Browse Articles

Aloe polysaccharide promotes keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and differentiation by upregulating the EGFR/PKC-dependent signaling pathways

Suppression of stress granule formation is a vulnerability imposed by mutant p53

Probing mechanical attributes and microstructural ties in modified concrete blended with recycled rubber and straw powder

Hydrolysis-deficient mosaic microtubules as faithful mimics of the GTP cap

Abstract A critical feature of microtubules is their GTP cap, a stabilizing GTP-tubulin rich region at growing microtubule ends. Microtubules polymerized in the presence of GTP analogs or from GTP hydrolysis-deficient tubulin mutants have been used as GTP-cap mimics for structural and biochemical studies. However, these analogs and mutants generate microtubules with diverse biochemical properties and lattice structures, leaving it unclear what is the most faithful GTP mimic and hence the structure of the GTP cap. Here, we generate a hydrolysis-deficient human tubulin mutant, αE254Q, with the smallest possible modification. We show that αE254Q-microtubules are stable, but still exhibit mild mutation-induced growth abnormalities. However, mixing two GTP hydrolysis-deficient tubulin mutants, αE254Q and αE254N, at an optimized ratio eliminates growth and lattice abnormalities, indicating that these ‘mosaic microtubules’ are faithful GTP cap mimics. Their cryo-electron microscopy structure reveals that longitudinal lattice expansion, but not protofilament twist, is the primary structural feature distinguishing the GTP-tubulin containing cap from the GDP-tubulin containing microtubule shaft. However, alterations in protofilament twist may be transiently needed to allow lattice compaction and GTP hydrolysis. Together, our results provide insights into the structural origin of GTP cap stability, the pathway of GTP hydrolysis and hence microtubule dynamic instability.

An intelligent ransomware based cyberthreat detection model using multi head attention-based recurrent neural networks with optimization algorithm in IoT environment

Machine learning-assisted wearable sensing systems for speech recognition and interaction

Abstract The human voice stands out for its rich information transmission capabilities. However, voice communication is susceptible to interference from noisy environments and obstacles. Here, we propose a wearable wireless flexible skin-attached acoustic sensor (SAAS) capable of capturing the vibrations of vocal organs and skin movements, thereby enabling voice recognition and human-machine interaction (HMI) in harsh acoustic environments. This system utilizes a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUT), which feature high sensitivity (-198 dB), wide bandwidth (10 Hz-20 kHz), and excellent flatness (±0.5 dB). Flexible packaging enhances comfort and adaptability during wear, while integration with the Residual Network (ResNet) architecture significantly improves the classification of laryngeal speech features, achieving an accuracy exceeding 96%. Furthermore, we also demonstrated SAAS’s data collection and intelligent classification capabilities in multiple HMI scenarios. Finally, the speech recognition system was able to recognize everyday sentences spoken by participants with an accuracy of 99.8% through a deep learning model. With advantages including a simple fabrication process, stable performance, easy integration, and low cost, SAAS presents a compelling solution for applications in voice control, HMI, and wearable electronics.

Long-term clinical outcomes of dienogest for perimenopausal women with symptomatic adenomyosis

Ultralow trap density FAPbBr3 perovskite films for efficient light-emitting diodes and amplified spontaneous emission

Assessing social support’s mediating effects on rational antimicrobial prescribing: a structural equation modeling study of healthcare professionals’ behavior

Observation of topological hydrogen-bonding domains in physical hydrogel for excellent self-healing and elasticity

Abstract Physical hydrogels, three-dimensional polymer networks with reversible cross-linking, have been widely used in many developments throughout the history of mankind. However, physical hydrogels face significant challenges in applications due to wound rupture and low elasticity. Some self-heal wounds with strong ionic bond throughout the network but struggle to immediately recover during cyclic operation. In light of this, a strategy that achieves both self-healing and elasticity has been developed through the construction of topological hydrogen-bonding domains. These domains are formed by entangled button-knot nanoscale colloids of polyacrylic-acid (PAA) with an ultra-high molecular weight up to 240,000, further guiding the polymerization of polyacrylamide to reinforce the hydrogel network. The key for such colloids is the self-assembly of PAA fibers, approximately 4 nm in diameter, and the interconnecting PAA colloids possess high strength, simultaneously acting as elastic scaffold and reversibly cross-linking near wounds. The hydrogel completely recovers mechanical properties within 5 h at room temperature and consistently maintains >85% toughness in cyclic loading. After swelling, the hydrogel has 96.1 wt% of water content and zero residual strain during cycling. Such physical hydrogel not only provides a model system for the microstructural engineering of hydrogels but also broadens the scope of potential applications.

