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Biomass‐Derived Ion‐Selective Binder Modulates Zn <sup>2+</sup> Solvation Enabling High‐Capacity Cathodes in Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Jiaxian Zheng, Yangyi Zhao, Abdullahi Bello Umar et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202525803

Abstract The electrochemical performance of aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) critically relies on advanced binders to regulate the solvation structure of hydrated Zn 2+ and accelerate the redox kinetics at the cathode interface. However, conventional hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binders fail to achieve this goal due to their weak interactions with H 2 O and Zn 2+ . Here, we present a bioinspired sulfate‐rich polysaccharide binder network derived from marine ι‐carrageenan (CAG), which mimics biological ion channels to enable selective ion coordination and dynamic hydration regulation. By establishing dual ion‐selective coordination sites, the zincophilic ─OSO 3 − and hydrophilic ─OH groups of CAG form Zn 2+ ─OSO 3 − and H 2 O─OH interactions, effectively disrupting the primary solvation shell of Zn 2+ ─H 2 O and accelerating Zn 2+ desolvation kinetics, thereby enabling adaptive ion transport across the cathode interface. Consequently, Zn||CAG@Mn 0.15 V 2 O 5 ·nH 2 O batteries deliver an ultrahigh capacity of 421 mAh g −1 at 0.6 A g −1 , which is 76% higher than PVDF‐based counterparts (239 mAh g −1 ). This water‐processable binder demonstrates universal applicability across various cathode materials (e.g., MnO 2 , V 2 O 5 , and organics), providing a green, scalable solution for high‐performance AZBs. This study establishes a biomimetic binder design paradigm, where sulfate‐hydroxyl dual coordination emulates biological ion transport, enabling precise regulation of Zn 2+ solvation and interfacial chemistry.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of starch from the anthocyanin extraction residue (AER-starch) with ultrasound pretreatment: A techno-economic assessment

PLoS ONE J.D. Quiñonez-Ensuncho, Susana Ochoa, Víctor-Manuel Osorio-Echeverri et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343968

Purple yam ( Dioscorea alata ) is a tropical tuber crop that is a source of anthocyanins and starch. Starch can be isolated from the large quantity of extraction residues and become a raw material for hydrolyzate production. Ultrasound pretreatment was evaluated in consecutive enzymatic hydrolysis (UCEH) and simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysis (USEH) of starch from anthocyanin extraction residue (AER-starch). A techno-economic assessment was performed. Ultrasound pretreatment showed a positive influence on CEH and SEH. The hydrolysis degree (HD) was higher in CEH (72.87 ± 3.01%) than in SEH (28.10 ± 1.32%). CEH performed better than SEH, primarily due to the thermal instability of the enzymes. Enzymatic hydrolysis solubilized almost all AER-starch. Starch conversion (SC) above 90% was achieved for all CEH experiments using AER-starch concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 g L -1 . The cost of manufacturing (COM) for glucose syrup using AER concentrations of 10 and 350 g L -1 was US$61.25 kg −1 and US$2.90 kg −1 , respectively, when the purchasing cost for AER-starch was US$1.50 kg −1 . The CRM was the major component of the COM (above 50%) when AER-starch concentrations were higher than 100 g L -1 , AER-starch being the primary raw material contributing to the COM. The production of the glucose syrup was economically feasible when the AER-starch purchasing price was under US$1.20 kg -1 and the selling price was at least US$3.50 kg -1 .

Outside Back Cover: Stability Thresholds of Atomically Dispersed Platinum Catalysts for Solar Hydrogen Production (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 10/2026)

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Juneseo Park, Sungju Yu Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.2026-m0802012400

Research on the management of the system construction of National parks with China characteristics: Evidence from policy texts

PLoS ONE Jun-Hui Li, Hai-Tao Yu, Wen-Lie Chen et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0340874

Quantitative evaluation of China’s national park policy texts is an important window to understand its national park governance logic, top-level design of ecological protection, and future practice. This study focuses on three key areas: the central government’s top-level design of national parks, local government responses, and the heterogeneity of these responses. By analyzing 77 national park policies in China, the following conclusions are drawn: (1) The central government’s vision for the national park system emphasizes ecological conservation and sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities. (2) There are significant differences between local governments in the specific implementation of national park policies. (3) The first five established national parks show significant differences in terms of conservation objectives, integrated management practices, spatial planning, industrial development directions. Its findings offer valuable inspiration for developing countries to establish national parks protection systems and provide direct reference for global biodiversity governance. And it will also play a key role in achieving the action-oriented global goals of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Factors associated with survival after pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest: A national database analysis 2015–2022

