Browse Articles

Boron toxicity affects plant growth by destroying the cell membrane stability and micronutrient balance in melon

Anti-inflammatory and barrier repair mechanisms of active components in Daemonorops draco Bl. for UVB-induced skin damage

Abstract Daemonorops draco Bl. extract and its active ingredients can remove blood stasis and promote muscle and wound healing and are widely used in skin health and other fields. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that this extract exerts excellent anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for skin barrier repair. However, the mechanism of action and monomeric components of D. draco remain unclear. Seven active monomers (XJ-1 ~ XJ-7) were extracted and purified from D. draco. The successful construction of the HaCaT inflammation model was achieved through the detection of IL-1β and TNF-α expressions in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Based on this cellular model, (2 S)-5-methoxy-6-methylflavan-7-ol (XJ-2) was determined to be the best-screened monomer. The effects of XJ-2 on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ in HaCaT cells were investigated using fluorescent probes and flow cytometry, respectively. The impact of XJ-2 on the expression of crucial proteins within the NF-κB pathway was examined via immunofluorescence and western blotting. The expression levels of downstream inflammatory factors, namely IL-1β and TNF-α, were detected through PCR. The effects of XJ-2 on the expression of skin barrier-related factors filaggrin (FLG), aquaporin 3 (AQP-3), and claudin1 (CLDN1) were investigated using PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Based on these findings, we comprehensively examined the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and barrier repair effects of XJ-2. XJ-2 primarily protected the internal structure and function of the cells by inhibiting the mass production of ROS and Ca2+ inflow. XJ-2 exerts anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the key proteins of the NF-κB/IKKα pathway and reducing the expression of inflammatory factors. XJ-2 repairs skin barrier damage by regulating multiple factors. Compound XJ-2 from D. draco exerts excellent anti-inflammatory and barrier repair effects, possesses great potential for the treatment of skin diseases, and can be used as a dermatological drug to repair skin barrier damage.

Optimizing the synthesis of nanoporous activated carbon from date-palm waste for enhanced CO2 capture

Machine learning for early prediction of the infection in patients with urinary stone after treatment of holmium laser lithotripsy

Patients after holmium laser lithotripsy have a certain probability of getting postoperative infection. An early and accurate diagnosis of postoperative infection allows a timely administration of appropriate antibiotic treatment. However, doctors can not accurately determine whether the patient has the infection. Here, a novel strategy is put forward to assist in predicting postoperative infection early by using machine learning methods. We retrospectively collected 1006 cases of patients with urinary stone after treatment of holmium laser lithotripsy from Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital. Feature engineering was added to filter the important characteristics and Miceforest multiple imputation method was applied to tackle the missing data problem. We used 5-fold cross-validation to train and validate the six machine learning methods. Besides, we could also find key variables important to postoperative infection by explaining the model. The hyperparameters were constantly adjusted to achieve the best performance of model. The result showed that LR had a best performance in independent datasets with AUC of 0.734. And the SHAP values indicated that preoperative urine leukocyte count was the most important variable to the prediction. Our study enables accurate predictions of infection in urology perioperative periods, the key variables can be interpreted better and more accurately to support clinical decision making.

Exploring phonon mediated superconductivity of $$\hbox {LiB}_{{2}} \hbox {N}_{{2}}$$ and $$\hbox {LiC}_{{2}} \hbox {N}_{{2}}$$ under high pressure insight from first-principles calculations

Impact of online negative and positive reviews on app innovation

Past studies have suggested that online reviews positively impact app innovation. However, extant research has not yet explored the distinct impacts of online negative and positive reviews on app innovation. Based on signaling theory and negative bias, this study empirically examines the effects of online negative reviews versus online positive reviews on app innovation by using panel data from the iOS App Store in China. The findings demonstrate that online negative reviews have a more positive influence on app innovation than online positive reviews. Additionally, compared with online positive reviews, app performance more effectively weakens the promoting effect of online negative reviews on app innovation. Moreover, both app history and platform owner’s entry play a positive moderating role in the impact of online negative reviews on app innovation, while no positive moderating effect is observed in the impact of online positive reviews on app innovation. These results demonstrate the different effects of online negative reviews and online positive reviews on app innovation, expand the contingent value of online reviews and app innovation.

Effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet on insulin resistance and lipid accumulation product in subjects with metabolic syndrome

Relationship between the sentiment of nursing notes and one-year mortality of elderly sepsis patients

Objectives This study aimed to explore the correlation between the sentiment of nursing notes and the one-year mortality of sepsis patients. Methods The box plot was used to compare the differences in sentiment polarity/sentiment subjectivity between different groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the correlation between sentiment polarity/sentiment subjectivity and one-year mortality of elderly sepsis patients. Ridge regression, XGBoost regression, and random forest were used to explore the importance of sentiment polarity and subjectivity in the one-year mortality of elderly sepsis patients. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to explore whether there was a linear relationship between sentiment polarity, sentiment subjectivity and the one-year mortality of elderly sepsis patients. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve was used to explore the relationship between the sentiment polarity (or sentiment subjectivity) and the 1-year death of the patient. Results Compared with the control group, the one-year mortality group year had lower sentiment polarity and higher sentiment subjectivity. Sentiment polarity and sentiment subjectivity were independently related to the one-year mortality of elderly sepsis patients. There was a linear relationship between sentiment polarity and the one-year mortality of elderly sepsis patients. At the same time, there was a nonlinear relationship between sentiment subjectivity and the one-year mortality of elderly sepsis patients.KM. Conclusions The sentiment of nursing notes was correlated with the one-year mortality of elderly sepsis patients.

MyWear revolutionizes real-time health monitoring with comparative analysis of machine learning

Genome-wide association studies on malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Background : Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The scoping review mapped evidence in research on existing studies on malaria genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in SSA. Methods : A scoping review was conducted to map existing studies in genome-wide association on malaria in SSA, with a review period between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2024. The searches were made with the last search done in January 2025. The extracted data were analyzed using R software and SRplot . Relevant studies were identified through electronic searching of Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Two independent reviewers followed the inclusion-exclusion criteria to extract relevant studies. Data from the studies were collected and synthesized using Excel and Zotero software. Results : We identified 89 studies for inclusion. Most of these studies (n = 42, 47 % ) used a case-control study design, while the rest used cross-sectional, cohort, longitudinal, family-based, and experimental study designs. These studies were conducted between 2000 and 2024, with a noticeable increase in publications from 2012. Most studies were carried out in Kenya (n = 23), Gambia (n = 18), Cameroon (n = 15), and Tanzania (n = 9), primarily exploring genetic variants associated with malaria susceptibility, resistance, and severity. Conclusion : Many case-control studies in Kenya and Gambia reported genetic variants in malaria susceptibility, resistance, and severity. GWAS on malaria is scarce in SSA, and even fewer studies are model-based. Consequently, there is a pressing need for more genome-wide research on malaria in SSA. Keywords : Genome-wide association studies, malaria, Sub-Saharan Africa, scoping review.

Safety comparisons among different subcutaneous anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism using FDA adverse event reporting system

CPI203, a BET inhibitor, down-regulates a consistent set of DNA synthesis genes across a wide array of glioblastoma lines

