Search Results (9,667)

Chinese coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs exhibit characteristically low recovery rates due to adsorbed gas dominance and “three-low” properties (low permeability, low pressure, and low saturation). CO₂ thermal drive (CTD) technology addresses this challenge by leveraging dual mechanisms—thermal desorption and displacement to enhance production; however, its effectiveness necessitates uniform fracture networks for temperature field homogeneity—a requirement unmet by conventional long-fracture fracturing. To bridge this gap, a coupled seepage–heat–stress–fracture model was developed, and the temperature field evolution during CTD in coal under non-uniform fracture networks was determined. Integrating multi-cluster fracture propagation with stress barrier and intra-stage stress differential characteristics, a stress-barrier-responsive diverting fracturing technology meeting CTD requirements was established. Results demonstrate that high in situ stress and significant stress differentials induce asymmetric fracture propagation, generating detrimental CO₂ channeling pathways and localized temperature cold islands that drastically reduce CTD efficiency. Further examination of multi-cluster fracture dynamics identifies stress shadow effects and intra-stage stress differentials as primary controlling factors. To overcome these constraints, an innovative fracture network uniformity control technique is proposed, leveraging synergistic interactions between diverting parameters and stress barriers through precise particle size gradation (16–18 mm targeting toe obstruction versus 19–21 mm sealing heel), optimized pumping displacements modulation (6 m³/min enhancing heel efficiency contrasted with 10 m³/min improving toe coverage), and calibrated diverting concentrations (34.6–46.2% ensuring uniform cluster intake). This methodology incorporates dynamic intra-stage adjustments where large-particle/low-rate combinations suppress toe flow in heel-dominant high-stress zones, small-particle/high-rate approaches control heel migration in toe-dominant high-stress zones, and elevated concentrations (57.7–69.2%) activate mid-cluster fractures in central high-stress zones—collectively establishing a tailored framework that facilitates precise flow regulation, enhances thermal conformance, and achieves dual thermal conduction and adsorption displacement objectives for CTD applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mindfulness has expanded from seated meditation to include embodied practices emphasizing somatic awareness and emotional regulation. Dance offers a creative, accessible pathway to mindfulness, especially in non-clinical settings where movement-based approaches may better support self-regulation, interoception, and well-being. This scoping review investigated empirical studies on dance-based mindfulness interventions targeting non-clinical, amateur and recreational populations. Methods: Six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible studies combined dance with mindfulness and somatic movement practices and were conducted with non-professional participants of all ages in non-clinical settings. Study selection, data extraction, and appraisal followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results: Ten empirical studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning diverse populations from primary school children to older adults. Interventions included Dance/Movement Therapy, ballet with yoga, Sufi-inspired group dance, and school- or community-based mindful movement programs. Reported outcomes included improvements in body awareness, emotional regulation, stress reduction, self-compassion, social connection, and overall well-being. A thematic synthesis identified five domains: (1) psychological and emotional outcomes, (2) embodiment and self-compassion, (3) relational and social benefits, (4) feasibility and acceptability, and (5) sustained and preventive effects. Conclusions: Dance-based mindfulness interventions in recreational contexts show promising psychosomatic and emotional benefits. Although the current empirical base is limited and methodologically diverse, this scoping review provides a necessary foundation for understanding this emerging field. There remains a strong need for interventions that are theoretically grounded, culturally sensitive, and pedagogically integrated, particularly within classroom-based dance educational contexts. Full article

This study verified the effects of a Virtual Reality (VR) play program on young children’s playfulness using a Solomon four-group experimental design. Targeting 120 children aged four and five in South Korea, a 10-week, child-friendly non-immersive VR program was conducted, measuring five subdomains of playfulness based on Barnett’s framework: physical, social, and cognitive spontaneity, manifestation of enjoyment, and sense of humor. Statistical analysis revealed that the VR program had a significant positive effect across all subdomains of playfulness. The biggest influence on playfulness was sense of humor, followed by physical spontaneity and social spontaneity with an overall effect size of 0.290. Furthermore, the lack of interaction effects with the pretest confirmed the study’s internal validity, proving the VR program was the clear causal factor. These results provide empirical evidence that VR play can enhance the emotional, cognitive, and social development of young children. This study offers a practical basis for integrating VR-based play into early childhood education curricula and suggests its potential to improve peer relationships, confidence, and self-expression. Future research is needed, including the development of content to enhance cognitive spontaneity and longitudinal studies. Full article

