Browse Articles

Exercise and Phellodendron amurense extract differentially impinge on oxidative stress response pathways in a mouse model of prostate cancer

Abstract Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in men in the United States. Oxidative stress, induced by chronic prostatic inflammation, impairs normal protective mechanisms in the prostate and increases the risk for cancer progression. We reported that Phellodendron amurense extract (Nexrutine) had similar effects as exercise in reducing highly aggressive tumors in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Here, we examined changes in the transcriptome to understand how these two interventions affect prostate cancer. Twenty-four, 8–10 weeks old male TRAMP mice, were randomized to control, exercise, and Phellodendron amurense extract intervention. At the end of the study, prostate tumors were excised, weighed, and processed for immunohistochemistry and transcriptome analysis. Changes in gene expression (≥ 1.5-fold change, adjusted p  < 0.05), gene ontology and pathway analyses were carried out. No significant difference was observed in body or genitourinary weight between groups. There was differential response to interventions with greater percentage of high-grade tumors in the control group. Triglyceride, metabolic processes and localization, transport processes were affected by exercise and Phellodendron amurense extract, respectively. At the transcriptome level, our results suggest that both interventions differentially affect pathways that allow them to overcome high oxidative stress threshold and protect against high-grade tumors.

Baby-to-baby strain transmission shapes the developing gut microbiome

Brain-inspired perception-decision machine for fake speech detection

High-precision prediction method for mine deformation based on GNSS RTK and stacking ensemble learning

Spherical bipolar fuzzy decision model for green infrastructure selection

Design, green synthesis, and bioevaluation of 1,3-thiazole-sulfonamide hybrids as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent

Robustness of interstitial photodynamic therapy treatment planning under power and positional uncertainties in light delivery

Abstract While computer simulations can accurately model light dose delivery in interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT), predicting individual clinical outcomes remains difficult. In addition to biological uncertainties, inaccuracies in light delivery must be considered. Using simulations on virtual brain tumour (glioblastoma) models, we analyze two sources of uncertainty: light source power variations of $$\pm 5\%$$ , $$\pm 10\%$$ , and $$\pm 20\%$$ , and positional deviations during source insertion, modelled as angular errors producing up to $$3\textrm{mm}$$ displacement. Simulated outcomes show minimal impact from power uncertainty, even at worst-case $$\pm 20\%$$ : the percent difference between maximum and minimum $$v_{100}$$ does not exceed $$9\%$$ , with tumour coverage only dropping from the targeted $$98\%$$ to $$96.9\%$$ . Using a new power-uncertainty–aware option in the PDT-SPACE planning tool improves the worst-case minimum coverage from $$96.9\%$$ to $$97.3\%$$ , eliminating the risk of under-treating. Position uncertainty was simulated by discretizing the space and randomizing source placements, showing a larger negative effect. Power re-optimization on measured post-insertion positions restores tumour coverage to $$98\%$$ , while PDT-SPACE source-position optimization reduces average healthy tissue damage by $$36\%$$ . Combining both yields the most robust performance and minimizes sensitivity to positional deviations, thereby limiting light-delivery errors in iPDT.

Study on the mining stress field distribution law beneath isolated coal pillar in close coal seam and reasonable location of the roadway

Uncovering origins of heterogeneous superconductivity in La3Ni2O7

Abstract The family of nickelate superconductors have long been explored as analogues of the high-temperature cuprates 1–6 . Nonetheless, the recent discovery that certain stoichiometric nickelates superconduct up to high critical temperatures ( T c ) under pressure came as a surprise 7–13 . The mechanisms underlying the superconducting state remain experimentally unclear. Apart from the practical challenges posed by working in a high-pressure environment, typical samples exhibit anomalously weak diamagnetic responses, which have been conjectured to reflect inhomogeneous ‘filamentary’ superconducting states 7,9,14–17 . Here we perform wide-field, high-pressure, optically detected magnetic resonance spectroscopy to image the local diamagnetic responses of as-grown La 3 Ni 2 O 7 samples in situ, using nitrogen vacancy quantum sensors embedded in the diamond anvil cell 18–23 . These maps confirm marked inhomogeneity of the functional superconducting responses at the few μm scale. By spatially correlating the diamagnetic Meissner response with both the local tensorial stress environment, also imaged in situ, and stoichiometric composition, we show the dominant mechanisms suppressing and enhancing superconductivity. Our wide-field technique simultaneously provides a broad view of sample behaviour and excellent local sensitivity, enabling the rapid construction of multi-parameter phase diagrams from the local structure–function correlations observed at the sub-μm pixel scale.

