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FusionDanceNet for real time dance recognition using multisensor fusion and domain regularized learning
Charge localization and intrinsic self-trapped exciton photophysics in undoped Cs2NaScCl6 elpasolite single crystals
Morphological and molecular characterization of Nepalese Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Landraces
Nepalese common bean landraces constitute valuable yet underexplored genetic reservoirs for crop improvement. However, integrated morphological and molecular characterization of this germplasm remains limited. This experiment was conducted at 2023 and 2024 to evaluate the morphological and molecular traits of 58 Nepalese common bean landraces collected from 21 districts of the Nepal via an augmented block design. Twenty-three quantitative and twenty-four qualitative traits were measured and analyzed via descriptive and multivariate methods. The Shannon-Weaver diversity indices (H’) ranged from 0.085–0.99 for qualitative traits and 0.46–0.92 for quantitative traits. The five principal components (PCs) explained 70.86% of the total phenotypic variation, with two PCs explaining 46.27% of the variation. Phenotypic cluster analysis grouped the 58 accessions into 5 distinct groups. Molecular analysis via 15 SSR markers revealed 38 alleles, with an average of 3.16 alleles per marker. The PIC value ranged from 0.16 to 0.46. The genotypic dendrogram grouped the 58 landraces into 3 clusters. The first two molecular principal coordinates accounted for 43.27% of the variation among the accessions. The analysis of molecular variance revealed a maximum variation of 93% within the population and only 7% variation among the populations. Population structure analysis revealed three genetic clusters, with most accessions showing admixture with moderate heterozygosity and a high fixation index. The accessions NGRCO4168 and NGRCO9516 were identified as promising accessions for traits including days to 50% flowering, days to 50% fruiting, maturity, and yield (t/ha). These accessions should be further evaluated across diverse environments to assess their stability and adaptability. Additionally, expanded SSR or SNP analyses integrated with phenotypic data could facilitate marker–trait association studies aimed at identifying genomic regions linked to key agronomic traits.
Small RNA sequencing of human sural nerves identifies widespread microRNA dysregulation and Schwann cell-localized miR-21-5p in advanced diabetic neuropathy
Verbascoside triggers apoptosis and ferroptosis in NSCLC by targeting BCAT2
Background The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has challenges such as drug resistance and recurrence. Concurrently, the induction of apoptosis and ferroptosis is a promising therapeutic strategy. This study aimed to investigate whether the natural product, verbascoside, induces apoptosis and ferroptosis in NSCLC cells by targeting BCAT2. Methods Bioinformatic analysis was used to predict the potential targets of verbascosides. Stable cell lines with BCAT2 knockdown and overexpression were constructed. The effects of verbascoside on NSCLC were evaluated in vitro and using a mouse xenograft model. Results Bioinformatics screening and molecular docking identified BCAT2 as a potential target of verbascoside, with a significantly stronger binding energy (−7.8 kcal/mol) than another candidate, PARP1. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that BCAT2 knockdown significantly inhibited NSCLC cell viability, induced apoptosis and ferroptosis, and induced mitochondrial damage. Conversely, BCAT2 overexpression produced opposite effects. Verbascoside treatment inhibited BCAT2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner, recapitulating the apoptotic, ferroptotic, and mitochondrial damage phenotypes induced by BCAT2 knockdown; however, BCAT2 overexpression significantly reversed these effects of verbascoside. In an animal model, treatment with verbascoside significantly suppressed tumor growth and activated apoptosis and ferroptosis in tumor tissues by downregulating BCAT2. Conclusions Verbascoside can induce apoptosis and ferroptosis in NSCLC by directly targeting and inhibiting BCAT2, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. This finding not only reveals BCAT2 as a novel target of verbascoside but also confirms its ability to induce apoptosis and ferroptosis in NSCLC cells.
