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Controllable synthesis of nonlayered high-κ Mn3O4 single-crystal thin films for 2D electronics
Vis-NIRS as an auxiliary tool in the classification of bovine carcasses
This work aimed to evaluate the use of Visible and Near-infrared Spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) as a tool in the classification of bovine carcasses. A total of 133 animals (77 females, 29 males surgically castrated and 27 males immunologically castrated) were used. Vis-NIRS spectra were collected in a chilling room 24 h postmortem directly on the hanging carcasses over the longissimus thoracis between the surface of the 5th and 6th ribs. The data were evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA) and the partial least squares regression (PLSR) method. For the prediction of sex, the best model was the Standard Normal Variate (SNV) because it presented a relatively high coefficient of determination for prediction, presenting a percentage of correctness of 75.51% and an error of 24.49%. Regarding age, none of the models were able to differentiate the samples through Vis-NIRS. The findings confirm that Vis-NIRS prediction models are a valuable tool for differentiating carcasses based on sex. To further enhance the precision of these predictions, we recommend using Vis-NIRS equipment with the full infrared wavelength range to collect and predict sex and age in intact beef samples.
Step-necking growth of silicon nanowire channels for high performance field effect transistors
Investigation of biometabolites and novel antimicrobial peptides derived from promising source Cordyceps militaris and effect of non-small cell lung cancer genes computationally
Mushrooms are considered one of the safe and effective medications because they have great economic importance due to countless biological properties. Cordyceps militaris contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-cancerous properties. This study was projected to analyze the potentials of biometabolites and to extract antimicrobial peptides and protein from the C. militaris. An in-vitro analysis of biometabolites and antimicrobial peptides was performed to investigate their pharmacological potentials followed by quantification and characterization of extracted protein. Computational analysis on non-small cell lung cancer genes (NSCLC) was performed on quantified compounds to interpret the biometabolites from C. militaris that could be potential drug candidate molecules with high specificity and potency. A total of 34 compounds representing 100% of total detected constituents identified were identified using GCMS analysis and 20 compounds using LC-MS which showed strong biological activities. FT-IR spectroscopy manifest powerful instant peaks to have different bioactive components including carboxylic acid, phenols, amines and alkanes present in methanolic extract of C. militaris. In C. militaris, higher protein concentration was observed in 70% concentration of protein extract (500 μg/ml ± 0.025). The best antioxidant activity (% Radical scavenging activity) of methanolic extracts was 80a ± 0.03, antidiabetic activity was 37 ± 0.057 and anti-inflammatory activity was 40 ± 0.021 at 12 mg/ml. Antibacterial activity for different concentrations of Cordyceps protein and methanolic extracts was significantly (p < 0.05). Indolizine, 2-(4-methylphenyl) has most binding affinity (micromolar) and optimized properties to be selected as the lead inhibitor. It interacts favorably with the active site of RET gene of NSCLC and is neuroprotective and hepatoprotective.
Unravelling genomic drivers of speciation in Musa through genome assemblies of wild banana ancestors
Abstract Hybridization between wild Musa species and subspecies from Southeast Asia is at the origin of cultivated bananas. The genomes of these cultivars are complex mosaics involving nine genetic groups, including two previously unknown contributors. This study provides continuous genome assemblies for six wild genetic groups, one of which represents one of the unknown ancestor, identified as M. acuminata ssp. halabanensis. The second unknown ancestor partially present in a seventh assembly appears related to M. a. ssp. zebrina. These assemblies provide key resources for banana genetics and for improving cultivar assemblies, including that of the emblematic triploid Cavendish. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses reveal an ongoing speciation process within Musa, characterised by large chromosome rearrangements and centromere differentiation through the integration of different types of repeated sequences, including rDNA tandem repeats. This speciation process may have been favoured by reproductive isolation related to the particular context of climate and land connectivity fluctuations in the Southeast Asian region.
Correction: Utilization of Artificial Intelligence for the automated recognition of fine arts
Random resistive memory-based deep extreme point learning machine for unified visual processing
Class-specific school closures for seasonal influenza: Optimizing timing and duration to prevent disease spread and minimize educational losses
School closures are a safe and important strategy for preventing infectious diseases in schools. However, the effects of school closures have not been fully demonstrated, and prolonged school closures have a negative impact on students and communities. This study evaluated class-specific school closure strategies to prevent the spread of seasonal influenza and determine the optimal timing and duration. We constructed a new model to describe the incidence of influenza in each class based on a stochastic susceptible-exposed-infected-removed model. We collected data on the number of infected absentees and class-specific school closures due to influenza from four high schools and the number of infected cases from the community in a Japanese city over three seasons (2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019). The parameters included in the model were estimated using epidemic data. We evaluated the effects of class-specific school closures by measuring the reduced cumulative incidence of class closures per day. The greatest reduction in the cumulative absences per day was observed in the four-day class closure. When class-specific school closures lasted for four days, the reduction in the cumulative number of infections per class closure day was greater when the closure was timed earlier. The highest reduction in the number of class closures per person-day occurred when the threshold was around 5.0%. Large variations in the reduction of cumulative incidence were noted owing to stochastic factors. Reactive, class-specific school closures for seasonal influenza were most efficient when the percentage of newly infected students exceeded around 5.0%, with a closure duration of four days. The optimal strategy of class-specific school closure provides good long-term performance but may be affected by random variations.
