Search Results (140)

Previous research has found an association between PM_2.5 exposure and worsening depression; however, studies specifically examining the harmful effects of individual PM_2.5 components are relatively limited. This national survey enrolled individuals aged 45 and older in mainland China, collecting personal data and assessing depression. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Monthly exposure to PM_2.5 and its seven components—black carbon (BC), organic matter (OM), nitrate (NO₃⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), ammonium (NH₄⁺), soil particles (SOIL), and sea salt (SS)—was matched to each participant’s residence. Linear mixed-effects models (LMEs) assessed the association between single pollutants and depression score, while weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression examined the effect of mixed exposure and identified the contribution of each component. Modifying effects of social activity and green space were also evaluated. A total of 9725 participants were included. In single-exposure models, each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM_2.5 (29.18 μg/m³), BC (2.25 μg/m³), OM (7.18 μg/m³), SOIL (6.04 μg/m³), and SS (0.14 μg/m³) was significantly associated with an increase in depression score of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.20), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.42, 1.09), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.61, 1.26), 0.51 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.63), and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.73) points, respectively. In mixed-exposure models, each IQR increase in the mixture of all components was associated with a 1.104-point rise in depression score (95% CI: 0.901, 1.307), with BC having the largest weight (33.6%), followed by SOIL (28.59%) and SS (25.05%). The harmful effects of PM_2.5 and specific components on depression were lower among those who participated in social activities or lived in areas with higher levels of green space (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the harmful effects of PM_2.5 on depression may be influenced by its components, and that social activity and green space could reduce the risk of depression associated with PM_2.5 and its components. Full article

Background: Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, with one in eight at risk during their lifetime. Platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs, despite of their binding to the DNA of cancer cells, are plagued by toxicity and resistance, necessitating the need for safer and more effective alternatives, such as organometallic complexes. Both synthetic organometallic complexes and natural compounds have attracted attention in this regard. Organotin(IV) complexes are promising chemotherapeutics due to their structural versatility and bioactivity, while vitamins such as Vitamin D (VD) and Vitamin E (VE) exhibit antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making them valuable candidates for combination therapy. Methodology: In this study, six novel organotin(IV) dithiocarbamate complexes [LMe₃Sn (Complex 1), LBu₃Sn (Complex 2), LPh₃Sn (Complex 3), LMe₂SnCl (Complex 4), LBu₂SnCl (Complex 5), and L₂Me₂Sn (Complex 6), where L = (E)-4-styrylpiperazine-1-carbodithioate], were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, ¹H-, ¹³C-NMR, and elemental analysis. Results: Structural studies confirmed penta- and hexacoordination geometries. In silico docking against six BC-related proteins identified Complexes 2 and 4 with both vitamins as promising candidates, exhibiting strong binding affinities, with stable interaction profiles. However, integration of pharmacokinetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory analyses highlighted Complex 4 with both vitamins as the most potent candidate owing to its superior ADME characteristics and balanced biological properties. Subsequent in vitro assays confirmed these findings, as Complex 4 demonstrated strong cytotoxic activity against both MCF-7 (>1.16-fold) and MDA-MB-231 (>1.46-fold) cell lines, surpassing the efficacy of cisplatin. Remarkably, co-administration of VD or VE with Complex 4 further enhanced its anticancer potential, with Chou–Talalay combination index values < 1 (0.66–0.91) indicating a synergistic interaction. Conclusions: Collectively, these results identify Complex 4 as a promising lead compound, and its synergistic activity with natural vitamins may promote cell death, likely through apoptosis induction and modulation of oxidative stress, underscoring its potential as an effective and less toxic therapeutic strategy for breast cancer management. Full article

Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) during hot stamping of Zn-coated high-strength steels poses significant challenges to the long-term durability of automotive components. This study investigates how ~30 μm deep LME cracks affect the mechanical behavior of Zn-coated high-strength boron steel. LME-free flat specimens were compared with hat-shaped specimens containing LME cracks. While tensile strength and ductility exhibited minimal changes, the high-cycle fatigue limit (R = −1, 10⁷ cycles) decreased by 10.9% from 550 MPa to 490 MPa in hat-shaped specimens. Fractographic examination revealed distinct stress-dependent crack initiation mechanisms: at high stress amplitudes (≥690 MPa), LME cracks competed with intrinsic substrate defects but did not dominate fatigue failure. In contrast, at moderate-to-low stress amplitudes (≤630 MPa), LME cracks dominated fatigue degradation through a multi-site crack initiation tendency. El Haddad analysis positioned these cracks at the short-to-long crack transition boundary (l ≈ l₀). Preliminary fracture mechanics analysis reveals that conventional single-crack LEFM models systematically overestimate the fatigue threshold stress for LME-affected specimens, a discrepancy qualitatively attributed to the high surface density and morphological complexity of LME crack networks and to chemically assisted grain boundary weakening induced by liquid Zn infiltration—effects not captured by standard fracture mechanics frameworks. These results establish the stress-dependent mechanisms governing LME crack-induced fatigue degradation and provide a mechanistic basis for the development of more accurate fatigue life prediction methods for Zn-coated hot-stamped high-strength steels. Full article

