Search Results (2,378)

Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies have caused tremendous disease burden around the world; however, conventional therapy strategies, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, have achieved limited efficacy in the diagnosis and treatment. In further exploration of GI tumors, the complexity and heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been increasingly recognized. Appropriate strategies to modulate the TME are necessary to enhance the therapeutic effect. Photosensitizers (PSs) are chemical substances that are activated at specific wavelengths of light to initiate photodynamic effects. Nanotechnology provides a platform for the targeted delivery of PSs and small-molecule drugs, enabling precise targeting and remodeling of the TME. In this review, we summarize the principles and mechanisms of photochemical reactions and elaborate on the effect of photochemical nanoplatforms in modulating the TME of GI tumors. Finally, we discuss the potential value of photochemical nanoplatforms for diagnosing GI malignancies. Full article

Stress can cause many disorders, including mental and physical ones, if it persists. To take timely and effective early intervention measures, mental stress levels must be carefully monitored. This study investigates the rapidly growing topic of mental stress detection, focusing on the primary goals and mechanisms of existing detection frameworks. The main objectives and mechanisms will be highlighted. This study examines physiological sensors, stressors, algorithms, monitoring methods, and validation tools used to assess and classify mental stress. The study targets physiological sensors. Wearable sensors are becoming more popular because they can continuously monitor physiological responses in human-like environments. This allows them to reveal relevant stress patterns across various work environments. Numerous physiological sensors are used regularly. Galvanic skin response (GSR), electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmography (PPG), electroencephalography (EEG), and pupil diameter camera systems are examples of these sensors. The combination of these sensors provides a wealth of cognitive and autonomic response data for stress detection. This review examines AI-based methods for interpreting complex physiological data. Machine learning and ensemble models are emphasized for improving stress classification accuracy and reducing incorrect classifications. In addition, this article discusses stressors used to induce reliable physiological responses. Validated self-report instruments are being reviewed as benchmarking tools for objective sensor-based measurements. STAI and PSS-10 are examples. These instruments demonstrate a strong correlation between stress and anxiety and physiological health outcomes. In conclusion, this review discusses future research avenues, focusing on advanced artificial intelligence-driven approaches and sophisticated sensors. These developments aim to better define stress levels and physiological factors that have not been thoroughly studied. Full article

Background: Obese Latino adolescents are at increased risk for stress and depressive symptomology, but interventions to target both physiological and mental health outcomes are scarce. This pilot randomized controlled trial assessed feasibility and preliminary efficacy for a home-based strength training (HBST) intervention on stress-related and mental health outcomes in obese Latino adolescent males. Methods: Fifty-two adolescents were randomized to HBST (n = 26) or control conditions (n = 26). Participants randomized to HBST completed a 16-week progressive resistance training intervention performed twice per week at home on non-consecutive days. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention and included measures of upper- and lower-body strength (1RM), body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile, BMI Z-score, salivary cortisol, depressive symptoms (CES-D), and perceived stress (PSS-14). Results are presented using completer-only analyses (n = 25) and mixed-design ANOVA models. An ANCOVA sensitivity analysis was conducted for depressive symptoms due to baseline imbalance, including baseline CES-D as a covariate in the model. Results: Recruitment goals were met, but retention was lower than expected (48% overall; HBST = 31%, control = 54%). Analyses revealed a significant Time × Group interaction for salivary cortisol (F(1, 20) = 5.70, p = 0.027, ηp² = 0.222), such that cortisol decreased over time in HBST participants and increased in control participants. While all strength and anthropometric outcomes improved descriptively from baseline to follow-up in the intervention condition, no significant interactions were present between groups. Depressive symptoms also decreased descriptively in HBST participants, but this effect was no longer significant after adjusting for baseline CES-D using ANCOVA (F(1, 19) = 0.002, p = 0.968). There were no significant findings for perceived stress. Conclusions: Differential effects were observed on salivary cortisol, suggesting HBST may be feasible in obese Latino adolescents. However, results should be interpreted with caution given baseline imbalance, small sample size, high attrition, and limitations with measuring cortisol at one time point without adjustment for time of day or key psychosocial and physiological confounders. All psychological and anthropometric outcomes were exploratory and non-significant after adjustment. A larger, multisite trial using baseline-adjusted analytic procedures, repeated physiological sampling, objective measures of adherence, and extended follow-up is needed to determine whether HBST produces meaningful effects that are sustained over time. Full article

