[Development of the CT Scan Attitude Scale and Evaluation of Its Reliability and Validity].

Purpose: Ensuring that patients undergo examinations with confidence and ease is crucial. This study aims to develop a reliable and valid CT Scan Attitude Scale (CT-SAS) to measure attitudes toward CT scans objectively.

Methods: In Study 1, question items were developed based on preliminary surveys and prior research.

Daptomycin membrane activity is modulated by the localized interplay between calcium ions and phospholipids in monolayers and bilayers containing a lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol analogue.

Using the stable synthetic analogue 3-aza-dehydroxylysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (3adLPG), the putative role of native staphylococcal LPG in inhibiting the antibiotic daptomycin from binding to its target phosphatidylglycerol (PG), was investigated with respect to interfacial interactions between these lipids, daptomycin, and calcium ions. The influence of lipid monolayer/bilayer composition and interfacial ion concentrations upon the structure and integrity of model membranes were probed after daptomycin challenge using a combination of surface x-ray scattering techniques and fluorescence assays. In models representing the membrane composition of the daptomycin susceptible phenotype consisting of PG/3adLPG in a 7:3 M ratio, calcium ions drive the formation of two separate phases; Ca cross-linked PG/PG pairs and PG/3adLPG ion pairs.

Study of Local Band Bending in -Channel InO Thin-Film Transistors under Gate and Drain Voltage Stress Using Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

In this study, we analyze InO thin-film transistors (InO-TFT) using synchrotron-based hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) in conditions. A bottom-gate InO-TFT with a high- AlO gate dielectric, grown on thermally oxidized silicon (SiO/p-Si), was examined while operating at varying and . The results reveal that the In 3d core level binding energy varies along the horizontal channel length, driven by the potential gradient induced by .

Preparation, structural characterization, and ultrafast energy transfer dynamics of the phycobilisome-photosystem II megacomplex in a thermophilic cyanobacterium.

Phycobilisome (PBS) is a water-soluble light-harvesting supercomplex found in cyanobacteria, glaucophytes, and rhodophytes. PBS interacts with photosynthetic reaction centers, specifically photosystems II and I (PSII and PSI), embedded in the thylakoid membrane. It is widely accepted that PBS predominantly associates with PSII, which functions as the initial complex in the linear electron transport chain.

Association between correlated effective neural drive and electromechanical fluctuations during co-contraction: Insights from MU discharges and interference EMG.

This study investigated the correlation between the strength of correlated effective neural drive (END) to the antagonistic muscles and the fluctuations in neural/electrical and mechanical output around the joint during steady co-contraction, and whether the correlated END strength estimated from conventional surface EMG is correlated with that determined from motor unit (MU) discharges. Fourteen young male participants performed isometric steady co-contractions with their medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles at 10% of maximal EMG while sitting. Correlated END strength was quantified as the maximum value of the cross-correlation function between the conventional surface EMG signals and between MU discharges decomposed from high-density surface EMG of each muscle.

Spectral Density Function Analysis Reveals Coupled Relaxation and Resonance Modes in Fluorinated Elastomers: Comparison With Semicrystalline Poly(tetrafluoroethylene).

We reveal contrasting behaviors in molecular motion between the two materials, including the identification of resonance-enhanced dynamic features in elastomers. We present a depth-resolved analysis of molecular dynamics in semicrystalline polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fully amorphous fluorinated elastomer (SIFEL) films using static-gradient solid-state F NMR imaging. By measuring spin-lattice relaxation rates ( ) at multiple frequencies and evaluating the corresponding spectral density functions, we reveal distinct dynamic behaviors between the two materials.

Long short-term memory-based forecasting of influenza epidemics using surveillance and meteorological data in Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Influenza remains a significant public health challenge worldwide, necessitating robust forecasting models to facilitate timely interventions and resource allocation. The aim of this study was to develop a long short-term memory (LSTM)-based short-term forecasting model to accurately predict weekly influenza case counts in Tokyo, Japan.

Method: By using weekly time-series data on influenza incidence in Tokyo from 2000 to 2019, along with meteorological variables, we developed four distinct models to evaluate the impact of the external variables of mean temperature, relative humidity, and national public holidays.

Adhesion-based cell sorting platform using on-chip centrifugation.

Cell sorting is an important fundamental process for the selection and purification of target cell types for cell analysis in the life sciences and medical fields. In particular, demand is increasing for high-throughput cell sorting technology for the analysis of rare cells. Toward this end, we developed a centrifugal force-based cell sorting technique that relies on the adhesion force of cells as a marker.