Against the backdrop of urban–rural integrated development, special ecological function zones, as spatial carriers with significant regional ecological value and rural development functions, are confronted with a striking conflict between ecological conservation and regional advancement. This contradiction is comprehensively reflected in the interactions among land use functions (LUFs) that differ in nature and intensity. Therefore, exploring the trade-off and synergy (TOS) among regional LUFs is not only of great significance for optimizing territorial spatial patterns and advancing rural revitalization but also provides scientific evidence for the differentiated administration of regional land use. Taking 185 townships in the Funiu Mountain area of China as research units, this study constructs a land use assessment system based on the ‘Production–Living–Ecological’ (PLE) framework, utilizing multi-source datasets from 2000 to 2020. Spearman correlation analysis, geographically weighted regression (GWR), and bivariate local spatial autocorrelation methods are employed to examine the spatio-temporal dynamics of LUFs and the spatial non-stationarity of their TOSs. The findings indicate that, throughout the research period, the production function (PF) displayed a fluctuating declining trend, whereas the living function (LF) and ecological function (EF) demonstrated a fluctuating increasing trend. Notably, EF held an absolute dominant position in the overall structure of LUFs. This is highly consistent with the region’s positioning as a special ecological function zone and also a direct reflection of the effectiveness of continuous ecological construction over the past two decades. Spatially, PF is stronger in southern, eastern, and northern low-altitude townships, correlating with higher levels of economic development; LF is concentrated around townships near county centers; and high EF values are clustered in the central and western areas, showing an opposite spatial pattern to PF and LF. A synergistic relationship is observed between PF and LF, while both PF and LF exhibit trade-offs with EF. The TOSs between different function changes demonstrate significant spatial non-stationarity: linear synergy was the primary type for PF-LF, PF-EF, and LF-EF combinations, but each combination exhibited unique spatial characteristics in terms of non-stationarity. Notably, towns identified as having different types of trade-off relationships in the study of spatial non-stationarity are key areas for township spatial governance and optimization. Through the allocation of regional resources and targeted policy tools, the functional relationships can be adjusted and optimized to attain sustainable land use. Full article

The integration of essential oils (EOs) with biological control agents offers a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides, though compatibility remains unclear. This study evaluated nutmeg (Myristica fragrans, NM), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, CIN), and clove (Syzygium aromaticum, CL) specifically on S. oryzae and L. distinguendus. Olfactory and behavioral responses to whole EOs and major constituents (myristicin, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol) were analyzed using the area preference method (APM) and two-choice behavioral bioassay (TCB), with confirmation by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In S. oryzae, APM showed attraction to all three EOs (PI = 0.14 to 0.56). A paradox emerged, however, as single constituents were mostly repellent (eugenol: PI = −0.58 to −0.70; cinnamaldehyde: PI shifted from 0.16 to −0.20), underscoring the complexity of EO mixtures where multiple compounds act jointly rather than individually. In contrast, L. distinguendus strongly avoided CL and CIN in TCB, with fewer than 30% of parasitoids choosing the EO-treated side (χ² test, p < 0.05). CIN therefore demonstrated selective potential, simultaneously attracting S. oryzae while repelling L. distinguendus. These findings highlight the dual role of EOs as botanical pest control tools, while stressing the need to consider non-target effects before practical application. Full article

Plant Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs), such as Meloidogyne incognita, cause significant agricultural losses worldwide. Conventional nematicides like methyl bromide are being phased out due to environmental and health concerns, prompting the search for safer alternatives. In previous studies, chalcones 17, 25, and 30, flavonoid compounds, were shown to effectively kill the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans at concentrations of 10⁻⁴ M. However, the potential of these chalcones to act synergistically at lower concentrations has not been explored. In this study, the nematicidal efficacy of chalcones 17, 25, and 30 was evaluated individually and in combination at concentrations as low as 10⁻⁶ M. The results demonstrate a strong synergistic effect, with combinations achieving 90–100% mortality in C. elegans within 3 days. Additionally, the combination index method revealed significant toxic effects against M. incognita with chalcones 17 and 30 in binary and ternary combinations. To assess the effects of these chalcones on nontarget organisms, chalcones were also tested for antimicrobial activity against soil bacteria; analysis of soil microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that chalcones did not significantly disrupt microbial populations. Furthermore, tests on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) reveal no major effects on the viability of these cells at concentrations as high as the concentrations needed to kill nematodes. These findings highlight the potential of chalcones 17, 25, and 30 for effective nematode control without harming soil bacteria or human cells. Full article

