Browse Articles

Association of serum lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 levels with metabolic variables and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

Aims This study aimed to explore the role of serum lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3) in glucose and lipid metabolism and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods Between July and December 2024, we recruited 256 newly diagnosed T2DM patients and 252 gender- and age-matched individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Serum LPCAT3 levels were measured using ELISA. Group comparisons were conducted via t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Spearman correlation analysis assessed the relationship between LPCAT3 and metabolic variables. Linear regression identified independent predictors of LPCAT3 levels. Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis evaluated the correlations between serum LPCAT3 and obesity-related anthropometric indicators, blood glucose and lipid indicators. Logistic regression evaluated the association between LPCAT3 levels and T2DM risk, and ROC analysis determined its predictive value. Results Median LPCAT3 level was lower in T2DM patients (21.51 ng/ml, IQR: 8.47–35.63) compared to the NGT group (24.43 ng/ml, IQR: 14.41–49.37). In NGT individuals, LPCAT3 negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In T2DM patients, LPCAT3 negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Linear regression identified BMI, HDL, and FBG as negative predictors of LPCAT3. PLS analysis revealed negative correlations between LPCAT3 and BMI, WC, HDL and FBG, but with large standard errors. When stratified by LPCAT3 tertiles, the lowest tertile initially showed a higher T2DM incidence than the highest tertile. However, after adjusting for obesity-related indicators, no significant difference was found between them. ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.580 for LPCAT3. Conclusion Although serum LPCAT3 levels are lower in T2DM patients, its predictive capacity for T2DM is constrained. Moreover, the association between LPCAT3 and T2DM risk is likely confounded by obesity-related factors. While LPCAT3 tends to negatively correlate with BMI, HDL, and FBG, these correlations are complex and unstable.

A highly sensitive method for detecting African swine fever virus in oral fluids from naturally infected pigs in Northern Vietnam

Role of rosuvastatin and pitavastatin in alleviating diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats: Targeting of RISK, NF-κB/ NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR4/ NF-κB signaling cascades

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious outcome of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a key contributor to high morbidity and death in diabetic individuals. The current research is intended to elucidate and compare the therapeutic benefits of rosuvastatin (RVS) and pitavastatin (PTS) in mitigating DMC-induced in rats and exploring the possible underlying molecular signaling pathways. DCM was prompted by feeding rats a high-fat/fructose (F/Fr) diet for eight weeks with a sub-diabetogenic dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg; i.p) injection at week seven. All rats were allocated into four groups: a normal control group, a DCM-induced positive control group, the RVS group of DCM-induced rats that were treated once daily with 10 mg/kg of RVS, and the PTS group of DCM rats that were treated with 0.8 mg/kg of PTS. Rats were given the treatments orally for four consecutive weeks. The outcome of the existing work discovered that RVS and PTS significantly improved T2DM-associated DCM, as evidenced by the amelioration of glucose, lipids, cardiac markers, ECG parameters, and redox status. Considering the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation, this attenuation was evidenced by the downregulation of redox, inflammatory, and cellular fibrotic cascades, namely RISK, NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome, and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. Additionally, the histopathological examinations confirmed these structural alterations in the myocardium. Besides, RVS and PTS diminished the expression of caspase-1 assessed by immunochemical staining. In summary, the present study demonstrated that RVS and PTS mitigated the metabolic abnormalities associated with T2DM-induced DCM.