One-dimensional palladium MOF as VEGFR2 and colchicine binding inhibitors with potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities: synthesis and molecular investigation
Abstract The innovation of a therapeutic agent with dual anti-inflammatory, anticancer and reversing the dynamic of microtubules like colchicine was crucial. VEGFR2 inhibition has been established as a therapeutic approach for managing cancer, the colchicine site, situated on ß-tubulin and α-tubulin was also considered in cancer development, and metastasis. Moreover, uncontrolled inflammation predisposes to pleiotropic effects leading to cancer development and promoting all stages of tumorigenesis. A polymeric state of a novel one-dimensional palladium-based metal-organic framework (1D Pd-MOF), resulting from the coordination of pyrazine with palladium nuclei to achieve the more pronounced effect of polynuclear characteristics of palladium compared to mononuclear compounds, was designed, synthesized, and screened for its anticancer activity against the A549 lung cancer cell line, with comparison to normal cells. The characterization was performed using different techniques and supported by DFT investigations. The 1D Pd MOF exhibited a potent cytotoxic effect, with an IC 50 value of 78.21 ± 0.41 µg/mL against the A549 lung cancer cell line, while showing minimal toxicity toward the normal WI-38 cell line. To investigate the inhibitory activity of the 1D Pd-MOF towards VEGFR2 kinase and to confirm itseffective molecular target, VEGFR2 kinase inhibition was evaluated. The results demonstrated promising VEGFR2 inhibitory activity with a moderate IC 50 value of 0.658 ± 0.023 µg/mL, compared with an IC 50 value of 0.079 ± 0.003 µg/mL for sorafenib, the reference drug. This activity was further supported by significant inhibition of VEGFR2 gene expression and protein levels compared with untreated control cells. Our results revealed that 1D Pd-MOF is a promising tubulin-interacting compound, as it binds to the colchicine-binding site on tubulin and competes with colchicine in vitro, with an IC 50 value of 3.350 ± 0.21 µg/mL. These findings confirm tubulin as a molecular target of the 1D Pd-MOF and support its observed cytotoxic activity. Furthermore, the 1D Pd-MOF significantly upregulated the expression levels of BAX, P53, and caspase-3 genes, while downregulating CDK4, cyclin D1, and BCL2 genes relative to the control group, suggesting growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in treated lung carcinoma cells. These findings confirm that the 1D Pd-MOF exerts a clear anticancer effect by triggering programmed cell death through apoptosis. In addition, treatment with the 1D Pd-MOF resulted in substantial accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 fraction, accompanied by a corresponding reduction in the G2/M phase, indicating that its cytotoxic efficacy is primarily mediated through apoptosis induction rather than cell cycle arrest at a specific checkpoint. The anti-inflammatory activity of the 1D Pd-MOF was established by its inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW cells. Molecular docking studies showed good agreement with the experimental biological findings.
Genomic epidemiology of Group B Streptococcus colonization among pregnant women in Japan, 2021–2023
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnant women is a major risk factor for neonatal diseases; however, molecular epidemiological studies on GBS in Japan remain limited. We characterized 219 GBS isolates recovered from vaginal screening cultures at a general hospital in Osaka Prefecture, Japan between 2021 and 2023. Capsular type, clonal complex/sequence type (CC/ST), virulence factors (pilus islands, Alp family, Srr1/Srr2, and HvgA), and antimicrobial resistance determinants were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing. The predominant lineages were CC19 (27.9%), CC23 (21.9%), and CC1 (21.0%), whereas the hypervirulent CC17 lineage accounted for only 5.5% of isolates. Capsular type Ia, III, and V comprised >60% of the isolates. PI-1/PI-2a (58.0%) was the predominant pilus profile, and rib (35.2%) was the most frequent Alp family gene. The hypervirulence-associated markers hvgA and srr2 were confined to capsular types III/CC17 and IV/CC452. All isolates were susceptible to β-lactams and vancomycin, whereas resistance to macrolides, clindamycin, and levofloxacin was observed at varying frequencies. These findings provide a pre-vaccine molecular baseline for maternal GBS carriage in Japan and highlight srr2 -positive CC452 as a potential emerging lineage of concern.
