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Adapting Atomic Configuration Steers Dynamic Half-Occupied State for Efficient CO₂ Electroreduction to CO

Federated learning with differential privacy for breast cancer diagnosis enabling secure data sharing and model integrity

Abstract In the digital age, privacy preservation is of paramount importance while processing health-related sensitive information. This paper explores the integration of Federated Learning (FL) and Differential Privacy (DP) for breast cancer detection, leveraging FL’s decentralized architecture to enable collaborative model training across healthcare organizations without exposing raw patient data. To enhance privacy, DP injects statistical noise into the updates made by the model. This mitigates adversarial attacks and prevents data leakage. The proposed work uses the Breast Cancer Wisconsin Diagnostic dataset to address critical challenges such as data heterogeneity, privacy-accuracy trade-offs, and computational overhead. From the experimental results, FL combined with DP achieves 96.1% accuracy with a privacy budget of ε = 1.9, ensuring strong privacy preservation with minimal performance trade-offs. In comparison, the traditional non-FL model achieved 96.0% accuracy, but at the cost of requiring centralized data storage, which poses significant privacy risks. These findings validate the feasibility of privacy-preserving artificial intelligence models in real-world clinical applications, effectively balancing data protection with reliable medical predictions.

Preferential Localization of STIM1 to Dendritic Subsurface ER Structures in Mouse Purkinje Cells

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the largest intracellular Ca 2+ store, serving as the source and sink of intracellular Ca 2+ . The ER Ca 2+ store is continuous yet organized into distinct subcompartments with spatial and functional heterogeneity. In cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs), glutamatergic inputs trigger Ca 2+ release from specific ER domains via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP 3 Rs) or ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Upon ER store depletion, refilling occurs through store-operated Ca 2+ entry mediated by stromal interaction molecule-1 (STIM1). Although the significance of STIM1-mediated Ca 2+ regulation within PCs is established, STIM1 localization in ER subcompartments in PCs for Ca 2+ release and refilling remains elusive. Using validated antibodies, we demonstrated that STIM1 was predominantly localized as intense puncta along dendritic shafts in male and female mice, colocalizing with IP 3 R1 but not with RyR1. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that STIM1 was accumulated in the subsurface ER in the dendritic shaft but excluded from those in the dendritic spine, the primary site of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1)–IP 3 R-mediated Ca 2+ signaling. Ca 2+ imaging from control and STIM1-knockdown (STIM1-KD) PCs demonstrated that mGluR1-mediated Ca 2+ release is more critically dependent on STIM1 than RyR-mediated Ca 2+ release. These findings reveal a spatially organized ER network in PCs, where specialized ER subcompartments differentially regulate Ca 2+ release and refilling. These findings suggest that STIM1 preferentially regulates Ca 2+ dynamics associated with mGluR1–IP 3 R signaling, supporting specialized ER subcompartments for Ca 2+ release and refilling. These findings highlight the intricate molecular–anatomical organization of dendritic ER Ca 2+ signaling in PCs, crucial for synaptic plasticity and motor learning.

Taming Inert B–H Bond with Low Energy Light: A Near-Infrared Light-Induced Approach to Facile Carborane Cluster-Amino Acid Coupling

The longitudinal relationship between depression and anxiety in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and family caregivers: A cross lagged panel model

Background Family caregivers play a crucial caregiving role for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and the emotional states of both patients and caregivers can influence each other. A high prevalence of depression and anxiety exists among both patients and caregivers, with their emotional states mutually influencing each other. This significantly impacts the quality of life for both parties. However, there is limited research on the bidirectional relationship between depression and anxiety in both groups. Objective This study aims to investigate the longitudinal bidirectional relationship between depression and anxiety in colorectal cancer patients and their family caregivers using a cross-lagged panel model. Method A total of 244 pairs of colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and their family caregivers were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data collection was conducted at four time points: the initial chemotherapy session and 1-, 3-, and 6- months post-chemotherapy. A cross-lagged panel model was employed to analyze the longitudinal interrelationship between depression and anxiety within and between the two groups. Result The study found high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety in both colorectal cancer patients and their caregivers. The cross-lagged model revealed a dynamic, bidirectional relationship between depression and anxiety in patients and caregivers from the second wave onwards (P <  0.05). Conclusion The emotional states of depression and anxiety in colorectal cancer patients and their caregivers show dynamic changes and are longitudinally interrelated. These findings underscore the importance of early psychological assessment and interventions targeting both patients and caregivers.

