Browse Articles

miR-224 activates cancer-associated fibroblasts to enhance lung cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting Akirin1

Usual prevention in unusual settings: A scoping review of place-based health interventions in public-facing businesses

Place-based health interventions may help reach underserved populations. This scoping review summarizes the peer-reviewed literature on the type and effects of place-based health interventions in unconventional public-facing business settings (e.g., retail and services). A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and APA PsycNet for studies from 1990–2023. Inclusion criteria for studies were: conducted in the United States, delivered a health intervention, based on an unconventional business setting, and targeted a specific health condition. An initial search yielded 2,727 unduplicated studies, which was filtered to 42 studies included in this review. These 42 studies were categorized based on health conditions of focus, including cardiovascular health (12 studies); HIV (6 studies); diabetes (5 studies); cancers (13 studies); and all other conditions (14 studies). The most common unconventional public-facing business settings for health interventions included barbershops or beauty salons; interventions included health education, preventative screenings, pharmacy services, and connections to local healthcare providers and resources. Notably, 34 (81%) of the studies targeted Black populations. Studies reported positive responses from participants for place-based interventions, increased awareness and screening of health conditions, more referrals to healthcare services, and improved health outcomes. While there have been 9 randomized trials conducted across various health conditions, these trials are limited to focus on a few select settings and lack of objective health outcome measures. These findings highlight the need for more rigorously designed studies in diverse settings that can effectively evaluate the impact of place-based health interventions. The existing literature suggests health interventions delivered in public-facing business settings may be a promising strategy to reach underserved populations.

Immune infiltrate populations within distinct tumor immune microenvironments predictive of immune checkpoint treatment outcome

Relationship between floating toe score and performance in track and field athletes

This study explored the relationship between floating toes and athletic performance among collegiate track and field athletes. A total of 422 athletes (sprinters, jumpers, and distance runners) and 136 controls participated in this study. Plantar surface images were captured using a specially designed foot scanner during standing to calculate the floating toe score. The score, which sums the floating toe points of all toes, categorizes them into ‘floating toe’, ‘incomplete contact’, or ‘normal toe’. The World Athletics score served as a measure of athletic performance. Overall, collegiate track and field athletes had a significantly higher mean floating toe score (14.22 ± 4.87 points) than controls (11.06 ± 6.05 points) (p < 0.05), suggesting that fewer floating toes may confer a performance advantage. Within the track and field events, sprinters and jumpers showed significantly higher floating toe scores than distance runners (p < 0.05), emphasizing the variations in floating toes across different events. Although no significant correlation between floating toe score and World Athletics score was observed overall, a significantly negative correlation was found among distance runners (r = -0.25, p = 0.006), indicating that distance runners with higher athletic performance tend to have more pronounced floating toes. These findings suggest a nuanced relationship between floating toes and various aspects of track and field performance, particularly in distance running.

The daily relations of co-rumination and perseverative cognition

Abstract Emotion regulation plays a crucial role in responding to daily stressors. While intrapersonal emotion regulation has received significant attention, the role of interpersonal emotion regulation remains understudied. This study aimed to explore the associations between intrapersonal perseverative cognition (i.e., rumination and worry) and interpersonal perseverative cognition (i.e., co-rumination), in the context of daily negative events. A daily diary study was conducted with a sample of university students (N = 178). The study comprised a baseline survey assessing trait-level variables, followed by a diary study where participants were sent an approximately two-minute-long survey every evening for 10 consecutive days. The findings indicated that daily co-rumination was associated with daily intrapersonal perseverative cognition, even when controlling for trait-level worry. The association between intra- and interpersonal perseverative cognition was stronger in the presence of daily negative events. Our findings indicate a need for further investigation into the contemporaneous relationship between co-rumination and intrapersonal rumination/worry, to ascertain their unique or joint adverse effects on mental health, especially within the context of daily negative events.

Structure-guided identification of mitogen-activated protein kinase-1 inhibitors towards anticancer therapeutics

