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Author Correction: Adipose-targeted triiodothyronine therapy counteracts obesity-related metabolic complications and atherosclerosis with negligible side effects
A food-grade cell dissociation agent via regulatory pre-check framework
Advancements in cell-based foods require materials that meet the highest food safety standards. Conventional cell dissociation agents, such as animal-derived trypsin, pose significant risks including viral contamination and allergenicity, which hinder their use in food production. To overcome this challenge, we propose a food regulatory pre-check framework, which prioritizes regulatory compliance before functional testing. Following this framework, we developed iDisper, a novel food-grade animal-free cell dissociation reagent composed of approved food additives (papain and trisodium citrate). Specifically, an optimized formulation containing 2 mg/mL papain demonstrated a dissociation efficacy and viability comparable to those of commercial agents in primary avian cells. Furthermore, iDisper demonstrated 8-month stability at −20 °C. This study validated the proposed framework as an effective strategy for developing safe and practical reagents for the cell-based food industry.
Synthesis, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, molecular docking study of new pyrimidine derivatives
Abstract Organic compounds, especially heterocyclic compounds, are known for their significant bioactivity, in this work, novel pyrimidine derivatives 3–11 were synthesized from the reaction of chalcon compound 1 with hydrogen peroxide to give oxiran compound 2 which reacted with thiourea producing the precursor key compound 3 . Elemental analysis and several spectroscopic techniques were used to determine the molecular structures of the novel derivatives. All the new analogs were screened against four human pathogenic microbial strains: Escherichia coli as Gram-negative bacteria, Bacillus subtilis as Gram-positive bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using agar diffusion method, suggesting broad-spectrum potential. whereas compounds 5, 9a and 11 exhibited high inhibitory action with an inhibition zone of 17–20 mm compared to standard drugs, Streptomycin and Cycloheximide. Antioxidant profile employing DPPH radical scavenging studies further proved their capacity to lower oxidative stress. Whereas compounds 5, 9a and 11 showed significant DPPH activity and antioxidant activities. Additionally, at doses of 2.0, 1.0, and 0.5 mg/ml, compounds 3, 4, 6a, 8 and 9b showed moderate antioxidant activity. Conversely, compounds 6b, 6c, 7 and 10 showed very little DPPH activity. Molecular docking tests revealed strong binding affinities with significant microbial enzymes, which corroborated these conclusions and were in line with their observed inhibitory effects. Complementary and drug-like in silico ADMET testing confirmed that Lipinski’s recommendations were followed, showing that oral delivery was suitable. Some of the produced compounds showed good pharmacological activity when compared to reference controls. A comprehensive synthesis, spectroscopic analyses, and pharmacological activity were all reported.
Dimensional control of low-dimensional perovskite hybrids for photovoltaics
Productivity and quality-related traits of wheat germplasm affected by heat stress
Heat stress (HS) significantly impedes wheat production, making the development of heat-tolerant cultivars increasingly essential in the context of climate change. This study evaluated 153 elite spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes from the Wheat Association Mapping Initiative (WAMI) panel and three controls in field trials conducted during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 growing seasons at the Isfahan University of Technology research farm, Iran. Two sowing dates (SD; fall and spring) under full irrigation were employed to replicate HS conditions, with spring SD simulating terminal HS and reflecting regional farming practices. HS reduced days to flowering (DF), anthesis (DA), and maturity (DM) by 36–45%, shortened the grain-filling period (GFP), and decreased grain yield (GY) by ~25%, while key flour-quality traits (e.g., Zeleny index and grain hardness) remained stable under both SDs. Considerable genotypic variability was observed in both agronomic and quality traits. Stress tolerance and sensitivity indices (STI, MP, YSI, and HSI) were used to classify genotypes, with HSI identified as the most effective index due to its strong association with yield performance under HS. Several WAMI lines (e.g., 029, 123, 104, 067, and 139) demonstrated high yield potential combined with robust heat tolerance, as evidenced by their reduced yield loss under HS. These findings highlight the value of the WAMI panel for identifying heat-resilient wheat genotypes and providing critical insights for breeding programs targeting improved wheat performance under terminal HS and water-limited environments.
