Browse Articles

Changes in anthropometric indices, lifestyle patterns, and mental stress with ramadan intermittent fasting among healthy students: A prospective cohort study

Background The association between Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) and metabolic diseases has been studied. However, there remains a significant gap in the research regarding the changes in anthropometric indices related to body weight during RIF, as these have not been extensively investigated. Additionally, the role of lifestyle behaviours in relation to RIF has not been thoroughly studied. This paper aims to address these gaps by examining the effect of RIF on anthropometric indices, lifestyle patterns, and mental stress among university students. Methods A prospective cohort study included 150 university students aged 18–40 years. Data was collected using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews conducted one week before and immediately after one week of RIF. Body weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and other anthropometric indices related to obesity, including Conicity Index (CI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Weight-Adjusted-Waist Index (WWI), and Body Roundness Index (BRI). Results The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) showed a significant decrease from 0.481 ± 0.11 to 0.45 ± 0.10, with reductions in body weight (kg) (62.63 ± 1.2 vs. 69.25 ± 1.18, p < 0.05). A significant change in BRI before and after fasting (1.84 ± 0.37 vs. 1.06 ± 0.17, p < 0.05) was observed. However, there was no significant difference in other anthropometric indices such as CI, WWI, and BAI. Significant changes were observed in lifestyle parameters after RIF, including decreased sleep hours (6 ± 0.263 vs. 8 ± 0.581, p < 0.05) and reduced number of meals after fasting (1 ± 0.135 vs. 3 ± 1.242, p < 0.05). Stress levels significantly decreased after RIF (p < 0.05). RIF fasting positively impacts body weight, anthropometric indices, and stress levels among healthy students. Conclusion These findings suggest that RIF can improve health outcomes by promoting better dietary habits, enhancing sleep duration, and reducing stress, leading to significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and BRI.

High-intensity irreversible electroporation targeting intracellular structures enhance tumor ablation in lung cancer models

This study aimed to optimize irreversible electroporation (IRE) parameters to enhance intracellular injury, specifically targeting nuclear and mitochondrial structures that are insufficiently affected by conventional protocols. To address limitations of standard 1000 ~ 2500 V/cm clinical settings, we experimentally and computationally evaluated both low- and high-electric-field conditions and identified pulse parameters capable of safely achieving electric field strengths exceeding 4,000 V/cm, values that remain below the predicted arcing threshold for our electrode configuration while permitting effective intracellular electroporation. In vitro studies using A549 lung cancer cells demonstrated that high-field IRE markedly intensified oxidative stress, resulting in a 30-fold increase in hydrogen peroxide production and pronounced disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. Transmission electron microscopy further confirmed severe ultrastructural injury, including plasma membrane rupture, nuclear membrane deformation, and complete loss of mitochondrial cristae, culminating in irreversible cell death. In vivo experiments corroborated these findings: high-field IRE produced extensive and uniform tumor ablation, whereas conventional lower field strengths generated only localized and partial damage. These results indicate that elevating electric-field intensity in IRE protocols can overcome the inherent limitations of traditional approaches by reliably inducing intracellular organelle damage, suppressing cellular repair pathways, and enhancing overall ablation completeness. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term safety and therapeutic durability of high-field IRE in vivo.

Antitumoral immunity induced by gel ethanol ablation to treat unresectable colorectal cancer metastases in the liver

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A quarter of CRC patients develop liver metastases. Treatment options for liver metastases include surgically removing the tumors or undergoing liver transplantation; however, many patients are ineligible for these treatments due to severe extrahepatic disease or lack of suitable donors. Radiofrequency ablation offers an alternative local treatment modality for resolving CRC liver metastases and is known to generate antitumoral effects to stunt contralateral tumor growth. However, radiofrequency ablation is not suitable for tumors situated near critical structures or large blood vessels. Ethanol ablation is an alternative treatment option where pure ethanol is directly injected into tumors to induce necrosis and is unhindered by the drawbacks from radiofrequency ablation. The addition of ethyl cellulose with ethanol (EC-ethanol) enhances its retention within tissue and subsequently improves tumor ablative efficacy. However, the antitumoral response following EC-ethanol ablation in CRC tumors is poorly understood. Thus, we utilized a CRC murine model to investigate the immune effects following EC-ethanol treatment. Studies in the single flank model demonstrated up to a 27-fold increase in IL-6 and KC/GRO pro-inflammatory cytokines within 6 hours post-treatment compared to sham treatments, along with a 4-fold increase in target-tissue necrosis and increased cytotoxic T-cells within the vicinity of the ablation zone over 7 days. Studies in the bilateral flank tumor model demonstrated that EC-ethanol ablation on the primary tumor resulted in a 1.6-fold increase in cytotoxic T-cells within the contralateral tumor after 7 days compared to the sham control group. Combining EC-ethanol treatment with radiofrequency ablation resulted in a more pronounced, 2-fold increase in cytotoxic T-cells within the contralateral tumor. Altogether, these results suggest that EC-ethanol potentiates antitumoral effects in CRC tumors and is a strong therapeutic candidate for treating CRC patients worldwide.