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a crucial role in the MAP kinase signaling transduction pathway. This pathway plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, and survival. Besides, many chemotherapeutic drugs targeting the MAPK pathway are used in clinical practice, and novel inhibitors of MAPK1 with improved specificity and efficacy are required. Hence, targeting MAPK1 can be crucial to control metastasis in cancer therapeutics. In this study, we utilized a structure-guided virtual screening approach to screen a library of thousands of natural compounds from the ZINC database. The Lipinski rule of five (RO5) was used as a criterion for the primary selection of natural compounds. The screened compounds were prioritized based on their binding affinity, docking scores, and specificity towards the kinase domain of MAPK1 during the molecular docking process. Subsequently, the selected hits underwent rigorous screening that included the identification of potential pan-assay interference compounds (PAINS), ADMET evaluation, and prediction of pharmacological activities using PASS analysis. Afterwards, we performed a comprehensive interaction analysis to explore the binding prototypes of the screened molecules with the key residues within the MAPK1 kinase domain. Finally, selected molecules underwent extensive all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for a time duration of 200 nanoseconds. The study pinpointed three natural compounds with ZINC database IDs ZINC0209285, ZINC02130647, and ZINC02133691 as potential inhibitors of MAPK1. The study highlights that these compounds could be explored further in preclinical and clinical investigations to develop anticancer therapeutics.

A study on critical dislocation of gasket for segmental linings of shield tunnels

Correction: Aqueous spice extracts as alternative antimycotics to control highly drug resistant extensive biofilm forming clinical isolates of Candida albicans

Dynamic soil columns simulate Arctic redox biogeochemistry and carbon release during changes in water saturation

Abstract Thawing Arctic permafrost can induce hydrologic change and alter redox conditions, shifting the balance of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. There remains uncertainty about how soil saturation and redox transitions impact dissolved and gas phase carbon fluxes, and efforts to link hydrobiogeochemical processes to ecosystem-scale models are limited. This study evaluates SOM decomposition of Arctic tundra soils using column experiments, water chemistry measurements, microbial community analysis, and a PFLOTRAN reactive transport model. Soil columns from a thermokarst channel (TC) and an upland tundra (UC) were exposed to cycles of saturation and drainage, which controlled carbon emissions. During saturation, an outflow of dissolved organic carbon from the UC soil correlated with elevated reduced iron and decreased pH; during drainage, UC carbon dioxide fluxes were 70% higher than TC fluxes. Intermittent methane release was observed for TC, consistent with higher methanogen abundance. Slower drainage in the TC soil correlated with more subtle biogeochemical changes. PFLOTRAN simulations captured experimental trends in soil carbon fluxes, oxygen concentrations, and water contents. The model was then used to evaluate additional soil water drainage rates. This study emphasizes the importance of considering hydrologic change when evaluating and simulating SOM decomposition in dynamic Arctic tundra environments.

A pangenome analysis reveals the center of origin and evolutionary history of Phytophthora infestans and 1c clade species

We examined the evolutionary history of Phytophthora infestans and its close relatives in the 1c clade. We used whole genome sequence data from 69 isolates of Phytophthora species in the 1c clade and conducted a range of genomic analyses including nucleotide diversity evaluation, maximum likelihood trees, network assessment, time to most recent common ancestor and migration analysis. We consistently identified distinct and later divergence of the two Mexican Phytophthora species, P. mirabilis and P. ipomoeae, from P. infestans and other 1c clade species. Phytophthora infestans exhibited more recent divergence from other 1c clade species of Phytophthora from South America, P. andina and P. betacei. Speciation in the 1c clade and evolution of P. infestans occurred in the Andes. P. andina–P. betacei–P. infestans formed a species complex with indistinct species boundaries, hybridizations between the species, and short times to common ancestry. Furthermore, the distinction between modern Mexican and South American P. infestans proved less discrete, suggesting gene flow between populations over time. Admixture analysis indicated a complex relationship among these populations, hinting at potential gene flow across these regions. Historic P. infestans, collected from 1845–1889, were the first to diverge from all other P. infestans populations. Modern South American populations diverged next followed by Mexican populations which showed later ancestry. Both populations were derived from historic P. infestans. Based on the time of divergence of P. infestans from its closest relatives, P. andina and P. betacei in the Andean region, we consider the Andes to be the center of origin of P. infestans, with modern globalization contributing to admixture between P. infestans populations today from Mexico, the Andes and Europe.

Impact assessment of planned and unplanned urbanization on land surface temperature in Afghanistan using machine learning algorithms: a path toward sustainability

