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3D long time spatiotemporal convolution for complex transfer sequence prediction

Evidence triangulator: using large language models to extract and synthesize causal evidence across study designs

Synthesis of heterocycle based carboxymethyl cellulose conjugates as novel anticancer agents targeting HCT116, MCF7, PC3 and A549 cells

Abstract Toward developing anticancer agents, heterocycle-based carboxymethyl cellulose conjugates have been synthesized. 2-Cyano-N′-(aryl/heteroarylethylidene)acetohydrazides and ethyl 2-cyano-3-(heteryl)acrylates were utilized as precursors for the synthesis of pyridine-based compounds. The chemical structures of the synthesized derivatives were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, including 1H-, 13C-NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The anticancer effects of compounds on HCT-116, MCF-7, PC3 and A549 cancer cell lines were investigated and their cytotoxicity against RPE-1 normal cells was estimated to determine their safety. Compounds 4b and 7c exhibit high selectivity toward cancer cells while maintaining a strong safety margin for normal cells. The results demonstrated that the novel heterocycle-based carboxymethyl cellulose conjugates are promising and can be further evaluated as a potential therapeutic agent.

Physical fitness status and associated determinants among Chinese children aged 9–12 years in Shandong province: a population-based cross-sectional study

Non-variational quantum random access optimization with alternating operator ansatz

Optical solutions to time-fractional improved (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation in optical fibers

Exploring the feasibility of AI-based analysis of histopathological variability in salivary gland tumours

Abstract This study uses artificial intelligence (AI) for differentiation between salivary gland tumours (SGT) using digitised Haematoxylin and Eosin stained whole-slide images (WSI). Machine learning (ML) classifiers were developed and tested using 320 scanned WSI. These included a benign versus malignant classifier (BvM) for automated identification of benign and malignant tumours, a malignant sub-typing (MST) classifier for subtyping four most common malignant SGT and a third classifier for malignant tumour grading. ML results were also compared with deep learning models. All ML classifiers showed an excellent accuracy. An F1 score of 0.95 was seen for benign vs. malignant and malignant subtyping tasks and 0.87 for automated grading. In comparison, the best performing DL models showed F1 scores of 0.80, 0.60 and 0.70 for the same tasks respectively. External validation on an independent cohort demonstrated good accuracy, with an F1 score of 0.87 for both the benign vs. malignant and grading classifiers. A notable association between cellularity, nuclear haematoxylin, cytoplasmic eosin, and nucleus/cell ratio (p < 0.01) were seen between tumours. Our novel findings show that AI can be used for automated differentiation between SGT. Analysis of larger multicentre cohorts is required to establish the significance and clinical usefulness of these findings.

EEG oscillations and related brain generators of phonation phases in long utterances

Abstract While the role of brain rhythms in respiratory and speech motor control has been mainly explored during brief utterances, the specific involvement of brain rhythms in the transition of regulating subglottic pressure phases which are concomitant to specific muscle activation during prolonged phonation remains unexplored. This study investigates whether power spectral variations of the electroencephalogram brain rhythms are related specifically to prolonged phonation phases. High-density EEG and surface EMG were recorded in nineteen healthy participants while they repeatedly produced the syllable [pa] without taking a new breath, until reaching respiratory exhaustion. Aerodynamic, acoustic, and electrophysiological signals were analyzed to detect the brain areas involved in different phases of prolonged phonation. Each phase was defined by successive thoracic and abdominal muscle activity maintaining estimated subglottic pressure. The results showed significant changes in power spectrum, with desynchronization and synchronization in delta, theta, low-alpha, and high-alpha bands during transitions among the phases. Brain source analysis estimated that the first phase (P1), associated with vocal initiation and elastic rib cage recoil, involved frontal regions, suggesting a key role in voluntary phonation preparation. Subsequent phases (P2, P3, P4) showed multiband dynamics, engaging motor and premotor cortices, anterior cingulate, sensorimotor regions, thalamus, and cerebellum, indicating progressive adaptation and fine-tuning of respiratory and articulatory muscle control. Additionally, the involvement of temporal and insular regions in delta rhythm suggests a role in maintaining phonetic representation and preventing spontaneous verbal transformations. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms and brain regions involved in prolonged phonation. These findings pave the way for applications in vocal brain-machine interfaces, clinical biofeedback for respiratory and vocal disorders, and the development of more ecologically valid paradigms in speech neuroscience.

