Authors: Abdulrazak Akilu Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Auwal Jaji Aliyu
This study explores the use of plant extract to reduce corrosion on low-carbon steel reinforcement embedded in concrete. It is globally known that structures exposed to corrosive environments can collapse due to deterioration of the steel rods embedded in the concrete. The corrosion-inhibition potential of leaves, bark, and root extracts of Boswelia dalzelia (BD) on concrete reinforcement was investigated using a half-cell potentiometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The half-cell potential readings are generally negative, and the higher the magnitude of the negative value, the higher the probability of corrosion occurrence. Measurement of corrosion potential with a half-cell potentiometer is highly effective in determining the inhibition potential of green inhibitors in concrete reinforcements. For the concrete prisms treated with BD plants in an acid medium, the samples containing leaves, bark, and root extracts have potential readings ranging from -150 mV to -200 mV, -300 mV to -350 mV, and -350 mV to -400 mV, respectively. On the other hand, the samples treated with leaves, bark, and root extracts in chloride medium have potential readings ranging from -50 mV to -150 mV, -50 mV to -100 mV, and -250 mV to -300 mV, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that all protected samples had low corrosion, whereas the unprotected or control samples showed severe corrosion attack. In general, all samples treated with plant extracts showed reduced corrosion risk compared to the control samples. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602337
Authors: Taslim Uddin Fatema Tuz Zohora Tajmin Khanam Moumita Akter Lubaba Ibnul Himika Anika Tabassum Aziz Fariha Tabassum Syeda Marjia Kajol Tushy Salaha Aktar Maisha Maliha Misha Shaikh Nuzhat Nawshin Nimu Sadia Tasnim Shammi Akter Joya Israt Tasnim Mahisa Shahrin Akter Pinky
Changes in the environment driven by climate change are becoming significant stressors that impact brain function, but the connections between these changes and neural plasticity remain unclear. This review aims to offer a comprehensive synthesis of the impact of climate-related stressors on neural plasticity via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. A structured literature search (2000-2025) was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, integrating evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies. Findings indicate that stressors such as heat, pollution, psychosocial adversity, and hypoxia alter neural plasticity through interconnected pathways, such as oxidative stress responses, mitochondrial adaptation, neurotrophic signaling, and epigenetic regulation. The strength of evidence varies; mechanistic insights are primarily obtained from experimental models, whereas human data are mostly associative. We propose a framework for an adaptive-maladaptive continuum based on the intensity, duration, and timing of stressors in development. Overall, this review highlights key knowledge gaps and provides a structured roadmap to improve causal inference and translational relevance. ]]>TRANSPLANTATION 10.21926/obm.transplant.2602269
Authors: Douglas O. Sobel Keerat Parmar
Subcutaneous transplantation of islets into small-pore macroencapsulation devices that prevent immune cell passage can inhibit allorejection in rodents. However, there are no reports of euglycemia in humans using this technology. This report further develops these macroencapsulation devices. We compared the ability of macroencapsulation transplant devices containing transformed mouse islet cells (MIN-6) with varying polymer membranes, pore sizes, and hydrophilicity to inhibit allorejection and maintain glycemic control in diabetic mice. We found that 10 μm pore planar polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) devices do not inhibit allorejection; 1-2 μm pore devices allow only partial protection; and 0.4 μm devices prevent long-term allorejection. A more hydrophilic PTFE membrane (PTFE-HP) improves device function. Devices constructed with nylon and, secondly, PTFE-HP membranes serve as transplant devices better than those constructed with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or polyethersulfone (PES), and result in a lower fibrotic response. Allo-presensitized mice are equally protected from allorejection with 0.4 μm pore PTFE-HP transplant devices as non-presensitized mice. Our layered membrane macroencapsulation device is as effective as a single planar device in inhibiting allorejection. Nylon and, secondly, hydrophilic PTFE macroencapsulation transplant devices with 0.4 μm pores robustly prevent allotransplant rejection compared with all membranes tested and induce the least fibrosis. Future studies with nylon membranes are warranted. A multilayered device is described that reduces the skin surface requirement and increases potential islet load. A transplant model using MIN-6 cells is feasible for studying such devices to prevent allorejection. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602336
Authors: Elham Alimoradi Parham Nejati Fatemeh Molavi Setareh Isaee Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard Reza Alibakhshi