Efficacy and safety of creatine phosphate sodium in the treatment of viral myocarditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of creatine phosphate sodium in the treatment of viral myocarditis, and to provide guidance for its clinical treatment. Methods We conducted a search of The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, and Web of Science databases to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of creatine phosphate sodium (CPS) in the treatment of viral myocarditis. The search was conducted up to April 2024. After screening the literature, extracting data, and evaluating the risk of bias in the included studies, we performed a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 and Stata17.0 statistical software. Results A total of 104 articles were retrieved, and 9 articles with a combined total of 1,116 patients were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that the overall efficacy rate in the phosphocreatine sodium treatment group was higher than that in the control group [RR = 1.22, 95%CI (1.15, 1.28), P<0.00001]. Furthermore, post-treatment levels of cardiac troponin I [MD = 0.1, 95%CI (0.07, 0.13), P<0.00001] and creatine kinase isoenzyme [MD = 9.43, 95%CI (7.04,11 .82), P<0 .00001] in the phosphocreatine treatment group were lower compared to those in the control group; both differences between groups were statistically significant. Additionally, there was no significant difference observed in adverse reaction incidence between the phosphocreatine sodium treatment group and conventional treatment group [RR = 1 .07, 95% CI (0 .68, 1 .67), P = O .77]. Conclusion Creatine phosphate sodium treatment can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of patients with viral myocarditis, and can reduce the levels of cTnI and CK-MB. Compared with conventional treatment, it has good safety.

Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on physical activity levels in different sub-populations of Iranians: a national survey

White matter lesions and DTI metrics related to various types of dysfunction in cerebral palsy: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Background Assessing various types of dysfunction in cerebral palsy is a key factor in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients. The objective of this study was to use meta-analysis and systematic review to identify the specific white matter lesions and DTI metrics strongly associated with various types of dysfunction in cerebral palsy. Methods We conducted a literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases to identify trials published that had evaluated the correlation between DTI metrics in sensorimotor pathways and function scores in cerebral palsy. Correlation coefficient (r) values were extracted for each study, and the extent of r was quantitatively explored. The remaining part of the study was analyzed qualitatively. Results 46 studies involving 1458 children with cerebral palsy, were included. 19 articles for Meta-analysis and 27 articles were descriptively analyzed. DTI metrics such as FA、MD in both sensory and motor pathways significantly correlated with various function ratings. In overall motor dysfunction, compared with the CST and PTR, FA of the PLIC correlated more strongly with GMFCS, and showed no significant heterogeneity (r = -1.28, confidence interval [CI]-1.70 to -0.87,I2 = 38.2%,P = 0.233). In upper limb dysfunction, compared with the AHA and MA2, FA of the CST correlated more strongly with BBT, and showed no significant heterogeneity (r = -0.56, confidence interval [CI]-0.78 to -0.34,I2 = 0.0%,P = 0.511). Lower limb dysfunction and other dysfunctions we used qualitative analysis. The qualitative analysis offered a concise overview of each investigation. Conclusions This study basically identifies the specific white matter lesions corresponding to overall motor dysfunction, upper limb and lower limb motor deficits and other dysfunctions in patients with cerebral palsy, as well as the associated DTI metrics.

Giant pit craters on the modern seafloor above magma-induced hydrothermal vent complexes of Scotia Sea, offshore Antarctica

Abstract Massive injection of 13 C depleted carbon to the ocean and atmosphere coincided with major environmental upheaval multiple times in the geological record. For several events, the source of carbon has been attributed to explosive venting of gas produced when magmatic sills intruded organic-rich sediment. The concept mostly derives from studies of a few ancient sedimentary basins with numerous hydrothermal vent complexes (HTVCs) where craters appear to have formed across large areas of the seafloor at the same time, but good examples remain rare in strata younger than the Early Eocene. We present geophysical data documenting at least 150 large (km-scale) craters on the modern seafloor across ∼148,000 km 2 of Scan Basin in the southern Scotia Sea, a remote region offshore Antarctica. Seismic and bathymetric information reveals the craters relate to vertical fluid pipes extending above dome-shaped forced folds and saucer-shaped igneous sills. Presumably, magmatic intrusions deform overlying sediment and produce thermogenic gas, where buoyant hydrothermal fluids migrate upwards from sill flanks through V-shaped gas chimneys to the seafloor. Fluid expulsion, driven by excess pore pressure, enhances vertical conduits and creates collapse structures on the seafloor. Age estimates for sill emplacement and crater formation come from correlations of seismic reflectors with bore hole data collected on IODP Expedition 382. Sills intruded into sediment at least two times, first about 12–13 Ma (Middle Miocene), which occurred with deep intrusions of stacked composite sills, and once about 0.9 Ma and associated with volcanism along Discovery Bank, which may have reactivated previous fluid venting. Crater reactivation has occurred since 0.9 Ma, although probably episodically. Importantly, at present-day, numerous craters related to sills and fluid pipes populate the seafloor above a young sedimentary basin, and the ocean and atmosphere are receiving massive quantities of 13 C depleted carbon. The two phenomena are unrelated but, with changes in global climate and sedimentation, the craters could be filled simultaneously and give an impression in the rock record of rapid and coeval formation coincident with carbon emission. Interpretations of ancient HTVCs and their significance to global carbon cycling needs revision with consideration of modern seafloor regions with HTVCs, notably Scan Basin.

