Browse Articles

Association between soluble Klotho levels and calcification propensity T50 in patients with hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

Economic evaluation of the second-line regimen of liposome irinotecan (II) combined with 5-FU/LV versus placebo combined with 5-FU/LV for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in China

Background The cost-effectiveness of liposome irinotecan (II) (HR070803) in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin as a treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma offering a potential new standard of care has not been established. Considering the high cost of liposome irinotecan (II), the aim of this study was to evaluate the economic value of liposome irinotecan (II) combined with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin（5-FU/LV） versus placebo combined with 5-FU/LV for this indication from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Methods We developed a three-state Markov model based on the trial: NCT05074589 to estimate lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effect ratios (ICERs) in terms of cost per QALY gained. The utility of health status and the disutility of adverse events were obtained from the published literature. Costs were obtained from local hospitals and published literature. Costs and outcomes were discounted at a discount rate of 5% per year. To assess the robustness of the model, univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. Results In the base-case analysis, liposome irinotecan (II) regimen provided an additional 0.08 QALYs compared to the placebo regimen with an ICER of $310,418.81/ QALY gained, which indicates that the liposome irinotecan (II) regimen is not cost-effective at the $39,221.95/ QALY threshold. One-way sensitivity analyses showed that the model was most sensitive to the utility of PFS, the cost of liposome irinotecan (II), and the utility of PD. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that the liposome irinotecan (II) regimen had a probability of 0 for having a cost effect at $39,221.95/ QALY. Price simulations show that the liposome irinotecan (II) option is cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) of $39,221.95/QALY if the price of liposome irinotecan (II) is reduced to $2.93/mg (88.6% reduction). Conclusions From the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, liposome irinotecan (II) in combination with 5-FU/LV was less cost-effective than placebo in combination with 5-FU/LV for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Prognostic analysis of epithelial ovarian cancer patients with normal CA125 level: a population-based comparative study

Correction: Rare event detection by progressive clustering undersampling

Core‐Shell Engineering of PSD@HKUST‐1 With Hierarchical Channels for Accelerated SF ₆ /N ₂ Separation

ABSTRACT The separation of sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) from nitrogen (N 2 ) is an essential challenge for semiconductor industrial gas purification due to the size similarity. While microporous adsorbents exhibit highly selective adsorption, their high‐capacity results in greater mass transfer resistance, longer separation times, and increased energy consumption during regeneration. Featuring a tunable shell thickness, core‐shell structured PSD@HKUST‐1s were synthesized via an in ‐situ growth approach. Benefiting from the outer‐layer gas enrichment effect, the SF 6 /N 2 IAST selectivity of optimized PSD@HKUST‐1‐AcOH boosts to 924, which is significantly higher than that of pristine HKUST‐1, with about 25% lower cost. By leveraging a thin microporous shell to retain high SF 6 /N 2 selectivity while utilizing a mesoporous core to accelerate gas diffusion, PSD@HKUST‐1s enable shorter separation times and demonstrate robust cyclic stability. This work highlights PSD@HKUST‐1s as cost‐effective, high‐performance candidates for semiconductor‐related SF 6 /N 2 separation and demonstrates a promising strategy via core‐shell design and mass transfer optimization.

Investigation of metformin analogues in targeting signaling molecules of head and neck cancer pathways by computational approaches

Factors associated with resilience among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience ongoing caregiving demands and challenges that may contribute to their general well-being. Research has shown that resilience enables parents to adapt to these challenges; however, existing evidence on associated factors toward resilience among these parents remains fragmented. This systematic review aimed to identify factors associated with resilience among parents of children with ASD. We conducted a PRISMA 2020-guided systematic review on studies published between January 2019 and May 2025 using Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed by applying predefined search terms and Boolean operators. Studies examining factors associated with resilience among parents of children with ASD aged under 18 years were included in this review. We also used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018 to assess the quality of these studies. Findings were synthesised narratively using thematic analysis. From the 13 selected studies, five themes were identified as determinants of resilience among parents, i.e., sociodemographic and economic factors; child-related characteristics; parenting well-being and distress; psychological factors and coping styles; and social support and family relationships. Most included studies were cross-sectional and utilised different measurement tools, which may limit causal inference and comparability. As a conclusion, parental resilience was found to be influenced by psychological, social, and contextual factors. Strengthening coping resources and social support may enhance parental adaptation and family well-being. Along these lines, multi-level and culturally sensitive interventions are thus needed to inform strategies to foster resilience among parents of children with ASD. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251034348). The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