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) describes a diverse group of clinically and genetically distinct disorders of the auditory system. SNHL is associated with mutations in up to 150 genes. Among them is Cadherin 23 (CDH23), which is associated with both Usher syndrome and non-syndromic hearing loss. In the current study, we used WES to find the genetic cause of SNHL in an extended Iranian family. WES and subsequent Sanger sequencing confirmed the occurrence of a novel homozygote variant in the CDH23 gene (c.817T>C, p.Tyr273His) in affected individuals of this pedigree and its transmission from the parents. This novel variant in the CDH23 was suggested as the cause of the profound SNHL in this family. Further functional research is needed to confirm the results. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602335
Authors: Anastasiia Kornutii Oleksandr Kornutii Ivanna Shymanska Maiia Bondarenko Natalia Prokopchuk
Craniosynostosis is a disorder characterized by premature closure of cranial sutures, resulting in restricted skull growth perpendicular to the affected suture and compensatory growth in other directions. Over 180 syndromes have been classified under craniosynostosis, of which eight are associated with mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene: isolated coronal synostosis, Pfeiffer syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Apert syndrome, Beare–Stevens syndrome, Jackson–Weiss syndrome, Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans, and Muenke syndrome. Apert syndrome (acrocephalosyndactyly type I) accounts for approximately 4.5% of all craniosynostosis cases, with a prevalence ranging from 1 to 15 per 100,000-160,000 live births. In Ukraine, the prevalence of this syndrome has not been studied. Although the causative gene has been identified, the precise role of FGFR2 mutations in craniofacial dysmorphology and related anomalies remains under investigation. Much of the current understanding of this rare disorder has been facilitated through mouse models. In this report, we present a rare case of prenatally diagnosed Apert syndrome during the second trimester of pregnancy in a young couple with a history of primary infertility and two early pregnancy losses. Postmortem molecular analysis of placental chorionic cells identified a pathogenic FGFR2 mutation (c.755C>G; p.Ser252Trp), enabling precise confirmation of the diagnosis. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2602332
Authors: Mohammad Hossein Ekvan Ali Sahebi Maryam Kord Zahra Soltanali Amir Hossein Ahmadi Somayeh Mohamadi
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent challenges in social interactions and repetitive behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of autism and autism spectrum disorder(ASD) in normal and abnormal groups, such as premature infants or seizure patients, using an umbrella review and meta-analysis. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Scientific sources included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, and searches were conducted without time limits until the end of September 2024. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and heterogeneity using an I2 index. Of the 799 articles identified, 30 were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of autism was 15.8 per 10,000 (CI = 10.5-21.0, P < 0.001) in normal samples and 600 per 10,000 (CI = 412-793, P = 0.77) in abnormal samples. The overall prevalence of autism was 18.1 per 10,000 (CI = 10.9-25.4, P < 0.001). The prevalence of ASD in normal samples was 48.9 per 10,000 (CI = 31.6-66.1, P < 0.001) and in abnormal samples 900 per 10,000 (CI = 680-1121, P < 0.001). The overall prevalence of ASD was estimated to be 153 per 10,000 (CI = 125-180, P < 0.001). Given the prevalence of ASD and its link to environmental and genetic factors, increased public awareness and better diagnostic tools are needed. In addition, timely and accurate screening is recommended to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2602331
Authors: William Winlow Andrew Simon Johnson
Comprehending the nature of nerve communication is fundamental to our understanding of the functioning of nervous systems in general. The ionic mechanisms underlying action potentials in the squid giant axon were first described by Hodgkin and Huxley in 1952, and their findings have formed our orthodox view of how the physiological action potential functions. However, substantial evidence has now accumulated to show that the action potential is accompanied by a synchronized coupled soliton pressure pulse in the cell membrane, the action potential pulse (APPulse), which we have recently shown to have an essential function in computation. Computational models of the action potential usually describe it as a binary event. Still, we have shown that it must be a quantum ternary event known as the computational action potential, whose temporal fixed point is the threshold of the soliton, rather than the plastic action potential peak used in other models to facilitate meaningful computation. Here we argue that for computation to occur in neurons, it must do so at the location of convergences of neurons by frequency modulated quantum interference. The timing of frequency changes indicates that the threshold must activate in less than 10-6 s, much faster than that of synapses. APPulse in a brain neural network collide according to the latencies of the neurons and the distinct frequency patterns. Here, we review the interactions between the soliton and the ionic mechanisms known to be associated with the action potential. Elsewhere, we have demonstrated this type of frequency computation for the retina, in detail, and also provided an extensive analysis for computation for other brain neural networks. However, while the physiological action potential is important for neural connectivity, it is irrelevant to computational processes as the soliton part of the APPulse always facilitates this for computational timing and effectiveness. ]]>Authors: Takwa Tabbassi Asma Abdedayem Zohra Sghaier Amor Hafiane Mustapha Hidouri