Thermal Crystal-to-Crystal Transformation Unlocks Ti₈O₁₀(OOC)₁₂-Cluster-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

A 5G smartphone-oriented dual-band dual-antenna system designed via characteristic mode theory and surface current analysis

Abstract In this research, a compact dual-band dual-antenna system with mutual coupling reduction based on characteristic mode theory and surface current distribution for 5G mobile terminals is proposed. The edge-to-edge distance between two antennas is only 5 mm. The dimensions of the antenna system are 6 mm × 34 mm (approximately 0.07λmin × 0.41λmin, where λmin corresponds to the lowest operational frequency). The design comprises two modified inverted-F antenna elements with parasitic feeding, which are arranged in a back-to-back configuration. A defected ground structure (DGS) and a neutralization line (NL) are employed for decoupling in the lower (3.3–3.6 GHz) and upper (5.1–5.9 GHz) bands, respectively, achieving isolation levels of |S₂₁|< –25.5 dB and < –23.3 dB. The proposed system demonstrates compact geometry, low-cost fabrication, and scalability for array applications. This study presents a systematic design methodology that integrates characteristic mode analysis with current distribution optimization. The proposed approach enables direct translation of current distributions into physical antenna parameters, effectively eliminating empirical trial-and-error processes while establishing a reproducible design paradigm for future antenna development.

Risk factors associated with avascular necrosis following unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis in pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The risk factors for avascular necrosis (AVN) in patients with unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) were controversial and multifactorial. This meta-analysis summarizes existing evidence to identify risk factors for AVN. Methods Search strategies followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Electronic searches such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane were systematically searched for publications concerning risk factors for unstable SCFE from the inception date to October 2024. The RevMan 5.3 software and Stata 17.0 software were used for the meta-analysis. Finally, publication bias and sensitivity analysis were carried out. Results This study included 16 articles involving 688 hips. We found that the overall incidence of AVN was 23%. Our research indicated that male gender (OR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.23 to 4.58, P = 0.01), the moderate and severe slip (OR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.37, P < 0.001), the acute slip (OR = 3.93; 95% CI = 1.55 to 9.95, P = 0.004), reduction (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.24 to 3.20, P = 0.84) especially closed reduction (OR = 4.33; 95% CI = 1.09 to 17.28, P = 0.04) were important risk factors for postoperative AVN, while age (MD = −0.58;95% CI = −1.34 to 0.18, P = 0.13), the side of hip (OR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.44 to 1.80, P = 0.74), the number of implants (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.24 to 3.20, P = 0.84), delayed surgery (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.38 to 1.09, P = 0.10) and capsular decompression (OR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.32 to 1.99, P = 0.63) were not. Conclusions In summary, the pooled incidence of AVN after unstable SCFEs was 23% and the available evidence demonstrated that being male, having a moderate or severe slip (slip angle ≥ 30°), having an acute slip (symptoms ≤ 3 weeks), and undergoing reduction, especially closed reduction, are important risk factors for postoperative AVN. Level of evidence IV. This study was registered as PROSPERO 2024 CRD42024566661.

Rhizobacteria from vineyard and commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi induce synergistic microbiome shifts within grapevine root systems

How much does culture matter for preferences for redistribution? Evidence from panel data on immigrants in Germany

This study addresses a long-debated question in the humanities: does culture matter? This issue gains prominence in times of intense migration, when disputes about migrants integration and their impact on the political processes become central in political discourse. Using data from the German socio-economic panel (GSOP), the study brings together empirical evidence about preferences for redistribution of both the German population and migrants originated from different welfare regimes. Focusing on the political integration of migrants, this article explores whether immigrants from Poland, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Russia adopt preferences for redistribution of native Germans during their life in Germany. By applying OLS and fixed effects models, the study tests theoretical scenarios of the adaptation of migrants in the host country and draws conclusions about the complexity of the integration process.

Real-world assessment of thromboembolic risk associated with tamoxifen

Abstract It has been confirmed that tamoxifen (TAM) use is associated with thromboembolic risks; however, it remains uncertain which specific thromboembolic events warrant prioritized surveillance beyond those already listed in the prescribing information. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between TAM use and reported thromboembolic events using the latest FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data. Tamoxifen-related AEs reported in FAERS between January 2004 and December 2024 were extracted, screened for thromboembolic cases, and subjected to disproportionality analysis to identify significant signals. A clinical prioritization scoring system was then applied to rank signal relevance, and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with thromboembolic outcomes. Among 385 TAM-associated thromboembolic events, 28 significant signals were detected. Newly detected signals comprised unilateral paralysis, retinal artery occlusion, and atrial thrombosis. Male sex, older age, and elevated body mass were identified as risk indicators for thromboembolism. These findings may inform enhanced clinical surveillance and TAM risk stratification; however, further validation is warranted.

