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Targeted degradation of endogenous YAP by nanobody bioPROTAC inhibits tumor progression
Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms and signs of degenerative cervical myelopathy: A prospective study
Abstract Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a clinical diagnosis based on history, physical exam, and imaging, but standardized criteria have not been established, contributing to diagnostic delays. We conducted a prospective study of DCM and healthy subjects that comprehensively evaluated symptoms, patient-reported and clinician-administered outcome measures, and physical assessments of motor and sensory function.Diagnostic utility was evaluated using Youden’s Index (YI=sensitivity+specificity-1). 139 DCM patients and 108 age-matched healthy subjects were compared. Distinguishing symptoms included neck pain (YI=63%), upper extremity (UE) numbness (YI=57%), hand clumsiness (YI=50%), walking imbalance (YI=50%), and UE weakness (YI=46%). Questionnaires performed well including mJOA (YI=72%), NDI (YI=63%), and EQ-5D (YI=57%). Physical testing showed best results with UE reflexes (YI=54%), strength in 5 UE muscle groups (YI=53%), Berg Balance scale (YI=50%), self-paced walking velocity (YI=48%), and tandem gait assessment (YI=40%). Hand dexterity, strength dynamometry, and testing of 5 sensory modalities demonstrated poor diagnostic utility. Diagnosis of DCM is challenging, but key symptoms include neck pain, UE weakness, and those captured by the mJOA (particularly UE numbness, hand clumsiness, and walking imbalance). Physical testing of reflexes, manual motor testing, and gait/balance are useful to confirm the diagnosis. These findings offer guidance for clinicians and the development of diagnostic criteria.
Navigating the brain: How cerebral blood flow shifts with task complexity
Monitoring middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) during maneuvers known to alter cerebral perfusion, such as supine-to-standing transitions or walking, may provide a more comprehensive assessment used to flag individuals susceptible to cerebral hypoperfusion in a way that cannot be achieved at rest. Furthermore, dual-tasks challenge the brain to match MCAv to meet increases in local demands of oxygen and energy in two different functional networks (motor and cognitive), potentially causing cerebral hypoperfusion when competing for shared and/or limited brain resources. We developed a dual-task paradigm comprising of five levels of task complexity, including single-tasks and dual-tasks. The main objective of the study was to evaluate changes in MCAv as task complexity increased, which was demonstrated through cognitive, motor, and combined cognitive-motor tasks in older adults with different cognitive function levels. A secondary objective was to assess the success rate (as a percentage) of obtaining MCAv signals during the dual-task protocol to determine the feasibility of measuring such metrics in older adults with varying levels of cognitive ability. Of the 88 participants (37 females, 75 ± 7 years, 27 ± 4 kg/m 2 ), a MCAv signal was ascertained in 56 participants throughout both single-tasks and both dual-tasks. MCAv increased when transitioning from a simple single-task to a more complex dual-task, while also highlighting a decline in motor and cognitive performance. A full multi-modal signal acquisition (MCAv, blood pressure, and cerebral oxygenation) was acquired for 48 participants. Lower MCAv signal acquisition was observed in females and people with cognitive impairment. We have demonstrated how MCAv changes with increased task complexity, while also uncovering declines in gait and cognitive performance. By establishing the feasibility of obtaining MCAv signals during cognitive stress tests and dynamic movements in older adults with varying cognitive abilities, we can begin to assess cerebral hypoperfusion using a potentially more sensitive indicator linked to neural damage.
A digital twin framework for urban parking management and mobility forecasting
Research on the design of overall stability capacity for axial compression and single sided connected eccentric compression equal leg angles
The relationship of syntactic complexity and rhetorical move-steps in research article discussions: A comparative analysis of Chinese and native English writers
This study seeks to identify the differences in syntactic complexity (SC) across rhetorical move-steps in the discussion section of research articles (RAs) written by Chinese and native English writers. The corpus consisted of 200 RA discussion sections from the field of Applied Linguistics. Each sample was manually annotated for rhetorical move-steps using the seven-move framework of RA discussion proposed by Yang and Allison (2003). The results revealed that distinct SC patterns across rhetorical move-steps, with differences most pronounced at the phrasal-level complexity. Chinese writers demonstrated greater SC performance in M2 Reporting results , M4S1 Interpreting results , M4S2 Comparing results with literature , and M4S3 Accounting for results , characterized by compressed noun phrases (NPs) through significantly more frequent use of pre-modifier sequences and multiple-level prepositional phrases. In contrast, native English writers presented greater SC in M3 Summarizing results , M4S4 Evaluating results , M5 Summarizing the study , M6S2 Indicating significance/advantage , M7S1 Making suggestions , and M7S2 Recommending further research , distinguished by more extensive use of complex NPs with both phrasal and clausal modifiers. Implications for L2 academic writing practice and pedagogy are discussed.
