In this perspective article, the author explores the connections between hearing loss, central auditory processing, and cognitive decline, offering insights into the complex dynamics at play. Drawing upon a range of studies, the relationship between age-related central auditory processing disorders and Alzheimer’s disease is discussed, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of these interconnected conditions. Highlighting the evolving significance of audiologists in the dual management of cognitive health and hearing impairments, the author focuses on their role in identifying early signs of cognitive impairment and evaluates various cognitive screening tools used in this context. The discussion extends to adaptations of hearing assessments for older adults, especially those diagnosed with dementia, and highlights the significance of objective auditory electrophysiological tests. These tests are presented as vital in assessing the influence of aging and Alzheimer’s disease on auditory processing capabilities and to signal cognitive dysfunction. The article underscores the critical role of audiologists in addressing the challenges faced by the aging population. The perspective calls for further research to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in audiology, and emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach in tackling the nexus of hearing loss, auditory processing, and cognitive decline. Full article

Understanding the response of the mechanisms driving ecosystem services (ESs) to socioecological factors is imperative for regional sustainable ecosystem management. However, previous studies of the mechanisms driving ESs have focused more on the degree and direction (positive and negative) of effects on ES supply or the supply–demand balance, while their nonlinear response processes have not been fully considered. In this study, a theoretical framework was developed through integrating land use/land cover data and supply and demand matrices with random forest models to assess response processes, including the relative importance and marginal effects, of essential factors that drive ES demand, supply, and supply–demand balance. Using the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as an example, our results indicated that the ES deficit regions (332 of 1070 counties or 14.45% of the area) of the YREB were located mainly in the three national urban agglomerations. Moreover, this study indicated that natural environmental factors (such as slope and precipitation) significantly influence the supply and supply–demand balance of ESs, while socioeconomic factors (such as cropland ratios and population density) profoundly influence the demand for ESs. However, cropland ratios were the most important drivers of ES supply, demand, and supply–demand balance in the YREB. Moreover, three types of response processes were identified in this study: logarithmic increase, logarithmic decrease, and volatility increase. Specific driving factors (e.g., proportion of cropland area, precipitation, population density, and slope) had significant threshold effects on the supply–demand balance of ESs. The turning points that can be extracted from these response processes should be recommended for ecosystem restoration projects to maintain regional sustainable ecosystem management. Full article

In recent decades, the use of nanotechnology has increased in many disciplines. Specifically, in the concrete industry, nanotechnology has been used to develop more eco-efficient solutions. There is a rapidly growing interest in using nanoparticles in concrete to tackle environmental impacts. Among the nanoparticles investigated, zinc oxide (ZnO) shows great potential because of its material properties, such as reactivity, non-toxicity, a hard and rigid structure, photocatalytic and photoluminescence properties, and chemical, electrical, and thermal stabilities. This paper focuses on the analysis of the effect of ZnO nanoparticles in lightweight concrete at different concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2.0 wt%) using two different methods including (i) addition and (ii) partial substitution for cement. Mechanical properties are determined by compressive strength tests. Chemical and morphological characterization is performed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This study reveals that an increase in the percentage of ZnO nanoparticles as a substitute for cement directly decreases the compressive strength of lightweight concrete. For ZnO nanoparticles in the addition method, compressive strength is 10% lower than in the control specimens. However, the conclusions indicate constant compressive strength for all ZnO nanoparticle concentrations in the addition method. Full article

In recent decades, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has spurred population and economic growth in the small rural communities in which it is located, along with causing contamination of the soil, air, and water with grave effects on human health due to the uncontrolled use of mercury for gold processing activities. This study analyzes the levels of mercury in Secocha, an ASGM community in Arequipa, Peru. A total of 44 soil samples were taken from two ASGM commercial-extractive zones (n = 18) and non-processing urban zones (n = 26). Soil mercury analysis with atomic absorption spectrometry revealed average mercury levels of 86.11 mg/kg in commercial-extractive zone I, where ore processing has occurred for about 17 years, and mercury levels of 43.81 mg/kg in commercial-extractive zone II, where processing has occurred for about 7 years. In the urban zone, the average mercury level was 9.53 mg/kg. The average mercury concentrations for each zone exceed the relevant environmental quality standards established by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment. In addition, urine samples were obtained from 15 miners and 15 people from the general urban population (non-miners). The average mercury level in the urine of miners was 7.04 µg/L, and in the urine of non-miners it was 0.49 µg/L. In both cases, the mercury urine level did not exceed the limits established by WHO and the Peruvian Ministry of Health, though miners’ elevated levels do raise concerns. Full article