This study investigated the use of new bioadsorbent the Hydroxyfluorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6OH1.75F0.25, HFA) to eliminate Alizarin Red S (ARS), a harmful water pollutant. Initial batch tests were conducted to evaluate the adsorption process, focusing on both kinetics and equilibrium behavior. Various kinetic models were applied such as: pseudo first-order, pseudo second order, the intraparticular diffuision model and external diffusion model. The modeling results proved that the pseudo-second-order model best matched the experimental data. The data also suggested that both external and internal diffusion resistances significantly influenced the adsorption kinetics. Various isotherm models were also tested: Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir-Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Redlich-Peterson. The Langmuir-Freundlich model provided the closest fit to the experimental data. Thermodynamic evaluation showed that the adsorption of ARZ is favorable at low temperature; the process was non-spontaneous and exothermic. To optimize the removal process and develop a predictive model for ARS adsorption, the Box-Behnken response surface methodology (RSM) was employed. The results indicated that adsorption was most efficient at pH = 6, an adsorbent dose of 0.2, and an ARZ concentration of 195.83 at room temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 40.75 mg·g-1. The adsorption capacity of HAF was also proved to be effective for real wastewater treatment. Five regeneration cycles had a slight effect on HFA's adsorbent performance. Overall, the findings demonstrate that HFA is a promising material for treating wastewater containing complex pollutant mixtures, offering an effective and reliable solution for dye removal. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2602330
Authors: Walter Milano Roberta Campanile Magda Marchese Maria Francesca Milano Ludovica Ragozino Bianca Maria Saetta Anna Capasso
This narrative review explores the pathophysiological consequences, neuroendocrine processes, and treatment approaches aimed at reducing the cardiometabolic adverse effects linked to antipsychotic medications; in particular, it highlights recent mechanistic advances in receptor-mediated metabolic dysregulation and emerging therapeutic implications. Schizophrenia, which is a long-term and debilitating disorder, correlates with a substantially shorter life expectancy (15-20 years less than that of the general populace) and elevated all-cause mortality rates. This underscores that psychotic disorders are systemic illnesses involving various physiological systems. Antipsychotics play a crucial role in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, their use can lead to serious side effects, including cardiometabolic dysfunction and metabolic syndrome (MetS). These complications elevate the risk of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The underlying mechanisms contributing to these side effects are complex and multifaceted, involving interactions with various receptors, such as D2, H1, M3, and 5-HT2C, as well as influences from gut microbiota, neurohormonal pathways, and genetic predispositions. Furthermore, individual patient characteristics—including lifestyle choices and genetic factors—interact with specific medications, resulting in varied metabolic responses. Weight gain is a common concern for patients receiving treatment, often intensified by unhealthy lifestyle habits that frequently accompany schizophrenia. This rise in weight can adversely affect quality of life, increase the risk of premature mortality, and impede treatment adherence. This article discusses the importance of consistent clinical monitoring, comprehensive patient evaluations, and tailored interventions to effectively balance the therapeutic benefits of antipsychotics with the necessity of managing metabolic risks. It examines both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to improve treatment tolerability and mitigate cardiometabolic complications for individuals with psychotic disorders. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602334
Authors: Thu-Thao Thi Huynh Thi Nga Nguyen Anh-Duy Hoang Nguyen Minh Trong Quang
Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. (1753) is an important medicinal species of Apocynaceae, widely used for its rich indole alkaloids and related bioactive compounds. We report the first complete chloroplast genome of R. tetraphylla. The genome exhibits a typical circular quadripartite structure of 155,667 bp, with an overall GC content of 37.8%. The genome comprises a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,332 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,853 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,741 bp each. A total of 130 unique genes are identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the close relationships among Rauvolfia species and indicates that R. tetraphylla represents an early-diverging lineage within the genus. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the chloroplast genome characteristics and evolutionary history of R. tetraphylla and related taxa. ]]>Authors: Ali A. Al-Allaq Abdullah A. Abdulhakeem Jwan Kh. Hammood Hassan Fouad
