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A biomineralized light-guiding structure in the porous calcitic skeleton of the sea star <i>Protoreaster nodosus</i>
Biomineralized structures produced by living organisms are widely recognized for their exceptional mechanical performance, yet their potential optical roles are relatively less explored. Here, we demonstrate that within the calcitic ossicle-based skeleton of the sea star Protoreaster nodosus , where each ossicle represents a discrete skeletal element, one specialized ossicle, known as the terminal plate, contains a radially arranged array of light-guiding structures (LGSs). These LGSs exhibit an elongated, cone-like geometry (~250 μm in length) and are embedded within the porous stereom, a characteristic meshwork architecture of echinoderms analogous to open-cell cellular solids and composed of magnesium-containing single-crystalline calcite. Optical experiments demonstrate that, unlike other skeletal elements, the terminal plate can transmit and focus light into an internal cavity via the LGS array. Combined optical analyses using ray-tracing and finite-difference time-domain simulations reveal that each LGS transmits ca . 70% of incident light at normal incidence and concentrates it up to 2.8-fold at its exiting surface. Furthermore, when acting collectively as the LGS array within the terminal plate, the LGSs capture light over a broad field of view (~120°), resulting in an integrated transmitted intensity that is sixfold to eightfold greater than the incoming intensity perceived by a single LGS. Although the biological function of this optical capability remains uncertain, this natural porous structure demonstrates that cellular solids can integrate efficient light-guiding behavior while enhancing mechanical properties (i.e., threefold increase in stiffness compared with random stereom), offering design insights for lightweight, multifunctional structures.
Expression of Concern: Early intervention with ColdZyme mouth spray after self-diagnosis of common cold: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Neck- and balance related complaints in subjects with visual impairment and ongoing inpatient-rehabilitation: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Abstract Neck pain, impaired cervical motor control, fear of falling, and balance limitations may be relevant but under-recognized concerns in inpatient ophthalmologic rehabilitation for patients with visual impairment (VI). To investigate whether onset/duration and type of VI influence neck and balance complaints in visually impaired patients. Exploratory cross-sectional study of 80 participants (median age 58 years; 43 women, 37 men). Outcomes included neck pain (NRS), neck disability (NDI), cervical motor control, fear of falling (FES-I), balance (FABS), and vision-related quality of life (NEI VFQ-25 C). Associations were analyzed by VI duration (Group I < 1 year; Group II > 3 years; Group III 1–3 years) and VI type (unilateral; unilateral blindness; bilateral; bilateral blindness; other; not classifiable). Neck pain was reported by 71.3% (NRSmean 4.6/10, SD 1.7 (median: 4.0 (IQR: 2.0–7.0)); NDI 13.5/50, SD 6.0). Participants performed a mean of 2.3/4 motor control tests incorrectly (SD 1.1). Fear of falling was moderate (FES-I 24.8/64, SD 7.7), balance performance was below age average (FABS 33.2/40, SD 3.6), and NEI VFQ-25 C averaged 0.65 logits (SD 1.91). Higher fear of falling was associated with longer-lasting VI (f = 0.31; χ² = 8.94; p = .01) and with more severe VI types (f = 0.41; χ² = 10.82; p = .03). This assessment captures frequent neck pain, impaired cervical motor control, increased Fear of Falling and non-age appropriate Balance in this population. Findings show greater Fear of Falling with longer lasting VI-Symptoms and increasing VI severity, ranging from visual impairment to blindness and from unilateral to bilateral involvement. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Registration-Number: DRKS00035125, registered on 30.09.2024.
Correction for Salomon et al., The US COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey: Continuous real-time measurement of COVID-19 symptoms, risks, protective behaviors, testing, and vaccination
IRX3 depletion promotes early cardiac commitment of hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Generating mature human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) remains a major obstacle to accurate disease modeling and cardiac repair. As the transcription factor Irx3 is a key determinant of ventricular conduction system fate in mice, we hypothesized that suppressing IRX3 expression accelerates human working cardiomyocyte differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that depleting IRX3 enhances hiPSC-CM differentiation. IRX3 -knockout (KO) hiPSCs generated a greater number of cardiomyocytes with elevated expression of TNNI1 and CX43. Notably, IRX3 -KO cardiomyocytes exhibited improved electrophysiological properties, more uniform mitochondrial distribution, better sarcomere organization, and enhanced intercellular connectivity. We observed that IRX3 expression peaks during the early stages of cardiomyocyte differentiation, whereas IRX3 -KO cardiac progenitors have increased expression of GATA4, NKX2–5, and TBX5 , as well as enhanced cell proliferation. These integrative analyses indicate that IRX3 influences cardiomyocyte differentiation by modulating the gene regulatory networks driven by GATA4, NKX2–5, and TBX5, providing functional evidence linking gene regulatory networks to the structural and electrophysiological development of cardiomyocytes. Collectively, these findings identify IRX3 as a key regulator of early cardiac commitment and highlight the potential of IRX3 suppression to enhance the molecular and functional phenotype of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.
