Search Results (353)

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, particularly colorectal, gastric, and liver cancers, account for a major global burden of incidence and mortality and remain important targets for genetic susceptibility research. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate gene expression and are increasingly studied in carcinogenesis. Numerous case–control studies have investigated associations between lncRNA polymorphisms and cancer risk, but findings are inconsistent. This study systematically evaluated the association between lncRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and GI cancer susceptibility. Methods: A systematic literature search from Embase, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 174 potentially extractable studies. Eligible studies were case–control or cross-sectional studies published up to 8 May 2026; case reports, reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. After screening for identical cancer type, identical SNP, and sufficient statistical data, only variants supported by at least three independent case–control studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Seven SNPs across six lncRNAs, comprising 23 studies (15,131 cases and 20,969 controls), were selected. Because of the limited number of eligible studies, subgroup analyses could not be performed consistently. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed under allelic, dominant, and recessive genetic models using fixed- or random-effects models according to heterogeneity. Results: In the primary analyses restricted to homogenous Chinese populations, H19 rs3024270 was significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma under allelic (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05–1.42, p = 0.01) and dominant models (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.45, p = 0.02). Exploratory analyses including mixed populations identified additional associations, with the strongest observed for MEG3 rs7158663 and colorectal cancer, showing significant risk elevation under allelic (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.25–1.63, p < 0.00001), dominant (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20–1.68, p < 0.0001), and recessive models (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.46–2.68, p < 0.0001). PRNCR1 rs16901946 showed a significant association with gastric cancer under the dominant model (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02–1.41, p = 0.03), while GAS5 rs145204276 demonstrated a recessive-model association with gastric cancer (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.16–1.46, p < 0.0001). In contrast, GAS5 rs145204276 in colorectal cancer; H19 rs2839698 and MALAT1 rs619586 in hepatocellular carcinoma yielded heterogeneous or unstable pooled estimates. Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of studies, heterogeneity, and potential publication bias. Conclusions: Among the primary analyses, H19 rs3024270 showed the most consistent association with HCC susceptibility. Exploratory analyses identified candidate variants, including MEG3 rs7158663, PRNCR1 rs16901946, and GAS5 rs145204276. Population-specific effects and study heterogeneity remain important limitations. PROSPERO registration number for this study: CRD42023389742. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder affecting more than 2.8 million individuals worldwide and is commonly associated with cognitive deficits that compromise independence and quality of life. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an innovative rehabilitation strategy, offering immersive and engaging environments that promote neuroplasticity and enhance patient motivation. To evaluate the effectiveness of immersive and non-immersive VR-based interventions in improving cognitive performance among adults diagnosed with MS. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD420251103762). Comprehensive searches were carried out across seven international databases up to October 2025, including only randomized controlled trials assessing cognitive outcomes after VR-based rehabilitation programs. Results: From 1948 records screened, 13 studies comprising 649 participants met the inclusion criteria. Intervention durations ranged between 6 and 17 weeks, with sessions lasting 30–60 min. The interventions involved treadmill training with VR, exergaming, and cognitive stimulation protocols. Most studies demonstrated significant improvements in processing speed, visuospatial and verbal memory, and executive functioning (p < 0.05). Adherence rates were above 80%, and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: VR-based rehabilitation appears to be a safe, feasible, and effective approach for enhancing cognitive abilities in individuals with MS, particularly in processing speed and visuospatial memory. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of methodologies underscores the need for standardized intervention frameworks and large-scale multicenter randomized trials to establish optimal parameters and confirm sustained long-term benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aims to synthesize existing evidence on the impact of nursing interventions based on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring (THC) on women’s mental health and to provide an evidence-based framework for clinical practice. Methods: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (Registration No: CRD420251111577). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Ten studies (nine randomized controlled trials and one quasi-experimental study), involving 869 participants, met the eligibility criteria. Data were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach due to methodological and clinical heterogeneity. Results: A total of 10 studies involving 894 women met the inclusion criteria. Geographically, nine studies were conducted in Türkiye and one in Iran. The included studies spanned various clinical contexts directly associated with significant mental health challenges for women, including medical abortion, infertility, gynecological oncology, and the postpartum period. The synthesized findings demonstrated that nursing interventions based on Watson’s Human Caring Theory led to statistically significant reductions in anxiety, depression, stress, postpartum depression risk, and infertility-related distress. Furthermore, these caritas-based frameworks significantly enhanced positive psychological assets, including self-efficacy, hope, meaning in life, prenatal attachment, and social support perception. Conclusions: Watson’s Theory of Human Caring provides a transformative framework for women’s health nursing that extends beyond symptom management to strengthen the individual’s internal resources and spiritual integrity. Integrating this theory into clinical protocols and nursing curricula is essential for humanizing care and protecting women’s mental health during challenging life transitions, particularly within the examined sociocultural contexts. Full article