Interdigitated back-contact solar cells were fabricated entirely with inkjet printing. poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), TiO₂, and metal lines were printed on a textured silicon substrate with only one inkjet printer. No vacuum deposition or diffusion of a back surface field is needed for the printed IBC solar cell. Adding co-solvent to the PEDOT:PSS and passivation of the Si surface significantly reduced the losses and enhanced the short-circuit current, Jsc, and, as a result, improved the fill factor and efficiency of the devices. The thickness of the PEDOT:PSS layer is approximately half a micrometer measured by profilometer, which is thicker than the optimal range typically reported; there is still a best short-circuit current, Jsc, of 19.2 mA/cm². To further improve the performance of the devices, an anti-reflective coating on the front side is required. Also, an improved metal contact ink is needed to improve the contact resistance between the PEDOT:PSS layer and the metal contact. The initial performance of all printed cells are compared to conventionally fabricated devices. Full article

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising localized strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. The integration of photosensitizers (PSs) in localized drug delivery systems (DDSs), particularly in electrospun nanofibers, holds tremendous potential to overcome the drawbacks of their systemic administration. Exploring multilayer fibrous architectures provides a versatile therapeutic platform to design the next generation of localized DDS. In this work, localized implants for cancer treatment using PDT were developed using polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), chitosan (CS) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as biopolymers and a porphyrin (Por) as PS, following two approaches: blended PHA/Por electrospun microfibers and multilayered membranes (PHA–Por/CS/PEO) produced by sequential electrospinning. The synthesized Por displayed higher cytotoxicity in light compared to dark against tumor cells. All the developed membranes were characterized regarding their morphology, wettability, absorption and fluorescence properties. PHA–Por membranes exhibited overall uniform fibrous morphologies with successful Por incorporation. Nonetheless, they presented a highly hydrophobic surface, compromising the Por release and cell–material interactions. In contrast, multilayer PHA–Por/CS/PEO membranes demonstrated enhanced hydrophilicity and enabled sustained Por release. Upon light irradiation, these membranes induced a significantly greater inhibition of HeLa cell proliferation (29.61%) compared to dark conditions (6.21%), confirming their photodynamic activity. Full article

The industrial application of modified ion-exchange membranes is limited by complex, discontinuous ex-situ processes. This study introduces an in-situ electro-assembly strategy that enables the direct fabrication of a selective layer within an electrodialysis stack without disassembly. By utilizing a programmed current reversal to orchestrate the sequential deposition of polyethyleneimine (PEI), glutaraldehyde cross-linking, and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) adsorption, we achieve meticulous interfacial engineering on a commercial cation exchange membrane. Comprehensive characterization confirms the successful construction of a hydrophilic, charge-tuned multilayer, which enhances ion transport kinetics and raises the limiting current density. This method culminates in a membrane with an exceptional Li⁺/Mg²⁺ selectivity of 107.9 and robust stability, retaining a significant selectivity of 47 over 10 cycles in real salt lake brine. This synergistic integration of operational simplicity, interfacial precision, and superior performance establishes a transformative and scalable platform for manufacturing high-performance membranes for selective ion separation from complex brine sources. Full article

Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) is the causal agent of bacterial canker, a disease that can result in yield losses, aerial tissue damage, and tree mortality in stone fruits worldwide. Peach, one of the major stone fruit crops, experiences significant yield losses and tree mortality attributed to bacterial canker in the United States. As the second-largest peach-producing state, South Carolina faces direct and significant impacts due to Pss. Early evaluations of peach scion responses to Pss infection have relied primarily on circumstantial field observations in rootstock trials. Although laboratory evaluations in peach have been reported, these studies primarily focused on pathogen virulence testing or small accession sets and did not establish a standardized, scalable detached twig protocol for systematic germplasm phenotyping. The absence of a clearly described laboratory assay has limited reproducible and large-scale evaluation of bacterial canker tolerance in peach. To address this gap, a detached dormant twig assay, previously developed for cherry, was adapted and optimized for peach. Dormant shoots from nine peach accessions were cut into 10 cm segments, surface-sterilized, and inoculated with a Pss suspension prepared in 10 mM MgCl₂ buffer or with the buffer alone. After six weeks of incubation, inner bark lesion size was evaluated visually and quantified using ImageJ. A newly developed visual rating scale was established and compared with quantitative lesion measurements. Spearman correlation analysis showed strong positive correlations between visual disease scores and ImageJ-based lesion measurements across two independent replicates (ρ = 0.80–1.00, p < 0.01), while shoot segment diameter showed weak-to-moderate negative correlations with disease severity. This adapted and consolidated dormant twig assay provides a practical, reproducible, and scalable method for phenotyping bacterial canker tolerance in peach and supports future germplasm screening and breeding efforts. Full article

The widespread use of wireless technologies raises concerns about health effects and electromagnetic interference (EMI). This study aims to investigate the EMI-shielding properties of functional textiles using modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in different polymeric matrices as coating inks. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) combined with MWCNT showed promise. For instance, a textile coated with a PEDOT:PSS-based ink containing 5 wt.% of N-doped MWCNT with a thickness of 140 µm achieved a shielding effectiveness (SE) of 31.0 dB (221 dB µm⁻¹) in the 5.85–18 GHz range. This fabric is classified as ‘excellent’ for general use and may be suitable for EMI-protective clothing. Some tests using silicone as a polymer matrix demonstrated improved SE through resonance phenomena. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ageing is associated with reduced adaptive capacity, which may influence responses to chronic stress and contribute to adverse lifestyle changes. This study examined the relationships among diet quality, nutritional status, and psychosomatic health in adults aged 60+, while considering the role of psychological stress. Methods: A total of 372 participants were assessed using a validated FFQ to evaluate diet quality, the MNA to determine nutritional status, and anthropometric measurements. Psychological functioning was measured using the PSS-10, the 4DSQ, and the geriatric GDS scale. Results: No association was identified between adherence to the MIND diet and depressive or anxiety symptoms. However, depressive symptoms were positively associated with the consumption of unhealthy foods. Gender differences also emerged: women reported higher levels of perceived stress (PSS10 F: 13.5 M: 10.5; p < 0.001), anxiety (F: 0.97; M: 0.39; p < 0.01), and somatisation (F: 6.18; M: 4.22; p < 0.001), suggesting greater vulnerability to everyday stressors. Participants at risk of malnutrition displayed significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of stress (8.33), depression (0.73), and anxiety (1.76) compared with well-nourished individuals (5.03; 0.33; 0.77, respectively). Conclusions: These findings underscore the significant relationship between nutritional status and mental functioning in older adults. They emphasise the need to integrate nutritional assessment with somatic and psychological evaluation to better support the health and well-being of seniors and to improve understanding of the interactions between diet, stress, and psychosomatic functioning in the ageing process. Full article

Organic semiconductors have the potential to contribute to sustainable electronics manufacture due to their ability to be processed from low-energy solution-processing methods. However, improvements must be made in the lifetime of such devices. PEDOT:PSS, a popular hole transport material, is acidic, which causes degradation in devices over time. Therefore, a replacement is needed to allow for longer lasting organic semiconductor devices. We have previously reported BEDOTPy, a non-acidic, molecular material that could be used to improve the device lifetime of OLEDs. In this work we explore how molecular engineering of BEDOTPy, by modifying the molecule’s side chain, affects the physical properties that are important to device performance and lifetime. Full article

