Search Results (1,207)

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small but highly resilient tumor subpopulation responsible for sustained growth, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence. Their survival is supported by aberrant activation of developmental and inflammatory pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3, and NF-κB, as well as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs and niche-driven cues. Increasing evidence shows that phytochemicals, naturally occurring bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, can disrupt these networks through multi-targeted mechanisms. This review synthesizes current findings on prominent phytochemicals such as curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, EGCG, genistein, quercetin, parthenolide, berberine, and withaferin A. Collectively, these compounds suppress CSC self-renewal, reduce sphere-forming capacity, diminish ALDH⁺ and CD44⁺/CD24⁻ fractions, reverse EMT features, and interfere with key transcriptional regulators that maintain stemness. Many phytochemicals also sensitize CSCs to chemotherapeutic agents by downregulating drug-efflux transporters (e.g., ABCB1, ABCG2) and lowering survival thresholds, resulting in enhanced apoptosis and reduced tumor-initiating potential. This review further highlights the translational challenges associated with poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited bioavailability of free phytochemicals. Emerging nanotechnology-based delivery systems, including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid carriers, hybrid nanocapsules, and ligand-targeted formulations, show promise in improving stability, tumor accumulation, and CSC-specific targeting. These nanoformulations consistently enhance intracellular uptake and amplify anti-CSC effects in preclinical models. Overall, the consolidated evidence supports phytochemicals as potent modulators of CSC biology and underscores the need for optimized delivery strategies and evidence-based combination regimens to achieve meaningful clinical benefit. Full article

Background: Emotions—including joy, sadness, fear, and anger—are fundamental expressions of human experience. For children and adults who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, emotional experiences and communication can differ due to linguistic and communication-related factors. Methods: This scoping review identifies instruments that are suitable for assessing emotional intelligence in the context of the lived and cultural experiences of individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. A comprehensive search was conducted in April 2024 following the JBI methodology. Results: Out of 3091 articles, 21 studies were included. Two adapted methods were identified: the Meadow/Kendall Social–Emotional Assessment Inventory and ISEAR-D. Assessments supported by sign language revealed no significant differences in age or gender. Conclusions: The authors recommend further development of screening instruments that reflect the specific experiences of the population who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Full article

Mine waste remains a persistent challenge for the minerals industry, posing significant environmental concerns if not properly managed. The 1996 Marcopper Mining Disaster in Marinduque, Philippines, left a legacy of mine tailings that continue to threaten local ecosystems and communities. This study investigates the valorization and stabilization of Marcopper river sediments laden with mine tailings using a combined geopolymerization and cement hydration approach. Hybrid mortar samples were prepared with 7.5%, 15%, 22.5%, and 30% mine tailings by weight, utilizing potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an alkaline activator at concentrations of 1 M and 3 M, combined with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The mechanical properties of the hybrid geopolymer cement mortars were assessed via unconfined compression tests, and their crystalline structure, phase composition, surface morphology, and chemical bonding were also analyzed. Static leaching tests were performed to evaluate heavy metal mobility in the geopolymer matrix. The compression tests yielded strength values ranging from 24.22 MPa to 53.99 MPa, meeting ASTM C150 strength requirements. In addition, leaching tests confirmed the effective encapsulation and immobilization of heavy metals, demonstrating the potential of this method for mitigating the environmental risks associated with mine tailings. Full article

When are emotional appeals effective for entrepreneurial ventures seeking funding? Questioning the assumption that all positive emotions are equally effective, we propose and empirically validate the idea that only emotions well-aligned with an organization’s purpose retain their signaling value. We use EmoBERTa, a transformer-based emotion detector, to analyze 275,197 Kickstarter campaigns (2009–2020) and find that emotional expression generally reduces campaign success, indicating increased professionalism in the crowdfunding marketplace. However, campaigns with an explicit prosocial mission are more successful when they express caring emotions compared to other positive emotions (admiration, desire, excitement, joy, love, and optimism). We also found that this effect is more pronounced when campaigns receive no institutional endorsement, such as Kickstarter staff picks. Together, this suggests that emotional appeals matched to an organization’s mission are most effective, especially when the projects are not institutionally recognized. Together, this study enhances our understanding of when and why certain positive emotions are more persuasive than others, challenging conventional wisdom that all positive emotions are equally effective. Full article

