Browse Articles

Reproductive barriers confirm absence of hybrid speciation and introgression in the Rhodnius pictipes and R. pallescens groups (Hemiptera, Triatominae)

Spinal cord neuromodulation for blood pressure control using low-intensity focused ultrasound

Comparative outcomes of swing segment revisions of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula between endovascular and surgical approaches

Objective Regarding revision of vascular access (VA), endovascular methods are commonly employed owing to their procedural simplicity, yet their durability remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of swing segment (SwS) revision of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RC-AVF) between endovascular and surgical approaches. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study comparing two groups was conducted at one tertiary hospital in South Korea. A total of 131 patients underwent endovascular or surgical revision of SwS in RC-AVF for the first time after AVF creation between 2016 and 2023. Endovascular and surgical revisions were performed in 114 and 17 patients, respectively (interposition, n = 10; patch angioplasty, n = 5; transposition, n = 1; proximalization, n = 1). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess post-intervention primary patency (PP) and post-intervention secondary patency (SP). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders, and a subgroup analysis was conducted based on whether the SwS was in stenosis or occlusion. Results The median minimal diameter of SwS was 1.3 mm in the endovascular group and 1.4 mm in the surgical group, and the median lesion length was 2.5 cm and 4.0 cm, respectively. Twelve-month PP was 63.5% vs 73.7% (endo vs surgical, P  = 0.79). While PP did not differ in the stenosis subgroup, the occlusion subgroup showed significantly higher PP after surgical revision ( P  = 0.002), with surgery associated with a markedly lower risk of loss of PP events (HR 0.073). Conclusion Surgical revision may be preferentially considered for long-segment occlusive lesions, given its superior early PP and the longer lesions typically associated with occlusions, whereas percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) remains appropriate for focal or stenotic lesions within the SwS. Consistent follow-up is essential to enable timely interventions, thereby maximizing the functionality of RC-AVF.

Replacing fused calcium–magnesium phosphate with diammonium phosphate increases exchangeable aluminum in acidic sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) soils

A hybrid model combining 1D-CNN and BERT for intelligent ECG arrhythmia classification

Abstract Arrhythmia is a common cardiovascular disease, whose early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe cardiac events. Traditional electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation methods rely on manual analysis, which often suffers from low efficiency and limited accuracy. To address these issues, intelligent algorithms are increasingly being used for automatic arrhythmia recognition. However, many existing methods still face challenges in achieving accurate classification. In this paper, we propose a novel approach that integrates a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) with Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) for arrhythmia classification. The proposed model, named ECGBert, leverages the local feature extraction capability of CNN and the global context modeling strength of BERT. The model enables the precise classification of different types of arrhythmias by performing signal preprocessing, segment encoding, and sequential feature extraction. Experimental results in the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database demonstrate that ECGBert significantly outperforms traditional methods and existing hybrid architectures in multiple evaluation metrics. The model effectively captures long-range dependencies between abnormal heartbeats by incorporating the Transformer mechanism. It also maintains an end-to-end learning structure without the need for hand-crafted features, offering strong generalization ability and robustness. This work provides a new methodological framework for intelligent ECG analysis and promotes the innovative application of deep learning in medical signal processing.

Effects of varying exercise intensities on muscle strength and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents: A 12-week randomized controlled trial

The present study investigates the effects of physical education programs with varying exercise intensities on muscle strength and depressive symptoms in adolescents, while also evaluates the role of muscle strength improvement in alleviating depressive symptoms. A total of 266 eighth-grade students were divided into three groups based on exercise intensity (low, moderate, and vigorous). Over 12 weeks, students participated in physical education sessions three times per week. Muscle strength was assessed using the standing long jump and handgrip strength tests, while depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used to evaluate intra-group and inter-group differences, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictive effect of muscle strength changes on depressive symptoms. Results indicated Significant improvements in standing long jump and grip strength were observed across all groups, with the vigorous-intensity group achieving the greatest gains. Depressive symptoms improved significantly in the moderate- and vigorous-intensity groups, with the latter showing the most pronounced reductions. Notably, improvements in standing long jump significantly predicted reductions in depressive symptoms, particularly in the vigorous-intensity group, whereas handgrip strength did not. These results suggest that integrating higher-intensity physical activities into school programs may have beneficial effects on both physical and mental health. Lower-limb muscle strength improvements predict reduced depressive symptoms, underscoring the importance of targeted strength training in physical education. This clinical trial has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the registration number ChiCTR2500103874.

