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Cone beam computed tomography evaluation of the temporomandibular joint in patients with and without temporomandibular dysfunctions
Environmental prevalence of enteric viruses across the covid-19 pandemic: A three-year monitoring study
Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) juice inhibits foodborne pathogens while promoting probiotic bacterial growth
Publisher Correction: In situ nanocrystal confinement for efficient blue perovskite LEDs
Single-sequence based gFET-aptasensors for the discrimination of apo- and holo-RBP4 in human serum
Abstract Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a key transporter of all- trans -retinol (vitamin A), circulating in blood as either holo-RBP4 (retinol-bound) or apo-RBP4 (retinol-free). Dysregulated RBP4 levels, particularly an imbalance between apo- and holo-RBP4, have been implicated in a range of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Current detection methods such as ELISA and Western blot lack the specificity to distinguish these two forms. Here, we present an aptamer-based biosensing strategy that overcomes this limitation by using selected single aptamer sequences for the precise and selective quantification of apo- and holo-RBP4 on graphene field-effect transistor (gFET) sensors. The specific contribution to this study is the identification of individual apo- and holo-RBP4-binding aptamers from previously enriched polyclonal libraries, their computational evaluation by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, as well as their implementation as isoform-selective recognition elements on gFET sensors. The polyclonal aptamer libraries previously were generated using FluMag-SELEX (FluMag- S ystematic E volution of L igands by Ex ponential Enrichment) that are specific to each RBP4 conformer. Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic enrichment analyses identified two highly specific and high-affinity aptamers, which were further characterized via computational modelling, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. This structural approach elucidated the conformer-specific binding mechanisms, demonstrating aptamers’ capacity to differentiate subtle protein conformational changes. The selected aptamers were immobilized on gFET devices, enabling label-free, real-time detection with picomolar sensitivity—a 100-fold improvement over the original libraries. Increased aptamer density on the sensor surface further enhanced signal sensitivity by an order of magnitude. These findings validate the use of aptamers as high-performance biorecognition elements in biosensors, offering a path toward precise RBP4 isoform monitoring.
Compaction characteristics and lump crushing behavior of homologous gangue powder grouted uncemented backfill
Enhanced biodiesel wastewater treatment using moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and improved applicability to subsequent coagulation process
Juvenile hormone signaling acts during development and post-mating to suppress antibacterial defenses in Drosophila melanogaster
An improved human memory algorithm with multi-directional and chaotic approaches for global optimization and energy-efficient cluster head selection in WSNs
Abstract Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) play a crucial role in infrastructure monitoring across domains such as smart grids, industrial automation, and environmental sensing. However, energy efficiency remains a key challenge due to the limited battery life of sensor nodes. This work addresses the energy-efficient cluster head (CH) selection problem, formulated as a dynamic optimization task. Human Memory Optimization (HMO) is chosen as the foundation for its low memory footprint and adaptive learning, which align well with WSN constraints. Its memory-based recall mechanism naturally balances exploration and exploitation with minimal parameter tuning, making it suitable for decentralized CH decisions. On the other hand, traditional metaheuristic algorithms (MAs) suffer from premature convergence and fall into local optima, which makes them less effective in addressing the dynamic and energy-sensitive nature of CH selection in WSNs. To overcome these challenges, this work develops an improved version of the HMO, named Adaptive Enhanced Human Memory Optimization (AEHMO). The proposed AEHMO integrates four targeted strategies tailored for the WSN CH selection context: (1) Adaptive parameters dynamically adjust exploration and exploitation phases, enabling the algorithm to respond to changing node energy levels and topological shifts; (2) the Multi-Directional Mutation Strategy (MDMS) increases the diversity among CH candidates, ensuring broader spatial coverage and preventing clustering imbalances; (3) Dynamic Drift Search (DDS) enhances global exploration, allowing AEHMO to discover energy-efficient CH configurations across the entire network field early in the process; and (4) Chaotic Reverse-based Learning (CRL) introduces structured randomness to help the algorithm escape from suboptimal CH arrangements that could otherwise lead to rapid energy depletion or coverage holes. AEHMO was validated on the CEC2017 benchmark suite, showing superior performance in high-dimensional optimization. Applied to WSN CH selection, it achieved an average energy consumption of 0.395 J, FND at 1150 rounds, HND at 1853, and LND at 3136 rounds in the 150-node scenario. Furthermore, AEHMO was validated under a large-scale real-world heterogeneous WSN scenario comprising 1200 sensor nodes with a three-tier node architecture and a mobile sink strategy, achieving an FND of 362 rounds, HND of 1903 rounds, and LND of 56,946 rounds—outperforming all competing algorithms in total network lifetime. These results confirm AEHMO’s superiority in energy efficiency, scalability, and adaptability under both homogeneous and heterogeneous dynamic WSN conditions.
