Search Results (348)

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, arising from a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Although the role of micronutrients in cancer development has received limited attention, growing evidence suggests that vitamins, particularly vitamin D, may influence oncogenic pathways. This hypothesis manuscript explores the potential interaction between vitamin D and the oncogenic long non-coding RNA HOTAIR, providing a novel mechanistic explanation for the inverse correlation between vitamin D status and cancer risk. We support our hypothesis with in silico docking evidence, suggesting that vitamin D binds to bioactive domains within the structured regions of HOTAIR, potentially disrupting its interaction with chromatin regulators such as PRC2. This concept may offer a novel approach to cancer prevention and therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia exhibits symptoms linked to the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus. This includes the entorhinal cortex (ERC) and perirhinal cortex (PRC) as anterior parts, along with the posterior segment known as the parahippocampal cortex (PHC). However, recent research has detailed atlases based on cytoarchitectural characteristics and the hippocampus divided into four subregions: cornu ammonis (CA), dentate gyrus (DG), subiculum (SUB), and hippocampal–amygdaloid transition (HATA). This study aimed to explore the functional connectivity (FC) changes between these hippocampal subregions and the parahippocampal gyrus structures (ERC, PRC, and PHC) as well as between hippocampal subregions and various functional brain networks in schizophrenia. Methods: In total, 50 individuals with schizophrenia and 50 matched healthy subjects were examined using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Results: The results showed alterations characterized by increases and decreases in the strength of the positive connectivity between the parahippocampal gyrus structures and the four hippocampal subregions when comparing patients with schizophrenia with healthy subjects. Alterations were observed among the hippocampal subregions and functional brain networks, as well as the formation of new connections and absence of connections. Conclusions: There is strong evidence that the different subregions of the hippocampus have unique functions and their connectivity with the parahippocampal cortices and brain networks are affected by schizophrenia. Full article

Background: The typification of the name Aegilops tauschii Coss. (Poaceae: Triticeae) is revisited. Several authors cited a gathering from Iberia as the locality and Buxbaum as the collector of as the type, but no actual specimens from this collection have been located, nor is there evidence that such a gathering existed. In 1994, van Slageren designated as lectotype an illustration from Buxbaum’s Plantarum minus cognitarum centuria I (1728), which, although original material, is not the only element cited in the protologue. The protologue mentions several gatherings, some of which are represented by identifiable herbarium specimens qualifying as syntypes. Methods: This work is based on the analysis of the protologue of Aegilops tauschii and the study of specimens conserved in several herbaria. According to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN, Shenzhen Code 2018), an illustration does not hold the same nomenclatural weight as preserved specimens cited in the protologue. Therefore, van Slageren’s lectotypification does not comply with Art. 9.12 of the ICN and must be superseded. Results: The original material includes multiple elements, and a new lectotype is designated from a specimen at PRC from Azerbaijan. Full article

Acetate may act as a signaling molecule, regulating Paracin 1.7 production via quorum sensing (QS) in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HD1.7. The “acetate switch” phenomenon requires mechanistic exploration to optimize Paracin 1.7 production. The “acetate switch” phenomenon delays with higher glucose levels (30 h, 36 h, and 96 h). Before the occurrence of the “acetate switch”, the ATP content increases and peaks at the “acetate switch” point and the NAD⁺/NADH ratio decreases, indicating energy changes. Moreover, the QS genes used for the pre-regulation of bacteriocin, such as prcKR, comCDE, were highly expressed. After the “acetate switch”, the ATP content decreased and the QS genes for the post-regulation of bacteriocin were highly expressed, such as rggs234 and sigma70-1/70-2. The “acetate switch” could act as an energy switch, regulating bacterial growth and QS genes. Before and after the “acetate switch”, some metabolic pathways were significantly altered according to the transcriptomic analysis by HD1.7 and HD1.7-Δpta. In this study, acetate was used as an input signal to regulate the two-component system, significantly influencing the bacteriocin expression system. And this study clarifies the roles of acetate, energy, and quorum sensing in promoting Paracin 1.7 production, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the bacteriocin fermentation process of HD1.7. Full article