Key features of the innate immune response is mediated by the immunoproteasome in microglia

Abstract Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). We and others have shown that the inflammatory response of microglia is partially regulated by the immunoproteasome, an inducible form of the proteasome responsible for the generation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I epitopes. While the role of the proteasome in the adaptive immune system is well established, emerging evidence suggests the immunoproteasome may have discrete functions in the innate immune response. Here, we show that inhibiting the immunoproteasome reduces the IFNγ-dependent induction of complement activator C1q, suppresses phagocytosis, and alters the cytokine expression profile in a microglial cell line (BV2) and microglia derived from human inducible pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, we show that the immunoproteasome regulates the degradation of IκBα, a modulator of NF-κB signaling. Finally, we demonstrate that NADH prevents induction of the immunoproteasome, representing a potential pathway to suppress immunoproteasome-dependent immune responses.

Multiproxy evidence of millet reliance and selective dietary change during iron age transformation in Central Europe

Abstract This study integrates archaeobotanical and stable isotopic data to investigate dietary adaptations and crop use in past Central European societies during later prehistory (500–0 BCE), a period marked by growing social complexity and technological innovation that approximates sub-modern population structures. Using a multi-proxy approach, we analyse supra-regional datasets of plant macro-remains and human bone collagen from Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia, focusing on millet, the only C₄ crop cultivated in preindustrial temperate Europe, which serves as a distinct isotopic marker for tracing subsistence shifts. Archaeobotanical evidence, assessed through minimum number of individuals (MNI), ubiquity, and Representativeness Index, shows that millet cultivation was largely influenced by local environmental conditions, with no consistent temporal trend across regions. In contrast, stable carbon isotope data reveal a systemic dietary shift towards higher δ13C values during the third century BCE, coinciding with technological advances and increasing socio-economic complexity. This new trend, however, was not applied consistently: its intensity varied across sites and social groups, reflecting flexible and context-specific subsistence strategies. Non-elite individuals exhibited more pronounced shifts, while elite groups maintained more conservative, C₃-based diets. By demonstrating broad patterns alongside local variability, this study highlights the flexibility and adaptive capacity of past food production. The findings underscore the importance of integrating both regional and local scales in multi-proxy analyses and provide insights relevant to modern contexts facing globalised yet ecologically diverse agricultural challenges.

Longitudinal modeling of health-related quality of life trajectories over 12 months following road trauma

Introduction This study identified the potential phases of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) change over a year following road trauma (RT) injury, as well as its predictors. Methods This inception cohort study recruited 1480 Canadian RT survivors from July 2018 to March 2020. HRQoL outcome was assessed with the 5-level version of the EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) instrument at baseline (pre-injury) and at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months post-injury. Predictors of HRQoL included sociodemographic, psychological, medical, and trauma-related factors collected at baseline. We applied generalized additive mixed models to flexibly capture nonlinear changes in HRQoL over time, and piecewise latent growth curve model to analyze distinct linear phases of recovery across defined time intervals. Results The estimated trajectory of EQ-5D-5L summary and EQ-VAS scores were lower than baseline at 2-months (phase 1), and then increased (phase 2), but did not return to baseline values at 12-months. White ethnicity, higher somatic symptom, pain catastrophizing, and use of medication pre-injury were associated with lower pre-injury EQ-5D-5L summary and EQ-VAS scores. Phase 1 EQ-5D-5L decreases were associated with female sex, no pre-existing body complaints, lack of expectation for a fast recovery, higher ISS, higher injury pain, and neck, spine/back, upper extremity, or lower extremity injuries. Phase 1 EQ-VAS decreases were associated with female sex, lower somatic symptom, fewer comorbidities, lack of expectation for a fast recovery, higher ISS, higher injury pain, neck, spine/back or lower extremity injuries. In phase 2, EQ-5D-5L summary improved most in participants with higher education levels and longer recovery expectations; EQ-VAS improved most in cyclists and patients with longer recovery expectations. Conclusions Clinicians should assess and address patients’ recovery expectations early in the care process, as these may significantly influence long-term HRQoL outcomes. Incorporating strategies to support realistic yet positive expectations, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, structured patient education, and goal-setting programs, may improve recovery experiences. In addition, identifying patients with high pain, or specific injury types may help target early interventions to those at risk of poor HRQoL trajectories.

Egg albumin enhances kappa (κ)-carrageenan hydrogels for tunable physicochemical, mechanical, and biological performance

Abstract Hydrogels are versatile polymeric materials valued for their crosslinked structures, which mimic the extracellular matrix. Their tunable size, shape, and pore architecture make them attractive for diverse biomedical applications. In this study, we developed a novel biohybrid hydrogel composed of κ-carrageenan and egg albumin. Egg albumin, extracted from fresh egg whites ( Gallus gallus domesticus ), was quantified using the Bradford assay. Protein molecular masses were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and confirmed via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF–MS). Hydrogel scaffolds were fabricated through ionotropic gelation, forming an interpenetrating polymer network of κ-carrageenan and egg albumin, with sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) serving as crosslinking agents. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess polymer crosslinking, and scaffold stability was evaluated through swelling behavior, degradation rate, and mechanical strength. Surface morphology analysis revealed a dense, folded network in pure κ-carrageenan hydrogels, whereas egg albumin incorporation yielded smoother surfaces with protein aggregates—features that increase surface heterogeneity and may promote cell adhesion. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays with NIH 3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast) cells demonstrated significantly higher cell proliferation on egg albumin-blended hydrogels compared with pure κ-carrageenan on days 1, 4, and 7. These results indicate that egg albumin–copolymerized hydrogels are promising candidates for soft tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.

Procyanidin A2, a polyphenol autophagy-enhancer, ameliorates hyperglycemia through multifaceted insulin-related mechanisms

Evaluation of hospital-acquired conditions reduction program in surgical procedures

Hospital-Acquired Conditions Reduction Program (HACRP) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) penalizes hospitals in the worst quartile of performance for targeted hospital-acquired conditions (HAC). This study examines its impacts on two targeted conditions: surgical site infection (SSI) for abdominal hysterectomy and colon procedures. This paper used a quasi-experimental method of difference-in-differences (DID) to analyze the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) from January 2012 to September 2015. The DID models compared changes in the probability of SSI for the targeted and control procedures before and after HACRP implementation. The DID estimates could be interpreted as the impact of the program. All models controlled for patient and hospital characteristics. The DID estimates were insignificant, and the results were robust across various sensitivity analyses. Although the results suggest that HACRP had no direct impact on SSIs in the two targeted conditions, caution should be exercised when interpreting these conclusions. This study is exploratory, and future research is needed to address its limitations, including the low predictive value of administrative SSI codes and concerns regarding the comparability of the control group. Previous studies have proposed three areas to improve HACRP: better measurement design, improved communication and follow-up, and alternative penalty structure. Collecting more granular data and conducting in-person interviews in future studies could help validate the current findings and identify effective strategies for improving HACRP.

Bioactivity and toxicity of polysaccharides derived from the phytopathogenic mushroom Ganoderma orbiforme cultured in a bioreactor

Adipocytes enhance tongue cancer progression potentially via IL-6 and extracellular vesicles

Abstract Obesity is associated with the increased incidence of various cancers. However, the connection between high body mass index and oral cancer risk is partly controversial, and the mechanistic role of adipocytes is largely unknown. We aimed to study the prognostic value and function of adipose tissue in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). The amount of adipocytes in OTSCC samples correlated positively with tumour size. High tumoural inflammatory cell count predicted better overall survival. Patient-derived adipose tissue and adipocytes (differentiated from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells) induced the proliferation of OTSCC cells in vitro. Moreover, adipocytes increased the migration of cancer cells from both primary and metastatic sites without the need for direct cell-cell contact. Various cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), were present at high levels in adipocyte-OTSCC co-cultures, and inhibition of IL-6 signalling markedly reduced cancer cell migration. Moreover, the adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) induced OTSCC cell invasion. We conclude that adipocytes increase the proliferation of cancer cells and enhance their motility without direct cell contact. The protumourigenic effect of adipocytes is likely mediated by secreted cytokines, such as IL-6, and transported via EVs.

Research on the impact of User-Generated Content (UGC) in shaping the purchase behavior of environmentally friendly products and the moderatings role of brand reputation

This paper aims to explore the effect of User-Generated Content (UGC) on the purchasing behavior of environmentally friendly products at Hospitality and Food Service Industry in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. A conceptual model has been developed based on literature reviews and empirical studies. Furthermore, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was employed to investigate the impact of UGC on the purchasing behavior of environmentally friendly products at Hospitality and Food Service Industry in Vietnam. The results confirm that environmental concerns, attitudes, and the intention to purchase green products are all positively and significantly influenced by UGC. Especially, the results validate that brand reputation plays a moderating role in the connections between UGC and environmental concern, UGC and environmental attitude, as well as the relationship between the intention to purchase environmentally friendly products and actual purchasing behavior.

A predictive model for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions using radial probe endobronchial ultrasound images

Hybrid intelligence in medical image segmentation

Abstract Medical image segmentation is vital for precise identification and analysis of anatomical structures and pathological regions, yet traditional models often fall short in aligning with clinical workflows, requiring extensive manual correction even when overall segmentation accuracy is high. To address this gap, we introduce HybridMS, a hybrid intelligence framework designed to maintain high segmentation accuracy while substantially reducing clinician workload through selective human intervention. HybridMS employs an uncertainty-driven feedback mechanism that selectively triggers clinician input only for cases predicted to be challenging, thereby avoiding unnecessary manual review. Corrected cases are prioritised during retraining through a weighted update strategy, enabling the model to adapt more effectively to clinically relevant errors. This design minimises intervention frequency while preserving segmentation quality. Evaluated on lung segmentation in chest X-rays for tuberculosis detection, HybridMS achieved comparable or improved performance over the baseline MedSAM model (Dice: 0.9538 vs. 0.9435; IoU: 0.9126 vs. 0.8941) with consistent boundary quality in difficult cases. For the subset of cases identified as challenging (baseline Dice < 0.92), HybridMS reduced mean Hausdorff Distance and Average Symmetric Surface Distance, demonstrating more stable anatomical boundaries. Workflow efficiency was markedly improved: in a preliminary timing study with radiologists, average annotation time was reduced by approximately 82% for standard cases and 60% for challenging cases, without compromising accuracy. By combining targeted human oversight with automated refinement, HybridMS demonstrates that stable segmentation performance can be achieved with significantly lower annotation effort, offering a clinically viable pathway for efficient and reliable deployment in diagnostic workflows.

Axial separation simulation analysis and experiment of maize seed cylinder grading: A study on axial analysis

This study conducted a simulation analysis of the seed grading process to address the challenges of excessive dependence on empirical parameter adjustments, low grading efficiency, and operational instability in maize cylinder grading systems. After determining the relevant characteristic parameters of maize seeds and the grading cylinder, discrete element models were established using EDEM software. The simulation investigated axial mean velocity, intra-cylinder quantity distribution, and post-sieving quantity distribution of seeds under varying cylinder speeds (14–22 r/min), inclination angles (0°–4°), and feeding rates (1,150–1,350 g/s). Orthogonal experiments and range analysis were conducted to determine the significance hierarchy of factors: for qualification rate, cylinder speed > inclination angle > feeding rate. For productivity, inclination angle > feeding rate > cylinder speed. The optimal parameter combination was cylinder speed 16 r/min, inclination angle 0°, and feeding rate 1,300 g/s. At this point, the qualification rate was 93.21%, and the productivity was 1,033 g/s. Using the optimal combination for validation experiments, the obtained qualification rate was 90.15%, and the productivity was 985 g/s. The relative errors between the experimental values and the predicted values were less than 5%, validating the simulation’s reliability and providing critical engineering implications for industrial seed grading optimization.

A CRISPR/Cas9-induced restoration of bioluminescence reporter system for single-cell gene expression analysis in plants

Abstract Bioluminescence monitoring techniques have greatly contributed to revealing a variety of biological regulatory systems in living organisms, including circadian clocks. In plant science, these techniques are applied to long-term quantitative analyses of gene expression behavior. Transient transfection with a luciferase reporter using the particle bombardment method has been used for bioluminescence observations at the single-cell level. This allows for capturing heterogeneity and temporal fluctuations in cellular gene expression, although bioluminescence could fluctuate according to variation in physiological factors associated with the luciferase reaction. We developed a novel C RISPR/Cas9- i nduced r estoration of b ioluminescence reporter s ystem, CiRBS, to monitor cellular bioluminescence from a reporter gene in the genome of transgenic Arabidopsis . In this method, the enzymatic activity of an inactive luciferase mutant, LUC40Ins26bp , which has a 26-bp insertion at the 40th codon, was restored by introducing an indel at the insertion site using CRISPR/Cas9. We succeeded in long-term monitoring of the cellular bioluminescence of Arabidopsis plants expressing LUC40Ins26bp , which was restored by transient transfection with CRISPR/Cas9-inducible constructs using particle bombardment. Recombination events via indels were mostly complete within 24 h of CRISPR/Cas9 induction, and 7.2% of CRISPR/Cas9-transfected cells restored bioluminescence. It was estimated that 94% of the bioluminescence-restored cells carried only one chromosome having the optimal recombination construction. Thus, CiRBS allows for reliable single-cell gene expression analysis of cell-to-cell heterogeneity and temporal fluctuations from a single locus.

Gaussian dual adjacency graph based spatial correlated and temporal time dependent traffic prediction in Bangalore City