Multi-Enzymatic Cascade Catalysis in Photodynamic Nanozymes for Augmenting Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer.

Overcoming resistance to radiotherapy remains a significant challenge in breast cancer management. A one-step coordinated synthesis of BODIPY-integrated photodynamic nanozymes (FZBNPs) that facilitate an orthogonal catalytic cascade for radiotherapy potentiation is presented. The engineered FZBNPs simultaneously alleviate tumor hypoxia through catalase-mimetic oxygen (O) generation and amplify reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via peroxidase-like activity, synergizing with BODIPY-mediated singlet oxygen (O) generation under 660 nm light irradiation.

Exploring the Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Macromolecular Structure and Functions.

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are common pollutants that engage with proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules, damaging cell structure. This review goes beyond simply listing where MNPs are found to explore how they cause harm, detailing mechanisms such as oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, genotoxicity, protein misfolding, lipid membrane destabilization, and epigenetic changes. Propose an integrated mechanistic hypothesis connecting these processes via oxidative epigenetic feedback loops, size-dependent organelle targeting, and pollutant corona effects, with potential implications for cellular aging and transgenerational outcomes.

Muscle metaboreflex activation via post-exercise ischemia increases intercostal muscle blood flow index without evidence of local vasoconstriction in humans.

Muscle metaboreflex is activated in limb skeletal muscles during high-intensity exercise that increases respiratory demand, but its effects on respiratory muscle blood flow remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether metaboreflex activation in the forearm alters blood flow in the intercostal muscles. Sixteen healthy young male subjects performed isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction for 2 minutes, followed by either post-exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI; metaboreflex activation condition) or a control recovery.

Tactile-Transparent Wearable Sensor for Clinician-Friendly Pulse Wave Velocity Monitoring and Cardiovascular Risk Profiling.

Arterial stiffening is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, particularly affecting organs with low vascular resistance, such as the brain and kidneys. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the clinical gold standard for arterial stiffness assessment; however, conventional equipment requires complex setups and trained operators, limiting real-world and point-of-care monitoring. Here, we introduce a tactile-transparent wearable (TTW) sensor that preserves physicians' tactile pulse palpation abilities while providing quantitative cardiovascular risk assessment by integrating flexible Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) electrodes and ultrathin graphene oxide dielectric films.

Influence of aerobic fitness status on the power output decrement during repeated sprint running in females.

Background: This study examined the influence of two aerobic fitness indices (VO2max and [%4mM] i.e. the relative intensity [%VO2max] corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L) on the recovery of power output during repeated sprinting.

Improving surgical outcome reporting in lithiasis surgery: a comparative analysis of comprehensive complication index and clavien-dindo classification.

Background: Accurate complication reporting in endourology remains challenging, with the Clavien-Dindo Classification and Comprehensive Complication Index being the most commonly used systems. This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes and complication reporting in ureterolithotripsy (URL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) using both systems.

Methods: This prospective, single-center, non-interventional study included 473 patients undergoing URL, PCNL, or ESWL from October 2022 to October 2024.

N-Doped Graphene for Biomedical Applications: A Comparative Biocompatibility Assessment of Green and Chemical Exfoliation.

Graphene-based nanomaterials have transformed biomedical applications due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, and nitrogen (N)-doping further enhances the electrocatalytic activity of graphene. Driven by the demand for safer and more sustainable nanomaterials, in this work, we compared eco-friendly produced - doped graphene (bD) with conventionally synthesized - doped graphene (cD) in three different cell lines. Across all cell types and assays, cD was more toxic than bD.

Gut mucin fucosylation dictates the entry of botulinum toxin complexes.

Botulinum toxins (BoNTs) are the most potent known bacterial toxins. The BoNT complex from B-Okra (large progenitor toxin complex (L-PTC)/B, hyper-oral-toxic) exerts at least 80-fold higher oral toxicity in mice compared with that from serotype A1 (L-PTC/A, non-hyper-oral-toxic). Here, we showed that L-PTC/B was predominantly absorbed through enterocytes, whereas L-PTC/A targeted intestinal microfold cells.

Long-term exposure in high viscous microenvironment facilitates acquired drug resistance of colon cancer cells to doxorubicin.

Chemotherapy is one of the most common strategies for treating colorectal cancer (CRC). However, acquired drug resistance (ADR) impairs the efficiency of chemotherapy. For CRC treatment, the long-term administration could affect cancer microenvironment and induce environment-mediated drug tolerance that contributes to ADR.