Author Correction: Identification of new ClpC1-NTD binders for Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug development

Interleukin-16 enhances anti-tumor immune responses by establishing a Th1 cell-macrophage crosstalk through reprogramming glutamine metabolism in mice

Association between heavy metal exposure and asthma in adults: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2013

Risk factors for asthma include genetic, host, and environmental factors such as allergens, smoking, and exposure to chemicals. Heavy metals from air pollution or contaminated water and food can also trigger asthma. This study aimed to identify the biological exposure levels of blood lead, mercury, and cadmium, and determine the association of asthma with single and multiple exposures to these heavy metals using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted between 2008 and 2013. A weighted analysis of 40,328 adults aged ≥ 20 years was conducted. Variables included blood heavy metal levels, health behaviors, demographic characteristics, and asthma status. Logistic regression was used to identify the association between the blood heavy metal levels and the odds ratio (OR) of asthma in adults. The overall asthma prevalence was 3.0%. The geometric mean values for blood lead, mercury, and cadmium were 2.14 μg/dL, 3.72 μg/L, and 0.96 μg/L, respectively. An association between asthma and high blood lead levels was observed, with the highest level group showing a statistically significant association. Blood mercury and cadmium were significantly associated with asthma in the highest quartile of blood levels. After adjusting for the demographic and health behavior variables, significant associations with asthma persisted for the highest quartiles of all heavy metals. Multiple exposures in the highest quartile also showed a significant association with asthma. This study demonstrated a significant association between blood heavy metal levels and asthma in adults, emphasizing the need to reduce exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury as a preventive measure against asthma in adults.

Research on the unsteady flow characteristics of high specific speed axial flow impellers with small aspect ratio and double blades

Abstract High specific speed impeller with low aspect ratio is ideal for high-speed pump-jet propulsion. This study investigates its unsteady hydrodynamic characteristics using experimental and numerical methods. At the design flow rate (Q d ), the pressure amplitude at the blade’s leading and trailing edges varies significantly along the streamline. Blade shape minimally affects flow velocity but significantly impacts leading-edge pressure fluctuations. For the mainstream, the highest fluctuation peak occurs at 0.9Q d . The pressure amplitude gradually decreases from blade’s shroud to hub. Along circumferential direction the minimum pressure amplitude is located in the middle of the two blades. In gap flow, the leading-edge pressure peaks at Q d , with fluctuations primarily at 5 times and 10 times the rotation frequency. Meanwhile, pressure fluctuations in the tip clearance’s height direction exhibit a consistent distribution, reaching their maximum at the leading edge. Vortex structure analysis using various Q criteria reveals that increasing Q enhances vortexes in the impeller while reducing them in the diffuser. Moreover, flow rates result in a simultaneous decrease in vortexes within both components, while the pressure distribution on the isotropic vortex surface remained stable.

Publisher Correction: Muscle abnormalities in Long COVID

CT-based multi-regional radiomics model for predicting contrast medium extravasation in patients with tumors: A case-control study

Objective To develop a non-contrast CT based multi-regional radiomics model for predicting contrast medium (CM) extravasation in patients with tumors. Methods A retrospective analysis of non-contrast CT scans from 282 tumor patients across two medical centers led to the development of a radiomics model, using 157 patients for training, 68 for validation, and 57 from an external center as an independent test cohort. The different volumes of interest from right common carotid artery/right internal jugular vein, right subclavian artery/vein and thoracic aorta were delineated. Radiomics features from the training cohort were used to calculate radiomics scores (Rad scores) and develop radiomics model. Non-contrast CT radiomics features were combined with clinical factors to develop an integrated model. A nomogram was created to visually represent the integration of radiomic signatures and clinical factors. The model’s predictive performance and clinical utility were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA), respectively. Calibration curves were also used to assess the concordance between the model-predicted probabilities and the observed event probabilities. Results Thirteen radiomics features were selected to determine the Rad score. The radiomic model outperformed the clinical model in the training, validation, and external test cohorts, achieving a greater area under the ROC curve (AUC) with values of 0.877, 0.866, 0.828 compared to the clinical model’s 0.852, 0.806, 0.740. The combined model yielded better AUC of 0.945, 0.911, and 0.869 in the respective cohorts. The nomogram identified females, the elderly, individuals with hypertension, long term chemotherapy, radiomic signatures as independent risk factors for CM extravasation in patients with tumors. Calibration and DCA validated the high accuracy and clinical utility of this model. Conclusions Radiomics models based on multi-regional non-contrast CT image offered improved prediction of CM extravasation compared with clinical model alone.

