Search Results (3,771)

Background/Objectives: The rapid diffusion of generative AI has raised concerns about its potential influence on human cognition, particularly during creative work. This pilot study explored task-related associations between generative AI use and facial expression-derived indices that have previously been shown to correlate with gray matter volume in the default mode network (DMN) and central executive network (CEN). Methods: Thirty-three business professionals completed three AI-supported writing tasks involving concept generation, concept combination, and a mixed task. Results: The results showed a statistically robust reduction in the CEN-related facial expression index during the concept combination task, whereas no corrected changes were observed during concept generation or the mixed task. In addition, higher creative self-efficacy was associated with smaller reductions in the CEN-related index. Conclusions: Given the indirect nature of the facial expression measures, the absence of a control condition, and the exploratory design, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and primarily as hypothesis-generating. Future research using controlled designs and direct neuroimaging methods is needed to clarify the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying AI-assisted creativity. Full article

Background: The retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor that heterodimerizes with numerous partners to regulate diverse transcriptional programs. RXR agonists, including the FDA-approved drug bexarotene, show anti-tumor activity but are limited by adverse side effects. V-125 is a next-generation RXR agonist engineered for improved selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and reduced lipogenic effects. This study compares the molecular and functional effects of V-125 and bexarotene in HER2⁺ breast cancer models. Methods: Female MMTV-Neu mice bearing mammary tumors were treated with control, V-125 (100 mg/kg diet), or bexarotene (100 mg/kg diet) for 10 days. RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways. Candidate targets were validated by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Immune modulation was evaluated by IHC staining for CD8 cells and CD206⁺ macrophages in tumors to capture the tumor microenvironment. Functional assays in JIMT-1 human HER2⁺ cells assessed RXR target activation and clonogenic potential in tumor cells. Results: V-125 induced broader transcriptional changes than bexarotene, including selective upregulation of Nrg1, Nfasc, Lrrc26, and Chi3l1 genes associated with improved patient survival. Pathway analysis revealed regulation of immune activation, cancer signaling, and lipid metabolism. Both V-125 and bexarotene suppressed colony formation in JIMT-1 cells, confirming previous observations about RXR-dependent inhibition of tumor cell growth. Moreover, V-125 in vivo had distinct capabilities to increase CD8 cell infiltration and reduced CD206⁺ macrophages, whereas bexarotene did not. Conclusions: V-125 but not bexarotene reprograms tumor transcriptional programs and the immune landscape in an anti-tumor manner in the MMTV-neu mouse model and in in vitro models of HER2⁺ breast cancer. This highlights its promise as a selective RXR agonist with anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activity in HER2⁺ breast cancer. Full article

Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder thought to arise from the brain–gut axis dysfunction, yet direct human neurophysiological evidence is lacking. We recorded high-density electroencephalography (EEG) data in 21 FC patients and 37 healthy controls across resting, cognitive, and defecation-related tasks. We observed that FC patients displayed a consistent, task-dependent signature compared with healthy controls. At the regional level, FC patients exhibited increased alpha during both resting and defecation-related tasks, reduced temporal gamma during defecation-related tasks, as well as elevated temporal theta during the cognitive task. At the global level, we found altered network properties, such as global efficiency in the delta and beta band networks during resting and defecation-related tasks. These findings establish a direct neurophysiological link between specific, condition-dependent perturbations in cortical rhythm activity and FC pathophysiology. Our work implicates the brain–gut axis in symptom generation and opens a path toward EEG-based biomarkers and targeted neuromodulatory therapies. Full article

