Search Results (6,744)

Climate change and the global energy crisis have led to an increasing need for greenhouse gas remediation and clean energy sources. The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is a promising solution for both issues as it harvests waste CO₂ and chemically reduces it to more useful forms. However, the high overpotential required for the reaction makes it electrochemically unfavorable. Here, we fabricate a novel electrode composed of TiO₂ nanoparticles grown in situ on MXene charge acceptor 2D sheets with excellent CO₂RR characteristics. A straightforward solvothermal method was used to grow the nanoparticles on the Ti₃C₂T_x MXene flakes. The electrochemical performance of the TiO₂/MXene electrodes was analyzed. The Faradaic efficiencies of the TiO₂/MXene electrodes were determined, with a value of 99.41% at −1.9 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Density functional theory mechanistic analysis was used to reveal the most likely mechanism resulting in the production of one CO molecule along with a carbonate anion through ∗CO, ∗O, and activated CO₂²⁻ intermediates. Bader charge analysis corroborated this pathway, showing that CO₂ gains a greater negative charge when TiO₂/MXene serves as a catalyst compared to MXene or TiO₂ alone. These results show that TiO₂/MXene nanocomposite electrodes may be very useful in the conversion of CO₂ while still being efficient in both time and cost. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic disorder associated with serious health consequences, yet many cases remain undiagnosed due to limited access to standard diagnostic tools such as polysomnography. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled the development of deep convolutional neural networks that analyze craniofacial radiographs, particularly lateral cephalograms, to detect anatomical risk factors for OSA. The goal of this approach is not to replace polysomnography but to identify individuals with a high suspicion of OSA at the primary care or dental level and to guide them toward timely and appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Current studies have demonstrated that AI can recognize patterns of oropharyngeal crowding and anatomical imbalance of the upper airway with high accuracy, often exceeding manual assessment. Furthermore, interpretability analyses suggest that AI focuses on clinically meaningful regions, including the tongue, mandible, and upper airway. Unexpected findings such as predictive signals from outside the airway also suggest AI may detect subtle features associated with age or obesity. Ultimately, integrating AI with cephalometric imaging may support early screening and referral for polysomnography, improving care pathways and reducing delays in OSA treatment. Full article

Larix gmelinii is the fourth most important tree species in China and a typical zonal climax species in the cold temperate region, with high ecological and resource value. However, intensive logging, high-density afforestation, and insufficient scientific management have led to overly dense, homogeneous, and unstable plantations, severely limiting productivity. To clarify the mechanisms by which structural dynamics regulate productivity, we established a space-for-time sequence (T1–T3, T2-D, CK) under a consistent early-tending background. Using the “1 + 4” nearest-neighbor framework and six spatial structural parameters, we developed tree and forest spatial structure indices (TSSI and FSSI) and integrated nine structural–functional indicators for multivariate analysis. The results showed that TSSI and FSSI effectively characterized multi-level stability and supported stability classification. Along the stand-age gradient, structural stability and spatial use efficiency improved significantly, with FSSI and biomass per hectare (BPH) increasing by 91% and 18% from T1 to T3, though a “structural improvement–functional lag” occurred at T2. Moderate thinning markedly optimized stand configuration, reducing low-stability individuals from 86.45% in T1 to 42.65% in T2-D, while DBH, crown width, FSSI, and BPH (229.87 t·hm⁻²) increased to near natural-forest levels. At the tree scale, DBH, tree height, crown width, and TSSI were positive drivers, whereas a high height–diameter ratio (HDR) constrained growth. At the stand scale, canopy density, species richness, and mean DBH promoted FSSI and BPH, while mean HDR and stand density imposed major constraints. A critical management window was identified when DBH < 25 cm, HDR > 10, and TSSI < 0.25 (approximately 10–30 years post-planting). We propose a stepwise, moderate, and targeted thinning strategy with necessary underplanting to reduce density and slenderness, increase diameter and canopy structure, and enhance diversity, thereby accelerating the synergy between stability and productivity. This framework provides a practical pathway for the scientific management and high-quality development of L. gmelinii plantations. Full article

