Browse Articles

Assessment of Overall Self-Care Among the East Indian Population: An Experimental, Observational, and Validated Study

Introduction: Sleep hygiene of college students’ habits and practices in the environmental setting that promote good sleep tends to go unnoticed, leading to poor quality of sleep and poorer academic performance. The current research was conducted with the aim of evaluating knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of students of Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangalore regarding sleep hygiene and academic performance. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey among 289 students (53.98% female) was carried out in the form of a structured internet questionnaire during January to April 2025. Information on KAP regarding sleep hygiene was collected and presented with descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, percentages, and 95% CIs. Results: There was moderate awareness with 63.7% being aware of sleep hygiene and 74.7% being aware of sleeping-conducive habits but only 34.6% actually knowing 8–9 hours as recommended sleeping time. The majority (83.4%) believed school required sleep, and 97.6% related stress to bad sleep. Nevertheless, 51.2% slept only 4–6 hours on college nights, and 85.1% used electronic media prior to bedtime. Unexpectedly, 77.5% admitted having dozed off in school, and 96.2% thought sleep loss impaired concentration. Conclusion: There is clear lack of connection between information and action. Learning alone will not do the interventions to reduce screen use and change sleeping habits are required to ensure enhanced school performance.

Modes of Notch signalling in development and disease

Global kinetic model of lipid-induced <i>α</i> -synuclein aggregation and its inhibition by small molecules

The aggregation of α -synuclein into amyloid fibrils is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. This process has been shown to directly involve interactions between proteins and lipid surfaces when the latter are present. Despite this importance, the molecular mechanisms of lipid-induced amyloid aggregation have remained largely elusive. Here, we present a global kinetic model to describe lipid-induced amyloid aggregation of α -synuclein. Using this framework, we find that α -synuclein fibrils form via a two-step primary nucleation mechanism and that lipid molecules are directly involved in both the nucleation and fibril elongation steps, giving rise to lipid–protein coaggregates. To illustrate the applicability of this kinetic approach to drug discovery, we identify the mechanism of action of squalamine, a known inhibitor of lipid-induced α -synuclein aggregation, revealing that this small molecule reduces the rate of lipid-dependent primary nucleation. Our work will likely guide the rational design of α -synuclein aggregation inhibitors.

DNA methylation protects cancer cells against senescence

Abstract Inhibitors of DNA methylation such as 5-aza-deoxycytidine are widely used in experimental and clinical settings. However, their mechanism of action is such that DNA damage inevitably co-occurs with loss of DNA methylation, making it challenging to discern their respective effects. Here we deconvolute the effects of decreased DNA methylation and DNA damage on cancer cells, by using degron alleles of key DNA methylation regulators. We report that cancer cells with decreased DNA methylation—but no DNA damage—enter cellular senescence, with G1 arrest, SASP expression, and SA-β-gal positivity. This senescence is independent of p53 and Rb, but involves p21, which is cytoplasmic and inhibits apoptosis, and cGAS, playing a STING-independent role in the nucleus. Xenograft experiments show that tumor cells can be made senescent in vivo by decreasing DNA methylation. These findings reveal the intrinsic effects of loss of DNA methylation in cancer cells and have practical implications for future therapeutic approaches.

Amylopectin branch trimming and biosynthesis elucidated by the rice isoamylase ISA1-ISA2 heterocomplex

Biohybrid-based pyroelectric bio-denitrification driven by temperature fluctuations

Anti-windup control of discrete time switched delay systems with actuator saturation and failures

Spatial scale effects on the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services in China’s Huaihe river basin

Enhancing cement properties for oil wells using MgO-PAM nanocomposites

Multilocus analysis uncovers the evolution of the Rhodniini tribe, vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract In this study, we investigate the origin and diversification of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors within the Rhodniini tribe (Triatominae subfamily) through phylogenetic analyses based on eight genes from 17 species and 497 specimens—the largest sampling of this tribe to date. Our results predominantly support the paraphyly of the genus Rhodnius, with the three Psammolestes species forming a well-supported monophyletic clade nested within it. In two reconstructions, however, Psammolestes and Rhodnius are recovered as reciprocally monophyletic, each with strong support. In Rhodnius, we find monophyletic pallescens and pictipes groups, but a paraphyletic prolixus group, with persistent phylogenetic discordances underscoring uncertainties in species placements. Divergence estimates suggest Rhodniini originated around 5.26 million years ago, notably more recent than previously thought. Evolution within the tribe appears shaped by geography, gene flow, and incomplete lineage sorting rather than traditional taxonomy. Only four species—P. arthuri, R. ecuadoriensis, R. neivai, and R. neglectus—are consistently supported across analyses, likely diversifying during Pleistocene climate changes. Other Rhodniini species may represent a panmictic population with minor structuring influenced by the Andes uplift. This study underscores the need for integrative research combining genetic, ecological, and biogeographical data to fully understand Rhodniini speciation and diversification.