Local Chemical Gradients in a Mammalian Cortex Measured In Vivo With a Silicon Nanodialysis Mass Spectrometry Platform

ABSTRACT Chemical extrasynaptic signaling in the mammalian brain is involved in the control of behavior via modulation of neural activity, in wiring the brain by directing the axonal growth, in localization of pharmacological effects of drugs, and in regulating the neuroinflammation. Local gradients of various neurochemicals in the brain are difficult to study in vivo due to their complex spatiotemporal dynamics induced by intricate interactions between neurons and glial cells that are not well understood. Here, to directly measure in vivo gradients of multiple neurotransmitters and metabolites simultaneously, we utilize an open‐flow silicon nanodialysis sampling platform coupled with sensitive mass spectrometry. Results reveal strong millimeter‐scale spatial gradients in concentration of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and astroglial modulators in a mouse cortex. Formation and maintenance of such local chemical compartments indicate strong regulation of brain neurochemistry by glial‐neuron interactions that may heavily influence physiological and pathophysiological modulation of brain functions.

Wavelet analysis of postural stability reveals age-related differences in spectral response patterns during adaptation to immersive virtual reality

Abstract Current research indicates that Virtual Reality (VR) can serve as an effective tool for evaluating and training postural control responses and its processing, to distorted sensory input. The aim was to evaluate posturographic spectral responses and adaptation to repeated visual VR-stimulation in young and older adults with wavelet analysis. Twenty-eight young (mean 25.3 years) and 25 older (mean 74.8 years) adults were included. Participants were standing on a force plate performing two control tests (eyes open and closed) and thereafter repeatedly watched a 120-second VR-simulation of a roller-coast ride five times. The first VR session produced a marked two-fold stability response: (1) significant spectral energy increased within 0.4–8.5 Hz in anteroposterior and lateral directions, and (2) significant spectral energy decreased within 0.03–0.13 Hz in anteroposterior direction. Older adults used significantly more high frequency energy and less low frequency energy. Repeated VR sessions significantly decreased high frequency energy in both groups. Wavelet analysis indicates that both younger and older adults employed similar spectral response patterns in response to immersive visual stimulation. However, older adults showed larger shifts in spectral characteristics, suggesting age-related differences in resilience. Postural control appeared capable of rapidly adapting to adjust biomechanical strategies and sensory weighting.

Effects of incentive spirometer training on dyspnea and functional status in patients with long COVID

Background Since the emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), it has become a global pandemic, profoundly affecting public health and daily life. Many recovering individuals report persistent or recurrent symptoms—fatigue, palpitations, cognitive impairment, shortness of breath, anxiety, and chest discomfort. These lingering effects impair work, daily function, and social interaction, placing a significant burden on individual quality of life and society. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using an induced Incentive Spirometer as a respiratory training tool to relieve long COVID symptoms. Methods This study, conducted from July 1, 2023, to May 11, 2024, at a regional teaching hospital in northern Taiwan, involved participants who had recovered from COVID-19 within the past year and had at least one long COVID respiratory symptom. Participants were assigned to one waiting control group and four experimental groups based on recovery time: within 3 months (Experimental Group 1), 3–6 months (Experimental Group 2), 6–9 months (Experimental Group 3), and 9–12 months (Experimental Group 4). The waiting control group received no interventions, while the experimental groups underwent inspiratory training using an induced Incentive Spirometer three times a week for 6 weeks (30 repetitions per session). Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Primary outcomes were the Dyspnoea-12 scale and Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale. Secondary outcomes included the 6-minute walk distance and CaO₂. Results Ninety participants were enrolled, with five withdrawing, leaving 85 for final analysis. After 6 weeks of intervention, the waiting control group showed no significant changes in dyspnea ( p  = 0.463) or post-COVID-19 functional status ( p  = 0.343). In contrast, all experimental groups showed significant improvements. Dyspnoea-12 scale scores improved in Experimental Groups 1 ( p  < 0.001), 2 ( p  = 0.008), 3 ( p  = 0.011), and 4 ( p  = 0.001). The Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale also showed improvements in all Experimental Groups (Group 1: p  < 0.001, Group 2: p  = 0.003, Group 3: p  = 0.002, and Group 4: p  = 0.011). Significant improvements in 6-min walk distance were observed in some experimental groups, improvements were seen in Experimental Groups 1 ( p  < 0.001), 2 ( p  = 0.027), 3 ( p  = 0.68), and 4 ( p  = 0.172). No significant changes in CaO2 were observed (pre-test, p  = 0.872 and post-test, p  = 0.585). Conclusion Respiratory training using an induced Incentive Spirometer may help alleviate dyspnea and improve post-COVID-19 functional status in individuals with Long COVID. Earlier intervention appeared to yield better outcomes, although improvements were also observed even 9–12 months after infection. However, further studies with comprehensive pulmonary assessments are needed to confirm these findings. Clinical trial number NCT06165835, registered on 9 December 2023.

Boron‐Locked Diaza‐Octagon Strategy for Constructing Multi‐Resonance Emitters Enabling Anti‐Quenching Narrowband OLEDs With High Efficiency and Low Efficiency Roll‐Off

ABSTRACT Developing multi‐resonance (MR) emitters to simultaneously achieve high external quantum efficiency (EQE), low efficiency roll‐off, and suppressed aggregation‐caused quenching and spectral broadening is critically important and challenging for advancing narrowband organic light‐emitting diodes. Herein, two emitters, 8NN‐1B and 8NN‐2B, are developed based on diaza‐octagon–containing emitting core (8NN) through the incorporation of multiple boron/nitrogen (B/N) units. Building upon the inherent MR characteristics and saddle‐shaped configuration of the 8NN matrix, the boron‐locked derivatives exhibit a markedly enhanced MR effect along with attractive aggregation‐induced emission and aggregation‐narrowed emission properties. Through rational regulation of electronic effects, their singlet‐triplet energy splitting values are significantly reduced, while the spatially twisted conformation for the diaza‐octagon heterocycle enhances spin–orbit coupling. Consequently, the reverse intersystem crossing rate in 8NN‐2B is boosted up to 7.7 × 10 5 s −1 , and its sensitizer‐free device achieves a high maximum EQE of 32.20% with negligible efficiency roll‐off at 1000 cd m −2 luminance. Notably, such high efficiency is well maintained even at a high doping concentration of 10 wt%, owing to suppressed molecular packing induced by the 8NN matrix. These results highlight a mutual modification strategy that exploits the complementary strengths of the diaza‐octagon core and BN framework for high‐performance narrowband emitters.

Smart and bioactive packaging systems from anthocyanins and zinc oxide nanoparticles for quality monitoring and shelf-life extension of Nile perch (Lates niloticus)

Abstract Anthocyanins possess high potentiality as natural pH-sensitive pigments, enableing their usages as safe alternatives for monitoring food quality. This study targeted the development of smart, active, and bioactive dipping solutions (SCS), comprising anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa (HE) with green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) stabilized in chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs). The HE displayed distinct color transitions under different pH conditions, e.g. red to pink in acidic, violet in neutral, and green to yellow in alkaline media, signifying its potential as a freshness indicator. Green-synthesized ZnONPs exhibited smaller particle sizes (6.42–15.92 nm) compared to ZnONPs prepared without HE (26.92–41.24 nm). XRD confirmed ZnONP crystallinity, while UV–Vis absorption at 377 nm verified nanoparticle formation. Zeta potential values indicated stability, with ZnONPs (− 28.73 mV), and ChNPs (+ 36.4 mV). The SCS demonstrated strong antioxidant activity (89.29% DPPH scavenging) and antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . FTIR confirmed successful component interactions, and SEM analysis verified nanocomposite formation. Application of SCS on Nile perch fillets stored at 4 °C effectively delayed spoilage, extending shelf life by up to six days. Moreover, the color transition from red to green during storage provided a visual signal of quality decline. These findings highlight the potential of anthocyanin-based nanocomposite systems with ZnONPs and ChNPs and as eco-friendly smart packaging solutions for real-time fish quality monitoring and preservation.

Dietary supplement consumption among active individuals in Saudi Arabia

Background Despite the increasing use of dietary supplements in Saudi Arabia, accurate information on their consumption patterns and predictors is essential for effective policy planning. Objective This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption, assess perceptions regarding their health effects, and identify demographic, health-related, and knowledge- and practice-based factors influencing their use among active individuals in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study identified predictors of dietary supplement consumption using a Likert-scale questionnaire adapted from validated local and international tools with minor modifications. Structural equation modeling was conducted by defining multiple sets of regression equations. The analyses were performed using R software (Version 4.1.2) with the lavaan and semPlot packages. A two-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 3,800 active individuals from 13 Saudi Arabian regions participated in this study. The prevalence of dietary supplement use among active individuals was 63.82%. Health characteristics and knowledge and practice domains showed a highly significant influence on supplement consumption, whereas the demographic domain did not show a significant association in the structural equation model, although several demographic variables were significantly associated with supplement use in bivariate analysis. Conclusion The prevalence of dietary supplement use among physically active individuals in Saudi Arabia exceeded the prevalence rates reported in several international populations, with more than three out of every five participants indicating use of dietary supplements.

Steering Intermediate Coupling by Alkali‐Metal Cations for Efficient Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia

ABSTRACT The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (eNO 3 − RR) provides a sustainable pathway for ammonia synthesis and nitrate wastewater remediation, yet its efficiency is fundamentally limited by the sluggish kinetics of the multistep conversion process. Herein, we elucidate how alkali‐metal cations regulate the interfacial microenvironment to boost the ammonia production performance of eNO 3 − RR. Using winged carbon coaxial nanocables as model catalysts, among the alkali‐metal cations investigated, Cs + enhances the local electric field that strengthens the adsorption of *NO x intermediates, whereas Li + more effectively promotes the interfacial water reorganization to facilitate adsorbed hydrogen atom ( * H) formation. Crucially, Na + achieves the most favorable balance between these two complementary processes, thereby enabling efficient coupling between *NO x intermediates and *H throughout the nitrate reduction pathway. This balanced interplay delivers an NH 3 yield rate of 94.9 g h −1 g cat. −1 in a Na + ‐mediated neutral electrolyte. The strategy exhibits broad applicability across diverse electrolytes and catalyst systems, offering a general design principle for steering complex hydrogenation‐related catalytic transformations via rational electrolyte engineering.

Fractional order creep model of thawing sandstone incorporating nuclear magnetic resonance phase transition damage

Functional comparison of SP6 RNA polymerase and T7 RNA polymerase

RNA-based therapeutics have emerged as a powerful class of drugs, highlighted by the rapid development and success of COVID-19 vaccines. Therapeutic RNA synthesis relies on in vitro transcription (IVT), most commonly using bacteriophage RNA polymerases (RNAP) such as T7 RNAP and SP6 RNAP. However, efficient incorporation of modified nucleotides and the reduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by-products to improve pharmacokinetic properties and reduce immunostimulatory effects remain major challenges. While T7 RNAP has been extensively engineered to expand substrate tolerance and reduce dsRNA formation, engineering efforts for SP6 RNAP remain comparatively limited, and a direct functional comparison between the two enzymes is lacking. Here, we systematically compared wild-type (wt) T7 and SP6 RNAP with respect to nucleotide analogue incorporation and dsRNA formation. We evaluated engineered variants of both polymerases for their ability to incorporate the modified nucleotides 2′‑F‑UTP and 2′‑O‑methyl‑UTP during IVT. In general, T7 RNAP displayed higher yields than SP6 RNAP for long RNA transcripts and a T7 RNAP variant demonstrated the highest acceptance of 2’‑F‑UTP. However, when using 2’‑OMe‑UTP in IVT, only a SP6 RNAP enabled synthesis of a ~ 760 nt long transcript. Moreover, the assessment of dsRNA formation with both wild-type polymerases revealed that SP6 RNAP produced substantially less dsRNA than T7 RNAP during IVT. Together, these results highlight distinct and complementary strengths of T7 and SP6 RNAP. While the SP6 RNAP FA variant showed particular promise for the synthesis of mRNA containing bulky nucleotide modifications, the reduced dsRNA formation observed for SP6 RNAP wt suggests an additional advantage for improving RNA quality.

Enhancing Built‐in Electric Fields in Covalent Organic Frameworks With High Surface Area and High Stability for Boosted Photocatalytic Activity

ABSTRACT The built‐in electric field (BIEF) is a fundamental driving force governing the separation, transfer, and lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby dictating the activity of photocatalysts. Herein, a local p–π conjugation regulation strategy was developed to tailor the BIEF in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as advanced photocatalysts. Three COFs of NKU‐191, NKU‐191‐OH, and NKU‐191‐OMe, featuring robust acid–base resistance, high stability, and high specific surface area, were synthesized via Schiff base reactions under mild conditions. Without altering their intrinsic backbone structure, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity was enhanced from 4.8 mmol g −1  h −1 (NKU‐191) to 35.6 mmol g −1  h −1 (NKU‐191‐OMe). Comprehensive characterizations and systematic analysis revealed that the introduction of electron‐donating groups effectively strengthens the local p–π conjugation within the COF skeletons, which in turn reinforces the BIEF intensity. This enhanced BIEF accelerates the separation and migration kinetics of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby enabling remarkable photocatalytic activity. This work not only establishes a facile synthetic protocol for synthesizing COFs with high specific surface areas and high stability but also clarifies the regulatory role of local p–π conjugation in regulating the BIEF intensity of COF‐based photocatalysts, providing valuable insights for promoting the rational design and development of high‐performance COF‐based photocatalysts.

Recent Progress of Single‐Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolytes for Rechargeable Mono‐ and Multivalent Cation‐Based Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have been extensively studied due to their high energy density; however, their practical application is limited by the scarcity of lithium resources. Emerging mono‐ and multivalent cation‐based metal batteries offer promising alternatives that may overcome this limitation owing to their high abundance. Nevertheless, the development of these batteries using conventional liquid electrolytes (LEs) faces challenges such as safety concerns, parasitic reactions and dendrite formation. Replacing LEs with polymer electrolytes (PEs) can significantly improve battery safety and interfacial compatibility. Among various PEs, single‐ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SICPEs) are particularly attractive due to their high cation transference numbers, flexibility, and easy processability. Despite this, systematic strategies for immobilizing anions across different battery systems remain insufficiently discussed and summarized. In addition, the design of SICPEs often depends on experimental trial and error, and the prevalent use of fluorine‐containing components in their molecular structures raises significant environmental concerns. This review provides a comprehensive summary of strategies for developing anion‐immobilizing SICPEs, highlighting the similarities and differences of different SICPEs for lithium and other emerging battery systems. Finally, we outline existing challenges and future research directions to inspire innovative solutions for tailoring SICPE properties and advancing their practical applications.

Green finance and technological innovation interact to shape economic growth in China

Disentangling crossing fibers with advanced dMRI methods reveals bundle-specific degeneration across the visual system in asymmetric glaucoma

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that enables in vivo assessment of white matter microstructure and is highly sensitive to tissue alterations associated with disease. Although substantial evidence links diffusion-derived metrics to underlying white matter tissue properties, the presence of complex within-voxel axonal configurations complicates their biological interpretation. Several methods have been proposed to assess diffusion properties of individual crossing axonal populations, but their validation and clinical applicability remain limited. Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, is characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and axonal damage in the optic nerve, leading to degeneration along the entire visual pathway. This degeneration includes secondary effects on fiber crossings within the optic chiasm, which are challenging to characterize with conventional diffusion methods. Here, we evaluated whether advanced diffusion metrics can detect microstructural alterations in these complex white matter configurations and whether these measures correlate with clinical markers of glaucoma severity. In this study, we evaluated 31 patients with asymmetric glaucoma and 31 healthy controls using advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging methods, including Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Constrained Spherical Deconvolution, multi-tensor fit via Multi-Resolution Discrete Search method, and Fixel-Based Analysis. We found significant differences of diffusion metrics in white matter tracts of the visual system, including the optic nerve, optic chiasm, optic tracts, and optic radiations. Moreover, diffusion metrics correlated with clinical ophthalmological parameters such as cup-to-disc ratio, visual field mean deviation, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. These findings support the use of advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging models as sensitive tools for detecting Wallerian degeneration and resolving complex white matter architecture in the human visual pathway, and demonstrate their utility to study other fiber-crossing regions throughout the brain.