Boosting immune cells to combat cancer using CRISPR engineering and large-scale in vivo testing
Engineering unnatural cells with a 21st amino acid as a living epigenetic sensor
Maternal microbial effects and the dynamic distribution, networks, and functions of pig gut microbiota across the entire life cycle
“Dr. Google” consultation and health anxiety among primary healthcare patients: The mediation effect of health literacy
Background Promoting health literacy is a successful intervention for cyberchondriasis and health anxiety. However, no study has examined how cyberchondria, health anxiety, and health literacy are interrelated. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cyberchondria among primary healthcare patients in Saudi Arabia and examine the relationship between cyberchondria and health anxiety and the mediating role of health literacy in this relationship. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 422 participants from all over Saudi Arabia’s five regions, specifically from primary healthcare centers. Data were collected between August 1, 2024 to September 1, 2024. Results Age, sex, marital status, nationality, region, place of residence, social media use, and Internet use were significantly associated with cyberchondria health literacy and health anxiety (p < 0.001). Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that cyberchondria had a positive effect on both health literacy and health anxiety (p < 0.001). Additionally, regarding the age group 65 years or older, for example, results indicate that in accordance with most previous studies reviewed here, cyberchondria can predict higher levels of health anxiety in people who have low levels of education. Conclusions Cyberchondria is interrelated with other variables such as demographic characteristics and behavioral patterns. They highlighted the significance of interventions directed at enhancing health literacy to curtail cyberchondria and reduce health anxiety. The present findings suggest that cyberchondria manifests in many different ways, making it a complex phenomenon. It also helps us to understand how the patient may become an active partner rather than a passive recipient in his/her own care.
Organocatalytic enantioselective [2π + 2σ] cycloaddition reactions of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes
Abstract Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (BCHs), three-dimensional benzene bioisosteres characterized by high sp 3 -carbon content, hold great promise for diverse applications in medicinal chemistry. Although significant advances have been made in the synthesis of racemic BCHs, highly enantioselective approaches remain comparatively rare. Here we report a mild, secondary amine–catalyzed asymmetric [2π + 2σ] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, which overcomes key limitations of existing metal-catalyzed and photochemical methods. The protocol operates under ambient air and tolerates a wide range of BCB and aldehyde substrates bearing diverse functional groups, affording BCH scaffolds in yields of up to 84% under Supramolecular Iminium Catalysis with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) and high diastereoselectivity (>20:1 dr). The mild conditions and operational simplicity underscore the potential of this transformation for stereoselective manufacturing of BCHs at scale. Mechanistic experiments and DFT studies support an acid-promoted dual activation of both substrates, followed by an enamine–iminium tandem catalytic process that delivers the enantioenriched products.
Photosynthesis diversity of Isodon rubescens (Hemsley) H. Hara leaves at different leaf positions
Production of secondary particles from cosmic ray interactions in the earth’s atmosphere: Implications for annual effective dose, 14C/12C ratio, and magnetic field effects
This study investigates the interaction of cosmic rays with Earth’s atmosphere, focusing on the production of secondary particles, electromagnetic waves, and their dosimetric implications. Using the Geant4 toolkit, the deviation of cosmic rays due to Earth’s magnetic field, the annual effective dose of secondary particles, and the 14 C/ 12 C isotopic ratio were calculated. The results demonstrate that electromagnetic waves generated in the atmosphere exhibit an energy spectrum ranging from 0 to 500 MeV. The estimated annual effective dose at ground level is 2.28E-06 mSv/y, while the dose from secondary protons in a human-equivalent phantom is 0.105 mSv/y, approximately 30% of the total dose from cosmic rays (0.33 mSv/y). Analysis of magnetic field effects reveals that heavier particles, such as iron and nickel, experience greater deviations in their trajectories compared to lighter elements like protons and oxygen. Furthermore, the initial 14 C/ 12 C ratio in the upper atmosphere was calculated as 0.119, which decreases to 1.2E-12 at ground level due to atmospheric mixing and chemical interactions. These findings highlight the significance of cosmic ray interactions in atmospheric ionization, isotopic composition, and radiation dose estimations.