Cyber-intimate partner violence (C-IPV) and its risk factors among women in Malaysia

Cyber Intimate Partner Violence (C-IPV) is a serious challenge that negatively impacts the physical, mental and social health of victims. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of C-IPV among Malaysian women and identify associated risk factors. This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire distributed through social media. A total of 1,838 female respondents aged 18–62 years participated, with 49.6% reported experiencing C-IPV. By taking into account all variables into a multiple logistic regression model, significant risk and protective factors for C-IPV were identified. Ethnicity, occupation, income and alcohol consumption were significantly increased the odds of C-IPV, while religion, marital status and number of active partners were identified as significant protective factors. The results of the study showed a significant positive relationship between C-IPV and face-to-face intimate partner violence (F2F-IPV). These findings emphasize the need for holistic intervention strategies involving multiple parties to eliminate intimate partner cyberbullying. This study suggests improving cybersecurity policies and community education programs to increase awareness and prevention of C-IPV.

A multi-analytical geoarchaeological study of flint procurement strategies in southern Iberia

From ultraviolet-B to red photons: Effects of end-of-production supplemental light on anthocyanins, phenolics, ascorbic acid, and biomass production in red leaf lettuce

Plants possess an array of photoreceptors, such as UVR8, cryptochromes, and phytochromes, that perceive the spectral quality of light and regulate plant morphology, growth, and physiology. The use of light-emitting diodes enables the application of targeted light spectra to elicit specific plant responses during cultivation. However, there is a lack of comparative studies evaluating the effects of different spectral regions within the same crop. We comprehensively quantified how various light spectra, ranging from ultraviolet-B to red, affect plant growth and the accumulation of beneficial phytochemicals, including anthocyanins, phenolics, and ascorbic acid, in red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cv. Red Salad Bowl and Rouxai. Plants were grown under a background white LED light of 200 µmol m-2 s-1 for 16 hours per day (control), and supplemented with red (peak at 659 nm), blue (444 nm), violet (404 nm), ultraviolet-A (UVA; 368 nm) radiation at 60 µmol m-2 s-1, or ultraviolet-B (UVB; 309 nm) radiation at 3 µmol m-2 s-1 during the last 7 days of a 28-day production period (end-of-production stage, EOP). For both lettuce cultivars, red, blue and UVB treatments significantly enhanced leaf anthocyanin content compared to the control, with UVB being the most effective despite its low application dosage, followed by the blue and red light treatments. UVB radiation significantly increased total phenolic content in both cultivars (by 80%–99.1% compared to the control), while blue light treatment increased total phenolics by 31.4% in ‘Red Salad Bowl’ only. However, supplemental UVB radiation did not affect total ascorbic acid in either cultivar; the other EOP treatments (red to UVA) increased total ascorbic acid by 19%–35% in ‘Red Salad Bowl’ but had no significant effects in ‘Rouxai’. Notably, crop yield under the UVB treatment was the lowest in both cultivars, with 8.9%–49% lower shoot fresh weight compared to other treatments. In contrast, the violet light treatment resulted in the highest leaf area and shoot biomass in both lettuce cultivars, although it was not effective in enhancing anthocyanins and total phenolics. Our result indicated that there is often a tradeoff between nutritional quality and crop yield, and specific light spectra can be strategically used to enhance nutritional quality or biomass. Low-intensity UVB was the most effective at maximizing anthocyanins and total phenolics, followed by blue light, while supplemental violet light most significantly enhanced lettuce leaf expansion and biomass compared to other light spectra.

