Browse Articles

Retraction: Synergistic Antitumor Effects of Novel HDAC Inhibitors and Paclitaxel In Vitro and In Vivo

Exploring the potential of random lasers for high-quality ghost imaging

Ghost imaging, which reconstructs object images through correlation calculations of light fields, offers several advantages such as overcoming diffraction limits and resisting turbulence or scattering interference. In this article, we demonstrate that random lasers are excellent light sources for high-quality ghost imaging due to their random light field intensity distribution. The peak of the random laser emission spectrum fluctuates randomly over time, and the resulting speckle distribution also varies randomly. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for generating the dynamic speckle field required for ghost imaging. Results show that the ghost imaging exhibits the optimal signal-to-noise ratio when the pump energy slightly exceeds the random laser threshold, and the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 9.5. The resolution of ghost imaging depends mainly on the average size of the speckles, and the resolution of random laser ghost imaging can reach 88.3 μm in our experimental conditions. This research not only demonstrates the application potential of random lasers in the field of ghost imaging but also offers insights for developing more integrated and stable ghost imaging systems.

Modulation of interbrain synchrony by emotional valence and maternal presence in mother–child dyads: neural links to empathy and attachment

Abstract Interbrain synchrony (IBS) is thought to reflect the flow of information between individuals and interpersonal mechanisms like empathy and bonding. Previous research suggests that IBS varies according to different factors, including interpersonal bond type, individual characteristics, emotional valence and physical presence/absence. This study investigated how IBS in mother-child dyads varies during imagined emotional situations, focusing on valence and imagined presence/absence of the mother. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning to measure IBS over the right prefrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and temporoparietal junction in 38 mother-child dyads (child age: 10–14 years). Results showed that IBS differed across valence only when participants imagined the mother being present, with higher IBS in negative situations than in positive ones. Furthermore, in scenarios imagined with the mother present, IBS was associated with the mother’s personal distress —negative correlation in positive scenarios, and positive correlation in negative scenarios—and with children’s secure base support scores—negative association in the frontopolar cortex. These findings suggest that mothers and children perceive being together differently, depending on emotional valence, social context and individual differences. Overall, our results suggest that IBS reflects dyadic emotional processing and highlight associations with individual traits in dyadic neural synchrony.

Assessing the impact of a tennis-themed sports video game on physical literacy and participation on physical activities among university students: A cluster randomized controlled trial study protocol

Introduction Physical literacy (PL) is a multidimensional construct encompassing motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding, which is essential for fostering lifelong physical activity. University students represent a critical stage for PL development, yet many experience a decline in physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior after high school. Sports video games (SVGs), though traditionally sedentary, have shown potential to enhance motivation and cognitive engagement with sports. These games are especially popular among university students, making them an accessible and engaging tool for promoting PL. Despite their popularity, the role of SVGs in supporting PL development remains underexplored, particularly in Asian contexts. Integrating technology into physical education, such as through SVGs and virtual simulations, may offer innovative ways to enhance engagement and support PL development. Although the intervention is sedentary, SVG gameplay often requires reflexes and eye–hand coordination which may influence aspects of physical competence such as reaction time and coordination. This study aims to evaluate whether a tennis-themed SVG intervention integrated into PE lessons can enhance students’ motivation, sport-specific knowledge, physical competence, social engagement, and physical activity engagement, thereby promoting holistic PL development. Methods A cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 176 first-year students enrolled in compulsory tennis physical education courses at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Eight entire classes (four male and four female) will be randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group will play a tennis SVG, TopSpin 2K25, twice weekly for six weeks alongside regular PE lessons. Assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and three-week follow-up will include self-reported gaming behavior, physical activity level, PL domains, and objective tests of reaction time, eye-hand coordination, and tennis knowledge. Discussion This protocol examines the integration of SVG into physical education to promote PL across physical, cognitive, affective, and social domains. Limitations include potential contamination bias, variability in prior gaming experience, short intervention duration, and reliance on self-reported measures, which may introduce bias. Theoretically, the study advances PL frameworks by embedding technology-enhanced learning within structured PE contexts. Practically, SVG-based activities offer an inclusive, engaging approach to support diverse learners. Future research should explore long-term effects and develop validated tools for comprehensive assessment. Trial registration: The protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework on 25 July 2025: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JDYGV .