Effects of different solvents on phytochemical constituents, in-vitro antimicrobial activity, and volatile components of Boehmeria rugulosa Wedd. wood extract

Impact of propylene fibers and industrial wastewater on the properties of self-compacting concrete

Optimization and performance study of large aspect ratio SiC microgrooves by waterjet assisted laser machining

Real world effectiveness of chemotherapy plus bevacizumab with immunotherapy in colorectal cancer

Long-term effects on rate of torque development and fear of falling following high-speed resistance training in older adults

Abstract This study examined the influence of physical activity (PA) on the retention of rate of torque development (RTD) effects achieved following a 16-week high-speed resistance training (HSRT) over a 12-month follow-up period. Secondly, the fear of falling was also assessed. After the follow-up, 36 participants were categorized into two groups according to the PA: light activity group (LAG, N = 20, age 70.00 ± 3.66 years) and moderate-to-vigorous activity group (MVAG, N = 16, age 68.50 ± 2.09 years). At the four time points, RTDPEAK and its time intervals for knee extension and flexion were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60º/s, and the fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale–International questionnaire. Both groups showed significant RTDPEAK improvements from pre-intervention to the 12-month follow-up (moderate-to-large effect sizes). However, PA levels suggested to influence the retention effects: LAG showed declines in dominant RTDPEAK (2% in extension and flexion) and in non-dominant side (6% extension and 5% flexion). In contrast, the MVAG maintained or slightly improved RTDPEAK performance in dominant (1% extension and 2% flexion) and in non-dominant side (3% extension and 1% flexion). Fear of falling scores remained significantly reduced in both groups compared to pre-intervention, regardless of PA level. In summary, maintaining moderate-to-vigorous PA during follow-up appears to enhance the long-term retention of HSRT-induced neuromuscular adaptations, whereas HSRT effects on fear of falling were sustained regardless of PA level, highlighting its clinical potential for fall prevention.

Patient and nodule characteristics associated with adherence to lung cancer screening in a large integrated healthcare system

Abstract We examined the association of pulmonary nodule characteristics with adherence to follow-up low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) after the initial screening in lung cancer screening. Using 2014–2021 electronic health record data from a large integrated health system, we analyzed adherence to Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) follow-up recommendations, considering socio-demographic, clinical factors, and natural language processing-extracted nodule characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the impact of these factors on adherence to follow-up LDCT. Among 2,673 individuals (mean age = 66.8 ± 5.9 years), overall adherence was 27.6%, with rates of 24.2%, 27.5%, 26.7%, and 64.0% for Lung-RADS categories 1–4 A. A race-ethnicity disparity in adherence was observed among category 1, with non-Hispanic blacks less likely to adhere than non-Hispanic whites (OR[95% CI] = 0.59[0.41–0.85]). Among patients in categories 2 to 4 A, category 4 A was significantly more likely to adhere (OR[95% CI] = 3.18[1.86–5.40]) and having more nodules increased adherence (OR[95% CI] = 1.12[1.09–1.14]). Adherence to follow-up LDCT is suboptimal, driven by patient and nodule characteristics, and influenced by how physicians communicated initial CT results. These findings underscore the need for structured screening programs and consistent follow-up protocols to improve adherence and ensure effective lung cancer screening.

Dynamics of bacterial communities across developmental stages of the litchi stink bug, Tessaratoma javanica

Design and implementation of a low-power position monitoring and control system for on-orbit focusing

To enable the optical remote sensing satellite to flexibly adjust the camera’s focal length for clearer imaging, a low-power position monitoring and control system suitable for space environments is designed, which is highly significant for aerospace devices with limited energy resources. A novel constant voltage drive circuit is proposed for driving the stepper motor. The differential linear driving and receiving circuit is presented to collect data from the linear encoder. By using the linear encoder to provide feedback on the current focal length, both open-loop and closed-loop focusing functions are achieved. The performances of the designed system are implemented on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit board. The experimental results demonstrate that the developed system consumes approximately 1.4 W of power, has a strong load-carrying capacity, and achieves a focusing control precision of ±0.0004 mm over the entire motion range of −6 mm to +6 mm.