Background: In reconstructive surgery, local flaps might develop tissue necrosis or partial flap loss especially after previous irradiation, which may be necessary in many tumor entities. The application of stem cells seems promising to improve flap perfusion and might be a possible solution to optimize flap survival. Methods: Twenty rats received harvesting of bilateral random pattern fasciocutaneous flaps. The right flaps received 20 Gy ionizing radiation 4 weeks prior to the surgery, while the left flaps served as the non-irradiated control. After flap harvest, four different stem cell mixtures (5 × 10⁶ ASC, ASC-HUVEC, MSC, MSC-HUVEC) were applied under both right and left flaps using 1 mL fibrin glue as the delivery vehicle. Flap size and its necrotic area were examined clinically. Two weeks after the surgery, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining for CD68 and ERG, as well as PCR analysis (Interleukin 6, HIF-1α and VEGF), were performed. Results: Application of ASCs, ASCs-HUVECs and MSCs resulted in a lower number of CD68-stained cells compared to the no cell group. The expression of Hif1α was higher in the ASC group compared to those in the MSC and previously treated no cell groups. Treatment with MSCs and MSCs-HUVECs prevented shrinking of the flaps in this series. Conclusion: Application of ASCs, MSCs and ASCs-HUVECs was shown to have an antiinflammatory effect. Treatment with MSCs and MSCs-HUVECs can prevent early shrinking of the flaps. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Eicosanoids are a group of bioactive metabolites that are mainly oxidized by arachidonic acid. Eicosanoids play a diverse role in cardiovascular diseases, with some exerting beneficial effects while others have detrimental consequences. However, a causal relationship between eicosanoid levels and cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with strong associations with plasma eicosanoid levels were selected. Summary-level data for cardiovascular disease were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association studies. A two-sample MR analysis identified that plasma eicosanoid levels were inversely correlated with unstable angina pectoris (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1–1.12; p = 0.04), myocardial infarction (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.09; p = 0.005), ischemia stroke (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1–1.11; p = 0.047), transient ischemic attack (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1–1.07; p = 0.042), heart failure (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05; p = 0.011), and pulmonary embolism (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.02–1.14; p = 1.69 × 10⁻⁶). In conclusion, our data strongly suggest a genetic causal link between high plasma eicosanoid levels and an increased cardiovascular disease risk. This study provides genetic evidence for treating cardiovascular diseases. Full article

Owing to the rising demand for vegetable soybean products, there is an increasing need for high-yield soybean varieties. However, the complex correlation patterns among quantitative traits with genetic architecture pose a challenge for improving vegetable soybean through breeding. Herein, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was applied to 6 yield-related traits in 188 vegetable soybean accessions. Using a BLINK model, a total of 116 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified for plant height, pod length, pod number, pod thickness, pod width, and fresh pod weight. Furthermore, a total of 220 genes were found in the 200 kb upstream and downstream regions of significant SNPs, including 11 genes encoding functional proteins. Among them, four candidate genes, Glyma.13G109100, Glyma.03G183200, Glyma.09G102200, and Glyma.09G102300 were analyzed for significant haplotype variations and to be in LD block, which encode MYB-related transcription factor, auxin-responsive protein, F-box protein, and CYP450, respectively. The relative expression of candidate genes in V030 and V071 vegetable soybean (for the plant height, pod number, and fresh pod weight of V030 were lower than those of the V071 strains) was significantly different, and these genes could be involved in plant growth and development via various pathways. Altogether, we identified four candidate genes for pod yield and plant height from vegetable soybean germplasm. This study provides insights into the genomic basis for improving soybean and crucial genomic resources that can facilitate genome-assisted high-yielding vegetable soybean breeding. Full article