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances globally and is a common component of daily diets, particularly among women of reproductive age. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated potential adverse effects of prenatal caffeine exposure, including disturbances in fetal growth, metabolic dysregulation, organ malformations, and neurodevelopmental alterations. These findings suggest that caffeine may influence multiple physiological pathways during gestation, including epigenetic modifications and metabolic programming. However, evidence from human studies remains heterogeneous and often inconclusive. Recent cohort studies and meta-analyses have reported that moderate maternal caffeine intake is not significantly associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia, although higher intake levels have been linked to anemia, preterm birth, and low birth weight in some populations. Furthermore, emerging data suggest potential associations between prenatal caffeine exposure and early neurodevelopmental outcomes, including behavioral changes, subtle structural brain differences, and alterations in offspring metabolic health and obesity risk. Despite these findings, the magnitude and clinical relevance of these effects remain uncertain, partly due to variability in caffeine sources, dosages, study designs, and reliance on self-reported intake. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on maternal caffeine consumption, its impact on pregnancy complications, fetal development, and long-term child health outcomes. By integrating experimental and clinical data, the study provides a comprehensive overview that may assist clinicians and healthcare professionals in counseling pregnant women regarding caffeine intake and potential risks. Full article

Leaf senescence is the final, programmed stage of leaf development, marked by nutrient remobilization and tightly regulated molecular events. Although alternative splicing has emerged as a major regulator of plant development, its role in isoform switching during leaf aging remains poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of isoform switching in Arabidopsis, leveraging publicly available RNA-seq data from mature (16-day-old) and senescent (30-day-old) leaves, analyzed with the IsoformSwitchAnalyzeR package. Between these two developmental stages, we identified 269 genes exhibiting 377 significant isoform switches collectively predicted to alter protein localization, coding potential, and transcript stability. Experimental validation confirmed predicted switching at the PUS3 (Pseudouridine Synthase 3) locus, with sequence analysis revealing an age-dependent shift from mitochondrial-targeted to cytoplasmic isoforms. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis of switching genes revealed 82 significant terms, prominently associated with metabolism, gene expression, developmental regulation, and stress responses. Interestingly, we found nearly one-third of switching genes to overlap with known targets of the splicing factor SR45, with enrichment in pathways related to nucleotide and amino acid metabolism, energy production, and developmental processes. Correspondingly, dark-induced senescence assays revealed accelerated senescence in the sr45 mutant, confirming SR45′s role in regulating leaf aging. Specific complementation of SR45′s two isoforms revealed contrasting functions, with SR45.1 restoring normal senescence timing while SR45.2 failed to complement. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that differential isoform usage, orchestrated by specific splicing regulators, plays a critical role in leaf aging. This insight opens new avenues for manipulating senescence and engineering stay-green traits in crops. Full article

Bone metastases continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced cancers, driven by the dynamic remodeling of the bone marrow niche. Traditionally viewed as passive space-fillers, bone marrow adipocytes (BMAs) are now recognized as active regulators of tumor growth, therapeutic resistance, and skeletal pathology. BMAs comprise a significant portion of the adult marrow space, particularly in aging and obesity, and facilitate metastatic colonization through various mechanisms. These include metabolic coupling, where adipocyte-derived fatty acids fuel tumor oxidative phosphorylation; the secretion of adipokines such as leptin and IL-6, which promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and immune evasion; regulation of osteoclastogenesis via RANKL expression; and the release of extracellular vesicles that reprogram cancer cell metabolism. Clinical and experimental studies show that BMA expansion correlates with increased tumor burden and poorer outcomes in breast, prostate, lung cancers, and multiple myeloma. Additionally, BMAs actively promote therapeutic resistance through metabolic rewiring and drug sequestration. Experimental models, ranging from in vitro co-cultures to in vivo patient-derived xenografts, demonstrate the complex roles of BMAs and also reveal important translational gaps. Despite promising preclinical approaches such as metabolic inhibitors, PPARγ modulation, adipokine blockade, and lifestyle changes, no therapies directly targeting BMAs have yet reached clinical practice. This review compiles current evidence on the biology of BMAs, their tumor-promoting interactions, and potential therapeutic strategies, while also highlighting unresolved questions about BMA heterogeneity, lipid flux, and immunometabolic crosstalk. By revealing how bone marrow adipocytes actively shape the metastatic niche through metabolic, endocrine, and immunological pathways, this review highlights their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving the management of bone metastases. Full article