The cartilage is avascular and has limited regenerative capacity, posing a significant clinical challenge. Conventional treatments often do not restore hyaline cartilage, leading to progressive osteoarthritis. Recent advances in tissue engineering have focused on integrating biomaterials, stem cells, growth factors, and gene-delivery approaches. In addition, in vivo models serve as critical platforms for translational validation. Biomaterial scaffolds, including polycaprolactone, silk fibroin, chitosan, and composite hydrogels, have demonstrated improved mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and cartilage-like matrix deposition. Functionalization with bioactive molecules, such as IGF-I, βFGF, exosomes, and Icariin, further facilitated chondrogenic differentiation and immunomodulation. In long-term studies, scaffold-free organoid bio-assemblies, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, and multilayered scaffolds have shown promise in osteochondral regeneration. In contrast, artificial meniscus models and polyvinyl alcohol-hydrogel (PVA-H) have shown promise in reducing osteoarthritis progression. Although these advances have been made, significant challenges remain, including vascularization, long-term integration, and translation from large animals to humans. As part of this review, evidence from in vivo research has been synthesized, translational barriers highlighted, and future perspectives on cartilage repair discussed. The next-generation approaches may provide durable, clinically relevant solutions for cartilage regeneration and joint preservation by integrating advances in biomaterials, controlled delivery, and cell-based therapies. ]]>Authors: Kamesha Spates Siobhán Hicks Bethanie Mauerman Na’Tasha Evans
Studies show Black women exhibit distinct depression symptoms and treatment experiences compared to other groups, often facing underdiagnosis and inadequate care. Unfortunately, knowledge about Black women with depression has been underexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of Black women’s experiences living with clinical depression. To address this objective, we conducted a survey among 28 Black women aged 18 years and older (mean age = 35) residing in the United States, utilizing open-ended questions administered through Qualtrics. The data was analyzed using a thematic analytical approach to identify emerging themes. Three primary themes emerged from the analysis (1) The Legacy of Scientific Racism, (2) Profiling and Underdiagnosis in Healthcare Settings, and (3) Stigma at the Crossroads of Community and Care. These results indicate a pressing need for healthcare providers to offer culturally appropriate services and to focus on eliminating racism and discrimination within patient care. ]]>Authors: Leonardo Alves Messias José Luis Domingos Thiago Augusto Mendes Bruno Barzellay Ferreira da Costa Ana Carolina Fernandes Maciel Saymon Fonseca Santos Mendes Raphael de Aquino Gomes
The increasing demand for renewable energy sources has intensified the adoption of photovoltaic systems. This study proposes predictive models for solar power generation that operate without dependence on on-site meteorological stations. The proposed approach integrates generation data from geographically distributed plants and accounts for the distance to meteorological stations when constructing climatic variables. Two machine learning techniques, Random Forest (RF) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, were evaluated. The RF model achieved R2 > 0.90 with lower MAE and RMSE values for 24-hour prediction windows, whereas the LSTM model demonstrated superior performance for extended horizons (48 hours). Moreover, the proposed models effectively identified anomalies and maintained robust predictive accuracy even when utilizing data from meteorological stations located up to 151.9 km away. Overall, the proposed approach produced results comparable to those reported for traditional models and recent state-of-the-art methods that rely on local meteorological data, as indicated by R2, MAE, and RMSE values reported in the literature. ]]>Authors: Bashiri Iddy Muzzo Frederick D. Provenza
Food-system by-products (FSBP), including agricultural by-products, agro-industrial co-products, and food-processing residues, represent an underused source of nutrients and plant secondary compounds with significant potential in ruminant feeding systems. This review synthesized 96 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 on phytochemically rich FSBP in ruminant diets, focusing on composition, rumen fermentation, animal health and performance, product quality, and environmental outcomes. Across the studies, many FSBP were enriched in polyphenols, tannins, and other bioactive phytochemicals that can function as natural plant extracts in ruminant diets. When appropriately incorporated into feedlot and other high-concentrate systems, FSBP can modulate rumen fermentation, improve nitrogen use efficiency, attenuate oxidative and inflammatory stress, and exert antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anthelmintic properties, thereby supporting immune function, animal health, and productive performance. These same health-related properties may also be reflected in animal products such as milk and meat. In particular, polyphenol-rich FSBP can modify fatty acid profiles, enhance antioxidant capacity, and increase the abundance and diversity of bioactive metabolites in these products, with potential implications for human nutrition and related health benefits. Emerging evidence supports biologically plausible biochemical linkages from plants, through animals, to humans, through which these functional properties may propagate along the food