T-Cell Engager–Mediated HLA Antibody Depletion before Kidney Transplantation
Integrated LiP-MS and quantitative proteomics reveal coordinated alterations in protein conformation and expression across tumor and peritumoral regions in hepatocellular carcinoma
Prevalence and anatomical distribution of incidental and actionable findings on CBCT scans for implant planning
Objectives To determine the prevalence and anatomical distribution of incidental (IF) and actionable findings (AF) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained for dental implant planning, and to evaluate their associations with patient demographics and imaging parameters. Materials and Methods This retrospective observational study included all consecutive CBCT scans obtained for implant planning (n = 368). A structured, zone-based evaluation protocol was applied, systematically assessing four anatomical regions: (1) cranium and paranasal sinuses, (2) zygomaticomaxillary/orbital complex including the temporomandibular joint, (3) maxillomandibular region, and (4) structures inferior to the mandible. IF were defined as findings unrelated to the implant planning site, and AF were classified based on the oral and maxillofacial radiologist recommendations for further evaluation, referral, or management rather than confirmed clinical outcomes. Associations between IF, AF, CBCT field of view (FOV), age, and sex were analyzed using univariate and multivariable methods. Results IF were observed in 257 patients (69.8%) and AF in 199 (54.1%). IF prevalence increased from 50% in patients ≤40 years to 78.8% in those >70 years, and was higher in males than females (76.2% vs. 64.5%; p = 0.01). In univariate analyses, AF were not significantly associated with sex (p = .97) or age (p = .25). However, patients >70 years had higher odds of AF in multivariable analysis, although the overall model was not statistically significant. Zone 2 findings were more common in females than males (21.5% vs. 7.1%; p < 0.001). IF were most common in medium FOV scans (72.2%), whereas AF did not vary by FOV ( p = .94). The most prevalent findings involved the maxillary sinus (35.1%), cervical spine (27.4%), tonsils (15.8%), TMJ (11.7%), and vasculature (8.4%). Conclusions IF and findings classified as AF based on OMR recommendations were highly prevalent in CBCT scans obtained for implant planning. Approximately half of the scans presented AF (54%). These findings were distributed across multiple anatomical zones and were associated with age and sex, while AF showed no association with FOV.
Products That Pose Health Risks — Can Litigation Protect Us When Government Fails?
Multi-physical pretreatments combined with hot-air drying affect pesticide residues and quality of jasmine tea
Abstract Conventional hot-air drying (HDT) can hardly degrade pesticide residues in jasmine tea effectively, and chemical methods tend to cause secondary pollution, which seriously endangers human health and restricts the sustainable development of the tea industry. To address this issue, this study systematically investigated the effects of four green physical pretreatments (ultrasonic, microwave, high-energy electron beam, and ultraviolet irradiation) combined with HDT on pesticide residues, color parameters, main chemical components, and volatile flavor compounds of jasmine tea. The results showed that all pretreatments altered the color of both dry tea leaves and tea infusions and significantly reduced pesticide residues. Among them, microwave pretreatment (MDT) exhibited the optimal degradation performance, with a total degradation rate of 68.99% for six pesticides, and significantly increased the contents of chemical components such as free amino acids and tea polysaccharides. GC-MS analysis revealed that different pretreatments exerted significant impacts on the aroma profile of jasmine tea. Among the key aroma components, the relative content of trans-linalool oxide (furanoid) increased significantly following MDT and HEDT treatments, and all four pretreatments produced significant effects on the levels of methyl salicylate. This study demonstrates that physical pretreatments can achieve both pesticide residue reduction and flavor quality improvement of jasmine tea, providing a practical technical reference for the industrial processing and quality control of jasmine tea.