The phase average wavelength of alpha rhythm in EEG signals of patients with Parkinson’s disease combined with cognitive impairment

Objective To investigate the changes of phase average wavelength of alpha rhythm in different brain regions of patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) during awake period with eyes closed. Methods This study included 54 patients with PD and 30 normal controls. The PD patients were divided into a PD-cognitive normal group (PD-NC) and a PD-cognitive impairment group (PD-CI) based on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. The electroencephalography signals were decomposed at different scales using the Gauss continuous wavelet transform method. The phase average wavelength of the ninth scale (corresponding to the alpha rhythm) was extracted using the conditional sampling and phase averaging method. The alpha-band wavelengths of the background rhythm of different leads were compared between groups. Additionally, the correlation between the wavelength of the ninth scale and MMSE and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in PD patients was analyzed. Results There were significant differences in phase average wavelength at scale nine in each lead among the three groups ( P  < 0.05). The phase average wavelength of the alpha rhythm in all brain regions corresponding to the ninth scale in PD patients was prolonged compared with the normal controls ( P  < 0.05). There was a tendency for the PD-CI group to be longer than the PD-NC group, especially in the frontal area, central area and anterior temporal area. The average wavelength of alpha rhythm phase was negatively correlated with MoCA score in PD patients in all leads ( P  < 0.05), except the right central region (C4) and middle temporal region (T4). Conclusions The phase average wavelength of the alpha rhythm in PD patients was longer than that in normal controls, indicating that the alpha rhythm of PD patients was slowed down. With the deterioration of cognitive function, the alpha rhythm of PD patients gradually slowed down. Significance The phase average wavelength of the electroencephalography alpha rhythm may become a new parameter for the evaluation of cognitive impairment.

Correction: Combining lenalidomide with IL-2 family of cytokines enhances activating receptor and perforin/granzyme expression in NK cells

The role of SPP1 in evaluating the prognosis, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Secretory phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) has been linked to tumor progression and immune regulation, but its prognostic value, impact on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and drug sensitivity in HCC remain unclear. Methods We performed a pan-cancer analysis using TIMER and validated SPP1 upregulation in six GEO datasets (GSE45436, GSE54236, GSE121248, GSE76427, GSE64041, and GSE60502) and HPA protein data. In TCGA-LIHC, we assessed overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using univariate/multivariate Cox analyses, ROC analysis, and a calibrated nomogram. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed GO/KEGG and GSEA analyses. Immune infiltration was estimated with CIBERSORT and TIMER, and relationships with immune checkpoints were explored. Drug sensitivity was predicted with pRRophetic using GDSC data. In vitro , SPP1 was knocked down or overexpressed in HCC cell lines to evaluate effects on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis via qRT-PCR, Western blot, CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell invasion, and TUNEL assays. Results SPP1 was significantly upregulated in HCC at mRNA and protein levels. High SPP1 predicted poorer OS and PFS and was associated with higher histological grade, advanced stage, and greater T stage. The nomogram showed good calibration and discrimination. DEGs and enrichment analyses implicated cytokine receptor interaction, fatty acid metabolism, and PI3K-Akt signaling; GSEA confirmed immune- and metabolism-related pathways. High SPP1 correlated with higher immune/ESTIMATE scores, increased M0/M2 macrophages and dendritic cells, reduced CD8 + T cells, and upregulation of multiple immune checkpoints. Drug-sensitivity predictions showed high-SPP1 tumors were more sensitive to several anti-cancer drugs (e.g., sorafenib), while resistance to others was suggested. Functionally, SPP1 knockdown inhibited, while overexpression promoted, proliferation, migration, and invasion; knockdown increased apoptosis. Conclusions SPP1 acts as an oncogenic driver in HCC, associated with poor prognosis, an immunosuppressive TIME, and distinct drug-response patterns.

Forecasting model of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apple orchards

One of the most notorious pests, Grapholita molesta , has caused serious economic damage in apples. However, its phenology model with a defined equation during whole apple crop season has not been developed yet. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a phenology model of G. molesta adult to predict its current and future occurrence patterns. The 1,087 occurrence data sets of G. molesta adults from 2013 to 2023 were collected from the Rural Development Administration in Korea. Temperature data of each occurrence data set of G. molesta were collected from the Korea Meteorological Administration. The phenology model of G. molesta adults were developed with the data sets from 2013 to 2023 with four-peaked Weibull functions. When validated with independent 2024 data, the model developed in this study accurately predicted adult occurrence and reduced prediction errors (in days) for G. molesta in Korean commercial apple orchards compared to previous studies. The model predicts that G. molesta adults will emerge earlier under climate change scenarios compared to current conditions. In conclusion, this study provides valuable information for controlling G. molesta populations in apple orchards.