chain. Effective use of FSBP requires careful matching of fiber, protein, and phytochemical characteristics to ration composition, calibration of inclusion levels to avoid adverse effects on intake or digestibility, and processing methods such as drying, ensiling, or fermentation to stabilize composition and, in some cases, enhance bioavailability of key compounds. In intensive ruminant systems, these strategies may also reduce reliance on selected synthetic production inputs, mitigate methane and nitrogen emissions, improve life-cycle resource efficiency, and reduce competition for human-edible feed ingredients. Overall, phytochemically rich FSBP represent a promising pathway to enhance ruminant health and product quality, and to deliver downstream nutritional and health-related benefits while valorizing food-chain residues within a circular bioeconomy. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602333
Authors: Lyubov Starodub Nataliia Mokhnachova Ostap Zhukorskyi
The article reveals the variability of the genome of cattle of the local small-numbered domestic Brown Carpathian breed using cytogenetic and molecular genetic polylocus markers, and justifies the need to integrate local breeds into the modern system of agricultural production in accordance with FAO requirements. The work aimed to study the genetic uniqueness of cows of the brown Carpathian breed using cytogenetic and molecular genetic markers. The karyotype of the animals corresponded to the species norm and was 2n = 60 chromosomes. The level of somatic aneuploidy was 2.5%, and polyploidy and asynchronous divergence of centromeric regions of chromosomes were not detected. Chromosomal breaks were 0.56%. Various types of translocations 5;23 and 11;21, as well as centric fusion according to the Robertsonian type 1;29, were not found. ISSR-studies of dinucleotide ((GA)6CC, (AG)8CG, (AG)8CA, (GA)9C and (AG)9C) and trinucleotide microsatellite loci ((ACC)6G, (CTC)6C, (GAG)6C) 94 amplified DNA fragments were found, of which 31 were polymorphic, which is 32.98%. The total proportion of polymorphic loci was P = 0.218, and the average value of the polymorphism index PIC = 0.142, the average per locus genetic diversity, HS = 0.94, and the Shannon heterogeneity index, I = 0.071. The proportion of conservative loci was K = 7.9. Our findings demonstrated that the Brown Carpathian cattle show chromosomal stability, high genetic consolidation; however, a certain degree of genetic diversity is preserved and incorporated into the previous paragraph. ]]>Authors: Stephanie Bryan Maryellen Hamilton Danielle Zimny
In 2025, college students are reportedly more anxious and strained than any previous generation of young people, while they are also the first to have grown up entirely immersed in social media. This research explores social media use patterns and their relationship with academic, emotional, health-related and social well-being among college students. A total of 111 college students from an East Coast university self-selected to complete a one-time assessment anonymously through Qualtrics. A mixed-methods, exploratory design examined relationships among social anxiety, social media addiction, image and upward comparison, social media usage patterns, academic performance-related behaviors, social media-related stress, and sleep. The data reveal that only 18% of students showed no level of social anxiety. Significant correlations emerged between social media addiction and self-control failure, as well as between image-related usage and appearance consciousness. One-way ANOVAs uncovered significant differences across Liebowitz Anxiety subscales and social media use measures. Qualitative data reflects the students’ reality that their social media usage corresponds with increased stress, wasting time, goal impediment, academic strain, self-esteem, image and self-care issues, being less present in real life, social isolation and anxiety, and poor sleep. The findings suggest that social media use negatively affects academics, sleep, and many aspects of emotional, social, and behavioral well-being. Reportedly, 74.6% of student participants have tried to limit their social media use, and 70% would join a “social media fast” to temporarily or perhaps permanently step away from social media to improve their well-being. Their willingness reflects an openness to behavioral change despite entrenched challenges. It is imperative to develop programming and education interventions that highlight productive options for young people to assess the various impacts of their social media usage and present opportunities for behavior adjustments towards the improvement of emotional, mental, social, and physical well-being. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2601329
Authors: Riki Sukiandra Dini Hanania M. Zacky Haikal Muhammad Faaiz Adlii
Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a frequently underrecognized complication that contributes to long-term disability among stroke survivors. This study aimed to determine the frequency of CPSP and to describe its clinical characteristics and associated factors among stroke patients treated at Arifin Achmad General Hospital. A cross-sectional design was employed and included adult stroke patients with diagnoses confirmed by neuroimaging. CPSP was diagnosed based on the clinical criteria proposed by Klit et al., and neuropathic pain was assessed using the Indonesian version of the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale. Among 270 patients, 44 were identified with CPSP. Age and lesion site were significantly associated with CPSP. The median onset of pain was three months after stroke, with most patients reporting continuous, moderate pain affecting the face, trunk, and limbs. Burning pain and paresthesias were the most frequently reported, and hypoesthesia to pinprick was the most common sensory finding. Greater clinical awareness and systematic assessment are essential to improve recognition and management of CPSP in stroke survivors. ]]>GERIATRICS 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2601337
