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Viewing low back pain through the lens of spinal evolution: Understanding the morphology and limits of the human spine

Background and objective Low back pain remains a pervasive global health challenge, with significant disability and socio-economic burden. While contemporary biomechanical and occupational factors are well-studied, the role of human spinal evolution and its divergence from modern postural behaviors is less frequently examined. This study aims to visually explore and illustrate the historical evolution of human spinal posture through artistic representations, conceptually highlighting the potential biomechanical mismatch between our spine’s evolutionary adaptations and current lifestyle-driven postures. Methods We conducted a qualitative visual analysis of human figures depicted in selected artworks from three distinct historical periods: the hunter-gatherer era, the agricultural transition, and the post-industrial age. Observed spinal postures were qualitatively compared to established biomechanical data on intradiscal pressure levels, derived from previous in-vivo studies. This comparison was used to illustrate potential physiological or pathological loading on the spine across different historical contexts. Results Our visual observations suggest a noticeable shift in depicted human postures over time. Figures from the hunter-gatherer period primarily exhibit upright, dynamic positions with an apparent absence of prolonged sitting or significant forward flexion. In contrast, artworks from agricultural and post-industrial societies frequently portray individuals in more flexed, static, and often ergonomically suboptimal postures, including prolonged sitting, bending, and heavy lifting with improper form. These observed postural trends visually align with positions independently associated with increased intradiscal pressures and greater spinal strain in biomechanical literature. Conclusion This study visually traces the evolution of human spinal posture from the hunter-gatherer era to modern industrial life, highlighting a shift from dynamic, biomechanically healthy positions to static and suboptimal postures. These changes, reflected in historical art and linked to lifestyle transitions such as agriculture and industrialization, may underlie the rising prevalence of spinal disorders. The findings suggest that aligning modern practices with the spine’s evolutionary design could help prevent and manage spinal pathologies.

Influences of tidal flooding, plant composition, and habitat openness on saltmarsh songbird occupancy

Genetic and clinical determinants of neonatal jaundice and growth patterns in the Qingdao birth cohort: A genome-wide association study

Background Neonatal jaundice and early growth patterns are important indicators of early health, and genetic as well as clinical factors are known to influence these traits. However, evidence from East Asian newborns is still limited. Results This study presents a genome-wide association study (GWAS) investigating genetic determinants of Healthy Newborn Growth Indicators (HNGI), with a focus on neonatal jaundice (JAU), jaundice resolution (JAUR), birth weight (BW), and growth metrics (weight, height, BMI) measured within 90–105 days after birth. Our analysis identified 778 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 120 genes significantly associated with HNGI. Among these associated variants, we found 12 missense mutations, seven of which are novel. The most significant association signal was for rs4148323 ( P  = 2.3 × 10 −18 ) within the UGT1A gene locus, a well-established variant for JAU. Additionally, we discovered three novel missense mutations associated with JAU and JAUR. For BW, a novel missense mutation, rs148399850 ( P  = 2.3 × 10 −8 ), was identified in the ATP7 gene, suggesting ATP7 as a potential functional regulator of birth weight. Analysis of allele frequency distributions across global and Chinese populations revealed distinct patterns of genetic diversity. Functional enrichment analysis of the candidate genes highlighted 18 genes significantly involved in 14 essential metabolic pathways related to growth and development. Furthermore, an analysis of clinical risk factors using data from the Biobank Japan (BBJ) demonstrated significant influences of various clinical conditions on HNGI. Conclusions This comprehensive analysis of newborns from the Qingdao cohort provides critical data for expanding molecular marker databases for prenatal screening, offering early warnings for jaundice, and guiding the healthy growth of newborns.

Asymmetric loneliness response to social connectedness around individual set points

Synergistic Pd/Cu‐Catalyzed Stereodivergent Controlling of the <i>Z/E</i> and <i>R/S</i> Configurations: Synthesis of Non‐Natural α‐Amino Acids Containing Trisubstituted Olefin

Abstract The synthesis of non‐natural α‐amino acids containing trisubstituted olefins with controlled Z/E and R/S configurations represents a significant challenge in organic synthesis. Herein, we report a synergistic Pd/Cu‐catalyzed approach that enables stereodivergent control over both central chirality and olefin geometry. By leveraging orthogonal catalytic cycles, this method allows for the independent and precise manipulation of these stereochemical elements within a single catalytic system. Specifically, the palladium catalyst governs the olefin configuration through ligand‐directed chemoselectivity, while the copper catalyst dictates the stereochemical outcome at the α‐carbon of the nucleophile. This dual catalytic strategy achieves a stereodivergent synthesis of olefin‐containing unnatural amino acids (UAAs), providing access to all four stereoisomers ( Z/R , Z/S , E/R , E/S ) through deliberate catalyst combinations.