Macroscopic and histological analyses of cremated remains from the Imperial Roman necropolis of La Cona (1st cent. BCE-1st cent. CE, Teramo, Italy)

Cremation was one of the most widespread funerary practices between the Bronze Age and Late Antiquity in Mediterranean societies. Despite its archaeological relevance, the analysis of cremated human remains has long been limited by extensive thermal alteration, which hampers the reconstruction of individuals’ biological profiles. However, in recent years, renewed methodological attention has highlighted the potential of cremated remains to yield reliable bioarchaeological information. In this study, we apply an integrated macro- and microscopic approach to the analysis of 26 cremations from the Imperial Roman necropolis of La Cona (central Italy). Macroscopic examination was combined with bone histology to discriminate human from non-human bone fragments, assess heat-induced taphonomic alterations at the microstructural level, and estimate age at death through histomorphometric parameters. Although the sample size is necessarily limited by preservation and selection constraints, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of histological analysis for improving taxonomic attribution and refining age-at-death estimation in cremated assemblages. More broadly, this study highlights the methodological value of integrating macroscopic and microscopic evidence for the bioarchaeological investigation of Roman-period cremations.

Local Conformational Confinement and Dipole Engineering for Phase-Matchable Solar-Blind Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Crystals

Five solar cell parameters automatic extraction, within the one diode-solar cell model, using the implemented Simpson order 5 integration method, in an executable program

The Simpson order 5 integration method has been implemented in an executable program, to extract the five solar cell parameters, within the one-diode solar cell model. This integration method is used to integrate the Current minus the Short-Circuit Current, yielding a more accurate Co-Content function than the using the trapezoidal integration method. The program then fits the Co-Content function to a second-degree polynomial in two variables, namely, the Voltage and the Current minus the Short-Circuit Current, yielding six fitting constants, and the five solar cells are extracted from them. The program also calculates the standard deviations of the fitting constants, and from the, the standard deviations of the five solar cell parameters are also extracted. The results are given to the user in three text files, from where the user can easily access them or export them to other softwares. A video is also given, explaining how to use the executable program. The executable program provides the results in four seconds or less, in striking contrast with the tenths of minutes required by other methods, as they have to be implemented manually.

Light-Mediated In Situ Synchronous Capture of Antigens and Nucleic Acids as Nanovaccines to Boost Tumor Radioimmunotherapy

The longitudinal impact of smartphone dependency on happiness among children: A latent growth modeling approach

This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between smartphone dependency and happiness among Korean children from fourth grade in elementary school through the first year of middle school (approximately ages 9–13), thereby providing an in-depth understanding of children’s emotional development in the digital environment. Longitudinal data from four waves (2018–2021) of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS), comprising a nationally representative cohort of fourth-grade students (N = 1,889), were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and latent growth modeling (LGM) were employed. Descriptive analyses indicated a gradual decline in children’s happiness over time, whereas smartphone dependency showed a modest increasing trend. However, latent growth modeling revealed that the slope of smartphone dependency was not statistically significant, and therefore a no-change model was adopted for this construct. Across all waves, smartphone dependency was consistently and negatively correlated with happiness. Furthermore, LGM results demonstrated that higher levels of smartphone dependency were associated with less favorable trajectories of children’s happiness over time. These findings underscore the importance of adopting a longitudinal and model-based perspective to clarify the relationship between smartphone use and children’s emotional well-being, and they offer empirical implications for educational and policy interventions aimed at supporting healthy development in the digital era.

Effects of a joint outdoor exercise program for dog owners and dogs on physical activity, sedentary time and sleep-related behaviors

Lack of physical activity (PA) is a rising health challenge in both humans and companion dogs. Therefore, One Health strategies to increase PA in both species have been suggested. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a joint outdoor exercise program with jogging and circuit training sessions for dog-dog owner pairs (n = 15) on PA, sedentary time and sleep-related behaviors. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess fulfilment of global recommendations on PA in dog owners, and to compare accelerometer-derived and self-reported activity levels. Body measurements were used as secondary outcomes. Results showed an increase of vigorous-intensity PA by 5 min per day ( P  = 0.04) and a reduction of sedentary time by 41 min in dog owners ( P  = 0.01). Accelerometer data showed a high degree of fulfilment of recommendations for physical activity in dog owners at baseline. Self-reported PA and sedentary time were underestimated compared to accelerometer-derived data. No major changes in activity patterns in dogs were detected, but there was a slight but significant reduction of median body condition score. Sleep-related data indicated satisfactory nighttime sleep patterns in both species, with no considerable effects of the program. Both dog owners and dogs spent the main part of the daytime period sedentary. The exercise program may be useful for increasing vigorous PA and reducing sedentary time in dog owners. The high levels of PA in dog owners are in line with previous findings, and the underestimation of self-reported moderate-intensity PA suggests a strong integration of dog walking into daily routines. However, the high levels of sedentary time underline the importance of assessing sedentary behavior in addition to PA in both species in future studies. The findings should be confirmed in randomized controlled studies with larger sample size and long-term follow-up.

