Browse Articles

Assessment of retinal and choroidal structural and microvascular changes in early diabetic retinopathy using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography

Objective It was to assess changes in structural parameters in early diabetic retinopathy (DR). Materials and methodologies This study is a retrospective analysis that included patients with early DR admitted to the Affiliated Third Hospital of Nantong University from January 2024 to December 2024. The participants were divided into the non-DR group (NDR group) and the non-proliferative DR group (NPDR group, which included mild, moderate, and severe subgroups) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) technology. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare parameter differences among the groups. Results A total of 208 diabetic patients were included (55 in the NDR group, 153 in the NPDR group) and 51 healthy controls. The results showed that the FAZ area in the NPDR group was significantly larger than that in the control group (CG) (mean difference: +0.38 ± 0.10 mm2, 95% CI [0.25-0.51], P < 0.001), and it was positively correlated with disease severity (trend test P < 0.001). Relative to the CG, NDR group and various stages of NPDR group exhibited greatly lower values in choroidal vascular index (CVI), peripapillary vascular density (ppVD), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFL), vascular density (VD) in both the superficial and deep retinal vascular complexes, total perfusion area (PA), small vessel density (SVD), disc area, vascular density (FD300) within a 300 µm radius of the foveal center, and capillary plexus blood flow density (P<0.05). NPDR group showed progressively lower values than NDR group, with severity increasing as the condition worsened (P<0.05). Conclusion SS-OCTA can effectively monitor changes in structural parameters and serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the progression of early DR.

Changes in prefrontal hemodynamics and mood states during screen use: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

Abstract Screen use has been associated with poor cognitive and mental health, yet few studies have examined its effects on brain activity. Our aims were to describe changes in brain activity and mood states following brief exposure to screen-based content; assess the feasibility of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure these effects; and gather preliminary data to inform future investigations. Twenty-seven young people (age = 21.5 ± 2.8 years; range = 18–25) completed six consecutive 3-min screen conditions in a psuedorandomized cross over design. All screen exposures were presented on an iPhone 12-Max while sitting. Hemodynamic changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) were measured continuously using fNIRS (Portalite Mk II). Changes in mood states (energy, tension, focus, happiness) were assessed before and after each condition. Condition exposure altered the hemodynamic response in the dlPFC, where oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) increased more compared to baseline after exposure to social media (largest increase), gaming, and TV-viewing (smallest increase), respectively. Deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR) and total hemoglobin (HbT) increased more following exposure to gaming (largest increase), social media, and TV-viewing (smallest increase), respectively. Both TV-viewing and gaming were associated with increased focus relative to baseline, whereas social media use was associated with decreased focus. Findings indicate that even short durations of screen use have measurable effects on brain regions involved in cognitive control, emotion, and social decision making. These effects are nuanced and context dependent, rather than universally beneficial or detrimental. fNIRS is a feasible method for measuring these effects.

Seismic characterization of lava flow facies in the critical zone of the deccan traps using shear wave velocity models

Abstract The critical zone is the uppermost layer of Earth’s crust, where the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere interact to sustain life. In continental flood basalt provinces, its structure and evolution remain poorly understood due to lithological complexities and variable weathering patterns. Geological and geophysical characterization of the subsurface is essential to unravel these factors. Despite advances in understanding basalt lava flow stratigraphy in the Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), field-scale seismic velocity variations within these flows and their internal structure remain largely unknown. This study integrates seismic data with volcanological information to investigate weathering patterns in the uppermost 50 m of basalt lava flows around Pune city in the western DVP. Using the multi-channel analysis of surface waves technique, we estimate shear wave velocity variations across flow units and dykes. By co-analyzing seismic data with morphological variations across outcrops, we develop a field-scale velocity characterization across basalt lavas and dykes. Critical zone facies, identified and validated through outcrop studies, include soil, weathered bedrock with vesicular basalt, columnar-jointed lava cores, red bole, and intrusive dykes. An analysis of vegetation distribution, landscape morphology, and lithological variability provides insights into key weathering and erosional processes shaping the critical zone in this volcanic terrain.

