Browse Articles

A deep reinforcement learning framework for influence maximization problem on large-scale social networks

From detection to direction: ctDNA-guided personalized therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer

A novel methodology to study the release of fragmented fibres, including microplastics, in laboratory washing conditions

Abstract Fragmented fibres, including fibrous microplastics, are increasingly recognised as a major pollutant originating from textile laundering. While many studies have quantified fibre release, the mechanisms underlying fibre fragmentation and detachment remain poorly understood, partly due to the lack of techniques to capture fibre–flow interactions under controlled conditions. This study introduces a novel methodology for the simultaneous characterisation of turbulent flow and textile fibre dynamics under simulated washing conditions. The approach combines a Von Kármán Swirling Flow apparatus, which generates reproducible shear and turbulence, with dual high-speed imaging to record both the fluid, analysed using Particle Image Velocimetry, and the fibres, analysed using optical flow. Proof-of-concept experiments with polyester and cotton yarns demonstrate that the method can capture fibre motion, deformation, and protrusion in synchrony with surrounding flow fields. A Reynolds number definition for top- and front-loading washing machines is also proposed, providing a basis for comparing washing conditions. This reproducible, non-invasive framework establishes a foundation for systematic investigations of fibre behaviour during laundering by providing mechanistic insight into fibre breakage and release processes that underpin textile-derived pollution, which is not covered by existing gravimetric methods that quantify mass release from textiles.

Disruption of neutrophil homeostasis is associated with functional alterations in mitochondria of critically ill COVID−19 patients

Abstract Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neutrophil dynamics during COVID−19 disease progression is essential for managing severe inflammatory conditions. We investigated whether alterations in neutrophil mitochondrial function and calcium handling are associated with disrupted neutrophil homeostasis in critically ill COVID−19 patients. We analyzed neutrophil counts, phenotypes, and apoptotic profiles in critically ill COVID−19 survivors (ICU-S) and non-survivors (ICU-NS) compared with healthy controls. Flow cytometry, metabolic profiling, immunofluorescence imaging, and small RNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) were used to characterize neutrophil apoptosis-related pathways and mitochondrial function in freshly isolated neutrophils. Critically ill COVID−19 patients showed marked neutrophilia and a higher proportion of immature CD16low neutrophils relative to controls. Both ICU-S and ICU-NS groups exhibited reduced neutrophil apoptosis, as evidenced by fewer annexin V+ cells and lower cleaved caspase−3 signal compared with healthy controls. Although exploratory miRNA-seq in a small subset of ICU patients identified differentially expressed miRNAs with predicted enrichment in apoptosis- and calcium-related pathways, these mortality-associated miRNA signatures were not corroborated by functional apoptosis readouts (cleaved caspase−3 and annexin V) between ICU-S and ICU-NS. Neutrophils from ICU patients also demonstrated altered calcium handling, hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, increased complex II–linked respiration, and elevated mitochondrial ROS relative to controls. Neutrophils from critically ill COVID−19 patients display coordinated alterations in calcium handling, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis consistent with impaired neutrophil clearance and disrupted homeostasis. These findings are observational and do not establish causality; the miRNA results should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than validated mortality biomarkers.

Novel SLC16A2 mutations impair thyroid hormone transport and drive neurodevelopmental deficits in Chinese patients with allan-herndon-dudley syndrome

Abstract This study elucidates the molecular pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental deficits in Chinese Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) patients caused by pathogenic SLC16A2 mutations. Genetic analysis of three Han Chinese patients with severe intellectual disability and global developmental delay identified two novel truncating mutations (c.1093del [p.A365Lfs35] and c.270_271del [p.G91Lfs28]) and a hemizygous de novo splice-site mutation (c.1026 + 1G > A). Structural modeling predicted that the c.1093del variant causes C-terminal truncation of transmembrane helix 12, which is likely to disrupt the T3-binding pocket by impairing the critical Arg445–His415 hydrogen bond. Functional studies confirmed significantly reduced SLC16A2 expression ( P  < 0.05) accompanied by dysregulated thyroid metabolism (increased DIO2 and HR ; P  < 0.01) and downregulated neurodevelopmental genes ( Nrgn and KIF9 ; P  < 0.001). Mechanistically, MCT8 deficiency impaired cerebral thyroid hormone uptake, driving synaptic and axonal defects through dysregulation of both transcriptional and cytoskeletal programs: T3-dependent transcriptional suppression via inactivation of the Nrgn promoter thyroid response element, and disruption of the KIF9 signaling axis. These findings establish novel genotype-phenotype correlations in Chinese AHDS patients and provide a mechanistic framework for understanding the neurodevelopmental consequences of impaired thyroid hormone transport, with patient-derived iPSCs serving as a valuable resource for future therapeutic development.