How an exercise-activated enzyme helps to keep the brain young

Stem cells provide a potent treatment for frailty

Revisiting the associations between cooking oils and survival among older people in China: A nationwide, community-based, prospective cohort study

Background The study aimed to investigate the associations between cooking oils and survival outcomes in a nationwide, community-based, prospective cohort study of older adults in China. Methods A total of 5372 older participants (median age: 85.0, inter-quartile range [IQR] age: 77.0–93.0; male: 46.1%) from the 2014 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2014 were included, with follow-up until 2018. The exposure was cooking oils, including vegetable oils and lard, and outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (i.e., cardiovascular disease [CVD]-specific survival and non-CVD-specific survival). Accelerated failure time (AFT) models were used to analyze the associations between cooking oils and study outcomes. Results During a median follow-up of 3.5 years (IQR: 2.4–4.2 years), 2064 (38.4%) deaths were recorded, including 433 CVD deaths, 1229 non-CVD deaths, and 402 deaths with unknown causes. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed cooking with lard was associated a higher CVD-specific survival probability than vegetable oils (93.9% vs. 88.2%, log-rank p < 0.001); however, there were no significant differences in OS and non-CVD-specific survival between the two groups (log-rank p = 0.076 and 0.210, respectively). Furthermore, multivariate AFT models indicated cooking with lard was significantly associated with a longer CVD-specific survival compared to vegetable oils (time ratio [TR]=1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.91), and was not associated with OS and non-CVD-specific survival, with adjusted TRs of 1.06 (95% CI: 0.95–1.18) for OS and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.93–1.26) for non-CVD-specific survival, respectively. Conclusions Cooking with lard was associated with significantly longer CVD- specific survival compared to vegetable oils among older adults in China.

Purification and pharmacokinetic study of gadoxetate isomers for enhanced rabbit liver MR imaging

This study aimed to purify and prepare two isomers of Gadoxetate (Gd-A and Gd-B) from Pumexian and evaluate their stability, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics, and pharmacokinetics in rabbits. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography was employed to separate Gd-A and Gd-B, achieving purities exceeding 99% for both isomers. These purified isomers were then processed into vacuum-encapsulated solid powders via nitrogen blowing and freeze-drying. Stability assessments were conducted by storing the powders at various temperatures (25°C, −20°C, 50°C, and 80°C) for two months. The results indicated high stability at room temperature (25°C) and low temperature (−20°C), with both Gd-A and Gd-B maintaining 99% purity. At higher temperatures, purity slightly decreased: Gd-A was 98% at 50°C and 95% at 80°C, while Gd-B was 97% at 50°C and 94% at 80°C. For the in vivo evaluation, twelve rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups and received intravenous bolus injections of either pure Gd-A or Gd-B, followed by enhanced MR scanning and serial blood sampling. Pharmacokinetic and imaging analyses revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two isomers. Specifically, Gd-A exhibited a shorter time to peak enhancement in liver parenchyma (t peak A < t peak B), higher peak signal intensity in the liver parenchyma (SI peak A > SI peak B), greater plasma clearance (PCL-A > PCL-B), and a shorter half-life (t 1/2 A < t 1/2 B) compared to Gd-B. In conclusion, the vacuum-encapsulated solid powders of Gd-A and Gd-B demonstrate good long-term stability at room or low temperatures while maintaining high purity. Furthermore, the distinct pharmacokinetic profile and imaging characteristics of pure Gd-A suggest its potential value for clinical applications.

Improved many-objective particle swarm optimization based welding sequence optimization research

Welding sequence optimization (WSO) for ship components is a complex, multi-objective, and nonlinear challenge. Traditional methods relying heavily on engineer experience often lead to inadequate decisions, resulting in excessive deformation, residual stress, and even cracking. To address this, we propose a systematic WSO method for ship structural parts that integrates both process and geometric constraints. The optimization objectives are formally defined through objective functions quantifying structural deformation and residual stress. For solving this high-dimensional problem, an Improved Many-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (IMaOPSO) algorithm is developed. IMaOPSO enhances the classical PSO by incorporating an adaptive fuzzy dominance relation to improve selection pressure and a perturbation term guided by elite solutions to maintain population diversity. This ensures rapid convergence to a well-distributed set of high-quality solutions. Simulation analysis of different welding sequences is conducted based on the SYSWELD software platform. A case study on a ship deck structure demonstrates that IMaOPSO outperforms several established algorithms (NSGA-II, SPEA2, SMPSO) in convergence speed and stability. The optimal sequence identified reduces average deformation by 32.6% to 62.2% compared to other methods, confirming the proposed method’s significant practical engineering value for improving welding quality and efficiency in shipbuilding.