Bulk β-SrZrS3 sulfide perovskite: A mechanically robust platform with thermoelectric potential beyond thin-film optoelectronics

Sulfide perovskites have shown great promise in thin-film optoelectronics, but their versatile potential for sustainable energy applications is severely limited by the lack of mechanical and transport parameters in bulk materials. Here, we address these challenges by presenting a systematic investigation of the mechanical and thermoelectric properties of three-dimensional distorted perovskite β-SrZrS3 in bulk form. First-principles calculations predict multiple conduction band valleys and intrinsic lattice anharmonicity in β-SrZrS3, suggesting a favorable thermoelectric potential. We develop an economical and scalable synthesis route involving sulfurization of SrZrO3 powders followed by fast spark plasma sintering, yielding high-quality, crack-free centimeter-scale β-SrZrS3 bulks with ∼100% relative density. The bulks exhibit excellent mechanical properties including a Vickers hardness of ∼1.75 GPa, a Young's modulus of 91.7 GPa, and high fracture resistance, enabling practical machining and device integration. The pristine β-SrZrS3 sample exhibits a combination of a large Seebeck coefficient of −435.7 μV K−1, high electron mobility of 196.6 cm2 V−1 s−1, and low lattice thermal conductivity of 2.2 W m−1 K−1 at room temperature. To further enhance the thermoelectric performance, the strategy of constructing a metallic copper intergranular network is proposed, which achieves a 30-fold enhancement in carrier concentration and a 33% increase in electrical conductivity for Cu0.1SrZrS3. The Cu/SrZrS3 phase interfaces effectively hinder phonon transport, generating a 41% reduction in lattice thermal conductivity for Cu0.2SrZrS3. This work not only advances β-SrZrS3 as a robust multifunctional bulk material but also provides a general framework to unlock the vast sulfide-perovskite family for energy conversion devices.

Epimedin C attenuates airway inflammation and remodeling in Asthma by intervening M2 macrophage polarization via modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Clinical application of fetal Nuchal Translucency combined with noninvasive prenatal testing in screening chromosome abnormalities

Objective To explore the clinical application of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) combined with noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in screening for fetal chromosomal diseases. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on NIPT results, prenatal diagnoses, and pregnancy outcomes of early pregnant women with enlarged NT at our center from 01/07/2018 to 01/01/2021. To ensure data integrity and minimize extraction bias, phased data access was adopted: the first batch of data was extracted from 01/07/2019 (start of Phase 1) to 20/07/2019 (end of Phase 1), covering participants examined from 01/07/2018 to 30/06/2019; the second batch was extracted from 01/02/2020 (start of Phase 2) to 20/02/2020 (end of Phase 2), including participants examined from 01/07/2019 to 01/01/2020. Chi-square tests were used to compare the incidence of fetal chromosomal abnormalities between the enlarged NT and normal NT groups, as well as among the subgroups of enlarged NT. Results Out of 48,130 women screened by NIPT, 774 had enlarged NT (≥2.5 mm); among these, 85 were classified as high-risk, and 72 underwent invasive diagnosis, resulting in 64 positive cases (including 42 cases of trisomy 21, among others). The thickening of NT was correlated with a higher detection rate of abnormalities, which was statistically significant. Among the 689 cases of enlarged NT with low-risk NIPT results, 20 were lost to follow-up, 5 terminated their pregnancies, while the others had healthy live births. Conclusion Early pregnancy NT combined with NIPT demonstrates a high predictive value for fetal chromosomal abnormalities and holds significant importance for clinical pregnancy guidance.

Experimental evidence of diffuson-dominated thermal transport in amorphous diamond-like carbon nanowires

Amorphous carbon is widely employed as protective and dielectric layers in microelectronics, where its thermal transport properties play a critical role in heat dissipation. Although vibrational excitations in amorphous solids are generally classified into propagons, diffusons, and locons, the dominant heat carriers in amorphous carbon remain actively debated. In this work, we synthesize amorphous diamond-like carbon (DLC) nanowires (mass density: 1.71 g/cm3; sp3 fraction: 55.7%) and measure their thermal conductivity from 20 to 300 K using a suspended thermal bridge method. The measured thermal conductivity is slightly lower than previously reported for DLC films, due to relatively low mass density and sp3 ratio that govern thermal transport in amorphous carbons. Remarkably, the thermal conductivity exhibits a steep, nearly linear temperature dependence, in clear deviation from the predictions of the amorphous limit model. Further molecular dynamics simulations and quasi-harmonic Green–Kubo lattice dynamics calculations reproduce the experimental trend and reveal that heat conduction is overwhelmingly dominated by diffusons (98% at 300 K) in the frequency range of 4–60 THz. The nearly linear temperature dependence arises from the combined effects of the linear scaling of mode-specific heat with temperature and the weak temperature dependence of mode diffusivity. These results provide direct experimental evidence for diffuson-dominated thermal transport in amorphous DLC nanostructures and offer important physical insight for the design of disordered carbon materials with tailored thermal properties for nanoscale electronic applications.

