Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Correction: Novel cisplatin-magnetoliposome complex shows enhanced antitumor activity via Hyperthermia
Retraction Note: Verbena officinalis (VO) leaf extract as an anti-corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic environment
Kinetics of dissolution and computational modeling of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals in the presence of aqueous coffee bioactive extract compounds
Abstract Urolithiasis, predominantly caused by calcium oxalate crystallization and dissolution, remains a major clinical challenge. This study explored the effect of coffee extract bioactive metabolites on synthetic COM crystals dissolution through combined experimental and computational approaches. LC–LTQ–MS/MS and NMR profiling identified chlorogenic acids, quinic acid derivatives, and caffeine as the principal constituents. Constant-composition dissolution method assays showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of COM dissolution, consistent with a film surface–controlled mechanism. Langmuir adsorption analysis revealed strong surface affinity ( K L = 2.274 × 10 4 dm³ mol − ¹, Δ G ads = − 36.23 kJ mol − ¹). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations highlighted caffeine as a key inhibitor, forming stable hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions with COM ( E a for adsorption = − 0.273 eV). FTIR, SEM, EDX, and XRD analyses confirmed physical adsorption without altering crystal structure. These findings suggest that coffee metabolites act as natural modulators of COM behavior, offering promising insights into urolithiasis prevention.
The role of sperm DNA fragmentation testing in predicting IVF and PGT-A outcomes
Morphological character evolution and ancestral state reconstruction in phylactolaemate bryozoans
Abstract Phylactolaemates represent a small clade within bryozoans that exclusively occur in limnic habitats. About 100 species are described in seven to eight families. Since they are sister taxon to the extensive clade of myolaemate bryozoans, understanding their evolution is crucial for all bryozoans. In recent years, advances in imaging and phylogenetics enabled detailed analysis of the morphology of phylactolaemate families and their internal relationship. Also, historical analyses provide profound data of phylactolaemate lifestyle and development and represent the base of modern phylactolaemate research. Previous analysis primarily focused on sole families and rarely included a broader range of phylactolaemates. This study provides the first comprehensive and comparative analysis of the morphology of this group. It combines historical data as well as recent ones and complements new data wherever possible, to fill in gaps in our knowledge. The combined data were used to establish a morphological character matrix which is mapped onto a recent molecular phylogeny. The ancestral state reconstruction allowed to trace the evolution of numerous traits. The results reveal colonies with large interzooidal distances and non-encrusting cystids ancestral. Moreover, it shows that the myoanatomy is largely conserved but several lineages show unique adaptations in detail, especially in the complex lophophoral base. The neuroanatomy is remarkedly conserved across all taxa. Statoblast types and traits concerning the ectocyst, capability of locomotion and some myoanatomical adaptations are likely to have independent evolutionary origins. Overall, the morphological evolution of phylactolaemates reflects both, deep homology and frequent lineage-specific adaptations. Consequently, it is emphasized to integrate ecological and functional perspectives in future analysis.
Restorative benefits of nature-related wooden elements in virtual reality settings for visual (eye-tracking) attention, performance, and experience
Accounting carbon emission and proposals for their reduction at a university campus in China
Abstract In the context of global sustainable development, various industries actively account for their carbon emission to address climate change effectively. University campuses should also actively participate in this pursuit. The carbon emission calculation method introduced by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol was applied in the paper, with Henan Polytechnic University’s south campus being used as a case study. Energy and food consumption data were collected from the school’s relevant offices, and other data were obtained through questionnaires and multiplied by the corresponding carbon emission factors to calculate the carbon emission of the campus in 2019. Results showed that the carbon emission were 65327.44 tons, with a per capita of 1.51 tons. The analysis revealed that electricity and heating systems constituted the primary contributors to carbon emission. Heating emission profiles exhibited pronounced seasonal dependency, while electricity carbon emission varied across different functional areas. Two innovative findings were established: carbon transfer from transportation to the building sector was driven by accelerated electric vehicle adoption, and a context-specific energy coupling system was proposed, with emission reductions being quantified through localized analysis. The context-specific short-term and long-term carbon reduction solutions are proposed. The carbon emission accounting conducted and targeted carbon reduction measures proposed in this study are considered to provide not only a reference path for universities to achieve carbon neutrality but also a theoretical foundation and methodological guidance for carbon emission reduction.
