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Aniracetam restores the excitation-inhibition balance of neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex of mice with ADHD

Ultrasensitive on-site detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk using a chitosan-MWCNT-graphene nanocomposite aptasensor with sub-regulatory limit capability

Abstract This study presents a novel electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ) in milk samples, utilizing a gold electrode modified with chitosan-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube/graphene nanocomposite (CS/f-MWCNTs-Gr). The platform was fabricated through covalent immobilization of an amino-modified aptamer onto the nanocomposite surface, enhancing electronic transmission and biorecognition efficiency. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) confirmed stepwise electrode modification, while square wave voltammetry (SWV) quantified AFM 1 via suppression of the [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3−/4− redox signal upon target binding. Under optimized conditions, the sensor demonstrated a wide linear range (1–1000 nM) covering EU/US regulatory limits, an ultra-low detection limit (0.03 nM, 9.8 ng/L, below EU regulatory limit of 25 ng/kg), and exceptional specificity (> 90% signal suppression against interferents at 10-fold higher concentrations). The aptasensor exhibited high reproducibility (RSD = 5.4%, n  = 5) and retained 92% signal after 14-day storage. Validated in commercial milk, it achieved 96–106% recoveries with RSD < 4.9% ( n  = 5), outperforming reference methods in precision and practicality. This cost-effective platform shows significant potential for on-site monitoring of mycotoxins in dairy products.

Assessment of cognitive load through photoplethysmography and bioimpedance responses during mental arithmetic tasks

‘It means I can sleep at night’: how sensors are helping to solve scientists’ problems

Bright Ratiometric Fluorescent Thermometer in a Spin Crossover Molecule toward Visualization of Spin-State Equilibria

Ursolic acid alleviates liver injury in diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin via the NLRP3 signaling pathway

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a type of metabolic stress-induced liver injury that is closely related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, has anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and liver-protective effects. However, its role in regulating liver injury through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in a T2DM combined with NAFLD model has not been systematically elucidated. This study systematically evaluated the protective effect of UA on NAFLD and its molecular mechanism through in vivo (STZ + high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mouse model) and in vitro (high glucose + palmitic acid-induced LO2 cell oxidative stress model) experiments. The results showed that UA significantly improved hepatic lipid deposition, reduced serum ALT/AST levels, and effectively alleviated oxidative stress, as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver tissues. Further mechanism studies revealed that UA could significantly down-regulate the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factor IL-1β and pro-fibrotic factor TGF-β1 by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and simultaneously reduce the deposition of type IV collagen. This study demonstrated that ursolic acid (UA) has a protective effect on T2DM combined with NAFLD, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway by UA, which inhibits oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis.

How Does Adenine Form from Hydrogen Cyanide?

Associations between canine temperament and salivary concentrations of cortisol and serotonin

Temperament influences canine behavior and helps determine a dog’s suitability as a companion or working animal. Although several temperament assessments exist, many rely on subjective evaluations, highlighting the need for scientifically validated methods. This study evaluated the validity of the Wesen temperament test by examining its association with physiological biomarkers—salivary cortisol and serotonin. Twenty-four dogs (11 females and 13 males) completed a modified Wesen test comprising seven subtests: Unconscious Confidence, Sociality, Noise Stability, Movement Stability, Desire for Play and Predation, Behavior in Stressful Situations, and Separation. Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-assessment, and cortisol and serotonin concentrations were measured using ELISA. Hormonal concentrations and temperament scores were analyzed using correlation, regression, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Pre-assessment cortisol concentrations were negatively correlated with total average temperament score and several subtest scores. Post-assessment cortisol concentrations showed significant negative correlations with total average scores and all subtests. Changes in cortisol concentrations from pre- to post-assessment were negatively associated with temperament scores. Dogs with higher temperament scores exhibited significantly higher serotonin concentrations than those with lower scores. These results support the utility of temperament assessments validated through physiological markers and provide novel evidence linking canine temperament with endocrine function.