Food insecurity (FI) may lead to lower academic achievement, yet college students with inadequate food underutilize campus food pantries. This research aimed to identify predictors of academic success among pantry shoppers (PSs) to inform outreach. Data from AY 2021–2022 (N = 847) and 2022–2023 (N = 951) were derived from swipes of student identification cards, merged with university student-provided data, and de-identified. Multiple regression, logistic regression, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) were employed to create and validate models using Machine Learning. Grade Point Averages (GPAs) were compared by two-sample t tests. The PSs demonstrated higher GPAs in the fall term than non-pantry shoppers (p = 0.04). Validation of the models indicated strong performance. Multiple regression yielded a low prediction error (0.05), and logistic regression achieved 71% accuracy (AUC = 0.776). LASSO identified positive predictors of academic success, including graduate and honors status, junior and senior classification, females, international residency, and frequency of pantry shopping. Negative predictors included part-time status, first-year status, Black or Hispanic ethnicity, and Pell Grant eligibility. Findings underscore the complex interplay between sociodemographic and academic factors that should be considered when planning pantry outreach programs and highlight the need for standardized measures of student pantry utilization, which may aid resource allocation and sustainability. Full article

Vibrio alginolyticus is an important antibiotic-resistant pathogen in aquaculture that can cause mortality in a wide range of aquatic animals and infect humans. It is urgently necessary to discover and develop effective antibiotic alternatives. Citral, a key antibacterial component of lemongrass oil, can be used as a food flavoring and additive. Although the antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm effect of citral against V. alginolyticus have been noted in our previous study, the potential lipidome influence of citral remains unclear. Accordingly, a non-targeted lipidomics approach was employed to investigate citral-induced lipidome disturbances and reveal potential regulated targets of citral against V. alginolyticus. We found that the citral exposure triggered substantial lipidome alterations (i.e., composition, contents, and structure) in V. alginolyticus. Specifically, the content of most phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), phosphatidylserines (PSs), phosphatidylinositols (PIs), and phosphatidylglycerols (PGs)) decreased with the increase in citral concentration, while ceramides (Cers) and lysophospholipids (LPLs) (e.g., lyso-PAs, lyso-PCs, lyso-PEs, and lyso-PGs) showed concentration-dependent accumulation under citral treatment. Notably, the critical lipid remodeling in response to citral exposure mainly involved the phospholipid and sphingolipid metabolic pathways. Collectively, our study reveals the bacterial lipidome response to citral exposure and highlights pivotal metabolic pathways, potentially offering a novel perspective for future investigations into lipid-centric antibacterial targets. Full article

In communication-centric integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems, passive radars exploit existing communication signals of opportunity for sensing. To compute delay-Doppler or range–velocity maps (DDMs and RVMs, respectively), modern orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based sensing systems use the channel frequency response (CFR) originally estimated in communication receivers for equalization. In OFDM-based passive radars utilizing 4G LTE or 5G NR waveforms, CFR estimation typically relies only on reference signals. However, simulation-based studies that assume a priori knowledge of user data symbols indicate potential performance gains when incorporating user data and other downlink channels. In this work, we present an experimental evaluation of an OFDM-based passive radar that jointly utilizes all commonly present components of the 5G NR downlink waveform: synchronization signals (PSS and SSS), broadcast and control channels (PBCHs and PDCCHs, respectively), data channels (PDSCHs), and reference signals (PBCH DM-RSs, PDCCH DM-RSs, PDSCH DM-RSs, and CSI-RSs). Our results show that utilizing user data from fully occupied 5G downlink signals, under the assumption of full knowledge of PDSCH locations, significantly improves both the probability of detection (POD) and the peak height, measured by the peak-to-noise-floor ratio (PNFR), compared with pilot-only sensing. Since perfect knowledge of the user data payload is not assumed, we estimate the transmission bit error rate (BER) and analyze its impact on sensing performance. Finally, we investigate more realistic scenarios in which only a subset of PDSCH resource element locations is known, as in practical 5G deployments, and evaluate how partial data location knowledge affects the POD and PNFR under different BER conditions. Full article

