Browse Articles

Generation of multitissue cell-cultivated meat via multidirectional differentiation of stable porcine epiblast stem cells

Abstract Cell-cultivated meat has emerged as an alternative approach for sustainable protein production, but replicating the texture and complex composition of conventional meat remains a critical challenge. Here, we developed an efficient approach to produce multitissue engineered meat by leveraging a serum- and animal-component-free differentiation system to direct porcine pregastrulation epiblast stem cells toward muscle, adipose, and endothelium with synergistic functions. These three types of cell progenitors demonstrated autonomous intercellular recognition and coculture compatibility in a scaffold-free 3D suspension system, enabling the spontaneous formation of tissue-mimetic spheroids with enhanced cellular multiplication efficiency. The products of multitissue cultivated meat recapitulated the textural properties of conventional pork and allowed for nutritional modulation. This platform overcomes key limitations in currently employed cultured meat technologies by integrating scalable 3D suspension culture with serum-free, species-specific stem cell multidirectional differentiation, providing an avenue for the development of multitissue cell-cultivated meat.

Programmable Anisotropic in Diazapyrene Cocrystals With Birefringence Exceeding 1.2

ABSTRACT Birefringent crystals underpin polarization control and angular phase matching in nonlinear optics and therefore, attract sustained interest. However, achieving large birefringence (Δn) has largely depended on inorganic frameworks composed of metals with limited natural abundance or sustainability concerns. By contrast, organic cocrystals offer simple preparation and readily tunable packing. Here we design a series of diazapyrene derivatives and obtain 13 crystals, including three single‐component crystals and ten two‐component cocrystals formed separately with three distinct benzene derivatives, whose crystal‐packing anisotropy can be programmed to yield Δ n  = 0.152–1.269. Two compositions, D27N and D13N , combine suitable optical band gaps with exceptional birefringence (Δ n = 1.223 and 1.269 at 546 nm, respectively), ranking among the highest reported for purely organic crystals, and under identical conditions, surpassing all reported inorganic birefringent crystals. Across the series, we uncover a Boltzmann‐type relationship between Δ n and a geometric descriptor Δ S (minimal/maximal projected area of the conjugated core on crystallographic planes), thereby quantitatively linking molecular‐level packing anisotropy to macroscopic Δ n . Cocrystal engineering also modulates second‐order nonlinear optical responses, including symmetry control and second‐harmonic generation tuning. This work establishes a metal‐free, designable route to high‐Δ n optical crystals and provides a predictive metric for anisotropy‐driven materials discovery.

Multidirectional Charge Separation in Self‐Assembled Aggregates of Perylenebisimide‐Porphyrin Bola‐Supra‐Amphiphiles

Abstract We report on the synthesis of a hydrogen‐bond mediated bola‐type supra‐amphiphile and assembly thereof in water. The assembly is based on amphiphilic porphyrins and hydrophobic perylenebisimdes (PBI), which both form the resulting bola‐form solely through the H‐bonding motif, which is shielded by the assembly of the chromophores itself. The amphiphilic porphyrin was functionalized, on one hand, with a cyanuric acid and, on the other hand, with an oligo carboxylate dendron as polar head group. Two Hamilton receptors were linked to the PBI on each imide position. Assembly was achieved by lyophilizing solutions of both components in water/THF mixtures, followed by redispersion in pure water yielding stable suspensions. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) reveal a spherical morphology with diameters ranging from 15 – 100 nm. Once formed, the assemblies showed broadened absorptions and quenched PBI‐centered fluorescence. Using time‐resolved absorption spectroscopy, the nature of the fluorescence quenching was confirmed to be either charge separation, by which the porphyrin donates an electron to the PBI, or symmetry breaking charge separation, by which π‐π stacked PBIs donate and accept electrons. Denaturation of the supra‐amphiphile went hand‐in‐hand with a reinstation of the PBI fluorescence and suppression of charge separation.

Pesticide residue in commonly consumed vegetables in selected districts of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Background Pesticides are essential in agriculture for protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds, but improper use can lead to health issues like neurological disorders and carcinogenic effects. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting integrated pest management strategies, and raising farmer awareness can mitigate pesticide misuse. In Ethiopia, widespread pesticide use in vegetables raises concerns about consumer exposure to pesticide residues. This study determined the pesticide residue in vegetables in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods The study was conducted in randomly selected districts of the Jimma zone. Samples of tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, and onions were collected from vegetable farmers. The modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) methods were used for sample preparation and extraction. The analysis of pesticide residues was performed using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and an ion trap analyzer with an automatic injection. The pesticide detection levels among types of vegetables and locations were analyzed using one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with statistical significance set at p  < 0.05. Results Pesticide residues were detected in vegetables from Seka Chokorsa, Goma, and Dedo districts. Detected pesticides include Lindane, Aldrin, Chlorpyrifos, 4,4-DDE, Hexachlorobenzene, and Endosulfan II. The highest concentrations were found in the Dabo Gibe onion sample (Seka Chokorsa), the Waro Kolobo potato sample (Dedo), and the Ganji Dalacho cabbage sample (Goma). Lindane residues were found in onion and potato (Seka Chokorsa), exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 10–50 µg/kg. Chlorpyrifos residues were detected below MRLs across all districts, while 4,4-DDE residues were also detected in some vegetables, indicating historical use of banned pesticides. ANOVA results showed small variation between groups, and there was no statistically significant difference across the four groups (p-value = 0.305). The study highlights the need for stricter regulation, farmer education, and residue monitoring to ensure food safety.