This research explores the optimization of mechanical properties and predictive modeling of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNPs) using data-driven machine learning (ML) models. PLA-BNNP composites were fabricated through injection molding, with a focus on how key processing parameters influence their mechanical performance. A Taguchi L27 orthogonal array was applied to assess the effects of BNNP composition (0.02 wt.% and 0.04 wt.%), injection temperature (135–155 °C), injection speed (50–70 mm/s), and pressure (30–50 bar) on properties such as tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and hardness. The results indicated that a 0.04 wt.% BNNP loading improved tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and hardness by 18.6%, 32.7%, and 20.5%, respectively, compared to pure PLA. Taguchi analysis highlighted that higher BNNP concentrations, along with optimal injection temperatures, improved all mechanical properties, although excessive temperatures compromised tensile strength and modulus, while enhancing hardness. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that injection temperature was the dominant factor for tensile strength (68.88%) and Young’s modulus (86.39%), while BNNP composition played a more significant role in influencing hardness (78.83%). Predictive models were built using machine learning (ML) models such as Random Forest Regression (RFR), Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Among the ML models, XGBoost demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy, achieving R² values above 98% for tensile strength, 92–93% for Young’s modulus, and 96% for hardness, with low error metrics i.e., Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). These findings underscore the potential of using BNNP reinforcement and machine learning-driven property prediction to enhance PLA nanocomposites’ mechanical performance, making them viable for applications in lightweight packaging, biomedical implants, consumer electronics, and automotive components, offering sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with rheumatic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (R-IMID) require latent tuberculosis infection screening and, in case of positivity, chemoprophylaxis. Isoniazid INH remains the standard regimen, but hepatotoxicity is an underrecognized concern. To describe the characteristics of R-IMID patients developing hepatotoxicity during INH therapy and identify potential risk factors through clinical analysis and literature review. Methods: Retrospective study of 64 R-IMID who developed hepatotoxicity with INH. Mean age was 53.4 ± 10.5 years; 70.3% female. Diagnoses included spondyloarthritis/psoriatic arthritis (56.3%), rheumatoid arthritis (32.8%), systemic sclerosis (4.7%), connective tissue diseases (4.7%), and other IMIDs (3.2%). All patients showed ≥ 2 × upper limit of normality (ULN) liver enzyme elevation, 34.4% ≥ 3 ULN, 20.3% ≥ 4 ULN. Literature review (19 studies) revealed INH-related hepatotoxicity rates of 1–41%, exacerbated by concurrent methotrexate, sulfasalazine, TNF inhibitors, and prior drug-induced liver injury. Results: Hepatotoxicity was frequent when INH was combined with other hepatotoxic drugs, especially methotrexate. Conclusions: INH prophylaxis in R-IMID patients carries substantial hepatotoxic risk. Careful hepatic monitoring and individualized risk stratification are essential to prevent liver injury in immunosuppressed populations. Full article

School leaders are central to addressing educational inequality by fostering inclusion and belonging within their school communities. In fast-growth educational environments where enrollment surges and demographic shifts outpace resource capacity, school leaders face complex challenges in developing inclusive structures and cultures for students with disabilities. In this qualitative case study, the authors examined how 18 principals across PreK-12 grade levels in three rapidly expanding Texas districts conceptualized and enacted inclusive leadership. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus groups revealed that while principals believed all students are capable of learning, they defined inclusion philosophically but implemented pragmatically limited notions of inclusion shaped by their districts’ organizational structures and continuum of services approaches to special education. Findings illustrate that fast-growth contexts amplify tensions between compliance and care, as school leaders balance external accountability and resource constraints with efforts to cultivate school cultures grounded in empathy, relationships, safety, and belonging. The study presents a complicated picture of how principals navigate pragmatic constraints while pursuing inclusive practices for students receiving special education services. Inclusive educational leadership in fast-growth school environments is more likely to occur when leaders reframe inclusion not as placement, but as a shared commitment to recognizing every student’s capability within a responsive community. Full article

