among all the combinations studied.

PMID:42310359 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-57887-3

Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 17. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-58204-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Intraoperative radiotherapy with low-energy X-rays (IOXRT) is an increasingly utilized modality during breast conserving therapy (BCT). However, the molecular mechanisms by which it affects the postoperative microenvironment have not yet been fully elucidated. Surgical wound fluid (WF) has been shown to modulate cancer cell behavior; however, its metabolomic composition has not previously been characterized in the context of breast cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate metabolic alterations in postoperative WF and to determine whether IOXRT induces different metabolic signatures compared to mastectomy (AMP). Postoperative WF was collected from 54 breast cancer patients (38 BCT IOXRT; 16 AMP) at two time points: day 1 (A) and day 5 (B) after surgery. The samples were then analyzed by¹H NMR spectroscopy using NOESY, CPMG, and JRES techniques. A total of 114 spectral signals were quantified, and 42 metabolites were identified. Multivariate analyses, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS DA), and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS DA), as well as the univariate Wilcoxon signed rank tests were applied to assess temporal and intergroup differences. A clear metabolic separation was observed between time points A and B in both treatment groups. However, statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between BCT IOXRT and AMP. In BCT IOXRT, on the fifth day, WF exhibited a decrease in the branched chain amino acids, asparagine, lysine, methionine, and glutamate, concomitant with an increase in lactate and pyruvate. AMP-specific alterations included a decrease in 2-oxoglutarate and hypoxanthine on the first day, along with an increase in glucose and creatinine on the fifth day. A decline in ketone bodies (3-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, acetone) was observed in both groups. Postoperative WF demonstrates dynamic metabolic changes reflecting early wound healing processes and treatment-related effects. IOXRT has been found to be associated with enhanced glycolytic signatures and reduced amino acid levels, suggesting altered metabolic activity in the irradiated tumor bed. The WF metabolomic profile has the potential to offer a novel source of biomarkers, which could facilitate the evaluation of treatment response and tumor microenvironment characteristics.

PMID:42310356 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-58204-8

Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 17. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-57426-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To investigate the association between recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy and ocular biometric and refractive characteristics in Korean children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). This cross-sectional study compared ocular parameters between children receiving rhGH therapy for ISS (GH group) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Comprehensive ophthalmologic assessments were performed, including axial length (AL), spherical equivalent refraction (SER), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness. The GH group showed significantly more myopic SER than controls (-1.68 ± 1.68 D vs. – 1.15 ± 1.17D, p = 0.048). Although mean AL was slightly longer in the GH group, the difference was not statistically significant (23.65 ± 1.10 mm vs. 23.43 ± 0.98 mm, p = 0.290). Sectoral pRNFL analysis revealed temporal thickening (p < 0.001) in the GH group. In multivariable analyses within the GH group, longer treatment duration was significantly associated with more myopic SER (P = 0.009). Although treatment duration was also associated with longer AL in the primary model (P = 0.041), this association became attenuated after exclusion of age from the model (P = 0.249). Exploratory analyses additionally demonstrated significant associations between thinner GC-IPL thickness and both more myopic SER (P = 0.010) and longer AL (P = 0.029) in the GH group. RhGH therapy in children with ISS was associated with more myopic refraction and distinct ocular structural characteristics in this cross-sectional analysis. The association between longer rhGH treatment duration and more myopic SER may suggest a possible relationship between prolonged rhGH exposure and refractive status. These findings should be interpreted cautiously, and further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the long-term relationship between rhGH exposure and ocular growth.