Current clinical practices in pediatric audiology among audiologists in India
Objective Evidence-based practice is central to audiology; however, adherence to best-practice guidelines varies, particularly in pediatric settings. This study explored current pediatric audiology practices among audiologists in India. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an adapted version of the American Board of Audiology’s Pediatric Audiology Clinical Practice Analysis Survey modified for the Indian context. The survey was distributed electronically via email using contact information available with Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Eligible participants held at least a bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and had a minimum of one year of clinical experience. Participation was voluntary, informed consent was obtained, and confidentiality of responses was ensured. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Scale content validity index was calculated to assess content validity of the questionnaire. Results A total of 130 audiologists participated, representing a predominantly early-career workforce (mean experience = 4.92 ± 5.41 years). Core pediatric audiology procedures were widely practiced. Newborn hearing screening was considered very important by 66.2% of participants, while 35.4% performed it several times daily. Tympanometry was rated very important by 61.5%, with 40% performing it several times daily. Counselling-related practices were strongly emphasized, with 68.5% rating explanation of test results as very important and 48.5% performing it several times daily. In contrast, advanced procedures demonstrated lower utilization. Cortical evoked potentials were not performed by 35.4% of participants, vestibular assessments by 43.1%, cochlear implant programming by 45.4%, and bone conduction device management by 57.7%. Conclusions Indian audiologists consistently provide essential pediatric audiology services; however, gaps persist in specialized diagnostics and rehabilitation. Enhancing infrastructure, professional training, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines is necessary to strengthen pediatric audiological care in India.
Precision Intensification in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Association between chronic kidney disease and osteoarthritis risk and machine learning-based osteoarthritis identification in CHARLS
You “can’t get away from the social”: Individual, relational, and contextual influences on mental health and substance use-related help-seeking among people in contact with the criminal justice system
Rationale People in contact with the criminal justice system outside institutional settings have high levels of mental health and substance use problems, contributing to adverse outcomes. Help-seeking behaviour is an important component of optimising access to effective treatment and support that is under-explored in this population. Empirical investigation into the influences on help-seeking for stigmatised health conditions is needed to inform efforts to facilitate help-seeking. Aim This study established the individual, relational, and contextual influences on help-seeking for mental health and substance use problems among people in contact with the criminal justice system living in the community, and examined the applicability of existing models and frameworks for understanding help-seeking behaviour in this population. Methods We applied framework analysis to qualitative data from a mixed-methods social network analysis study. Our framework drew on help-seeking behaviour and healthcare access models to determine initial categories for help-seeking influences (desire, ability, and context). Results Help-seeking was confirmed to result from an interaction between ‘desire to seek help’, ‘ability to seek help’, and ‘help-seeking context’. We show that help-seeking is not an individual behaviour, but strongly affected by relational influences that operate between individuals, across social networks, and via cultural norms. High levels of criminal justice involvement, and mental health and substance use problems in the social networks of people in contact with the criminal justice system shape these influences. Conclusions and implications Optimising help-seeking for mental health and substance use problems among people in contact with the criminal justice system living in the community requires critical engagement with, and application of, existing models to ensure sufficient appreciation of relational and contextual influences. Research is needed to develop and test multi-level policy/practice interventions that go beyond individual factors.
Pulsatile Liver in Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation
A self-training framework using pre-trained language models to detect and classify technology adoption in protest event analysis
Radiographic legal age estimation based on third molar development using Machine-learning algorithms
Background Age assessment plays an important role in forensic sciences to aid in criminal or civil matters. Third molars continue developing during the legal age of adulthood. Dental age estimation based on radiographic examination is an operator-dependent procedure. The aim was to test the performance of supervised machine learning (SML) to classify individuals according to the threshold of 18 years using the third molar index (I3m). Methods Panoramic radiographs (n = 597) of 52% males and 48% females between 13 and 26 years were used. Three Convolutional Neural Networks were compared to segment the third molar. Several machine learning algorithms were tested with a 10-fold cross-validation approach to identify the best age classification algorithm. The SML age estimation model was compared to the expert. Results Attention U-Net achieved the highest segmentation scores, and the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) showed the best scores of classification algorithms. The SML (KNN) scored sensitivity = 77.77%, specificity = 96%, and AUC = 0.87 in males. In females, sensitivity = 77.4%, specificity = 86.7%, and AUC = 0.82. The expert scores were: sensitivity = 70.4%, specificity = 100%, AUC = 0.85 for male, and for female: sensitivity = 54.8%, specificity = 93.3%, AUC = 0.74. Conclusion SML classified males and females below and above the legal age with high accuracy compared to manual methods. The presented work suggests that AI, using pixel-level analysis, can detect subtle cues beyond human perception. This signals a possible departure from traditional age estimation indices.