Background: Accumulating evidence underscores the potential role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, but much remains to be clarified. This review examines current evidence linking gut microbiome dysbiosis to Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on microbial metabolomes and their mechanistic role, as well as on the potential of therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiome. Methods: A narrative, non-systematic examination of the literature was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject under examination. Database searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science between June and July 2025. Results: Alzheimer’s disease is linked to reduced gut microbial diversity and altered bacterial taxa. Gut microbiome shifts correlate with inflammation and may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Microbial amyloids and bacterial products can cross both the intestinal and blood–brain barrier, triggering neuroinflammation and promoting amyloid and tau pathologies. Short-chain fatty acids produced by the gut microbiome regulate neuroinflammation, lipid metabolism, and gene expression, impacting Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Therapeutics targeting the gut microbiome, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, show promise in modulating neuroinflammation, reducing amyloid and tau pathology, and improving cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusions: The gut microbiome significantly influences Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, and its modulation offers potential to slow progression. However, further research is required to validate effective clinical interventions. Full article

Bacterial disease infections pose a major challenge to the healthy growth of crucian carp. Hawthorn polysaccharide (HP) is a natural active ingredient in hawthorn and has a wide range of pharmacological effects. However, the mechanism of HP against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in crucian carp cultures is unknown. In this study, it was found that 0.4% HP could significantly reduce the mortality of crucian carp, significantly increase the activities of T-AOC, SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX of crucian carp infected with A. hydrophila (p < 0.05), decrease the activity of MDA, and decrease the expression levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-8 genes. Increased IL-10 gene expression levels (p < 0.05) significantly improved the disease resistance of crucian carp. HP could relieve intestinal inflammation caused by A. hydrophila infection, restoring intestinal structural integrity. At the same time, HP increased the diversity and improved the structure of intestinal microbiota. At the phylum level, the abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes increased, while that of Bacteroidota and Fusobacteriota decreased. At the genus level, the abundance of Aeromonas increased, while the abundance of Cetobacterium decreased. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis of crucian carp LC-MS revealed 147 different metabolites, 62 of which were up-regulated and 85 of which were down-regulated, and Linoleic acid metabolism and Glycerophospholipids were one of the most important metabolic pathways. In conclusion, the supplementation of HP in feed can promote the healthy breeding of crucian carp, and the effect of resisting A. hydrophila is better. Full article

Background and Objectives: Stroke and hemiplegia disrupts symmetrical activation of skeletal and abdominal muscles, impairing trunk control and functional movement. Although asymmetry is also present in healthy adults, its magnitude and patterns differ with neurological impairment. Understanding trunk muscle symmetry across functional tasks in healthy individuals and patients with stroke is essential for targeted rehabilitation strategies. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted including healthy adults and patients with stroke. Muscle activation symmetry of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and multifidus was analyzed across four trunk movements: flexion, extension, and lateral flexion to the dominant or non-dominant side. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA examined main and interaction effects of condition, muscle, and group. Results: Trunk muscle symmetry was significantly influenced by the movement conditions, and patterns of change differed between groups. While no consistent differences were observed across muscles, specific interactions revealed condition-dependent variations, particularly between abdominal and deep spinal muscles. Lateral flexion elicited the greatest asymmetry, with distinct response patterns in healthy individuals compared with patients with stroke. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of addressing movement-specific demands in trunk rehabilitation. Rather than focusing on isolated muscles, interventions should consider the dynamic and condition-dependent nature of symmetry to optimize functional recovery in patients with stroke. Full article