Single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) enables direct measurement of nanoscale conformational dynamics and heterogeneity in biomolecules, but quantitative interpretation of smFRET data critically depends on well-controlled excitation geometry, low background fluorescence, robust calibration, and reproducible data-analysis workflows. Prism-based total internal reflection fluorescence (pTIRF) microscopy provides important advantages for such measurements by physically separating excitation and emission paths and generating a highly confined evanescent field, yet practical guidance for implementing reproducible, quantitative pTIRF systems remains fragmented. Here we present a comprehensive, standardized framework for the design, alignment, calibration, validation, and operation of a prism-based TIRF microscope optimized for single-molecule fluorescence measurements. We describe the complete optical architecture for dual-color excitation and detection, establish alignment invariants that ensure reproducible evanescent excitation and stable donor–acceptor channel registration, and detail surface preparation, flow control, and photostabilization strategies required for reliable long-term imaging. Quantitative benchmarking protocols are introduced to evaluate signal-to-noise ratio, photobleaching kinetics, and spectral crosstalk, providing objective criteria for defining optimal operating conditions and instrument performance limits. Finally, we integrate these experimental procedures with an end-to-end single-molecule data-analysis workflow encompassing channel registration, automated and manual trajectory selection, FRET calculation, and kinetic analysis using hidden Markov modeling. The utility of the platform is demonstrated through smFRET measurements of conformational dynamics in a model nucleic acid system. Together, this work provides a reproducible and accessible methodology for implementing prism-based TIRF microscopy as a robust quantitative platform for single-molecule fluorescence studies across a wide range of biomolecular systems. Full article

The global market for fermented functional foods containing probiotics has expanded rapidly, driven by increasing consumer interest in health-oriented food products. However, despite their long history and recognized benefits, the international commercialization of these products is hindered by heterogeneous regulatory frameworks. This review examines the current global regulatory landscape governing probiotic fermented foods, with particular emphasis on key regions, including the United States, the European Union, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Latin America. Differences in product classification, safety assessment, the permitted use of the term “probiotic”, and scientific substantiation requirements for health claims are discussed. Additionally, major regulatory barriers affecting international trade are analyzed, including non-tariff barriers, labeling restrictions, and variability in sanitary registration and approval processes. These challenges are further compounded by inconsistencies in evaluation methodologies and the lack of harmonized criteria for microbial characterization and functional validation. Together, these factors limit product standardization, increase development costs, and hinder innovation and market access, particularly for emerging probiotic strains. This review highlights the need for greater international harmonization and for integrating robust scientific evidence into regulatory frameworks to facilitate global trade while ensuring consumer safety and claimed product functionality. Full article

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of statin administration on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and post-treatment relapse in animal models. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration (CRD42025612449), a comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2025. The search strategy included studies on animal models treated with any form of statin during OTM or relapse phases. Eligibility criteria were defined using the PICOS framework. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, statin administration protocol, orthodontic mechanics, and both histological and molecular markers of bone remodeling. Risk of bias was assessed with SYRCLE’s tool. Results: Seven in vivo animal studies met the inclusion criteria. Simvastatin and atorvastatin were investigated using heterogeneous experimental models, doses, administration routes, orthodontic mechanics, and follow-up periods. Findings suggested that statins may reduce active orthodontic tooth movement or post-orthodontic relapse in some experimental settings, but effects were not uniform across studies. Histological outcomes, when reported, generally indicated reduced osteoclast activity, fewer resorption lacunae, or more mature alveolar bone in statin-treated animals. Molecular outcomes were less consistently reported and mainly involved OPG/RANKL-related pathways, Runx2, or ALP expression. Conclusions: Statins, particularly simvastatin, show potential to modulate orthodontic tooth movement and reduce relapse by influencing bone metabolism. Nevertheless, due to methodological variability and the exclusive reliance on animal models, these results cannot yet be translated into clinical recommendations. Current preclinical evidence suggests that statins may modulate bone remodeling during active orthodontic tooth movement and after appliance removal. However, the evidence remains limited to a small number of heterogeneous animal studies with incomplete reporting of key outcomes and several unclear risk-of-bias domains. Clinical translation is premature, and more standardized preclinical studies are required before human investigations can be justified. Full article