Evaluation of the removal ability of Iodoform Paste in primary teeth pulpectomies using rotary files: a pilot study

Abstract The aim was to analyse the efficacy of Endogal Kids ® rotary files in removing root canal filling. Methods: A cross-sectional in vitro study was conducted ( n  = 10 primary teeth). The root canals were instrumented using the Endogal Kids ® system with 5 mL of 5% sodium hypochlorite solution and were obturated with CaOH2 and iodoform paste, Forendo™ Paste. The canal systems were retreated to remove the filling material using continuous rotation. µCT scans were performed at three time points: after canal instrumentation with rotary files (µCT-1), after root canal filling (µCT-2), and after removal of the filling material through retreatment (µCT-3). Canal void volume (CV), obturation material volume (MV), root canal void increase (ΔCV), obturation material increase (ΔMV) and filling removal volume (RV) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with a 95% significance level ( p  ≤ 0.05). Results: Significant differences were found for CV and MV, but not for TV. The canal void volume (CV) was significantly greater at µCT-1 compared to the µCT-2 and µCT-3, with no significant difference between the µCT-2 and µCT-3 ( p  < 0.001). Additionally, MV was significantly higher before removal of the filling material ( p  = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in TV across the three measurements. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated that rotary instrumentation in primary teeth can remove a significant proportion of iodoform-based obturation material. Incisors showing greater obturation material removal, while molars exhibited more pronounced changes in canal volume.

Branched-chain α-keto acids impair glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells under diabetes by reactivating the LDHA-lactate axis

Targeting the Membrane‐Embedded Rhomboid Protease GlpG: A Multimodal Strategy for Inhibitor Discovery and Mechanistic Insight

ABSTRACT Rhomboid proteases, a class of intramembrane proteases characterized by a Ser‐His catalytic dyad, have recently emerged as promising therapeutic targets. While inhibitors for soluble serine proteases have been extensively studied, the spectrum of potent rhomboid protease inhibitor chemotypes is limited to active‐site targeted nucleophiles. To address this limitation, we conducted a high‐throughput screen of over 68,000 compounds targeting the E. coli rhomboid protease GlpG, using a fluorescent liposome‐based assay. A selection of 326 inhibitory compounds was evaluated in a subsequent IC 50 screen against two variants of GlpG (core domain and full length), a soluble serine protease (chymotrypsin), as well as the human mitochondrial rhomboid PARL. Of these, the selective inhibitory effects of 2 compounds and their analogues on GlpG were confirmed through further biochemical and biophysical characterisation, molecular docking, and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. This study paves the way for developing small‐molecule tool compounds and drug‐like molecules targeting rhomboid proteases.

Optimal design and operation of Photovoltage distributed generators and shunt compensators for the Vietnam alternative current distribution network to reduce annual energy loss

This study presents the application of two novel meta-heuristic algorithms, including the Fungal Growth Optimizer (FGO) and Animated Oat Optimization Algorithm (AOO), to optimize the placement of DGs and SCBs for power loss reduction in three alternative current distribution networks (ACDNs), including a practical ACDN with 55 nodes in Vietnam, besides the two IEEE standard ACDNs. In the study, placement of DGs and SCBs on the three grids is conducted in two phases, including the designing phase and the operational phase. In the designing phase, DGs and SCBs were optimized in their placement on the grids by the two algorithms in various scenarios with different DG configurations. The results achieved through scenarios indicate that AOO completely outperforms FGO in terms of the optimal total active power loss values (TAPL) and the stability of the outputs. Particularly, in the two scenarios conducted on the IEEE 69-node, the TAPL achieved by AOO is better than FGO, 3.65% for the first scenario and 72.28% for the second scenario. In the other two scenarios conducted on the IEEE 85-node, AOO still proves its high effectiveness over FGO by reaching the better TAPL at 6.02% in Scenario 1 and 44.88% in Scenario 2. Lastly, AOO is continuously superior to FGO in the four scenarios in the Vietnam ACDN, with 55-node by 1.04% in Scenario 1, 19.52% in Scenario 2, 7.07% in Scenario 3, and 69.60% in Scenario 4. Next in the operational phase, AOO is reapplied to optimize the power output of PVDGs and SCBs within an average day of the first month in the four quarters of the year, with load demand variation and dynamic supplied power from PVDGs in four scenarios with different settings of PVDGs and SCBs. The results clearly reveal that the operational Scenario 4 with PVDGs is configured to supply both active and reactive power to the grid, along with SCBs, which offer the best value of energy loss in the three quarters, except for the third one, where the operational Scenario 2 is the most suited for energy loss.

