Browse Articles

A lightweight neural network approach for predicting national Gross Domestic Product (LightNet-GDP) with regression benchmarks

Influence of age on speech-in-noise and spatial processing abilities in middle-aged adults

Speech perception in noise (SPIN) difficulties are commonly associated with older adults, but emerging evidence suggests they may begin in midlife. This study investigated SPIN and spatial processing abilities in middle-aged adults using the Spatial Separation Sentence Test-Kannada (SSST-K). A cross-sectional design assessed 76 participants aged 41–60 years, divided into two groups (41–50 and 51–60 years). Assessments included: (1) the SSST-K to evaluate SPIN and spatial processing, (2) the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for general cognition, and (3) standardized questionnaires measuring noise exposure (NESI), physical activity (GPAQ), and mental status (PHQ-9). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed two key findings. First, in the co-located (0° azimuth) condition, cognition (MoCA) was the only significant predictor of SPIN performance, overshadowing age and other variables. Second, none of the tested variables predicted spatial advantage. Between-group comparisons showed no age-related differences in SPIN scores for the co-located condition, but the older subgroup (51–60 years) exhibited reduced spatial advantage and significantly lower MoCA scores. These results indicate that among the variables examined in middle-aged adults with self-reported normal hearing, cognitive function emerged as the strongest predictor of SPIN ability. However, the absence of audiometric verification, particularly extended high-frequency assessment, limits definitive conclusions about peripheral versus central contributions. The other variables, like noise exposure, mental health, and physical activity, had no significant influence. Future research with longitudinal designs and objective hearing assessment is needed to determine optimal ages and methods for SPIN screening in community and clinical settings.

Nutrient requirements of organ-specific metastasis in breast cancer

Multidimensional helical dichroism from a chiral molecular nanoassembly

Abstract Detecting the chirality of molecules is of great importance in optics, biomedicine, and materials science. In chiroptical spectroscopy, it’s crucial to achieve strong chiroptical signals with a minimal number of chiral molecules. The molecular chiroptical signals, however, are typically weak for chiral molecular sensing in conventional circular dichroism using photonic spin angular momentum, even in the presence of a large number of chiral molecules (micromoles to millimoles). Here, by involving chiral light-matter interaction with photonic orbital angular momentum, we demonstrate strong chiroptical responses that reflect the molecular chirality in a single chiral nanoassembly. We experimentally present the helical dichroism spectra of chiral nanoassemblies synthesized from L/D-cystines, consistent with electromagnetic simulations. The asymmetry factors in the fundamental wavelength and photoluminescence emission reach values of 0.53 and 1.18, respectively, exceeding those observed in the circular dichroism mechanism. To improve the dimensions of helical dichroism spectroscopy, we analyze helical dichroism in wavelength domain, polarization domain, and momentum space. Our findings not only expand the methods for trace chiral molecular sensing but also provide insights into chiral light-matter interactions.

Seasonal changes in health risks due to exposure to MTBE among workers of a refinery

Exploring the relationship between metabolism and immune microenvironment in breast cancer bone metastasis based on metabolic pathways

Background Bone metastasis is a significant contributor to mortality in patients with advanced breast cancer. Its progression is deeply intertwined with tumor metabolic reprogramming and the remodeling of the immune microenvironment. However, the dynamic interplay between metabolic pathways and immune regulation remains incompletely elucidated. Methods In this study, leveraging RNA-seq data and clinical information from breast cancer bone metastasis (BCBM) patients sourced from the GEO database, integrated bioinformatic analyses were employed to determine the activity of metabolic pathways significantly associated with prognosis. Metabolism-related genes were identified, and different metabolism-related gene clusters (MRGs) were subsequently identified by unsupervised clustering. Furthermore, a risk model was constructed based on hub prognostic genes, and differences in immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity were compared between different subgroups. Finally, through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, we elucidated cellular heterogeneity and cell-cell communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Results This study identified three metabolic pathways (Amino Acid, Cofactor/Vitamin, and Secondary Metabolite) significantly associated with patient prognosis. Two metabolic pathway-related subtypes (C1 and C2) were defined, which exhibited differing prognostic outcomes. Concurrently, MRG1–3 were also identified, and there were significant differences in prognosis and immune infiltration levels between the three clusters, with MRG2 having a significantly better prognosis than MRG1 and MRG3. In addition, metabolism-related risk models based on risk scores were developed. The risk model had strong prognostic predictive ability. Subsequently, scRNA-seq analysis revealed that ALDH1A1 and macrophages may play a key role in BCBM. Conclusion This study reveals the prognostic metabolic pathways and important prognostic target genes in BCBM from the perspective of metabolism-immunity interaction. MRGs can well distinguish the prognosis of different patients, and metabolism-related risk modeling can be used as a good prognostic predictor, which provides valuable insights into the “metabolic-immune” perspective of treatment.