PMID:42310355 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-57426-0

Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 17. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-58116-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Drug therapy problem (DTP) is any event involving drug therapy that interferes with a patient’s desired clinical outcome. It is associated with morbidity, mortality, increased hospital stays, and reduced quality of life. Moreover, pediatric patients are quite susceptible to DTP. To determine drug therapy problems and their contributing factors among pediatric patients with infectious diseases admitted at the pediatric ward of Debre Birhan Hakim Gizaw Teaching Hospital (DBHGTH), Ethiopia. A hospital-based prospective follow-up study was conducted at DBHGTH from March 1 to August 31, 2024. To ensure that the sample was representative, a systematic random sampling technique was employed to select participants. Data was collected from interviewing patients’ parents/caregivers, older children, and reviews of patients’ medical records using prepared standard data abstraction tools and structured questionnaires. Data was analysed by SPSS version 27.0. Binary logistic regression analysis was used. Statistical significance was determined at a 95% CI, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Of the total 163 participants, 70 (42.94%) [95% CI (35.52-50.90%)] of them had at least one DTP during their hospital stay. A total of 201 DTPs were identified among 70 patients. Antibiotics were the most frequently prescribed drug class, with a mean of 1.73 antibiotics per child. Needs additional drug therapy (27.86%) and patient noncompliance (18.90%) were the most predominant encountered DTPs. The most important interventions made were the addition of drugs (28.29%), followed by patient education/counseling/adherence (24.30%). Patients living in rural area [AOR: 4.58, 95%CI: 1.94-10.81, p < 0.001]; patients using traditional herbal [AOR: 4.66, 95%CI: 1.28-16.97, p = 0.020]; patients with the prolonged hospital stay (> 10 days) [AOR: 6.18, 95%CI: 1.95-19.56, p = 0.002]; patients with high number of medications (≥ 5) [AOR: 3.91, 95%CI: 1.33-11.48, p = 0.013]; and patients with high number of comorbidity (> 1) [AOR: 4.27, 95% CI: 1.60-11.37, p = 0,004] were the predictors of the occurrence of DTPs. The prevalence of DTPs in the pediatric ward was moderate. It implies a substantial burden requiring attention. It was found that the majority of the problems were related to indication, whereas the need for additional drugs was the predominant DTP. Antibiotics were the commonly prescribed classes of drugs involved in DTPs.

PMID:42310344 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-58116-7

Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 17. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-56996-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Edible oil is a primary energy source in human diets. This study investigates the effects of heating temperature on the physicochemical properties of edible oils and their impact on dishwasher cleaning performance. First, the density and dynamic viscosity of peanut oil, rapeseed oil, and soybean oil were measured at room temperature and after heating to 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 °C. Accordingly, two oils with the greatest viscosity difference-soybean oil at room temperature (SO_25) and peanut oil heated to 250 °C (PO_250)-were selected for dishwasher cleaning performance tests. Residue penalty score (RPS) and re-deposition penalty score (RDPS) were defined to characterize the cleaning ability and anti-redeposition performance of dishwashers. The results indicated that PO_250 generally exhibited lower cleaning scores. In the quick wash mode, the RPS and RDPS of PO_250 and SO_25 were relatively similar; however, in the standard wash mode, both RPS and RDPS of PO_250 were higher than those of SO_25. Statistical analysis further revealed that changes in washing mode have a greater impact on cleaning scores for high-viscosity oil than for low-viscosity oil. Moreover, low-viscosity oil exhibited greater inter-machine variability in dishwasher cleaning scores compared with high-viscosity oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed that PO_250 formed an oil film on the ceramic surface, whereas SO_25 appeared as discrete particles. This study provides a scientific basis for developing regionally applicable dishwasher testing standards, contributing to the optimization of cleaning technologies.

PMID:42310336 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-56996-3

Nat Commun. 2026 Jun 17;17(1):5067. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-73873-9.

ABSTRACT

The impacts of climate-related disasters are shaped by the interaction between hazard intensity, exposure, and vulnerability. However, the influence of hazard intensity and within-country inequality on impact magnitudes remains poorly quantified. Here, we present a global multi-hazard study of over 7000 climate-related disasters reported by the Emergency Events Database from 1990 to 2020. Using subnational indicators, we show that human development drives major shifts in global exposure and impact patterns, with societal vulnerability outweighing hazard intensity in shaping impacts. Despite a declining share of global exposure over the past three decades, regions with low subnational Human Development Index scores experience disproportionately higher human losses across most disaster types. For instance, individuals in these regions face an 8.2-fold higher risk of fatality associated with storms (95% confidence interval: 2.16-23.06) compared to those in very high human development regions. Our findings also indicate that within-country inequality in human development exacerbates disaster risk in regions with low and medium levels of human development. These results underscore the critical role of human development in managing disaster risks and highlight the link between socioeconomic conditions and vulnerability to climate-related hazards.

