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Unit Symmetry‐Breaking and Layered Linear Ordering Enabling Superior Short‐Wave Ultraviolet Birefringent Crystal

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Xin Wen, Dequan Kong, Jingyao Lu et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202526093

Abstract Short‐wave ultraviolet (200–280 nm) crystals with large birefringence are important but scarce for polarization state modulation. The optical anisotropy in crystals is significantly influenced by the spatial arrangement of microscopic functional units. Herein, a design concept of constructing two‐dimensional and linear arrangement structures is proposed to achieve large birefringence. By employing a symmetry‐breaking strategy, commonly used triangular π‐conjugated groups were extended to [NO 2 ] − , [COOH] − , methylguanidine [C 2 N 3 H 8 ] + , and guanylurea [C 2 N 4 H 7 O] + groups with large anisotropic polarization. Driven by hydrogen bonding, two crystals, [C 2 N 3 H 8 ]NO 2 and [C 2 N 4 H 7 O]COOH, with ideal linear ordering were synthesized with the birefringence markedly enhanced to 0.331 and 0.413@546 nm, respectively. In particular, the [C 2 N 4 H 7 O]COOH crystal achieves a rare balance between a wide bandgap and superior birefringence in the short‐wave ultraviolet region. Moreover, centimeter‐sized single crystals were successfully obtained. This work not only provides new ideas for designing birefringent crystals but also offers promising candidate materials for optical modulation.

Developing objective tools to study rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) behaviour in the field

PLoS ONE Héloïse Brotier, Pablo Alba-Gonzalez, Prameek Kannan et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343302

Animal behaviour research seeks methodological rigor and consistency within and across studies, yet maintaining shared standards requires continual evaluation. The rock hyrax ( Procavia capensis ) is a social mammal whose behaviour has been widely studied, but no standardized methodological ethogram currently exists for this species. Here, we developed an ethogram for the rock hyrax using a procedure designed to produce objective and reproducible behavioural classifications. We observed and filmed four groups of rock hyrax using focal animal sampling and constructed the ethogram based on two organizational rules: the level of behavioural description and the behavioural units. We identified 42 distinct behaviours and grouped them into six behavioural categories based on context. This grouping was statistically validated using correspondence analysis, multidimensional unfolding, and a cluster variables algorithm. In addition, we performed a biological validation by comparing seasonal behavioural patterns with those reported in previous studies of this system. The resulting ethogram, together with its validated behavioural categories, provides a standardized framework that can improve objectivity and consistency in future studies of rock hyrax behaviour. The approach described here is broadly applicable to other species and may facilitate comparative research across taxa.

Effect of reconstruction plate removal on dental implants in fibula flap mandibles: A biomechanical and clinical study

PLoS ONE Jianyao Huang, Junpeng Chen, Jinpeng Jiang et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343008

Vascularized autologous bone transplantation combined with implant restoration is a preferred method for functional mandibular reconstruction. However, there is currently no consensus on whether internal fixation devices, such as titanium plates and screws, must be removed during the reconstruction process. This study aimed to assess the biomechanical and clinical necessity of removing these fixation devices. Eight patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with fibula flaps and subsequent dental implantation were included. The study utilized finite element analysis to simulate and compare biomechanical stress distributions in models where fixation devices were either retained or removed. The clinical outcomes including peri-implant health, masticatory efficiency, and oral health-related quality of life were evaluated through follow-up examinations and standardized questionnaires. The biomechanical analysis indicated that the maximum stress on the grafted fibula surrounding the implants was significantly lower in the retention group (42.07 ± 12.06 MPa) compared to the removal group (44.892 ± 14.80 MPa, P  = 0.017*). Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between the simulated stress levels on the implants and the severity of gingival bleeding (coefficient: 0.82, P  = 0.013*). Clinically, while there were no significant differences in marginal bone loss between the two approaches, patients who retained the internal fixation devices reported better quality of life scores regarding functional limitations and physical pain. In conclusion, retaining internal fixation devices appears to reduce mechanical stress on the peri-implant fibula graft and is associated with improved patient-reported outcomes. These findings suggest that the routine removal of reconstruction plates may not be necessary and that retention can favour peri-implant health and patient comfort.