Accurate forecasting of copper futures prices is crucial for risk management and investment decisions. However, existing approaches primarily rely on historical prices and incorporate behavioral signals without a unified modeling framework. To address this limitation, we propose MBTI-Net (Multi-source Behavior-Triggered Interaction Network), a behavior-aware forecasting framework for heterogeneous copper market data. We first construct a compact behavioral factor from Baidu search indices via a multi-view projection strategy that preserves structural and predictive information. We then develop a complexity-aware reconstruction mechanism that aggregates intrinsic mode functions into multi-frequency components based on fuzzy entropy and energy. To accommodate distributional and volatility differences between behavioral and market variables, we introduce VB-ReVIN (Volatility- and Behavior-aware Reversible Instance Normalization). Building upon these representations, MBTI-Net models dynamic multi-source interactions triggered by behavioral intensity and market conditions, enabling adaptive cross-source information fusion. Experiments on LME and SHFE copper futures datasets demonstrate consistent improvements over state-of-the-art benchmarks, highlighting the importance of explicitly modeling behavior-driven dependencies in financial forecasting. Full article

Background: Age-related differences in neuromuscular coordination during multi-joint tasks are reported, but phase-specific evidence during maximal sprinting is limited. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate phase-specific age differences in agonist–antagonist coordination of the biarticular thigh muscles during 50 m sprinting. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy trained track athletes (Adults: n = 21, age = 23.32 ± 2.98 years; Adolescents: n = 17, age = 13.65 ± 0.76 years) performed maximal 50 m sprints over force plates. Bilateral rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) sEMG and ground reaction forces were recorded; each stride was segmented into seven phases, and an RF–BF co-contraction index (CCI) was calculated per phase. Between-group differences in phase mean CCI were tested (α = 0.05) and quantified with Hedges’ g. Speed- and frequency-dependent modulation of CCI was evaluated using linear mixed-effects models (LME; random intercepts for participant) with Frequency × Group and Speed × Group interaction terms; ordinary least squares (OLS) fits on stride cycle-level group means were descriptive. Linear and single-breakpoint segmented models were compared using the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) and Akaike weights. Results: Adolescents showed higher CCI in contact (right: Adults 0.09 ± 0.05 vs. Adolescents 0.13 ± 0.07, g = 0.68; left: Adults 0.08 ± 0.04 vs. Adolescents 0.12 ± 0.06, g = 0.84) and propulsive phases (right: Adults 0.08 ± 0.05 vs. Adolescents 0.13 ± 0.08, g = 0.68; left: Adults 0.07 ± 0.04 vs. Adolescents 0.12 ± 0.07, g = 0.84; p < 0.05 for both legs in both phases). LME identified Frequency × Group interactions in the stride cycle (ΔSlope = 0.10, p < 0.001) and late swing (ΔSlope = 0.12, p < 0.05) and a Speed × Group interaction in mid swing (ΔSlope = 0.01, p < 0.05). Mid swing showed a positive CCI–speed/frequency relationship in both groups, whereas across most other phases Adults downregulated CCI as speed/frequency increased while Adolescents tended to increase CCI. Model selection supported phase-dependent single-breakpoint patterns, with breakpoints around 2.19–2.21 Hz and 6.11–9.51 m·s⁻¹ in Adults and around 2.11 Hz and 7.13–7.59 m·s⁻¹ in Adolescents. Conclusions: Maximal sprinting revealed phase-specific age differences in BF–RF co-contraction and its scaling with speed/frequency, which may help guide age-informed monitoring and training considerations in developing athletes. Full article