Deep soil contributions to global nitrogen budgets
Comparison of actionable alterations in cancers with kinase fusion, mutation, and copy number alteration
Kinase-related gene fusion and point mutations play pivotal roles as drivers in cancer, necessitating optimized, targeted therapy against these alterations. The efficacy of molecularly targeted therapeutics varies depending on the specific alteration, with great success reported for such therapeutics in the treatment of cancer with kinase fusion proteins. However, the involvement of actionable alterations in solid tumors, especially regarding kinase fusions, remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the number of actionable alterations in patients with tyrosine or serine/threonine kinase domain fusions, mutations, and copy number alterations (CNAs). We analyzed 613 patients with 40 solid cancer types who visited our division between June 2020 and April 2024. Furthermore, to detect alterations involving multiple-fusion calling, we performed comprehensive genomic sequencing using FoundationOne® companion diagnostic (F1CDx) and FoundationOne® Liquid companion diagnostic (F1LCDx). Patient characteristics and genomic profiles were analyzed to assess the frequency and distribution of actionable alterations across different cancer types. Notably, 44 of the 613 patients had fusions involving kinases, transcriptional regulators, or tumor suppressors. F1CDx and F1LCDx detected 13 cases with kinase-domain fusions. We identified 117 patients with kinase-domain mutations and 58 with kinase-domain CNAs. The number of actionable alterations in patients with kinase-domain fusion, mutation, or CNA (median [interquartile range; IQR]) was 2 (1–3), 5 (3–7), and 6 (4–8), respectively. Patients with kinase fusion had significantly fewer actionable alterations than those with kinase-domain mutations and CNAs. However, those with fusion involving tumor suppressors tended to have more actionable alterations (median [IQR]; 4 [2–9]). Cancers with kinase fusions exhibited fewer actionable alterations than those with kinase mutations and CNAs. These findings underscore the importance of detecting kinase alterations and indicate the pivotal role of kinase fusions as strong drivers of cancer development, highlighting their potential as prime targets for molecular therapeutics.
Hidden tattoos on mummy skin emerge under a laser’s light
Development and preclinical testing of a naloxone prodrug depot for extended protection against opioid overdose
Factors associated with time to return to horse racing following a clavicle fracture in jockeys competing in Great Britain: A review and analysis of medical records
Purpose Competitive horse racing is the second largest sport in Great Britain by spectator attendance, employability, and revenue. It is a lucrative yet hazardous sport, with high injury rates, particularly from falls. Clavicular fractures are one of the most common injuries reported, yet their management, especially regarding return to racing, is under-researched. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors associated with the time to return to competition following a clavicular fracture in jockeys competing in Great Britain. Materials and methods This review of medical records utilised data from the British Horseracing Authority spanning 2011–2018, inclusive. Data included the jockey’s age, sex, type of licence, race discipline, location of incident, and fracture management. Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable generalised linear models were constructed to analyse the impact of these factors on the time to return to racing. Results Out of 212 records of clavicular fractures, 169 were analysed. The majority (82.8%) of fractures were managed conservatively, with the remainder requiring surgery. The median time to return to racing was 40 days, with an interquartile range of 34 days. Following a clavicular fracture, the results from the univariable and multivariable models indicated that the management approach, whether the fracture is displaced, and the type of race in which the injury occurred have the greatest influence on extending the time to return to racing. In contrast, professional, conditional and amateur licence types, as well as experiencing the injury at a racecourse, were associated with reduced time to return to racing, which may indicate greater risk-taking behaviour. Conclusion This study offers unique insights into key medical and contextual factors that influence the time to return to racing among jockeys in Great Britain, contributing to tailoring medical management and return to racing protocols to support jockeys’ health and career longevity. Clinicians working within horse racing can use the findings of this study to provide return to racing guidance to trainers, riders and other medical professionals based on the key contextual information reported in this study.
Retraction: A model study of teaching method reform of computer laboratory course integrating internet of things technology
Two companies launch Moon missions together: will they make history?