Introduction Glioblastomas utilize malignant gene expression pathways to drive growth. Many of these gene pathways are not directly accessible with molecularly targeted pharmacological agents. Chromatin-modifying compounds can alter gene expression and target glioblastoma growth pathways. In this study, we utilize a systematic screen of chromatin-modifying compounds on a panel of patient-derived glioblastoma lines to identify promising compounds and their associated gene targets. Methods Five glioblastoma cell lines were subjected to a drug screen of 106 chromatin-modifying compounds representing 36 unique drug classes to determine the twelve most promising drug classes and the best candidate inhibitors in each class. These twelve drugs were then tested with a panel of twelve patient-derived gliomasphere lines to identify growth inhibition and corresponding gene expression patterns. Overlap analysis and weighted co-expression network analysis (WCGNA) were utilized to determine potential target genes and gene pathways. Results The initial drug screen identified twelve candidate pharmacologic agents for further testing. Drug sensitivity testing indicated an overall high degree of variability between gliomasphere lines. However, CPI203 was the most consistently effective compound, and the BET inhibitor class was the most consistently effective class of compounds across the gliomasphere panel. Correspondingly, most of the compounds tested had highly variable effects on gene expression between gliomasphere lines. CPI203 stood out as the only compound to induce a consistent effect on gene expression across different gliomasphere lines, specifically down-regulation of DNA-synthesis genes. Amongst the twelve tested cell lines, high expression of CDKN2A and CDKN2B distinguished more drug sensitive from more drug resistant lines. WCGNA identified two oncogenic gene modules (FBXO5 and MELK) that were effectively downregulated by CPI203 (FBXO5) and ML228 (FBXO5 and MELK). Conclusions The bromodomain inhibitor CPI203 induced relatively consistent effects on gene expression and growth across a variety of glioblastoma lines, specifically down-regulating genes associated with DNA replication. We propose that clinically effective BET inhibitors have the potential to induce consistent beneficial effects across a spectrum of glioblastomas.

Asterias amurensis lipids enhance the immunity of immunosuppressed mice as sustainable marine-eco materials

“Take me seriously”: A qualitative interview study exploring healthcare experiences of endometriosis patients

Introduction Endometriosis is a chronic disease associated with stigmatisation and delayed diagnoses. In order to create or improve positive healthcare encounters for patients, this study aimed to explore the experiences of women with endometriosis and to identify challenges and resources for these patients. Methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore lived experiences of endometriosis patients. A purposive sampling strategy was used, and patients were included if they had a laparoscopically confirmed diagnosis and at least one contact with the healthcare system in Hesse, Germany. Interviews were conducted between May and August 2023, transcribed, and analysed according to an interpretive phenomenological approach using MAXQDA 24. Results In total, 21 women aged 23–54 years (median: 32 years) were interviewed. Three themes were identified, with ambivalence emerging as the common essence of experiences. Patients reported that their experiences were influenced by the role of the healthcare provider, described as either a source of support or an inhibitor in the treatment process. Additionally, patients reported that provider-patient-communication was characterised by both trivialisation and dismissal of symptoms, as well as empathic, encouraging interactions. Limits in the healthcare system, such as the allocation of specialised care, and resources like increased awareness of endometriosis, represented systemic influences on experiences. Conclusion This study provides an insight into the ambivalent nature of healthcare experiences from the perspective of endometriosis patients and contributes to a better understanding of patients’ needs in healthcare encounters, which may help to create a more positive healthcare experience for them.

Genome wide locus-specific ancestry analysis revealed adaptive admixtures in crossbred cattle of India

Throwbacks that move us: The dance-inducing power of nostalgic songs

The urge to move to music, often referred to as groove, is influenced by various factors, including familiarity with the music. The influence of nostalgia, which involves familiarity but also includes pleasant, sad, and wistful emotions, remains largely unexplored. Here we investigate the impact of both familiarity and nostalgia on the desire to tap, move, and dance along to music. To evoke nostalgia, we selected popular songs from the participants’ adolescent years. More recent songs served as a low-nostalgia but familiar control. Participants completed an online experiment, rating songs based on their desire for three different movement types (tap, move, and dance), as well as enjoyment, familiarity, and nostalgia. Nostalgic songs elicited higher desire to move than familiar songs across all three movement categories. Additionally, both familiarity and nostalgia predicted move and tap ratings, but only nostalgia emerged as a predictor for dance ratings. Our results suggest a distinctive role for nostalgia, beyond the influence of familiarity, in motivating the desire to dance.

