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Design, synthesis, and experimental evaluation of rupestonic acid derivatives as novel anti-tumor agents guided by network pharmacology and molecular docking
Rumor propagation on hypergraphs
Sustainable soil stabilization with Nano-Silica and polypropylene fibers mechanical properties durability and microstructural analysis
Tumor-associated CD19+ macrophages induce immunosuppressive microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma
CFAP20 salvages arrested RNAPII from the path of co-directional replisomes
Feasibility of transumbilical and prior caesarean scar access in single-incision laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for extrahepatic bile duct stones
Precise regulation of missing linkers in MOF pervaporation membranes for desalination of hypersaline waters
Imputation methods for serologic biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease
Molecular insights into mRNA export regulation by the human TREX-2 complex
A non-conventional biodiesel process route from waste palm fatty acid distillate and ethyl acetate via esterification
Dynamic control of IDP interaction network via diverse binding pathways
Abstract Binding promiscuity is a central feature of interactions involving intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). IDPs can interact even simultaneously with multiple binding partners, but quantitative characterization of these multi-component interactions is challenging. Here, we characterize the binding pathways of the transactivation domain (TAD) of p53 with two binding partners (Taz2 and Mdm2) using three-color single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy. We show that the interactions of these three proteins occur via two pathways. The first pathway is competitive in that binding of one partner occurs after the other partner completely dissociates. The second is an allosteric pathway via the formation of a ternary complex. High time-resolution FRET using photon-by-photon analysis shows that these heterogeneous three-component interaction pathways are closely related with diverse transition paths of two-component TAD-Taz2 binding. Kinetic analysis shows that the allosteric pathway allows faster exchange of the binding partners with opposite functions. Our work demonstrates how a heterogeneous allosteric binding network can enable a faster response to changes in the external environment.
ICD-10 Diagnoses prior to ME/CFS diagnosis in children and young people suggest potential early diagnostic indicators
Abstract To identify ICD-10-GM codes recorded in the year preceding a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) diagnosis, we conducted a 1:5 matched case–control study using statutory health insurance data of 6–27-year-olds with ME/CFS (ICD-10-GM: G93.3, 2020–2022). Cases (n = 6,077) were matched 1:5 to controls by birth year, sex, and postal code. ICD-10-GM codes from the preceding year were analyzed using multivariable conditional logistic regression, reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. Most cases were female and aged 18–27 years. Forty-four ICD-10-GM code classes were associated with increased and four with decreased odds, spanning 13 diagnostic chapters. Most associations were in chapters F (mental/behavioral disorders), R (respiratory diseases), and M (musculoskeletal disorders). Frequent conditions included fatigue, depression, pain disorders, and somatoform disorders (≥ 10% in cases; ORs 1.11–2.19. Rare diagnoses (≤ 1% prevalence), such as fibromyalgia (OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.20–3.59) and mild cognitive impairment (2.93, 1.21–7.10), were strongly associated. Four COVID-19 or vaccination-related code classes were identified, with post-COVID-19 condition showing the highest OR (3.84, 2.97–4.98). Several ICD-10-GM codes, including COVID-19 related codes, were associated with later ME/CFS diagnoses. Prospective studies should clarify timing relative to ME/CFS onset, and distinguish between pre-existing conditions, comorbidities, early manifestations, or misdiagnoses.
Bubble-burst-induced Puddle Jumping and Jet Printing
Electromagnetic field stimulation modulates working memory and cortical alpha oscillations in healthy adults
Abstract Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been shown to modulate neural activity, yet their specific effects on memory, particularly the distinction between working memory and short-term recall, remain unresolved. This study examined whether patterned EMF exposure influences these domains, using the WAIS-IV Digit Span Forward (DSF) and Digit Span Backward (DSB) subtests. Ninety-eight healthy volunteers were randomly assigned, in a between-subjects design, to one of four conditions: Theta-Burst (five-pulse bursts at 100 Hz), Theta-Gamma (mimicking theta–gamma coupling in hippocampal networks), 40 Hz gamma stimulation, or sham stimulation. Fields were applied for 30 min in one of three spatial configurations: unilaterally over the left hemisphere, unilaterally over the right hemisphere, or bilaterally over the temporal lobes. Theta-Burst EMF reduced working memory performance on the DSB task and was accompanied by increased high-alpha (10–12 Hz) activity in the left inferior frontal gyrus and a whole-brain effect centered on the right superior frontal gyrus. In contrast, Theta-Gamma EMF reduced DSF performance without detectable EEG changes. These findings indicate that EMF effects on memory are frequency- and pattern-specific, selectively altering behavior and, in some cases, underlying neural activity. Optimizing stimulation parameters may allow such fields to be harnessed for cognitive enhancement or targeted neuromodulation.
Cost-effective interfacial high-concentration electrolyte for stable lithium metal batteries
A pilot study of a mobile application for postural analysis and training support in Shotokan Karate
Abstract This paper presents a smartphone application that supports Shotokan Karate training by analysing posture and providing real-time feedback. The app evaluates three fundamental stances (Zenkutsu Dachi, Kokutsu Dachi, and Kiba Dachi) using Google ML Kit Pose Detection to extract body landmarks and compute joint-angle and alignment features, including proxy indicators of weight shift. The app also includes conditioning exercises (squats and push-ups) and a reflex-oriented interaction task. Results from a single-participant pilot are reported as feasibility evidence only and should not be generalised. A larger validation study with at least 30 practitioners across three skill levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) is required, together with power analysis and reliability assessment, before broader conclusions can be drawn.
Low breakdown field and high ionization index in ReSe2 avalanche field-effect transistors
Will self-driving ‘robot labs’ replace biologists? Paper sparks debate
Quantification of smoking-related airway remodelling in COPD, using N-Tidal
Abstract Tobacco smoking is the primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) globally. Capnography data was collected twice daily for up to 6 months from 147 COPD participants across multiple studies using TidalSense’s N-Tidal device. Waveform features from the alpha angle region of the capnogram showed strong association with pack year history, indicating that capnography can quantify a dose-response relationship between smoking exposure and airway remodelling. This non-linear association reached an inflection around 25 pack years, potentially indicating a ‘tipping point’ beyond which the likelihood of retaining normal lung function significantly diminishes. This provides valuable mechanistic insights and could help estimate disease risk and support early preventative interventions. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02814253 (registered on 27 June 2016), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03615365 (registered on 3 August 2018), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04939558 (registered on 25 June 2021).