Retraction Note: Enhancing blockchain transaction classification with ensemble learning approaches

Development of a collaborative chronic care model for management of cardiometabolic disease in low- and middle-income countries

Introduction Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) which include cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic syndromes represent a significant global health burden. Three quarters of global CVD deaths occur in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) and CMD account for approximately 35 percent of deaths in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. The COVID-19 Pandemic significantly accelerated the transformation of the landscape in the management of patients with multiple long-term conditions, prompting innovation in healthcare delivery and highlighting the importance of more integrated and adaptable healthcare approaches. Addressing CMD requires a multifaceted approach involving both individual-level interventions, health system approaches, community-based approaches, and broader population-wide strategies for prevention. Aim This study aimed to develop and pilot a person-centred model of health care for CMD management, integrating key principles from the Chronic Care Model (CCM) and Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) to assess feasibility and potential scalability in LMICs. Methods The development of the CREATE intervention took a mixed method approach utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including a systematic review, qualitative synthesis, and needs assessment including the delivery of workshops with local stakeholders and people living with CMD in Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique. Results A CoCCM with the following components was developed as the CREATE intervention: 1) Self-Management support, 2) Decision support (which included health care provider training), 3) Community linkages, 4) Organisation of health care, 5) Clinical information system, and 6) Delivery system design (streamlining the referral pathway). The CREATE intervention was informed by a systematic review, needs assessment, and six stakeholder workshops across three LMICs, identifying barriers such as limited primary care infrastructure, lack of referral systems, and gaps in self-management education. Conclusion This is the first CoCCM model for Multiple Long-term Conditions (MLTC) to be developed for SSA. The intervention is currently being tested as part of a feasibility study in Kenya, Ghana and Mozambique. The CREATE intervention has the potential for adaptability to local context, however there is need for more rigorous research to evaluate the model effectiveness in relation to improving patient outcomes.

High-temperature ferromagnetism and large anomalous Nernst effect above room temperature in (In,Fe)Sb ferromagnetic semiconductor

While the room-temperature anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) has been intensively studied in various ferromagnetic metals, it has never been studied in ferromagnetic semiconductors (FMSs) due to their low Curie temperature (TC). In this work, by optimizing the growth condition, we have grown an n-type (In,Fe)Sb FMS thin film with high TC ∼ 460 K at the Fe concentration of 30%, which is the highest TC reported so far in n-type FMSs. Using the high-TC (In,Fe)Sb thin film, we observe ANE with a large thermopower SxyANE = −3.2 μV/K at 332 K and −1.3 μV/K at 447 K. The large ANE in (In,Fe)Sb at room temperature is comparable to those observed in Mn3Sn and Co2MnGa topological materials.

Retarded DNA DSB repair kinetics and augmented radiation sensitivity in Wiskott Aldrich syndrome patients

Abstract Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), a rare X-linked disorder, features microthrombocytopenia, eczema, immunodeficiency, and elevated malignancy risk due to genomic instability. While prior studies noted DNA repair deficits, the kinetics of ionizing radiation-induced DSB repair in WAS patients remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize DSB repair dynamics and radiation sensitivity in WAS lymphocytes using γH2AX and 53BP1 markers. Lymphocytes from four WAS patients, their carrier mothers, and healthy controls were analyzed. Baseline DSBs were quantified in non-irradiated cells, and repair kinetics assessed post 2 Gy gamma irradiation over 24 h. Immunofluorescence staining for γH2AX (early DSB marker) and 53BP1 (repair facilitator) was performed at multiple time points, with foci quantified via confocal microscopy. Repair half-lives were calculated using exponential decay models. WAS patients exhibited 16–24 fold higher baseline γH2AX and 53BP1 foci than control (mean), indicating spontaneous genomic instability. Post-irradiation, DSB repair in WAS lymphocytes was significantly delayed, with the mean foci repair half-life (T½) in WAS patients being approximately 1.6-fold longer than that of the control (mean). At 24 h post-irradiation, WAS patients retained nearly twice the number of residual foci compared to healthy controls, while carrier mothers mirrored control repair efficiency. This study provides the first evidence of prolonged DSB repair kinetics in WAS patients, emphasising heightened radiosensitivity and genomic instability. These findings suggest tailored radiation strategies in WAS management, particularly for bone marrow transplantation or genotoxic therapies, to mitigate risks and optimize outcomes.