In recent years, the increasing frequency of intense rainfall events has led to a surge in landslide occurrences, posing severe threats to human safety and ecological integrity. This study utilizes the Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC) for discrete element numerical simulations, combined with field observation-based mechanism analysis, to examine the primary drivers of landslide formation: rainfall and underground mining. Focusing on the Zengziyan landslide in Chongqing as a case study, the research investigates the underlying instability mechanisms. The findings indicate that mining activities primarily compromise slope stability by modifying rock structures, diminishing supporting forces, and creating goaf areas. Notably, these goaf zones generate an overhanging effect on the overlying rock mass, promoting crack initiation and the propagation of structural planes. Under rainfall conditions, groundwater infiltration and elevated pore water pressure exert a more substantial destabilizing influence, markedly accelerating rock mass sliding and collapse. The analysis reveals that rainfall predominantly governs landslide initiation and evolution, particularly during the triggering and rapid acceleration phases of slope instability. The outcomes of this research offer valuable insights for post-mining slope management and monitoring, as well as for developing landslide early warning systems in rainy conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Large Language Models (LLMs), including ChatGPT-4 and Gemini, are increasingly incorporated into clinical care; however, their reliability within maternal–fetal medicine (MFM), a high-risk field in which diagnostic and management errors may affect both the pregnant patient and the fetus, remains uncertain. Evaluating the alignment of AI-generated case management recommendations with those of MFM specialists, emphasizing accuracy, agreement, and clinical relevancy. Study Design and Setting: Cross-sectional study with blinded online evaluation (November–December 2024); evaluators were blinded to responder identity (AI vs. human), and case order and response labels were randomized for each evaluator using a computer-generated sequence to reduce order and identification bias. Methods: Twenty hypothetical MFM cases were constructed, allowing standardized presentation of complex scenarios without patient-identifiable data and enabling consistent comparison of AI-generated and human specialist recommendations. Responses were generated by ChatGPT-4, Gemini, and three MFM specialists, then assessed by 22 blinded board-certified MFM evaluators using a 10-point Likert scale. Agreement was measured with Spearman’s rho (ρ) and Cohen’s (κ); accuracy differences were measured with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: ChatGPT-4 exhibited moderate alignment (mean 6.6 ± 2.95; ρ = 0.408; κ = 0.232, p < 0.001), performing well in routine, guideline-driven scenarios (e.g., term oligohydramnios, well-controlled gestational hypertension, GDMA1). Gemini scored 7.0 ± 2.64, demonstrating effectively no consistent inter-rater agreement (κ = −0.024, p = 0.352), indicating that although mean scores were slightly higher, evaluators varied widely in how they judged individual Gemini responses. No significant difference was found between ChatGPT-4 and clinicians in median accuracy scores (Wilcoxon p = 0.18), while Gemini showed significantly lower accuracy (p < 0.01). Model performance varied primarily by case complexity: agreement was higher in straightforward, guideline-based scenarios and more variable in complex cases, whereas no consistent pattern was observed by gestational age or specific clinical domain across the 20 cases. Conclusions: AI shows promise in routine MFM decision-making but remains constrained in complex cases, where models sometimes under-prioritize maternal–fetal risk trade-offs or incompletely address alternative management pathways, warranting cautious integration into clinical practice. Generalizability is limited by the small number of simulated cases and the use of hypothetical vignettes rather than real-world clinical encounters. Full article

Objective: The objective of our study was to synthesize and characterize silica–copper nanomaterials and to evaluate their biological properties (antibacterial, redox, cytotoxic, and ecotoxic) for potential applications. Methods and Results: Si/Cu-based materials were prepared by a sol–gel method. They were characterized by XRD, UV-Vis, and SEM-EDS. The antibacterial activity of the materials was evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium), and yeasts (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The nanomaterial that was calcined at 500 °C exhibited greater antibacterial efficacy compared to the gel form. S. typhimurium demonstrated the highest susceptibility, whereas S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were the most resistant of the tested bacteria. Both yeasts exhibited comparable sensitivity (MBC = 1.0 mg/mL). The redox activity of both nanomaterials was tested at pH 7.4 (physiological) and 8.5 (optimal) by the activated chemiluminescent method. The nanocomposites significantly inhibited the free-radical and ROS generation. This presents them as redox regulators in living systems. The cytotoxic effects in normal BEAS-2B and tumor A549 human cell lines were assessed microscopically and by the cell viability neutral red uptake assay, CC₅₀ being evaluated. The observed effects suggest moderate, similar cytotoxicity in both cell lines. The ecotoxicity study using Daphnia magna showed an LC₅₀ of ~7–8 mg/L about Si/Cu/500. The LC₅₀ for Si/Cu (gel) was lower than 0.25 mg/L, indicating an increase in toxicity with increased exposure time. Conclusions: Possible applications of the newly synthesized nanomaterials include antimicrobial coatings, drug delivery systems, antioxidant additives in various formulations, and water purification. Full article