A New Pore Shape Analysis Method Based on the Adsorption-Controlled ¹²⁹ Xe–NMR Technique

Coping mechanisms to drug stock-outs among patients seeking mental healthcare at outpatient department in Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Background Mental disorders are responsible for a significant proportion of global health burden especially in developing countries. In sub-Saharan Africa optimum care for mental health patients is constrained by frequent drug stock-outs. Patients who are victims of drug stock-outs are compelled to seek coping mechanisms to this challenge. These coping mechanisms may either be adaptive or maladaptive. Consequently, persons living with mental illnesses are prone to experiencing undesirable outcomes. This study purposed to explore coping mechanisms to drug stock-outs among patients seeking care at an outpatient department (OPD) of a national mental healthcare facility in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This was an observational cross-sectional study. A sample size of 385 was obtained by systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a checklist and a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 29. Numerical variables were presented with means and standard deviations. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. The results of the study were presented in tables, pie-charts and graphs. Results Less than half of the participants; 164/385(42.60%), had their prescriptions fully filled with an average prescription fulfillment rate of 66.36%. Majority of the patients were victims of drug stock-outs. The most popular coping mechanisms were; out-of-pocket purchase of prescribed drugs from pharmacies, patients returning to hospital on a later date, skipping drug doses and using unprescribed herbal remedies. The commonest undesirable outcomes of coping mechanisms were; worsening of symptoms, insomnia and relapse of signs and symptoms. Conclusion Drug stock-outs could have been responsible for low prescription fulfillment rates. This most likely prompted numerous patients to resort to alternative treatment modalities. These unprescribed treatment modalities could jeopardize patient prognosis and overall safety.

Fe Loading Triggers High-Spin State: Expediting H ₂ O/O ₂ Swap in Fuel Cell Cathodes

Determinants of return to HIV treatment after interruption on ART among HIV positive clients in Katakwi District, Uganda

Background Returning to treatment following interruptions is crucial for achieving optimal HIV care outcomes. In Uganda, despite a 20% treatment interruption rate, only 58% of clients successfully resume treatment. Evidence on determinants of returning to treatment remains limited. This study aimed to identify determinants of return to HIV treatment after interruption in Katakwi District, Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at three high-volume antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in Katakwi District. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews from study adult participants and analyzed using Poisson generalized estimating equations (GEE) with robust standard errors to identify factors independently associated with a return to care. Results The rate of return to care was 63.9%. Clients without an occupation were less likely to return (aRR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73–0.88, p < 0.001). Surprisingly, those living within 5 km of a facility were also less likely to return compared to those 5–10 km away (aRR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63–0.95, p = 0.019). Positive community beliefs about treatment adherence significantly increased the likelihood of returning (aRR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06–1.33, p = 0.003), as did belonging to a community support group (aRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01–1.39, p = 0.04). Conclusion Return to HIV care was associated with occupation, distance to the facility, community beliefs, and belonging to a community support group. Interventions to improve re-engagement should include targeted economic support for unemployed clients, community-based anti-stigma campaigns, flexible clinic hours, and improved rural access through mobile clinics. Continuous client education at both the facility and community levels is essential.

Ion-Size Controlled Non-Classical Crystallization of Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles Covered with a Few Highly Charged Ligands

Variation in food web reliance on green and brown energy pathways across ecosystem gradients

Aquatic food webs typically include highly coupled fast, ‘green’ energy pathways driven by algae or phytoplankton and slower, ‘brown’ energy channels driven by detritus and terrestrial plants. Quantifying how much energy biological communities obtain from each of these pathways is essential, particularly across multiple interconnected food webs over large areas, because energy dynamics are known to influence ecosystem structure and function. Despite their importance, few studies track variance in energy channel contributions to food webs across interconnected habitats during distinct hydrologic seasons. In this study, we used tri-isotope Bayesian mixing models to quantify seasonal contributions of energy pathways to consumers in nine aquatic food webs across two river drainages in the Florida coastal Everglades. Sites span an ecosystem gradient from freshwater marshes to estuarine riverine mangroves and marine seagrass habitats. We found that green energy channels were the dominant pathway for consumers in 12 of 18 seasonal food webs, with the remaining 6 being more reliant on detrital energy channels. There were contrasting spatiotemporal trends between river networks. Shark River Slough food webs showed a clearer pattern of greener marsh food webs upstream switching to browner food webs more heavily reliant on mangrove detritus downstream. In contrast, Taylor Slough food webs showed the opposite pattern of browner marsh food webs upstream switching to greener food webs downriver and in marine seagrass habitats. Seasonal switching of the dominant energy channel was less common than expected, with 2 of 9 food webs shifting from green to brown dominance between the dry and wet season. Seasonal shifts disrupted spatial gradients in energy channel use, but the seasonal dynamics quantified in this single year study require further contextualization. Our findings provide a short but dynamic view of energy pathways in aquatic communities across the Everglades, but continued research will allow us to better predict how species, food webs, and ecological networks may respond to environmental drivers under future global change.