Image-based detection of bolts and bolt-missing defects in multi-angle and complex background scenarios

SUPER and femtosecond spin-conserving coherent excitation of a tin-vacancy color center in diamond

Abstract The coherent excitation of an optically active spin system is one of the key elements in the engineering of a spin-photon interface. Using the novel SUPER scheme, we coherently control the main optical transition of a tin-vacancy color center in diamond with nonresonant ultrashort optical pulses. Furthermore, we implement a femtosecond control scheme using resonant pulses for achieving record short quantum gates applied to diamond color centers. We simulate the applicability of the SUPER scheme to spin qubits and experimentally investigate spin mixing. Finally, we propose a spin-spin entanglement scheme in a scenario where the excitation with broadband pulses is incompatible with spin-selective excitation. The employed ultrafast quantum gates open up a new regime of quantum control with solid-state color centers, enabling multi-gate operations and efficient spectral filtering of the excitation laser from deterministically prepared coherent photons.

Rapid RASER MRI

Abstract Conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) relies on high‐power Radio‐Frequency (RF) pulses to excite nuclear spins and in turn generate NMR signals. These pulses require large high‐power RF‐amplifiers and cause heat deposition in the tissue, which must be minimized for safety, presenting a growing problem when moving toward ever‐higher field MRI. An alternative to RF‐pulse excitation is self‐excitation of nuclear spins using Radiofrequency Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (RASER), where the nuclear spins undergo spontaneous transition, without RF excitation, from an over‐populated state to a ground state. Here, the feasibility of recording rapid proton RASER MRI images of pyrazine at low concentration (120 mM) with large matrix (128x128 pixels) in as little as 78 ms is demonstrated at 500 MHz (11.7 T). We also recorded a time‐series of images using a single bolus hyperpolarized pyrazine highlighting the feasibility of dynamic tracking. The demonstrated approach allows recording MRI scans without transmit‐receive electronics of the MRI scanner, which is highly desirable for portable MRI as well as the emerging field of hyperpolarized MRI using, e.g., HP protons, 129 Xe gas or HP 13 C labeled biomolecules as molecular tracers and imaging agents.

Investigating key drivers influencing AI-based detection and identification of plants

In recent years, AI-driven platforms have transformed citizen science by collecting and generating valuable records of living organisms for monitoring biological data. Many applications utilize visual similarity and geospatial information to identify species based on photographs. This study investigates how location impacts plant identifications made by iNaturalist, particularly in detecting invasive alien plants (IAP) that are not established in an area. We also compare the accuracy of iNaturalist and PlantNet while exploring potential biases. To assess iNaturalist’s taxonomic accuracy under varying location parameters, specimens of plants that are native and naturalized in Ontario, termed “established plants” for the purpose of this study, were collected and photographed (n = 61) and photographs of plants from Canada’s regulated pest list, which are either not present or have a very limited distribution in Canada, termed “outsider plants” for the purpose of this study were exported from iNaturalist and GBIF (n = 402). We used photographs of the established plants to compare taxonomic accuracy between applications, considering factors such as plant families, distribution status, and visible parts. A scoring system was established, and a cumulative linked mixed model was applied to analyze taxonomic accuracy. Our findings reveal that restricting location significantly hinders iNaturalist’s ability to identify IAP, highlighting the potential for missed detections. While sample size limitations prevented a robust comparison between applications, we also found significantly lower identification accuracy for species in the Poaceae family and for photographs featuring only leaves. Ultimately, recognizing the influence of location is essential for effectively monitoring IAP and leveraging iNaturalist as a tool for early detection.

Regional-specific GABAergic imbalance in cisplatin-induced neuropathy and antiallodynic effects of intraplantar baclofen in rats

Declining anthropogenic aerosols amplify Northern Hemisphere Hadley circulation weakening in the 21st century

Hidden Diradical: Conformational Switch for Solvatochromic NIR Emission With Unity Quantum Yield in Thiele's Hydrocarbon