Prediction of instability of formwork concrete pier based on big data machine learning for secondary mining without coal pillar mining

Patient preferences for diagnostic imaging services: Decentralize or not?

The objective of this study was to identify patient preferences for outpatient diagnostic imaging services and analyze how patients make trade-offs between attributes of these services using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). We used a DCE with 14 choice questions asking which imaging locations patients would prefer. We used latent class analysis to analyze preference heterogeneity between different patient groups and to estimate the relative value they assign to different attributes of imaging services. Our analysis showed that the “Experienced Patients” subgroup generally value diagnostic imaging services in both acute and chronic situations and had a strong preference for hospital outpatient radiology departments (HORD) that would provide services at lower costs, where their images would be interpreted by a specialty radiologist, the clinic would be recommended by their PCP, online scheduling would be available, service rating were higher, and travel and wait times would be shorter. New Patients significantly valued the service rating of the (HORD and online scheduling. HORDs can be more competitive by providing services that live up to expectations better than available retail radiology clinics (RRCs). Most RRCs do not currently offer online scheduling so ease of use may also steer patients towards HORDs. HORDs have the advantage of being linked to the main medical center which has the reputation of having clinical expertise and more sophisticated technology. We conclude that there is room for medical centers to build HORDs that provide an appealing and competitive alternative to current RRC.

Practicality of a patient self-assessment checklist to manage dementia risk factors in GP practices

Abstract A screening tool may help determine who in the population is exposed to which dementia risk factor and, in this way, prevent or delay symptoms. With this study, we examined the practically of using a patient self-completion screening checklist for detecting dementia risk factors with general practitioners (GP). The checklist ‘CogFit’ was developed based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Fourteen GPs (average age 44.8 years; 71.4% female) tested it with their patients and reported their experiences in a questionnaire and the System Usability Scale (SUS). In our survey, 57.2% of the GPs considered the checklist useful and most GPs (83%) indicated that the current version is sufficient. The user-friendliness of the CogFit checklist was good (SUS score M = 73.13, SD = 10.45). Most GPs (71.4%) reported having gained important information about their patients. 69% gave lifestyle advice and 61.5% referred their patients to brochures or courses. Yet, about two thirds (64.3%) reported an increased workload and four GPs disagreed to use the checklist in future. Our results indicate an overall good practicality of our patient self-completion checklist (CogFit) in primary care. Further research involving patients and estimating the overall effectiveness on cognitive health is needed.

Exploring the characteristics of cancer-centred civil society organisations in Chile: A qualitative study

Background In Chile, civil society organisations in health have been historically active in population health and specifically in cancer; they have had an important role in addressing patients’ and families’ necessities. Although they occupy a central role, there is no clarity about who they are, how they are organised, the goals that guide their performance and how they materialize social participation in health. Based on that, this study aimed to explore the characteristics of civil society organisations that work in cancer in Chile and to identify the networks they build with other actors to achieve their goals. Materials and methods Qualitative case study using semi-structured online interviews with organisation representatives, politicians, decision-makers and academics related to cancer in Chile. Content analysis was performed, admitting emerging categories from the participants’ narratives. Results Three main profiles of organisations were identified: (i) Long-established organisations focused on influencing public policy and decision-making in cancer, (ii) Growing organisations focused on informing and supporting families and patients, (iii) Newly established organisations focused on patient well-being, such as sports activities. Relationships between groups and other actors involve perceived benefits like the growth of the organisations and funding for activities. However, perceived barriers and inequities are also identified, mainly lack of financial resources, competition between organisations and insufficient information. Discussion The objectives of civil society organisations in cancer are diverse and reflect multiple ways of practising social participation in health. Tensions generate unequal participation and missed opportunities to promote public health in cancer in Chile. The study highlights the importance of recognising cancer social organisations as essential actors in public health. It is crucial to involve them in formulating and implementing comprehensive responses to maximise the opportunities for progress in this field.