The study investigated differences in ruminal and fecal microbiota composition, fermentation traits, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in Simmental dairy cows classified as high (HME) or low (LME) methane emitters. Methane emissions from 48 cows were quantified using the Laser Methane Smart portable gas detector. The 12 animals with the highest and lowest emissions were selected and assigned to the HME and LME groups, respectively, balanced for body weight, days in milk, and body condition score. Rumen fluid and fecal samples were analyzed for pH, ammonia, volatile fatty acids (VFA), VOC, and microbiota composition. As expected, CH₄ emissions were significantly higher in HME than in LME cows (22.5 vs. 13.2 g/kg DMI; 16.9 vs. 8.4 g/kg FCM). The neutral detergent fiber digestibility was higher in HME cows (51.4% vs. 47.9%). The valeric acid concentration and the acetate-to-propionate ratio were significantly higher in HME cows (3.53 vs. 3.31). The VOC profiles significantly differed between groups in both feces and rumen fluid. The microbiota analysis revealed a significant difference between groups at the order and genus levels (Bray–Curtis dissimilarity). The Shannon index was higher in LME cows (2.08 vs. 1.95). HME cows exhibited a higher abundance of Methanosphaera and Methanobacteriales. Overall, the results indicate that re-shaping the rumen microbial community can play a key role in reducing methane emissions, strengthening the case for microbiome-driven approaches and offering insights that can support mitigation strategies across dairy production systems. Full article

Background and Objectives: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading ocular diseases leading to irreversible blindness and is often asymptomatic until advanced cases. While intraocular pressure reduction remains the cornerstone of treatment, neuroprotective strategies targeting retinal ganglion cell metabolism are actively investigated. Niacinamide (nicotinamide, vitamin B3), a precursor of NAD+, has shown neuroprotective potential in preclinical models. This exploratory study evaluated the short-term functional, structural, and electrophysiological effects of oral niacinamide supplementation in POAG. Materials and Methods: In this interventional study, patients with POAG received oral niacinamide 500 mg daily for six months. Visual field (VF) global and localized sensitivity (Mean Deviation [MD], Pattern Standard Deviation [PSD]), Optic Coherence Tomography (OCT)-derived peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC), and Visual evoked potentials (VEP) latency parameters (P2 1.4 Hz, P100 1°, and P100 15′) were assessed at baseline and at six months. Because both eyes from some participants were included, primary longitudinal inference was based on clustered analyses using generalized estimating equations and linear mixed-effects models to account for inter-eye correlation. Eye-level paired analyses were used for exploratory comparison. Change–change relationships across modalities were explored using Spearman correlation. Results: After accounting for inter-eye correlation, no statistically significant change in MD was detected (mean ΔMD +0.43 dB; GEE p = 0.099; LME p = 0.101), and PSD remained stable. RNFL thickness showed a small decrease (−1.26 µm; GEE p = 0.046), while GCC did not change significantly. VEP P100 latencies remained stable, whereas P2 latency showed a small increase (+3.9 ms; GEE p = 0.039). Correlation analysis revealed a moderate association between changes in GCC and MD (ρ = 0.44), suggesting concordance between macular structural stability and global visual field performance. Conclusions: When inter-eye correlation is appropriately accounted for, six months of niacinamide supplementation in POAG is associated with overall functional, structural, and electrophysiological stability, without evidence of clinically meaningful improvement or progression. These findings support short-term safety and highlight the importance of clustered analytical approaches and macular-centered biomarkers in future glaucoma neuroprotection trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of a computerized naming intervention combined with either cerebellar anodal transcranial direct-current stimulation (A-tDCS) or sham (S-tDCS) on noun and verb naming in Cantonese-speaking persons with chronic stroke-related aphasia (PWA). Methods: A double-blind, randomized, crossover, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted with six Cantonese-speaking PWA following stroke. Participants received a 60 min computerized naming intervention incorporating audio–visual speech perception cues over five consecutive days, paired with concurrent 20 min of either 2 mA cerebellar A-tDCS or S-tDCS. Generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMM) and linear mixed-effects models (LME) were used to evaluate naming accuracy and reaction time (RT). Individual variability was further explored through single-case analyses of naming accuracy changes across conditions and grammatical categories. Results: The GLMM showed a significant three-way interaction of condition, grammatical category, and time (p < 0.05). Specifically, the intervention paired with S-tDCS significantly improved verb naming, whereas A-tDCS did not induce significant improvements at the group level, effectively showing significantly smaller gains regarding verb naming compared to S-tDCS. Overall, RT decreased post-treatment across groups, but no significant differences emerged by the tDCS condition. The results support the promising efficacy of the Cantonese computerized audio–visual noun and verb naming therapy. Single-case analyses revealed high inter-individual variability in response to neuromodulation effects on naming and behavioral treatment outcomes. Conclusions: This study contributes to the emerging literature on cerebellar neuromodulation in post-stroke aphasia and underscores the need for larger trials examining grammar-specific (particularly verb-related) effects and polarity-dependent outcomes. It also highlights the value of developing personalized neuromodulation protocols to optimize the efficacy of behavioral language interventions in people with aphasia. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to assess stroke coordination and biomechanics in elite U23 male kayakers under valid on-water conditions (instrumented K1 kayak on a competition lake) across race-relevant stroke frequencies (60, 80, and 100 strokes·min⁻¹). Methods: To achieve our aims, twelve male athletes (age 21.00 ± 0.47 years) completed 500 m trials at three randomized paddle frequencies (60, 80, 100 strokes·min⁻¹) with 10 min of passive recovery in-between. Data were collected with inertial measurement units, and a customized seat/footrest with integrated strain-gauge sensors. Results: Principal Component Analysis identified four key components: Mechanical Work, Mechanical Energy, Stroke Variability (PCI, Phase Coordination Index), and boat acceleration, accounting for 76% of total variance. Linear mixed-effects models (within-subject LME; Participant random intercept; Satterthwaite df) revealed that Mechanical Work (χ² = 17.10, p < 0.001) and Mechanical Energy (χ² = 53.10, p < 0.001) increased significantly with stroke frequency. Phase Coordination Index showed a significant increase at 60 and 100 strokes·min⁻¹ (χ² = 16.78, p < 0.001; t = 4.78, p < 0.001), while boat acceleration was not significantly affected (χ² = 4.95, p = 0.08). The PCI correlated negatively with Mechanical Work (r = −0.37, p = 0.022) and positively with boat acceleration (r = 0.39, p = 0.010). Effect sizes were moderate to large (ηp² = 0.18–0.36; corresponding 95% confidence intervals are reported in the main text). For the primary mechanical indicator (Paddle Factor), the mixed-effects model yielded a marginal R² = 0.57, reflecting the proportion of variance explained by cadence. Conclusions: Approximately 80 strokes·min⁻¹ may represent a condition in which coordination metrics appear comparatively favorable. These findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating, not prescriptive. No causal inference can be drawn, and any training application attempts should await replication in larger, longitudinal and randomized studies. Full article