CIAPIN1 promotes survival, proliferation, migration and glycolysis of endometrial cancer cells through PI3K/Akt pathway

Evaluating the inhibitory efficacy of Oxalis phytocompounds on monoamine oxidase B: An integrated approach targeting age related neurodegenerative diseases through molecular docking and dynamics simulations

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) serves as a critical target in the management of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to its role in regulating oxidative stress and dopamine metabolism. In this context, phytochemicals from Oxalis species, known for their neuroprotective properties, were explored for their potential MAO-B inhibitory activity using computational approach. Plant-derived compounds, offering a better safety profile than synthetic drugs and greater cost-effectiveness, present a promising avenue for developing alternative therapeutic strategies. Molecular docking (MD), molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), and binding free energy calculations were employed to evaluate the inhibitory potential of Oxalis phytochemicals against MAO-B (PDB ID: 4A79). Stable ligand-protein complexes with optimal docking scores were selected, and key parameters from molecular dynamics trajectories, including binding stability and interactions, were analyzed to identify high potential inhibitors of MAO-B for therapeutic development. Results showed beta-sitosterol (−11.92 kcal/mol), squalene (−11.89 kcal/mol), etretinate (−11.46 kcal/mol), rhoifolin (−11.44 kcal/mol), and swertisin (−11.13 kcal/mol) demonstrated superior binding affinities compared to the native ligand (−11.12 kcal/mol). Three additional compounds; phloridzin (−11.10 kcal/mol), rhapontin (−11.02 kcal/mol), and diosmetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (−10.96 kcal/mol) exhibited better binding than reference drugs. The predominant interactions between protein and ligand were hydrophobic, with hydrogen bonds and Pi-stacking enhancing the complexes’ stability. The  evaluation based on geometrical and thermodynamic metrics derived from 200 ns MDS, identified rhoifolin, beta-sitosterol, and swertisin as promising MAO-B inhibitors. Minimal translational and rotational movements of these ligands within the catalytic site of MAO-B under quasi-physiological conditions suggested effective inhibition. Preserved thermodynamic feasibility reinforced these findings. ADMET analysis identified squalene and beta-sitosterol as CNS active candidates with favorable pharmacokinetics, while etretinate, rhoifolin, and swertisin may act as peripheral modulators, requiring optimization for improved CNS delivery. Further experimental validation of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety is recommended to advance the therapeutic potential of these hit candidates.

Dynamics and stability of soliton solutions for the seventh-order Sawada-Kotera-Ito equation with applications

Comparison of different positioning techniques for reduction of induced vertical deviation following Nishida procedure for the treatment of sixth nerve palsy

Purpose Induced vertical deviation is a potential complication following the Nishida procedure for the treatment of sixth nerve palsy. This study aims to compare different positioning techniques for the reduction of this complication. Methods We retrospectively examined medical records from consecutive patients who underwent the Nishida procedure, classifying them into three positioning groups: intra-quadrant (IQP), lateral rectus border (LRBP), and horizontal meridian (HMP). Surgical and pre/postoperative data were compared. Results Among the 27 included patients (8 IQP, 9 LRBP, 10 HMP), all three groups demonstrated similar reductions in esodeviation: IQP, 44.0 ± 18.7 Prism Diopters (PD); LRBP, 42.2 ± 15.3 PD; HMP, 42.2 ± 7.8 PD; (P = 0.675). After surgery, one patient in the IQP group developed hypertropia of 18 PD, necessitating a secondary surgery to treat the vertical diplopia. In the LRBP group, two patients had hypotropia of 30 PD and 10 PD, respectively, and one patient had hypertropia of 6 PD. In the HMP group, one patient initially had hypertropia of 2 PD, which resolved during subsequent follow-up. A lower incidence of induced vertical deviation was observed in the HMP (10%) and IQP (13%) groups compared to the LRBP group (33%). However, this difference did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size. Conclusion There is no statistically significant difference among the three positioning techniques (IQP, LRBP, HMP) in the correction of esodeviation and reduction of incidence of induced vertical deviation following Nishida procedure.