PLoS ONE Rattapon Uppala, Phanthila Sitthikarnkha, Sirapoom Niamsanit et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0341430

Background Pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is frequently fatal, and evidence from middle-income settings needed to guide quality improvement is sparse. We used nationwide Thai data to quantify incidence and mortality trends, describe long-term outcomes, and identify associated factors for post-discharge death after pediatric IHCA. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Thai National Health Security Office database encompassing all hospitalizations under the universal health-coverage scheme from 1 January 2015–31 December 2022. Children &lt;18 years with IHCA were identified by ICD-10-TM codes I46.0/I46.1/I46.9 plus at least one resuscitation procedure code (ICD-9-CM 99.60/99.62/99.63). All-cause mortality through 31 December 2023 was obtained via linkage to the national civil registry. Results Among 13.2 million pediatric admissions, 20,590 IHCAs were recorded (incidence 1.57/1,000). Incidence declined from 1.8/1,000 in 2015–2016 to 1.2/1,000 in 2022. In-hospital mortality was 62.7% (12,905/20,590). Of 7,253 survivors with follow-up (median 67 months), 2,149 (29.6%) died post-discharge. Multivariable analysis identified metabolic acidosis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–1.71) and hypoglycemia (aHR 1.54; 95% CI 1.25–1.89) as significant associated diagnoses with long-term mortality. Furthermore, diagnoses consistent with severe organ dysfunction, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (aHR 1.51; 95% CI 1.24–1.85), acute liver failure (aHR 1.42; 95% CI 1.10–1.84), and anoxic brain injury (aHR 1.23; 95% CI 1.05–1.44), were also significantly correlated with increased mortality; however, the timing of these diagnoses relative to the cardiac arrest could not be determined. Conclusions Pediatric IHCA in Thailand remains highly fatal despite recent declines in incidence and in-hospital mortality. During a median follow-up of 67 months, nearly one-third of survivors died after discharge, underscoring the substantial long-term mortality burden. Metabolic derangements and organ dysfunction were strongly associated with post-discharge mortality, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to improve both survival and long-term outcomes.

Enhanced‐mRNA Delivery Using Ultrasound‐Delivered Anchors for Bioorthogonal Ligation

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Emilio Di Ianni, Jueun Jeon, Sedra Mohammadi et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202523437

Abstract Therapeutic nucleic acid delivery has many potential applications, but it remains challenging to target extrahepatic tissues in a flexible and image‐guided manner. To address this issue, we report a bioorthogonal pre‐targeting strategy that uses focused ultrasound (FUS) to promote the delivery of mRNA‐loaded lipid nanoparticles (mRNA‐LNP). We synthesized amphiphilic click reactive anchors (ACRAs) consisting of a phospholipid PEG‐conjugate functionalized with trans‐cyclooctene (TCO) or its companion reactive partner methyltetrazine (mTz), producing ACRA‐TCO and ACRA‐mTz. ACRA derivatives were screened for cellular activity, yielding functionalized DOPE‐PEG (1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐(polyethylene glycol)) derivatives outperforming those containing saturated lipid or branched PEG. Nanobubbles encapsulating ultrasound‐responsive gas delivered ACRA‐TCO to targeted cells and tissues using FUS. This pre‐targeting promoted the subsequent delivery of mRNA‐LNP functionalized with companion ACRA‐mTz. Ultrasound pre‐targeting enhanced the accumulation of mTz‐functionalized nanoparticles in cell cultures and mice by 75% and up to 3.6‐fold, respectively, and increased gene expression using mRNA‐LNP in vivo. Microbubbles loaded with ACRA roughly doubled mRNA delivery to the heart, while ultrasound alone did not. Taken together, this report presents a modular, ultrasound‐enabled strategy for enhancing nucleic acid delivery in targeted tissues.