This paper analyzes three forecasting methods for commodity spot prices and applies them to copper prices. The first method uses futures prices from either LME or COMEX. The second method uses analysts’ consensus expectations, reported by Bloomberg. The third method jointly uses futures and analysts’ expectations as inputs to a multifactor stochastic pricing model, with time-varying risk premiums that smooth its data using the Kalman filter. All three alternatives are compared with the well-known no-change forecast benchmark and with each other. The main finding is that analysts’ expectations are a valuable source of data for forecasting copper prices. Also, when futures prices are relatively higher than spot prices, the model presented is the best alternative for forecasting copper prices at any horizon up to 24 months, and when prices are relatively lower than spot prices, the model is the best alternative for long-term forecasts and for LME futures prices for 1 to 12 months. Full article

Domestic dogs can sense the geomagnetic field (GMF), spontaneously aligning their bodies along its axis, altering the alignment’s pattern during geomagnetic disturbances. Whether anthropogenic magnetic fields (MF) from high-voltage power lines (PL) influence this behavior remains unclear. We investigated the effects of alternating MF generated by PL on spontaneous magnetic alignment in 36 dogs. Behavior was recorded under north–south (NS) and east–west (EW) oriented PL and compared with control conditions lacking anthropogenic MF. Each dog’s mean alignment angle relative to magnetic north was calculated from >50 measurements per condition, and Grand Means (GMs) were derived. Under control geomagnetically calm conditions, alignment was bimodal (GM = 23°/203°), while geomagnetic storms caused significant shifts and increased angular dispersion. Under NS-oriented PL, alignment remained bimodal (GM = 5°/185°), but under EW-oriented PL it became trimodal (Likelihood ratio test for multimodality: nodes = 3, p = 0.042; GM = 103°/283°). These differences were statistically significant (LME for linearized angles: p < 0.001 for control vs. NS PL and control vs. EW PL). Our results demonstrate that dogs maintain directional alignment under PL exposure, with orientation patterns corresponding to the direction of both MF and PL, which suggests a potentially complex impact involving non-magnetic cues. Full article

