Browse Articles

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward bundled care implementation for analgesia and sedation among emergency and outpatient healthcare providers in China

Effects of BAP and zinc nanoparticles on in vitro growth and antioxidant activity of Solanum tuberosum L.

Clarifying the molecular mechanisms underlying the lethal in vitro cellular effects and mild organismal phenotype of SOD1 loss

Psychophysiological restoration in nature: a randomized controlled trial investigating the cognitive, affective, and physiological benefits of green exercise

FN-silk membrane enables alveologenesis processes and self-organization of the H441 epithelial cell line into native-like alveolar morphology

Abstract In vitro alveolar-capillary models based on co-culturing the alveolar epithelial cell line H441 and primary pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) are a widely used platform for evaluating the function of the alveolar barrier. However, the relatively thick synthetic membranes that are used as substrates in most approaches fail to mimic the properties of the natural basement membrane, thereby decreasing the physiological relevance of those models. We investigated the potential of the FN-silk membrane to support an in vitro alveolar-capillary model. The FN-silk membrane is micrometer-thin, fibrillar, constructed from a functionalized recombinant spider silk protein, and has been previously shown to be a potent basement membrane mimic supporting physiologically relevant in vitro models of various barrier tissues (i.e., blood vessel, skin, BBB, and kidney). Herein, it supported alveolar epithelial and endothelial barrier formation, surfactant protein B and C (SPB, SPC) production, and epithelial cell polarization, detected with immunofluorescence. Notably, we also demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge, that key events related to alveologenesis (i.e., cell hollowing, lumen formation, septation, and α -SMA expression) can take place in an in vitro model. This further highlights the ability of the FN-silk membrane to recapitulate the complicated alveolar milieu and expanding the known potential of the H441 cell line, which to our knowledge, has not been previously reported to enable modeling the alveolar tissue 3D morphology. We propose the FN-silk-based alveolar-capillary model as an advanced in vitro model that can be used as a potent tool in respiratory, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine research.

A cohort study on poisons, clinical insights, management of poisoning, and predictors of mortality in Pakistan

Optimal resource allocation in urban Internet of Things using 3D beamforming

Lactate kinetics during regional citrate anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy and their association with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study with historical validation

Risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis recurrence in Henan, China, from 2014 to 2024

Abstract Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) recurrence is a significant risk factor for the development of drug-resistant (DR) TB. Understanding the risk factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) recurrence is crucial for designing targeted interventions to end the TB epidemic. In Henan Province, China, where the PTB incidence rate was 37.09 per 100,000 in 2023, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. This study utilized passive monitoring to investigate the rate and predictors of bacteriological recurrence within 5 years after cure in a cohort of newly diagnosed PTB patients. A retrospective cohort analysis was carried out using data from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP), focusing on bacteriologically confirmed PTB patients who were diagnosed between 2014 and 2019 and cured in Henan Province, China. A five-year follow-up was conducted via passive monitoring to calculate the recurrence time and recurrence rate, as well as to identify risk factors associated with bacteriological recurrence. For univariate analysis, the Kaplan–Meier method was used. The log-rank test was employed for between-group comparisons. Multivariable analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression model, with results reported as adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among the 53,124 cured PTB patients, 1346 experienced recurrence, yielding a 5-year cumulative recurrence rate of 2.53%. The recurrence density was 5.14 per 1,000 person-years (PYs). The median recurrence interval was 500.50 days (IQR: 217.00–940.75). Multivariable Cox regression revealed the top three risk factors associated with recurrence. Older age (≥ 45 years) was the strongest: compared with the reference group aged 15–24 years, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 2.659 (95% CI: 2.132–3.317) for patients aged 45–64 years and 1.958 (95% CI: 1.554–2.467) for those aged ≥ 65 years. Bacteriological positivity at month 2 or 3 of treatment (aHR = 1.877, 95% CI: 1.428–2.467) and male sex (aHR = 1.826, 95% CI: 1.573–2.119) were the other two key factors. Other significant factors associated with increased recurrence risk included the presence of comorbidities (aHR = 1.521), positive culture at month 0 (aHR = 1.319), being a member of the floating population (aHR = 1.205), and patient delay (aHR = 1.205). In contrast, receiving entire-episode directly observed therapy (DOT) served as a significant protective factor against PTB recurrence (aHR = 0.696, 95% CI: 0.545–0.889). The PTB recurrence rate in Henan is relatively low. Key risk factors included age ≥ 45 years, bacteriological positivity at month 2 or 3 of treatment, and male sex. Receiving entire-episode DOT was identified as a protective factor. Accordingly, public health education should be strengthened to promote timely medical consultation. Standardized treatment regimens, entire-episode DOT or video-observed therapy (VOT), early drug resistance testing, and comorbidity control are essential. Enhanced support should be provided to PTB patients who are male or belong to the floating population. Active follow-up and management procedures after cure should be implemented to reduce recurrence rates.