Economic recession and mental health distress among Japanese people in middle age

Abstract This study examined the association between the 2008 economic recession and mental health distress among middle-aged Japanese people, and whether sex and socioeconomic status affected this association. Data were obtained from a nationwide longitudinal study (“Longitudinal Survey of Middle-aged and Elderly Persons”), conducted since 2005 on randomly selected Japanese adults aged 50–59 years. Of the 34,240 respondents to the 2005 baseline survey, data for 33,815 who responded at least once both before 2007 and after 2008 were analyzed. The 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was used to assess mental health distress (i.e., K6 scores of ≥ 5). A generalized estimating equation model applied to 6 years of longitudinal data (2005–2010) showed that mental health worsened among men and women after the 2008 recession (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.11 [1.07–1.15] for men; 1.14 [1.10–1.18] for women), particularly among self-employed men (1.08 [1.02–1.14]). The mental health of women who graduated from junior high school worsened less than that of women who graduated from university or graduate school (0.89 [0.80–0.98]). This study confirmed the association between the 2008 economic recession and mental health distress and identified vulnerable socioeconomic groups. These findings provide useful information for future economic crises.

Serendipitous Discovery of Photolytic Thiosulfoxide Formation: Application for Visible-Light-Inducible Manipulation of Supersulfide Level in Biological Systems

Realization of Intrinsic Colossal Magnetoresistance in Pb(Pb_1/3Hg_2/3)₃Mn₄O₁₂: An A Site-Ordered Quadruple Perovskite Oxide

Scutellaria Barbata inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transformation through PI3K/AKT and MDM2 thus inhibiting the proliferation, migration and promoting apoptosis of Cervical Cancer cells

Background Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant tumor among women with high morbidity and mortality. We found the active ingredients, action targets and pathways of Scutellaria Barbata against cervical cancer cells, and verified its effects and mechanisms on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells through cellular experiments. Materials and methods The potential effective components of Scutellaria Barbata were obtained by data mining. CCK 8 experiments were used to verify the optimal action time and concentration of the key active components, Baicalin and Wogonin on Hela cells. Transwell Experiments to verify the migration rate of Hela cells at different time points of action. Hela cell apoptosis was determined by a Tunel assay. RT-qPCR and Western Blot detection of related genes and protein expression after the effects of different concentrations of Baicalein and Wogonin on Hela cells. Results Obtained 27 core intersecting targets. Four genes associated with survival of cervical cancer patients were selected by survival by univariate analysis: EGFR, TNF-α, VEGFA and MDM2 (P<0.1). GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed the four genes played positive regulatory roles, mainly enriched in cellular extracellular zone and cytoplasm. Pathways include cancer pathways, proteoglycans and PI3K/AKT signal. CCK 8 experiments showed that the proliferation rate of Hela cells was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the optimal drug concentration was 10 mg/mL (P <0.001). The migration assay showed that the incubation of the medium with a mixture of 10 mg/mL each or 72h of 5 ml/mL each significantly inhibited the migration of Hela cells (P <0.001). Tunel results showed that single-agent Baicalein or Wogonin with 10 mg/mL had the highest rate of apoptosis on Hela cells after culturing the cells for 72 h. Baicalein or Wogonin (10 mg/mL + 10 mg/mL) had the highest apoptosis ratio in Hela cells after 72h and a higher combination ratio than in the single agent group (P <0.001). The difference between the single drug group and the corresponding low dose group was significant (P<0.001). After Hela cells were cultured for 72 h, the mRNA and protein expressions corresponding to EGFR, TNF-α, VEGFA, PI3K, AKT and MDM2 were decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group as confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot, and the extent of the decrease was more obvious with the increase of the drug concentration, and under the condition of the same drug dosage, the effect of the Baicalein group was more pronounced than that of the Wogonin group, and the effect was more obvious in the two-drug group compared with the single-drug group (P<0.05). Conclusion After combining with EGFR, TNF-α and VEGFA, the active ingredient of Sculellaria Barbata can regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and down-regulate the expression of MDM2 gene to inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which can inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and promote their apoptosis. Sculellaria Barbata is a potential therapeutic candidate for cervical cancer.