Temperature-dependent dynamic disproportionation in LiNiO2
Abstract Nickelate materials offer diverse functionalities for energy and computing applications. Lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO 2 ) is an archetypal layered nickelate, but the electronic structure of this correlated material is not yet fully understood. Here we investigate the temperature-dependent speciation and spin dynamics of Ni ions in LiNiO 2 . Ab initio simulations predict that Ni ions disproportionate into three states, which dynamically interconvert and whose populations vary with temperature. These predictions are verified using x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering at the Ni L 3,2 -edge. Charge-transfer multiplet calculations consistent with disproportionation reproduce all experimental features. Our results support a model of dynamic disproportionation that explains diverse physical observations of LiNiO 2 , including magnetometry, thermally activated electronic conduction, diffractometry, core-level spectroscopies, and the stability of ubiquitous antisite defects. This unified understanding of the material properties of LiNiO 2 is important for applications of nickelate materials as battery cathodes, catalysts, and superconductors.
Exploring the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and nutritional and anthropometric metrics in the PERSIAN dena cohort
A qualitative exploration of NHS-staff social identification with mindfulness in-groups and engagement with mindful practices
Background/ objectives Mindfulness practice has been widely adopted by healthcare staff, being grounded in evidence and supported by national guidelines. However, certain fundamental factors are not well understood, including attitudes towards mindfulness in-groups. The aim of this project was to explore the nature of social identification with mindfulness in-groups in relation to engagement with mindful practices. Methods Twenty healthcare staff from three healthcare Trusts were recruited to engage in semi-structured interviews of one-hour duration. Transcripts of these interviews were then subjected to reflexive thematic analysis. Results Social identification was simultaneously rich and fluid, with some tentative evidence of positive boosts to psychological engagement tempered by dissonance about current physical engagement levels. Healthcare and mindfulness identities complemented, in that being aided doing, aligning values and aspirations, although clashes also presented through culture, depending on one’s sense of connection/disconnection. Discussion/ conclusions Employers and trainers could consider implementing strategies to enhance social identification with mindfulness in-groups. Further research should also explore whether strength of social identification translates into improved engagement with mindful practices.
Injectable micropore-forming microgel scaffold for neural progenitor cells transplantation and vascularization after stroke
The effect of complex training on strength, counter movement jump and change of direction skills in female junior table tennis players
Energy budget and carbon footprint assessment under diverse nitrogen management modules in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) production under subtropical climate
In the context of a changing climate, identifying a sustainable food production system that incorporates cleaner technologies with low C-sequestration and minimal energy inputs is crucial for long-term sustainability. The objective of study was to develop an innovative, energy-efficient system for mustard cultivation with reduced carbon footprint and economic viability by optimizing nitrogen (N) management. The experiment included nine nitrogen management strategies plus one unfertilized treatment as control, arranged in a randomized complete block design in three replicates. Results demonstrated that sensor-based nitrogen application using the GreenSeeker (GS) significantly augmented economic yield by 19.3% and 64.5%, and proved more profitable, boosting net monetary returns and benefit-cost ratio by 125.1% & 36.2% and 58.8% & 24.4%, respectively compared to the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and control, and saved 18.7% of nitrogen. The yield of mustard seeds increased significantly, ranging from a minimum of 3.70% (with RDN 75 + foliar spray @ 1.5% KNO₃) to a maximum of 19.31% under the GreenSeeker (GS) treatment. Further, N foliar spray treatments at N 100 level registered for per cent negative changes in N efficiency (−6.90 to −1.46%) over RDF. Nearly half (46.25%) of the total energy consumption was attributed to fertilizer nitrogen, diesel fuel, threshing, and irrigation contributing 17.7%, 11.4%, 9.68%, and 7.40%, respectively. The GS guided N application consumed comparably lowest energy (5.91% less) than RDF. The energy indices viz. energy input (−5.98%), energy output (+7.25%), energy use efficiency (6.51%), energy profitability (5.51), energy productivity (+18%), respectively were achieved higher by precise N administration using sensor based GS. In contrast, the specific energy (1.39 MJ kg -1 ), energy intensiveness, direct and non-renewable energy usage were highest under RDN 100 over RDN 75 in conjunction with FS of different N sources (U, NCU and KNO 3 ). Congruently, human energy profitability was varied from 0.34 to 9.78%, respectively over RDF. Carbon-related metrics showed that RDN 100 produced higher carbon inputs, outputs, net carbon gains, and spatial carbon footprints compared to RDN 75 . However, GS-based management outperformed RDF, with lower carbon input (−8.1%), higher carbon output (+10.9%), greater net carbon gain (+16.5%), and the lowest carbon footprint (0.30 kg CE kg ⁻ ¹) versus RDF 0.39 kg CE kg ⁻ ¹. Furthermore, CO₂ emissions were approximately 81% higher in fertilized plots (1921 kg CO₂-e ha ⁻ ¹) compared to unfertilized ones. Overall, the study concludes that sensor-based precise nitrogen management using GS is an innovative, sustainable, and energy-efficient approach that reduces the carbon footprint, combat climate change, and supports food security.