Chatbot design characteristics and initial stickiness intentions in healthcare mobile applications
High resolution full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals distinct fecal microbial consortium associated with colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia
Loss of p130Cas/Bcar1 impairs palatal mesenchymal expansion and causes cleft palate
Abstract Palatogenesis is a complex developmental process that requires the coordinated growth, elevation, and fusion of palatal shelves. Disruption of these events results in cleft palate, which is one of the most common congenital, craniofacial anomalies. p130Crk-associated substrate (p130Cas), also known as breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 1 (BCAR1), is an adaptor protein involved in integrin-mediated signaling and cytoskeletal regulation; however, its role in late embryonic development is poorly understood because global p130Cas-deficiency leads to early embryonic lethality. In the present study, tamoxifen-inducible conditional knockout mice were used to investigate the role of p130Cas in palatal development. Conditional deletion of p130Cas resulted in cleft palate, characterized by impaired horizontal growth of the palatal shelves. Reduced mesenchymal cell proliferation within the palatal shelves was confirmed using Ki-67 immunostaining and EdU incorporation assays. Primary mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (MEPM) cells derived from p130Cas-deficient embryos consistently exhibited impaired proliferation and migration in vitro . The epithelial-specific deletion of p130Cas did not result in cleft palate, indicating that p130Cas function in the palatal mesenchyme is critical for normal palatal development. Taken together, these findings indicate that p130Cas is an important regulator of palatal mesenchymal expansion during secondary palatogenesis. The impaired proliferative growth of the palatal mesenchyme likely underlies the developmental basis of cleft palate in this model.
Trajectory-based analysis of fibroblast cytoskeletal and morphological features enables automated strategies for drug screening, aging determination or tumor stratification
Acoustic accessibility and staff knowledge on hearing and communication in long-term care facilities: evaluation of a preventive training program
Abstract Age-related hearing loss is highly prevalent among older adults. Long-term care (LTC) residents are an especially vulnerable population, yet hearing accessibility and staff expertise in hearing care often remain insufficient. This study examines (1) the structural and acoustic accessibility conditions in LTC facilities, (2) the hearing-related knowledge and training needs of staff, and (3) staff assessment of feasibility and sustainability of a preventive training program. A mixed-methods study was conducted in 74 LTC facilities in Germany. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention and at one year’s follow-up. Data sources included questionnaires, quantitative surveys, room acoustic measurements, and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively; qualitative data were interpreted via structuring qualitative content analysis. Most facilities (81%) lacked acoustic accessibility concepts. More than half of the staff had limited knowledge on hearing and communication and expressed high training needs on this topic prior to the training program. Post-intervention interviews highlighted organizational barriers, but also a strong increase of awareness. Follow-up findings indicated moderate improvements in hearing-related practices and communication after the training program, though structural acoustic changes remained difficult to implement sustainably. The results show that improving hearing accessibility in LTC requires an integrated approach that strengthens both acoustical conditions in the facilities and staff competencies.
An integrative identification approach reveals that subspecies hybridization in Bombus terrestris predates commercial use and varies with greenhouse density
Abstract Laboratory assessment of environmental stressors on wild bumblebees typically rely on workers from laboratory colonies founded by wild-collected queens. In Spain, where Bombus terrestris lusitanicus and Bombus terrestris terrestris coexist, accurately identifying the subspecies of wild individuals used in these experiments remains challenging. Since the 1990s, commercial colonies of B. t. terrestris have been widely used in Spain for greenhouse pollination, and previous studies have documented the escape and naturalisation of individuals in areas where B. t. lusitanicus is native. The present study integrates three methodologies—morphological traits, mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, and microsatellites—to achieve accurate colony-level identification, enabling the differentiation of the two subspecies and their hybrids. Laboratory colonies were established with wild queens from Almería (southeastern Spain; high greenhouse density) and Madrid (central Spain; minimal greenhouse infrastructure), allowing the analysis of both queens and offspring. This approach allowed to determine colony subspecies composition for studies involving the use of wild individuals. Overall, our findings show widespread hybridization between both subspecies, with higher levels observed in areas of high greenhouse density, which may be associated with commercial use. Furthermore, the inclusion of commercial and historical specimens showed that introgression among wild bumblebees predated commercial colony use, though hybridization is currently more pronounced.
Author Correction: cBAF complex components and MYC cooperate early in CD8+ T cell fate
A natural depsipeptide antibiotic binds the E-site of the bacterial ribosome
Abstract A key challenge in addressing the antibiotic resistance crisis is identifying new antimicrobial compounds 1 . Although natural products produced by fungi and bacteria, particularly actinomycetes, have been the source of most antibiotics discovered over the past 80 years, they have fallen out of favour owing to the frequent rediscovery of known drug scaffolds 2 . The current perception is that antibiotic-producing actinomycetes have been over-mined and possess little novelty left to yield. Here we demonstrate that by using improved fractionation approaches that enrich previously overlooked minor products, even well-studied strains of antibiotic-producing actinomycetes can provide new chemical scaffolds with unique modes of action. By fractionating a library of natural product extracts from soil bacteria, we show that Streptomyces rimosus , the source of the well-known antibiotic oxytetracycline, produces a cyclic depsipeptide antibiotic that we call manikomycin. Manikomycin can kill multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and is not susceptible to resistance associated with clinically used antibiotics. Biochemical, genetic and structural analyses reveal that manikomycin binds in the E-site of the large subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing entry of the 3′ end of the tRNA into the E-site and effectively hindering the translocation step of protein synthesis in a sequence-context-specific manner. Manikomycin is the first antibacterial agent, to our knowledge, to target the critical but underexplored E-site in the large ribosomal subunit, highlighting its value as a lead for developing new antibiotics.