High efficiency of antibacterial activity-based Zn-Co@BTC MOF against Bacillus bacterial cells
Abstract In this work, Zn-Co@BTC was synthesized under environmentally friendly, economical, and green conditions. It was prepared by the solvothermal method using zinc nitrate hexahydrate and cobalt nitrate hexahydrate as the metals, with benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (BTC) as the ligand. The formation of Zn-Co@BTC MOF was confirmed by Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy. It exhibited high thermal stability, a large surface area, and strong antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against the Bacillus cereus strain identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using optical density measurements and the cut plug method. The results showed remarkable antibacterial activity, achieving near-complete bacterial growth inhibition (99.9%) at 600 mg/L and complete inhibition (100%) at a concentration of 800 mg/L. These findings support the potential use of Zn-Co@BTC MOF as an antibacterial agent in biomedical applications.
A multidimensional core set development of sesame germplasm leveraging agro-morphological traits diversity for genetic improvement and climate resilience
Change in the chondroitin/dermatan structure in distal lung tissue from COPD patients
Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition characterized by airway remodeling, including emphysema and fibrosis. Proteoglycans and their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains are key components of the extracellular matrix and may be altered as the disease advances. This study analyzed lung tissue from COPD patients (GOLD stages II–III and IV), non-COPD smokers, and non-smokers to assess proteoglycan and GAG changes. While LC–MS revealed no alterations in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) or heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan core proteins, the total GAG level increased in GOLD II–IV patients. HS displayed increased N- and 2-O -sulfation in GOLD IV, while CS/DS levels and 4-O -sulfation were enhanced across GOLD II–IV. These findings were supported by transcriptomic data indicating upregulation of CHST11, the main CS/DS 4-O -sulfotransferase. In line with previous findings, TGF-β signaling was shown to be enriched in COPD patients and to regulate the CHST11 expression. These results were confirmed by TGF-β stimulation of lung fibroblasts showing increased CS/DS levels, 4-O- sulfation, and CHST11 expression. In conclusion, COPD is associated with disease-stage-specific changes in GAG sulfation, particularly enhanced CS/DS 4-O -sulfation that is likely to be driven by TGF-β. These alterations may contribute to extracellular matrix remodeling and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention to mitigate disease progression.
Identification of polyphenols as novel neuropilin-1 cendR pocket inhibitors to block SARS-CoV-2 entry and enhance variant resistance
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) functions as an essential co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2, facilitating viral entry by binding the spike protein’s C-end rule (CendR) motif in its b1 domain, yet it has received less attention than ACE2 in therapeutic development. This in silico study evaluates plant-derived polyphenols as potential selective inhibitors of the NRP-1 CendR pocket to disrupt SARS-CoV-2 engagement, addressing limitations of synthetic inhibitors like EG01377, which exhibit modest affinity (−5.83 kcal/mol) and potential off-target risks. High-throughput molecular docking of 10,000 phytochemicals using AutoDock Vina identified 10 polyphenols with binding affinities ranging from −9.87 to −6.63 kcal/mol, led by 6“-O-acetyldaidzin (-9.87 kcal/mol) and phloretin (-8.64 kcal/mol), forming stable hydrogen bonds and π-cation interactions with critical residues (e.g., THR-401, GLU-367 for 6”-O-acetyldaidzin; PRO-311, ILE-400 for phloretin), as visualized in Discovery Studio. Notably, four of the top inhibitors are isoflavonoid derivatives, highlighting a chemical class enrichment. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns using Desmond indicated moderate complex stability (RMSD: 0.6–3.8 Å; RMSF <0.5 Å at binding site ). ADMET-Tox profiling via SwissADME and ProTox-II revealed drug-like properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption (>70% for leads) and low toxicity (classes 4–5), though 6”-O-acetyldaidzin shows limited bioavailability due to its high H-bond acceptor count (10) and large size, suggesting need for formulation optimization. The NRP-1 b1 homology model, built with SWISS-MODEL, exhibited high fidelity (GMQE: 0.79; Ramachandran favored regions: 90.3% ). This focused computational screening of polyphenols against NRP-1 complements prior studies and identifies candidates for experimental validation as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. Limitations include the in silico nature, and lack of membrane/sialic acid models, necessitating in vitro and in vivo testing against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The mechanisms and spatiotemporal patterns of the digital economy’s effect on China’s pollution reduction and carbon efficiency