The spread of misinformation in football transfer news has become a growing concern. To address this challenge, this study introduces a novel approach by employing ensemble learning techniques to identify key factors for predicting such misinformation. The performance of three ensemble learning models, namely Random Forest, AdaBoost, and XGBoost, was analyzed on a dataset of transfer rumours. Natural language processing (NLP) techniques were employed to extract structured data from the text, and the veracity of each rumor was verified using factual transfer data. The study also investigated the relationships between specific features and rumor veracity. Key predictive features such as a player’s market value, age, and timing of the transfer window were identified. The Random Forest model outperformed the other two models, achieving a cross-validated accuracy of 95.54%. The top features identified by the model were a player’s market value, time to the start/end of the transfer window, and age. The study revealed weak negative relationships between a player’s age, time to the start/end of the transfer window, and rumor veracity, suggesting that for older players and times further from the transfer window, rumors are slightly less likely to be true. In contrast, a player’s market value did not have a statistically significant relationship with rumor veracity. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of misinformation detection and ensemble learning techniques. Despite some limitations, this study has significant implications for media agencies, football clubs, and fans. By discerning the credibility of transfer news, stakeholders can make informed decisions, reduce the spread of misinformation, and foster a more transparent transfer market. Full article

Background: The opioid crisis in the US is a severe public health issue, prompting pharmacists to adopt various strategies for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Despite progress, barriers persist. Results: This commentary examines five determinants of public health in relation to pharmacist-led interventions for the opioid crisis: individual behavior, social factors, policymaking, health service accessibility, and biological/genetic considerations. Pharmacists can influence individual behavior through education and support, address social determinants like stigma, advocate for policy changes, ensure health service accessibility, and personalize opioid prescriptions based on biological factors. Conclusion: Pharmacists play a crucial role in addressing the opioid crisis by navigating these determinants. Pharmacists’ engagement is essential for reducing opioid-related harms and improving public health outcomes through advocacy, service provision, and education. Full article

This paper uses Pope Francis’s Fratelli Tutti to develop traditional Catholic depictions of human dignity in both theory and practice. Black sociopolitical thought and social movement organizing are brought into conversation with theologies and philosophies that reflect on what gives life integrity. I posit that the substantialist (ontological) interpretation of human dignity logically extends from individuals to collectives. Further, I suggest religious leaders in the United States should emphasize this collective form of substantialism alongside the relational (Trinitarian) and functional (creative) interpretations of human dignity, thus identifying collectives as thematizing divine likeness and separating the notion of human dignity from individualism. Full article

China is facing development challenges, such as the red line of arable land, resource shortage, and tightening ecological and environmental constraints. In this context, improving land green utilization efficiency (LGUE) is not only an important undertaking to optimize the spatial layout of the country and improve resource carrying capacity but also an inevitable choice for the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. China’s energy-consuming right trading (ECRT) is an important energy transition demonstration policy; however, its effect on LGUE has yet to be scientifically evaluated in academic research. Using panel data of 260 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2021, this study first uses a difference-in-difference model to test the effect of ECRT on LGUE, analyze its transmission mechanism, and further examine the impact of urban characteristic heterogeneity on policy effects from multiple perspectives. Results show the following: (1) The pilot policy of ECRT significantly improves urban LGUE, as confirmed by robustness tests. (2) The ECRT pilot policy enhances urban technological innovation, promotes the upgrading of industrial structure, and thereby improves LGUE. (3) The ECRT has a more significant enhancement effect on the central and western cities, large-scale cities, and resource-based cities. (4) Government environmental protection assessment can have a positive moderating effect, that is, further amplifying the effect of ECRT on improving urban LGUE. In conclusion, we should solidly promote the construction of a unified national ECRT market, formulate policy implementation plans tailored to local conditions, and steadily improve LGUE. To a certain extent, this paper reveals the inherent logic of how ECRT affects LGUE, which provides opportunities for cities to improve LGUE through ECRT, and provides reference for promoting the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. Full article