Structural planes widely developed in slope rock masses are key geological elements governing deformation, failure modes and engineering stability. Traditional manual logging suffers from low efficiency, high safety risks and inadequate data integrity, failing to meet large-scale and refined survey needs. This paper proposes a cross-modal collaborative recognition system for slope discontinuities. The principal methodological contribution is the cross-modal ROI-guidance mechanism itself: 2D detection bounding boxes are back-projected through pixel-to-point-cloud registration to construct region-of-interest constraints in 3D space, transforming intractable global blind-search segmentation into localized oriented analysis within bounded volumes—to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first systematic establishment of such a “visual detection → ROI-guided 3D analysis” framework for slope discontinuity characterization. Within this paradigm, established modules are adapted to the discontinuity recognition task rather than newly invented: channel attention, bidirectional multi-scale fusion and angle-aware regression are integrated into the detection backbone to address the weak texture contrast, large-scale span and extreme aspect-ratio morphology of discontinuity targets, while a PCA–DBSCAN–RANSAC cascade operating within the ROI volumes extracts dip direction, dip angle, spacing and trace length. Validated on two typical slopes in Hunan Province, the improved network achieves a mAP@0.5 of 89.4%, the average IoU of point cloud segmentation is 82.6–86.3%, the dip angle RMSE is 2.46° and the spacing average relative error is 6.8%. The full workflow takes about 86 min, a 19.5-fold efficiency gain over manual methods, and provides an automated pipeline from heterogeneous remote sensing data to engineering-usable structural parameters. The resulting outputs are organized in a tabular schema compatible with mainstream discrete-element software such as 3DEC and UDEC, where they serve as geometric inputs to downstream stability modelling once site-specific mechanical calibration is performed. The two-site validation reported here should accordingly be read as a proof of operational feasibility within the limestone and sandstone–mudstone envelope examined, with broader deployment to other lithologies identified as the natural next phase of evaluation. Full article

High-intensity intermittent exercise can acutely alter circulating cytokines, but findings are heterogeneous. The aim was to systematically synthesize acute blood cytokine responses after a single high-intensity intermittent exercise session in humans. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection, plus reference screening. Eligibility criteria included original human studies measuring serum or plasma cytokines pre-exercise and at least one post-exercise time point after high-intensity intermittent exercise. Sampling was mapped to prespecified recovery windows. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 (randomized trials) and the Joanna Briggs Institute quasi-experimental tool. Narrative synthesis was used. From 2077 records, 45 studies were included. Most protocols used cycling or treadmill modalities, and sampling clustered in the immediate and early recovery windows. Interleukin 6 most consistently increased after exercise, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 10, and other mediators showed mixed or context-dependent changes. Risk of bias was commonly rated as some concerns, with frequent limitations in pre-analytical control and reporting. Across included studies, high-intensity intermittent exercise tended to elicit a short-lived myokine-dominant inflammatory signal, characterized primarily by an increase in circulating interleukin 6, most often detected in the immediate and early recovery windows. Conflicting findings for tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 10, redox-related outcomes, and less frequently measured mediators were best explained by a small set of dominant moderators: post-exercise sampling window, exercise dose/internal load, participant metabolic and training phenotype, and pre-analytical or assay-related heterogeneity. Registration: Open Science Framework (osf.io/wspr6; 17 February 2026). Full article

Grain intake is a key operation in grain storage that directly affects storage efficiency, operational safety, and grain quality. In grain-entry scenarios, single LiDAR sensors are easily limited by blind spots and occlusions, making multi-LiDAR collaborative perception necessary for reliable three-dimensional environment sensing. However, heterogeneous LiDARs differ in scan lines, point density, viewing angle, installation pose, and noise characteristics, which leads to low-overlap and mixed sparse–dense point cloud registration challenges. To address this issue, this paper proposes a GICP-based registration flow improvement method for heterogeneous multi-LiDAR systems used in intelligent grain warehousing robots. The method improves registration stability through overlap-region cropping, voxel downsampling, and a star-topology registration strategy, and further introduces a point-to-plane evaluation metric based on local planar models together with cross-LiDAR planar consistency verification. Experimental results show that the proposed method reduces the point-to-plane error to 0.1487 m in the ${\mathrm{L}}_0-{\mathrm{L}}_1$ registration task and 0.1090 m in the ${\mathrm{L}}_1-{\mathrm{L}}_2$ registration task, outperforming ICP, point-to-plane ICP, and NDT while maintaining acceptable computational efficiency. These results demonstrate that the method can improve structural alignment quality and provide reliable geometric support for multi-sensor perception, mapping, and autonomous operation of grain warehousing robots. Rather than proposing a fundamentally new registration mathematical model, this study proposes a highly engineered GICP-based workflow. It should be noted that the proposed workflow is specifically tailored and optimized for plane-dominated and semi-static grain storage environments, restricting its validated scope to static or low-speed multi-LiDAR registration tasks. Full article

