Browse Articles

Next-generation photo-Fenton treatment using MIL-100(Fe) synthesized through a green route for sustainable remediation of pharmaceutical wastewater

Abstract The photocatalytic Fenton oxidation reaction of paracetamol (PCT), as a widely used pharmaceutical and persistent water contaminant, was investigated using RTG-MIL-100(Fe) framework, prepared via a KI-assisted, solvent free, room temperature synthesis, in the presence of H₂O₂ under UV irradiation. The mild conditions synthesis of RTG-MIL-100(Fe) is investigated, and the material is comprehensively assessed through characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic system is introduced as a source of photo-Fenton-like reaction and demonstrated a dual mechanistic pathway involving both semiconductor-like photoexcitation and open metal site (OMS) activation. The operating Fenton parameters are optimized and the experimental research revealed that the reaction is working at the room temperature using 400 ppm H₂O₂, 20 mg/L of RTG-MIL-100(Fe)at natural pH of wastewater (5.5) and the PCT reached almost complete removal 99.6%. The synergistic interaction of photogenerated charge carriers and OMS-driven Fenton-like processes resulted in efficient oxidative mineralization of PCT to CO₂ and H₂O. Furthermore, the reaction is endothermic in nature and following the first order reaction kinetics. These findings highlight the potential of KI-modified MOF-based photo-Fenton catalysts as sustainable and robust materials for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater.

Design, synthesis, characterization, pharmacological evaluation and in silico ADMET and molecular docking and dynamics simulations of a novel series of N-substituted pyrazole from chalcone derivatives

Abstract A novel series of N -pyrazolyl-thienopyrimidine and pyridopyrimidine hybrids was synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods. Compounds 4c , 5c , and 12 exhibited superior antibacterial potency compared to Levofloxacin, with molecular docking revealing strong binding to key bacterial targets (e.g., DNA gyrase, Neuraminidase). In-silico ADMET analysis confirmed favorable drug-like properties and low toxicity for 4c , supported by stable molecular dynamics interactions. Additionally, 5c and 12 demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity surpassing Celecoxib, with reduced ulcerogenicity. These findings introduce a promising new class of dual-action agents for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drug development.

Axial load behaviour of concrete infilled and partially encased cold formed double sigma composite columns

Enhancing interfacial bond performance of waste textile-reinforced geopolymer mortar for masonry retrofitting

Author Correction: Advances in the management of localized bladder cancers

Triple-feature fusion from UAV multispectral imagery enhances species-level mangrove carbon assessment

Abstract Accurate estimation of mangrove ecosystem carbon stocks is essential for effective blue carbon management. Significant interspecific variations in carbon storage capacity and estimation methods arise due to species-specific biophysical characteristics, highlighting the need for precise mangrove species identification and species-level carbon stock assessment. However, limited studies assessed mangrove carbon stocks at species-level. This study, conducted in the Gaoqiao Mangrove Nature Reserve in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, applied UAV multispectral technology to simultaneously acquire spectral, structural and textural vegetation feature variables for mangrove species identification and established species-specific carbon stock models, thereby achieving species-level carbon stock estimation. Results showed that (1) by integrating spectral and structural features, the study achieved 89.87% overall accuracy in species identification. (2) Species-level carbon stock estimation models, incorporating spectral, structural and textural feature variables alongside field-measured carbon data, demonstrated strong predictive performance (R 2 = 0.48-0.95). (3) The most effective vegetation feature variables for carbon estimation varied significantly across species, emphasizing the necessity of accounting for species heterogeneity in mangrove carbon stock estimations. (4) Carbon stocks exhibited significant interspecific variation, with Rhizophora stylosa demonstrating the highest aboveground (97.06 t hm⁻ 2 ) and belowground (37.22 t hm⁻ 2 ) stocks, compared to Aegiceras corniculatum’ s minimum values of 49.14 and 19.88 t hm⁻ 2 , respectively. This study established a UAV-based multispectral framework for mangrove species-level carbon stock estimation and provided new insights for mangrove carbon assessment and management by demonstrating the importance of considering species-specific influences on carbon stocks and their estimation.