Age-specific trends in limitations of daily activities in American adults aged 50–84 by race and ethnicity, 2000–2018

PLoS ONE Octavio Bramajo, Brandon O’Grady, Moumita Chakraborty et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0340694

During the first decade of the 2000s, disability levels began to stagnate or increase among American adults, a sharp departure from broad declines observed in earlier decades. It is unclear whether these adverse trends have continued after 2010, and whether there are variations by age group, sex, race/ethnicity, and nativity status. We used data from the 2000–2018 National Health Interview Survey to investigate trends in limitations of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) by age group, race/ethnicity, and nativity among the 50 + population. We evaluated trends within the 2000–2009 and 2010–2018 periods. We find that adverse trends in disability documented in 2000–2009 continued into the 2010–2018 period, although the groups experiencing the largest increases shifted between decades. Middle-aged (50–64 years) adults displayed the most adverse trends compared to those ages 65–74 and 75–84, with some subgroups experiencing over 100% relative increases in ADL limitations. Disparities in disability by race/ethnicity widened considerably, with an alarming increase in disability among US-born Hispanics, particularly women at middle age, in the 2010–2018 period, while in the previous decade, Non-Hispanic Blacks and Non-Hispanic Whites presented the largest increases in IADL and ADL prevalence. Foreign-born Hispanics, who maintained the lowest disability levels through 2010, also experienced significant increases in the second decade. These trends provide an evidence base for understanding the direction of longer-term disability trajectories in the U.S. population and highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts among middle-aged adults and vulnerable demographic groups.

The economic burden of loiasis: A comprehensive cost-of-illness analysis of regionally representative, individual-level data from rural Gabon

PLoS ONE Cédric Isaac Mbavu, Kerstin Perlik, Tom Stargardt et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0340689

Loiasis is a vector-borne filarial infection endemic to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It disproportionally affects economically disadvantaged communities in rural, forested regions. To better understand the economic burden of loiasis, we conducted a comprehensive cost-of-illness study in an endemic region of Gabon, with the aim of quantifying the financial costs incurred by individuals infected with the disease from a societal perspective. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2023 in rural Gabon. Study participants took part in diagnostic testing for loiasis and were interviewed based on a standardized questionnaire covering a wide range of medical and non-medical costs. Participants reporting eye worm migration or harboring loiasis microfilariae were defined as loiasis positive. Various cost estimates were derived by creating a synthetic control group by means of entropy-balancing and then applying generalized linear models (GLM) for the study region. We show that the average annual costs directly attributable to loiasis amount to 39.94 USD per individual per year. Average cost estimates are primarily driven by indirect costs and direct non-medical costs. We further show that in the rarer cases that individuals seek treatment at formal or informal healthcare providers for loiasis-specific symptoms, costs from the patient’s perspective can be excessively high and amount to about 43 percent of the average monthly per capita income in the study region.

Correction: Oil droplet fouling and differential toxicokinetics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in embryos of Atlantic haddock and cod

PLoS ONE Lisbet Sørensen, Elin Sørhus, Trond Nordtug et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343487

Health information-seeking behavior among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A scoping review protocol

PLoS ONE Xia Chen, Xiaoping Xie, E. Tan et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342690

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine metabolic disorder among women of childbearing age, and self-management of PCOS patients relies on their ability to obtain health information. The proliferation of digital technologies, particularly social media and health applications, has fundamentally transformed health information-seeking behaviors (HISB) in this population. However, the present information behavior patterns of PCOS patients have not yet been systematically integrated. Objectives This scoping review aims to systematically map the landscape of HISB in women with PCOS by utilizing Wilson’s model of information-seeking behavior as theoretical framework. It seeks to synthesize evidence on their information needs, preferred channels, behavioral types, and key influencing factors. Methods The scoping review will adhere to Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and report following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review will include English-language literature published from inception up to November 30, 2025, searched through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycINFO. To find more relevant studies, we will also search grey literature, the reference lists of the included studies, and related systematic reviews. Two researchers will independently screen titles/abstracts, followed by full-text articles, to assess whether articles meet the inclusion criteria. A third researcher will resolve any discrepancies. Data extraction and narrative synthesis will be structured around the core constructs of Wilson’s model, providing a theory-informed analysis of the evidence. Ethics and dissemination Since this review involves collecting data from existing literature and does not involve human participants, ethical approval is not required. This scoping review will be submitted for publication to a peer reviewed academic journal.