When ctDNA says ‘maybe’: improving the dynamics of MRD trials

Hydrostructural and dynamic characteristics of compacted Nanning red clay considering wetting-drying impacts

Discrete element study on mechanical properties of layered sand-cobble strata under unloading stress path of shield construction

Ag2O-decorated TiO2 for ultrasensitive SERS detection of crystal violet

Mechanisms of seismic improvement in pile-sheet wall supported slopes using ECC and anchor cables

Vibrational contribution to the sub-terahertz dielectric response of kinesin and its hydration shell

Abstract The ability of proteins to change conformation underlies both their biological function and their use in bio-nanoelectromechanical systems as molecular machines and transducers. These conformational transitions are suggested to be facilitated by global physical vibrational modes in the sub-THz frequency range. However, direct experimental detection of these modes is difficult to achieve due to their weak spectroscopic signatures and strong water background. Thus, computational approaches fill knowledge gaps, help steer and interpret experiments. In this study, we used molecular dynamics simulations combined with normal mode analysis to explore the vibrational modes of an all-atom model of the globular motor domain of protein kinesin. We explored the coupling of these modes, via the corresponding modal dipole variation, to the electromagnetic field and predicted the resulting dielectric properties and absorption spectra in absolute units. We found that the inclusion of a water layer in the system leads to a blue-shift and reduced amplitude in the absorption spectra in the low-frequency (0-400 GHz) region. Further decomposition of absorption spectra into protein and water components showed non-additive behavior, arising from partially antiparallel dipole variation vectors of the protein and water fractions, which reduced the overall absorption. Comparison showed that the tubulin heterodimer has stronger absolute sub-THz absorption, consistent with its larger molecular weight and, hence, higher number of atoms and degrees of freedom than kinesin. Together, these results provide a mechanistic understanding of hydration effects on vibrational modes and dielectric properties of proteins. In a greater context, the results have implications for methods in bio-nanoelectromechanical systems for protein dynamics and conformation sensing and in biomedicine and bioelectromagnetics for electromagnetic field-mediated functional modification of proteins.

Effect of curcumin on the gut microbiota of patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and healthy participants

Versatile and portable Cas12a-mediated detection of antibiotic resistance markers

An integrated multi-hazard assessment using machine learning in the complex terrains of Northern Pakistan

Abstract The increasing frequency of natural hazards, intensified by climate change, poses substantial challenges to sustainable development worldwide. Northern Pakistan, particularly the Hunza district, is highly susceptible to multiple hazards, including landslides, earthquakes, glacier-induced floods, debris flows, and Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), driven by both climatic and tectonic factors. A multi-hazard assessment is essential to understand the complex interactions between these hazards, offering a comprehensive perspective on risk and facilitating more effective disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. This study addresses the existing gap in multi-hazard assessments, which are often confined to single-hazard evaluations, by developing an integrated multi-hazard susceptibility map for the Hunza district in Northern Pakistan. The region’s complex topography, active tectonics, and accelerated glacier melting contribute to its high vulnerability to cascading and co-occurring hazards. The integrated assessment utilizes diverse data sources, including topographic attributes, geological, hydro-meteorological, environmental variables, and literature-derived hazard map for multi-hazard susceptibility analysis. A Machine Learning (ML) Forest-Based Classification and Regression (FBCR) model, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Vs30-based site characterization was employed to classify and generate hazards individually and as integrated multi-hazard susceptibility map. The model incorporates eighteen geo-environmental variables for individual hazards assessment. The resulting multi-hazard susceptibility map indicates that 23.11% of the area is prone to landslides, 6.07% to flash floods, 4.66% to debris flows and flash floods, and 3.98% to a combination of flash floods, landslides, and debris flows. The highest multi-hazard zone, comprising seismic hazard, debris flows, landslides, and flash floods, covers 2.88% of the area, whereas low-hazard zones constitute 56.84% of the region. The landslide susceptibility model classifies 20% of the area as very high susceptible, while the flash flood, debris flow, and seismic hazard models indicate 5, 2, and 13% of the area, respectively, fall under very high susceptibility/hazard. This integrated multi-hazard approach provides a comprehensive risk assessment framework, supporting evidence-based disaster risk reduction policies and infrastructure planning in hazard-prone regions. The findings identify critical high-hazard zones, offering data-driven insights for targeted mitigation strategies and disaster risk reduction efforts.