Honey bee colonies rapidly decline when confined to greenhouses, increasing pollination rental costs as they need to be replaced frequently. We tested a hive system with entrances that can be manipulated to direct bees inside or outside greenhouses containing a zucchini crop. In one greenhouse, the bees could only forage inside for 15 days; in another, bees were directed to the inside from 5 to 9 a.m., after which they only foraged outside. This procedure was repeated two more times in each greenhouse with new hives. Data were collected on how the number of bee flower visits affected fruit production, the frequency of flower visits, and the amount of bee brood and food in the hives. Flowers visited by bees four times or more set more and larger fruit. The frequency of flower visits by bees from the hives confined to the greenhouse was reduced after eight days; it was not reduced in the greenhouse with bees that could forage outside. The bee brood area was reduced in the colonies that were confined to the greenhouse, while it was maintained in the semi-confined hives. The hives with controllable entrances proved effective for pollination, while causing less damage to the bees. Full article

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) can generate severe complications, such as Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) or Diabetic Nephropathy (DN), with it emerging as the leading cause of terminal (end-stage) renal disease all over the world. For T1DM, the clinical evaluation of DKD uses markers like the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and the Urinary Albumin Excretion (UAE). However, early diagnosis of DKD is still a challenge. For this reason, investigating molecular markers, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), offers a promising perspective to an early diagnosis, highlighting the stability and the ability to reflect incipient molecular manifestations. Thus, here we investigated four miRNAs (hsa-let-7i-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-501-3p, and hsa-miR-100-5p) regarding nephropathy in patients with T1DM, considering the albuminuria (micro and macro) as a standard to evaluate the groups. As a result, we found a reduced expression of miR-100-5p in patients with MIC, indicating a protective role in nephropathy. Beyond that, expression levels between the groups (Non vs. UAE) were not significant when comparing the miRNAs miR-501-3p and miR-143-3p. Finally, miR-143-3p and miR-100-5p were linked to some target genes such as AKT1, MMP13, and IGF1R, that are connected to signal pathways and cellular metabolism. Full article

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of BEMER (Physical Vascular Therapy) on body surface temperature using infrared thermography (IRT) in the distal parts of the forelimbs in Thoroughbreds. The study tested the hypothesis that BEMER therapy leads to an increase in body surface temperature and blood vessel diameter in the distal parts of the forelimbs. The study involved 16 horses, split into 2 groups: active BEMER (n = 8) and sham (n = 8). The active BEMER group had BEMER boots applied to the distal parts of the forelimbs, whereas the sham group had BEMER boots applied without activation of the device. Both groups underwent IRT examination to detect changes in body surface temperature, followed by ultrasonographic examination to assess changes in vein and artery diameter before (BT) and just after (JAT) therapy. The IRT examination was repeated 15 min after BEMER therapy (15AT). There were no significant body surface temperature differences between BT and JAT in any regions of interest (ROIs) in either group. In the active BEMER group, the ROIs did not change significantly at 15AT, compared to the temperatures measured at BT (except for the hooves). At 15AT the temperature of all the ROIs (except the fetlock bone) dropped significantly in the sham group. In the ultrasonographic examination, there was a significant increase in vein and artery diameter in the study group JAT, whereas the sham group had a significant increase only in artery diameter JAT. These results suggest an effect of BEMER on stimulating blood circulation in the distal parts of the forelimbs in clinically healthy horses. IRT did not identify changes in skin surface temperature after BEMER therapy at the distal parts of the forelimbs. Full article

We revisit, and document new facts regarding, the financialization of U.S. energy markets in 2000–2010. We show that, after controlling for macroeconomic factors and physical energy market fundamentals, the strength of energy markets’ co-movements with the U.S. stock market is positively related to the energy paper market activity of hedge funds that trade both asset classes. This relation weakens when credit risk is elevated. We find, in contrast, no link with the aggregate positions of commodity index traders in energy futures markets. Our findings have implications for the ongoing debate regarding the financialization of commodities. Full article

Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) began in the early 1960s based on the work of Dr. Robert “Bob” Guthrie in Buffalo, NY, USA. His development of a screening test for phenylketonuria on blood absorbed onto a special filter paper and transported to a remote testing laboratory began it all. Expansion of NBS to large numbers of asymptomatic congenital conditions flourishes in many settings while it has not yet been realized in others. The need for NBS as an efficient and effective public health prevention strategy that contributes to lowered morbidity and mortality wherever it is sustained is well known in the medical field but not necessarily by political policy makers. Acknowledging the value of national NBS reports published in 2007, the authors collaborated to create a worldwide NBS update in 2015. In a continuing attempt to review the progress of NBS globally, and to move towards a more harmonized and equitable screening system, we have updated our 2015 report with information available at the beginning of 2024. Reports on sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, missing in 2015, have been included. Tables popular in the previous report have been updated with an eye towards harmonized comparisons. To emphasize areas needing attention globally, we have used regional tables containing similar listings of conditions screened, numbers of screening laboratories, and time at which specimen collection is recommended. Discussions are limited to bloodspot screening. Full article

Impaired maternal–infant bonding can have a negative impact on the mother–infant relationship, affecting the social, emotional, and cognitive development of a child. In Uganda, there is a paucity of literature on impaired maternal–infant bonding. This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with impaired maternal–infant bonding. Postnatal mothers (n = 422) attending the Young Child Clinic at Kawempe National Referral Hospital participated in the study. Maternal–infant bonding was measured using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Participants with a score ≥ 13 on the PBQ were considered to have impaired maternal–infant bonding. The prevalence of impaired maternal–infant bonding among mothers was 45% (190/422). Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with impaired maternal–infant bonding. Unmarried mothers (AOR = 2.05, 95% [CI = 1.03–4.09], p = 0.041), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 5.19, 95% [CI = 3.07–8.82], p < 0.001), first-time mothers (AOR = 2.46, 95% [CI = 1.37–4.43], p = 0.003), female infant (AOR = 1.80, 95% [CI = 1.13–2.86], p = 0.013), mothers with no/low education levels (AOR = 2.29, 95% [CI = 1.05–4.50], p = 0.036), and those who delivered post term (AOR = 2.49, 95% [CI = 1.10–5.67], p = 0.028) were more likely to have impaired maternal–infant bonding. Nurses and midwives in postnatal care should include maternal–infant bonding within their client’s assessment and provide supportive mother-centered care. Interventions to improve maternal–infant bonding should be created and implemented in clinical practice. Full article

The interest in lipid composition profiling is significantly increasing as research reveals the immense importance of lipids in medicine, plant science, food and agriculture. However, lipidomic analysis requires high-end specialty equipment. We used two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography (2D-TLC) as a readily available, low-cost tool for basic lipidomic profiling of lipid classes in algal samples in the models Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Auxenochlorella protothecoides, and Euglena gracilis, validating lipid class identification using an LC-MS/MS analysis. Algal lipid extracts were separated on a 2D-TLC plate, and TLC analysis was followed by scraping individual TLC spots off the plate, and a subsequent liquid chromatography separation and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. For comparison, crude lipid extracts were also injected directly to the LC-MS/MS system. Lipid class annotation was achieved by a combination of accurate mass, retention time information, neutral loss and fragment ion analysis by MS2Analyzer, and by matching spectra to LipidBlast MS/MS library. Overall, we were able to identify 15 lipid classes, and to adequately profile the lipid classes in all three organisms. This TLC method is thus suggested as an accessible tool for lipid class profiling of algal, plant, and food lipids, alike, when a rapid and simple analysis is required, e.g., for screening purposes. Full article