South Asian Americans experience multifaceted sociocultural and acculturative stressors that influence mental well-being, yet few studies have applied contemporary behavioral theories to understand relaxation behaviors in this population. This cross-sectional study examined predictors of initiating and sustaining relaxation behaviors using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of health behavior change. A web-based survey of 271 South Asian adults incorporated the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), MTM constructs, and sociodemographic characteristics. Reliability was high across MTM subscales (Cronbach’s α = 0.81–0.93). Structural equation modeling demonstrated acceptable fit (CFI > 0.90, TLI > 0.90, RMSEA < 0.08, SRMR < 0.08). Hierarchical regressions revealed that among participants practicing relaxation (n = 202), behavioral confidence significantly predicted initiation (β = 0.481, p < 0.001), followed by participatory dialogue (β = 0.194, p < 0.05) and changes in the physical environment (β = 0.242, p < 0.01). Emotional transformation strongly predicted sustenance (β = 0.395, p < 0.001), along with practice for change (β = 0.307, p < 0.05) and changes in the social environment (β = 0.210, p < 0.05). MTM constructs explained 69.8% of initiation variance and 70.4% of sustenance variance. Among non-practitioners, participatory dialogue predicted initiation (β ≈ 0.18–0.34, p < 0.05), and emotional transformation predicted sustenance (β = 0.570, p < 0.001). These findings underscore MTM’s strong predictive utility and support culturally tailored interventions enhancing confidence, emotional regulation, and social/environmental supports to promote relaxation behaviors in South Asian communities in the United States. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of straw particle size (short or long) and corn physical form (ground or whole) in diets on growth performance, rumen fermentation and fecal score in calves. Sixty female newborn calves were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments: 90% pelleted starter and 10% short straw (PSS); 70% pelleted starter, 20% whole corn and 10% short straw (PWCSS); 90% pelleted starter and 10% long straw (PLS); 70% pelleted starter, 20% whole corn and 10% long straw (PWCLS). In PSS and PLS treatments, all of the corn was within the pelleted starter. Calves were weaned at 68 days of age. Body weight (BW), wither height and heart girth were measured at 3 and 68 days of age. Feed intakes and fecal scores were measured daily. Rumen fluid and blood samples were collected for rumen pH, rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) and blood β-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) measurements at 68 days of age. Weaning BW, average daily weight gain (ADG) and weaning wither height were significantly lower in PLS compared to other treatments. Weaning heart girth was significantly lower in PSS and PLS than PWCSS and PWCLS. Feed intake was significantly higher for PWCSS than PWCLS. PWCLS had a significantly lower feed efficiency (starter feed intake/ADG) than PLS. No significant differences were observed for ruminal pH, ruminal acetate and blood BHB among the treatments. In the diets including short straw, ruminal propionate, butyrate and total VFA concentrations were significantly higher for PWCSS than PSS. In the diets including long straw, the ruminal propionate concentration was significantly greater for PLS than PWCLS, and ruminal butyrate and total VFA concentrations were not different for PLS and PWCLS. This study indicated that the effect of corn physical form (ground or whole) on ruminal propionate, butyrate and total VFA concentrations could vary depending on straw particle size. Fecal score was significantly lower in PSS compared to other treatments. In conclusion, long straw combined with pelleted concentrate reduced growth performance in pre-weaning calves. Whole corn inclusion in the diets with long straw increased ADG and weaning BW and improved feed efficiency. Full article