Brain activation and heart rate variability as markers of autonomic function under stress

Abstract Efficient brain–heart interactions, mediated by the central autonomic network (CAN), are crucial in regulating physiological and psychological stress. The ability of the autonomic nervous system to adapt to stress predicts resilience to cardiovascular, anxiety, and mood disorders. Since the neural dynamics underlying brain–heart interactions remain poorly understood, this study investigated brain activation and heart rate variability (HRV) during stress and relaxation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and peripheral heart rate assessment were used to assess brain–heart coupling during breathing-induced relaxation, psychosocial stress and stress recovery in 32 healthy participants. We assessed the relation between perceived stress and brain activation, and employed non-linear generalized additive models to forecast changes in HR based on brain activation in the CAN. Both breathing-induced relaxation and stress induction significantly affected HR variation and triggered brain activation in CAN-related regions. HR variation was related to CAN activity during stress induction, and that chronic stress was linked to reduced brain activation during stress recovery. Finally, we demonstrated that brain activation within the CAN predicts changes in HRV. Our results offer novel insights into dynamic brain–heart interactions during stress-related autonomic regulation and emphasize the brain–heart axis’s potential as a target for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing stress resilience.

Management of T‐cell malignancies: Bench‐to‐bedside targeting of epigenetic biology

Abstract The peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) are the only disease for which four histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been approved globally as single agents. Although it is not clear why the PTCL exhibit such a vulnerability to these drugs, understanding the biological basis for this activity is essential. Many lines of data have established that the PTCL exhibit marked sensitivity to other epigenetically targeted drugs, including EZH2 and DNMT3 (DNA‐methyltransferase 3) inhibitors. Even more compelling is the finding that combinations of drugs targeting the epigenetic biology of PTCL are beginning to produce provocative data, leading some to wonder if these agents can replace historical chemotherapy regimens routinely used for patients with the disease. Simultaneously, the field has identified a spectrum of mutations in genes governing epigenetic biology in many subtypes of PTCL, although the T follicular helper lymphomas, including angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma, appear to be particularly enriched for these genetic features. While the direct relationship between the presence of any one of these mutations and responsiveness to a particular epigenetic drug has yet to be established, it is increasingly accepted that the PTCL may be the prototypical epigenetic disease as no other form of cancer has exhibited such a vulnerability to this diversity of epigenetically targeted agents. Herein, we comprehensively review this esoteric and rapidly evolving field to identify themes and lessons from these experiences that may guide efforts to improve outcomes of patients with T‐cell neoplasms. Furthermore, we will discuss how these concepts might be applied to the broader field of cancer medicine.

Effects of different growing environments on strawberry growth and yield

Evaluating the effectiveness of flight simulator training on developing perceptual-motor skills among flight cadets: a pilot study

New approach methodologies: EU regulatory horizons

Synthesis and evaluation of novel thiohydantoin derivatives for antidiabetic activity using in silico in vitro and in vivo methods

Abstract Diabetes mellitus remains a global health challenge, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents. In this study, a series of thiohydantoin derivatives (FP1–FP7) were synthesized and evaluated for their in silico, in vitro, and in vivo antidiabetic potential. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinities of derivatives towards α-glucosidase (PDB: 3wy1) and α-amylase (PDB: 3dhp), with FP4 exhibiting the most favorable interactions (− 7.8 kcal/mol with α-amylase and − 7.0 kcal/mol with α-glucosidase), involving hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking. During in vitro enzyme inhibition assay, FP4 demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with IC₅₀ values of 129.40 and 128.90 µg/mL, respectively. The DPPH scavenging assay also indicated that FP4 had relatively strong antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 39.7 µg/mL. In vivo antidiabetic efficacy was evaluated in STZ-induced diabetic rats over a period of 6-week. FP4 treated diabetic rats exhibited significantly reduced fasting blood glucose by 28.9% than in diabetic controls. In addition, HbA1C levels and diabetes-associated weight loss were significantly curtailed in these animals than untreated diabetic group. Further FP4 treated animals exhibited significantly decreased LDL and triglyceride levels and elevated HDL levels, suggesting a broader metabolic benefit. Taken together, our results suggest that thiohydantoin derivatives, particularly FP4, exhibited interesting antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities warranting further pharmacokinetic and mechanistic investigations also potential for clinical translation and long term safety assessment.

Cancer in rural America: Improving access to clinical trials and quality of oncologic care

Abstract Individuals from rural areas in the United States suffer higher rates of morbidity and mortality from cancer than their urban counterparts. This review is based on the idea that equity—the elimination of unnecessary and preventable differences between groups of individuals—should underlie access to cancer care resources for patients from rural areas. Access to cancer clinical trials serves as the framework for identifying and understanding barriers in access to quality oncologic care. The authors discuss the interplay between rural living, socioeconomic status, culture, and health; and they highlight how economic considerations in rural areas often limit access to clinical trials and oncologic care because economies of scale do not apply in these regions given the requirement for high‐quality oncology care even with lower patient volumes. The authors propose solutions to enhance access to clinical trials and improve the quality of oncologic care in rural areas, viewing these aims as ethical and moral imperatives.