Explainable machine learning prediction of tracheostomy after craniotomy for supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

A guide to cancer screening

The effect of medication use on chronic pruritus in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Base-edited CAR7 T cells are safe and efficacious in R/R T-ALL

Costs of maternal care revealed through body condition in Northern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca)

Discovery of predictive biomarkers for cancer therapy through computational approaches

Altered ciliary morphology reduces mechanosensation in a cystic kidney model as indicated by a mathematical model

Abstract This study investigates the biomechanical properties of primary cilia in healthy kidneys and an early-stage cystic kidney model (CKM), focusing on their role in flow-mediated mechanosensation. Morphological analysis showed that CKM cilia are longer, more curved, and exhibit disrupted axonemal integrity compared with normal cilia. To evaluate the effect of such structural changes on bending and stiffness, which may affect the drag force, shear stress and PC1/PC2 complex activation, we developed a mathematical model simulating urine-flow-induced drag. The model predicts that longer and curved cilia experience only one-fourth of the drag force of shorter and straight cilia under identical flow conditions. Remarkably, addition of 5% glucose to drinking water, which was reported to increase water intake, was predicted by the model to elevate urine flow to levels sufficient to partially normalize ciliary length and tubular morphology in CKM kidneys. These findings indicate that ciliary deformation impairs mechanosensation, contributing to cystogenesis, and that restoring mechanical stimulation may mitigate disease progression. Beyond estimating the urine volume required for therapeutic effect, the model offers a framework for developing interventions targeting ciliary mechanotransduction, which could be particularly useful when fluid-loading strategies are not feasible. This approach highlights the potential of combining morphological analysis, biophysical modeling, and mechanobiology to better understand and treat early cystic kidney disease.

The actionable transcriptome: a framework for incorporating RNA sequencing into precision oncology

Thiolutin extends replicative lifespan by rewiring yeast transcription and metabolism

Abstract Transcription is a major cellular energy sink tightly coupled to growth, metabolism, and aging. Thiolutin, a widely used RNA polymerase inhibitor in yeast, has unclear long-term effects on aging. We show that thiolutin oppositely affects replicative and chronological aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by remodeling transcription, metabolism, and proteostasis. Thiolutin extends replicative lifespan, increasing reproductive potential and prolonging the mitotic phase, despite slower growth and lower ATP. This longevity is linked to global transcriptional repression, including reduced ribosome biogenesis, translation, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and dampening of TOR1-dependent growth programs. In parallel, thiolutin triggers a selective adaptive response with activation of RPN4-mediated proteasome remodeling and redox-responsive genes, without HOG1 induction. Conversely, thiolutin accelerates early chronological aging: post-mitotic survival drops alongside repression of reserve carbohydrate genes (GPH1, GSY2, TSL1), suggesting impaired adaptation when entering stationary phase. FT-Raman spectroscopy confirms coordinated depletion of RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Thus, thiolutin promotes a low-energy, stress-adaptive state that benefits budding yeast cells but compromises early survival of non-budding populations, underscoring transcription–energy coupling in aging trajectories.

Advances in the management of localized bladder cancers

The role of skin mechanics in contact force variation under different friction conditions

Abstract When grasping objects, humans actively adjust grip force in response to surface slipperiness and motion. Previous studies have showed that corrective actions occur after tactile afferents signal surface friction or slip events. However, the influence of the mechanical behavior of the skin on the development of contact forces is poorly understood. In this study, using contact kinematics derived from a natural reach-and-grasp task, we applied a glass surface onto restrained fingers via a robotic manipulator under low- and high-friction conditions. Contact forces were measured with a force sensor, and skin deformations were captured using a high-speed camera. As expected, the normal force remained unaffected by friction, however, interestingly the tangential force rose more slowly and peaked lower under low friction. This resulted in a higher normal-to-tangential force ratio, resembling friction-dependent scaling of grip-to-load force ratio observed in active grasping. The skin partially slipped throughout contact development, with the proportion of the slipped area first decreasing and then increasing. The time course of tangential force correlated with the extent of skin slip, both varying with friction. The findings demonstrate that skin mechanics potentially influences the grip stabilization during the initial phase of object handling, which doesn’t involve feedback-driven grip force adjustments.

Vebreltinib effective in MET-amplified NSCLC

Elucidating the mechanism of cefpodoxime-BSA interaction via a combination of multi-spectroscopic methods and molecular docking simulations

Abstract This research provides a comprehensive elucidation of the molecular interaction between cefpodoxime (CFP) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) through an integrated approach combining computational docking and a suite of spectroscopic methods. Initial evidence from UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy confirmed a ground-state complex formation between the drug and the protein. Subsequent fluorescence quenching studies established a static quenching mechanism, with a binding constant (Kb) of 3.99 × 10 4 L·mol −1 determined at 298 K, indicating moderate binding affinity. Analysis of the thermodynamic parameters, computed via the Van’t Hoff equation, revealed that the binding process is both spontaneous and endothermic. The positive entropy change (ΔS°) identified hydrophobic interactions as the predominant driving force for the complex formation. The binding site was precisely localized to subdomain IIA (Site I) of BSA, a finding consistently supported by two independent lines of evidence: competitive site-marker displacement assays and molecular docking simulations. Collectively, these insights into the binding affinity, forces, and specific location are fundamental for advancing the understanding of CFP’s pharmacokinetic profile. This knowledge is critical for predicting its distribution and elimination in vivo, thereby informing its safe clinical use and helping to mitigate potential adverse effects.

MajesTEC results with teclistamab in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma