Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Neural bases of sustained attention during naturalistic parent-infant interactions
Abstract Sustained attention—the ability to maintain focus on a particular location or object for an extended period of time—is a fundamental skill during development. It enables the developing child to acquire information about their environment, facilitating information processing and supporting memory. Despite its critical role in development, little is known about the neural mechanisms that support this ability. Building on insights from the ECG literature on sustained attention, the present study sought to address some of the challenges associated with neuroimaging research in developmental populations. Specifically, we developed and assessed the validity of a novel fNIRS protocol to study visual sustained attention within naturalistic contexts. Results indicated the involvement of left temporo-parietal areas during sustained attention in infancy. Furthermore, validation of the protocol demonstrated that different attentional states can effectively serve as baselines for studying specific components of attention. This new approach holds significant promise for future research aimed at extending the study of the neural substrates of attention to naturalistic settings.
The dynamic regenerative scaffold stenting and shielding hernia system for dissection-free, atraumatic hernioplasty. Results of an experimental animal study
Abstract Conventional hernia repair using static flat meshes is often associated with complications casused by extensive dissection, implant fixation, and poor biological response. The Stenting & Shielding (S&S) Hernia System offers a novel solution designed for dissection-free, fixation-free hernia repair. The S&S Hernia System has been evaluated in a porcine model, focusing on procedural simplicity, device retention and regenerative properties. The experimental study involved 10 pigs, each implanted with two S&S devices. Follow-up assessments included ultrasound, laparoscopic examinations, and histological analyses over a period ranging from 4 weeks to 8 months post-implantation. The S&S Hernia System, made from medical-grade polypropylene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), features a rayed 3D scaffold and an oval shield connected by a mast. Delivered and positioned intraabdominally without dissection, the device transforms into a self-retaining scaffold to obliterate the hernia defect. Primary outcomes included ease of delivery, visceral adhesion formation, and device retention, ensuring no dislocation. Secondary outcomes evaluated histological evidence of tissue regeneration, including the development of connective tissue, muscles, vessels, and nerves within the scaffold. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect tissue growth factors promoting regeneration of the abdominal wall’s typical components. All 20 implanted devices remained securely in place without dislocation. Transient adhesion bands were observed in two shields at 1 month but resolved by 3 months. No visceral adhesions were detected at the time of animal sacrifice. Histological analyses demonstrated tissue regeneration within the scaffold, while immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of growth factors supporting regeneration. Overall, the S&S Hernia System showed promising results in a porcine model, with no dislocation and evident regenerative potential. Its rapid, dissection-free delivery and compliance with abdominal wall dynamics simplify the procedure while minimizing adhesions. These findings warrant further clinical investigation to validate its application in human patients.
Research on the evolution mechanism of project organizational capabilities under digital construction mode considering environmental turbulence
Synergistic analysis of climate and anthropogenic impacts on NPP dynamics in India’s Western Ghats using geodetector
Development and application of a deep learning-based tuberculosis diagnostic assistance system in remote areas of Northwest China
A novel aggregation framework based on complex n,m-rung orthopair fuzzy aczel-alsina operators for renewable energy decision-making
Abstract This paper develops an advanced decision-making framework using complex n,m-rung orthopair fuzzy (Cn,m-ROF) sets combined with aczel-alsina aggregation operations to effectively manage uncertainty and ambiguity in multiple attribute decision-making (MADM). Two novel aggregation operators—Cn,m-ROFAAWA (weighted average) and Cn,m-ROFAAWG (weighted geometric)—are formulated and examined for their theoretical properties, such as boundedness, idempotency, and monotonicity. The framework is demonstrated through a renewable energy selection case study, where numerical results indicate that Wind Energy consistently ranks highest across varying parameter settings, highlighting the reliability and stability of the proposed approach. Comparative evaluations reveal that the suggested operators outperform existing methods in distinguishing among alternatives and enhancing decision precision. Analysis of parameter influence shows that while larger parameter values increase alternative scores, the optimal choice remains unchanged, confirming isotonicity. Sensitivity assessments further indicate that smaller parameter values improve differentiation among alternatives, ensuring practical applicability. The study underscores the effectiveness of integrating complex n,m-rung orthopair fuzziness with aczel-alsina operations for MADM, and suggests future extensions to other fuzzy information frameworks to enhance applicability and flexibility.
Assessment of trace metals concentrations of soils and plants of urban and suburban areas of Safi City, Morocco
Runners with lower dynamic stability exhibit better running economy
Abstract Maintaining dynamic stability during running incurs an energetic cost that does not contribute to forward propulsion. Despite this, dynamic stability has received little attention as a potential factor influencing running economy. To understand the relationship between dynamic stability and running economy, nineteen trained runners were tested on a treadmill across three individualized speeds. Whole-body dynamic stability was quantified via a single maximum Lyapunov exponent (MLE) computed from a 21D state-space embedding, which incorporated 3D angular velocities from seven body segments (bilateral: shank, upper torso, forearm; unilateral: lower torso) and running economy was measured as cost of transport (COT) using metabolic gas-exchange data. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the relationship between MLE and COT as well as the effects of running speed on MLE. MLE was negatively associated with COT ( p = 0.049), while running speed had no significant effect on MLE ( p > 0.579). This study is the first to demonstrate that the MLE calculated from a multivariate state-space is negatively associated with COT, indicating that runners with lower dynamic stability exhibit better running economy. Further, MLE was not affected by running speed, indicating that this measure of whole-body dynamic stability can be robustly assessed at a range of running speeds. These results may hint at a previously unexplored avenue to improve running economy through alteration of dynamic stability characteristics.
