We investigate models that can induce significant modifications to the couplings of first- and second-generation quarks with Higgs bosons. Specifically, we identify all simplified models featuring two vector-like quark states which can lead to substantial enhancements in these couplings. In addition, these models generate operators in Standard Model Effective Field Theory, both at tree-level and one-loop, that are constrained by electroweak precision and Higgs data. We show how to evade constraints from flavour physics and consider direct searches for vector-like quarks. Ultimately, we demonstrate that viable ultraviolet models can be found with first-generation quark Yukawa couplings enhanced by several hundred times their Standard Model value, while the Higgs couplings to charm (strange) quarks can be increased by factors of a few (few tens). Given the importance of electroweak precision data in constraining these models, we also discuss projections for future measurements at the Tera-Z FCC-ee machine.

Although the importance of the microbiome in the context of tick biology and vector competence has recently come into a broader research focus, the field is still in its infancy and the complex ecological interactions between the tick residential bacteria and pathogens are obscure. Here, we show that an environmentally acquired gut bacterium has the potential to impair Borrelia afzelii colonization within the tick vector through a secreted metalloprotease. Oral introduction of either Bacillus cereus LTG-1 isolate or its purified enhancin (BcEnhancin) protein significantly reduces B. afzelii burden in the guts of Ixodes ricinus ticks. This effect is attributed to the ability of BcEnhancin to degrade a glycan-rich peritrophic matrix (PM), which is a gut protective barrier essential for Borrelia survival. Our study highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in determining tick vector competence and provides a deeper mechanistic insight into the complex network of interactions between Borrelia, the tick, and the tick microbiome.

Pathological studies suggest that multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions endure multiple waves of damage and repair; however, the dynamics and characteristics of these processes are poorly understood in patients living with MS.

Abstract Glioma is a rare and debilitating brain cancer with one of the lowest cancer survival rates. Genome-wide association studies have identified 34 genetic susceptibility regions. We sought to discover novel susceptibility regions using approaches that test groups of contiguous genetic markers simultaneously. We analyzed data from three independent glioma studies of European ancestry, GliomaScan (1,316 cases/1,293 controls), Australian Genomics and Clinical Outcomes of Glioma Consortium (560 cases/2,237 controls), and Glioma International Case-Control Study (4,000 cases/2,411 controls), using the machine learning algorithm DEPendency of association on the number of Top Hits and a region-based regression method based on the generalized Berk–Jones (GBJ) statistic, to assess the association of glioma with genomic regions by glioma type and sex. Summary statistics from the UCSF/Mayo Clinic study were used for independent validation. We conducted a meta-analysis using GliomaScan, Australian Genomics and Clinical Outcomes of Glioma Consortium, Glioma International Case-Control Study, and UCSF/Mayo. We identified 11 novel candidate genomic regions for glioma risk common to multiple studies. Two of the 11 regions, 16p13.3 containing RBFOX1 and 1p36.21 containing PRDM2, were significantly associated with female and male glioma risk respectively, based on the results of the meta-analysis. Both regions have been previously linked to glioma tumor progression. Three of the 11 regions contain neurotransmitter receptor genes (7q31.33 GRM8, 5q35.2 DRD1, and 15q13.3 CHRNA7). Our region-based approach identified 11 genomic regions that suggest an association with glioma risk of which two regions, 16p13.3 and 1p36.21, warrant further investigation as genetic susceptibility regions for female and male risk, respectively. Our analyses suggest that genetic susceptibility to glioma may differ by sex and highlight the possibility that synapse-related genes play a role in glioma susceptibility. Significance: Further investigation of the potential susceptibility regions identified in our study may lead to a better understanding of glioma genetic risk and the underlying biological etiology of glioma. Our study suggests sex may play a role in genetic susceptibility and highlights the importance of sex-specific analysis in future glioma research.

