Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Electrochemical behaviour of Na-ion and Na-S batteries under external magnetic fields
Restriction of HSV-1 replication by Pistacia vera L. extracts reveals a promising strategy for regulating virus-mediated chemokine response in monocytic cells
Development and testing of a high-precision static calibration device for aviation thin-film thermocouples
Optimization and evaluation of gastro-expandable film of Eudragit S100 and ethylcellulose by using the design of experiment
Effect of nano-NPK fertilizer and BAP on growth and flowering of Viola tricolor
Evaluating the semi-chronic effects of household air pollution exposure on cardiopulmonary health under two different ventilation conditions
Abstract Household air pollution (HAP), particularly from cooking-related particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), poses significant health risks but remains understudied compared to ambient air pollution. We evaluated the short-term cardiorespiratory effects of exposure to cooking-generated PM 2.5 and examined the efficacy of automated indoor air quality interventions. Using a crossover design, seven cohorts of two participants each were exposed to two residential conditions over four weeks in a Living Lab: the Standard Control Condition (SCC), featuring basic HVAC, and the Advanced Control Condition (ACC), which included automated range hoods, portable air cleaners and exhaust systems activated by PM 2.5 sensors. PM 2.5 concentrations were continuously monitored in the breathing zone at the room level. The physiological markers, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), were measured on the occupant before and after cooking events. Cooking events caused substantial short-term increases in PM 2.5 levels, median concentrations rose from < 1 µg/m³ to 263.7 µg/m³ under SCC and to 168.9 µg/m³ under ACC during HRV measurement periods, with exposure levels exceeding WHO 24-hour guidelines up to 82% of the time. Compared to SCC, the ACC significantly reduced PM 2.5 exposure ( p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased significantly post-cooking under ACC (ΔSBP = −3.1 ± 10.0 mmHg) but not in the SCC (ΔSBP = −0.9 ± 8.0 mmHg; p < 0.05). HR and HRV showed no statistically significant differences between conditions, though trends in RMSSD, SDNN and LF/HF ratio suggested improved autonomic balance under ACC. HR decreased post-cooking under ACC but increased slightly under SCC (ΔHR = −4.5 ± 6.5 bpm vs. 1.0 ± 1.1 bpm; 95% CI: (−9.8 to −1.2)). FeNO decreased significantly within both conditions pre- to post-cooking, but the difference in reduction between conditions did not reach statistical significance, despite a trend toward greater decline in the ACC. These findings suggest that semi-chronic exposure to cooking-related PM 2.5 can adversely affect cardiovascular function, particularly systolic BP and HR, and that automated indoor air quality interventions can meaningfully reduce pollutant exposure and associated physiological impacts. Our results support the implementation of HAP mitigation strategies in residential settings and highlight the need for further research among populations with existing cardiopulmonary conditions.
Determinants of iron deficiency among blood donors: a cross-sectional study in a teaching hospital
Quad-band SIW antenna with micro-pocket enabled frequency-agile design for 5G/6G IoT applications
Abstract A single polarized substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity supported self-quadruplexing antenna, designed for 5G/6G IoT applications is proposed and prototyped. The model is backed by a rectangular substrate integrated waveguide (RSIW) cavity and features four resonating patches excited separately through four different 50Ω feed lines. The antenna center frequencies are obtained at 3.29 GHz, 4.47 GHz, 5.85 GHz, and 7.07 GHz. Additionally, the cavity is engineered with four sets of micro pockets beneath the patches which can be filled with different materials to offer frequency-agile response. The operating frequencies can be tuned over a wide range between 3.29 GHz and 8.4 GHz as per the required targets. The layout of the model is chosen meticulously to ensure all ports are co-polarized and isolation between any two is better than 32 dB. The proposed antenna design exhibits competitive performances with a compact size of 0.09 λ g ², Front-To-Back-Ratio (FTBR) above 17.83 dB and peak gain of 7.6 dBi. Importantly, all ports are single polarized for the first time in their class. The performance is validated by an equivalent circuit model and prototype characterization. The proposed antenna specifications and configurations well suit for future high-end applications like IoT/5G/6G/satellite communications.
Corosolic acid alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by down regulation of the NF-κB/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis. Existing treatments for RA have serious side effects. Corosolic acid (CRA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound with anti-inflammatory potential. However, the effect of CRA on inflammation, its possible mechanism of action, and potential therapeutic effect on RA are not well understood. This study explored the CRA mechanism of treatment action on RA by evaluating the NF-κB/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, fibroblast like synovial cells (FLS) from collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rats were assessed. ELISA, western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques demonstrated CRA (6 µg/mL) to significantly inhibit FLS secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as downregulate the phosphorylation of NF-κB and PI3K/AKT pathways. Inhibition experiments demonstrated that NF-κB activation was upstream of PI3K/AKT activation. In vivo, after 21 days of oral administration of CRA (10 mg/kg) to CIA rats, the arthritis score, organ index, and serum inflammatory factor levels were significantly decreased. Histopathologic analysis and Micro-CT showed that CRA reduced synovial hyperplasia and bone erosion. These results indicated that CRA exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of the NF-κB/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, providing a potential new treatment strategy for RA patients.