PMID:42310318 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-026-73873-9

NPJ Breast Cancer. 2026 Jun 17. doi: 10.1038/s41523-026-00991-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Accurate prediction of disease-free survival (DFS) is essential for tailoring adjuvant regimens and improving clinical outcomes in early-stage breast cancer (EBC). A multimodal deep learning model (Mu-model) based on deep canonical correlation analysis (DCCA) integrating multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-including dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-with clinical text data is developed to predict DFS and identify patients likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy. This multicenter retrospective study includes 1,120 patients with EBC (training cohort, n = 459; external validation cohort, n = 661). The Mu-model achieves concordance index (C-index) values of 0.742 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.662-0.821) in the training cohort (TC) and 0.735 (95% CI: 0.667-0.803) in the external validation cohort (EVC) for DFS. The Mu-model score (MuS) remains an independent prognostic factor after adjustment for clinicopathologic variables (all P < 0.05). In human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, and T2-stage subgroups, a significant survival benefit associated with adjuvant therapy was observed in patients with low MuS, whereas no statistically significant association was detected in patients with high MuS. Transcriptomic analysis in 19 patients indicates that high MuS is associated with immune activation and enrichment of cell-cycle and purine-metabolism pathways. The Mu-model provides non-invasive DFS prediction and recurrence risk stratification, while preliminarily exploring its potential to identify patients who may derive differential benefits from adjuvant therapy.

PMID:42310310 | DOI:10.1038/s41523-026-00991-4

Med J Aust. 2026 Jun;224(6):e70229. doi: 10.5694/mja2.70229.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To quantify continuity of care in general practice in the Australian population, including variation according to patient characteristics and over time, to support ongoing policy reforms directed towards improving general practice care.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Repeated cross-sectional analyses of linked whole-of-population data from the Medicare Benefits Schedule, the Medicare Consumer Directory and the Census of Population and Housing (2021).

PARTICIPANTS: Continuity was assessed in people with at least four general practitioner visits in a 2-year period (about 80% of the population).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Relational continuity of care in general practice, measured with the Usual Provider Index, for eight overlapping 2-year periods (2016-2017 to 2022-2023). High continuity was defined as having ≥ 70% of visits with one provider.

RESULTS: About one-third of the population had high continuity of care (range: 31.3% in 2018-2019 to 37.2% in 2020-2021). After adjustment for age, sex and remoteness, high continuity was more common among those with greater care needs, including those who were older (≥ 70 years vs. 0-14 years: adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.88) or with health conditions (e.g., ≥ 3 vs. none: aPR, 1.14) and those who were living in more disadvantaged areas (e.g., most vs. least disadvantaged: aPR, 1.22), born overseas (e.g., born in Southern or Eastern Europe vs. born in Australia or New Zealand: aPR, 1.20) or not proficient in English (aPR, 1.29). However, it was less common for females compared with males (aPR, 0.90) and those living remotely (e.g., very remote vs. major cities: aPR, 0.43).

CONCLUSION: While most people in Australia do not receive continuous care in general practice with a specific provider, those with greater healthcare needs are more likely to. With ongoing policy reforms, monitoring continuity of care may provide insights into the consequences for quality of care.

PMID:42310274 | DOI:10.5694/mja2.70229

Breast Cancer. 2026 Jun 18. doi: 10.1007/s12282-026-01862-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We previously reported the 21-gene Oncotype DX® assay results from TransNEOS in patients enrolled in the phase 3 NEOS trial. However, the association between assay results and long-term prognosis has remained unclear.

METHODS: Of the 296 patients registered in TransNEOS, 226 patients were enrolled in this study. Multigene assay results were categorized into three groups based on Recurrence Score® (RS): RS low < 11, RS intermediate 11-25, RS high > 25. Kaplan-Meier methods evaluated the association between RS results and DDFS and OS across treatments and clinical response to neoadjuvant endocrine treatment (NET).

RESULTS: The clinical efficacy of NET was judged as CR, PR, and SD in 4 (1.8%), 113 (50%), and 109 (48.2%) patients, respectively. In the RS low and intermediate groups, no statistically significant difference in DDFS or OS was observed between the endocrine therapy (ET) alone group and the chemoendocrine therapy (CT + ET) group. In the RS high group, OS was significantly lower in the ET group compared to the CT + ET group (p = 0.037). Among patients in the RS high group who achieved CR + PR response to NET, there was no significant difference in OS between the CT + ET group and the ET alone group (p = 0.25). However, the number of events was limited, and the study may have been underpowered to detect a meaningful difference.

CONCLUSIONS: The need for chemotherapy in postmenopausal HR + , HER2- breast cancer patients might be further informed by integrating the results of the Oncotype DX test with the response to NET.

PMID:42310258 | DOI:10.1007/s12282-026-01862-3