Determinants of domestic violence against women in Cambodia: How digital access, media exposure, motorcycle ownership, and partners’ alcohol use matter
Domestic violence against women remains a public health and socio-economic burden in Cambodia, with only slow declines over the past two decades. This study examined how digital access, media exposure, motorcycle ownership, and partners’ alcohol use are associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as the experience of any sexual, physical, or emotional violence by a current or former partner within the past 12 months, adjusted for socio-demographic factors. A cross-sectional analysis of 5,780 weighted women aged 15–49 from the 2021–2022 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey. IPV was regressed on mobile phone ownership, internet use, media exposure, motorcycle ownership, and partners’ alcohol use using survey-adjusted multivariable logistic models. Overall, 13.2% of women reported experiencing IPV in the past year, specifically emotional violence (12.2%), physical violence (4.4%), and sexual violence (1.9%). Smartphone ownership was associated with lower odds of emotional violence (AOR = 0.7; 95% CI 0.5–0.9) and IPV (AOR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5–1.0), whereas low-frequency internet use predicted higher odds of emotional violence (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.7) and IPV (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.5). Partner alcohol use was a strong risk factor for IPV (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 2.1–4.1 and all forms: sexual (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1–11.4), physical (AOR = 5.6; 95% CI: 2.8–11.5), and emotional (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 2.2–4.4). Women in wealthier households had significantly lower odds of IPV (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5–0.8), and specifically, physical violence (AOR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3–0.7). These findings highlight the dual role of digital inclusion—smartphones may enhance women’s protection, while limited or monitored internet access could heighten risk. Policies should be formulated to prioritize safe and private digital access, integrate gender-sensitive digital literacy, and strengthen alcohol control, and women’s economic empowerment within Cambodia’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women 2019–2023 and forthcoming 2024–2030 framework.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted knock-in of human erythropoietin at the β-casein locus results in lactogenic hormone-responsive expression in HC11 mammary epithelial cells
Aurally impressed, yet not more stressed: On the relationship between audiovisual realism, social anxiety, and presence in a virtual social stress scenario
Binaural auralizations can create spatial hearing impressions that closely resemble real sound sources, enhancing immersion and realism in virtual environments. Although social interactions often involve emotional responses such as stress (e.g., during a job interview), the interplay between emotion and binaural auralizations in virtual social interactions remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated the effects of audiovisual realism in a virtual social stress scenario based on the Trier Social Stress Test. Acoustic realism was manipulated between subjects using head-tracked binaural auralizations and a diotic condition. For binaural auralizations, simulated binaural room impulse responses were based either on individual or generic head-related impulse responses. Stressfulness was also varied: a control group performed a task with reduced cognitive demand and social-evaluative threat by only “testing” a virtual job interview scenario and reading aloud preformulated answers. Social presence, stress responses (measured by salivary cortisol, heart rate, and self-reports), and gaze behavior were assessed in 78 participants. The virtual scenario reliably induced stress across all audio conditions compared to the control version. Binaural auralizations were rated as more externalized and realistic than diotic audio, but did not significantly influence social presence, stress responses, or gaze behavior. Social presence increased with higher social-evaluative threat and over time. Social anxiety was associated with greater social presence, altered gaze behavior (shorter latencies), and, to some extent, stronger stress responses. It also interacted with the auralization type in affecting social presence. Overall, enhancing acoustic realism with externalized auralizations did not affect stress or presence in the virtual scenario. Elevated stress levels also in the control condition may have masked potential audio effects, implicating the need for investigating binaural auralizations in less stress-related social contexts.