Authors: Rayone Moreira Costa Veloso Souto Rafael Belo Corassa José Veloso Souto Júnior Elaine Leandro Machado Otaliba Libânio de Morais Neto
Elder abuse is a global public health issue, with consequences on individual health, increased burden on healthcare systems, and high social costs. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of family violence among older adults in Brazil and analyze its association with disability, comorbidities, functional limitation, and sociodemographic characteristics. Cross-sectional study using data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS 2019), including older adults aged 60 years or older. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between disability, functional limitations, and 12-month family violence, adjusting for confounders using two distinct models. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR and AOR) were estimated using Stata version 17.0. A significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. Prevalence of family violence among older adults in Brazil was 5.0% (95% CI: 4.5-5.6). Individuals with disabilities had higher adjusted odds of experiencing violence (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4-2.2), as well as those with three or more comorbidities (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI: 2.1-3.9). Individuals with severe or moderate functional limitations had higher odds of experiencing family violence (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-2.0) in the model adjusted for sociodemographic factors only. Women and individuals with lower educational attainment were also more likely to experience family violence. The presence of disability and functional limitation is strongly associated with family violence against older adults, reflecting greater dependency on care. These findings reinforce the need for public policies and targeted interventions to protect and promote the health of vulnerable older populations, with an emphasis on the promotion and maintaining functional independence, especially through physical activity. ]]>Authors: Walid Mohamed Mahmud
Electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) are an efficient and reliable artificial lift method for lifting large volumes of fluids from wellbores at flexible rates. Despite their advantages, including high flow rates and real-time downhole telemetry, ESPs are prone to frequent and unforeseen failures under harsh reservoir conditions, resulting in costly production delays and interventions. This paper presents an integrated evaluation of ESP failure mechanisms based on an analysis of run and pull reports, dismantle inspection failure investigation (DIFA) records, and operational data from 47 wells in two oil fields across the Murzuq and Sirte Basins, Libya. The study identifies and classifies failure modes across electrical, mechanical, and operational/system-level categories, quantifying their relative frequencies and root causes. Results indicate that mechanical failures dominate, accounting for 44.1% of incidents, driven primarily by sand production, corrosion, and seal degradation. Electrical failures represent 27.7%, largely due to insulation breakdown and moisture ingress, while operational and system-level issues account for 25.4%. A comparative analysis with global benchmarks reveals a higher incidence of mechanical failures in the fields studied than in typical industry profiles, attributed to aggressive downhole environments. The study further illustrates failure evolution pathways and recommends integrated mitigation strategies, including improved material selection, real-time monitoring, chemical treatment, and robust system design to extend ESP run life and enhance operational reliability. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2601332
Authors: Thomas Liehr
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is now standard in prenatal care in many countries, even though it was introduced only about 15 years ago. Due to its rapid adoption into decades-old prenatal care plans, gynecologists, obstetricians, and the general public still struggle to understand the possibilities, benefits, and limitations of NIPT. The biggest challenge facing NIPT is that comprehensive training for healthcare professionals and independent, unbiased information for pregnant women and their families about NIPT is still difficult to access and often not adequately provided. Misunderstandings are common, such as the assumption by families who receive a negative test result that this means “The baby you are expecting will be healthy!” Therefore, the background, advantages, and limitations of NIPT are reviewed and discussed here. If users were informed in detail about the limitations of NIPT, many problems arising from false expectations and suggestions about the test's potential could be avoided. Ethical aspects of NIPT are discussed, before all the data and arguments presented lead to the conclusion that NIPT is a promising tool for prenatal care, but still needs to find its evidence-based place among other prenatal care applications. ]]>