Gestational diabetes–Risk factors and outcomes among American Samoan Women (GROW): A longitudinal cohort study protocol

PLoS ONE Danielle J. Carson, Kima Faasalele-Savusa, Miracle Loia et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342061

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is linked with adverse health outcomes for both mother and infant and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and long-term metabolic dysfunction postpartum. American Samoa experiences among the highest prevalence of GDM globally, with estimates suggesting 26–42% of women develop the condition. To date, no studies have attempted to understand the underlying etiology of GDM in Pacific Islanders or examine population-specific progression from GDM to T2DM. The GROW study will characterize glucose homeostasis, diabetes progression, and the impact of a Pacific-specific variant (rs373863828) in the CREBRF gene, which is known to protect against T2DM, on glucose metabolism during and after pregnancy. Methods We will establish a prospective cohort study of 350 pregnant women in American Samoa, enrolled in their first trimester and followed through 18 months postpartum. Participants will be genotyped for CREBRF rs373863828 and undergo frequently-sampled oral glucose tolerance test (fs-OGTTs), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measurements to identify glycemic patterns across the perinatal period. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing reproductive health history, diet, physical activity, sleep, and psychosocial health. We will examine associations between CREBRF genotype and glucose homeostasis across pregnancy and postpartum and evaluate risk of GDM and subsequent T2DM. We will also explore associations between CREBRF genotype, changes in insulin secretion in pregnancy, and risk of adverse birth outcomes. Discussion Findings from this study are expected to inform precision medicine approaches to diabetes prevention, refine public health policies and clinical guidelines, and support community-based interventions aimed at reducing GDM and T2DM among Pacific Islander women and more broadly.

Nickel‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Reductive Heck Reaction of Olefins with Aryl Bromides and Chlorides Enabled by Chiral NHC Ligands

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Mei‐Yu Liu, Kai‐Xiang Zhang, Jia‐Bin Pan et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202525600

Abstract Despite significant advances in catalytic asymmetric reductive Heck reaction, most reported methods rely on highly reactive aryl electrophiles and exhibit a limited olefin scope. Expanding this transformation to employ more abundant and cost‐effective aryl bromides and chlorides with common olefins has remained a major challenge, owing to the inertness of C─Br and C─Cl bonds and the resulting difficulty in achieving chemo‐, regio‐, and stereocontrol. Here, we report that nickel catalysts combined with chiral dihydroimidazolium‐derived N ‐heterocyclic carbene ligands bearing remote meta ‐substitution enable highly efficient and enantioselective reductive Heck reaction of a broad range of olefins—including styrenes, 1,3‐dienes, and aliphatic alkenes—with aryl bromides and chlorides. Experimental studies and DFT calculations elucidated the origins of stereo induction and structure–reactivity relationships. This robust methodology provides streamlined access to structurally diverse, enantioenriched benzylic frameworks.

Expression of recombinant human glutamylating TTLLs in human cells leads to differential tubulin glutamylation patterns, with only TTLL6 disrupting microtubule dynamics

PLoS ONE Mohamed Aghyad Al Kabbani, Pragya Jatoo, Anne-Kathrin Klebl et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0339922

Polyglutamylation, a post-translational modification (PTM) catalyzed by a subset of Tubulin Tyrosine Ligase-Like (TTLL) family enzymes, regulates microtubule dynamics through its influence on interactions with microtubule-associated, motor, and severing proteins, and has recently also been implicated in genetic and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we characterized the glutamylation activity of various glutamylating TTLLs in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells, revealing distinct patterns of mono- and polyglutamylation among TTLL family members, with TTLL4 and TTLL11 exhibiting the strongest chain initiation and elongation activities, respectively. We found that TTLL6 expression uniquely decreased microtubule stability, with live-cell imaging of end-binding protein (EB3) showing a TTLL6-induced decrease in microtubule stability. To explore therapeutic modulation of TTLL activity, we tested LDC10, a novel TTLL inhibitor, which successfully blocked glutamylation across all TTLLs investigated in this study, while also reversing the microtubule-destabilizing effects of TTLL6. These findings identify a potential pathogenic role of TTLL6 in microtubule dynamics and highlight LDC10 as a promising pharmacological tool to counteract TTLL-induced microtubule destabilization.

Correction: The impact of internet use in the digital era on public political trust in China—An empirical study based on CGSS 2021 data

PLoS ONE Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343673

Access to information in deaf and hard-of-hearing people

PLoS ONE Eva Gutierrez-Sigut, Veronica Lamarche, Katherine Rowley et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343904

Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) people often face communication barriers that limit their access to crucial information. This study investigates which modalities deaf people used to gather information from various sources, and which factors predicted accessibility, satisfaction, and wellbeing. We report the findings from an accessible survey study, released in two written and three signed languages. Responses from 395 deaf/HoH UK and Spanish residents were collected online shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic breakout. We investigated whether the onset and Level of Deafness, knowledge of sign language, Residence, and self-assessed reading skill predicted the frequency with which they found accessible information, their satisfaction levels with the information accessed, and their physical and mental health. We found that most deaf/HoH people relied on subtitles to access information from the government and the news, but when signed information was available (i.e., from deaf organisations), SL was the preferred modality of access. Our main finding was that reading skill was a key predictor, with less skilled readers being at a disadvantage, less satisfied, and having lower health outcomes. Our findings advocate for facilitating more signed information, as well as releasing written information at appropriate reading levels and improving literacy programmes for deaf people.

