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Enhancing the tensile strength and morphology of Sansevieria trifasciata Laurentii fibers using liquid smoke and microwave treatments: an RSM approach

Proton-Controlled Electron Injection in MoS₂ During Hydrogen Evolution Revealed by Time-Resolved Spectroelectrochemistry

Trichostatin A suppresses hearing loss by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in an Alport syndrome model

Alport syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder marked by mutations in type IV collagen, leading to kidney glomerular dysfunction. AS also involves the cochlea, causing late-onset progressive hearing loss. Currently, there are no therapeutic drugs to protect hearing from AS. HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) are chemical compounds that block the activity of histone deacetylase and are known to exert diverse biologic effects. We investigated the effect of Trichostatin A (TSA), an HDACi, to assess its potential to inhibit hearing deterioration in AS. Col4a3 knockout (KO) mice were treated with TSA at 3 weeks of age, and hearing levels were measured using auditory brainstem response (ABR). The results demonstrate that TSA significantly protects the hearing of KO mice compared to the untreated group. The TSA-treated group exhibited a reduction in the levels of oxidative stress markers 4-Hydroxynonenal and 3-Nitrotyrosine, along with a decrease in inflammatory cytokines, in both the mouse cochlea and in vitro HEI-OC1 (House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1) cell and HEK (Human Embryonic Kidney)293T cells. AS demonstrated a thickening in the stria vascular vessels, a phenomenon that TSA attenuated. Col4α3 deficiency showed down-regulation of Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), a key anti-inflammatory molecule. TSA treatment induced HO-1 signaling, which contributed to the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that TSA represents a promising candidate molecule for mitigating the progression of hearing loss in AS.

Coapplication of humic acid and gypsum affects soil chemical properties, rice yield, and phosphorus use efficiency in acidic paddy soils

Tetrahedral Lithium Stuffing in Disordered Rocksalt Cathodes for High-Power-Density and Energy-Density Batteries

Unveiling the hidden burden: Exploring the psychosocial impact of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions and scars in southern Ethiopia

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) poses a major public health concern in Ethiopia, with lesions and scars commonly affecting exposed body parts, resulting in physical, social, and psychological consequences. This study aims to assess the psychosocial impacts of CL, shedding light on the experiences and perceptions of affected individuals, thus contributing to the knowledge on Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ethiopia and informing public health interventions to address its psychosocial effects. Methods Using a descriptive phenomenological design, the study explored the lived experiences of individuals with Cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions and scars. Participants were purposively selected, and data was collected through open-ended in-depth interviews. The analysis combined inductive and deductive approaches through an iterative process, developing a coding framework with seven themes (lesion & CL scar each) and subthemes, resulting in giving important insights in the psychosocial impacts of CL. NVivo 12v supported the analysis process. Result The study unveiled negative views and misconceptions surrounding CL and its impact. Application of traditional herbal medicine for CL lesions often leads to pus formation and a foul odour, triggering negative attitudes from others, resulting in embarrassment, pain, and anxiety, leading to discomfort and isolation. The negative psychosocial attitudes associated with CL scars deeply impacted affected individuals, influencing their behaviour. This included isolation and absenteeism from school. CL scars served as unique identifiers, shaping the affected individuals’ identity and self-perception. The unreceptive environment affected the participant’s self-esteem and coping mechanisms. The negative impact of CL scars extended to role performance, marriage prospects, and overall happiness, particularly for females facing additional societal pressure and stigma. Conclusion The study highlights the need for improved education and awareness about CL to reduce misconceptions and negative attitudes towards affected individuals. Additionally, more effective treatment options and integrated preventive ways should be explored to minimize the physical and psychological impact of CL on affected individuals.

Investigating root and canal morphology of anterior and premolar teeth using CBCT with a novel coding classification system in Saudi subpopulation

Crowd crush: Could fluid dynamics save lives?

Impact of Ligand Structure on Biological Activity and Photophysical Properties of NHC-Protected Au₁₃ Nanoclusters

Insilico targeting of virus entry facilitator NRP1 to block SARS-CoV2 entry

The entry and infectivity of a virus are determined by its interaction with the host. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, utilizes the spike (S) protein to attach to and enter host cells. Recent studies have identified neuropilin-1 (NRP1) as a crucial facilitator for the entry of SARS-CoV-2. The binding of the spike protein to the b1 domain of NRP1 has been shown to enhance viral infection twofold. Consequently, targeting NRP1 to disrupt this interaction represents a promising strategy to mitigate viral infection. In this study, a small molecule library of approximately 10,000 compounds was screened to identify those that could inhibit the interaction between NRP1 and the spike protein by targeting the b1 domain of NRP1. The crystallographic structure of the b1 domain of human NRP1 (PDB entry: 7JJC) was used for this purpose. Following virtual screening, docking studies, and evaluation of binding affinity and ADMET properties, 10 compounds were shortlisted. The top two candidates, AZD3839 and LY2090314, were selected for molecular dynamics simulation studies over 100 ns to assess binding stability. MM/GBSA calculations indicated that both AZD3839 and LY2090314 exhibited strong and stable binding to the b1 domain of NRP1. Computational modeling of the interaction between the b1 domain of NRP1 and the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein suggested that AZD3839 and LY2090314 could effectively hinder the NRP1-spike interaction. Therefore, these compounds may serve as potential drug candidates to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.

