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Effect of processing on microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion and biocompatibility of additive manufacturing Ti-6Al-4V orthopaedic implants
Retraction: Design and interactive performance of human resource management system based on artificial intelligence
Ecosystem services scenario simulation in Guangzhou based on the FLUS-InVEST model
Abstract The sustainable development of the region cannot be separated from the support of ecosystem services. By investigating the effects of potential land use and land cover change (LUCC) on these services in different scenarios, we can work towards protecting the ecological environment of urban areas, thus promoting the sustainable development of the region. This paper simulates the natural, ecological and development scenarios of Guangzhou in 2035 using the FLUS model based on LUCC of Guangzhou from 2015 to 2020; on top of the three scenarios, calculates the physical quantities of three ecosystem services—annual water yield, habitat quality, and carbon storage, through the InVEST model; and uses the GeoDetector model to identify the influencing Drivers. (1) Compared to 2020, the different land use types will change differently under the three scenarios in 2035; (2) The spatial distribution of ecosystem services in Guangzhou for the years 2020 and 2035 show similar patterns across three scenarios; (3) Based on the analysis of the driving factors behind Land Use and Land Cover Change (LUCC) in Guangzhou, it has been observed that population density has the most significant impact on LUCC.
Pan-cancer analysis and validation show GTF2E2’s diagnostic, prognostic, and immunological roles in regulating ferroptosis in endometrial cancer
Background Transcription initiation factor IIE subunit beta (GTF2E2) is a crucial component of the RNA polymerase II transcription initiation complex. There is a lack of more detailed research on the biological function of GTF2E2 in pan-cancer. Methods We conducted a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. Employing a multi-pronged approach with tools including R, Cytoscape, TISIDB, cBioPortal, STRING, GSCALite, and CancerSEA, we investigated GTF2E2’s expression patterns, prognostic value, mutational landscape, functional enrichment, and immunological associations across 33 cancer types. Besides, we further validated the bioinformatic results through in vitro experiments in Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), including western blotting (WB), cell proliferation assays and transwell. DCFH-DA, C11-BODIPY 581/591 and FeRhoNox-1 probes were performed to identify ferroptosis levels in vitro. Results GTF2E2 expression was significantly elevated in most cancers compared to normal tissues, with notable diagnostic potential (AUC > 0.7) in 20 cancer types. GTF2E2 expression varied across molecular and immune subtypes and correlated with tumor stage and patient age in several cancers. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted GTF2E2’s involvement in key cancer-related and immunological pathways. Notably, GTF2E2 promoted UCEC progression in vitro, and knockdown of GTF2E2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of UCEC cells. Compared with the control group, GPX4 expression was down-regulated and ACSL4 expression was up-regulated in the GTF2E2-knockdown group. Knockdown of GTF2E2 also increased the intracellular levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxides (LPOs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conclusions Our findings underscore GTF2E2’s multifaceted roles in cancer biology, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic biomarker, prognostic indicator, and immunotherapeutic target across various malignancies. This investigation has the potential to contribute significantly to a deeper understanding of the substantial involvement of GTF2E2 in human malignancies, particularly UCEC.
Effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on its toxicity and reproduction in Philodina roseola
Abstract Micro-nano plastics have emerged as a major ecological concern. The nanoplastics (NPs) pose a huge threat to microscopic animals. Our study aims to decipher the effect of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) of 50 and 100 nm sizes on a bdelloid rotifer (Philodina roseola). Both sizes of PSNPs were analyzed using field emission Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, and Dynamic light scattering analyses. The LC50 values for 50 and 100 nm PSNPs at 48 h upon interaction with the rotifers were 16.36 and 22.94 mg/L respectively. The total protein and superoxide dismutase levels decreased with an increase in concentration in both PSNPs upon interaction at various concentrations (4, 8, 12, and 16 mg/L). Whereas the lipid peroxidase and reactive oxygen species levels increased with an increase in concentration for both PSNPs at similar concentrations. Further, both PSNPs were found to cause internal organ damage in rotifers. A delay in the hatching rate was observed when the rotifers interacted with both PSNPs in addition to the decrease in the hatching rate of F1 generation. Therefore, PSNPs pose a threat to the natural life cycle in the rotifers.