The histone H2A variant H2AZ plays pivotal roles in shaping chromatin architecture and regulating gene expression. We recently identified H2AZ.2 in histone H2A lysine 119 ubiquitination (H2AK119ub)-enriched nucleosomes, but it is not known whether its highly related isoform H2AZ.1 also regulates this modification. In this study, we employed isoform-specific epitope-tagged knock-in mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines to dissect the roles of each isoform in Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1)-mediated H2AK119ub. Our results show that H2AZ.1 and H2AZ.2 share highly overlapping genomic binding profiles, both co-localizing extensively with H2AK119ub-enriched loci. The knockdown of either isoform led to reduced H2AK119ub levels; however, the two isoforms appear to function through distinct mechanisms. H2AZ.1 facilitates the recruitment of Ring1B, the catalytic subunit of PRC1, thereby promoting the deposition of H2AK119ub. In contrast, H2AZ.2 does not significantly affect Ring1B recruitment but instead functions as a structural component that stabilizes H2AK119ub-modified nucleosomes. In vitro ubiquitination assays indicate that H2AZ.1-containing nucleosomes serve as more efficient substrates for PRC1-mediated ubiquitination compared to those containing H2AZ.2. Thus, these findings define the distinct mechanisms of the two H2AZ variants in regulated PRC1-mediated H2AK119 ubiquitination and highlight a functional division of labor in epigenetic regulation. Full article

Generational differences in news media trust are mainly studied in Western contexts and remain underexplored in non-Western societies. Drawing on the theory of generations, this study investigates the potential generational gaps in the levels and determinants of news media trust in China. Three analyses are conducted using data from the World Values Survey (WVS) in mainland China. Findings indicate a significant decline in news media trust levels from the Early PRC Generation (–1961) through the Cultural Revolution Generation (1962–1977), the Reform and Opening-up Generation (1978–1991), to the Globalization Generation (1992–). Notably, generation moderates the relationship between news media trust and its determinants. From older to younger generations, the influence of political trust on news media trust gradually weakens, while the impact of authoritarian personality increases. This study offers explanations for the dynamic changes in news media trust from the perspective of generational shifts. Full article

Background: Metastatic prostate cancer (mPrC), with a median survival of under 2 years, represents an important unmet medical need which may benefit from the development of more effective targeted drug delivery systems. Several cell surface receptors have been identified as candidates for targeted drug delivery to mPrC cells; however, these receptors were selected for their overabundance on PrC cells rather than for their suitability for targeted delivery and uptake of cytotoxic drug payloads. Methods: We describe a novel, unbiased strategy to isolate peptides that fulfill functional criteria required for effective intracellular drug delivery and the specific cytotoxicity of PrC cells without prior knowledge of the targeted receptor. Phage clones displaying 7-mer cyclic peptides were negatively selected in vivo and then positively biopanned through a series of parent and drug-resistant mPrC cells. Peptides from the internalized clones were then subjected to a panel of biochemical and functional tests that led to the selection of several peptide candidates. Results: The selected peptides do not bind PSMA. Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) incorporating one of the peptides selectively killed wild-type and drug-resistant PrC cell lines and patient PrC cells but not normal prostate tissue cells in vitro. The PDC also halted the growth of PC3 tumors in a xenograft model. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that adding unbiased, functional criteria into drug carrier selection protocols can lead to the discovery of novel peptides with appropriate properties required for effective targeted drug delivery into target cancer cells. Full article

The radial magnetic bearing system is an open-loop, unstable, strong nonlinear system with a high rotor speed, predisposition to jitter, and poor interference immunity. The system is subjected to the main interference generated by gravity, and rotor imbalance and sensor runout seriously affect the system’s rotor position control performance. A plug-in repetitive control method based on equivalent-input-disturbance (EID) is presented to address the issue of decreased control accuracy of the magnetic bearing system caused by disturbances from gravity, rotor imbalance, and sensor runout. First, a linearized model of the magnetic bearing rotor containing parameter fluctuations due to the eddy current effect and temperature rise effect is established, and a plug-in repetitive controller (PRC) is designed to enhance the rejection effect of periodic disturbances. Next, an EID system is introduced, and a Luenberger observer is used to estimate the state variables and disturbances of the system. The estimates of the EID are then used for feedforward compensation to address the issue of large overshoot in the system. Finally, simulations are conducted for comparison with the PID control method and PRC control method. The plug-in repetitive controller method assessed in this paper improves control performance by an average of 87.9% and 57.7% and reduces the amount of over-shooting by an average of 66.5% under various classes of disturbances, which proves the efficiency of the control method combining a plug-in repetitive controller with the EID theory. Full article

The Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center (MSM-PRC) conducted a Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment (CHNAA) survey using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. In this article, we will demonstrate the application of CBPR in informing research agenda and implementation strategies. We will discuss the practical considerations and potential benefits of engaging the community in data collection, interpretation, and utilization to address community health challenges. Emphasizing collaboration, co-learning, and respect, and guided by the CBPR principles, CHNAA ensured that community voices led to the identification and integration of the research priorities. Overseen by the Community Coalition Board (CCB) and its Data Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) Committee, the survey featured closed- and open-ended questions addressing social determinants of health. Out of 1000 targeted participants, 754 provided valid responses, with a 75% response rate. Most respondents were female and represented a racially diverse group. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis revealed that key health concerns were diabetes, COVID-19, mental health, and high blood pressure. Barriers to care included lack of food access, affordable housing, and limited mental health services. The findings led to five public health initiatives launched between 2023 and 2024 demonstrating the CBPR model’s effectiveness in aligning community needs with actionable solutions. Full article

This study examines the symmetric and asymmetric impacts of international trade on consumption-based carbon emissions (CBEs) in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States of America (USA) from 1990 to 2018. The analysis uses autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and non-linear ARDL (NARDL) methodologies to capture short- and long-run trade emissions dynamics, with economic growth, oil prices, financial development and industry value addition as control variables. The findings reveal that exports reduce CBEs, while imports increase them, across both economies in the long and short run. The asymmetric analysis highlights that a fall in exports increases CBEs in the USA but reduces them in the PRC due to differences in supply chain flexibility. The PRC demonstrates larger coefficients for trade variables, reflecting its reliance on energy-intensive imports and rapid trade growth. The error correction term shows that the PRC takes 2.64 times longer than the USA to return to equilibrium after short-run shocks, reflecting systemic rigidity. These findings challenge the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, showing that economic growth intensifies CBEs. Robustness checks confirm the results, highlighting the need for tailored policies, including carbon border adjustments, renewable energy integration and CBE-based accounting frameworks. Full article

Introduction: This study examines the combined use of objective physiological measures (heart rate [HR], heart rate variability [HRV]) and subjective self-reports to gain a comprehensive understanding of anxiety reduction mechanisms—specifically, habituation—in the context of Virtual Reality Exposure (VRE) for public speaking anxiety (PSA). The present study evaluated whether a single-session, personalized VRE intervention could effectively reduce PSA. Methods: A total of 39 university students (mean age = 20.97, SD = 3.05) with clinically significant PSA were randomly assigned to a VRE group or a control group. Participants completed a 2 min speech task before and after the intervention and reported subjective distress (Subjective Units of Distress, SUDs), public speaking confidence (Personal Report of Confidence as a Speaker, PRCS), and willingness to speak in public. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV; RMSSD) were recorded at baseline and during speech tasks. The VRE protocol used personalized, hierarchical exposure to virtual audiences, with repeated trials until a criterion reduction in SUDs was achieved. Non-parametric analyses assessed group and time effects. Results: VRE participants showed significant reductions in subjective distress (p < 0.001) and HR (p < 0.001), with HR returning to baseline post-intervention. No such reductions were observed in the control group. Willingness to speak improved significantly only in the VRE group (p = 0.001). HRV did not differ significantly across time or groups. Conclusions: A single, personalized VRE session can produce measurable reductions in PSA, particularly in subjective distress and autonomic arousal, supporting habituation as a primary mechanism of change, even after one session. The lack of HRV change suggests that emotion regulation may require more prolonged interventions. These findings support VRE’s potential as an efficient and scalable treatment option for PSA. Full article