Efficacy of bacteriophages with Aloe vera extract in formulated cosmetics to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria in skin diseases

Abstract Phage therapy offers a promising alternative to antibiotic treatment for combating illnesses caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this study, pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from pus and skin infected fluidsusing selective media. These bacterial isolates were biochemically identified as S. aureus and P. aeruginosa with probabilities of 98% and 99%, respectively, through VITEK2 system, and were confirmed as multidrug-resistant based on minimum inhibitory concentration test using colorimetric reagent cards. Lytic phages specific to these isolates were isolated, identified through plaque assays, transmission electron microscopy and classified morphologically according to the new International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses classification as members of the Straboviridae, Drexlerviridae, and Autographiviridae families. A cosmetic gel formulation combining Aloe vera extract and the phage cocktail was prepared and tested. This gel significantly enhanced phage longevity and reduced bacterial growth by 95.5% compared to the reductions of 90.5% with Aloe Vera extract alone and 45.7% with the basic cosmetic gel. The phage remained effective for 4 to over 12 weeks after being preserved in the cosmetic formula, maintaining populations ranging from 5 × 103 to 25 × 104 PFU/mL in vitro. These findings highlight the potential of phage-based formulations, such as Vena Skin Gel, as innovative biotherapeutic tools for managing skin infections.

Impact of trainability on telomere dynamics of pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): An explorative study in aging dogs

This research studied the impact of various factors (including social and physiological parameters) on telomere dynamics in pet dogs. Telomeres, essential for maintaining genomic integrity, undergo shortening with each cell division, leading to cellular senescence. Previous studies in humans have linked cognitive and social factors with telomere dynamics but in animals, such associations remain understudied. This study is based on a previous study, where behavioral and cognitive changes in aging pet dogs were investigated. Together with standard variables (sex, age, body weight, diet), behavioral predictors that were assessed in the “Modified Vienna Canine Cognitive Battery” were used. This study aimed to investigate the influence of these factors on telomere dynamics in aging pet dogs. The relative telomere length of 63 dogs was measured, using a qPCR method and a model selection approach was applied to assess which variables can explain the found telomere patterns. Results revealed a strong association of the behavioral factor called trainability and telomere change. Trainability was the best predictor for telomere change over time and was the only predictor having a relative variable importance (RVI) above 0.7. This finding suggests that higher trainability positively affects telomere dynamics in aging dogs and factors like age, sex, diet, and other cognitive parameters are less important. The study sheds light on the potential role of cognitive factors in canine aging and offers insights into improving the quality of life for aging dogs, but further research is needed to comprehensively understand the interplay between behavior, cognition, and telomere dynamics in dogs.

Author Correction: A prevalent caveolin-1 gene rs926198 variant is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Thai population

Lineage tracing of stem cells decades after blood and bone-marrow transplantation

Assembly of the salt-secreting mangrove Avicennia rumphiana

Avicennia rumphiana, also known as Avicennia marina var. rumphiana or Avicennia lanata, is a mangrove species that has high salt tolerance and is one of the few species that secretes salt through the leaves, similar to Avicennia marina. We sequenced and assembled the A. rumphiana genome into 24,094 Supernova-scaffolds totalling 499.6 Mb. Sequence comparison showed that 68.7% of the A. rumphiana genome aligned to A. marina sequence, covering 72% of the A. marina genome at an average nucleotide identity of 87.7%, showing that A. marina is closely related to A. rumphiana and, thus, suitable for reference based scaffolding of the A. rumphiana Supernova-scaffolds. Reference based scaffolding produced 32 chromosome-level scaffolds containing 447.3 Mb, with 52.3 Mb of sequence unplaced. Annotation of this genome assembly resulted in 37,347 genes with 22,414 of those contained within chromosome scaffolds. A total of 671 genes matched to genes that are linked to salt tolerance. Genome comparison shows that A. rumphiana is quite different to A. marina and should, therefore, not be referred to as a variant of A. marina.

Author Correction: A novel isothermal whole genome sequencing approach for Monkeypox Virus

Prevalence, influencing factors, and prediction model construction of anemia in ankylosing spondylitis based on real-world data: An exploratory study