Elastically Bendable Metal–Organic Framework Crystals for Efficient Flexocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution from Water

Exploring ideal scent detection dog characteristics for successful professional deployment as derived from face-to-face structured interviews with professional scent detection dog handlers

Scent detection dogs (SDDs) require certain behavioral characteristics for successful professional deployment. We aimed to provide insight into these characteristics by tapping into professional SDD handlers’ knowledge and experience. We conducted a first round of informal interviews with Dutch professional SDD handlers, which led to the derivation of a list of 24 characteristics. We subsequently used this list in structured interviews and had participants (N = 110) indicate how their ‘ideal SDD’ would score on a scale from 0 to 100 (ideal scores) and how reluctant they would be to see an actual dog deviate from their ideal image for each characteristic (allowed deviation scores). We compared the allowed deviation scores to the variation in the ideal scores. Additionally, we compared ideal dog characteristics for professional deployment versus recreational deployment by civilians to assess how these characteristics are relevant to professional deployment of SDDs. Professional participants were the most reluctant to make concessions for these SDD characteristics: neurotic, insecure, imperturbable (environment), scent-oriented, independent, confident, persistent, and resilient . Seven of these eight characteristics were also among those with the least variation in ideal scores between professionals. Four ‘ideal SDD’ characteristics differed significantly between civilians and professionals: civilians desired lower scores for unreserved , impulsive , excited and possessive . Three allowed deviation scores differed significantly: professionals were more reluctant to make concessions for unreserved , while civilians were more reluctant to make concessions for precise and possessive . Focusing future on the characteristics that professional handlers are reluctant to see deviate from their ideal image could enhance SDD selection and training for professional deployment and provide a basis for the development of behavioral tests or specific observations for professional SDD selection in the future. We pinpoint the characteristics of neurotic , insecure , imperturbable (environment), scent-oriented , independent , confident , persistent and resilient as possible focus points in such research.

Interparticle Communication and Lithium Dynamics in Faceted Nickel-Rich NMC Cathodes

Potent Racemic Antimicrobial Polypeptides Uncovered by a Stereochemical Series of Cationic <scp>d</scp> / <scp>l</scp> Backbones

Spatiotemporal evolution of the thermal environment and influencing factors in Kashgar City’s Urban Expansion

Under the dual pressures of global warming and rapid urbanization, the mechanisms governing the evolution of high-temperature environments in arid-zone cities demand systematic analysis. This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and multidimensional influencing factors of urban expansion and thermal environments in the Kashgar region. As a representative city in China’s arid western region, the analysis utilizes multi-source remote sensing data and socioeconomic statistics from 2010 to 2024. Methods including urban expansion indices, surface temperature inversion, and geographic detector models were employed to reveal spatiotemporal patterns linking urban form changes and thermal environments. The findings indicate: (1) Kashgar’s urban expansion exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity, with construction land expansion characterized by stable central areas and rapid peripheral growth. Marginal expansion dominates the thermal environment, where the township-Mulatibag urban-rural fringe has emerged as a new growth pole for thermal expansion. (2) Kashgar’s thermal environment continues to deteriorate, with the area affected by high temperatures increasing by an average of 19.55% annually. The spatial pattern has undergone a three-stage evolution: punctual breakthroughs, cluster aggregation, and contiguous spread. The low-temperature ecological corridor system has systematically shrunk, and the city’s thermal environment regulation capacity shows a significant downward trend. (3) A strong positive correlation exists between Kashgar’s urban expansion and its thermal environment. This correlation exhibited a trend of “initial strengthening followed by weakening” over the fifteen-year period. (4) Factors influencing high temperatures exhibit multidimensional interactions. Among anthropogenic factors, impervious surfaces and population density jointly intensify high-temperature severity through a dual-factor amplification effect. Conversely, natural factors such as vegetation and water bodies exert a negative mitigating influence.

Photothermal Dry Reforming of Methane Over Supported Bimetal Dual-Atom Pairs