The effects of high-intensity interval training on NLRP3 inflammasome and monocyte chemokine receptors in individuals with obesity

PLoS ONE Ana Luíza Pereira Assunção Silveira, Daniela Alves de Abreu, Amanda de Lima Santos Musto et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343214

Background/ Objectives: Obesity is a chronic disease that promotes increased cytokine production mediated by activating a complex of intracellular proteins known as the inflammasome, mainly NLRP3. The modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and monocyte chemokine receptors induced by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in individuals with obesity is still poorly understood. This training is characterized by a period of high-intensity stimulation followed by a recovery period. The main objective of the current study was to investigate possible modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and monocyte chemokine receptors in individuals with obesity following HIIT. Subjects/Methods: In this randomized trial, we included individuals with obesity (n = 109), who have not exercised in the last six months, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years. Interventions: Participants were divided into a trained group, which performed three weekly HIIT sessions over eight weeks, and an untrained group (control). The NLRP3 inflammasome and its components, as well as monocyte chemokine receptors expression were analyzed before and after training period by real-time PCR. Results: Whereas NLRP3 expression were unchanged (p = 0.08), after HIIT there was a decrease in Caspase-1 (CASP-1) expression in contrast to the increase of ASC expression as compared to baseline values (p = 0.04 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, lower IL-6 expression (p < 0.0001), with no differences in IL-1 β and IL-18 expressions were found after HIIT. Besides, HIIT led to an increase in the expression of CCR2 and CCR5 and a decrease in CX3CR1 expression (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively) compared to baseline. Differentially expressed genes interaction analysis [CASP-1, ASC (PYCARD), IL-6, CCR2, CXC3CR1 and CCR5] revealed interaction with NLRP3 nflammasome genes. Conclusions: Eight weeks of HIIT can modulate some components involved in the NLRP3 inflammasome, as well as monocyte chemokine receptors, in individuals with obesity, suggesting an improvement in the control of inflammatory status. Trial registration : Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials – ReBEC number RBR-8vfxfqd).

Robust predictors for drug response of patients with acute myeloid leukemia

PLoS ONE Bahar Tercan Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343422

The significant heterogeneity in treatment responses among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) underscores the critical need for accurate drug response prediction. We developed k-Top Scoring Pairs (kTSP) classifiers, ensemble methods that aggregate the relative expression of gene pairs. We compared their accuracy with that of state-of-the-art machine learning methods, linear and radial basis function support vector machines, random forest and elastic net regression classifiers for drug response prediction of patients with AML. Our results demonstrate that kTSP particularly outperforms other methods when the number of sensitive and resistant patients is imbalanced, a common challenge in clinical studies. Our approach is inherently robust to batch effects and uniquely suited for single-patient classification due to its rank-based methodology.

Characterization and deorphanization of RYamide signaling in Aedes aegypti: A potential regulator of hindgut-associated physiology

PLoS ONE Jinghan Tan, Thomas Luong, Jean-Paul V. Paluzzi Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342341

Neuropeptide Y-related signaling, consisting of various neuropeptides and their receptors including, for example, the mammalian neuropeptide Y (NPY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and peptide YY (PYY) families, along with neuropeptide Y-like peptides in insects, is evolutionarily conserved across vertebrates and invertebrate organisms. Vertebrate NPY is known as an important regulator of energy homeostasis and feeding behaviour, while studies on one NPY-associated signaling system in arthropods, known as RYamide, have mainly focused on functions regulating feeding-related behaviours. The current study aimed to begin exploring an additional functional role of RYamide signaling related to excretory physiology in Aedes aegypti given that a candidate RYamide receptor, RYaR2, is enriched in the hindgut of adult mosquitoes based on publicly available RNA-seq databases. Herein, we report that the RYamide transcript is expressed in all post-embryonic stages with greatest abundance in adult male mosquitoes. Specifically, the central nervous system and the ventral nerve cord were demonstrated as the major sources of RYamide, as supported by RT-qPCR and intense RYamide immunoreactivity observed in the protocerebral posterior dorsomedial neurons and protocerebral anterolateral neurons in the mushroom body region, along with an intensively stained pair of neurons in the terminal abdominal ganglion (TAG). The pair of immunoreactive neurons in the TAG contain elaborate processes extending onto the hindgut, with a branch extending posteriorly over the rectum where fine processes are in close proximity to the rectal papillae (pads) while an anterior branch extends over the ileum terminating at the midgut-hindgut junction forming a fine circular plexus over the pyloric valve. Importantly, two orphan GPCRs, previously referred to as NPYLRs, were functionally deorphanized as bona fide RYamide receptors. Their responses to diverse peptidergic ligands were assessed, revealing that RYamides elicited the strongest receptor activation, with half maximal effective concentrations in the pico- to nanomolar range. Notably, our phylogenetic analysis revealed that while only a single RYaR is commonly found across most arthropods, culicine mosquito species including A. aegypti possess two RYaRs. The characterization of RYamide signaling with respect to excretory physiology involving the hindgut, particularly in species having two receptor isoforms such as culicine mosquitos, may provide valuable insights for development of novel, species-specific pest control strategies.