Field scale responses of soil enzymatic activities and microbial indicators to combined bioinoculant-fertilizer management in mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Author Correction: Gate tuning of coupled electronic and structural phase transition in atomically thin Ta2NiSe5
Retraction: A transcriptional signature associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the blood of patients with Q fever
A web-based prediction model using routinely available clinical variables to estimate surgical risk in Crohn’s disease during remission or mild activity
An ancient genome of Streptococcus pyogenes from a pre-Columbian Bolivian mummy
Abstract Streptococcus pyogenes , or Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a human pathogen responsible for a range of diseases, from mild infections to severe illnesses. Despite its significance in modern clinical settings, little is known about the pathogen’s evolutionary history or its presence in ancient human populations. Here, we present genomic evidence of S. pyogenes in the pre-Columbian Americas. We analysed a tooth from a naturally mummified individual dating to the Late Intermediate Period (1283–1383 cal AD), housed in the National Museum of Archeology (MUNARQ) in La Paz, Bolivia. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the host’s Native American ancestry. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and de-novo assembly enabled the near-complete reconstruction of an ancient S. pyogenes genome displaying close similarity to contemporary strains linked to pharyngitis. The genome contains core virulence genes, but prophages lack streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. Phylogenetic analyses place the strain at the base of modern S. pyogenes diversity, and Bayesian analyses indicate that most extant lineages diversified globally within the past ~5,500 years. Our results push back the confirmed presence of S. pyogenes in the Americas by several centuries and suggest that the pathogen circulated among Indigenous populations prior to the European contact.
Understanding landowner preferences for traditional and nature-based solutions incentive programs in North Carolina, USA
Financial incentive programs, commonly administered by public institutions, have long supported sustainable land management practices in the United States, including soil conservation, water quality improvement, and biodiversity preservation. Recently, these initiatives have expanded under the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS), which emphasize land-based practices that deliver co-benefits for people and ecosystems. However, the effectiveness of such programs often depends on how well they align with landowners’ diverse values, preferences, and motivations. This study examines factors influencing forest and farm landowners’ likelihood of enrolling in traditional and NBS-oriented incentive programs. We surveyed 2,000 forest and farm landowners across four regions in North Carolina to assess how ownership motivations, land use intentions, and personal values influence program participation preferences and compensation expectations. The full information maximum likelihood regression results reveal significant differences between forest and farm landowners in their motivations, future land management plans, and financial expectations. Landowners who reside on their land or have never applied to any cost-share programs before are generally less inclined to participate in either program type. These findings highlight the importance of designing targeted outreach strategies and tailoring program structures to better reflect the values and needs of different landowner groups, thereby improving landowners’ participation and enhancing the long-term effectiveness of land-based conservation and sustainability initiatives.
Quasi-periodic flat-band model constructed by molecular-orbital representation
The mortality impacts of implementing the 3-30-300 greenness rule and the WHO air quality guidelines in Bari, Southern Italy
Impact of adjuvant therapy on survival in esophageal cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy investigated by a population based cohort study
Abstract While surgical intervention administered after neoadjuvant therapy represents the standard treatment in esophageal cancer, the survival benefit conferred by adjuvant therapy administered postoperatively among this patient cohort continues to be controversial. Using real-world data, 6141 esophageal cancer patients administered neoadjuvant treatment preoperatively between 2007 and 2021 were categorized into adjuvant therapy group ( n = 1116) or no adjuvant therapy group( n = 5025). No significant differences in overall survival (OS) or cancer-specific survival (CSS) were observed between groups before or after propensity score matching (PSM), and adjuvant therapy was not identified as an independent prognostic factor. However, subgroup analyses revealed important variations: patients treated in 2015–2021 derived greater survival benefit from adjuvant therapy than those in 2007–2014; female patients experienced worse CSS with adjuvant therapy, which was identified as an independent risk factor; among patients receiving preoperative systemic therapy alone, continuing systemic therapy postoperatively showed superior outcomes compared with radiotherapy or combined treatment; and among patients receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy, no significant differences were observed across different postoperative adjuvant strategies. The findings suggest that while postoperative adjuvant therapy does not provide an overall survival advantage, significant subgroup heterogeneity exists, indicating that clinical decisions should be individualized based on diagnosis year, gender, and preoperative treatment regimen.