Optimization of cold chain logistics distribution path considering traffic condition and replenishment along the way

Road traffic congestion on the cold chain logistics not only increase the cost and time, but also creates certain negative impact on the national carbon emissions. To fully utilize the traffic resources, this study has classified urban road traffic congestion and defined the various vehicle delivery speeds with dynamic congestion levels. Simultaneously, it has developed the cold chain products replenishment strategy by considering delivery route, multi-depot condition and even vehicle types, aiming to minimize the total cost and carbon emissions, and maximizing the cold chain products freshness. To achieve this, this study build up a multi-objective vehicle routing optimization model and designed a hybrid algorithm combining large-scale neighborhood search and NAGA-II. Through computational analysis, this algorithm effectively overcomes the weak local search capability of NAGA-II and efficiently solves multi-objective problems. Moreover, under the simulated random traffic congestion conditions, this model able to demonstrate relatively stable planning results and address complex road traffic situations. Finally, this study able to analyze the impacts of various replenishment strategies, by considering multiple depots and sensitivity coefficients of cold chain products from delivery objectives. The analysis results also provides valuable insights for actual cold chain logistics distribution industry.

Evaluation of treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma using plasma D-dimer levels

mGBP2 engages Galectin-9 for immunity against Toxoplasma gondii

Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) are large interferon-inducible GTPases, executing essential host defense activities against Toxoplasma gondii, an invasive intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite of global importance. T. gondii establishes a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) which shields the parasite from the host’s intracellular defense mechanisms. Murine GBPs (mGBPs) recognize T. gondii PVs and assemble into supramolecular mGBP homo- and heterocomplexes that are required for the disruption of the membrane of PVs eventually resulting in the cell-autonomous immune control of vacuole-resident pathogens. We have previously shown that mGBP2 plays an important role in T. gondii immune control. Here, to unravel mGBP2 functions, we report Galectin-9 (Gal9) as a critical mGBP2 interaction partner engaged for immunity to T. gondii. Interestingly, Gal9 also accumulates and colocalizes with mGBP2 at the T. gondii PV. Furthermore, we could prove the requirement of Gal9 for growth control of T. gondii by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing. These discoveries clearly indicate that Gal9 is a crucial factor for the mGBP2-coordinated cell-autonomous host defense mechanism against T. gondii.

Preparation and characterization of SPE column with smart green molecularly imprinted polymers materials for selective determination of S-metolachlor herbicide

Abstract The presence of traces of herbicides in ground and surface waters can have adverse impacts on humans and the environment. Therefore, developing a highly selective and reusable adsorbent for monitoring water quality has become important. This article describes smart green molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as selective sorbents of S-metolachlor herbicide for solid phase extraction (SPE). Combining the MIP-SPE column with HPLC chromatography provided a quick and accurate method for determining the real concentration of S-metolachlor in water samples. The sorption capacity of the MIP-SPE column was almost twice that of the non-imprinted polymer column for SPE extraction. The bed can be regenerated up to three times before it loses its original sorption properties. A method has been developed whereby 6 ml of water can achieve an average recovery rate of 98% for sorbent. During the selectivity study from multicomponent solution, the calculate imprinting factor for MIPs was calculated to be 10, while MIPs sorb S-metolachlor 10 times better than atrazine, 12 times better than fenoxaprop-P-ethyl and 33 times better than glyphosate. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was in good agreement with the experimental values obtained.

Notch dimerization provides robustness against environmental insults and is required for vascular integrity

The Notch intracellular domain (NICD) regulates gene expression during development and homeostasis in a transcription factor complex that binds DNA either as monomer, or cooperatively as dimers. Mice expressing N otch d imerization- d eficient (NDD) alleles of Notch1 and Notch2 have defects in multiple tissues that are sensitized to environmental insults. Here, we report that cardiac phenotypes and DSS (Dextran Sodium Sulfate) sensitivity in NDD mice can be ameliorated by housing mice under hypo-allergenic conditions (food/bedding). However, compound heterozygote NDD mice (N1 RA/– ; N2 RA/– ) in hypo-allergenic conditions subsequently develop severe hydrocephalus and hemorrhages. Further analysis revealed multiple vascular phenotypes in NDD mice including leakage, malformations of brain vasculature, and vasodilation in kidneys, leading to demise around P21. This mouse model is thus a hypomorphic allele useful to analyze vascular phenotypes and gene-environment interactions. The possibility of a non-canonical Notch signal regulating barrier formation in the gut, skin, and blood systems is discussed.