Retraction: The artificial intelligence-based agricultural field irrigation warning system using GA-BP neural network under smart agriculture

PLoS ONE Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343197

Evaluation of hyper-attenuated S19 poliovirus strains for use in poliovirus neutralization assays

PLoS ONE Nicholas Wiese, William Hendley, Basit Jafri et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343816

Poliovirus eradication efforts have relied on effective vaccination campaigns and stringent laboratory containment of poliovirus strains. Serological testing is the primary means to address population immunity, vaccine efficacy, and individual poliovirus exposures. However, strict containment requirements for Sabin type 2 and wild poliovirus types 2 & 3 limit access to serological testing. To address these limitations, we evaluated the performance of hyper-attenuated, temperature-sensitive S19 poliovirus strains (S19-PV), which retain the antigenic characteristics of Sabin and Salk strains but can be handled under biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) conditions. Using a modified microneutralization assay, we performed a comparative validation of S19-PVs to their Sabin and wild-type counterparts using WHO international standards, in-house control reagents, and human sera. Neutralizing antibody titers showed strong concordance between S19-PV and reference strains (R² = 0.93–0.99), with high intra- and inter-assay reproducibility (CVs < 10%). Our findings demonstrate that S19-PV strains are antigenically equivalent to Sabin and wild-type viruses and suitable for use in neutralization assays to determine levels of poliovirus neutralizing antibodies outside of strict containment laboratories. Adoption of these strains can significantly expand global capacity for poliovirus serological testing, supporting surveillance and immunization activities in the final stages of poliovirus eradication.

Relative fat mass and cardiovascular risk in Peruvian adults: Findings from a national survey

PLoS ONE José A. Chaquila, Akram Hernández-Vásquez, Jamee Guerra Valencia et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343062

Background In the Region of the Americas, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Peru, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of mortality. A positive association has also been described between body fat percentage and CVD risk. Objective To evaluate the association between obesity, defined by Relative Fat Mass (RFM, an anthropometric indicator that estimates total body fat), and 10-year cardiovascular risk estimated by the Framingham risk score. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance by Life Stages survey (2017–2018) in Peru. Obesity was the exposure variable defined by RFM. The RFM was also analyzed both as a continuous and categorical variable. Generalized linear models of the gamma family with a logarithmic link were applied and stratified by sex. Results Data from 651 adults were analyzed. The prevalence of obesity was 78.2% in women and 42.7% in men. After adjusting for age, poverty, fruit and vegetable consumption, and altitude of residence, obesity defined by RFM was associated with higher estimated Framingham risk scores in both sexes (Women: β: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.32–0.63; Men: β: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23–0.56. Similar results were observed when RFM was analyzed as a continuous variable and in tertiles. Conclusion Obesity defined by RFM was positively associated with estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk in both sexes, with stronger association in women. These results suggest that RFM may serve as a useful tool for assessing estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk, with implications for the design of public health interventions in Peru.

Is Türkiye’s on-the-job training program sustainable? A qualitative evaluation from the firms’ perspective

PLoS ONE Mustafa Koçancı, Mete Kaan Namal, Beyhan Aksoy et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0341254

Active labor market policies play a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals. This study examines the effectiveness of the on-the-job training (OJT) program, a key active employment policy implemented by the Turkish Employment Agency (TEA), within the context of Antalya province, Türkiye. The research aims to explore employers’ perceptions of the program, its effectiveness, and its contribution to sustainable development. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with managers responsible for OJT in various firms and analyzed thematically using computer assisted tools. The findings show that although the program contributes to the increase of human capital by creating employment and developing skills, it falls short of its goals due to labor segmentation issues, operational inefficiencies, and its inability to close implementation gaps, revealing that the program faces a number of structural challenges. The study concludes that although OJT holds significant potential for promoting sustainable employment, further improvements are necessary to enhance its impact.