Unintended evolutionary consequences of a minimum landing size regulations: Evidence and implications of fisheries-induced evolution

PLoS ONE Airam Guerra-Marrero, Javier Baixauli-Rodríguez, Ana Espino-Ruano et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343706

A total of 725 historical photographs taken between 1940–2022 were analysed to assess the temporal variations in target species and the size-frequency distribution of recreational fishing catches in the Canary Islands. A significant shift from predominantly single-species fishing to a more diverse, multispecies approach was observed, particularly since 2000. Species such as Dentex gibbosus , Diplodus cadenati , Epinephelus marginatus , Lithognathus mormyrus , and Sparisoma cretense showed consistent size reductions over the decades. The analysis revealed discrepancies between current Minimum Landing Sizes (MLS) in the Canary Islands and the lengths at which these species reach sexual maturity (L50), or the length at which 50% of fish are mature. Except for Diplodus cadenati , the MLS for the examined species are smaller than their respective L50 values, indicating that individuals are often harvested before reproducing. The use of the L50 as a standard for reference length can trigger a fisheries-induced evolution. This occurs because the extractive activities resulting from this standard promote reduced fish size and earlier maturation, which could lead to lasting evolutionary changes in fish communities. Our study underscores the need to reevaluate minimum landing size (MLS) regulations and seek a transition towards L95, to ensure they are aligned with the reproductive biology of target species, thereby promoting sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of marine biodiversity in the Canary Islands. Even so, this proposed improvement and the results of this study should be combined with a Harvest-slot length limits (based on species-specific ecological and demographic studies) to ensure the survival of megaspawners.

Validation of performance of Spanish version of PURE-4 questionnaire for early identification of psoriatic arthritis after 1 year of follow-up in patients with psoriasis

PLoS ONE R. Queiro-Silva, A. López-Ferrer, M. Ferran i Farrés et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342498

Background and objective Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory, chronic and progressive musculoskeletal disease associated with psoriasis. The validation of the Spanish version of the Psoriatic arthritis UnclutteRed screening Evaluation (PURE-4) questionnaire has been published previously. The present analysis studied the performance of the PURE-4 questionnaire for the early detection of PsA one year before its diagnosis. Materials and methods This was an observational multicenter study, including two cross-sectional assessments, with primary data collection in routine clinical practice in Spain. Adult patients with psoriasis and confirmed not having PsA diagnosis during Assessment I completed Assessment II by the rheumatologist one year (±2 months) after answering the PURE-4 questionnaire. This work presents the results of Assessment II, to confirm/rule out the presence of PsA in patients with psoriasis one year after PURE-4 answering. The analysis, involving the results from Assessment II, will evaluate the performance of the PURE-4 questionnaire for the early detection of potential PsA in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Results There were 219 evaluable patients, 56.2% male, and the mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 46.8 (12.5) years. At one year, the PsA diagnosis was confirmed in 12 (5.5%) patients, representing 26.1% of the total number of patients with PsA diagnosed since the beginning of the study. The mean (SD) PURE-4 score was 2.4 (1.1) for patients with PsA and 1.2 (1.2) for patients without a diagnosis of PsA (p = 0.0016). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve confirmed the good quality of the questionnaire (0.7618; 95% CI: 0.6530–0.8706; n = 217). PURE-4 showed a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 62.9%. Conclusions The PURE-4 questionnaire offers good clinimetric capabilities for the early detection of PsA with a score ≥2. Of the total number of patients with PsA, one in four were detected one year after answering positively to the questionnaire, which would help to predict which patients are at high risk of developing PsA. The authors reinforce the recommendation to closely follow up with these patients.