Rare species at the edge of their range often persist after range contractions, yet basic information is typically lacking. We created species distribution models (SDMs) to guide field surveys for a disjunct population of Sessileflower Indian parsley (Cymopterus sessiliflorus; Apiaceae). We used historical observations to produce an initial model that guided field surveys in 2023. We refined the model using new observations from these surveys and the best predictors were shrubs, rock outcrops, mean monthly precipitation of the warmest quarter and rock type (area under the curve = 0.97). Suitable habitat (moderate-high and high classes) was predicted in <2% of Wyoming. We discovered 11 new populations over 2 summers. We collected 17 bee genera (n = 272 individuals) during C. sessiliflorus flowering suggesting diverse potential pollinators may transport pollen. Our model highlighted other areas predicted suitable and surveys in these areas may reveal new populations of this rare plant. The SDMs demonstrated how sparse historical data on rare species can be used to direct surveys in an efficient and effective manner. The information we gathered provided basic data for a rare plant at the periphery of its range where the most robust populations may occur making them critical for conservation efforts. Full article

Land defense is crucial in the face of the current ecological crisis. From a qualitative perspective, this work describes and analyzes the relations between place attachment disruption, emotions, and psychological distress among a group of Mexican land defenders in El Salto and Juanacatlán, Jalisco. Following an ethnographical methodology, the data was collected through seven individual narrative interviews, two discussion groups, and participant observation during four years of fieldwork. The resulting qualitative data was transcribed, coded, categorized, and analyzed using qualitative software and narrative analysis perspective. Results: Place attachment disruption is associated with unpleasant emotions, leading to psychological distress. Through organized actions and emotional management strategies, land defenders produce emotions of resistance that help reconstruct place attachment and overcome psychological distress. Repeated disruptions and changes to place increase psychological distress; in response, restorative actions of place attachment strengthen emotions such as love, pride, and joy. These findings highlight that observing the simultaneity of place attachment disruption and reconstruction processes is central to understanding the emotional impact of prolonged territorial damage and the double role of psychological distress: increasing vulnerability while also contributing to positive action. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for mental health, ecology, and public policy, and highlight the need for interdisciplinary approaches in designing effective, community-based and collaborative strategies to sustain land defense and ecological activism. Full article

Background: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) results in multiple, complex health-related risks and associated fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to examine how a holistic, embodied, and performative movement program (EDS-HEART) can affect body schema, physical and mental health, and lifestyle, which contribute to the joy of movement and physical activity participation among adult women with hEDS. Methods: This was a hermeneutic, phenomenological, quasi-experimental, and community-based research study among six women with hEDS, who participated in the EDS-HEART movement program at a local physical therapy clinic. The seven-week program incorporated stretching and strength training activities as well as performative-thematic movement sequences. Results: Based on the qualitative analysis, three themes emerged regarding reasons for the joy of the EDS-HEART program: (a) improved body schema: body awareness, confidence, posture, and proprioception; (b) highly motivating program: holistic, embodied, performative, pleasant, and safe; and (c) psychosocial reasons: supportive setting, sense of pleasure and euphoria, and freed from social comparisons and the fear of movement. Conclusions: Based on the study results, public health experts should develop and implement easily accessible and holistic movement programs among people with hEDS and similar conditions to improve physical health, psychosocial health, and the joy of movement. Full article

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health challenge with limited treatment options for advanced disease. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown clinical benefits, response rates remain low, emphasizing the need for reliable biomarkers to guide patient selection. Given the critical role of metabolic reprogramming in immune modulation, this study aimed to identify a metabolic gene signature predictive of immunotherapy response in HCC. Methods: Three independent transcriptomic datasets (GSE279750, GSE215011, and GSE235863) comprising 35 ICI-treated HCC samples were integrated after quality control and ComBat batch correction. Differentially expressed genes were identified using DESeq2 and limma, followed by integration of the meta-analysis results. Machine learning models, including LASSO regression and random forest algorithms, were applied for feature selection, and a logistic regression model was developed for predictive scoring. Results: A five-gene metabolic signature (PLPPR1, CNTN3, HOXA10, HAGLR, and ENPP3) demonstrated good discriminative ability between responders and non-responders, with consistent performance observed across internal validation analyses. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of metabolic pathways, with HOXA10 linked to immune evasion and CNTN3 associated with immune activation. Conclusions: This five-gene signature represents a biologically interpretable biomarker panel with potential utility for immunotherapy response stratification in HCC. The integrative analytical framework provides preliminary evidence supporting its value, warranting further validation in larger, independent clinical cohorts before clinical translation. Full article