Quantitative Diagnosis of Li Plating Morphology by Analyzing Response of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in Working Li Batteries

Unraveling the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary event across the Gulf of Mexico—High-resolution Rayon reef section, Valles-San Luis Potosi platform, Mexico

The Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary, marked by the Chicxulub impact ejecta layer has a global distribution, with distal, intermediate and proximal boundary sections of distinct mineralogy, geochemistry and stratigraphy. Distal sections show a thin double-layer of spherulites and clay, enriched in platinum group elements and impact minerals. Proximal boundary sections around the Gulf of Mexico-Caribbean Sea are thicker, with clastic tsunami and debris flow deposits and the fireball layer in between the spherulitic and clay layers. Impact-induced disturbance and stratigraphic gaps have limited the resolution in unveiling the event sequence. Here we present a study on a recently discovered reef section in a carbonate platform, ~ 1,050 km away across the Gulf of Mexico. The boundary is marked by a black clay with shock quartz, glassy spherules, metallic particles, broken zircons, gypsum crystals with fragmented spherules and platinum group elements (Ir, Os, Pd). Fossils in the black clay are absent and only fossil evidence at the bottom is charred matter, covered by lignite mixed with spherules. Corals and pelecypod shells are incrusted by spherules. The lower unit is formed by cream-colored sandstones of a rudist-coral reef environment with variable thickness and the upper unit by sandstones with few gastropods and fragmented shells. The Rayon reef in the Valles-San Luis platform provides a high-resolution proximal record of Chicxulub impact in the Gulf of Mexico.

Large Multichannel Architectures in Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Guest Diffusion

Beyond Clavulanic Acid biosynthesis: Exploring the broad regulatory impact of BldD in Streptomyces clavuligerus ATCC 27064

BldD is a global regulator of morphological development in Streptomyces , usually acting as a repressor of aerial mycelium formation. However, its role in metabolism and secondary biosynthesis in the wild-type strain Streptomyces clavuligerus remains poorly understood. In this study, we constructed a S. clavuligerus strain overexpressing bldD and compared it with the empty vector control strain during fermentation in soy protein isolate medium. For this, transcriptomic analyses were performed at 24 h and 72 h. We observed that BldD overexpression reduced CA production and repressed genes involved in cephamycin C biosynthesis, including lat and the pathway regulator ccaR . In contrast, genes associated with terpene biosynthesis, phage tail-like particles (CIS), and aerial mycelium formation ( bldN, bldM, chaplins ) were upregulated. These changes suggest that BldD may directly and indirectly redirects metabolic flux away from β-lactam biosynthesis while promoting morphological differentiation, alternative defense systems and a potential link with GlcNAc metabolism. By repressing β-lactam pathways and enhancing CIS and terpene gene expression, BldD shifts cellular priorities toward morphological development and ecological defense, underscoring species-specific differences from the well-studied model Streptomyces coelicolor . These results greatly contribute to the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved in CA biosynthesis.

Correction to “Photodecaging of a Mitochondria-Localized Iridium(III) Endoperoxide Complex for Two-Photon Photoactivated Therapy under Hypoxia”

Tracking tuberculosis control using detailed population health and satellite luminosity data: findings from Kazakhstan

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan, like many other formerly socialist countries, experienced a surge in tuberculosis (TB). Despite the successful efforts of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health in reducing TB related mortality, analysis of TB risk factors in Kazakhstan remains incomplete. This study takes advantage of detailed district-level population health data, and links TB to the presence of man-made environmental damage from the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and the desiccation of the Aral Sea. Using both propensity score matching and regression models, along with census and satellite nightlight (SNL) data, we examine TB incidence and prevalence from 2000 to 2018, focusing on regions affected by acute environmental disasters. Areas severely exposed to ionizing radiation have converging TB incidence and prevalence. In contrast, regions most affected by the Aral Sea’s desiccation continue to have elevated TB levels. Our results suggest that areas officially recognized as “zones of ecological catastrophe” and “zones of ecological crisis” have about 40% and 30% higher prevalence and incidence of TB, respectively. Further analysis of time trends reveals that the significantly elevated TB incidence in these areas appears to be driven by dynamics during 2000–2012 and is not present in more recent years. TB prevalence in the zones of ecological catastrophe and crisis also demonstrates a converging trend, though relative rates remain much higher.

Ammoniated Covalent Organic Frameworks for Water-Lean Carbon Capture