Regulatory mechanisms of amino acid metabolic pathways in Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. Under UV-B stress

PLoS ONE Jie Lyu, Xiangqun Li, Wang Yu et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343024

UV-B radiation, worsened by ozone layer depletion, threatens plant health. The alpine plant Rhododendron chrysanthum has evolved mechanisms to counteract UV-B damage. This study examined the response of R. chrysanthum seedlings to UV-B radiation in an artificial climate chamber, focusing on the molecular mechanisms through metabolomics and transcriptomics. We identified 2 distinct amino acids, 35 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 2 families of transcription factors (TFs), which involved in amino acids metabolic pathways, including the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism. Under UV-B stress, bHLH TFs significantly correlated with the expression of aroD, aroE, TAT, TRP3, trpD, DDC/TDC, PAAS, HCT, CCR, and COMT, thereby accumulating L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine levels. WRKY TFs significantly correlated with the expression of all these enzymes except COMT, thus accumulating the levels of L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine. These two families of TFs exhibit both synergistic and antagonistic regulatory roles in amino acid metabolic pathways. The findings presented are significant not only for understanding the UV-B resistance of R. chrysanthum but also for serving as a reference for the study of other plant species. This research will contribute to the theoretical foundation necessary for the cultivation of plant varieties with enhanced UV-B stress tolerance.

Association among serum uric acid, hyperactivity, impulsivity and dietary components in adults: a cross-sectional study Uric acid, hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, and dietary components in adults

PLoS ONE Roberto A. Molina-Campuzano, Mariela Bernabe-Garcia, Felipe Vazquez-Estupiñan et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343566

Background A positive association has been reported between elevated serum levels of uric acid (UA) with impulsivity and hyperactivity, behavior in murine models, and human psychopathologies. Still, other factors, such as diet composition, have not been considered. This study aims to determine the association between serum UA, impulsivity/hyperactivity symptoms, and dietary components in adults with psychiatric disorders. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 adults who attended a psychiatric service. Fasting serum UA levels were determined by spectrophotometry. Impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms were evaluated using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Dietary components, including macronutrients, fiber, fructose, added sugar, vitamin C, zinc, copper, n-3 fatty acids, caffeine, and alcohol, were estimated using a 24-hour recall, food models, and nutrition software. Spearman's correlation and general linear models were applied. The last was used to adjust for confounders. Results Serum UA levels were positively correlated to symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and hyperactivity ( Rho  = 0.206, p = 0.020; Rho  = 0.194, p = 0.028, respectively). Those correlations remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Every 1 mg/dl increase in serum UA levels predicted an elevation of 1.5 points of the hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms ( p = 0.002; p- model&lt; 0.001) and 1 point of the hyperactivity symptoms ( p = 0.003; p- model &lt; 0.001). Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms together and separated were positively correlated with depression ( Rho  = 0.470, Rho  = 0.389, Rho  = 0.485; all p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Serum UA levels negatively correlated with dietary intake of total fiber, vitamin C, and copper but positively with waist circumference ( Rho  = −0.297, Rho  = −0.185, Rho  = −0.212, and Rho  = 0.203, all p &lt;  0.05, respectively). Hyperactivity correlated with dietary zinc, while impulsivity correlated with alcohol consumption ( Rho  = −0.185 and Rho  = 0.195, p &lt; 0.05, respectively). Conclusion The serum UA concentration independently predicts hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms in adults with psychiatric disorders.

The behavioral driving mechanism of ecological co-management among multiple subjects from the perspective of social network embedding: Evidence from coffee-producing areas in China

PLoS ONE Xiumei Xu, Dengke Wang Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343504

The coffee-growing areas in the Gaoligong Mountains of China face ecological challenges including soil erosion and water pollution from traditional processing methods. To analyze the drivers of stakeholder participation in addressing these issues, this study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Network Embeddedness Theory (SNET), which together explain how individual cognitions and social structures shape cooperative behavior. Data from a stratified survey of 137 stakeholders were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results demonstrate that (1) Both emotional networks (ENW) and suggestive networks (SNW) have significant direct effects on participation intention. (2) Indirectly, ENW enhances intention by strengthening individual behavioral attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control through emotional bonds and identity. (3) SNW improves intention primarily by boosting perceived behavioral control through information dissemination. And (4) the core TPB constructs (attitude, norm, control) are confirmed as key mediators. This paper contributes a validated integrated framework that elucidates the social-psychological pathways for fostering effective ecological co-management.