Porcine cytomegalovirus, more accurately classified as porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV), was shown to be pathogenic in the context of xenotransplantation. Transmission of PCMV/PRV to non-human primates receiving hearts or kidneys from virus-positive pigs significantly reduced the survival time of the recipients. PCMV/PRV was also transmitted to the first human recipient of a pig heart transplant and contributed to the patient’s death. Although PCMV/PRV is highly prevalent in all pig breeds and wild boars, including slaughterhouse pigs, no infections or diseases have been reported in healthy, ill, or immunocompromised humans, suggesting that this virus is not zoonotic and should therefore be classified as xenozoonotic. This indicates that this virus is not zoonotic and must be classified as xenozoonotic. Moreover, it remains unclear whether PCMV/PRV is capable of infecting human cells in vitro. To address this question, human 293T cells resistant to hygromycin were co-cultured with porcine fallopian tube (PFT) cells producing PCMV/PRV. After hygromycin selection, the remaining human cells showed no evidence of infection. Because herpesviruses are generally considered to be species-specific—a notion that has been shown to be not entirely correct—it was also investigated whether PCMV/PRV can infect mouse cells using the same approach. Similarly, no infection was observed. Since the target cells employed in both assays had a reduced capacity to resist viral infection, the findings strongly suggest that PCMV/PRV is unable to infect human or mouse cells, which are equipped with functional antiviral mechanisms. This is supported by findings from the patient who received the first pig heart transplantation. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained prominence on sustainability agendas while raising ethical, social, and environmental challenges. This study synthesizes evidence and maps the scientific production on Human-Centered AI (HCAI) at the interface with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2020–2024. Searches in Scopus and Web of Science (Boolean operators; thematic and temporal filters), followed by deduplication, yielded 265 articles, which were analyzed with Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny version 5.1.1 and VOSviewer version 1.6.20 (0) to generate term co-occurrence maps, collaboration networks, and bibliographic coupling. The results indicate accelerated growth and diffusion of the topic, with journals such as Sustainability, IEEE Access, and Applied Sciences standing out. Three interdependent axes were identified: (i) technical performance, with emphasis on machine learning and deep learning; (ii) explainability and human-centeredness (XAI, ethics, and algorithmic governance); and (iii) socio-environmental applications oriented toward the SDGs. Underrepresentation of the Global South, particularly Brazil, was observed. It is concluded that HCAI is being consolidated as an emerging interdisciplinary field with potential to accelerate the SDGs, although there remains a need to integrate ethical, regional, and impact-assessment dimensions more systematically to achieve global targets effectively. Full article

Music is considered a non-pharmacological adjunct in human anaesthesia, contributing to anaesthetic- and analgesic-sparing effects, modulating autonomic responses, and enhancing recovery. However, its effects in veterinary surgical settings remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to explore the potential influence of intraoperative music on anaesthetic and analgesic requirements, autonomic parameters, intraoperative adverse effects, and recovery quality in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy under general anaesthesia. In this prospective, randomized exploratory study, client-owned female dogs (n = 28) were randomly assigned to either a music group (exposed to instrumental classical music intraoperatively) or a control group (no music). All dogs received a standardized anaesthetic protocol. Mean end-tidal isoflurane concentrations, intraoperative analgesic requirements, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, adverse effects, and recovery quality were recorded and compared between groups using unpaired t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed. Therefore, intraoperative music did not produce measurable effects on the assessed parameters. While no apparent benefit was observed in this study, future studies with larger sample sizes should investigate music-based interventions in more challenging or variable clinical scenarios. Additionally, further research is needed to clarify the extent to which anaesthetics suppress auditory processing. This exploratory investigation contributes to the limited body of evidence on auditory stimulation in veterinary anaesthesia. Full article

Background: Computed tomography (CT) angiography is widely regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing acute aortic dissection. However, in patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast media, such as those with renal insufficiency or hemodynamic instability, non-contrast CT may offer a viable alternative for initial evaluation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying aortic dissection, including extracellular matrix degradation, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, and inflammatory pathways, is crucial for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This report describes a single case of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection initially detected on non-contrast CT. Case Presentation: We describe a 74-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with fever and suspected infection, but without chest pain. An incidental finding on non-contrast CT revealed ascending aortic dilatation, pericardial effusion, and a suspected intimal flap. Subsequent CT angiography confirmed a Stanford type A aortic dissection. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential value of non-contrast CT in the early detection of aortic dissection, particularly when CT angiography cannot be performed. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomic analysis have shown promise in augmenting the diagnostic capabilities of non-contrast CT by identifying subtle imaging features that may correlate with underlying molecular pathology and elude human observers. Emerging evidence suggests that radiomic features may reflect molecular alterations in the aortic wall, including metalloproteinase activity, collagen degradation, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Incorporating AI-assisted interpretation alongside insights into molecular mechanisms could facilitate earlier diagnosis, improve risk stratification, and guide personalized treatment strategies in critically ill patients. Although non-contrast CT has limited sensitivity for aortic dissection, it may still reveal crucial findings in selected cases and should be considered when contrast-enhanced imaging is not feasible. Ongoing progress in AI, radiomics, and molecular biomarker research may further expand the clinical applications of non-contrast CT in emergency cardiovascular care and bridge the gap between imaging phenotypes and molecular endotypes. These findings are hypothesis-generating and require validation in larger cohorts before clinical generalization. Full article