Multi-model assessment and management of data-limited fish stocks in the Bohai Sea, China
Understanding factors influencing HPV vaccine uptake among caregivers in Kwara State, Nigeria: A qualitative study
Introduction Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents over 90% of cervical cancers. In October 2023, Nigeria launched a free HPV vaccination campaign targeting girls aged 9–14 years. Despite removing cost barriers, misinformation about fertility impacts and population control contributed to variable uptake across states. Understanding caregiver decision-making is crucial for improving coverage. This study aimed to explore factors influencing caregivers’ HPV vaccination decisions during Nigeria’s 2023 campaign in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State. Methods A qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling. We recruited 41 caregivers (mean age 47 years; 71% female) of eligible girls from urban and rural communities. Five FGDs were conducted: four with vaccine acceptors (n = 35) and one with decliners (n = 6). Discussions were conducted in Yoruba, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from two institutional review boards. Results Four themes emerged from the analysis. Trust operated at multiple levels: institutional (government programmes), interpersonal (healthcare worker competence), and community (religious/traditional leader endorsement). Historical medical mistrust, intensified by COVID-19 experiences, may have manifested as fertility and population control fears. Personal cancer experiences strongly motivated acceptance, whilst concerns about childhood sexuality influenced timing preferences. Despite free provision, barriers included geographic inequities (remote Fulani-Hausa communities were excluded), language barriers (no Hausa translators), school-based delivery gaps, and indirect costs (transport, time). Caregivers recommended house-to-house campaigns, multilingual services, traditional leader engagement, and permanent vaccination centres. Conclusion Free vaccine provision is necessary but not sufficient to ensure uptake. Successful HPV vaccination requires rebuilding trust through community engagement, addressing historical medical exploitation concerns, and ensuring equitable access. Integrating these findings into Nigeria’s National Programme on Immunisation could improve coverage from current estimates of 54% to targeted 90%, protecting more girls from cervical cancer whilst respecting community values.
DeepSeek-assisted problem-based learning for glaucoma education in an undergraduate ophthalmology clerkship: a randomized educational pilot study
Two-component plant defenses are better than one
Analysis of the human health threat caused by the red imported fire ant in mainland China
In China, the spread of the red imported fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta Buren, RIFA) exhibits a consistent pattern of expansion from the south to the north, with decreasing severity toward northern regions. The rapid spread of RIFA poses a substantial public health threat in China, particularly in regions where this invasive species has become established. To evaluate the health risks associated with RIFA stings in China, we analyzed the probability of developing various symptoms following RIFA stings using 8,749 representative cases with detailed symptom descriptions recorded between 2004 and 2024. Data were collected from literature reviews, Baidu (a Chinese search platform), and Jinjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Meanwhile, the potential threat to public health was estimated based on the population density of affected regions in China. The recorded symptoms and their respective occurrence rates were as follows: itching and pain (77.54%), vesicles or pustules (36.12%), urticaria or papules (33.33%), systemic allergy (7.52%), fever (2.65%), dizziness or headache (1.97%), shock (1.17%), localized allergic lymphadenopathy (0.94%), speech impediment (0.75%), and death (0.03%). Based on the distribution, severity, and population density of RIFA in China, it is estimated that approximately 0.6992 million people are likely to be stung annually, including about 0.5422 million experiencing itching and pain, 0.2526 million developing vesicles or pustules, 0.2330 million with urticaria or papules, 526,000 with systemic allergy, 185,000 with fever, 138,000 with dizziness or headache, 82,000 with shock, 66,000 with localized allergic lymphadenopathy, 52,000 with speech impediments, and 209 deaths. RIFA stings can induce symptoms ranging from mild itching and swelling to severe systemic allergy, including anaphylaxis and death, constituting a serious public health concern. Currently, RIFA has spread to more than 700 counties and districts across 13 provinces, endangering the health of approximately 120 million people. Based on current data, an estimated 699,224 individuals may be affected annually, with 8,181 potentially experiencing anaphylactic shock and 209 deaths. There is an urgent need for enhanced protective measures and treatment options. Strengthening monitoring and prevention strategies is critical for mitigating the impact of this invasive species and safeguarding public health in affected regions.