Exposotypes in psychotic disorders

Long-term effects of air pollution on the incidence and progression of multiple sclerosis: A population cohort study in Isfahan, Iran

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by autoimmune inflammation. Recent research indicates that environmental factors, particularly air pollution, may significantly affect the risk of developing MS. Objective This study investigates the association between PM2.5 levels, as a measure of air pollution, and the incidence of MS in Isfahan, Iran, a city with one of the highest reported MS prevalence rates in the country. Methods A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using data from the National MS registry of Iran and Isfahan’s air pollution monitoring department from 2011 to 2021. The incidence of MS across urban areas was calculated, and the relationship between PM2.5 levels and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of MS was assessed using a Poisson generalized regression models. Results PM2.5 levels averaged 41.99 µg/m3 across the study period (first year: 59.21 ± 33.56; mid-study: 30.51 ± 11.77; final year: 37.71 ± 53.64), persistently exceeding safety standards. Three-year cumulative exposure showed significant association with higher MS incidence (IRR = 1.027, 95%CI = 1.022–1.031, p < 0.001) and correlated with disease progression in progressive MS cases. Conclusion Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with an increased incidence of MS and disease progression, emphasizing the critical need for improved air quality management strategies.

In-vitro antiproliferative evaluation of newly synthesized titanium(IV) metallacyclic complexes on HeLa and MCF7 cell lines

Abstract A series of eight metalacyclic derivatives of titanium i.e. [ (acac)Ti(ph)L ] ( TiC1–TiC7 ) and [ LTiL ] ( TiC8 ) (where acacH = acetylacetone, ph = phenol derivatives and L = ligand L1) were synthesized in anhydrous media and were characterized employing NMR ( 1 H and 13 C), UV-Vis, FT-IR and ESI-mass analyses. Viscosity assays, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking studies have been extrapolated to investigate the complexes’ interaction with CT-DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Interaction of the complexes with CT-DNA was validated as groove binding mode using UV-Vis absorption spectra as evidenced by their intrinsic binding constants of all wherein TiC1 and TiC2 exhibited higher values (19.4 × 10 5 and 5.50 × 10 5 M − 1 ) of K b . Gel electrophoresis assay displayed that CT-DNA had a limited cleavage ability when metal complexes with different activators were present. Fluorescence technique also verified the interaction of the complexes with CT-DNA and BSA to demonstrate greater K b values (2.84 × 10 4 and 6.42 × 10 4 M − 1 ) of the derivatives TiC1 and TiC2 . DPPH assay was carried out to determine the radical scavenging activity of the complexes, so in-vitro cytotoxic effect on malignant cell lines was investigated by MTT Assay with MCF7 and HeLa cell lines, where complexes were observed as potent towards the HeLa cell line only. The potent TiC2 and TiC8 were screened with MTT assay against a normal HEK-293 cell line and were found to be inactive as expected. Subsequently, dual staining with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB) was performed to determine the cell death. Eventually, intracellular ROS was determined by DCFDA staining followed by cell cycle analysis was carried out using propidium iodide (PI) by flow cytometry to determine the phases.

Evaluating the potential effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on the risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are a new class of drugs used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. PCSK9 inhibitors have been shown to remarkably reduce cardiovascular events in patients at high risk, but data on their impact on sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular arrhythmias are limited. This study aimed to evaluate whether PCSK9 inhibitor therapy reduces the risk of SCD and ventricular arrhythmias. Methods PubMed and Embase were searched up to September 1, 2024 and combined with data from ClinicalTrials.gov. Randomized controlled trials of PCSK9 inhibitors with ≥ 450 patients and follow-up of ≥ 48 weeks were considered for inclusion. Primary outcomes were the incidence of SCD and ventricular arrhythmias. We used a random-effects model to synthesize the data, calculating risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed with I² statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results A total of 12 articles with 16 trials involving 90,764 patients were included. The follow-up duration ranged from 48 weeks to 3.4 years. PCSK9 inhibitor therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of SCD (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.54–1.28; P = 0.40; I2 = 0%), ventricular arrhythmias (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.60–1.09; P = 0.17; I2 = 0%), and cardiac arrest (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.61–2.33; P = 0.60; I2 = 0%). Conclusion PCSK9 inhibitor therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of SCD and ventricular arrhythmias.