Epidemiological characteristics and prognostic risk factors of pulmonary blastoma based on the 2021 WHO classification

Abstract Pulmonary blastoma (PB) is a rare and aggressive lung malignancy. Prior studies were confounded by inconsistent histological classifications, particularly before the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) reclassification. This study aimed to characterize PB’s epidemiological features and prognostic factors under the updated 2021 WHO criteria. Data on patients diagnosed with PB from the The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2020 were collected. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to evaluate overall survival (OS), and univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis was employed to identify independent factors affecting prognosis. PB affected females more frequently (61.5%) and occurred across all ages without a clear peak. The median tumor size was 77.83 mm, with upper/lower lung lobes being common sites. Surgical resection was performed in 73.8% of patients. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 70.3%, 57.2%, and 51.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed age, histological grade, and surgical status as independent prognostic factors. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of PB under the 2021 WHO classification, demonstrating improved survival outcomes compared to historical reports. Age, histological grade, and surgical intervention are critical prognostic determinants. These findings underscore the importance of accurate histological classification and surgical resection in optimizing PB management.

Association of DNA damage response pathway genes with rheumatoid arthritis risks: a case-control study

Investigating contact resistance between WOx and metal electrodes in ECRAMs via interface analysis

AI-based CT assessment of 3117 vertebrae reveals significant sex-specific vertebral height differences

Abstract Predicting vertebral height is complex due to individual factors. AI-based medical imaging analysis offers new opportunities for vertebral assessment. Thereby, these novel methods may contribute to sex-adapted nomograms and vertebral height prediction models, aiding in diagnosing spinal conditions like compression fractures and supporting individualized, sex-specific medicine. In this study an AI-based CT-imaging spine analysis of 262 subjects (mean age 32.36 years, range 20–54 years) was conducted, including a total of 3117 vertebrae, to assess sex-associated anatomical variations. Automated segmentations provided anterior, central, and posterior vertebral heights. Regression analysis with a cubic spline linear mixed-effects model was adapted to age, sex, and spinal segments. Measurement reliability was confirmed by two readers with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.94–0.98. Female vertebral heights were consistently smaller than males (p &lt; 0.05). The largest differences were found in the upper thoracic spine (T1–T6), with mean differences of 7.9–9.0%. Specifically, T1 and T2 showed differences of 8.6% and 9.0%, respectively. The strongest height increase between consecutive vertebrae was observed from T9 to L1 (mean slope of 1.46; 6.63% for females and 1.53; 6.48% for males). This study highlights significant sex-based differences in vertebral heights, resulting in sex-adapted nomograms that can enhance diagnostic accuracy and support individualized patient assessments.

Rehabilitation of a Grossly Decayed Premolar with a Custom Modified Fibre Post and Zirconia Crown

Background: Using materials like metals and fiber-reinforced composites, intra-radicular posts are frequently utilised to reconstruct teeth that have suffered severe loss of coronal structure. Metal posts are less favoured due to esthetic limitations and mechanical incompatibility with dentin. Prefabricated fibre posts often poorly adapt to irregular canal shapes, leading to cement voids and compromised retention. Customising fibre posts to canal anatomy improves fit, reduces cement thickness, and enhances long-term prognosis. Case presentation: In this case study, a 53-year-old man with a severely decaying, previously endodontically treated upper right second premolar (tooth 15) exhibiting loss of crown structure and a periapical lesion is described as having been successfully managed. Clinical and radiographic evaluation confirmed no pain, swelling, or sinus tract. The tooth was isolated, and retreatment was initiated with canal cleaning, disinfection, and calcium hydroxide dressing, followed by obturation with AH Plus and gutta percha. A post space was prepared, and a prefabricated fibre post was customized using composite resin to replicate canal anatomy. A composite core was constructed after the relined post was light-cured and sealed with dual-cure resin cement. After a week, a zirconia crown was cemented. A three-month follow-up revealed outstanding post-adjustment and full periapical recovery. Conclusion: Customizing prefabricated fibre posts to match root canal anatomy enhances retention, stress distribution, and preserves radicular dentin. This technique offers a minimally invasive, esthetic, and mechanically superior alternative to conventional posts. Long-term studies are needed to validate its clinical efficacy further.