Evaluating the impacts of physical soil and water conservation measures implemented by community mobilization in Shebel Berenta district of northern Ethiopia

Variability in article processing charges of open-access publishing across medical specialties

Background Open-access (OA) journals provide public access to research but often impose a financial burden on researchers through article processing charges (APCs). The connection between APCs and indicators of journal prestige, such as journal impact factor (JIF), and their variation across medical specialties remains unclear. This study investigates how publication costs relate to journal prestige across diverse medical fields. Methods Data from 1,117 hybrid and OA journals across 29 medical specialties were compiled from Journal Citation Reports and journal websites. Pearson correlation coefficients between APCs and journal characteristics (JIF, journal citation indicator, citation counts, and percentage of OA publications) were calculated. Linear regression was used to assess the impact of these journal characteristics on APC variance. Bartlett’s test for homogeneity of variances was performed to evaluate differences in APC variance across specialties and publishing models. Journal counts by country of origin and corresponding median APCs were also analyzed. Results Significant variation in APCs was observed across specialties, with hematology/oncology journals having the highest median APC ($4,690) and primary care journals the lowest ($2,690). Hybrid journals had higher median APCs than OA journals ($4,248 vs. $2,909, p < 0.001). JIF and the proportion of OA publications accounted for only 14.1% of the APC variance in Q1 journals. Weak positive correlations were found between APC and both JIF (r = 0.38) and citation counts (r = 0.38), and a weak negative correlation between APC and the proportion of OA publications (r = −0.28). Conclusions Across all medical specialties, hybrid journals have higher APCs than fully open-access journals. Although APCs vary within specialties, differences across fields are less pronounced. The weak correlations between APC and journal prestige metrics suggest that factors such as JIF, citation counts, and the proportion of OA publications account for only a small fraction of APC variability.

A Cross-Sectional comparison of proprioception, muscle strength, and athletic performance in adolescent athletes with and without dynamic balance deficits

Associations between fitness, movement behaviors, and immediate post-exercise blood pressure in older adults: A network perspective

Understanding the associated factors of immediate post-exercise blood pressure, a proxy for exercise blood pressure, is relevant for improving cardiovascular risk assessment and guiding interventions. This study investigated associations between fitness and movement behavior components with immediate post-exercise blood pressure in older adults using network analysis. In this cross-sectional study, 237 older adults (66 ± 5 years), without known cardiovascular disease were included. Blood pressure was measured before and immediately after a 3-minute moderate walking test (5 METs). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using hip-worn accelerometers for one week. Proxies for fitness were: six-minute walking test, handgrip strength, and 30-second sit-to-stand test. Network analysis, a multivariate statistical approach which captures interrelations among multiple variables within a system, was used to examine direct and indirect associations between fitness, movement behaviors, and post-exercise blood pressure. Lower handgrip strength (weight: −0.136) and 30-second sit-to-stand (weight: −0.106) performances were directly associated with greater immediate post-exercise blood pressure, indicating that reduced muscular strength is linked to greater cardiovascular load after exertion. Lower handgrip strength (weight: −0.176) and reduced physical activity (weight: −0.128) were directly associated with higher resting BP, which in turn had the strongest direct association with immediate post-exercise blood pressure (weight: 0.581), suggesting an indirect pathway through resting blood pressure. Centrality indicators suggested six-minute walking test, 30-second sit-to-stand test, and sedentary time as potential interventions targets, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as a central hub within network, and handgrip strength as a highly connected node. Our findings suggest a complex interplay – both direct and indirect (via resting blood pressure) – between fitness, movement behaviors, and immediate post-exercise blood pressure in older adults. Increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle strength, along with reducing sedentary time, may be potential targets for attenuating immediate post-exercise blood pressure in this age group.