T/NK-cell neoplasms represent rare and highly diverse cancers, distinguished by variability in their molecular architecture, local inflammatory milieu, and microenvironmental composition, which collectively underpin the diversity of clinical presentations and outcomes. The neoplastic tissue comprises malignant lymphoma/leukemic cells in concert with a spectrum of stromal elements and the acellular extracellular matrix (ECM), collectively constituting the lymphoma microenvironment (LME). These components engage in dynamic, reciprocal interactions, forming a self-regulating ecosystem capable of responding adaptively to both exogenous and endogenous stimuli. Historically, the LME was largely neglected in considerations of lymphomagenesis; however, emerging evidence highlights its pivotal role in driving core oncogenic processes, including sustained proliferative signaling, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and apoptotic resistance. Deciphering the intricate, multidirectional crosstalk among the cellular and acellular constituents of the T/NK-cell neoplastic microenvironment promises to deepen our understanding of disease biology and may inform the development of novel, mechanism-based therapeutic interventions. Full article

Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) occurs when a normally ductile alloy undergoes brittle fracture in contact with a liquid metal. The mechanisms behind LME remain unclear, and most of the models rely on post mortem analyses. In this work, we overcome this limitation by performing in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) notched micro-bending tests on α-brasses exposed to the gallium–indium eutectic (EGaIn) at room temperature, enabling real-time correlation between load–displacement curves and crack evolution during LME. In the Cu-30%Zn alloy, LME was observed only after prior plastic deformation and ductile crack growth, confirming that liquid metal did not influence early plasticity. A two-step experiment further showed that a pre-existing crack in contact with EGaIn, under continued loading, was sufficient to trigger brittle fracture. The Cu-20%Zn alloy displayed alternating ductile and brittle events, with brittle cracks propagating horizontally before arresting in undeformed zones, leading to stepped load–displacement curves. By contrast, pure Cu and Cu-15%Zn showed only ductile fracture despite continuous contact with EGaIn. These results demonstrate that LME in the Cu-Zn/EGaIn system acts during crack propagation rather than initiation. The present in situ SEM methodology provides direct evidence of fracture mechanisms and a framework for future experimental modeling comparisons. Full article

A bidentate ligand concept based on β-carbolines functionalized with a 1,2,4-triazolyl-moiety was designed and realized, enabling the development of a series of neutral rhenium(I) complexes. This new class of anionic ligands, incorporating either an unsubstituted 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole core (L_nHo) or a 9-methyl-substitued variant (L_Me-nHo), was developed towards tailored photofunctionality. Structural modification via methyl substitution at the indole moiety was found to enhance overall phosphorescence efficiency. Comparative studies of two monodentate auxiliary units revealed that 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) significantly reduces the photoluminescence efficiency compared to pyridine (Py). Solvent-dependent photoluminescence studies indicated that a lowered polarity leads to an increase in photoluminescence quantum yields (Φ_L). The complex Re(L_Me-nHo)Py emerged as the most efficient emitter, displaying a Φ_L of 44% in dichloromethane (DCM). Notably, all complexes exhibited efficient quenching of excited triplet states by diffusional collision with triplet dioxygen (³O₂), yielding good singlet dioxygen (¹O₂) photoproduction efficiencies (Φ_Δ) with a maximum of 45% observed for Re(L_nHo)Py. These results highlight the suitability of these complexes for applications requiring efficient phosphorescence and oxygen photosensitization, such as bioimaging, and photodynamic therapy or photooxidation catalysis, while underscoring the central role of the tailored β-carboline-based chromoluminophores in enabling precise tuneability of photophysical properties. Full article

Habitat alteration due to agricultural expansion and heavy livestock grazing is a major threat for open natural ecosystems (ONEs). Within the Indian Thar Desert, such land-use transformations are altering native grassland habitats, with consequential effects on insect communities that perform vital ecological functions and support higher trophic levels. Between 2020 and 2022, we surveyed a 641 km² area, using belt transect and visual detection methods, to quantify insect densities at the order level across different seasons. Linear mixed-effect (LME) models revealed that the orthopteran insect densities, primarily grasshoppers, were significantly higher in grasslands compared to agriculture and barren lands and were lower in the presence of livestock grazing. Orthopteran densities were higher and showed strong seasonal dependencies, likely driven by rainfall-mediated vegetation growth during monsoons. Intense grazing and agricultural expansion reduced vegetation biomass and resource availability, which affected the insect populations negatively. These research findings underscore the urgent need to implement ecologically sensitive land management practices, including sustainable grazing regimes and grassland conservation, to maintain insect biodiversity and the broader ecological network. Given the role of insects in ecosystem functioning and their importance to conservation dependent species of, such as the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), these findings underscore the ecological significance of preserving native grassland habitats in the Thar Desert landscape. Full article