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) for patients with Post-Stroke Anomia: Preliminary Data on Picture Naming Performance

PLoS ONE Maria Martzoukou, Nefeli K. Dimitriou, Binbin Xu et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342191

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) treating patients with post-stroke anomia using a picture-naming task and a Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED). A right-handed 38-year-old woman with a left-hemisphere stroke and a left-handed 54-year-old man with a right-hemisphere stroke underwent an eight-week treatment program. Specifically, they participated in a picture-naming task three times a week, alternating between sessions with and without tACS stimulation every two weeks. Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements were taken at the end of each two-week period, and behavioral data were collected before, during and after the treatment. EEG and behavioral assessments were also conducted at one- and three-month follow-ups. Picture-naming performance was significantly faster during tACS sessions compared to sessions without tACS. By the end of the intervention, both participants demonstrated improved accuracy and speed, with positive effects also observed in behavioral measures. EEG analysis showed that post-treatment brain activity resembled that of healthy individuals performing similar tasks. Patients’ improvements in picture-naming and behavioral tests showed that the positive effects remained stable even after three months. Thus, preliminary data suggest that tACS might be a promising intervention for anomia, with lasting effects. Large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Serum proteomic characterization of stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides) with neutralizing antibodies against Dengue virus in Thailand

PLoS ONE Pakorn Ruengket, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Daraka Tongthainan et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0341312

Dengue infection is a leading global public health problem, and the virus (DENV) is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations in humans. Previous studies have shown that wild macaques in Thailand have been exposed to the dengue virus. Accordingly, this study aims to characterize the serum proteomic profiles of wild macaques with (seropositive) and without (naive) dengue virus-neutralizing antibodies, to improve our understanding of differential protein expression and identify candidate biomarkers. We analyzed thirty-two serum samples obtained from wild macaques in Thailand. Out of the 32 samples, 16 macaques (50%) were seropositive for DENV. A total of 9,532 proteins were identified, out of which 582 were differentially expressed (DEPs) and used to generate a proteomic profile. Among the nine identified proteins of interest, three were associated with the nervous system, while the remaining six have been reported to play roles in anti-dengue antiviral mechanisms. These include the induction of interferon responses triggered by cellular stress, degradation of viral RNA, and activation of dendritic cells and Th1-mediated immune responses via IFN-γ and TNF-α. Although these proteins have been implicated in the nervous system and are involved in anti-DENV in several reports, in this study, it was shown that these proteins remain up-regulated even after infection, which requires further study into the dynamics after long-term infection in the future. These findings highlight the need for further longitudinal studies to validate the functional relevance of these proteins.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection in an unvaccinated pregnant cohort: A trimester-specific analysis

PLoS ONE Rozhan Khezri, Kamran Ebrahimi, Saeedeh Askari et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0341647

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are significant public health issues in developing countries. This study aims to evaluate the trimester-specific impact of COVID-19 infection on maternal and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of unvaccinated Iranian women. A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted between March 21, 2020, and March 21, 2021, involving 217 unvaccinated pregnant women with RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who delivered in hospitals across three counties in Northwest Iran. Participants were stratified by the trimester of COVID-19 diagnosis: first (n = 20), second (n = 87), and third (n = 110). Data on demographics, as well as maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes, were extracted from the National Health System. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with post-hoc Bonferroni corrections. A significant association was found between the trimester of infection and the rate of PTB (p = 0.028). Women infected in the third trimester had a substantially higher PTB rate (26.4%) compared to those infected in the second (11.5%) and first (15.0%) trimesters. Neonatal outcomes also varied significantly; APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes were lowest in the third-trimester infection group (8.16 ± 0.78 and 8.39 ± 0.80, respectively) compared to the first (9.08 ± 0.88 and 9.03 ± 0.90) and second (8.45 ± 0.71 and 8.79 ± 0.83) trimesters (p < 0.001 for both). Fever was significantly more prevalent in the third trimester (33.6%) than in the first (10.0%, p = 0.013). No vertical transmission or neonatal deaths were recorded. This study demonstrates a clear trimester-specific risk gradient for SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated pregnant women. Infection during the third trimester was associated with a significantly increased odds of PTB and lower neonatal APGAR scores(1,5). These findings underscore the critical vulnerability of late pregnancy to COVID-19 complications and highlight the importance of trimester-specific vigilance, enhanced antenatal surveillance, and robust vaccination advocacy for pregnant women.