Non-invasive bladder cancer detection: Identification of a urinary volatile biomarker panel using GC-MS metabolomics and machine learning.

Early detection of bladder cancer (BC) remains a major clinical challenge due to the limitations of current diagnostic methods, which are often invasive, expensive, or insufficiently sensitive, particularly for early-stage disease. Metabolomics approaches, when integrated with machine learning (ML) techniques, offer a powerful platform for identifying novel, non-invasive biomarkers. In this study, urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analysed from 87 BC patients and 90 age- and sex-matched cancer-free controls using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS).

Identification and characterization of an endodextranase from Flavobacterium johnsoniae, the first endo-acting enzyme classified within glycoside hydrolase family 27.

Glycoside hydrolase family 27 (GH27) consists primarily of exo-acting enzymes, including α-galactosidase, α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, β-L-arabinopyranosidase, and isomalto-dextranase. Here, we examined the gene expression profiles and biochemical characteristics of a multi-domain protein, Fjoh_4436 (named FjGH27A), which contains a GH27 catalytic domain and is encoded upstream of the previously described branched dextran utilization locus in Flavobacterium johnsoniae. Expression of this gene increased 7.

Polydopamine-Coating Nanoarchitectonics of Cellulose Hydrogels with Promoted Sustainable and Alkali-Resistant Natures for 3D Cell Culture Application.

Sustainable and chemically resilient hydrogels are critically needed in biointerface engineering, particularly for 3D cell culture systems and surface modification under physiological to mildly alkaline conditions. However, physically cross-linked cellulose nanofiber (CNF) hydrogels─despite their renewable origin and biocompatibility─typically disintegrate at pH > 8, limiting their use in polydopamine (PDA)-based surface functionalization. Here, we present a simple and scalable physical treatment strategy to fabricate alkali-resistant, physically cross-linked hydrogels from carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibers (CMCF).

Optically induced spin Hall current in monolayer Janus NbSSe: a first-principles study.

Monolayer Janus transition-metal dichalcogenides possess Ising- and Rashba-type spin-orbit-couplings (SOC), leading to intriguing spin splitting effects at K and K', and around Γ points across the wide energy range. Using first-principles calculations, we unveil these SOC characteristics in metallic Janus NbSSe and demonstrate its potential for optically controlled spin current generation. On the basis of the symmetry of the system, we show that different linear polarized light can selectively drive spin currents of distinct spin components.

Graphene Oxide-Functionalized Optical Sensor for Label-Free Detection of Breast Cancer Cells.

Accurate and noninvasive detection of cancer cells is critical for advancing early stage cancer diagnostics and monitoring tumor progression. While manual enumeration methods, such as hemocytometry, remain in use, they suffer from limited sensitivity and scalability. In this article, we report the first feasibility study demonstrating a graphene oxide (GO)-functionalized long-period fiber grating (LPG) sensor for the label-free detection of MCF-7 human breast cancer cell density via secreted cellular byproducts.

Bacterial cellulose-FucoPol composite hydrogel dressings for advanced wound treatment.

Effective wound management relies on dressings that prevent infection and facilitate healing, which has driven research into advanced, cost-effective therapeutic dressings. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is highly valued for use in wound dressings given its mechanical strength, nanoporous structure, high water-holding capacity, and excellent biocompatibility. While BC promotes debridement and maintains moisture for wound healing, it lacks essential bio-functional properties, which can be addressed through incorporation of other compounds.

Microplate-in-a-Box: thermophysical exploration of cold storage high-throughput microplate designs for enhanced rate control in cryopreservation.

High-throughput experimental screening is desirable to minimize data acquisition time from vast workloads. Cell cryopreservation experiments are routinely performed in single-sample cryovials despite cell seeding being performed in 96-well microplates because these substrates are known to induce microliter supercooling, are prone to thermal compressibility and their lengthy preparation period extends cell exposure time to potentially cytotoxic cryoprotectants. Rather than improving the methodological preciseness of cooling, latest efforts have focused on refining cryoprotectant formulations and supplement precautionary ice nucleators.

Description of the Characteristics of Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients and the Effect of Bowel Movement on Quality of Life After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a widely performed bariatric procedure that helps with weight loss and ultimately improves quality of life. However, gastrointestinal disturbances after the procedure are a major challenge.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the correlation between bowel movements and quality of life in patients after SG.