This study investigates gender representation in management and coaching roles within sports organizations in the Banja Luka region, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research aims to provide a detailed insight into the extent of women’s participation in decision-making roles and sports activities, revealing existing inequalities. A structured online questionnaire was distributed to 54 sports organizations from eight different types of sports to assess gender distribution in managerial, executive, and coaching roles. The results indicate that men overwhelmingly dominate management leadership positions, with 96.29% of managerial roles occupied by men and 62.9% of organizations having no women in management leadership. Similarly, 52.8% of the clubs do not employ any female coaches. Only 11.1% of organizations reported having policies addressing gender equality, reflecting the absence of formal mechanisms to address these disparities. The findings emphasize persistent barriers, including stereotypes and organizational culture, that hinder the inclusion of women in leadership and coaching roles. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions, including policy changes and educational efforts, to promote gender equality in sports organizations in the region.

Today, a large number of citizens have to use public transport as well as their own, in order to go to work, to complete business obligations in different parts of the city or to use them during vacation or recreation. The above implies an organized traffic system that implies the functioning of all entities that directly or indirectly participate in the implementation. A large number of means of public transport, private cars, motorcycles, scooters and cyclists can at a certain moment create congestion that certainly disrupts daily traffic flows. When unplanned actions take place, there is a danger that for a certain period of time there will be a stoppage and even an interruption of traffic on a certain section of the road. Such situations cause nervousness among drivers, decrease concentration and unintentionally cause traffic accidents. The main goal of this paper is to present a model of electronic business that includes remote regulation of traffic from the dispatch centre, available horizontal and vertical signalling using blockchain technology. Innovative blockchain technology is currently the best protection mechanism for digital processes that take place in wired and wireless networks. In addition to the above, the protection system includes the storage, memorization and forwarding of a large amount of information, which, through later analysis, can represent the starting point for planning future models. Traffic regulation based on advanced Internet technologies certainly increases the throughput of major intersections as well as primary roads that are important for fire engines, police and emergency services.

The association between hypertension as a pre-existing comorbidity and the severe form of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear due to the contradictory results of previously published studies. The present study evaluated the predictive significance of hypertension in the incidence of complications among critically ill patients with COVID-19. The present study included 372 critically ill adults with COVID-19 pneumonia, hospitalized between January 1 and December 31, 2021. The study cohort was divided into the hypertension group (HTA group), which included 245 patients with a history of hypertension, or a non-HTA group (control group), which included 127 patients without hypertension. The incidence of complications was retrospectively extracted from medical records and compared between groups. Multivariate regression analysis (adjusted for potential confounders) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the predictive significance of hypertension on the incidence of complications. The patients in the HTA group were more likely to receive invasive mechanical ventilation [odds ratio (OR), 1.696; P<0.02], develop sepsis (OR, 1.807; P<0.01) and develop complications (OR, 3.101; P<0.001). Hypertension was an independent positive predictor for invasive mechanical ventilation [area under the curve (AUC), 0.67; positive predictive value (PPV), 71.7%; P<0.05], sepsis (AUC, 0.69; PPV, 77.5%; P<0.026) and total complications per patient (AUC, 0.71; PPV, 81.4%; P<0.001). On the whole, the data of the present study indicate that a history of hypertension should be considered as an independent clinical predictor of a higher incidence of complications in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Patients with pre-existing hypertension and a diagnosis of COVID-19 require timely identification, additional attention and treatment to avoid a critical course and help improve outcomes.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern, necessitating the understanding of utilisation patterns and their rationale. Pilot studies have been conducted in a rural province in South Africa to determine the extent of self-purchasing of antibiotics by patients from independent and chain pharmacies. It is imperative to understand the extent of knowledge and concerns of patients regarding the key aspects of antibiotic use and AMR, and potential language barriers, when pharmacists and their assistants are discussing the key aspects with patients. Consequently, the aim was to pre-test a patient questionnaire translated in three native languages building on the findings from the English language pilot. The English patient questionnaire (Parts 1 and 2) was translated to Sepedi, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. In total 30 patients were interviewed (5/language for Part 1 and Part 2 respectively) when leaving 10 chain and independent pharmacies. This was followed by interviews with patients to evaluate their understanding of questions and key concepts. Eleven of 15 patients interviewed for Part 1 received antibiotics, including 8 without a prescription. Only independent pharmacies (8/10) dispensed antibiotics without prescriptions. Interviews revealed concerns about antibiotic knowledge and AMR and that certain terms including ‘antibiotic’ and ‘AMR’ posed challenges with patient understanding of the purpose of antibiotics. For instance, one patient self-purchased antibiotics for ‘cleansing’ of sexually transmitted infections. The questionnaires in the native languages were subsequently revised so that explanations for terms, including ‘antibiotic’ and ‘AMR’ will be provided in the main study. Similar to the previous pilot studies, self-purchasing of antibiotics was observed among independent pharmacies, although at varying rates, with similar indications. Continued health literacy education for pharmacists and patients, especially with native language communication, are needed to address current challenges and will be explored in the main study.