Dog ownership may be an effective nonpharmacological, rehabilitative approach to improve veterans’ mental health and well-being. For three functional types of dogs—service, emotional support, and companion—little is known about the demographic and health characteristics of veterans and the dog types they own. This study examined veteran demographics and health characteristics stratified by functional dog type and intensity of the relationship. A cross-sectional online survey with several reliable/valid health and well-being instruments was administered to veterans with a service, emotional support, or companion dog. A convenience sample of veterans (N = 242) with a mean age of 46.9 (SD = 13.4) participated in this study. There were 143 males, 95 females, and 2 participants with another identity. The majority were white (71%). The Army (48.3%) was the most represented branch. Significant differences were found between veteran health characteristics [suicidal ideation, PTSD, anxiety, and physical well-being based on the functional dog type owned]. Service dog owners had a significantly more intense relationship with their dog. This study provides insight into the role dogs may play in improving mental health and well-being in veterans. To prevent further disability in veterans, clinicians should consider incorporating the right functional dog type in personalized care plans. Full article

This study investigates natural convection in porous media under non-standard asymmetric boundary conditions, focusing on flow and heat transfer. Numerical simulations were performed to analyze flow patterns, temperature distributions, and heat transfer for varying Rayleigh numbers, porosities, and internal heat generation rates. The results indicate that increasing the Rayleigh number significantly enhances heat transfer, with Nusselt numbers ranging from 5.72 to 11.02 across all cases. Higher internal heat generation and porosity lead to more uniform temperature distributions and larger convection cells, with Nusselt numbers increasing by up to 16% compared to the base case. These findings demonstrate that non-uniform boundary conditions, such as linearly cooled sidewalls, have a significant effect on heat transfer in porous media, offering insights for improving thermal management in materials with complex boundary conditions. Full article

A person’s face can reveal their mood, and microexpressions, although brief and involuntary, are also authentic. People can recognize facial gestures; however, their accuracy is inconsistent, highlighting the importance of objective computational models. Various artificial intelligence models have classified microexpressions into three categories: positive, negative, and surprise. However, it is still significant to address the basic Ekman microexpressions (joy, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise). This study proposes a Transformers-based machine learning model, trained on CASME, SAMM, SMIC, and its own datasets. The model offers comparable results with other studies when working with seven classes. It applies various component-based techniques ranging from ViT to optical flow with a different perspective, with low training rates and competitive metrics comparable with other publications on a laptop. These results can serve as a basis for future research. Full article

Background: Numerical cognition and motor performance rely on overlapping brain systems, yet the extent of their reciprocal interaction remains unclear. This systematic review explores how number processing influences motor execution and how motor activity shapes numerical cognition, emphasizing the neural mechanisms underlying these associations. Methods: A comprehensive search of Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and SpringerLink, as well as journal citations and conference proceedings (up to August 2025), identified experimental studies examining the interplay between numerical cognition and motor performance in healthy adults. Both randomized and non-randomized designs were included. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed study quality following PRISMA and Cochrane Risk of Bias guidelines. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Most showed that numerical stimuli facilitated motor responses, with congruent number–movement pairings yielding faster reactions and more efficient kinematics. Mental calculation often enhanced motor output (e.g., force, jump height), though interferences emerged under high cognitive load. Conversely, motor actions consistently biased numerical judgments, aligning with spatial–numerical associations. Conclusions: Evidence suggests a predominant pattern of facilitation, likely reflecting shared networks between cognitive and motor resources. These findings advance theoretical understanding and highlight promising translational applications in education, sport, and neurorehabilitation. Full article