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are a rapidly advancing class of targeted cancer therapeutics that couple the antigen specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with the potent cytotoxicity of small-molecule drugs. In their core design, a tumor-targeting antibody is covalently linked to a cytotoxic payload via a chemical linker, enabling the selective delivery of highly potent agents to malignant cells while sparing normal tissues, thereby improving the therapeutic index. Humanized and fully human immunoglobulin G1(IgG1) antibodies are the most common ADC backbones due to their stability in systemic circulation, robust Fcγ receptor engagement for immune effector functions, and reduced immunogenicity. Antibody selection requires balancing tumor specificity, internalization rate, and binding affinity to avoid barriers to tissue penetration, such as the binding-site barrier effect, while emerging designs exploit tumor-specific antigen variants or unique post-translational modifications to further enhance selectivity. Advances in antibody engineering, linker chemistry, and payload innovation have reinforced the clinical success of ADCs, with more than a dozen agents FDA approved for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors and over 200 in active clinical trials. This review critically examines established and emerging conjugation strategies, including lysine- and cysteine-based chemistries, enzymatic tagging, glycan remodeling, non-canonical amino acid incorporation, and affinity peptide-mediated methods, and discusses how conjugation site, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) control, and linker stability influence pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety. Innovations in site-specific conjugation have improved ADC homogeneity, stability, and clinical predictability, though challenges in large-scale manufacturing and regulatory harmonization remain. Furthermore, novel ADC architectures such as bispecific ADCs, conditionally active (probody) ADCs, immune-stimulating ADCs, protein-degrader ADCs, and dual-payload designs are being developed to address tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and off-target toxicity. By integrating mechanistic insights, preclinical and clinical data, and recent technological advances, this work highlights current progress and future directions for next-generation ADCs aimed at achieving superior efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes, especially in treating refractory cancers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with self-injurious behaviors, posing significant risks to individuals and considerable challenges for families and professionals. While various interventions have been proposed, evidence regarding their relative effectiveness remains fragmented. The general aim of this study was to perform a narrative review to analyze effective non-pharmacological interventions targeting self-injurious behaviors (SIBs) in autistic children and adolescents, addressing the following research question: Which non-pharmacological interventions are effective in reducing self-injurious behaviors in autistic children and adolescents, and under what conditions? The review focused on identifying treatment types, contexts of implementation, and outcome efficacy. Methods: This review was conducted based on a search in WoS, SCOPUS and PubMed databases. According to the PICOS criteria, we included studies involving children and adolescents with ASD and interventions for self-injurious behaviors. We compared different types of interventions and evaluated outcomes in terms of reduction in SIBs. Eligible studies were those reporting quantitative or qualitative outcomes on SIB interventions, published within the past 10 years. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions included applied behavior analysis (ABA), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sensory integration therapy, and pharmacology. The reported outcomes generally indicated reductions in the frequency and severity of self-injurious behaviors. However, many studies lacked long-term follow-up data, and few addressed the generalization of treatment effects. Methodological variability limited both the comparability across studies and the generalization of results. Conclusions: This review emphasized a multidisciplinary, individualized approach to treating self-injurious behaviors in autistic youth. ABA emerged as the most effective intervention, while CBT proved beneficial for higher-functioning adolescents, and sensory therapies addressed specific challenges. Combined treatments showed promise, and family involvement and long-term research remain essential. Full article