Transfer accuracy is widely used to evaluate orthodontic indirect bonding workflows, particularly in the context of digital CAD/CAM planning and three-dimensional bracket positioning. However, substantial heterogeneity in its definition, measurement, and reporting may limit comparability and clinical interpretability across systematic reviews. This methodological umbrella review examined how transfer accuracy is operationalized as an outcome construct, with specific focus on conceptual definitions, dimensional frameworks, reference systems, measurement pipelines, and interpretative strategies rather than pooled quantitative deviation estimates. A systematic search of major biomedical databases was conducted to identify systematic reviews evaluating transfer accuracy in orthodontic indirect bonding. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using a predefined methodological mapping framework, and methodological quality was assessed with AMSTAR-2. Four systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Across reviews, transfer accuracy was operationalized through heterogeneous linear and angular geometric deviation metrics derived from planned–achieved bracket position comparisons, without use of a standardized composite accuracy indicator. Nevertheless, substantial heterogeneity was found in outcome definitions, dimensional architectures, reference system selection, and analytical workflows, resulting in structurally non-equivalent representations of transfer accuracy and limiting cross-review comparability. Within the included systematic reviews, transfer accuracy functioned primarily as a workflow-dependent geometric measurement construct rather than as an outcome systematically operationalized within clinically validated frameworks. We recommend standardized construct definitions, mandatory reporting of reference systems and registration algorithms, routine uncertainty quantification, and harmonized dimensional frameworks as essential steps toward valid evidence synthesis, reproducible digital orthodontic workflows, and clinically interpretable transfer accuracy measurement. Full article

Background: Experimental animal models remain central to burn research and soft-tissue reconstruction/repair, but method heterogeneity compromises reproducibility, comparability, and translation for depth/area endpoints. Objective: We aimed to map burn-induction methods and examine reproducibility, intentional depth modulation, wound-area stability, validation, and operator-dependent variability. Methods: A PRISMA-ScR review, informed by JBI guidance, was conducted without registration but with predefined questions, criteria, and charting domains. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to 30 January 2026. Eligible studies were English peer-reviewed full-text original in vivo animal studies. Two reviewers independently screened records; one charted data, another checked it. Evidence was mapped by modality, exposure-control architecture, validation, and operator-sensitive steps. Results: Studies varied by species, modality, device design, exposure settings, and severity verification. Modalities were contact, scald, steam, and radiant/infrared. Wound area was more reproducible than depth, which depended on temperature, duration, force/pressure, geometry, equilibration, anatomical site, and assessment timing. Histopathology was the main standard, sometimes complemented by morphometry, optical, or perfusion techniques. Operator-sensitive variability involved force, alignment, contact stability, template integrity, exposure geometry, source stability/environmental control. Conclusions: Burn induction is a measurement-system problem; constraining operator-sensitive variables, predefined validation timing, and quantitative variability reporting may improve validity, comparability, and translation. Full article