Translation, cultural adaptation and psychometric testing of short form quality of trauma patient experience measure (SF-QTAC-PREM) to a Swedish context

Patients admitted to hospital due to trauma present with a multifaceted constellation of injuries, severity of injuries and comorbidities that require a complex and specialised somatic and psychological care system. Good care processes have been linked to better recovery and improved long-term health and health-related quality of life. There is both a knowledge gap around quality and safety of patient’s care following injury, as well as a lack of a validated questionnaire to systematically collect trauma patients’ experiences. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and determine the psychometric properties of the SF-QTAC-PREM acute care for use in a Swedish population of trauma patients. A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed in which patients at a Level 1 trauma centre in Sweden participated. Translation and adaptation was performed in accordance with the ISPOR and WHO guidelines, which generated a 22-item questionnaire. Thirty patients completed the test-retest, and a further 150 patients the psychometric testing. Reliability was established using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and weighted Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, which showed a moderate to substantial agreement, and good reliability. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire using Exploratory Factor Analysis identified a two-factor solution with two stand-alone items. A good internal consistency was shown between factors using Cronbach’s alpha (0.85 Information and care, 0.84 Patient safety), concluding that the factors were not able to be combined. Spearman’s R correlation showed weak (0.31) and moderate (0.58) positive relationships between the items and global rating scale contributing to a good overall construct validity. The new Swedish SF-QTAC-PREM acute care exhibited above acceptable external reliability, good overall internal consistency and construct validity.

Measuring laser chirp rate at single-emitter excitation energies

We present a simple and direct method for measuring laser chirp rate, i.e., group delay dispersion (GDD) of ultrashort laser pulses at power levels compatible with single-quantum-emitter excitation. Traditional pulse characterization techniques rely on nonlinear optical processes that require high peak powers, making them unsuitable for the attojoule regime relevant to on-chip quantum photonics. Our approach utilizes a wavelength-to-time mapping method in which the arrival times of spectrally filtered components of a broadband pulse are recorded using a single-photon detector and correlated via a high-resolution time-tagging system. The resulting linear relationship between wavelength and arrival time directly yields the dispersion parameter and, subsequently, the GDD. We call this technique “WAvelength-Time mapping for CHirp measurement (WATCH).” Beyond single-emitter excitation, this technique can be applied in areas such as single-photon spectroscopy, ultralow-power optical communications, and time-domain quantum control, where linear and non-destructive dispersion characterization is essential.

Sustainable epoxy composites incorporating Aloe Vera and fly ash for bio derived reinforcement and circular economy advancement

Correction: Role of weight-adjusted waist circumference index and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in prediabetes risk: A mediation analysis

High energy storage characteristics in Bi6-xLaxMgTi4O18 films

Bi6-xLaxMgTi4O18 films were prepared by the sol-gel method combined with layer-by-layer plasma treatment. The incorporation of La3+ ions weakens intrinsic inter-domain interactions, enhances both the defect dipole moment and its activity, and concurrently refines grain size while improving grain insulation. A synergistic enhancement of polarization intensity, breakdown strength, and relaxor ferroelectric behavior enabled a high energy storage density and efficiency. The Bi4.75La1.25MgTi4O18 film achieved an energy storage density of 97.0 J/cm3 and energy storage efficiency of 87%. A synergistic strategy leveraging defect dipoles and refined grain size effectively enhances energy storage performance, providing a promising avenue for the design of high-performance dielectric capacitors.

Extraction and characterization of grapefruit wall material (Citrus paradise) and its impact on organoleptic properties of bread

UV light and abrasion’s role in degrading plasticulture films

Plastic films play a crucial role in agriculture by enhancing growing conditions and protecting crops through various applications, such as mulch films or greenhouses. However, the degradation of plasticulture films may occur in the field, generating secondary microplastics and soil pollution. Investigating the degradation of agricultural plastic films in soil systems is essential for understanding their environmental abundance, and it is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies to avoid potential harm to soil health and agricultural productivity. In this study, various low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films commonly used in plasticulture were exposed to different times of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and to mechanical abrasion. Subsequently, the samples were analysed to assess their chemical properties, wettability, surface roughness, and elasticity changes. Although the films did not exceed their manufacturer’s designated lifetime after the UV exposure time applied in this study, photodegradation and indications for the removal of microplastic surface particles through mechanical abrasion were observed even after short UV radiation exposure. Abrasion has been identified as an important modulator in photodegradation by removing UV radiation sheltering surface particles and thereby exposing undegraded film surfaces to UV radiation. However, changes in elasticity and susceptibility to fragmentation into macroplastic residues have not been identified.

Formation of long-range in-plane polarization order in Bi2WO6 thin films

Symmetry breaking gives rise to intriguing physical phenomena, offering emergent concepts for next-generation memory devices. Ferroelectric oxide thin films, as inherently non-centrosymmetric systems, exhibit diverse optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. In this study, we grow bismuth tungsten oxide (Bi2WO6) thin films on various oxide substrates. Piezoresponse force microscopy reveals that Bi2WO6 grown on rhombohedral NdAlO3 (001) substrates adopts a quasi-monodomain configuration, which we attribute to twin-induced local vicinality of the substrate. Raman spectroscopy further uncovers a direct correlation between in-plane domain orientation and phonon modes, with the 305 cm−1 mode specifically linked to the domain direction. These findings establish a pathway for optical detection and dynamic investigation of in-plane domains in Bi2WO6 thin films, highlighting their potential for functional device applications.