Estimation of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity With Hierarchical Regression Model From Wrist Photoplethysmography and Electrocardiographic Signals: Method Design.

Background: Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals captured by wearable devices can provide vascular age information and support pervasive and long-term monitoring of personal health condition.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to estimate brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) from wrist PPG and electrocardiography (ECG) from smartwatch.

Methods: A total of 914 wrist PPG and ECG sequences and 278 baPWV measurements were collected via the smartwatch from 80 men and 82 women with average age of 63.

Impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on the risk of age-related ocular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A target trial emulation study.

Aims: Chronic ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are leading causes of vision loss in older adults. While sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are widely prescribed in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), their effects on ocular disease risk remain largely unknown.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between SGLT2i use and the risk of AMD and other age-related ocular conditions in adults aged ≥60 with T2DM, using a target trial emulation framework based on the TriNetX global health research network (2013-2025).

Leveraging Deep Learning to Address Diagnostic Challenges with Insufficient Image Data.

In recent AI-driven disease diagnosis, the success of models has depended mainly on extensive data sets and advanced algorithms. However, creating traditional data sets for rare or emerging diseases presents significant challenges. To address this issue, this study introduces a direct-self-attention Wasserstein generative adversarial network (DSAWGAN) designed to improve diagnostic capabilities in infectious diseases with limited data availability.

Phase-Controlled Multi-Element Oxide-Sulfide Heterostructure Toward High-Efficiency Electro-Fenton Oxidation.

Electron Fenton (EF) degradation often suffers from low in situ HO electrosynthesis and Fe regeneration. Herein, a novel multi-element oxide-sulfide heterostructure is reported, (FeVCoCuMn)O/(CuFeVCoMn)S, for efficient and stable EF degradation. The oxide-sulfide phase ratio is optimized through temperature control during the synthesis.

AAV-mediated delivery of a broadly neutralizing anti-flavivirus antibody protects against dengue and Zika viruses in a mouse model.

Flaviviruses contain many important human pathogens such as dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), for which effective and safe vaccines are still lacking, mainly because pre-existing cross-reactive non-neutralizing antibodies may exacerbate subsequent infections with related flaviviruses. To overcome this challenge, we explore Vectored ImmunoProphylaxis (VIP), which involves the passive transfer of protective antibody genes via viral vectors for in vivo expression. We utilized a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) to express a broad anti-flavivirus neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, bnAb 752-2C8, and tested its protection against four serotypes of DENV and ZIKV.

Elesclomol-Copper combination synergistically targets mitochondrial metabolism in cancer stem cells to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis, partly due to cancer stem cells (CSCs) that drive progression and treatment resistance. We explored the therapeutic potential of inducing cuproptosis, a copper-dependent regulated cell death, in CSC-enriched PDAC models. Using human and murine PDAC models, we evaluated elesclomol, a copper transport enhancer.

Nursing Students' Satisfaction and Perceptions Under the Unprecedented Abrupt Online Clinical Practicum During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Aim: To explore nursing students' satisfaction levels of each specific item and perceptions under the unprecedented abrupt online clinical practicum during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design: A mixed-method design comprises a questionnaire and qualitative content analysis.

Methods: The study used purposive sampling using data from nursing students in grade 3 of a 4-year bachelor RN programme at a technological university in the north of Taiwan, compiled from May 2021 to June 2021 using an online questionnaire.

Relative brain size explains migratory/resident tendency in birds: Partial altitudinal migration in Asian house martins.

Migration is widespread among animals but varies in its manifestation with differences in direction, distance and obligatory nature. Understanding the evolution of migration requires insight into not only the development of this behaviour but also the loss of it. Partial migration, where some individuals within a population migrate while others stay, provides a unique opportunity to identify the proximate factors determining migratory/resident behaviours.

Using obesity management medications within the first year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may enhance weight-loss outcomes.