Enhancing community death notification in Uganda using a hackathon based approach to integrate mortality surveillance into the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS)
Yttrium oxide nanoparticles induce potent selective cytotoxicity in HeLa cervical cance cells through ROS-mediated genomic instability and mitochondrial apoptosis
Abstract Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, emphasizing the need for safer, more selective therapies. Yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y 2 O 3 -NPs) have unique physicochemical properties, but their anticancer potential in cervical carcinoma remains underexplored. This study therefore estimated the cytotoxic effects of Y 2 O 3 -NPs in HeLa cervical cancer cells and normal HFB4 melanocytes, with mechanistic analyses focused on HeLa cells. Cells were exposed to Y₂O₃-NPs various concentrations and viability was assessed via MTT assay. Mechanistic endpoints; including total ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage, apoptotic morphology, and expression of apoptosis- and mitochondria-related genes, were analyzed using fluorescence assays, alkaline Comet assay, nuclear staining, and quantitative RT-PCR. Y 2 O 3 -NPs reduced HeLa cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner with markedly low IC50 value of 52.22 µg/mL (0.231 mM), whereas HFB4 cells were less affected and exhibited markedly greater IC50 value of 264.10 µg/mL (1.169 mM); high selectivity index of 5.06 demonstrating preferential cytotoxicity toward Hela cancer cells. Exposure to the IC50 concentration induced marked ROS overproduction, dramatic mitochondrial depolarization, severe DNA damage, and observable apoptotic nuclear changes in cancerous HeLa cells, accompanied by upregulation of apoptotic p53, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 , and mitochondrial ND3 gene expression. Conclusion: These findings Y 2 O 3 -NPs exert strong and selective cytotoxic effects against HeLa cervical cancer cells while causing minimal toxicity to normal HFB4 melanocytes. This preferential cytotoxicity appears to be mediated by Y 2 O 3 -NPs–induced oxidative stress, genomic DNA damage, mitochondrial depolarization, and activation of mitochondrial-related apoptotic pathways. Although these results highlight the potential anticancer activity of Y 2 O 3 -NPs, further in vivo studies and detailed mechanistic investigations are needed to confirm their therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Enhanced grid stability of DFIG-based wind systems through intelligent reactive power coordination using machine learning-based control
Modulation of oxidative stress and P53/PCNA signaling by glucosodiene-loaded nanoferrites (GLONF) in ehrlich solid tumor–induced hepatotoxicity
Abstract Ehrlich solid tumors are commonly used as a model to study tumor growth and evaluate potential anticancer therapies. Current study aimed to assess the curative efficacy of glucosodiene Loaded over Nanoferrites (GLONF) against Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) induced hepatotoxicity. Fifty female mice were randomly allocated into five equal groups (Control; GLONF; EST; GLONF + EST; EST+GLONF). Our findings revealed that the EST group exhibited significantly increased levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hepatic injury indices, malondialdehyde (MDA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( PCNA), and apoptotic p53, while showing significant depletion of albumin, total proteins, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) when compared to the control group. GLONF post-treatment (EST+ GLONF) is a highly effective strategy, demonstrating potent antitumor where it reduced tumor size, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant actions, restoring liver integrity, modulating key molecular markers and improving histological and immunohistochemical profiles.
Synthesis of some novel coumarin-based heterocycles, elucidation of their antifungal behavior, molecular docking and computational studies
Abstract A novel series of coumarin–cyanoacetohydrazide hybrids was synthesized via efficient strategies that exploit the nucleophilic and electrophilic functionalities of the cyanoacetohydrazide scaffold. The designed framework incorporated a C-4 amino-substituted coumarin nucleus, enabling the construction of diverse fused and heteroannulated coumarin derivatives under mild conditions, affording moderate to excellent yields. The structures of all new compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic analyses (IR, MS, 1 H, and 13 C NMR). Selected derivatives were evaluated for antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. Results revealed that compounds 2 , 3 , 6 , 7 , and 8 exhibited notable inhibition, while compound 8 showed the broadest antifungal spectrum and the highest inhibition potency (inhibition zones up to 4.00 ± 0.50 mm). IC 50 determination highlighted compounds 2 (0.35 mg/mL) and 3 (< 0.63 mg/mL) as the most potent. At the same time, molecular docking against five key fungal enzymes indicated strong, multi-target binding affinities for compounds 6–8, particularly 8, which showed ΔG values below -8.982 kcal/mol. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations established correlations between frontier orbital energies, energy gaps, softness, dipole moments, and antifungal performance, suggesting that reduced ΔE and enhanced softness favor the biological activity. These findings identify compound 8 as a promising broad-spectrum antifungal lead and provide valuable structure–activity insights for the rational design of coumarin-based antifungal agents.
Photoelectrochemical Heterogeneous Catalysis: From Single Molecule Oxidation Toward C─X Bond Formation
ABSTRACT Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) organic synthesis has emerged as a promising platform for sustainable chemical manufacturing by synergistically integrating light and electrical energy. The fundamental mechanism involves the generation of electron–hole pairs in semiconductor photoelectrodes, where photogenerated holes drive oxidative transformations at the anode and electrons facilitate reductive reactions at the cathode. This approach enables precise control over reaction pathways under mild conditions, offering enhanced energy efficiency, improved selectivity and elimination of stoichiometric oxidants. This review comprehensively summarizes the rapid development of PEC organic synthesis, beginning with its fundamental principles and common photoelectrode fabrication techniques. Recent advances are then outlined across two major domains: the photoanode‐mediated oxidation of single molecules (e.g., alcohols, biomass‐derived platform chemicals, alkenes, and C─H bonds) and photoelectrochemical cross‐coupling reactions for constructing C─X (X = C, N, P, Cl, and Br) bonds. Finally, a forward‐looking perspective on critical challenges and future directions are discussed, which will significantly improve the insight for future development of PEC organic synthesis.