A deep learning approach for the diagnosis and recurrence prediction of OKC
Assessment of references for the quantitative analysis of LINE-1 and Alu methylation in cellular DNA and circulating cell-free DNA of cancer patients
The LINE-1 and Alu retrotransposon elements, with more than 90% of their sequences being methylated, contribute to 30% of the human genome. Their hypomethylation profile, representing global methylation in cellular and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from cancer, has been considered an attractive noninvasive biomarker of cancer. LINE-1 and Alu methylation profiling has preferentially been performed by real-time methylation-specific PCR (qMSP), pyrosequencing, and methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM), which are bisulfite-based PCR approaches that require reference sequences amplified by the Methylation Independent PCR (MIP) primers to normalize the quantification data. A technical weakness of MIP primers is unequal amplification, termed PCR amplification bias, leading to an under- or overestimation of expected methylation levels, and thus, hindering the effectiveness of DNA methylation-based biomarkers. To date, the PCR amplification bias of MIP primers that may affect the methylation analysis of repeat sequences such as LINE-1 and Alu has not yet been described. Our study demonstrated for the first time the detrimental impact of biased MIP primers on LINE-1 and Alu methylation profiles, causing a significant shift from the hypomethylated status to hypermethylated in cancer tissues and in cfDNA from cancer patients. Unexpectedly, this shift was also observed in cfDNA, even when quantified by the unbiased MIP primers, depending on the reference sequences. Our results suggest that an impartial reference for the methylation quantitation of repetitive elements, most importantly in cfDNA, should be further established to ensure cross-platform consistencies in DNA methylation profiling through bisulfite-based PCR techniques.
Correction: AI-supported real-time news evaluation reveals effects of time constraint on misinformation discernment
Assessment of a baloxavir marboxil treatment protocol for high pathogenicity avian influenza in Okinawa Rails, an endangered species endemic to Japan
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly infectious and lethal disease of birds that causes systemic symptoms and has been spreading globally, including in Japan. The Okinawa rail ( Hypotaenidia okinawae ), a flightless bird endemic to Japan, is classified as an endangered species on the Red List. In 2004, the Ministry of the Environment of Japan began implementing a conservation breeding program for Okinawa rails, focusing on maintaining the species’ genetic diversity, captive breeding, and reintroduction to the wild. Given the potential for significant losses due to HPAI in Okinawa rails, the establishment of a treatment protocol as a preparedness measure is essential. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate treatment method for HPAI in Okinawa rails using baloxavir marboxil (BXM), a drug shown to be effective in an avian laboratory model of HPAI virus infection. Single oral administration of BXM at 2.5 or 12.5 mg/kg did not produce plasma concentrations sufficient to achieve the expected therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, oral administration was deemed inadequate for generating the desired pharmacological effects. Consequently, subcutaneous administration of BXM to Okinawa rails at a dose of 2.5 or 7.5 mg/kg was explored as an alternative protocol, which resulted in higher systemic exposure compared with oral administration. Furthermore, plasma concentrations were maintained at therapeutically relevant levels up to 24 hours after subcutaneous administration at 7.5 mg/kg, with mild and reversible injection site irritation the main adverse effect. Based on these results, subcutaneous administration of BXM is proposed as a viable treatment protocol for HPAI in the conservation of endangered Okinawa rails.