The impact of physical activity on subjective well-being: The mediating role of exercise identity and the moderating role of health consciousness
This study investigates the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being through a moderated mediation model. It examines how physical exercise influences subjective well-being, focusing on the mediating role of exercise identity and the moderating role of health awareness. The results show that physical exercise significantly enhances subjective well-being, with exercise identity fully mediating this relationship. Additionally, health awareness positively moderates both the relationship between physical exercise and exercise identity and the mediating effect of exercise identity on the link between physical exercise and subjective well-being. This research reveals the mechanisms through which physical exercise promotes well-being and provides theoretical support for advancing national fitness initiatives and improving public health.
Author Correction: A new cancer/testis long noncoding RNA, the OTP-AS1 RNA
Developing a multivariable prediction model to support personalized selection among five major empirically-supported treatments for adult depression. Study protocol of a systematic review and individual participant data network meta-analysis
Background Various treatments are recommended as first-line options in practice guidelines for depression, but it is unclear which is most efficacious for a given person. Accurate individualized predictions of relative treatment effects are needed to optimize treatment recommendations for depression and reduce this disorder’s vast personal and societal costs. Aims We describe the protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) network meta-analysis (NMA) to inform personalized treatment selection among five major empirically-supported depression treatments. Method We will use the METASPY database to identify randomized clinical trials that compare two or more of five treatments for adult depression: antidepressant medication, cognitive therapy, behavioral activation, interpersonal psychotherapy, and psychodynamic therapy. We will request IPD from identified studies. We will conduct an IPD-NMA and develop a multivariable prediction model that estimates individualized relative treatment effects from demographic, clinical, and psychological participant characteristics. Depressive symptom level at treatment completion will constitute the primary outcome. We will evaluate this model using a range of measures for discrimination and calibration, and examine its potential generalizability using internal-external cross-validation. Conclusions We describe a state-of-the-art method to predict personalized treatment effects based on IPD from multiple trials. The resulting prediction model will need prospective evaluation in mental health care for its potential to inform shared decision-making. This study will result in a unique database of IPD from randomized clinical trials around the world covering five widely used depression treatments, available for future research.
Interactions among Cupressaceae pollen, air pollutants and meteorology in the urban and suburban areas of Beijing, China
Identification of novel compound heterozygous variants in the PEX10 gene in a Han-Chinese family with PEX10-related peroxisome biogenesis disorders
The peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) are a group of rare inherited autosomal recessive diseases characterized by motor and cognitive neurological dysfunction, hypotonia, seizures, feeding difficulties, retinopathy, sensorineural hearing loss, hepatic and renal abnormalities, and chondrodysplasia punctata of long bones, and the clinical expression is variable. Exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to identify the genetic defect for PBDs in a two-generation non-consanguineous Han-Chinese pedigree. Compound heterozygous variants, a novel splicing variant c.113-2A>G and a reported substitution c.890T>C (p.Leu297Pro), in the peroxisomal biogenesis factor 10 gene (PEX10) were detected. The splicing variant c.113-2A>G led to a canonical splice acceptor site inactivation, exon 2 skipping, and in-frame deletions (p.Ala39_Gly65del). The three patients had similar phenotypes of milder PBDs, which were further genetically determined as PBD6B. The findings extend the PEX10 variant spectrum and may provide new insights into PBDs causation and diagnosis, with implications for genetic counseling and clinical management.
Gene regulatory networks analysis for the discovery of prognostic genes in gliomas
Retraction: Exploration of the intelligent-auxiliary design of architectural space using artificial intelligence model
Research on dynamic measurement and coupling coordination of traditional industrial transformation under the background of zero waste cities in China
Immune responses to vaginal candidiasis in African women: A scoping review of cytokine profiles, T-cell activation, and gene expression
Background Recent immunological studies of vaginal candidiasis in African populations have revealed complex host‒pathogen interactions with implications for therapeutic development and HIV acquisition risk. Objective This scoping review synthesized evidence from Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya between 2020 and 2024, focusing on immune responses, cellular dynamics, and tissue effects due vulvovaginal candidiasis. Results Analysis revealed a coordinated inflammatory response marked by elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 and increased chemokine IL-8-mediated immune cell recruitment. Compared with those in control individuals, distinct T-cell population patterns in colonized individuals show reduced Th17-like CD4+ T-cell activation, with concurrent increases in Th1/Th2-enriched CD4+ T cells. Molecular analysis revealed that 162 differentially expressed genes were involved primarily in neutrophil-mediated immunity and cytokine signaling pathways. Despite robust immune activation, tissue integrity remained intact, accompanied by elevated antimicrobial peptides SLPI and BD-2. Notably, Candida-colonized individuals presented reduced frequencies of HIV target cells (CCR5 + HLA-DR + CD4 + T cells). Conclusion These findings advance our understanding of population-specific immune responses to vaginal candidiasis and identify promising therapeutic targets, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies to characterize vulvovaginal candidiasis immunopathogenesis fully in African populations.