Introduction: SGLT2 inhibitors reduce renal composite endpoints and proteinuria, yet RCTs uniformly show an acute eGFR dip within 2 weeks to 2 months after initiation. However, demographic and clinical predictors of an acute eGFR dip demonstrate considerable heterogeneity across studies. This study aims to identify urinary protein biomarkers of this early eGFR dip and integrate them with routine variables to build a clinically actionable prediction model. Methods and analysis: This three-stage proteomics study includes retrospective discovery, prospective internal validation, and external validation cohorts (total n ≈ 600–700). DIA mass spectrometry will screen for urinary proteins associated with ≥10% eGFR decline at 1 month post-SGLT2i initiation in CKD stages 3–4. Top candidates (FDR < 10%, FC > 1.5, ion intensity > 1 × 10⁴, unique gene families) will be validated by ELISA. A LASSO-logistic regression model will integrate the top three proteins with seven routinely available clinical variables: age, BMI, diabetes status, heart failure, systolic blood pressure, baseline eGFR, and diuretic use. Model performance will be assessed using the C-statistic, NRI, IDI, and calibration metrics. Adaptive stopping rules are pre-specified. Ethics and dissemination: Approved by the Ethics Review Committee at Chinese PLA General Hospital (S2025-859-02, 2025KY126-KS002), all participants will provide written informed consent prior to enrollment, and the study will adhere to the Declaration of Helsinki. Data will be pseudonymized and stored securely according to institutional regulations. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international nephrology conferences. Trial Registration: Registered Report Identifier: ChiCTR2600119772. Date of registration: 3 March 2026. Full article

This paper examines how local firm entry affects air pollution and whether the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) changes this relationship. Using a county–month panel for 2010–2020, we match the Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Registration Database with county-level monthly PM2.5 data to measure new firm entry and its sectoral composition. To address the potential endogeneity of firm entry, we use the opening of high-speed rail as an instrumental variable. The results show that firm entry significantly increases county-level PM2.5 concentrations. This effect is highly heterogeneous across industries, with stronger pollution effects in sectors such as wholesale and retail, manufacturing, and accommodation and catering. We further find that the APPCAP significantly weakens the positive effect of firm entry on air pollution. Additional evidence suggests that the policy improves air quality not only by tightening environmental constraints, but also by shifting firm entry toward relatively cleaner industries. This paper explains the environmental consequences of local economic expansion from the perspective of incremental firm entry and provides new evidence on the joint role of environmental regulation and industrial restructuring in air pollution control. Full article

Patellar tendinopathy is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterized by localized pain and functional impairment. This systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis aimed to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of percutaneous electrolysis (PE), combined with eccentric exercise, for improving functional performance in individuals with patellar tendinopathy. Following PRISMA guidelines and registration in PROSPERO (CRD420251233971), comprehensive searches were performed in Cochrane Library, PEDro, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Only two randomized controlled trials, published between 2016 and 2021, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the quantitative synthesis. Functional capacity recorded using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) scale was the primary outcome. Both included studies presented some concerns regarding risk of bias. The pooled random-effects meta-analysis (REML estimation with Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman adjustment) revealed no statistically significant difference favoring PE over control interventions (Hedges’ g = –0.10; 95% CI: –2.69 to 2.50; p = 0.72). Statistical heterogeneity was nominally low (I² = 0%), although this metric is uninformative with only two studies. Between-group differences in both studies were below the minimal clinically important difference for the VISA-P scale. The certainty of evidence according to the GRADE framework was rated as very low. Given the extremely limited evidence base, these findings should be considered strictly exploratory. The very low certainty of evidence precludes definitive conclusions regarding the comparative effectiveness of PE. Larger, adequately powered randomized trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up are needed. Full article

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has transformed market access in developing economies, yet its impact on the spatial structure of market participation remains insufficiently understood. While existing studies primarily examine welfare outcomes such as income growth and consumption smoothing, few investigate how digital platforms reshape the balance of market entry between urban and rural areas. Drawing on New Economic Geography and platform economics theory, this study proposes that e-commerce development rebalances urban–rural market vitality through three associative pathways: alleviating rural capital constraints, improving rural innovation environments, and promoting agricultural-industry agglomeration. Using county-level panel data covering 2725 Chinese counties from 2011 to 2022, we employ a Double Machine Learning (DML) framework to examine the association between designation as an “E-commerce into Rural Comprehensive Demonstration County” and changes in the urban–rural market vitality balance (URMAR). The results indicate that demonstration county designation is associated with a statistically significant reduction in urban–rural market disparity, as measured by both the Theil index and the absolute difference in new enterprise registrations. The directional URMAR indicator further reveals that this convergence is driven primarily by accelerated rural enterprise formation. Subsample analysis confirms that the rebalancing interpretation holds across counties with different baseline market structures. Mechanism analysis provides suggestive evidence consistent with all three proposed associative pathways. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that these effects are stronger in economically developed eastern regions, in counties linked to higher-tier cities, and in secondary and tertiary industries. These findings advance a market-structure perspective on digital development that complements existing welfare-based approaches and offer policy insights for fostering balanced regional development through targeted digital and complementary investments. Full article