Jieyu Shen

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Researchers combined tumor pathology images, clinical data, and gene expression data to build a deep learning model that predicts whether cervical cancer patients will survive long-term (more than 3 years) or short-term. The model achieved an AUC of 0.78 on an independent test set from a different hospital, validating its generalizability. Merging multiple types of patient data improves survival prediction accuracy and could help personalize treatment planning for cervical cancer.

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This paper describes a system for self-driving vehicles to slow down before hitting potholes in a way that maximizes passenger comfort, using camera and laser sensors to detect pothole size and depth. The system calculates the safest traversal speed based on how much vertical bouncing a given pothole would cause, then uses fuzzy logic control to smoothly reach that speed. Testing in simulations and real vehicles confirmed the method keeps vibration within comfortable limits without compromising safety.

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Satellite-based IoT networks using LoRa radio technology face a problem where many devices transmit simultaneously and their signals collide. This paper presents ConvLoRa, a deep learning approach that can separate two colliding LoRa signals even with very low signal strength, achieving a bit error rate only 21% that of the best prior method at -9 dB SNR. This could significantly increase the capacity of satellite IoT systems to handle large numbers of connected devices.

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Researchers identified and characterized a stress-resistance protein (a dehydrin) from the seeds of a parasitic medicinal plant whose seeds are unusually sensitive to drying. When the gene encoding this protein was added to a model plant, the plants showed better survival under salt, drought, and cold stress, with higher antioxidant enzyme activity and improved stress gene expression. This protein could be a useful genetic resource for engineering stress-tolerant versions of this and related medicinal plants.

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This review describes the barriers that drugs must cross to reach the reproductive tract — including the vagina, cervix, uterus, and placenta — and how microfluidic organ-on-chip devices are being built to model these barriers for drug testing. These chip platforms can recreate hormonal cycling, microbial environments, and dynamic fluid flow that standard lab dishes and animal models cannot replicate. The authors argue these platforms could transform preclinical drug screening for women's reproductive health conditions.

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The high-performance plastic PEEK is difficult to 3D-print well because its layers don't fuse strongly. This study attached a heating system to the print nozzle that preheats each layer just before the next is deposited, and found that 280°C preheating raised tensile strength by 21% and reduced porosity compared to no preheating. This approach offers a practical engineering solution for printing stronger PEEK components for demanding applications like medical implants.

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Researchers found that melatonin supplementation in pregnant rats exposed to a flame retardant chemical (BDE-209) prevented autism-like behaviors in offspring, including reduced social interaction and cognitive problems. The protection worked by preserving the health and function of mitochondria in the brain's hippocampus through the SIRT1 signaling pathway. This identifies a specific biological mechanism by which melatonin may counteract neurodevelopmental harm from environmental chemical exposure.

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This review summarizes how T-2 toxin, a mold-derived contaminant found in grain, crosses the blood-brain barrier and damages the nervous system through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. Multiple signaling pathways are involved, and several natural compounds and drugs have shown partial protective effects in lab studies. The review maps out the molecular landscape of T-2 toxin neurotoxicity to guide development of better protective strategies.

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Using a large Chinese health screening cohort, researchers built risk prediction models for retinal arteriosclerosis — a marker of vascular disease — incorporating age, blood pressure, BMI, and other common clinical measurements. The models achieved a C-index of about 0.8, and were made available as an online tool. Early identification of high-risk individuals could enable interventions to slow the development of this vascular condition.

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The tumor suppressor gene FHIT is commonly lost in gastric cancer, but its exact mechanism was unclear. This study found that FHIT controls the production (not the transcription) of a protein called KDM6B, which in turn activates pro-cell-death genes by erasing repressive chemical marks on DNA. Restoring this FHIT-KDM6B pathway suppresses gastric cancer growth, identifying it as a potential therapeutic target in early-stage disease.

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In a small crossover study, researchers compared how two types of soft contact lenses — hydrogel and silicone hydrogel — affect the tiny blood vessels in the white of the eye and the stability of the tear film over one week of wear. Both lens types increased blood flow and reduced tear film, but silicone hydrogel lenses caused more eye redness and discomfort, while hydrogel lenses destabilized tears more. These differences can guide clinicians in selecting the better lens type for individual patients.

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Researchers developed a method to build a selective coating inside an electrodialysis cell without disassembling it, using electrical pulses to layer different polymers directly onto a commercial membrane. The resulting membrane separated lithium from magnesium with a selectivity of 107-fold — far above most existing methods — and maintained meaningful performance over 10 cycles in real salt lake water. This scalable in-situ approach could make lithium extraction from brines significantly more efficient.

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A bacterial strain (LYH8) isolated from a local soil sample was found to strongly inhibit the growth of Fusarium head blight, a devastating wheat disease, with an 83-85% reduction in disease severity in plant experiments. The strain also reduced levels of deoxynivalenol, the toxic grain contaminant produced by the fungus. Transcriptome analysis revealed the bacterium acts by disrupting multiple fungal metabolic pathways simultaneously, making it a promising biocontrol agent.

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Researchers surveyed fungal endophytes living inside grass seeds collected across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and catalogued the diversity of their colony shapes, growth rates, and cell sizes. Temperature and altitude significantly influenced these physical traits, and genetic analysis revealed most strains carried genes for an insect-repelling compound but not for toxic ergot alkaloids. This characterization provides a foundation for using these endophytes to develop stress-tolerant grass varieties.

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This is a published correction notice for a previously published article on phenothiazine's protective effects in stroke and does not contain new research findings.

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Researchers developed selenium nanoparticles coated with folate to specifically target cervical cancer cells, making them more potent at lower doses while sparing healthy tissue. The nanoparticles killed cancer cells by blocking the PI3K/AKT survival signaling pathway, both in cell culture and in mouse tumor models. This precision delivery approach addresses the classic toxicity problem with selenium-based cancer treatments.

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A newborn with persistently high blood tyrosine levels was found to have two mutations in the TAT gene (which causes tyrosinemia type II), one of which was completely new. Lab experiments showed this novel mutation drastically reduces the amount of functional protein made, explaining the disease. Identifying and characterizing new mutations expands the known genetic spectrum of this metabolic disorder and improves the basis for genetic counseling.

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Thirty-eight patients undergoing revision hip replacement surgery had their procedures planned using AI software, and researchers tracked outcomes for up to 6 years. The AI correctly predicted the needed implant size in nearly all cases, and hip function scores improved substantially after surgery compared to before. This supports AI-assisted preoperative planning as a feasible and effective tool for complex revision orthopedic surgeries.

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Computer simulations and lab experiments showed that fentanyl moves through cell membranes roughly 100 times faster than morphine, helping explain why fentanyl acts so rapidly and powerfully as a painkiller. The drug partitions into cell membranes and can re-emerge to reactivate opioid receptors even after the external drug is removed, a property not shared by morphine. This membrane permeation mechanism has direct implications for understanding fentanyl overdose and for designing better antidotes.

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Researchers developed a method to build C-glycoside drug scaffolds — sugar-containing molecules with strong metabolic stability — using visible light rather than metals or harsh chemicals, achieving high selectivity for the harder-to-make beta form. The key innovation was using bulky protective groups to flip the sugar molecule into an unusual shape that forces the reaction to occur from one face. This mild, selective synthesis method could accelerate the development of carbohydrate-based drugs.

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This study examined how brief exposure to radio-frequency (RF) electrical current — used in a medical tissue-welding device — affects the corrosion of a magnesium alloy designed as a biodegradable implant. RF current significantly accelerated corrosion and breakdown of the protective surface film on the alloy. Understanding this degradation behavior is important for safely designing temporary magnesium implants that must function reliably during tissue healing.

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This report describes "perigraftitis" — a specific complication where bacteria colonize bone graft material used in dental implant procedures — in three patients, with detailed clinical, imaging, and tissue analysis. The defining feature was microbial colonies attached to and within the grafted bone structure, regardless of graft type. Complete removal of infected grafted tissue was required for resolution, suggesting dental grafting should be performed conservatively and that this distinct complication needs wider clinical recognition.

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Researchers designed a series of drug compounds that block both the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake transporters — but not dopamine — as a targeted treatment for premature ejaculation. The best compound showed strong activity in the lab and in a rat model of premature ejaculation at a single dose, without affecting sexual desire or erection. This targeted molecular profile offers a more refined pharmacological approach compared to existing treatments.

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A sandwich-structured photocatalyst was engineered that maintains 80% efficiency in breaking down a common air pollutant (toluene) over long periods, compared to rapid deactivation in the standard catalyst. The layered bismuth-titanium material separates electric charges more effectively and generates sustained reactive oxygen species that prevent toxic intermediate buildup. This design provides a model for durable photocatalytic air purification systems.

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Researchers built stable oil-in-water emulsions using complexes of whey protein, xanthan gum, and ellagic acid (a plant antioxidant), then used ultrasound treatment to further improve their stability. Longer ultrasound treatment produced smaller droplets, better mechanical strength, and better resistance to environmental stress for up to 21 days of storage. This approach demonstrates how combining bioactive food ingredients with ultrasound processing can create more stable and functional food emulsions.

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A machine learning system was trained on colposcopy images — taken without staining and with two different stains — to predict whether a precancerous cervical lesion (CIN2) will regress, persist, or progress. Depending on which staining was used, different models achieved AUC values of 0.88-0.93 and provided complementary predictive information. This tool could help clinicians avoid overtreating patients whose lesions are likely to resolve on their own.

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This study developed a framework combining three ecological concepts — dark diversity (species that should be present but aren't), functional traits, and diagnostic species — to diagnose the stage and bottlenecks of forest recovery in subtropical China. The method identified that trait-based filters like seed size and mycorrhizal type are stronger drivers of species absence than local environmental conditions, and that different constraints operate at different recovery stages. This provides actionable guidance for targeted ecological restoration interventions.

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A nomogram was built and validated to predict which patients with unresectable liver cancer would respond to a triple therapy combining chemoembolization, a targeted drug (lenvatinib), and immunotherapy. Six factors — including AFP levels, immune cell ratio, and tumor features — were combined into a model that achieved AUC above 0.91 in training and validation cohorts. This tool could guide personalized treatment decisions and improve outcomes for patients who are most likely to benefit.

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A three-wave longitudinal study of Mexican immigrant families found that when mothers or adolescents struggle to manage two cultures simultaneously, both tend to experience more depression and anxiety — and their struggles influenced each other over time. Higher average difficulty with biculturalism predicted worse anxiety symptoms when day-to-day difficulties fluctuated, and this effect was bidirectional within mother-adolescent pairs. These findings highlight the mental health burden of bicultural navigation and the importance of family-level interventions.

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The cancer-related protein EZH2, best known for chemically modifying histones to silence genes, was found to also regulate which RNA molecules get edited and how stable certain cancer-promoting RNAs are, through interaction with the editing enzyme ADAR1. When EZH2 is removed, an RNA transport protein (TRN1) is reduced, which causes ADAR1 to accumulate in the cytoplasm and protect oncogenic RNA transcripts from being destroyed. This connection between two layers of gene regulation reveals a new vulnerability in prostate cancer that could be targeted therapeutically.

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Using cryo-electron microscopy, researchers solved the structure of a large photosynthetic protein complex in cyanobacteria — specifically how a light-harvesting antenna (CpcL-PBS) attaches to the photosystem that converts light to energy. The transmembrane segment of the linker protein CpcL inserts into the membrane and contacts specific subunits of photosystem I at the junction between two copies of the complex. This detailed structure clarifies how light energy is captured and transferred in these ancient photosynthetic organisms.

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Researchers developed a light-driven chemical reaction that builds naphthalene-containing molecules — important ring structures found in many natural products and drugs — without needing metal catalysts, stoichiometric oxidants, or pre-functionalized starting materials. The reaction couples two types of molecules (1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and alkynes) using photoredox and cobalt catalysis in a single step. This environmentally cleaner approach expands the toolkit for synthesizing complex polycyclic aromatic compounds.

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A drug called PD0325901 (PD03) was found to reverse the bone-building suppression caused by thrombin — a clotting protein elevated after injury — by blocking a specific inflammatory feedback loop between two signaling pathways (MEK-Erk1/2 and NF-kB). In primary rat bone cells, thrombin activated this loop through IL-1beta, and PD03 interrupted it, restoring markers of bone formation. This suggests MEK inhibition as a potential strategy to protect bone in patients with elevated clotting activity.

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A protein microarray covering 72 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) proteins was used to profile antibody responses in gastric cancer patients, identifying a five-protein antibody signature that distinguishes EBV-associated gastric cancer from other gastric conditions with 87% sensitivity and 88% specificity. The signature was validated in a community screening cohort of 474 people. This blood test approach could enable scalable population-level screening for a specific, virus-driven subtype of gastric cancer.

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A new electrolyte strategy for vanadium flow batteries — used for large-scale energy storage — was developed that independently tunes the concentration and charge state of the active chemicals on each side of the membrane, reducing the tendency for ions to migrate across and cause capacity loss. Using this approach with a thin 15-micrometer membrane achieved a 75% reduction in capacity decay rate over 1,000 cycles compared to a conventional system with a thicker membrane. This could reduce the cost of grid-scale energy storage by over 40%.

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This modeling study identified that new particle formation in China — a process that affects air quality and climate — is driven primarily by sulfuric acid combined with dimethylamine in urban and agricultural areas, with iodine-based chemistry dominating in coastal and marine regions. The updated model reduced prediction errors from more than 10-fold to within 30% across diverse sites and seasons. These findings sharpen the scientific understanding of where pollution particles originate in China and which emission sources matter most.

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Researchers engineered a copper-containing hydrogel that doesn't swell when wet — a common problem that degrades sensor performance in water — and used it to build a flexible wearable sensor that works reliably both in air and underwater. The sensor accurately detected body movements and was also demonstrated for underwater Morse code communication. This combination of anti-swelling, conductivity, and adhesion makes it a practical material for wearable health monitoring in aquatic environments.

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A 5-8 year follow-up study of 74 children who had flexible scoliosis surgery (vertebral body tethering, VBT) found that 66% had suspected tether breakage by final follow-up, though 66% also maintained a curve under 40 degrees without needing major revision surgery. The reoperation rate was 21.6%, and spinal correction was significant in both the side-to-side and rotational planes. These long-term data provide realistic benchmarks for patients and families considering this growth-friendly scoliosis procedure.

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In a randomized trial of 63 patients with hemifacial spasm (involuntary facial twitching) and associated psychological symptoms, botulinum toxin injections and an antidepressant (citalopram) both reduced anxiety, depression, and other neuropsychological symptoms to a comparable degree after 8 weeks. Neither treatment was significantly better than the other on any psychological measure. Botulinum toxin — already the standard treatment for the motor symptoms — also addresses the psychological burden of this condition.

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A gut bacteria-derived molecule called phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) was found to suppress the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which matters for tissue repair and recovery from low blood flow. PAGln acted through beta-adrenergic receptors to reduce an enzyme (LDHA) needed for the energy production that powers vessel growth, and blocking the receptors or restoring LDHA reversed the effect. This identifies PAGln as a gut-derived factor that may impair vascular recovery, relevant to conditions like peripheral artery disease.

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This review covers carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) — a synthetic bone material chemically similar to natural bone — including how it is made, how it stimulates bone cells to grow and form new bone, and how it performs in animal and clinical studies for repairing skull, jaw, and limb bone defects. Combining CHA with polymers or bioactive glass improves its mechanical properties, and 3D printing enables patient-specific scaffolds. The review identifies remaining challenges in degradation rate and mechanical strength for future CHA development.

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In colorectal cancer, a protein called YTHDF2 was found to promote tumor growth by breaking down the mRNA of a tumor suppressor (SPOP), which in turn allows the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1 to remain high. When YTHDF2 was reduced, SPOP mRNA became more stable, SPOP protein levels rose, and PD-L1 expression fell — potentially making tumors more visible to immune attack. The YTHDF2-SPOP-PD-L1 pathway represents both a prognostic marker and a possible target for improving immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.

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This is the largest study to date examining taxane-based chemotherapy in small bowel adenocarcinoma, a rare cancer typically treated like colorectal cancer. The overall response rate was 24%, but patients with TP53 mutations responded less than half as often and had shorter survival than those without. These results provide evidence that taxanes have meaningful activity in this cancer and that TP53 status should be considered in treatment planning and future trials.

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A new nickel-hydride catalytic system was developed to attach five-carbon isoprene units onto aryl halides — a reaction called prenylation that is common in natural product biosynthesis. The method works under mild conditions without pre-made metal reagents, tolerates a wide variety of chemical functional groups, and selectively produces either the natural or unnatural positional isomer. This provides a greener and more flexible route to prenylated compounds used in drug discovery.

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Researchers found that the transcription factor KLF2 acts as a master switch in CD8 T cell fate, overriding the normal program that produces tissue-resident memory cells and instead driving T cells to circulate throughout the body. Without KLF2, T cells prematurely adopted the tissue-resident state but still functioned normally when recalled for immune defense. A related factor, KLF3, had opposing effects in some contexts, suggesting these proteins cooperate and compete to balance different types of immune memory.

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A new type of manganese-porphyrin compound was designed with both positive and negative charges (zwitterionic) to resolve a longstanding tradeoff: high antioxidant activity requires positive charge while good MRI contrast requires negative charge. The zwitterionic compound showed both capabilities — useful MRI signal and potent antioxidant activity — and protected kidney function in a mouse model of acute kidney injury. This dual-function molecule could serve both diagnostic and therapeutic roles in oxidative stress-related diseases.

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A traditional Chinese herbal formula called Qingyi Decoction was tested in a mouse model of alcohol-induced pancreatitis and found to significantly reduce pancreatic inflammation, tissue damage, and abnormal lipid metabolism. The protective mechanism involved activating the AMPK energy-sensing pathway, which simultaneously slowed fat synthesis and increased fat burning in the pancreas. These findings provide mechanistic support for using this herbal formula in alcoholic pancreatitis and expand the known clinical applications of this traditional treatment.