Background: Pathological pregnancy is associated with various complications that may affect the health of both the mother and her offspring. In recent years, lipid metabolites such as hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE) fatty acids and hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE) fatty acids have gained increasing interest as potential biomarkers of pathological processes in pregnancy. The aims of the present study were to investigate changes in HETE and HODE levels during pathological pregnancy and to assess their potential role in the development and monitoring of pregnancy complications. Attempts were made to determine associations in cross-sectional studies and relationships in longitudinal ones. Methods: In this study, a liquid chromatograph (HPLC) was used to separate the eicosanoids. The study group consisted of 72 Caucasian women, divided into a control group (n = 51) and a group with non-physiological pregnancy (n = 21). Results: The study results show that the levels of the tested metabolites of the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways increased as pregnancy progressed. Women with non-physiological courses of pregnancy who developed gestational diabetes and/or preeclampsia were characterized by dysregulation of the inflammatory signaling processes involving eicosanoids. Conclusions: Carbohydrate abnormalities during pregnancy were mainly associated with increased synthesis of 5-oxoETE and the use of 5-HETE in the control group but were not visible in the diabetic group. HODE acids probably do not play a significant role in pathological pregnancy. The relatively small size of the pathological group and the wide range of gestational age mean that the tests should be standardized and carried out on a larger scale. Full article

The sugar alcohol erythritol occurs naturally in fruits and fermented foods, is used as a sweetener, and is also endogenously synthesized via the pentose-phosphate pathway and metabolized into erythronate. Untargeted metabolomic studies have associated elevated plasma erythritol and erythronate concentrations with metabolic disorders, while weight loss has been linked to decreased plasma erythritol concentrations. In this trial, two complementary analyses were performed to identify predictors of fasting erythritol and erythronate concentrations across different populations and to assess changes in these metabolites following bariatric surgery-induced weight loss. Fasting plasma samples from 30 lean adolescents, 50 lean adults, and 138 adults with obesity (including 15 who had undergone bariatric surgery) were analyzed to measure erythritol, erythronate, glucose, and insulin concentrations. Across all populations, age but not body mass index (BMI), glucose, or insulin, was a significant predictor of fasting erythritol concentrations. Fasting erythronate concentrations were associated with both age and BMI. Post-surgery, change in BMI but not fasting glucose or insulin was a predictor of changes in fasting erythritol concentrations, while time was the only predictor of changes in fasting erythronate concentrations. Although the metabolic processes regulating the endogenous erythritol and erythronate production remain unclear, our findings suggest that age-related physiological changes may influence fasting concentrations of both erythritol and erythronate. Full article

Metformin, an oral antihyperglycemic drug, represents the cornerstone of pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Its primary glucose-lowering effects are well established, predominantly mediated through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This activation leads to a reduction in hepatic glucose production (primarily by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis) and an increase in peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Beyond its direct impact on glucose metabolism, metformin also improves insulin sensitivity and has beneficial effects on lipid profiles. Increasingly, research shows that metformin has pleiotropic effects. In addition to its recognized antihyperglycemic action, metformin is emerging as a regulator of cellular processes implicated in aging. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests a potential role of metformin in modulating pathways associated with longevity and ameliorating the symptoms of age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases), cardiovascular diseases, age-related macular degeneration, and osteoporosis. The proposed mechanisms for these broader effects involve AMPK activation, modulation of the mTOR pathway, reduction of oxidative stress, and promotion of autophagy. After exploring the established role of metformin in T2D, this review provides a comprehensive investigation of its promising applications in the context of age-related diseases, offering valuable insights into its multifaceted therapeutic potential beyond glycemic control. Full article