ABSTRACT We present that halogen‐substituted and air‐stable Thiele‐type diradicaloids with folded ( 1 ) and planar ( 2 , 3 ) structures can be obtained by switching the positions of fluorine and chlorine substituents. The strongly distorted p ‐quinodimethane 1 demonstrates emission in the UV–visible/near‐infrared (UV–vis/NIR) range with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 100%, an exceedingly large Stokes shift of up to 2.0 eV, an excited state lifetime of 81 ns, and pronounced solvatochromic emission (from 1.81 eV in n ‐pentane to approximately 2.0 eV in dichloromethane). Dual emission in pentane, transient absorption spectroscopy, quantum chemical calculations, as well as the comparison with compounds 2 and 3 reveal that the exceptional photophysical properties of closed‐shell 1 are thanks to interconversion with its planar conformer 1 flat . The key here is that the conformer 1 flat , which is generated upon photoexcitation, excels with a pronounced singlet diradical character ( y 0 = 0.78) and a dark doubly excited (DE) S1 state. Our findings delineate how to leverage conformational equilibria to design bright luminescent materials based on hidden and thus air‐stable organic diradicals.

Pathways into homelessness and perspectives on prevention: A qualitative study of army veterans

Background Despite a national focus on ending veteran homelessness, many veterans remain homeless in the United States. Little qualitative research has explored in national samples the pathways that lead to homelessness among veterans or veteran perspectives on homelessness prevention. Methods We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 55 US Army veterans from the national Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers-Longitudinal Study (STARRS-LS) who reported having an episode of homelessness after separating from the Army. Interviews included questions about their pathways into homelessness and what could have prevented their homelessness. Interview transcripts were analyzed for themes using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach. Results We identified three main themes as pathways into homelessness: (1) financial challenges while reintegrating into civilian life , including the subthemes of difficulty finding adequate employment and lengthy processing of VA disability benefits; (2) planning challenges around the transition, including the subthemes of lack of awareness of existing resources and personal challenges with planning; and (3) interpersonal disruptions upon reintegration , including the subthemes of loss of a primary relationship and intersections between social disruptions and having a mental illness. Notably, many participants identified connections between multiple themes as leading to homelessness after service. Veterans expressed that enrolling veterans in services prior to separation, decreasing barriers to receiving VA disability benefits, and enhancing access to mental health care would have helped prevent their homelessness. Conclusion The multiple challenges veterans identified as leading to homelessness most often began during the immediate transition period from the US Army to civilian life and are modifiable. These findings can be used to develop or enhance systems to improve prevention of homelessness among veterans.

Combined effects of depression and visual impairment on cardiovascular disease incidence in a Chinese population-based cohort

A single mutation in nonstructural protein 1 is critical for the adaptive evolution of influenza B virus

An Iridium‐Catalyzed Conia‐ene Reaction for the Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of Complex Ring Systems

Abstract Iridium‐catalyzed Conia‐ene reactions of α‐amino amides are described. These units undergo 6‐ or 7‐ exo cyclization onto amido‐tethered alkenes to provide benzofused N ‐heterocycles. In this process, challenging contiguous stereocenters are installed with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. The method provides a versatile platform for constructing sp 3 ‐rich heterocycles, and offers unusual examples of alkenes engaging in enantio‐ and diastereoselective Conia‐ene reactions. This study adds to an emerging body of processes that exploit the directed generation of Ir‐enolates.

Genetic control of dynamic brain network reconfiguration during working memory

Working memory is fundamental to human cognition, yet the genetic contributions to dynamic brain network states during task remain poorly understood. Here, we examined static and dynamic functional connectivity in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins performing a 2-back versus 0-back working memory task, isolating cognitive-load-specific neural processes. Static functional connectivity exhibited moderate heritability (A ≈ 0.30), predominantly in heteromodal association cortex, including the Default Mode Network (DMN) and fronto-cingulate control regions, whereas primary sensory-motor networks showed minimal genetic influence. Dynamic connectivity further distinguished mean and variance components: mean dynamic connectivity demonstrated moderate heritability (A ≈ 0.23–0.30) across DMN–attention and DMN–frontal control interactions, whereas variance of dynamic connectivity showed the strongest genetic effects (A ≈ 0.25–0.44), reflecting highly heritable moment-to-moment neural flexibility within temporal, cingulo-opercular, and executive networks. Using k-means clustering, we identified two recurring dynamic brain states. State 2 was dominant (occupancy 75.6%) and stable (mean dwell ≈ 3.98 windows), whereas State 1 was transient (occupancy 24.4%, dwell ≈ 1.29 windows). Notably, neither state occupancy nor switching dynamics showed significant heritability, indicating these temporal characteristics are largely driven by environmental or task-related variability. Collectively, these findings reveal a gradient of genetic influence: static connectivity captures a moderately heritable trait-like baseline; mean dynamic connectivity reflects intermediate task-modulated coordination; and dynamic variability represents the most genetically influenced phenotype, highlighting neural flexibility and adaptability as heritable traits. These results suggest that variability in dynamic connectivity may serve as a sensitive endophenotype for cognitive and psychiatric traits, emphasizing the importance of temporal network dynamics in capturing genetically mediated individual differences in working memory.