Auranofin, identified by FDA-approved drug library screening, inhibits HBs antigen secretion via lysosomal damage

Background and aim Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk and immune exhaustion and contributes to hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence. Current anti-HBV treatments have a limited ability to reduce HBsAg levels. This study aimed to identify FDA-approved drugs capable of reducing HBsAg levels and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods A total of 1134 FDA-approved compounds were screened at 9.9 μM for 7 days using HepG2.2.15.7 cells, which contain an integrated HBV genome. HBsAg in the supernatant and cell viability were assessed. Compounds whose viability was reduced by &gt;1 SD were excluded. Compounds whose HBsAg concentration decreased by &gt;1.5 SD were selected and validated at 0.5 and 5 μM. We evaluated the HBsAg-reducing effect of the final candidate compounds using HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (HepaSH cells) derived from chimeric TK-NOG mice and investigated the underlying mechanism responsible for the reduction in HBsAg. Results After 126 cytotoxic compounds were excluded, the HBsAg levels of the 6 candidates decreased by &gt;1.5 SD. Ethacridine and auranofin significantly reduced the level of HBsAg at both 5 and 0.5 μM. In HepaSH cells, only auranofin decreased the level of HBsAg. Auranofin did not affect the HBe antigen, HBV-DNA, or pregenomic RNA, nor did it reduce the level of intracellular HBsAg, as determined by Western blotting. Transmission electron microscopy revealed more vesicles in auranofin-treated HepaSH cells than in control cells. Immunofluorescence analysis of HepaSH cells treated with auranofin revealed increased Galectin-3 expression and colocalization of HBsAg with Galectin-3, which was consistent with lysosomal damage, compared with those of the untreated controls. Conclusion Auranofin, an FDA-approved antirheumatic agent, reduces HBsAg secretion via lysosomal damage.

Water use and physiological ecological adaptation strategies of Caragana microphylla of different forest ages in hunshandake sandy

Safety and feasibility of one-stage neonatal approach for short-segment Hirschsprung’s disease

Background Early definitive surgery for Hirschsprung disease (HD) in neonates is increasingly adopted to reduce preoperative morbidity and preserve long term bowel function. However, comparative data across minimally invasive approaches in neonates with short segment disease remain limited. This study compared outcomes of single incision laparoscopic assisted endorectal pull through (SILEP), conventional laparoscopic assisted endorectal pull through (CLEP), and complete transanal endorectal pull through (TERPT) for rectosigmoid HD. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 55 neonates who underwent one stage definitive surgery before 28 days of age at a high volume center between January 2019 and December 2021. The primary outcome was long term bowel function assessed using the Rintala Bowel Function Score (BFS) after a minimum of 4 years of follow up. Secondary outcomes included operative parameters, postoperative complications (Clavien Dindo classification), and cosmetic outcomes using the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) in the laparoscopic groups. Results All patients successfully underwent surgery at a mean age of 22.4 ± 4.3 days. Operative time differed across approaches and was shorter for SILEP (53.8 ± 11.9 minutes) and TERPT (52.1 ± 18.3 minutes) than for CLEP (70.2 ± 22.5 minutes, p = 0.036). At follow up (mean 54.0 ± 7.7 months), the overall BFS was 17.5 ± 2.5 with no significant differences among groups (p = 0.32). MSS was numerically lower for SILEP than for CLEP (6.2 ± 1.1 vs 6.8 ± 1.9, p = 0.53). Complications were infrequent, with 14 minor and 7 major events, and there was no mortality or Clavien Dindo grade IV or V morbidity. Conclusion SILEP, CLEP, and TERPT are feasible one stage options for neonates with rectosigmoid HD, with comparable long term bowel function and low rates of major complications. SILEP and TERPT were associated with shorter operative times, and SILEP showed a trend toward improved cosmetic scores compared with CLEP. These findings support an individualized approach to technique selection based on intraoperative requirements and institutional expertise.

A cultural memory semiotics and function behavior structure model for digital inheritance and innovation in AI generated Huizhou woodcarving images

Knowledge graph-based intelligent data management and information innovation service model for university library systems

With the rapid development of digitalization, university libraries find themselves under great pressure in adapting to data management, whereas traditional management has limitations in meeting personalized needs for information. This study constructs a knowledge graph-based intelligent data management and information innovation service model for university library systems, which adopts a hierarchical design philosophy encompassing five core layers: data source layer, data processing layer, knowledge construction layer, service application layer, and user interaction layer. By integrating multi-source heterogeneous data resources and establishing a unified knowledge representation framework, the model facilitates semantic organization as well as automatic management of library information. The model employs dynamic fusion methods combining large language models and graph embedding to address heterogeneous data integration challenges, while leveraging knowledge graph semantic association capabilities to provide precise personalized information recommendation services. A systematic evaluation conducted for a period of six months shows that score for an user experience is 4.40, pointing to an improvement of 45.2% from 3.03, with accuracy in search results increasing by 41.1%, as well as enhancement of service quality and learning effectiveness by 32.5% and 41.7% respectively, and all 16 technical indexes having met and exceeded set standards. This study proposes a realistic solution to help university libraries deal with challenges brought by big data, which also facilitates intelligent service transformation for university libraries.

