Browse Articles

Experimental study on the compaction deformation evolution and energy dissipation characteristics of graded broken rock mass

The mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between self-management and health-promoting behaviors in post-PCI patients

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) has become one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Self-management and self-efficacy are critical for enhancing healthy lifestyles in patients with postoperative CAD and are strongly associated with health-promoting behaviors. However, the underlying mechanisms of this association remain unclear. Purpose To explore the mediating role of self-efficacy between self-management and health-promoting behaviors in patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods From November 2024 to March 2025, 400 post-PCI patients were selected by convenience sampling from a tertiary first-class hospital in Xinjiang. Surveys were administered using a general information questionnaire, a self-management scale, a self-efficacy scale, and a health-promoting lifestyle scale. Structural equation modelling was employed to investigate the pathways of action among the three variables. Results The scores for self-management behaviour, self-efficacy, and health-promoting lifestyle were (96.66 ± 10.11) scores, (44.49 ± 6.10) scores, and (162.91 ± 12.24) scores, respectively, with positive correlations between each pair of items. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between self-management and health-promoting behaviors, with a standardized indirect effect of 0.317, accounting for 61.3% of the total effect. Conclusions Self-efficacy plays a partial mediating role between self-management and health-promoting behaviors. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the self-efficacy of patients post-PCI to enhance their awareness of personal health and strengthen self-management, thereby promoting proactive adoption of healthy lifestyles.

VSIG10L is a major determinant of esophageal homeostasis and inherited predisposition to Barrett’s esophagus

Sunscreen application substantially mitigates molecular perturbations induced by repetitive UV exposure and maintains healthy skin

Is the human chin a spandrel? Insights from an evolutionary analysis of ape craniomandibular form

Humans are unique among primates in possessing a chin, yet it is currently unclear whether the form of the symphyseal region of the mandible where the chin is located is the product of direct selection or a by-product of evolutionary pressures on other craniomandibular features. Here, we conduct an evolutionary analysis of hominoid craniomandibular traits to test three hypotheses: symphyseal mandibular traits evolved (1) neutrally due to genetic drift, (2) under direct selection, and (3) as a by-product (or “spandrel”) of selection on other craniomandibular traits. Evolutionary rates of morphological change, via Lande’s generalized genetic distance, were estimated along each branch of a fully-resolved hominoid phylogeny to reveal patterns of neutral, stabilizing and directional selection. Directional selection was detected along the branch between humans and the last common ancestor of chimpanzees and humans, against a backdrop of pervasive stabilizing selection and neutral evolution in hominoids. Significant directional selection was found on cranial traits reflecting increased basicranial flexion, neurocranial expansion, and reduction in lower facial prognathism, and on mandibular traits that generate a more parabolic-shaped, gracile mandible with a smaller ramus and shallower corpus. In contrast, of the nine mandibular “chin” traits, only three were under significant direct selection, while the other six were either under no selection or indirect selection. Thus, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that the symphyseal morphology that forms the human chin evolved largely as a by-product (i.e., spandrel) of direct selection for reduced anterior dental size and the craniofacial changes correlated with the evolution of bipedalism in hominins, rather than as a specific adaptation.

Quantum magnetic J-oscillators

Abstract Zero-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) offers magnet-free access to nuclear spin-spin (scalar J ) couplings, which define an intrinsic, molecule-specific frequency scale. However, the transient nature of zero-field NMR signals constrain spectral resolution and frequency stability. Here we introduce quantum J -oscillators that exploit J -couplings in molecules to produce phase-coherent continuous oscillations. Operated in zero magnetic field and driven by digital feedback, they generate sub-hertz to a few tens of hertz frequencies. In a proof-of-principle experiment on [ 15 N]-acetonitrile, the oscillator achieves a 340 μ Hz linewidth over 3600 s, more than two orders of magnitude narrower than in conventional zero-field NMR. This methodology may facilitate precision measurements of J -coupling constants and enables discrimination of molecules whose zero-field NMR spectra are otherwise difficult to resolve. In addition, the combination of strongly coupled spin systems and programmable feedback turns J -oscillators into a compact tabletop platform for exploring nonlinear spin dynamics, including chaos and dynamical phase transitions. By uniting high-resolution spectroscopy and controllable quantum dynamics in a single, magnet-free setup, J -oscillators open new opportunities for applications where ultraprecise frequency references or molecular fingerprints are required.

Multi-scale simulations of complexation behavior of lanthanides and actinides with soft-hard donor-based ligands

Exploring adverse events associated with vosoritide monotherapy: Insights from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Background Dwarfism, a condition characterized by short stature, has been the focus of therapeutic advancements with the emergence of novel peptide drugs. Vosoritide, indicated for certain types of dwarfism, has shown therapeutic potential in clinical trials. However, a comprehensive safety profile is essential for its clinical application. The current literature lacks a detailed assessment of vosoritide’s safety, indicating a significant gap that this study aims to address. Methods We conducted a retrospective pharmacovigilance study by analyzing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to evaluate adverse events (AEs) associated with vosoritide monotherapy. The study employed a case/non-case methodology and applied signal detection algorithms, including the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multi-Item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS), to identify AE signals related to vosoritide use. Results The study included 9319269 reports from the FAERS database, covering the period from 2022 to 2023, with 274 reports specifically citing vosoritide. A significant number of AEs were identified, with a notable incidence in the pediatric population. The most frequently reported AEs were related to endocrine disorders, including altered growth hormone levels and glucose homeostasis issues. Other affected system organ classes (SOCs) were infections and infestations, as well as skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. Specific preferred terms (PTs) associated with vosoritide included “growth deceleration,” “glycemic dysregulation,” and “local injection site reactions.” Conclusion The findings from this study underscore the importance of close monitoring of vosoritide treatment, particularly in pediatric patients. The identification of both expected and unexpected AEs highlights the necessity for ongoing pharmacovigilance and further research to fully understand the safety profile of vosoritide in clinical practice. This study contributes to the broader field by emphasizing the critical need for patient safety considerations in the development of new therapeutic agents.

Technologies to give a clearer view of the lungs

Rochelle salt-based biodegradable piezoelectric devices for nerve regeneration and intestinal motility monitoring

Predicting postoperative delirium after lung cancer resection: the utility of synthetic data and LIME algorithm for model interpretation

Autonomous restart of information floating and dynamic control of transmittable area

Information floating (IF) is a method of delivering information to mobile nodes in a desired area while avoiding unnecessary communication and information dissemination by restricting direct wireless transmission to a transmittable area (TA). This restriction, however, also leads to the termination of IF, which is a longstanding problem that must be overcome. As a solution, methods have been developed to predetermine the optimal TA size based on environmental parameters such as node density. If the density changes over time, then the estimation of the density and the optimization of the TA must be repeated. Therefore, we previously proposed a method that guarantees that the IF never ends in principle, even if the node density changes over time, by dynamically controlling the TA size. However, this method is only applicable in a one-dimensional network. Here, we propose a method that guarantees, even in two-dimensional networks, that the IF never ends. To accomplish this, we introduce two key functions. The first autonomously restarts the IF even if it has temporarily terminated. The second function dynamically controls the TA size. We also highlight the necessity of introducing a lifetime for the TA generated by the dynamic control method if the density changes over time, and we improve the proposed method accordingly. We show the effectiveness of the proposed methods in terms of continuity and tracking performance through theoretical and simulation evaluations.

Exploiting a high-performance magnesium-fluoride battery prototype enabled by anion-receptor-mediated electrolyte

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.