The effects of approach bias modification on smoking cue-reactivity in individuals who smoke: A randomized controlled fMRI study
Abstract Approach bias modification (ApBM), a computerized training designed to retrain involuntary approach action tendencies toward drug-related cues, has been shown to reduce relapse rates when added to treatment-as-usual (TAU) in alcohol use disorder. A potential working mechanism involves reduced neural drug cue-reactivity in reward-related brain regions. In smoking cessation, however, the efficacy and neural mechanisms of ApBM remain unclear. In this randomized-controlled trial, individuals with chronic, moderate-to-heavy tobacco dependence ( N = 117, M age = 41.5, 45.3% female) received a one-day smoking cessation intervention (TAU) and were subsequently randomized to complete seven sessions of ApBM (TAU+ApBM), Sham control training (TAU+Sham), or no training (TAU-only). Neural reactivity toward smoking-related versus neutral stimuli (smoking cue-reactivity) was assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after intervention. Abstinence was the primary clinical outcome. Results showed no significant group×time interactions on cue-reactivity, and ApBM did not enhance abstinence rates. In the precuneus (sensorimotor region), increased cue-reactivity following ApBM was associated with higher long-term abstinence probability, while the control groups showed the opposite descriptive pattern. In conclusion, ApBM did not reduce smoking cue-reactivity in reward-related regions, consistent with the lack of beneficial effects on clinical outcomes. Alternative neural target processes (e.g., sensorimotor-related) and respective training procedures should be explored.
An information-theoretic argument for the restriction of the current biological alphabets to 4 nucleotides and 20 amino acids
IoT enabled offshore infrastructure management and its impact on monitoring maintenance safety compliance and structural resilience
RGB-conditioned frequency domain refinement for sparse-to-dense depth completion
7SK-enriched exosomes suppress the cancer phenotypes in human lung cancer cells: insights from 2D and microfluidic 3D in vitro models
First records of Ganoderma suae and Pleurotus tuber regium in Vietnam
Abstract Two medicinal mushroom species, Pleurotus tuber-regium ( Lentinus tuber-regium) (commonly known as the sclerotium-forming oyster mushroom) and Ganoderma suae (a resinous polypore recently described from Southeast China in 2024)—are reported for the first time in Vietnam. The taxonomic histories of both genera, Ganoderma and Pleurotus are complex due to morphologically similarities among closely related species, posing challenges for accurate identification. In this study, specimens collected from National resources of Vietnam were identified combining detailed morphological examination with molecular analysis using rDNA ITS markers for phylogenetic confirmation. This report enhances the understanding of fungal diversity in Vietnam and provides a basis for further studies on cultivation, bioactivity, and value-added applications.
Targeting cancer expressed EGFR with a humanized monoclonal antibody
Abstract The humanization of mouse monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor antigens allows for the safe and repeated administration of therapeutic antibodies to humans. Previously, we reported on mouse monoclonal antibody 40H3 and its reactivity with a conformational epitope exposed on EGFR when expressed by cancer cells. To advance 40H3 toward the clinic, we generated various humanized variants, evaluated each for binding to either the peptide epitope or intact cells, and now report on the lead candidate, A10, which exhibited the strongest cell binding activity. A10 binding was characterized in detail on a collection of cancer cell lines each harboring different EGFR mutations or overexpressed EGFR and, where appropriate, compared with 40H3 or Cetuximab. A structural study of the A10 Fab with bound peptide revealed that A10 was unlikely to react with either tethered or untethered forms of wild type EGFR, as the accessibility to the peptide epitope by A10 is EGFR conformational dependent. As a proof of concept to produce therapeutic agents from A10, an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) with monomethyl-auristatin-E (MMAE) was generated and proved potently cytotoxic for cells displaying high levels of EGFR.
Daily associations of subjective and objective sleep parameters with restorative sleep and morning sleepiness in Japanese working adults
GABARAPL1 is important for the activation of HRI during eIF2α phosphorylation-dependent stress response to sodium arsenite
210Pb and 137Cs dating models as tracers of recent sedimentary processes of the shallow lake under anthropogenic activity
Abstract One of Egypt’s most vulnerable aquatic wetlands is Lake Edku, the third-largest lake in the Nile Delta. Many wastes are found in the water due to anthropogenic activities and contamination of nearby cities, fish farms, and agricultural areas, particularly through drains, which result in several ecological issues. Despite this, sedimentary processes are used as archives, providing a unique opportunity to document the changes the environment has undergone over the past 100 years. To study the sedimentation and age of Lake Edku, this study employed a high-purity Germanium gamma spectroscopy (HPGe) system to create a chronological sequence of four sedimentary cores based on the analysis of 210 Pb ex and 137 Cs. Determining element concentrations was also done at the Second Research Reactor (ETRR-2) in Egypt using instrumented neutron activation analysis (INAA-k 0 technique). Several dating models for 210 Pb and 137 Cs were employed. According to the study, the constant rate of supply (CRS) model proved to be the most reliable for dating sediment cores, exhibiting a high degree of agreement with the chronology determined by the 137 Cs approach. The direct release of massive volumes of industrial and home wastewater is one of the most likely anthropogenic inputs that have contributed to increased silt deposition, particularly during the 1990s. The vertical profile of metals reveals the history of metal deposition, making it easier to understand the characteristics of accumulation in various sedimentary layers. The amount of heavy metals in sediments is influenced by the rate of sedimentation at the sampling site, as well as the emission from sources due to sediment dilution. Because sedimentation rates vary so much, the anthropogenic contribution is reflected far more effectively by the metals deposition flux (DMF) than by their concentrations. Overall, the post-dam transformation of Lake Edku demonstrates a shift from Nile-controlled sedimentation to a drainage-dominated system, resulting in accelerated sedimentation rates, nutrient enrichment, and severe ecological deterioration.