Using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score to predict length of stay across all adult ages
Background Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) has recently been used to predict adverse health outcomes including length of stay (LOS) in hospital. LOS is an important indicator for patient quality of care, the measurement of hospital performance, efficiency and costs. Tools to predict LOS may enable earlier interventions in those identified at higher risk of a long stay. Previous work focused on patients over 75 years of age, but we explore the relationship between HFRS and LOS for all adults. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study using data from a large acute hospital during the period from 01/01/2010 to 30/06/2018. The study included patients aged 16 years and older. We calculated HFRS for patients who had been previously admitted to the hospital within the previous 2 years. The study developed Logistic Regression models (crude and adjusted) for nine prediction periods of LOS to assess association between (LOS and HFRS) and (LOS and Charlson Comorbidity Index-CCI), using odds ratios, and AUROC to assess model performance. Results An increase in HFRS is associated with prolonged LOS. HFRS alone or combined with CCI were more important predictor of long LOS in most of periods to predict LOS. However, crude HFRS was superior to the models where HFRS was combined with any other variable for LOS in excess of 21 days, which had AUROCs ranging from 0·867 to 0·890. Regarding eight age groups, crude HFRS remained the first or second most effective predictor of long LOS. HFRS alone or combined with CCI was superior to other models for patients older than 44 years for all periods of LOS; whereas for patients younger than 44 years it was superior for all LOS except 45, 60, and 90 days. Conclusion This study has demonstrated the utility of HFRS to predict hospital LOS in patients across all ages.
The impact of anions on electrooxidation of perfluoroalkyl acids by porous Magnéli phase titanium suboxide anodes
Previous studies have indicated the great performance of electrooxidation (EO) to mineralize per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water, but different anions presented in wastewater may affect the implementation of EO treatment in field applications. This study invetigated EO treatment of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two representative perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), using porous Magnéli phase titanium suboxide anodes in electrolyte solutions with different anions present, including NO3-, SO42-, CO32- and PO43-. The experiment results indicate that CO32- enhanced PFAS degradation, while NO3- suppressed the degradation reactions with its concentration higher than 10 mM. SO42- and PO43- exhibited less impact. Further studies with electrochemical characterizations and radical quenching experiments illustrate the mechanisms of how the anions may impact EO performance.
Post-traumatic growth experience of breast cancer patients: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis
Objectives This study aimed to systematically incorporate the post-traumatic growth experience of breast cancer patients and furnish insights for the formulation of targeted psychological care measures. Methods The search period we were ranged from establishing the database to February 2024. We systematically searched four Chinese databases and seven English databases. The focus was on collecting qualitative research literature regarding the post-traumatic growth experience of breast cancer patients. Literature was screened and analyzed using Endnote20 software. Quality evaluation was conducted using the authenticity evaluation criteria (2016 edition) recommended by the JBI. The results were synthesized utilizing the meta-integration methodology established by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and adhered to the reporting standards delineated in the PRISMA checklist, as well as the ENTREQ reporting guidelines. Results This study encompassed 11 studies, from which 42 themes and 68 sub-themes were extracted. Similar research findings were categorized into 11 new classifications, leading to the formulation of four integrative conclusions: self-reconstruction, enhancement of spirituality and religious beliefs, appreciation of the new philosophy of life, and transformations associated with others. Conclusions Medical professionals should possess a precise comprehension of the concept of post-traumatic growth, and actively encourage patients to engage in deliberate rumination, facilitate emotional release, support effective coping strategies, enhance social support systems, foster post-traumatic growth in patients, and promote their overall well-being. Trial registration Systematic review registration: CRD42024519850.
Postural instability and gait disturbance are associated with abnormal stereopsis in Parkinson’s disease
Background Visual dysfunction, including abnormal stereopsis, is a significant non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD) that can reduce quality of life and appears early in the disease. Abnormal stereopsis is associated with worsening of bradykinesia and freezing of gait, though the exact pathways linking stereopsis to motor symptoms remain unclear. Furthermore, in PD patients, the pedunculopontine nucleus and laterodorsal tegmental complex play an active role in sensorimotor control, and these areas provide cholinergic projections. Cholinergic degeneration may be associated with symptoms such as abnormal stereopsis, postural instability, gait disturbances and cognitive impairment. Therefore, in this study, we hypothesized that a high postural instability and gait disturbance score would increase the risk of abnormal stereopsis in PD. Methods We designed a cross-sectional study and included 240 early PD patients without ophthalmologic problems other than abnormal stereopsis. To evaluate stereopsis, we used Titmus stereo test plates. Stereopsis testing was performed only once at the time of the patient’s initial PD diagnosis. We collected data from medical history taking, scales, cognitive function tests, gait analysis, and tilt table tests. To analyze the potential risk factors for abnormal stereopsis in PD, we conducted a binary logistic stepwise selection analysis. Results Among the total of 240 PD patients, 185 were in the normal stereopsis group and 55 were in the abnormal stereopsis group. In the analysis for risk factors related to abnormal stereopsis, the postural instability and gait difficulties (PIGD) subtype score was significantly associated with abnormal stereopsis. (95% confidence interval: 1.37–5.15). Conclusions In PD, particularly in PIGD subtype patients, abnormal stereopsis can lead to a decrease in the quality of sensory information, potentially interfering with feedback and adaptation processes. This, in turn, can negatively affect posture and gait, creating a vicious cycle.