Dynamic affective stimulation modulates visual but not auditory prospective timing
Placement and sizing of photovoltaic and bio-waste unit with hydrogen storage considering economic energy management of intelligent distribution network
Knowledge and practices regarding infection control precautions against blood-borne diseases among recovered HCV patients in Egypt
Abstract Preventing Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) reinfection is vital for the long-term health of recovered patients. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge and practices related to blood-borne disease infection control among 376 HCV-recovered individuals in Egypt. Participants had a median age of 63 years, 81.9% were males, 56.1% were manual workers, 6.9% were healthcare professionals, 67.6% had basic literacy, and only 47.9% had received the hepatitis B vaccine. Non-healthcare participants had significantly poorer knowledge and practices compared to healthcare professionals ( p < 0.001). Both groups showed suboptimal levels, with 19.2% of healthcare professionals and 0.3% of non-healthcare participants demonstrating good knowledge, while good practices were observed in 23.0% and 14.3% of each group, respectively. A significant positive correlation existed between knowledge and practice ( r = 0.363, p < 0.001). Higher education ( p < 0.01) and the HBV vaccination status ( p = 0.004) were associated with better knowledge. Higher education correlated with better practices ( p < 0.05). Individuals in manual labor had lower knowledge and practice scores ( p = 0.012 and p = 0.001, respectively). These findings underscore significant knowledge and practice deficits, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve infection control and sustain the success of Egypt national HCV treatment program.
Enhancing gesture recognition for assisting visually impaired persons using deep learning in an IoT environment-based improved snake optimisation algorithm
Targeting KRASG13C with cyclic linker based inhibitors to explore warhead orientation
Abstract The small GTPase KRAS is a key driver of carcinogenesis when mutated, and significant progress has been made in targeting KRAS G12C and other oncogenic variants. Building on our previous work demonstrating the potential of nucleotide-based inhibitors with an acrylamide warhead to target KRAS G13C , we designed and synthesized a library of nucleotide-based compounds with cyclic linkers to explore the effect of warhead orientation on reactivity toward Cys13. Using mass spectrometry, kinetic studies, and protein X-ray crystallography, we validated the binding and reactivity of these modulators. In addition, computational predictions of the conformational space of the linkers and warheads provided insights into their reactivity, which agreed well with the experimental data. These findings advance our understanding of the structure-reactivity relationship in these nucleotide-based KRAS inhibitors and will be the basis for further optimization.
Tumor behavior disparities in all-cause and cause-specific mortality among patients with central nervous system tumors
Pan-cancer Myc modulator that targets Myc-α-tubulin interaction to drive selective mitotic catastrophe
Abstract MYC overexpression is a well-established cancer vulnerability, yet direct therapeutic targeting of Myc remains a challenge. Here, we identify DL78 as a potent antimitotic agent with selective anticancer activity through its regulation of Myc. DL78 demonstrated broad efficacy by inhibiting growth across nine cancer types and significantly reducing tumor burden in an in vivo model of platinum-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer, with no overt toxicity. DL78 preferentially targets chromosomally unstable, MYC -overexpressing cancer cells, a hallmark of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Mechanistically, DL78 exploits Myc’s role in mitotic entry by disrupting its interaction with α-tubulin, leading to sustained mitotic arrest, mitotic catastrophe, and apoptosis while sparing nonmalignant cells. This study establishes a novel paradigm for Myc-targeted therapy by introducing DL78, which induces cancer-selective mitotic catastrophe by disrupting Myc’s interaction with α-tubulin rather than its transcriptional activity.
Immunomodulatory vaccine demonstrates therapeutic efficacy across cancer types
Machine learning methods on BioVid heat pain database for pain intensity estimation
Clonidine prevents radiation-induced cell death in human brain organoids
Abstract Radiotherapy is a standard treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Though the survival rate has improved for many tumor types, most patients suffer long-term cognitive decline and there is currently no way of preventing radiation-induced damage to healthy brain tissue. Here, we used a human forebrain organoid model to investigate if the α 2 -adrenoceptor and I 1 -imidazoline receptor agonist clonidine could prevent radiotoxicity. We found that treatment of organoids with clonidine significantly reduced radiation-induced loss of neural progenitor cells, neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Moreover, clonidine reduced overall DNA damage and signs of reactive gliosis in organoids. Our findings demonstrate that pharmacological rescue of radiation neurotoxicity is possible in a human brain organoid model and provides a rationale for future drug repurposing studies aiming to prevent radiation-induced brain injury in children treated with radiotherapy.