Synergistic DFT and temperature-dependent Raman profiling of fluorinated mesogens

Data-driven approaches for predictive modeling of N77/N78 band 5G microstrip patch array antenna using curve fitting and supervised regression

Abstract This paper deals with the design of a single-element and $$1\times 2$$ bandwidth microstrip patch array antennas for N77/N78 band applications. The presented antennas are designed on a low-cost FR4 epoxy substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.3 and a thickness of 1.6mm while considering manufacturability issues. In order to evaluate the antenna’s characteristics, an equivalent circuit model of the proposed microstrip patch array will be built in Keysight ADS, and the reflection coefficient will be compared with the simulated result obtained with CST Studio Suite. An implemented prototype is also measured for the validity of the simulated results, and good agreement between the measurement and simulation is obtained. Besides the classical electromagnetic simulation, supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms are used to estimate the main antenna parameters, such as the bandwidth and the center resonant frequency of the investigated antenna. 203 simulation-based data samples are generated by using CST Microwave Studio and employed to train five regression models, including GB regression, ET regression, DT regression, RF regression, and XGB regression. The models are evaluated in terms of variance score, coefficient of determination (R $$^2$$ ), mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE). Among all tested models, the Random Forest regression model produces the best results in terms of error and accuracy for predicting both bandwidth and center resonant frequency. The proposed work concludes as an effective antenna design method through integration of full-wave simulation, measurement, equivalent circuit modeling, and machine learning-based prediction for robust N77/N78 band implementation.

Analysis of the coding transcriptome in NSCLC highlights variant-specific gene expression and signaling in CD74-ROS1 fusions

Clinical and genetic characteristics of RPE65-associated inherited retinal degeneration in Koreans

An eco-friendly HPLC method for simultaneous analysis of sildenafil and sodium benzoate in pulmonary arterial hypertension suspension dosage monitoring

Oxide-informed explainable machine learning with uncertainty quantification for compressive strength prediction of SCM-blended pervious concrete

A machine learning-driven virtualized edge framework for real-time monitoring and anomaly detection in solar photovoltaics

Spatial analysis and potential exposure implications of microplastic contamination in urban street dust in Urmia

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants detected across water, air, and soil, posing a major threat to organisms and presenting a critical global ecosystem challenge. This study assesses microplastic contamination in the street dust of Urmia city, Iran. Samples were collected from various points across the city to investigate the microplastic concentration, physical characteristics, and polymer composition. The results showed that microplastic concentration in Urmia’s street dust ranged from 500 to 17,000 particles per kilogram, indicating a high level of pollution. The most common form of MPs found were fibers, with a predominant size between 100 and 500 micrometers. In terms of color, transparent (40%) and black (22%) microplastics were the most abundant types. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of the particles revealed irregular shapes and rough surfaces, which are typical signs of physical and mechanical degradation processes like fragmentation and weathering. The polymer composition was determined by µ-Raman, revealing common types such as PS, POM, PES, PET, PE, PP, EP and PVC. Finally, the potential exposure of microplastic ingestion were analysed. Based on the estimations, an adult in a normal scenario ingests between 37 and 1150 particles annually, while in an acute scenario, this number can reach up to 2894 particles. The observed high contamination levels, fiber predominance, and greater estimated ingestion exposure in children highlight significant microplastic presence in Urmia street dust, emphasizing the importance of local mitigation strategies and further exposure research.

Adaptive optimization for hybrid vector-relational queries via cost-aware plan switching

Optimizing nitrogen management enhances photosynthesis and alfalfa productivity in jujube-alfalfa intercropping

Comparison between Pola-R-CHP and R-CHOP regimens in patients newly diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a propensity score-matched study

Abstract The POLARIX trial demonstrated progression-free survival (PFS) benefit with polatuzumab vedotin-based therapy (Pola-R-CHP) over R-CHOP in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, real-world data are limited for populations underrepresented in POLARIX, including patients with limited-stage disease, low international prognostic index (IPI) risk, or aged ≥ 81 years. We compared Pola-R-CHP and R-CHOP efficacy using propensity score matching (82 pairs from 86 to 189 patients, respectively). Patients newly diagnosed with DLBCL treated with Pola-R-CHP showed trends toward improved 2-year PFS overall (75.5% vs. 61.4%, p  = 0.065), in limited-stage disease (96.0% vs. 73.8%, p  = 0.057), and in low- IPI risk (100% vs. 81.2%, p  = 0.11), with significant benefit in non-GCB subtype (76.3% vs. 51.0%, p  = 0.013) compared to those with R-CHOP. No difference was detected between patients treated with Pola-R-CHP and R-CHOP aged ≥ 81 years ( p  = 0.43). In patients treated with Pola-R-CHP, age ≥ 81 years was an independent adverse factor for overall survival (OS) (HR 5.44, 95% CI 1.05–32.26, p  = 0.044). This real-world study is consistent with POLARIX findings in non-GCB DLBCL and suggests potential benefits in limited-stage or low-IPI patients, though validation is needed. Results support Pola-R-CHP across diverse populations, with careful selection for treatment warranted in patients aged ≥ 81 years.