Background/Objectives: The glymphatic system is a recently characterized glial-dependent waste clearance pathway in the brain, which makes use of perivascular spaces for cerebrospinal fluid exchange. Diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) offers a non-invasive method for estimating perivascular flow, but its biological specificity and susceptibility to methodological variation, particularly head position during MRI acquisition, remain as threats to the validity of this technique. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of current DTI-ALPS practices, evaluate the impact of head orientation on ALPS index calculation, and propose a novel computational approach to improve measurement validity. Methods: We briefly reviewed DTI-ALPS literature to determine the use of head-orientation correction strategies. We then analyzed diffusion MRI data from 172 participants in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) to quantify the influence of head orientation on ALPS indices computed using the conventional Unrotated-ALPS, a vecrec-corrected ALPS, and the new LD-ALPS method proposed within. Results: A majority of studies employed Unrotated-ALPS, which does not correct for head orientation. In our sample, Unrotated-ALPS values were significantly associated with absolute head pitch (r₁₆₉ = −0.513, p < 0.001), indicating systematic bias. This relationship was eliminated using either vecreg or LD-ALPS. Additionally, LD-ALPS showed more sensitivity to cognitive status as measured by Mini-Mental State Examination scores. Conclusions: Correcting for head orientation is essential in DTI-ALPS studies. The LD-ALPS method, while computationally more demanding, improves the reliability and sensitivity of perivascular fluid estimates, supporting its use in future research on aging and neurodegeneration. Full article

Exercise plays a crucial role in promoting overall health by activating molecular pathways that contribute to the prevention and management of chronic diseases, slowing epigenetic aging, improving body composition, and reducing the risk of obesity. In skeletal muscle, these benefits are largely mediated by exercise-induced transcriptional and epigenetic responses. Recent advances in epigenetics have intensified interest in understanding how physical activity influences long-term health and body composition at the molecular level. Epigenetic modifications, which regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, are key mechanisms in this process. Emerging research has provided deeper insights into the processes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs, and their connection to exercise. While numerous studies have demonstrated the influence of exercise on the epigenome, fewer have directly examined how these molecular changes relate to alterations in fat mass, lean body mass, and other components of body composition. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current evidence on the interplay between exercise, epigenetic regulation, and body composition, with a focus on adolescents and adults. We highlight key genes involved in metabolism, fat storage, muscle development, and epigenetic aging, and explore how their regulation may contribute to individual variability in exercise response. Understanding these molecular pathways may provide valuable insights for optimizing exercise interventions aimed at improving health outcomes across the lifespan. Full article

Background: Craniofrontonasal dysplasia (CFND) is an X-linked developmental disorder caused by mutations in the EFNB1 gene located on chromosome Xq13. This gene encodes ephrin-B1, a ligand for Eph receptors, which is involved in cell signaling pathways and the development of the nervous and vascular systems, as well as facial and cranial structures. Paradoxically, the syndrome manifests with greater severity in heterozygous females, whereas hemizygous males typically present with mild or no abnormalities. Methods and Results: We report the case of a late preterm female neonate with dysmorphic features at birth, who subsequently developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) caused by thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery. Extensive bowel resection led to short bowel syndrome, resulting in cholestatic liver disease, malabsorption, and growth impairment. Array-comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH) analysis identified a ~791 Kb microduplication at Xq13.1, encompassing the EFNB1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of CFND. She was enrolled in a multidisciplinary follow-up program and, at 2 years of age, presents with marked growth and neurodevelopmental delay. Conclusions: This report describes a rare association between CFND and NEC caused by superior mesenteric artery thrombosis. To the best of our knowledge, no previously reported cases of CFND associated with thrombosis or thrombosis-related conditions, including NEC, have been identified. This is based on a literature review (2004–2025) performed using PubMed and Scopus, and limited to English-language case reports and reviews. Full article