Objectives Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), representing 15%–20% of individuals with SLE, has been difficult to study globally due to differences between registries. This initiative, supported by Childhood Arthritis Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) and Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS), aims to create Core and Expanded cSLE Datasets to standardise and enhance research worldwide. Methods 21 international cSLE experts and 4 patients participated in a Delphi process (questionnaires, 2 topic-specific focus groups and 3 virtual consensus meetings) to create 2 standardised cSLE datasets. The Core cSLE Dataset was designed to include data essential to meaningful clinical research across many settings. The Expanded cSLE Dataset was designed for centres able to consistently collect data to address broader research questions. Final data items for the Core and Expanded datasets were determined by consensus defined as >80% agreement) using an adapted nominal group technique and voting. Results The resulting Core cSLE Dataset contains 46 items, including demographics, clinical features, laboratory results, medications and significant adverse events. The Expanded cSLE Dataset adds 26 additional items and includes patient-reported outcomes. Consensus was also achieved regarding the frequency and time points for data collection: baseline, quarterly follow-up visits, annually and flare visits. Conclusion Standardised Core and Expanded cSLE Datasets for registry-based international cSLE research were defined through the consensus of global experts and patient/caregiver representatives, endorsed by CARRA and PReS. These datasets incorporate disease-specific and patient-specific features, optimised for diverse settings to facilitate international collaborative research for children and adolescents with SLE worldwide.

In deaf students, there is no contextual understanding and recognition of word types through linguistic competence testing compared to the hearing population, because 67.10% do not understand, and 10.00% of deaf respondents partially understand the contextual application of word types in a written text task. In written communication, deaf students use nouns (65.70%), pronouns (34.30%), verbs (45.7%), adjectives (28.60%), adverbs (22.90%), prepositions (54.30%), exclamations (15.70%), particles (12.90%) and numbers (32.90%). The aim of the study was to examine the factor solutions of quantitative indicators of contextual understanding of the word’s types used and the relation of isolated factors of the words types words in the written text task of deaf students. The study was conducted on a sample of 140 respondents. The first subsample of respondents, the experimental group consisted of 70 deaf students, and the second subsample, the control group of 70 hearing students, of the same chronological age and gender. The measurement instrument “Test of comprehension of the written form of expression” was applied. The collected data were processed using the method of oblique rotation and the method of factor analysis. The results of the study showed that the language discourse of the deaf in the quantitative use of word types in the written form of expression is organized significantly differently compared to the hearing population. By factor analysis, three main factors were isolated in the deaf population, and four main factors were isolated in the hearing population. Considering the saturation of variability, it is possible to accurately determine in practice the direction of teaching deaf children the types of words in their native language. Isolated factors are part of separate, statistically unrelated entities in both deaf and hearing respondents and confirm the justification of successive teaching of the deaf respondents according to the types of words that are present in the comparative analysis of hearing respondents.

A major challenge in autonomous flights is unknown disturbances, which can jeopardize safety and cause collisions, especially in obstacle-rich environments. This letter presents a disturbance-aware motion planning and control framework for autonomous aerial flights. The framework is composed of two key components: a disturbance-aware motion planner and a tracking controller. The motion planner consists of a predictive control scheme and an online-adapted learned disturbance model. The tracking controller, developed using contraction control methods, ensures safety bounds on the quadrotor’s behavior near obstacles with respect to the motion plan. The algorithm is tested in simulations with a quadrotor facing strong crosswind and ground-induced disturbances.