A mixed-mode LC-MS-based method for comprehensive analysis of NAD and related metabolites from biological sample matrices
Motivators and barriers to mouthguard compliance by adult Gaelic football athletes
Introduction Dental injuries contribute to 57% of reported maxillofacial injuries in Gaelic Football, with associated psychological and economic impacts on the affected athletes. Mouthguards have been developed in efforts to mitigate the incidence and severity of dental injuries, and use is mandatory in Gaelic Football. Dental claims have reduced by over 50% since mouthguards became mandatory, but costs of dental injuries are still prevalent. The aim of this study was to determine the mouthguard compliance rates in adult Gaelic Football players, as well as the motivations and barriers to compliance. Methods This cross-sectional study utilised an online survey to determine the self-reported compliance of adult Gaelic Footballers with mouthguard use, the perceived peer compliance, and the motivations and barriers to compliance. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences between sex and between elite and sub-elite players. Results A total of 545 Gaelic Footballers completed the survey. During training, 22% of players reported to always wear a mouthguard, with 48% never wearing it, and 30% occasionally wearing it. For games, 48% of players reported to wear a mouthguard, with 11% never wearing it and 41% occasionally wearing it. Motivating factors included teeth protection, gum protection and the rules of the game. The main barriers were discomfort, difficulty breathing and difficulty speaking. Females had significantly poorer compliance in training, but had significantly better compliance in games when compared to males. Conclusion Mouthguard compliance is relatively poor amongst adult Gaelic Football players. Although compliance improves for games compared to training, there are still 1 in 2 players not wearing a mouthguard for games. Discomfort and challenges with breathing and speaking suggest that players may benefit from having a custom-fit mouthguard. Coaches, refereeing officials and governing bodies should strive to implement the rules more often and improve education around the benefits of mouthguard use within the sport.
Mitogenomic analysis of Thai Sunda pangolins reveals regional phylogeography and informs conservation management
Abstract Pangolins are considered the most trafficked mammals in the world with all eight species listed on CITES Appendix I. Despite this pervasive threat to their survival, there remains a limited understanding of genetic diversity and connectivity among populations of Asian pangolin species, hampering effective conservation management. We analysed mitogenome sequences of the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) from across their Southeast Asia continental distribution, as well as Borneo. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed six lineages, with clear separation north and south of the Kangar-Pattani biogeographic line in southern Thailand, revealing clear differentiation between Sundaland and Indochinese Sunda pangolin lineages. Further divergence across an east–west divide was observed in central and northern Thailand, extending northwards towards China. Our results provide new insights into the evolutionary relationships among Sunda pangolin populations in Southeast Asia, building on other recent research in this field and helping to establish the species’ baseline phylogeography. These inferences will aid conservation planning and support the genetic traceability of the illegal pangolin trade.
Photosynthetic oxygen bubble stream sounds from aquatic macrophytes, and their consequences for acoustic biodiversity inventories and acoustic communication in shallow freshwater settings
The emerging field of soundscape ecology focuses on biological, geophysical, and anthropogenic sounds, and provides a non-invasive method to inventory ecosystems. Most of the work on freshwater soundscapes focuses on larger fishes in deeper water, or on insects. We suggest the possibility that such studies have either missed or misidentified photosynthetic oxygen bubble sounds (POBS) produced by bubble streams from damaged macrophytes in sunny shallow water. These contribute significantly to local soundscapes. We recorded such sounds in the shallows of Gull Lake, Alberta, Canada, where POBS from sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata), along with water boatman stridulations (Hemiptera: Corixidae), comprised almost all of the sounds we encountered. These sounds attenuate rapidly with distance, and the POBS constitute a remarkable acoustic diversity, resulting in a patchwork of very different soundscapes in these shallows. Recognition of POBS has important consequences for acoustic bioinventories in shallow water, rapid ecosystem assessments involving indices of primary production, and bioacoustics studies of such organisms as corixid bugs, communicating against a cacophonous background of POBS.