Panax notoginseng is a perennial plant well known for its versatile medicinal properties, including hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, estrogen-like, and antidepressant characteristics. It has been reported that plant age affects the quality of P. notoginseng. This study aimed to explore the differential metabolome and transcriptome of 2-year (PN2) and 3-year-old (PN3) P. notoginseng plant root samples. Principal component analysis of metabolome and transcriptome data revealed major differences between the two groups (PN2 vs. PN3). A total of 1813 metabolites and 28,587 genes were detected in this study, of which 255 metabolites and 3141 genes were found to be differential (p < 0.05) between PN2 vs. PN3, respectively. Among differential metabolites and genes, 155 metabolites and 1217 genes were up-regulated, while 100 metabolites and 1924 genes were down-regulated. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed differentially enriched metabolites belonging to class lipids (“13S-hydroperoxy-9Z, 11E-octadecadionic acid”, “9S-hydroxy-10E, 12Z-octadecadionic acid”, “9S-oxo-10E, 12Z-octadecadionic acid”, and “9,10,13-trihydroxy-11-octadecadionic acid”), nucleotides and derivatives (guanine and cytidine), and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid) were found to be enriched (p < 0.05) in PN3 compared to PN2. Further, these differentially enriched metabolites were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) regulated via linoleic acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Furthermore, the transcriptome analysis showed the up-regulation of key genes MAT, DMAS, SDH, gallate 1-beta-glucosyltransferase, and beta-D-glucosidase in various plants’ secondary metabolic pathways and SAUR, GID1, PP2C, ETR, CTR1, EBF1/2, and ERF1/2 genes observed in phytohormone signal transduction pathway that is involved in plant growth and development, and protection against the various stressors. This study concluded that the roots of a 3-year-old P. notoginseng plant have better metabolome and transcriptome profiles compared to a 2-year-old plant with importantly enriched metabolites and genes in pathways related to metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and various biological processes. These findings provide insights into the plant’s dynamic biochemical and molecular changes during its growth that have several implications regarding its therapeutic use. Full article

The study examines the societal issues that contribute to the level of insecurity in Nigerian society using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) co-integration technique with data from 1991 to 2022. The variables used as independent and societal factors generating insecurity include the unemployment rate; the high cost of living in society; insufficient funds for education, community social services, healthcare services, and infrastructure; and agricultural development. Among the criteria evaluated, inadequate school financing and the unemployment rate appear to be the most significant sources of insecurity in society as a result of young people’s involvement in abduction, violence, and other societal issues. The study recognizes that government measures aimed at reorienting society towards a peaceful environment for habitation are critical. It is of the utmost importance to provide employment for young people and adequately support schools in order to lower the number of youngsters who are not in school. These out-of-school children are readily persuaded to join groups that make society untenable. Thus, free education is strongly suggested to engage and develop their thoughts in a constructive manner so that they can be valuable to society. Full article

Breathing pattern assessment holds critical importance in clinical practice for detecting respiratory dysfunctions and their impact on health and wellbeing. This systematic literature review investigates the efficacy of inertial sensors in assessing adult human breathing patterns, exploring various methodologies, challenges, and limitations. Utilizing the PSALSAR framework, incorporating the PICOC method and PRISMA statement for comprehensive research, 22 publications were scrutinized from the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. A diverse range of sensor fusion methods, data signal analysis techniques, and classifier performances were investigated. Notably, Madgwick’s algorithm and the Principal Component Analysis showed superior performance in tracking respiratory movements. Classifiers like Long Short-Term Memory Recurrent Neural Networks exhibited high accuracy in detecting breathing events. Motion artifacts, limited sample sizes, and physiological variability posed challenges, highlighting the need for further research. Optimal sensor configurations were explored, suggesting improvements with multiple sensors, especially in different body postures. In conclusion, this systematic literature review elucidates methods, challenges, and potential future developments in using inertial sensors for assessing adult human breathing patterns. Overcoming the challenges related to sensor placement, motion artifacts, and algorithm development is essential for progress. Future research should focus on extending sensor applications to clinical settings and diverse populations, enhancing respiratory health management. Full article

Clostridioides difficile is a causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea as well as pseudomembranous colitis. So far, all known bacteriophages infecting these bacteria are temperate, which means that instead of prompt lysis of host cells, they can integrate into the host genome or replicate episomally. While C. difficile phages are capable of spontaneous induction and entering the lytic pathway, very little is known about the regulation of their maintenance in the state of lysogeny. In this study, we investigated the properties of a putative major repressor of the recently characterized C. difficile phiCDKH01 bacteriophage. A candidate protein belongs to the XRE family and controls the transcription of genes encoding putative phage antirepressors, known to be involved in the regulation of lytic development. Hence, the putative major phage repressor is likely to be responsible for maintenance of the lysogeny. Full article