Colorectal cancer statistics, 2026

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer‐related death in the United States and ranks first in adults younger than 50 years. Every 3 years, the American Cancer Society reports on CRC occurrence based on incidence from population‐based cancer registries and mortality from the National Center for Health Statistics. Overall, CRC incidence declined by 0.9% annually during 2013–2022 driven by decreases of 2.5% annually in adults aged 65 years and older. In sharp contrast, incidence rates increased by 3% annually in adults aged 20–49 years and by 0.4% annually in adults aged 50–64 years dominated by tumors in the distal colon and rectum. Consequently, overall rectal cancer incidence increased by 1% annually from 2018 to 2022 after decades of decline and now accounts for 32% of all CRC, up from 27% in the mid‐2000s. Increasing CRC incidence in adults aged 50–64 years was confined to regional and distant‐stage diagnosis (1.1%–1.3% annually during 2013–2022), likely contributing to an upturn in mortality in this age group of 1% annually since 2019 that was steepest (2.3% annually) in White individuals. Mortality has increased in adults younger than 50 years by 1% annually since 2004, whereas rates have decreased in adults 65 years and older by 2.3% annually since 2012. Despite steady progress for older adults, both CRC incidence and mortality are increasing in adults younger than 65 years who are in the prime of life, underscoring an urgent need for etiologic research to discover the cause of the rising trend. Meanwhile, morbidity and mortality could be mitigated with earlier diagnosis, through screening and educating clinicians and the general public about CRC symptoms, and greater attention to the unique needs of younger patients, including discussion about the preservation of fertility and sexual health.

Ethical considerations of genetic and genomic testing in pediatric oncology: A narrative review

Abstract Genomics—and genomic testing in particular—has transformed oncology, facilitating both targeted therapies and personalized care. In pediatric oncology, unique clinical and ethical considerations arise. Compared with adults, children and adolescents are affected by more limited evidence regarding test performance, variant interpretation, and the clinical utility of genomically informed interventions. Nevertheless, genomic findings may have implications beyond the patient, affecting their parents, siblings, and other relatives and raising questions around consent, assent, privacy, and psychosocial impact. This narrative review examines how ethical dimensions of genetic and genomic testing evolve across the pediatric cancer continuum, from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship and transition to adult care. Attention is given to communication strategies, interdisciplinary support, and equity concerns that influence the responsible integration of genomic medicine. The authors also identify priority areas for future inquiry, including incorporation of children's perspectives, longitudinal approaches to recontact and reconsent, and better understanding of how genomic information affects treatment decision‐making. Pediatric genetic and genomic testing in oncology holds great promise, but its benefits can only be realized through thoughtfully developed and standardized communication practices, careful ethical deliberation, and equitable implementation. By proactively addressing these issues, pediatric oncologists can harness genomic advances in ways that respect and support children and their families.

Radiotherapy followed by adjuvant temozolomide improves survival for patients with aggressive <i>IDH</i> ‐mutated anaplastic glioma

Correction to “American Cancer Society’s report on the status of cancer disparities in the United States, 2025”

Targeting tumor suppressor gene co‐mutations in <i>EGFR</i> ‐mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer: How ACROSS2 sharpens the case for early intensification

Nonpharmacologic interventions for managing distress, anxiety, and depression for patients with cancer and their family caregivers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract As more cancer treatments take place in outpatient settings, family caregivers provide essential care and emotional support over long periods. Unaddressed patient and caregiver psychological distress can lead to worse outcomes, reflecting the challenges of managing complex care demands in the home setting. This systematic review and meta‐analysis examined how well nonpharmacologic interventions (NPIs) reduce distress, anxiety, and depression in adult patients with solid tumors and their family caregivers. The authors included 68 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 11,987 participants. NPIs were characterized as psychoeducation, therapeutic counseling, skills training, or behavior modification. By using random‐effects models (Hedges g), they observed that NPIs significantly reduced patient distress at both 0.0–3.0 months (g = 0.13) and 3.1–6.0 months (g = 0.18), but NPIs did not significantly reduce caregiver distress. In the short term (0.0–3.0 months), NPIs also significantly reduced anxiety (g = 0.31 for patients; g = 0.15 for caregivers) and depression (g = 0.28 for patients; g = 0.25 for caregivers). Subgroup analyses examined the impact of patient and caregiver characteristics along with NPI type, delivery format, dose, and duration. NPIs delivered jointly to patients and caregivers yielded significant effects that were higher compared with NPIs delivered separately. NPIs can help manage distress in patients and reduce anxiety and depression in both patients and caregivers. However, the lack of long‐term follow‐up limits our understanding of their impact on patients and caregivers with prolonged or delayed psychological symptoms (PROSPERO registration number CRD42024536629).