Divergent photochemical ring-replacement of isoxazoles

Abstract Isoxazoles, oxazoles, and other five-membered heteroaromatics are prevalent motifs in core structure of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. In early-stage drug discovery, it is common practice to prepare libraries of analogues featuring different heterocyclic cores and this generally requires a de novo synthesis for each scaffold. A valuable but currently unavailable strategy would involve the possibility for direct heterocycle “ring-replacement”. Here we report a photochemical platform for the selective conversion of isoxazoles into oxazoles, pyrazoles, pyrroles, and isothiazoles by exploiting excited-state reactivity. Starting from a successful isoxazole-to-oxazole transformation, we uncover position-sensitive reactivity that prompted computational investigation. These insights guide a systematic reactivity survey and reveal a solvent-controlled deconstruction–reconstruction pathway via α-ketonitrile intermediates. This approach enables scaffold diversification without de novo synthesis, affording access to five distinct azole classes under mild conditions. The method’s selectivity, functional group tolerance, and late-stage applicability suggest broad utility in heterocyclic library design for pharmaceutical research.

Correction: Transition rates to schizophrenia and early intervention effectiveness in substance-induced and brief psychotic disorders: a randomized controlled trial

Bioimpedance-assessed volume overload predicts interdialytic hypertension and disrupted circadian blood pressure rhythm in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective Hypertension and abnormal circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm are prevalent in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, and are closely associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and increased all-cause mortality. Volume overload represents a critical factor in effectively controlling hypertension. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) has been validated as an accurate method for assessing volume status. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of BIA-derived volume indicators for hypertension and circadian BP rhythm abnormalities in MHD patients, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing volume control and BP management. Methods We used body composition monitor to assess pre-dialysis volume status and employed 44-hour interdialytic ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) to obtain BP parameters. Comparative analyses were conducted between controlled vs. uncontrolled ABPM groups, and normal vs. abnormal circadian BP rhythm groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify correlations and independent predictors, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determining optimal predictive cut-off values. Results Patients in the uncontrolled ABPM group exhibited higher levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), post-dialysis serum creatinine (Post-HD Scr), post-dialysis urea nitrogen (Post-HD BUN), overhydration (OH), extracellular water (ECW), body surface area-adjusted ECW (ECW/BSA), ECW to total body water ratio (ECW/TBW) and ECW to intracellular water ratio (ECW/ICW), but lower Kt/V and URR. The abnormal circadian BP rhythm group showed higher iPTH, OH, ECW, ECW/BSA and ECW/ICW. Significant correlations were observed: 44h SBP correlated positively with iPTH, OH, ECW/TBW, ECW/ICW, and negatively with Kt/V, URR; 44h DBP correlated positively with iPTH and OH; nocturnal systolic BP decline rate (NSDP) showed negative correlations with iPTH, OH. Multivariate logistic analysis identified OH > 2.35L, ECW/ICW > 0.945 and iPTH > 240.6 pg/ml as independent predictors for hypertension, while OH > 1.55L and iPTH > 203.75 pg/mL predicted abnormal circadian BP rhythm (all p  < 0.05). Conclusion BIA-derived indicators of volume overload, particularly OH and ECW/ICW, can guide ABPM management in MHD patients and improve long-term outcomes.