Engineering nitrogen and oxygen functionalities in naturally sourced activated carbon for multicomponent gas adsorption

Abstract Nitrogen doping is a widely adopted strategy to enhance the gas adsorption performance of activated carbon (AC) adsorbents. However, the simultaneous evolution of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups—especially in carbon precursors with high oxygen content—has received limited attention. In this study, coal-derived ACs with high surface areas (up to 940 m2/g) and micropore volumes (0.36 cm3/g) were synthesized via K2CO3-assisted physical activation, followed by nitrogen doping through co-pyrolysis with melamine. By regulating the doping temperature (600–900 °C), the nitrogen content of the resulting samples ranged from 1.44 to 7.68 at%, while the oxygen content varied from 6.89 to 10.39 at%. After decoupling the influences of porosity, we found that a well-balanced distribution of N and O functionalities, especially pyrrolic nitrogen, ether (C–O–C), and hydroxyl (C–O–H) groups, was critical for enhancing CO2 and H2O adsorption. NAC-600 exhibited the most favorable surface chemistry for the adsorption of CO2 (15 vol%) and H2O (20% RH), achieving capacities of 41 mg/g and 59.9 mg/g, respectively. In contrast, NAC-900, prepared at the highest N-doping temperature, exhibited the best surface chemistry for toluene adsorption (550 mg/cm3), attributed to its higher degree of graphitization and the presence of graphitic N and ether groups. This work offers a rational design strategy for improving the multicomponent gas adsorption performance of activated carbons for flue gas treatment.

Uncovering the hidden drivers of rural health care disparities

RIS-assisted anti-spatial aliasing direct localization in NLOS scenarios via spatio-temporal-frequency information fusion

Improved double DQN with deep reinforcement learning for UAV indoor autonomous obstacle avoidance

Electrochemical investigation of oxytrol in fizzy drinks and juices via graphene and polymer printed PVC by ANOVA and design expert

Supplementary motor area enhanced hemodynamic responses to loading after inhibitory cTBS

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among patients with diabetic foot ulcers towards disease management

Comparison of quality characteristics among 20 sweet potato varieties

Seismic data denoising based on attention dual dilated CNN

Implications of Ho3+-ions on physical, structural, optical, and spectroscopic features of Na2O-PbO-borotellurite glass system for feasible applications in optical and laser technology

Abstract A novel series of Holmium-ions doped Na2O-PbO-borotellurite glasses with composition yHo2O3+(65-y)B2O3 + 15TeO2 + 10Pb3O4 + 10Na2O, where $$\:\text{y}=$$ 0.0 to 0.5 mol% with 0.1 increment, have been prepared by the melt-quenching approach. The non-crystalline state of the synthesized glasses was validated through the XRD technique. The structural modifications and presence of borate networks (BO3 and BO4), tellurite networks (TeO3 and TeO4), and Pb-O links were confirmed through ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopic methods. The morphology and analysis of elements were performed by employing the SEM-EDX technique. The optical characterizations were studied through UV-visible spectroscopy. The transitions 5I8 → 5G5, 5G6, 5F1+5G6, 5F2, 5F3, 5S2+5F4 and 5F5 were noted. Emission spectra of the Ho3+-ions incorporated glasses were obtained using a spectrofluorometer at an excitation wavelength of 451 nm, and they exhibit an intense peak at 678 nm in the region of red. The CCT values found $$\:<\:$$ 4000 K imply a warm CCT. The merits of physical and optical parameters viz., molar volume, density, ion concentration, field strength, optical band gaps, refractive index, Urbach energy, steepness parameter, molar polarizability, metallization criterion, electronic oxide polarizability, optical basicity etc., were evaluated using appropriate relations and they found to be in comply with the structural modifications and optical features. The density and refractive index are found between 4.067 gcm−3 to 4.193 gcm−3 and 2.345 to 2.367, respectively. The energy band gaps and Urbach energy range from 3.115 eV to 3.201 eV and 0.247 eV to 0.269 eV, respectively. Optical basicity and electronic oxide polarizability range from 1.254 to 1.271 and 4.015 Å3 to 4.178 Å3, respectively. Metallization criterion values range from 0.395 to 0.401. Based on structural, optical, luminescence properties, and the physical and optical parameter merits, the synthesized glasses can be suitable for optical devices, including lasers, red phosphors, and optical amplifiers.