High-performance electrical contact materials are crucial for electric power systems, new energy vehicles, and rail transportation, as their properties directly impact the reliability and safety of electronic devices. Enhancing these materials not only improves energy efficiency but also offers notable environmental and economic advantages. However, traditional composite contact materials often suffer from poor dispersion of the reinforcing phase, which restricts further performance improvement. Graphene (G), with its unique two-dimensional structure and exceptional electrical, mechanical, and tribological properties, is considered an ideal reinforcement for metal matrix composites. Yet, its tendency to agglomerate poses a significant challenge to achieving uniform dispersion. To overcome this, the study introduces a dual approach: modulation of the zeta potential (ζ) in the silver-plated liquid to enhance G’s dispersion stability, and concurrent optimization of the composite electrodeposition process. Experimental results demonstrate that this synergistic strategy enables the uniform distribution of G within the silver matrix. The resulting silver–graphene (Ag-G) composite coatings exhibit outstanding overall performance at both micro and macro levels. This work offers a novel and effective pathway for the design of advanced electrical contact materials with promising application potential. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting men more frequently than women, a difference that might be due to many factors, including sexual hormones. Estrogens seem to confer a protective effect on the nigrostriatal pathway in experimental studies but their effects on cognition in patients with PD are unknown. Aim: To investigate the impact of the exogenous and endogenous estrogens on cognitive impairment in women with PD. Methods and materials: We recruited and consecutively interviewed outpatient women affected by PD. Each patient underwent a cognitive assessment via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA), an anamnestic collection of the reproductive lifespan variables and clinical features. We investigated if some of the reproductive lifespan variables investigated could predict cognition outcomes in post-menopausal women with PD. Results: A total of 90 women with PD were recruited. Women with MoCA ≥ 26 (n = 27) had a lower median age at menarche (11 [11,12] vs. 13 [12–14], p < 0.0001), lower disease duration in years (8.3 [6.1–12.7] vs. 9.4 [6–12.7], p = 0.6), and less advanced disease (1 [1,2] vs. 2 [1–3], p = 0.02). Among all the reproductive life-span variables, only earlier age at menarche significantly predicted higher scores on MoCA (aOR = 0.5 [0.3–0.8], p = 0.005). No other clinical and reproductive factors have been shown to have an influence on cognitive scores. Conclusions: Age at menarche correlated with cognitive outcomes. Our study suggests that earlier exposure to endogenous estrogens during a phase of development and plasticity of the brain might preserve women with PD from cognitive decline. Full article

In this study, SweAMI FISH fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the spatiotemporal expression characteristics of the TBXT gene and Brachyury protein in 16-day-old Hulunbuir sheep embryos and 19-day-old Hu sheep embryos and to explore their regulatory effects on the development of sheep tails and related organs. The study showed the following: At 16 days of embryonic age, the TBXT gene was concentratedly expressed in the heart, somites, neural tube, and mesonephros of both sheep breeds; at 19 days of embryonic age, it was concentratedly expressed in the limb ectoderm and tail bud of Hulunbuir sheep, and in the midgut and tail bud of Hu sheep. At 16 days of embryonic age, the BRACHYURY protein was concentratedly expressed in the neural tube, somites, brain vesicles, and mesonephros of both sheep breeds; at 19 days of embryonic age, it was concentratedly expressed in the heart and hindgut of Hulunbuir sheep, and in the tail bud and hindgut of Hu sheep. In summary, this shows that there are differences in the temporal and spatial expressions of the TBXT gene and BRACHYURY protein between the two sheep breeds. There are also site-specific and time-specific differences in the regulation of the above genes and proteins during tail and related organ development between the two breeds, which confirms that the molecular regulation pathways of tail and related organ development are different between the two breeds. This study provides an experimental basis for screening molecular markers related to goat tail development and breed improvement. Full article