Sustainable production of battery-grade nickel via hydrogen reduction of saprolite

Abstract Nickel production from saprolite—a major laterite source—is critical for the electric vehicle battery supply chain but is currently constrained by the high carbon footprint of the conventional Rotary Kiln-Electric Furnace (RKEF) process. Hydrogen-based reduction offers a sustainable alternative; however, optimizing the reaction kinetics and phase separation efficiency remains a challenge for industrial application. In this study, we investigated the hydrogen reduction behavior of saprolite ore using a dynamic reduction system to maximize Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) recovery. The effects of reduction time, temperature, gas flow rate, and particle size were systematically evaluated. The results revealed that particle size is the governing factor overcoming the diffusion resistance within the Mg-rich silicate matrix. Optimal reduction efficiency (~ 20 wt% mass loss) was achieved rapidly within 15 min at 900 °C with a particle size of -45 μm. Furthermore, a high-grade NPI (Fe ~ 73 wt%, Ni ~ 25 wt%) was successfully produced with a clear separation from the silicate slag phase. These findings demonstrate that controlling physical parameters based on mineralogical constraints is key to enhancing the reduction efficiency of hydrogen reduction, providing a viable pathway for low-carbon nickel smelting processes.

Numerical study on blasting damage of rock with eccentric charge structure

To enhance the safety and efficiency of blasting operations in mines, this study numerically investigates the influence of eccentric versus concentric decoupled charge structures on rock fragmentation under constant charge mass. Using ANSYS/LS-DYNA simulations, the distribution of effective stress (ES) and crack propagation patterns around a single borehole were analyzed. Damage evolution was quantitatively assessed through the damage area ratio (DAR) metric. The results indicate that eccentric charges induce an asymmetric stress field, with ES on the coupled side being up to 2.29 times higher than that on the uncoupled side, and promote vertically symmetrical crack propagation with higher crack density near the charge. The influence range of eccentric charging is limited. Beyond this range, the stress field converges to that produced by concentric charging. Compared to a single charge, multi-charge layouts (double/triple) significantly improve blasting effectiveness, with the optimal structure depending on the number of charges: bottom-eccentric for single or double charges, and concentric for triple charges. These findings provide concrete theoretical guidance for designing controlled blasting schemes in engineering applications such as soft rock blasting, presplitting, and roadway excavation in hard rock formations.

Novel carbonate, oxide, and hydroxide nanohybrids based on Mg, Ba, and Ca for efficient Safranin O dye adsorption

Hangry bees: Pollen dearth impacts honey bee (Apis mellifera) behavior and physiology

Nutritional deprivation is known to contribute to increased honey bee mortality, physiological stress, aberrant behaviors, and disease incidence. To investigate the effect of a realistic nutritional protein deficiency, we simulated a pollen dearth in half of our experimental colonies by robbing incoming foragers of their pollen loads, the primary source of dietary protein, at the colony entrance. We then conducted temperament assays on each colony weekly for pollen deprived and control counterparts. We also identified the plant species bees foraged from and took various physiological measures of honey bee nutritional status including gland size, lipid quantification, and gene expression to further investigate and explain our behavioral results. We found that colonies deprived of pollen reacted by becoming more defensive and that immature bees likely receive cues during rearing which prime their gene expression and behavior as adults, ultimately suggesting that environmental stress caused significant behavioral changes. Temperament is primarily associated with genotype in the literature, but there are environmental cues that are less acknowledged and still important as our study shows. As droughts become increasingly frequent and resource availability therefore changes over time, the impacts on behaviors of agricultural keystone species need additional consideration in order to form scientifically driven best management practices.