Background: We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of using additional obesity management medications (OMMs) within the first year after undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 246 patients who underwent primary LSG in our institution and were followed up for at least 12 months. We collected body weights preoperatively and at three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively, along with body composition and laboratory results preoperatively and at 12 months.

RNF128 regulates the adaptive metabolic response to fasting by modulating PPARα function.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a crucial transcriptional factor that regulates fatty acid β-oxidation and ketogenesis in response to fasting. However, the mechanisms underlying PPARα function remain unclear. This study identified a novel PPARα-binding protein-RING finger protein 128 (RNF128)-that facilitates PPARα polyubiquitination, resulting in the degradation and suppression of PPARα function during fasting.

Enhancing bonding and durability of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) restorations with nonthermal plasma activation and monomer-based priming.

Statement Of Problem: While valued for their durability in dental prosthetics, polyaryletherketone (PAEK) materials, known for their chemical inertness and low surface energy, pose significant challenges in achieving durable adhesion to resin cements, a critical factor for the long-term success of dental restorations.

Purpose: This study evaluates the novel application of a methyl methacrylate-urethane dimethacrylate (MMA-UDMA) bonding primer following handheld nonthermal plasma (HNP) treatment to enhance the bonding performance and aging durability of PAEK materials with varying microfiller compositions, addressing the persistent challenge of achieving long-term adhesion in dental restorations.

Material And Methods: Three PAEK types, ceramic-filled polyetheretherketone (PEEK), titanium dioxide-filled polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), and PEEK with disk shape (Ø10×2.

Mental health status and its associations with psychosocial working conditions among platform delivery workers in China: comparative analyses of migrant status.

The rapid expansion of delivery labor platforms in China has driven many people to move from rural to urban areas. Previous studies indicated that platform-based delivery work can be demanding, subject to algorithmic control, and lacking employment protections. While migrant workers are more likely to be exposed to adverse psychosocial working conditions and more vulnerable due to limited social services, few studies have examined the role of migrant status in mental health and its associations with psychosocial working conditions among platform delivery workers.

Aging performance and bacteria adhesion of 3D-printed, CAD/CAM-milled, and conventional definitive denture resins.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of 3D-printed denture base resins (DBRs) compared with conventionally printed DBRs, examine their biofilm formation and physical properties, and determine the viability of 3D-printed DBRs as a superior alternative in removable prosthodontics.

Methods: The DBR samples were fabricated using traditional packing (TRA), milling (MIL), and 3D printing (3DP) methods. All samples were serially polished with an abrasive paper.

Crafting safety in the storm: An occupational health and safety professionals' job crafting scale.

Introduction: This study aims to develop and validate a job crafting scale designed specifically for occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals working in a crisis environment. Job crafting, defined as the proactive adjustment of job roles to better align with individual preferences and strengths, is recognized as a valuable strategy for enhancing job satisfaction, engagement, and performance in various occupational settings. However, existing job crafting scales primarily focus on general work contexts and cannot fully capture the unique dimensions of job crafting relevant to OHS professionals in a crisis response context.

Examining pedestrian crash frequency and environmental factors for three subgroups of the older adult population: a micro-level analysis.

Introduction: Pedestrian safety has become a critical concern with the rising global population of older adults. Older pedestrians face higher crash risks due to age-related physical limitations, yet road infrastructure often fails to address their specific needs. Most studies treat older adults as a single group, overlooking variations in mobility and behavior.

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Diet-Dependent Dynamics of Glucosinolate Sulfatases Expression and Cellular Origin in the Midgut of Plutella xylostella.

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a globally destructive pest, has Brassicaceae as its long-term co-evolved host and can also utilize Fabaceae as an alternative field host. The primary differential factor between these plant families is glucosinolates (GLs). Conventional transcriptome data revealed high midgut expression of glucosinolate sulfatases (GSSs) in response to glucosinolates.

Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Background: Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) severely and negatively impact on quality of life, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Historically, PFDs have been managed within single-specialty frameworks, yet the complexity of these conditions often necessitates a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of MDT strategies in improving outcomes for individuals with PFDs, aiming to identify the benefits and potential advantages of integrated, multi-specialty care for these complex conditions.

Microplastic-induced hypertension in rats: A two-hit model exploring oxidative stress and gut microbiota.

Microplastic particulates (MPs) accumulate widely in ecosystems and pose health risks to both pregnant women and their offspring. Studies have detected MPs in the kidneys and fetal tissues, but it remains unclear whether maternal MP exposure worsens postnatal MP-induced hypertension and kidney disease. This study examined male rat offspring (n = 8/group) divided into four exposure groups: control, indirect (maternal exposure to 1 mg/L MPs during gestation and lactation), direct (offspring exposure to 1 mg/L MPs from 3 to 16 weeks), and combined exposure.

Galectin-1-conjugated gold nanoparticles as a multivalent macromolecular platform for broad-spectrum inhibition of influenza virus via glycan recognition.

The development of antiviral nanotherapeutics remains a formidable challenge due to the structural diversity and rapid evolution of viral surface glycoconjugates. Here, we report a rationally engineered multivalent Galectin-1 (Gal-1) nanoplatform based on 13-nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for high-affinity glycan targeting and therapeutic inhibition of influenza virus. By leveraging site-specific conjugation and molecular orientation control, the AuNP/Gal-1 nanocomplex maximizes the exposure of carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) while preserving Gal-1's tertiary structure, as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations and spectroscopic analyses.

SYK overexpression enhances microtubule instability in an MDA-MB-231-derived paclitaxel-resistant cell line.

Paclitaxel resistance is a major obstacle to achieving long-term remission in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and effective strategies to overcome drug resistance would have significant clinical impact. In this study, we established a paclitaxel-resistant cell clone, T50R, from the human TNBC cell line MDA-MD-231. Intriguingly, these drug-resistant T50R cells required paclitaxel for proliferation.

Faster rhythmic auditory cueing induced less severe movement abnormalities in people with subclinical psychosis.

People with psychotic experiences (PE) have movement abnormalities, including slow movements and uncontrolled movements, which are indicative of transition to psychotic disorders. Rhythmic auditory cueing (RAC) has been indicated to be a promising therapeutic technique for movement abnormalities in people in the psychosis continuum; however, small sample size limited the strength of that conclusion. The aims of our study were to increase the sample size, adopt a repeated measures design, and examine if faster RAC induced faster movements and less uncontrolled movements in both hands in people with PE.

Chitosan-based Oral DNA vaccine elicits mucosal immunity and reduces Helicobacter pylori colonization in mice.

Oral vaccination offers a promising strategy for controlling Helicobacter pylori infection, particularly in the face of rising antibiotic resistance and reinfection rates. In this study, we developed a chitosan nanoparticle-mediated oral DNA vaccine encoding the urease B subunit of H. pylori.

PEGylated dendrimers for precision cancer therapy: Advances in tumor targeting, drug delivery, and clinical translation.

PEGylated dendrimers have emerged as highly adaptable nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy, offering exceptional control over size, surface functionality, and drug loading. The covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to dendrimer surfaces improves biocompatibility, enhances circulation time, and minimizes immune clearance, facilitating passive tumor targeting through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. These engineered nanosystems allow for precise encapsulation or conjugation of chemotherapeutic agents, nucleic acids, and imaging probes, with tunable release profiles.

Association between endometriosis and pregnancy complications: A nationwide retrospective analysis (2000-2021).

Objective: Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition affecting reproductive-aged women. It has been associated with infertility and potential risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes, although population-level evidence remains limited.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study, including 147,950 pregnant women aged 20-45 years, used nationwide population-based data to compare the outcomes between women with (n = 11,400) and without (n = 136,550) endometriosis between 2000 and 2021.