Interorganizational risk management (IRM) in Canadian ports faces significant challenges due to the interconnected nature of operations and the interdependence of safety, security, environmental, organizational, and technological risks. Existing siloed risk management frameworks often fail to capture these dynamic interrelations, underscoring the need for a more integrated, systemic approach. This study introduces a Port Risk Control Structure (PRCS) designed specifically for Canadian Port Authorities (CPAs), based on the Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP). The PRCS maps control actions, feedback loops, and stakeholder roles across international, national, and local levels to better reflect the layered nature of port governance. The model aims to clarify the roles of key actors, such as the International Maritime Organization, Transport Canada, and local port stakeholders, and is designed to facilitate more structured risk identification, communication, and coordination across organizational levels. Although the model has not yet been empirically validated, its design suggests strong potential for scalability and adaptability across diverse port contexts. This research contributes to IRM literature by illustrating how STAMP principles can be operationalized within port systems. Future research will focus on integrating a taxonomy of IRM challenges to refine control structures and feedback mechanisms in response to evolving risks. Full article

This study developed a novel pulsation-fluidized bed system, and the device was integrated into a reflux classifier to enhance the preconcentration of antimony oxide ore. The diaphragm-based pulsation device converts a stable upward water flow into a vertically alternating pulsation flow. By precisely controlling the pulsation parameters and optimizing operational conditions, the density-based stratification of particles can be significantly enhanced, thereby improving bed layering and effectively reducing entrainment. An antimony oxide ore from flotation tailings with an Sb grade of 0.8% was used as the feed material to evaluate the performance of the pulsation reflux classifier (PRC). Under optimized conditions, the PRC produced a concentrate with an Sb grade of 5.48% and a recovery of 81.68%, corresponding to a high separation efficiency of 70.97%. The response surface statistical model revealed that the interaction between the fluidization rate and pulsation frequency significantly enhanced the Sb grade of the concentrate, while pulsation stroke was identified as the key factor influencing separation efficiency. Furthermore, the variation in bed profile parameters with changing pulsation characteristics elucidates the interplay between particle suspension, stratification, and fluid disturbances. This study demonstrates that pulsation fluidization significantly enhances the separation performance of the reflux classifier, offering a new approach for the efficient preconcentration of complex fine-grained minerals. Full article

Background: Differentiating histologic subtypes of fat-poor small renal masses using conventional imaging remains difficult due to their overlapping radiologic characteristics. We aimed to develop a machine learning-based diagnostic model using CT-derived radiomic features to classify the five most common renal tumor subtypes: clear cell RCC (ccRCC), papillary RCC (pRCC), chromophobe RCC (chRCC), angiomyolipoma (AML), and oncocytoma. Methods: A total of 499 patients with pathologically confirmed renal tumors who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT and nephrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Results: We extracted and analyzed radiomic features from 1548 multi-phase CT scans from 499 patients, focusing on fat-poor tumors. Five machine learning classifiers including Linear SVM, Rbf SVM, Random Forest, and XGBoost were involved. Among the models, XGBoost showed the best classification performance, with an average AU-PRC: mean = 0.757, standard error = 0.033 and a renal angiomyolipoma-specific AU-ROC: mean = 0.824, standard error = 0.023. These results outperformed other single-phase CT radiomic feature-based machine learning models trained with 20% of principal components. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of radiomics-based machine learning in classifying renal tumor subtypes and highlights the potential of AI in medical imaging. The findings, particularly the utility of single-phase CT and feature optimization, offer valuable insights for future precision medicine approaches. Such methods may support more personalized diagnosis and treatment planning in renal oncology. Full article

This article presents a novel methodology for auditing urban regulatory frameworks through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) using the case of Greater Santiago as an empirical laboratory. Based on the semantic analysis of 31 communal zoning ordinances (Planes Reguladores Comunales, PRCs), the study uncovers how legal structures actively reproduce socio-spatial inequalities under the guise of normative neutrality. The DeepSeek-R1 model, fine-tuned for Chilean legal-urban discourse, was used, enabling the detection of normative asymmetries, omissions, and structural fragmentation. Key findings indicate that affluent communes, such as Vitacura and Las Condes, display detailed and incentive-rich regulations, while peripheral municipalities lack provisions for social housing, participatory mechanisms, or climate resilience, thereby reinforcing exclusionary patterns. The analysis also introduces a scalable rubric-based evaluation system and GIS visualizations to synthetize regulatory disparities across the metropolitan area. Methodologically, the study shows how domain-adapted AI can extend regulatory scrutiny beyond manual limitations, while substantively contributing to debates on spatial justice, institutional fragmentation, and regulatory opacity in urban planning. The results call for binding mechanisms that align local zoning with metropolitan equity goals and highlight the potential of automated audits to inform reform agendas in the Global South. Full article