Evaluation of soybean germplasms for resistance to stay-green syndrome

Author Correction: Neutrophil extracellular traps promote metastasis in gastric cancer patients with postoperative abdominal infectious complications

Minimally invasive interventions for intracranial pathologies using tubular retractors in the pediatric population: Safety, efficacy, technical aspects and outcomes

Background Minimally invasive surgeries for intracranial pathologies are gaining popularity, recognizing the intrinsic benefits, mostly related to recovery time, while minimizing injury to healthy parenchyma and adjacent functional areas, especially during the resection of deep and centrally located lesions. These procedures require technical familiarity and cultivated surgical experience, coupled with dedicated instruments, appropriate planning, and a stringent patient selection. Objective To describe our novel experience with minimally invasive trans-sulcal parafascicular surgery (MIPS) in a single-center pediatric population, emphasizing the interdependencies between surgical experience, best practices, preparation, and positive surgical outcomes. Methods This single center retrospective review included an electronic medical record (EMR) retrieval of all pediatric patients undergoing minimally invasive trans-sulcal parafascicular surgeries (MIPS) between 2018 and 2023. Clinical, demographic, and radiographic data were captured as were previous surgical procedures, operative approach and technique, operative duration, post-operative day discharge (POD) and length of follow up. Outcomes, including complications and the need for additional interventions, are reported. Results A total of 27 consecutive procedures, treating 22 patients aged 10-months to 19-years were evaluated. Treated pathologies included tumors, vascular lesions, infections, hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus, with the average follow-up > 19 months. Surgical outcomes were similar, if not superior to, the standard of care, considering the extent of resection of various types of lesions, evacuation of hematoma or abscess, as well as complex fenestrations. MIPS procedures were successfully used in a subgroup of patients previously undergoing operations with “standard” approaches. No patients experienced direct complications as a result of the procedure. Recovery times were shorter and the procedure itself was better tolerated in comparison to classical interventions. Conclusions This largest reported pediatric series using MIPS for a variety of pathologies, demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and possibly superior outcomes in children. Technical familiarity and development of surgical experience with MIPS is critical to optimal outcomes.

Spatially fractionated minibeam radiation delivered at clinically feasible dose rates induces transient vascular permeability

Abstract Microbeam Radiation Therapy is a preclinical form of spatially fractionated radiation therapy that utilizes synchrotron X-rays to deliver highly heterogeneous dose distributions at a micrometric scale. This radiation scheme has been shown to facilitate the induction of controlled and reversible vascular permeability, enhancing treatment efficacy of systemic therapeutic agents. Despite the promising preclinical results, translating microbeam SFRT to the clinic has been hindered by a reliance on synchrotron sources that operate at dose rates orders of magnitude greater than what is possible with clinical machines. Without rapid dose delivery, the microbeam geometry is susceptible to blurring due to physiologic motion when delivered at clinical dose rates. Therefore, larger beam widths, spaced further apart (minibeams) were employed to determine whether such effects can be observed with clinically achievable doses and dose rates. Vascular permeability was assessed in the chick chorioallantoic membrane vasculature following minibeam irradiation delivered at peak doses (10 Gy) and dose rates (10 Gy/s and 0.05 Gy/s) approaching clinical relevance. Transient, reversible permeability could be induced at these dose rates beginning 1–2 h post-irradiation. This was followed by temporary vascular occlusion in the beam path that was resolved by 7 h when delivered at 10 Gy/s but persisted longer when delivered at 0.05 Gy/s. Despite these changes, vascular function was maintained at both dose rates by 24 h post-IR, differing only in the degree of regeneration. The induction of permeability was also maintained when using a clinical orthovoltage system further supporting the potential clinical application of minibeam radiation therapy.