Elevated serum uric acid before 20 weeks of gestation increases the risk of preeclampsia

Impact of storage conditions on the stability and biological efficacy of trans-arachidin-1 and trans-arachidin-3

Prenylated stilbenoids, particularly trans -arachidin-1 (Ara-1) and trans -arachidin-3 (Ara-3), have gained attention for their notable bioactivities and potential health-promoting properties. This study presents the first comprehensive investigation into the stability and biological efficacy of these compounds in both peanut hairy root culture crude extracts (PCE) and partially purified fractions derived from elicited peanut hairy root cultures. PCE stored at –20 °C and 4 °C maintained higher antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content compared to samples stored at room temperature. In cytotoxicity assays using SW480 colon cancer cells, the extract stored at –20 °C retained bioactivity with only minor changes in IC₅₀ values over three months, demonstrating superior stability under frozen conditions. Over a six-month period, partially purified fractions of Ara-1 and Ara-3 showed a time-dependent decline in compound content. However, Ara-3 maintained strong cytotoxicity against KKU-100 cholangiocarcinoma cells, while Ara-1 exhibited a significant loss in activity. These findings demonstrate that low-temperature storage, particularly at –20 °C, is crucial for preserving the chemical integrity and bioactivity of stilbenoid-rich extracts. The study underscores the importance of optimizing storage conditions to ensure consistent bioactivity, supporting the potential application of these compounds in the development of stable and effective pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products.

An evaluation system for regional cultural suitability of urban cross-river bridges: insights into the liberation bridge in Tianjin

Quality of life in hypertensive patients using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument in the post-pandemic Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Background To combat growing prevalence of hypertension in Bangladesh, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding about quality of life (QOL) among people living with hypertension and related factors. In the recent COVID-19 pandemic the QOL of hypertensive people got downsized. This study aimed to measure QOL among hypertensive people in a selected tertiary hospital in Dhaka city, and its association with the basic characteristics of the patients. Methods This study was conducted among randomly selected 300 hypertensive patients from two departments of Square Hospitals Limited, using the patient register record. Data were collected through face-to-face interview methods. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the QOL of the subjects. Descriptive statistics were used to examine mean scores of quality of life. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were applied to estimate the internal consistency, and the level of agreement among different domains of WHOQOL-BREF, respectively. Chi-square test followed by binary regression analysis was used to measure the association between QOL domains and independent variables. Results Both overall WHOQOL-BREF and each domain had a good internal consistency, (r = 0.13–0.77, p &lt; 0.01). The QOL among hypertensive patients was found poor in psychological (71%) and social (74.7%) domain and good in environment (63%) and physical (65%) domain. Backward binary regressions revealed that being older over 55 years (p = 0.01), diabetic (p = 0.02), having history of COVID-19 (p = 0.01) and poor monthly family income (USD ≤ 853.14) (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with poor QOL in all domains. Moreover, older age (p = 0.01) and poor lifestyle (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with poor overall quality of life and poor perception of general health. Conclusion The results revealed low QOL in psychological and social domain, including significant factors associated with the poor QOL in all domains. Planning and implementation of effective interventions are needed to improve QOL among hypertensive patients targeted towards aged, diabetic, lower income group who had positive COVID-19 infection and poor lifestyle through health system strengthening.

Characterization of immune cells in periodontitis using a new histological immunologic gingival (IG) score

Abstract Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease due to the host response to dysbiotic biofilm. Immunohistochemistry is often used for a better and more functional tissue characterization. The main objective of this study was to create a semi-quantitative Immunologic Gingival (IG) score for characterizing immune cells in periodontitis based on five immunohistochemical stainings. The study included 11 healthy controls and 11 periodontitis patients. To determine the IG score, an atlas was drawn up with five immunohistochemical stainings (CD138, CD3, CD20, CD68, CD66b). The mean IG score was higher for periodontitis patients than for healthy controls. For each marker of the IG score, a positive correlation was found between the semi-quantitative score and the respective percentage of positive cells. An IG score of 4 out of 15 was the best cut-off for discrimination between healthy controls and periodontitis patients, with a specificity and a sensitivity exceeding 90%. The IG score provides standardized information on the immune cell signature in gingival samples from patients with periodontitis. This score could be applied in translational research but also in clinical practice, particularly for the development of personalized therapies for patients with recurrent periodontitis.

Deoxygenative Difunctionalization of Aldehydes via Ketyl Radical and Light/Dark Pd Synergy

Abstract The direct deoxygenative difunctionalization of aldehydes offers a powerful yet underdeveloped strategy to convert abundant carbonyl feedstocks into structurally complex molecules. Here we report a visible‐light‐driven, redox‐neutral platform that merges ketyl radical generation from α‐acyloxy halides with hybrid Pd catalysis. This strategy enables aldehydes to serve as versatile C 1 synthons, delivering allylic sulfones in the presence of nucleophiles and conjugated dienes in their absence. The method exhibits broad scope across diverse vinylarenes, aldehydes, and sulfonyl partners, including late‐stage functionalization of natural products and pharmaceuticals. The synthetic utility of the products is highlighted through gram‐scale reactions, regioselective S N 2′ substitutions to construct quaternary carbon centers, and a one‐pot reductive hydrovinylation sequence. By bridging ketyl radical chemistry with hybrid Pd catalysis, this work establishes aldehyde deoxygenative difunctionalization as a new and practical entry to complex molecular architectures.