Permafrost degradation under climate warming has profound implications for ecological processes, hydrology, and human activities. Northeast China, characterized by sporadic and isolated patch permafrost near the southern limit of latitudinal permafrost (SLLP), represents one of the most sensitive and complex permafrost regions. This study aims to improve the reliability of permafrost mapping by incorporating parameter uncertainty into simulations. We developed a Monte Carlo–Temperature at the Top of Permafrost (TTOP) (MC–TTOP) framework that integrates an equilibrium model with Monte Carlo sampling to quantify parameter sensitivity and model uncertainty. Using all-sky daily air temperature data and land use and land cover information, we generated probabilistic estimates of mean annual ground temperature (MAGT), permafrost occurrence probability (PZI), and associated uncertainties. Model validation against borehole observations demonstrated improved accuracy compared with global-scale simulations, with a reduced bias and RMSE. Results reveal that permafrost in Northeast China was relatively stable during 2003–2010 but experienced pronounced degradation after 2011, with the total area decreasing to ~2.79 × 10⁵ km² by 2022. Spatial uncertainty was greatest in transitional zones near the southern boundary, where PZI-based delineations tended to overestimate permafrost extent. Regional comparisons further showed that permafrost in Northeast China is more fragmented and uncertain than that on the Tibetan Plateau, owing to complex snow–vegetation–topography interactions and intensive human disturbances. Overall, the MC-TTOP simulations indicate an accelerated permafrost degradation after 2011, with the highest uncertainty concentrated in southern transitional zones near the SLLP, demonstrating that the MC-TTOP framework provides a robust tool for probabilistic permafrost mapping, offering improved reliability for regional-scale assessments and important insights for future risk evaluation under climate change. Full article

Existing jealousy scales often conceptualize jealousy as an undesirable or maladaptive emotion. However, jealousy is a biologically rooted emotion inherent in humans and observable in certain animal species as well. The key lies not in the elimination of this emotion, but in its appropriate regulation. In contemporary society, where exposure to social media is pervasive, the experience and expression of jealousy can become more destructive. This study was designed in response to the growing need to understand and assess jealousy. The aim of the present research was to develop a multidimensional current jealousy scale and to present preliminary findings regarding the influence of social media. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected online from a sample of 1053 adult volunteers (aged 18 and above) in Türkiye. The resulting instrument, named the Üsküdar Jealousy Scale, comprises 25 items and 4 dimensions: Relationship-Damaging Jealousy, Destructive Jealousy, Hostile Jealousy, and Controlled Jealousy. The total scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.93), with subscale reliabilities ranging from 0.75 to 0.89. The scale accounted for 57.20% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fit indices fell within acceptable limits, supporting the structural validity of the scale. Additionally, criterion validity was supported by moderate correlations (r > 0.30 and <0.70) with the Scale of Social Media Jealousy in Romantic Relationships (SSMJRR). Initial findings revealed generally low levels of jealousy among participants. The dimension concerning relationship-damaging jealousy showed moderate levels, while destructive and controlled jealousy dimensions indicated lower levels. Notably, patterns of social media usage significantly influenced jealousy scores. Individuals exhibiting continuous engagement in social media platforms reported higher levels of jealousy. In conclusion, the Üsküdar Jealousy Scale was found to be a psychometrically sound instrument, suitable for both research and self-assessment purposes in the multidimensional evaluation of jealousy. This validated and reliable tool has the potential to distinguish between adaptive and maladaptive expressions of jealousy, offering practical utility for clinicians and individuals seeking deeper self-understanding. Full article