Author Correction: Divalent anion-driven framework regulation in Zr-based halide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries

Design, optimization and controllability analysis of an improved sulfur recovery unit based on SuperClaus process

From awareness to action: Health Belief Model-based educational intervention to improve breast self-examination practice among college teachers in Pakistan (CRCT)

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women globally, with Pakistan showing similar trends. Teachers, especially female college teachers, are influential in health promotion. This study assessed the effectiveness of a Health Belief Model (HBM)-based educational intervention in improving breast self-examination (BSE) knowledge, beliefs, and practices. Methodology A parallel cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted among 114 female teachers from four colleges in Hyderabad, Pakistan, with colleges as the unit of randomization. The intervention group received multimedia presentations, survivor testimonials, pamphlets, breast models, gamified quizzes, and reminders, while the control group was offered the session after study completion. Data was collected at baseline, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups using validated Urdu questionnaires. Analyses included descriptive statistics, bivariate tests, and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. Following the intervention, BSE practice improved significantly in the intervention group. At 1 month, participants were 5.7 times more likely to practice BSE (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 5.724, p < 0.001), rising to 26.5 times at 3 months (AOR = 26.500, p < 0.001). Knowledge scores also increased significantly (p < 0.001). Significant between-group differences were observed in perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action (all p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion HBM-based intervention effectively enhanced BSE knowledge, beliefs, and practices while reducing barriers. Findings emphasize the value of structured educational interventions in promoting preventive health behaviors among female educators.

An X-ray-emitting protocluster at z ≈ 5.7 reveals rapid structure growth

Ultra-fast self-gelling self-expanding self-propelling high-adhesion procoagulant hemostatic powder for non-compressible hemorrhage hemostasis in pigs

Author Correction: ZDHHC9 promotes osteosarcoma progression via KRAS-associated enhancement of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway

Retrospective analysis of neurofilament-light chain in patients with inflammatory bowel disease – A pilot study

Background Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are characterized by persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. While traditionally regarded as confined to the gut, the systemic nature of inflammatory bowel disease has been increasingly recognized. The nervous system has garnered particular attention due to molecular and clinical evidence suggesting a potential interplay between inflammatory bowel disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease patients have a higher risk of developing neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, all-cause dementia, and multiple sclerosis. Still, causative molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has been established as a disease-independent biomarker of axonal damage reflecting neurodegeneration. Methods In this pilot study, we assessed molecular evidence of neurodegeneration by measuring serum NfL in a single-molecule array using the HD-X SIMOA platform (Quanterix, MA, USA) and employing correlation with clinical data in forty-nine patients with histopathologically confirmed inflammatory bowel disease. In total, 24 Crohn’s disease patients, 25 ulcerative colitis patients, and 23 controls, aged 18–79 years, were included. Results We found an age-dependency of serological NfL levels, however, no apparent differences between disease groups and controls. Crohn’s disease patients showed a slower age-dependent incline in serological NfL compared to control subjects (p = 0.03). No correlation of NfL with disease duration, disease severity, or inflammatory bowel disease treatment was found. Conclusions A slower age-dependent increase in serological NfL levels was found in Crohn’s disease patients compared to control subjects. Larger studies assessing additional markers of neurodegeneration may be instrumental in addressing this question in the future.

Estimation and mapping of the missing heritability of human phenotypes

Prenatal Zika virus exposure disrupts social-emotional development and cortical visual function in infant macaques

Optimization of parameters for electro Fenton degradation of anion resin by response surface methodology

Association between uric acid and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with hypertension

Serum uric acid (UA) is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but its role in hypertensive populations remains unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated their association in 1,058 patients with hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that UA was independently correlated with NAFLD, whether as a continuous variable or a categorical variable. According to the fully adjusted model, the risk of NAFLD increased by 0.2%, 347.2% and 91.7% for each unit increase in UA, Log 10 UA and LnUA, respectively (P < 0.05). Multivariate stratified analysis revealed that UA increased the risk of NAFLD in specific subgroups, including males, individuals aged 70–79 years, non-smokers, those without diabetes, and obese individuals (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that UA could not only predict the occurrence of NAFLD but also improve the predictive value of the baseline model for NAFLD (UA, AUC: 0.588; baseline model, AUC: 0.770; baseline model + UA, AUC: 0.772). In conclusion, UA is significantly associated with NAFLD in patients with hypertension and may serve as a predictive risk indicator.