Cortical thickness deviations as biomarker for subtyping and prognosis in pediatric brainstem tumors

Factors associated with regional differences in healthcare quality for patients with acute myocardial infarction in Japan

Background The quality of healthcare at the regional level is of great interest. Regional differences in the quality of healthcare for cardiovascular diseases have been pointed out in previous research, but the regional factors that influence the quality remain unclear. Methods Using the national Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database, risk-adjusted mortality (RAM) in each secondary medical area (SMA) was derived as an indicator for the quality of the healthcare for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Factors associated with RAM were analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) regression model. Results There is a wide variation in RAM in the SMAs; the maximum value was 0.593 and the minimum value was 1.445. The PLS regression identified two components positively correlated with RAM. The first component (Component 1) positively correlates with the proportion of the elderly within the population and negatively correlates with the number of medical facilities per area, the population density, and the intra-SMA access to centres with a high volume of emergency percutaneous coronary interventions (ePCI). The second component (Component 2) positively correlates with the number of medical facilities per area and negatively correlates with the number of doctors per person and the intra-SMA access to centres with a high volume of ePCI. Conclusions There was wide regional variation in the quality of in-hospital AMI treatments. Results suggested the degree of rurality, the sufficiency of medical resources, the access to high-volume ePCI centres, and coordination of healthcare delivery were associated with healthcare quality.

Author Correction: Tofacitinib fails to prevent T cell transfer colitis in mice but ameliorates disease activity

Bioinspired Chloride-Assisted Protein Channels: Enhancing Proton Transport for Sustainable Energy Harvesting from Acidic Wastewater

Exploring access to social protection by persons with disabilities in Bangladesh

Background Social protection programs have played a significant role in ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWD) in low- and middle-income countries have access to basic livelihoods. However, there is a lack of research examining the extent of social protection program coverage for PWD and the factors influencing their inclusion. This study aimed to explore the extent of PWD’s inclusion in social protection programs in Bangladesh and the factors influencing their inclusion in these programs. Methods We analyzed data from the 2021 National Household Survey on Persons with Disabilities in Bangladesh. The outcome variable considered was PWD’s inclusion in social protection programs (yes, no) to receive support, as well as the timing of inclusion in the social protection program (non-inclusion (0), inclusion within 0–6 months of the survey (1), and inclusion more than 6 months before the survey (2)). Explanatory variables included factors at the individual, household, and community levels. A multilevel multinomial logistic regression model was used to explore the associations between the outcome variable and explanatory variables, with respondents categorized into two groups based on age (children (0 to <18) and adults and older (18–95 years)). Results Data from a total of 4,293 PWD were analyzed, with a mean age of 41.4 years; 59% of the respondents were male. Approximately 37.7% (95% CI, 36.0–39.6) of the total respondents reported inclusion in social protection programs within 0–6 months of the survey, rising to 47.4% (95% CI, 45.6–49.2) for support received more than 6 months before the survey. “Disability allowances (69.0%) were the most common type of social protection program that PWD reported being included in, followed by old age allowances (16.3%) and assistance through the VGD/VGF programs (6.8%). Among children aged <18 years, the likelihood of inclusion in social protection programs was higher for those with multiple disabilities. In contrast, for PWD aged 18 years and older, inclusion in social protection programs was lower among those with mental illness, hearing disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. The likelihood of inclusion in social protection programs was higher for older, unmarried, widowed, divorced, or separated PWD. Conversely, PWD from wealthier households and those residing in the Dhaka division had a lower likelihood of being included in social protection programs. Conclusion The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive and inclusive social protection policies and programs to support the well-being of PWD in Bangladesh. Since disability grants are the primary source of social protection for this group, it is crucial to expand coverage and increase the amount of financial support provided.