Population structure limits the use of genomic data for predicting phenotypes and managing genetic resources in forest trees

There is overwhelming evidence that forest trees are locally adapted to climate. Thus, genecological models based on population phenotypes have been used to measure local adaptation, infer genetic maladaptation to climate, and guide assisted migration. However, instead of phenotypes, there is increasing interest in using genomic data for gene resource management. We used whole-genome resequencing and common-garden experiments to understand the genetic architecture of adaptive traits in black cottonwood. We studied the potential of using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic prediction to detect causal loci, identify climate-adapted phenotypes, and inform gene resource management. We analyzed population structure by partitioning phenotypic and genomic (single-nucleotide polymorphism) variation among 840 genotypes collected from 91 stands along 16 rivers. Most phenotypic variation (60 to 81%) occurred among populations and was strongly associated with climate. Population phenotypes were predicted well using genomic data (e.g., predictive ability r &gt; 0.9) but almost as well using climate or geography ( r &gt; 0.8). In contrast, genomic prediction within populations was poor ( r &lt; 0.2). We identified many GWAS associations among populations, but most appeared to be spurious based on pooled within-population analyses. Hierarchical partitioning of linkage disequilibrium and haplotype sharing suggested that within-population genomic prediction and GWAS were poor because allele frequencies of causal loci and linked markers differed among populations. Given the urgent need to conserve natural populations and ecosystems, our results suggest that climate variables alone can be used to predict population phenotypes, delineate seed zones and deployment zones, and guide assisted migration.

A contra-steric chemoselective hydrometallation strategy with bulky NHC for catalytic asymmetric branched allylamine synthesis

Protein kinase A is a dependent factor and therapeutic target in mouse models of fibrous dysplasia

Regional specialization of movement encoding across the primate sensorimotor cortex

Abstract The process by which the cerebral cortex generates movements to achieve different tasks remains poorly understood. Here, we leveraged the rich repertoire of well-controlled primate locomotor behaviors to study how task-specific movements are encoded across the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), primary motor cortex (M1), and primary somatosensory cortex (S1) under naturalistic conditions. Neural population activity was confined within low-dimensional manifolds and partitioned into task-dependent and task-independent subspaces. However, the prevalence of these subspaces differed between cortical regions. PMd primarily operated within its task-dependent subspace, while S1, and to a lesser extent M1, largely evolved within their task-independent subspaces. The temporal structure of movement was encoded in the task-independent subspaces, which also dominated the PMd-to-M1 communication as the movement plans were translated into motor commands. Our results suggest that the brain utilizes different cortical regions to serialize the motor control by first performing task-specific computations in PMd to then generate task-independent commands in M1.

Taxonomy of Chemical Bondings: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract The concept of the chemical bond is fundamental to chemistry, governing atomic interactions that define all known matter. Despite this central role, the classification and most convenient naming of chemical bonds remain subjects of debate due to the diverse theoretical models and experimental observations. Modelings from quantum mechanical calculations and heuristic principles from experimental observations offer valuable and complementary insights, but sometimes the match and coalescence of these different approaches into a common terminology is not immediate. This paper describes a hierarchical categorization of noncovalent interactions based on the electrophilic atom involved, aligning with IUPAC definitions of hydrogen bonding (HB), halogen bonding (HaB), chalcogen bonding (ChB), and pnictogen bonding (PnB). The resulting taxonomy may avoid some ambiguities that arise from naming interactions based on single chemical/physical features. The proposed categorization that moves from more general and comprehensive terms to more specific and descriptive terms may ensure clarity, comprehensiveness, consistency with periodic trends, and invariancy over evolving understanding of the chemical bonds so that findings can be communicated and stored effectively via both human and machine based protocols.