Signatures of fractional charges via anyon–trions in twisted MoTe2

Importance of visual and proprioceptive inputs for maintaining balance in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: A cross-sectional study

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle activation among patients with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) when performing resistance movements in different sensory inputs in a sitting position, using surface electromyography (sEMG) as an indicator. Materials and methods A total of 39 participants with CNSNP were recruited. sEMG recordings of the respective cervical muscles were measured for participants seated on four surface categories: eyes-closed-dynamic-surface, eyes-open-dynamic-surface, eyes-closed-stable-surface and eyes-open-stable-surface during neck extension, flexion, left and right lateral flexion, left and right rotation. Muscle activities in each situation were conducted thrice times and normalized as the percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Results Two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the study data showed that the MVC% of respective muscles when seated on a dynamic surface was significantly lower compared with that recorded when seated on a stable surface, for the movements of extension (p = 0.012), flexion(p < 0.001), left lateral flexion(p = 0.001), right lateral flexion(p < 0.001) and left rotation(p = 0.0163). Simple effect analysis of the study data showed that the MVC% recorded for right rotation when seated on an eyes-closed-dynamic surface was lower than those recorded in the other three surface categories. Conclusion In this study, different sEMG activities of cervical muscles were identified under different sensory inputs in patients with CNSNP. This sheds light on the sensory integration and compensatory mechanisms in patients with CNSNP, and helps to guide their clinical management.

Latino/a experiences of homelessness in California: Qualitative findings from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH)

The number of Latino/a people experiencing homelessness in the United States is increasing due to increased housing costs, economic disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased homelessness among migrants. There is little known about the lived experiences of Latino/a individuals experiencing homelessness. We conducted qualitative interviews in English and Spanish with 84 participants who self-identified as Latino/a as part of a large mixed methods representative study of homelessness. We analyzed qualitative interview transcripts from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH) to elucidate factors contributing to increased risk of homelessness for the Latino/a population, the vulnerabilities Latino/a individuals face while navigating homelessness, and how these vulnerabilities influence access to housing and services. Latino/a participants reported numerous factors that precipitated their descent into homelessness and challenged their ability to access social services and other resources. These factors include: 1) limited familial and social support, 2) barriers to housing returns, and 3) job loss precipitating homelessness and ongoing barriers to employment. We defined housing returns as successfully regaining housing such that participants no longer met criteria for homelessness. This could be through renting their own room or apartment, moving in with family or friends long-term, or moving into subsidized housing or permanent supportive housing. Our findings highlight challenges impacting Latino/a adults experiencing homelessness in California and provide evidence for developing culturally centered and programmatic interventions to address homelessness among this population.

Ethnographic meta-analysis shows that thermoregulation activities predict needle and awl use in North America

Needles and awls are common artifacts in the perishable archaeological record. To understand behavioral motivations for their use, this study examines ethnographic activities linked to needles and awls in North America. We hypothesize that thermoregulation would have been the strongest driver of perforator use. Ethnographies from eHRAF World Cultures are examined to evaluate activity types and temperature effects on the prevalence of perforator use. We observe that the sum of non-thermoregulation activities (69%) account for the majority of ethnographic perforator occurrences. Such activities include tattooing, medical suturing, basketry, and ceremonial activities among others. Nonetheless, the most prevalent activity identified is clothing production, accounting for 14% of ethnographic observations. We furthermore observe from a series of linear mixed-effect models that account for spatial autocorrelation that the probability of perforator observations increases at the coldest temperatures and decreases at the warmest, with a 52% probability of observing perforator tools ethnographically at −35.5°C and a 37% probability of observing perforators where temperatures reach +12.9°C. These results support the hypothesis that thermoregulation, particularly clothing manufacture, was a major driver of perforator tool use while simultaneously revealing that such tools were also commonly deployed in a wide array of activities. Such findings provide insight into the environmental and socio-cultural factors that influenced the use of perforators and thus inform our understanding of an artifact class that is increasingly observed in the archaeological record.

Correction: Novel pyrimidine-substituted chalcones: In vitro antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects against human cancer cell lines

Association between long-term exposure to artificial light at night and air pollution, and cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged and older adults

This longitudinal study leveraged data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2015 wave) which contains longitudinal data from 28 provinces across the country to examine the synergistic impacts of chronic nocturnal light and air pollution (PM2.5) exposure on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as well as how two neuropsychological disorders (depression and cognitive impairment) mediate that effect among middle-aged and older adults in China. Using multivariable-adjusted mixed-effects logistic regression models, we identified significant interaction effects between annual changes in artificial light at night (ΔALAN) and PM2.5 exposure on hypertension (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12–1.56, p = 0.013), heart disease (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05–1.47, p = 0.028), and stroke (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.36, p = 0.042). Notably, depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment mediated 18.7% and 12.3% of the total CVD risk, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed heightened vulnerability in women (OR 1.42 vs. men OR 1.03) and adults aged ≥75 years (1.8-fold greater than younger groups). Our findings underscore the necessity of dual interventions: (1) environmental policies targeting nighttime light reduction (e.g., dimmable LED streetlights) together with air quality improvement, and (2) community-based mental health programs aiming to mitigate neuropsychological mediators. These integrated strategies could substantially alleviate the CVD burden in aging populations exposed to urbanization-driven environmental stressors.