Analysis of electric field in inclined dielectric media by heaviside unit-step function

Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Aryl Chlorides with Alkyl Chlorides Using Rotating Magnetic Field and Metal Rods

Temporal and interaction dynamics of dengue cases, entomological and meteorological variables in Melaka, Malaysia: A multivariate time series analysis

The complex interaction between dengue cases, entomological and meteorological variables has posed challenges for decades. Validated and updated evidences are in need for enhancing surveillance and vector control of dengue program. This study explores the relationship between the variables in the long run and short-term dynamic in Melaka, Malaysia. A multivariate time series with the application of Johansen Cointegration Test and Vector Error Correction Model are carried out to validate the interaction among dengue cases, temperature, ovitrap index (OI) and sticky ovitrap index (SOI) data from 2020–2022. Cointegration vector validates existence of long-term relationship of which an inverse interaction between temperature and SOI with cases and a direct relationship of OI with cases. Short-term equilibrium displays a robust causality among variables. Interaction of case with case demonstrates positive coefficients at lags -3, -7, and -8. Interaction of SOI with case shows negative coefficients on SOI variable at lags -3 and -4 and positive coefficient on the case variable at lag -1. OI equation with OI variable shows unique interaction of negative coefficients on OI variable at lags -1, -3, and -4. However, it produced positive coefficient on OI variable at lag -9. Case equation reveals negative coefficient of temperature variable at lag -6. This study implies that the variables are linked in a long-term and stable relationship. In the context of public health, VECM is still a new methodology to capture such dynamicity and causality between the variables. In long term interaction, the study expressed the temporal pattern of dengue transmission, which is persistent, stable, and cyclical in nature. Failure to control epidemics resulting in the progression of succession of dengue cases in short term. The model predicts the utility and efficacy of sticky ovitraps acting as dual role; surveillance and control tool. Hence, there is a much broader scope for future directions in dengue control. The long-term equilibrium indicates the ovitrap index as a reliable predictor of dengue cases. Temperature is an overall excellent estimator of the meteorological parameter that has a direct impact on the development of dengue cases.

Usage of serpentine injector for hydrogen mixing at combustion chamber of scramjet engine via a computational study

Contributory factors to reporting distance as a barrier to health facility visit among reproductive-age Senegalese women: A survival analysis

Background The burden of distance to healthcare facility is a factor of maternal morbidity and mortality in resource-constrained settings. In Senegal, little is known about distance or travel time as a barrier to health facility visit. The objective of this study was to assess distance as a barrier in reaching a health facility and its contributory factors among Senegalese women. Methods The data from 2023 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS) was used in this study. A total sample of 16,583 women aged 15–49 years was analysed. Kaplan-Meier plot was used to estimate the median time to healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the factors of distance as a barrier in reaching a health facility were examined using multivariable Cox regression and reported as adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with its 95% confidence intervals (CI). The statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results Overall, 35.8% of women reported distance as a barrier to reaching a health facility. The median time to a health facility was 13 minutes. Approximately two-thirds of the women reported walking to the nearest healthcare facility (66.4%), while others used animal-drawn cart (12.5%), motorcycle/scooter (9.3%) and car/truck (7.8%) respectively. Poular, Serer and Mandingue women had 10% (aHR= 0.90; 95% CI: 0.84–0.98), 19% (aHR= 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74–0.90) and 14% (aHR= 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76–0.97) reduction in the risk of reporting distance as a barrier in reaching a health facility, when compared with Wolof women. In addition, women from Dakar, Ziguinchor, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Kaolack, Thiès, Louga, Fatick, Kolda, Matam, Kaffrine, Kedougou and Sedhiou had higher risk of reporting distance as a barrier in reaching a health facility, when compared with women from Diourbel region. Rural women had 36% higher risk of reporting distance as a barrier in reaching a health facility (aHR= 1.36; 95% CI: 1.27–1.44), when compared with their urban counterparts. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, rural and remote women have distance as a barrier to health facility visit. The travel time to a health facility is a critical indicator of the burden of distance to health facility and can therefore better inform health services planning for people residing in rural and remote locations in Senegal.

Circadian photoreception influences loss aversion