Background: Recent research emphasizes the need to synthesize empirical studies on “K–12” math teachers’ professional development (PD) programs and their impact on student learning. Objective: This meta-analysis examines how teachers’ participation in PD programs affects students’ math achievement, analyzing the influence of program characteristics, such as duration, PD teaching approach, modality, grade level, type of math content, PD category, and study design. Design: Using online databases, 30 randomized or quasi-experimental studies from the U.S. and Canada (2003–2021) were selected, yielding 164 independent effect sizes, as some studies reported multiple interventions. Results: Only 1% of publications met the inclusion criteria. Most were excluded due to duplication, geographic location, lack of K–12 focus, missing data, or non-empirical content. PD was most effective when programs were under a year, focused on geometry, combined content and pedagogy, targeted grades 6–8, used online video, were reform-initiated, and employed randomized designs. Modality did not significantly impact outcomes. Conclusions: While extensive research exists on PD best practices, few studies empirically link program features to student achievement. This study offers evidence that well-designed math PD can significantly improve student outcomes, providing actionable insights for educators and policymakers. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—is currently the most common chronic liver disease globally. Observational studies have reported that MASLD is independently associated with extrahepatic disorders, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Severe forms of MASLD (i.e., steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis) are even more strongly associated with the risk of incident kidney dysfunction. Hypothetically, MASLD could directly promote CKD through liver-derived endocrine and metabolic mediators, hemodynamic alterations, immune-mediated mechanisms, and oxidative or cellular stress. However, proving that MASLD directly causes CKD is difficult due to the multiple shared cardiometabolic and systemic risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which serve as confounding variables. Moreover, studies on the association between MASLD and CKD have differed in their designs, sampling methods, disease definitions, and inclusion criteria, precluding more robust evidence supporting a causal relationship. Furthermore, few studies have explored specific issues, such as the new nomenclature for steatotic liver disease, the relationship between these diseases in pediatric populations, the impact of MASLD plus alcohol intake (MetALD) on CKD, and therapeutic options targeting MASLD and CKD simultaneously. Answers to these issues are essential, as the appropriate management of patients with MASLD may prevent or ameliorate kidney dysfunction. The aims of the present study are to describe shared risk factors between MASLD and CKD, the possible direct pathogenic effect of MASLD on kidney structure and function, and gaps in the current literature, to indicate future research directions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Curcumin is a turmeric-derived polyphenol, and it has shown anticancer potential in various cancers, including breast cancer (BC). Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects remain incompletely defined. Hsa_circ_0001946 (CDR1as) is a circular RNA (circRNA) that promotes tumor progression by competitively inhibiting microRNA-7-5p (miR-7-5p) in BC. This study investigated whether curcumin regulates the hsa_circ_0001946/miR-7-5p/target gene axis in BC progression. Materials and Methods: BC cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D) and a non-cancerous human mammary epithelial cell line (MCF-10A) were treated with curcumin or transfected with circ_0001946 siRNA or miR-7-5p mimic. Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and protein expression were analyzed by CVDK-8 analysis, a wound healing assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Also, protein expression levels were quantified via Western blotting. In vitro and in silico findings were further validated by analyzing tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 65 luminal BC patients. Results: Curcumin inhibited the proliferation and migration of MCF-7 and T47D cells in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0001946 or overexpression of miR-7-5p significantly suppressed proliferation and migration and enhanced apoptosis in BC cells compared to the negative controls. Curcumin treatment led to the knockdown of hsa_circ_0001946, the overexpression of miR-7-5p, and the downregulation of hsa_circ_0001946, CKS2, TOP2A, and PARP1, while it upregulating miR-7-5p. The Western blot confirmed reduced CKS2 protein levels after curcumin treatment. The expression of both hsa_circ_0001946 and CKS2 was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared to that of matched adjacent normal tissues, whereas that of miR-7-5p was markedly downregulated. Conclusions: This preliminary study shows that curcumin suppresses BC tumorigenesis by modulating the hsa_circ_0001946/miR-7-5p/target gene axis. While these findings suggest a novel regulatory pathway and potential therapeutic targets, further in vivo validation and clinical trials are required to determine the translational relevance of curcumin in BC therapy. Full article

Tool structure design methodologies predominantly rely on trial-and-error approaches or single-objective optimization but fail to achieve coordinated enhancement of multiple performance metrics while lacking thorough investigation into complex cutting coupling mechanisms. This study proposes a multi-objective optimization framework integrating joint simulation approaches. First, a finite element model for orthogonal turning was developed, incorporating the hyperbolic tangent (TANH) constitutive model and variable coefficient friction model. The cutting performance of four micro-groove configurations is comparatively analyzed. Subsequently, parametric modeling coupled with simulation–data interaction enables multi-objective optimization targeting minimized cutting force, reduced cutting temperature, and decreased wear rate. The Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) explores Pareto-optimized solutions for arc micro-groove geometric parameters. Finally, optimized tools manufactured via powder metallurgy undergo experimental validation. The results demonstrate that the optimized tool achieves significant improvements: a 19.3% reduction in cutting force, a 14.2% decrease in cutting temperature, and tool life extended by 33.3% compared to baseline tools. Enhanced chip control is evidenced by an 11.4% reduction in chip curl radius, accompanied by diminished oxidation/adhesive wear and superior surface finish. This multi-objective optimization methodology effectively overcomes the constraints of conventional single-parameter optimization, substantially improving comprehensive tool performance while establishing a reference paradigm for cutting tool design under complex operational conditions. Full article