Correction: Investigating the effectiveness of structured mindfulness sessions in mitigating burnout among final-year dental students: A mixed-methods analysis

PLoS ONE Aliya Islam, Javeria Rehman, Sumbul Mujeeb et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0344206

Klotho levels and biological age acceleration: Insights from a diverse cohort of middle-aged and elderly individuals

PLoS ONE Mengna Huang, Guoxin Huang, Chaoshen Wu et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343429

Objective Aging is characterized by progressive physiological and psychological changes, leading to decreased cellular metabolism and increased vulnerability to age-related diseases. Methods. In this study, we examined the relationship between circulating Klotho levels and biological age acceleration (BAA) in a representative cohort of middle-aged and older adults. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2007–2010), including 5,654 participants aged 45–85 years. Serum Klotho concentrations were quantified using ELISA, while biological age was estimated with the BioAge R package. Result Linear regression analyses demonstrated a robust inverse association between log-transformed Klotho levels and BAA across all statistical models, with reductions of −1.06 (95% CI: −1.77 to −0.36, p = 0.005), −1.44 (95% CI: −2.15 to −0.73, p &lt; 0.001), and −1.30 (95% CI: −2.20 to −0.40, p = 0.01). Consistent results were observed in logistic regression models, where higher Klotho concentrations were linked to lower odds of accelerated aging (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.88, p = 0.002; OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.51–0.77, p &lt; 0.0001; OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46–0.84, p = 0.01). Subgroup analyses revealed significant associations in women, participants over 60 years of age, and individuals without chronic illnesses. Interaction analyses further indicated that age (p-interaction = 0.002), alcohol intake (p-interaction = 0.04), and diabetes status (p-interaction = 0.03) significantly modified the Klotho–BAA relationship. Moreover, restricted cubic spline analysis showed a non-linear L-shaped dose-response pattern, suggesting that the protective effect of Klotho becomes more pronounced above a certain threshold. Conclusion Collectively, these findings underscore the pivotal role of Klotho in the biology of aging and emphasize the importance of accounting for demographic and health-related modifiers in future investigations.

KPC-33 and ompK37 mutations: Unraveling the mechanism of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in ST11 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

PLoS ONE Shulong Zhao, Lin Ye, Shuang Song et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342729

Background Global surveillance indicates rising ceftazidime-avibactam resistance among carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), with sequence type 11 predominating in China. The contribution of bla KPC variants and porin alterations to high-level resistance remains significant. Methods We employed whole-genome sequencing and functional analyses to characterise a CZA-resistant ST11 CRKP isolate recovered from a patient without prior exposure to ceftazidime-avibactam or carbapenems. Results The isolate harboured bla KPC-33 on a non-conjugative plasmid and multiple non-synonymous mutations in the porin gene ompK37, concomitant with high-level resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam and carbapenems while retaining susceptibility to tigecycline, polymyxin B and amikacin. Conclusions bla KPC-33 coupled with OmpK37 alterations underpins dual resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam and carbapenems in ST11 CRKP, underscoring the need for genomic surveillance and rapid detection of this resistance mechanism.

Analysis of gunshot injuries to the different surfaces of the shaft of a porcine femur with various lead airgun pellets fired from a 6.35 mm calibre air rifle using a human thigh model

PLoS ONE Mateusz Wilk, Elżbieta Chowaniec, Karol Jędrasiak et al. Mar 02, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343400

Modern air weapons are approaching firearms with their capabilities. Shots from this type of weapon pose an increasing threat to humans and animals. The vast variation in airgun ammunition means that gunshot damage can vary depending on the type of bullet that hits the tissues. The study was undertaken to investigate how the type of lead airgun pellet calibre of 6.35 mm and surface of femoral shaft affected by gunshot damage have impact on extent of bone and periosteal entry damage. In our study, we subjected a porcine femur contained in a ballistic gelatine human thigh model to damage. 3 types of Haendler&amp;Natterman (H&amp;N) airgun pellets were fired at the anterior, posterior and lateral surfaces of the femoral shaft. The impact energies of the projectiles were measured. The properties of the femoral shaft were evaluated. The models were then subjected to X-ray imaging and slicing for photographic evaluation of pellet shot damage. The surface area of inlet damage in the bone and periosteum was measured, and the ratio of these dimensions to each other was calculated. It was noted that the posterior wall of the porcine femoral shaft is the thickest, and the lateral wall has the greatest variation in thickness. As a result of statistical analysis, it was noted that for the front surface of the femoral shaft, H&amp;N Baracuda Hunter shot generated the biggest damage area and H&amp;N Silverpoint the smallest; for the posterior surface, H&amp;N Baracuda Hunter biggest and H&amp;N Baracuda smallest damage area respectively; and for the lateral surface, H&amp;N Silverpoint the biggest and H&amp;N Baracuda the smallest damage area respectively. This is most likely influenced by the properties of the individual airgun pellets and the different thicknesses of the femoral shaft walls, including significant variation in the thickness of the lateral wall.