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has become a major threat to global tomato production due to its exceptional mechanical transmissibility and virion stability. Effective sanitation is essential for containment, yet the performance of commonly used disinfectants on greenhouse-relevant surfaces remains poorly characterized. This study evaluated multiple disinfectant formulations, applied by spraying or dipping, on polyethylene film, pruning shears, and human hands. After controlled inoculation with a standardized inoculum, treated surfaces were swabbed and extracts mechanically inoculated onto Nicotiana rustica L. Lesion number was visually quantified, and lesion area was measured using a computational image-analysis pipeline. Fifth-generation quaternary ammonium compounds (5°QAS) showed the highest virucidal activity on smooth, non-porous surfaces, reducing lesion numbers to fewer than 10 per leaf at 800–1000 ppm and maintaining infection severities below 1%. Glutaraldehyde at 500 ppm also performed strongly, achieving severities as low as 0.20% on plastic. Metallic pruning shears consistently retained infectious particles, with untreated controls exceeding 100 lesions per leaf and treated samples showing incomplete inactivation. Mechanical agents such as powdered milk and soap reduced infection but did not eliminate transmission. No clear dose–response trend was observed. The two most effective treatments, 5°QAS at 800–1000 ppm and glutaraldehyde at 500 ppm, significantly reduced or prevented systemic infection in tomato assays. These findings demonstrate that sanitation efficacy depends on formulation, surface type, and application method, providing operationally relevant guidelines for ToBRFV management. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by cognitive decline, and also by retinal degeneration. Having in mind that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n − 3) is a safe, low-cost, and pivotal fatty acid for brain health and sustained cognitive function, this study exploits environmentally friendly non-fish sources as potential dietary supplements enriched with DHA to prevent or reverse AD. Forty 5xFAD transgenic male mice, aged five weeks old, were randomly distributed by five body weight-matched dietary groups (with eight animals each) and fed isocaloric diets based on the AIN-93M standard formulation for rodents for 6 months. Except for the control feed (without supplementation), each diet contained a modified lipidic fraction supplemented with 2% of the following: (1) linseed oil (LSO, rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n − 3)); (2) cod liver oil (fish oil, FO, rich in both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n − 3)); (3) Schizochytrium sp. microalga oil (Schizo, with 40% of DHA); and (4) commercial DHASCO (DHASCO, with 70% of DHA). The aim of this study was to measure retinal neural layer thickness, calculate ganglion cell layer (GCL) density, and assess retinal injury by means of immunohistochemical staining for β-amyloid plaques deposition, TAU protein levels, and IBA1, as hallmark features of AD progression, in order to elucidate the effects of different dietary DHA treatments in Alzheimer’s retinas. Although no statistical differences were observed across retinal layer thicknesses depending on the diet (p > 0.05), there was a consistent pattern for slightly increased retinal thickness in 5xFAD mice fed fish oil relative to the others for the measurement of total layers, in general and for the inner segment/outer segment layer, the outer nuclear layer, the outer plexiform layer, the inner nuclear layer, and the inner plexiform layer, in particular. The ganglion cell layer (GCL) density was increased in 5xFAD mice fed the DHASCO oil diet relative to the control (p < 0.05), suggesting a benefit of DHA supplementation on the number of viable ganglion cells. No positive staining was observed for β-amyloid plaques deposition or the neuroinflammatory marker, IBA1, corroborating previous findings in human AD retinas. Conversely, the internal retinal layers showed intense TAU immunostaining. Immnunostained TAU area was significantly reduced in 5xFAD mice fed a fish oil diet compared to control (p < 0.05), although the number of TAU-positive cells did not differ across diets (p > 0.05). The retinal protected integrity derived from the benefits of DHA supplementation found, either from fish oil or DHASCO oil, underscores the potential of retinal biomarkers as non-invasive indicators of cognitive decline and overall brain health, opening new avenues for investigating AD pathophysiology in the retina. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of disitamab vedotin (RC48-ADC) in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 2+ or 3+), advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC) with metastases who had received at least one line of prior systemic therapy. Patients and methods: Patients with HER2-overexpressing advanced or metastatic GC/GEJC who had previously received the anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugate disitamab vedotin between December 2022 and April 2024 were enrolled in this study. The patients’ baseline characteristics, treatment procedures, and laboratory or imaging examinations were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The observation items included the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Results: Of the 38 enrolled patients in the study, 27 were found to be HER2-positive. Most patients (29/38) received disitamab vedotin therapy as a third-line or subsequent treatment. A total of 68.4% of patients had previously received anti-HER2 therapy, and 13 patients underwent immunotherapy concurrently. The overall ORR and DCR were 31.6% and 65.8%, respectively. A higher ORR was observed in patients with a single metastatic site compared to those with multiple sites (53.3% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.022). In the general population, the median PFS was 6.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3–9.8 months), and OS was 13.5 months (95% CI 9.0–17.9 months). The most common adverse event was anemia (89.5%), and eight patients suffered severe toxicities of grade ≥3. Conclusions: Disitamab vedotin exhibited encouraging anti-tumor effectiveness with a tolerable safety profile for advanced GC/GEJC patients with HER2 overexpression who had failed at least one line of systemic therapy in a real-world setting. Full article