Objective This study aimed to explore the prevalence and influencing factors of anemia in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using real-world data and to construct a predictive model for anemia in AS. Methods In November 2023, we accessed the database from China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN). Clinical data of AS collected from the CERTAIN between March 2022 and September 2023 were analyzed. Demographic information, clinical assessment scales, and laboratory test results of the patients were collected. According to the anemia diagnostic criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, patients were divided into anemia group and non-anemia group. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 software, including χ2 tests, independent sample t-tests to compare differences between the two groups, and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis to explore the influencing factors of anemia in AS. The predictive efficacy of the model was evaluated by plotting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Calibration was assessed through the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and a calibration curve was plotted to comprehensively evaluate the predictive capability of the model. Results A total of 251 patients were included in this study, among which 58 cases had anemia (23.1%). There were significant differences in gender, ossification, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) indicators, and clinical assessment scale results between the two groups (P < 0.05). The results of multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, underweight, ossification, abnormal CRP and ESR were independent risk factors for anemia in AS (P < 0.05). Based on the results of multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, a predictive model for anemia in AS was established as Logit(P) = −5.02 + 2.041 × gender −1.11 × BMI(body mass index) category + 1.103 × ossification category + 0.942 × CRP category + 1.476 × ESR category. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the model for predicting anemia in AS was 0.857 (95% CI: 0.808 ~ 0.906). The Omnibus test of model coefficients yielded χ2 = 85.265, P < 0.001. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed χ2 = 7.005, P = 0.536 (P > 0.05). Conclusion Analysis of real-world AS diagnosis and treatment data showed that the prevalence of anemia in Chinese AS was 23.1%. The occurrence of anemia was closely related to female gender, underweight, ossification, and abnormal CRP and ESR. The logistic model constructed based on these indicators for predicting the risk of anemia in AS demonstrated good efficacy.

Effectiveness of aspirin in preventing deep vein thrombosis following proximal femoral fracture surgery in Japan

Abstract Previous studies have shown that aspirin is effective as a prophylactic agent against venous thromboembolism (VTE) following proximal femoral fractures (PFF). In Japan, there is a lack of evidence regarding its efficacy and safety in this context. Consequently, aspirin is not covered by insurance for the prevention of venous thrombosis. This study aimed to investigate whether continued aspirin use in patients with PFF, who were already taking aspirin for cerebrovascular disease prevention before injury is effective as a prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We retrospectively analyzed PFF patients (≥ 65 years) who underwent postoperative duplex ultrasonography from January 2010 to December 2023.The study compared patients taking aspirin alone (aspirin group) and those not taking antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants (control group), matched by propensity scores. We enrolled 1064 patients while 161 (15%) were in the aspirin group. After matching, 128 patients were analyzed. DVT incidence was not statistically significant between the aspirin (54) and control groups (60) (OR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.49- 1.36; p = 0.44). Proximal DVT incidence was also similar (OR: 2; 95%CI: 0.50–7.00; p = 0.33). Additionally, since use of other postoperative antithrombotic prophylaxis (78%) is thought to have a significant impact on the incidence of DVT, a subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of aspirin in patients who did not receive postoperative antithrombotic prophylaxis. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in either DVT (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.55–3.42; p = 0.49) or proximal DVT (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 0.37–10.92; p = 0.42). This study demonstrates that aspirin is not effective for preventing VTE in patients with PFF in Japan.

Basin-Size Mapping: Prediction of Metastable Polymorph Synthesizability Across TaC–TaN Alloys

Non-cancerous CT findings as predictors of survival outcome in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with first-generation EGFR-TKIs

Purpose To identify non-cancerous factors from baseline CT chest affecting survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with first-generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Methods Retrospective study of 172 advanced NSCLC patients treated with first-generation EGFR-TKIs as a first-line systemic treatment (January 2012 to September 2022). Baseline CT chest assessed visceral/subcutaneous fat (L1 level), sarcopenia, and myosteatosis (multiple levels), main pulmonary artery (MPA) size, MPA to aorta ratio, emphysema, and bone mineral density. Cox regression analyzed prognostic factors at 18-month outcome. Results Median overall survival was 17.57 months (14.87–20.10) with 76 (44.19%) patients died at 18 months. Deceased had lower baseline BMI (21.10 ± 3.44) vs. survived (23.25 ± 4.45) (p < 0.001). Univariable analysis showed 5 significant prognostic factors: low total adiposity with/without cutoff [HR 2.65 (1.68–4.18), p < 0.001; 1.00 (0.99–1.00), p = 0.006;], low subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) with/without cutoff [HR 1.95 (1.23–3.11), p = 0.005; 0.99 (0.98–0.99), p = 0.005], low SAT index (SATI) with/without cutoff [1.74 (1.10–2.78), p = 0.019; 0.98 (0.97–0.99), p = 0.003], high VSR [1.67 (1.06–2.62), p = 0.026], and high MPA size with/without cutoff [2.23 (1.23–4.04), p = 0.005; 1.09 (1.04–1.16), p = 0.001]. MPA size, MPA size > 29 mm, and total adiposity ≤85 cm2 remained significant in multivariable analysis, adjusted by BMI [HR 1.14 (1.07–1.21), p < 0.001; 3.10 (1.81–5.28), p < 0.001; 3.91 (1.63–9.40), p = 0.002]. There was no significant difference of sarcopenic and myosteatotic parameters between the two groups. Conclusion In advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients, assessing pre-treatment prognosis is warranted to predict the survival outcome and guide decision regarding EGFR-TKI therapy. Enlarged MPA size, low total adiposity, and low subcutaneous fat (lower SAT, lower SATI, and higher VSR) are indicators of poor survival. Large MPA size (>29 mm) or low total adiposity (≤85 cm2) alone predict 18-month death.