Ultralow H <sub>2</sub> O <sub>2</sub> ‐Triggered Electron Transfer over Single‐Atom Iron Catalysts for Long‐Term Recyclable Fenton‐Like Reactions

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Yanxi Chen, Xiuying Li, Zicong Jiang et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202523077

Abstract Excessive consumption of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) in Fenton and Fenton‐like processes highlights the urgent need for catalytic systems that enable efficient pollutant removal with low H 2 O 2 usage. In this study, we design a single‐atom iron/graphene oxide (Fe 1 ‐GO) catalyst with an Fe─O─C configuration that facilitates pollutant removal under visible‐light (VL) irradiation with minimal H 2 O 2 input, while ensuring long‐term catalytic stability. Using only 2 mM H 2 O 2 , the system sustained over 95% removal of carbamazepine (CBZ) across four cycles, exhibiting a high H 2 O 2 utilization efficiency of nearly 100% for CBZ mineralization. In situ experimental analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that H 2 O 2 triggers the formation of Fe(IV)═O on Fe 1 ‐GO, promoting electron transfer from CBZ to Fe(IV)═O. This process drives H 2 O 2 generation via oxygen reduction on Fe atoms, thereby continuously replenishing H 2 O 2 in the system. A large‐scale continuous‐flow reactor incorporating a Fe 1 ‐GO/polyacrylonitrile membrane efficiently removed CBZ over 420 min using only 2 mM H 2 O 2 . Compared to conventional Fenton processes, this system significantly reduces H 2 O 2 and catalyst usage, resulting in a 10‐fold decrease in operating costs. This study provides a sustainable strategy for pollutant removal through low‐H 2 O 2 ‐input, long‐term recyclable Fenton‐like reactions.

Recurrent polyploidy and descending dysploidy as plant genome shapers: Insights from Sporobolus (Chloridoideae, Poaceae) genomes

PLoS ONE Morgane Milin, Oscar Lima, Lin-Feng Li et al. Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343073

Polyploidization or whole genome duplication (WGD) is a source of genetic and phenotypic novelties and is a widespread mechanism of speciation across plant lineages. It is often followed by complex genome dynamics, including diploidization. Recurrent polyploidization leads to overlapping genomic processes complicating efforts to reconstruct genome histories in extant species. Here, we focused on the complex and understudied Chloridoideae subfamily of grasses, where polyploidy is recurrent and base chromosome number variation particularly common. We explored the evolutionary history of Sporobolus genomes through comparative genomics analyses, including species from sections Sporobolus and Spartina and selected representatives of different grass lineages. We used the WGD_Tracker pipeline to identify homologous genes and estimate their divergence, as well as to detect syntenic regions, and reconstruct karyotypes. We found that sections Sporobolus and Spartina diverged 13.2–26.0 million years ago (Mya), based on molecular clock analyses, and showed that the two WGD events detected in section Spartina ( S. maritimus and S. alterniflorus ) occurred independently of another WGD in section Sporobolus ( S. stapfianus and S. pyramidalis ). We also identified five nested chromosome insertions (NCI), a major descending disploidy mechanism that resulted in a new base chromosome number (n = 15) in section Spartina subsection alterniflori . The ancestral grass chromosome 12 appears particularly prone to structural modifications – such as insertions and rearrangements – throughout Chloridoideae evolution. Both ancestral chromosomes 11 and 12 were involved in a recent rearrangement that contributed to chromosome number divergence during speciation between S. alterniflorus (2n = 62) and S. maritimus (2n = 60), estimated at 3.7–7.7 Mya. Comparative analyses of Chloridoideae genomes provide new insights into genome duplication histories and post-polyploidization genome restructuring through descending dysploidy and revealed that NCIs are a prevalent diploidization mechanism, offering new perspectives to explore the genomic innovations underpinning the success of allo-polyploids.

Correction: JC polyomavirus (JCV, HPyV2) seropositivity prevalence in healthy subjects: Systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE Feb 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343707