Development and validation of HPLC-FLD method for simultaneous determination of ternary therapy used for COVID-19 in plasma samples
Abstract A novel green sensitive micellar HPLC method with fluorescence detection is introduced for the analysis of remdesivir, levodropropizine, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride as ternary therapy for COVID-19 in human plasma samples using losartan as internal standard. The separation was carried out on Hypersil BDS C18 column using a mixed micellar mobile phase of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether (Brij-35) adjusted to pH 6. For enhanced specificity, a fluorescence detector was set to 246ex/403em for remdesivir, 296ex/504em for moxifloxacin hydrochloride , 252ex/342em for levodropropizine, and 252ex/316em for Losartan. The method showed a linear response within the concentration ranges of 80-2000 ng/mL for remdesivir and moxifloxacin hydrochloride and 160–4000 ng/mL for levodropropizine showing high accuracy and precision. The current study’s significance lies in the development of a highly sensitive and selective analytical method for the simultaneous determination of three different drugs (remdesivir, moxifloxacin hydrochloride, and levodropropizine) in spiked human plasma, using an economical sample preparation strategy. Eco scale, GAPI and AGREE confirmed the greenness of the method which shows the least impact on the environment along with high score for eco-friendliness. This creates a new approach for routine quality control and pharmacokinetic research of remdesivir, levodropropizine and moxifloxacin hydrochloride.
Chemical neighborhood exploration for substrate discovery in biocatalysis
Predicting the substrate reactivity strength for a given biocatalyst remains a central challenge in computational biocatalysis. Here, we present Subdate, a modular workflow that combines descriptor-guided organization of substrate analogs with ab initio metadynamics simulations to prioritize reactive candidates. The workflow integrates i) substrate library construction, ii) conformer generation and descriptors set definition, iii) library clustering, iv) representative-substrate selection, and v) reaction-barrier quantitative prediction. Applied to selected biocatalysts (human butyrylcholinesterase and the catalytic antibody A17) sharing an SN2 reaction mechanism, Subdate quantitatively identifies reactivity trends that match experimental kinetic measurements. The developed workflow provides a mechanism-aware strategy for reactive substrate prioritization for efficient sampling through the chemical library in biocatalysis.
Strategies for carbon reduction and advertising investments in partially centralized supply chains
Rising concerns about climate change and growing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability have accelerated the adoption of cap-and-trade policies worldwide. This study investigates how different supply chain operation models influence manufacturers’ carbon reduction decisions and retailers’ green advertising strategies. Our analysis reveals that higher carbon trading prices generally stimulate greater emission reduction efforts. However, when both the carbon price and the cost of emission reduction are sufficiently high, further increases in carbon prices may instead weaken firms’ incentives to reduce emissions. We further find that increasing cost-sharing ratios alone does not necessarily improve coordination outcomes. Instead, the effectiveness of coordination depends critically on the structure of cost-sharing. The effectiveness of supply chain coordination hinges on strategic allocation of cost-sharing ratios, specifically, the RC model performs better when carbon reduction cost-sharing is low and advertising cost-sharing is high. When carbon reduction cost-sharing is high, the MC model is preferred under low advertising cost-sharing, whereas the DC model becomes more effective when advertising cost-sharing is high.
A hybrid CNN–LSTM approach for large-scale Twitter sentiment analysis with explainable artificial intelligence
Regulation of gut epithelial barrier and tuft/goblet cell responses by microbiome repair: Opportunities and future directions
Impact of sky view factor on multimodal physiological responses: integrating EEG, heart rate, and thermal sensation in urban landscapes
Abstract Traditional thermal comfort models often fail to capture the dynamic neurophysiological complexity of outdoor human perception. This study introduces a neurophysiological approach to investigate how Sky View Factor (SVF) modulates human comfort. A controlled indoor-outdoor protocol was implemented, transitioning participants from a neutral baseline to a stressor before exposure to varying SVF gradients. High-precision EEG, HRV, and skin temperature data were synchronously analyzed. Our primary analysis did not reveal a statistically significant main effect of SVF on alpha power (F(2, 38) = 1.89, p = 0.165, η 2 = 0.090). Heart rate also did not significantly change from baseline to stress (t(40) = 0.40, p = 0.694). However, a marginal trend was observed for higher alpha power in High SVF compared to Medium SVF environments (Welch’s t(21) = 1.96, p = 0.065), suggesting a potential pattern that warrants further investigation with larger samples. These findings suggest that while the visual openness associated with high SVF may function as a psychological buffer against thermal stress, this effect is embedded within a composite environmental context where SVF co-varies with microclimatic factors like solar radiation.