Browse Articles

Metabolic and molecular evaluation of Moringa oleifera-supplemented ketogenic meal replacement in healthy C57BL/6 mice

Abstract Ketogenic diets, which are high in fat, hold therapeutic promises in obesity and type 2 diabetes and are to be carefully studied in their early stages on healthy mouse models. This study evaluated the physiological, biochemical, histological, and genetic impacts of a Moringa oleifera –supplemented ketogenic meal replacement (KMR) compared with a commercial non-ketogenic meal replacement (CMR) and standard chow in female C57BL/6J mice ( n  = 8/group) over 20 weeks. Despite similar caloric intake, KMR-fed mice exhibited ~ 30% lower weight gain than both control and CMR groups, highlighting the role of macronutrient composition over energy content. Insulin sensitivity was preserved across groups, with KMR maintaining fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR < 0.4. KMR promoted favorable lipid remodeling, including elevated HDL cholesterol (128 ± 6 mg/dL), reduced LDL cholesterol (25 ± 2 mg/dL), and the lowest non-HDL cholesterol, yielding the most favorable HDL: LDL ratio. Liver enzyme analysis revealed hepatoprotective effects in KMR, contrasting with elevated ALT and AST in CMR. Renal biomarkers and the histological observations indicated mild disorder in kidney functions across CMR and KMR groups. At the molecular level, KMR upregulated ketogenesis genes ( Hmgcs2 , Bdh1 ), mitochondrial regulators ( Sirt3 , Fgf21 ), and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 . Conversely, CMR downregulated Bdh1 , Fgf21 , and IL10 while exerting negligible or nonsignificant effects on Hmgcs2 and Sirt3 . Collectively, KMR attenuated weight gain and improved lipid metabolism maintaining insulin and blood glucose levels. This supports its effective dietary management for type 2 diabetes. However, given the observed histological changes, further long-term studies are recommended to confirm the safety of the ketogenic diet on organ tissues.

Circularly Polarized MR‐TADF Emitters with an Asymmetric Spiro‐Carbon‐Locking Architecture for Concentration‐Quenching‐Resistant Narrowband Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence

Abstract Highly efficient circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emitters with narrowband emission are promising for ultra‐high‐definition (UHD) and three‐dimensional (3D) displays. Herein, we put forward an “asymmetric spiro‐carbon‐locking architecture” strategy to construct chiral multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters. Two pairs of enantiomers, ( R / S )‐ BN‐FLCz and ( R / S )‐ BN‐FLTPA , are successfully achieved, which show high photoluminescence quantum yields exceeding 95%, narrow full‐width at half‐maximums (FWHMs) of 24–26 nm (0.11–0.12 eV) and 26–27 nm (0.12 eV) in films over a wide range of dopant concentrations (1–30 wt%), and obvious mirror‐image CPL properties in both solution and film states. As a result, the sensitizer‐free organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on BN‐FLCz and BN‐FLTPA exhibit pure green emission with the FWHMs of 26 nm (0.12 eV) and 27 nm (0.13 eV), Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.16, 0.72) and (0.18, 0.73), and the record‐breaking maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQE max s) of 37.9% and 39.8%, respectively. Even at the high doping concentration of 30 wt%, the EQE max s for BN‐FLCz and BN‐FLTPA remain at 35.5% and 36.6% without sacrificing the color fidelity. Furthermore, the circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) with ( R / S )‐ BN‐FLCz and ( R / S )‐ BN‐FLTPA displayed clear circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL) signals with electroluminescence dissymmetry factors ( g EL ) of +0.85/−1.19 × 10 −3 and +0.84/−1.22 × 10 −3 , respectively.

Rheological and mechanical performance of sustainable LC3 concrete modified with nano-silica and rubber latex

Abstract Alternative sustainable and environmentally friendly cement-based materials are now possible because of substantial advancements in concrete technology. In building engineering, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have gained popularity and promise as partial binder substitution in recent decades. This study examines the production of a new eco-friendly LC3 concrete (lower cement clinker concentration and CO 2 footprint) by substituting nano silica for calcined clay. Surkhi has been used as a calcined clay in the present LC3 concrete and replaced by nano-silica at 2%, 4%, and 6% by weight. A new water replacement material has been introduced as rubber latex, which has helped to reduce the porosity of concrete. Rubber latex has replaced the water at 2% and 5%. Eight new mixes are prepared from which seven mixes are engineered LC3 concrete and one mix belongs to traditional OPC concrete of M40 grade. Several laboratory tests such as rheology, volumetric shrinkage, FTIR, TGA, compressive strength, and split tensile strength are carried out on the above-mentioned mixes of LC3 concrete and compared with the test results of traditional OPC concrete. However engineered LC3 concrete enhanced the workability by showing lower values of static yield stress, structural built-up rate and thixotropic energy as compared to traditional OPC concrete. Introducing rubber latex in LC3 concrete, the workability increases due to the production of similar charges around the cementitious materials which are repulsive. Losing the plasticity of rubber latex the voids of concrete have been filled by solid materials and correspondingly reduce the voids and shrinkage. The volumetric shrinkage was reduced by up to 84%, and compressive strength improved by 15.6% at 90 days compared to OPC concrete. Rheological tests using an eBT2 rheometer and shrinkage tests using laser measurement were performed. The mechanical and microstructural qualities of LC3 concrete have improved due to partial substitution of water with rubber latex and increased the packing density due to the partial substitution of nano-silica for surkhi.

Unlocking Durable and Efficient Nitrate‐to‐Ammonia Electrocatalysis via Interface‐Stabilized Trivalent Cobalt

Abstract Although cobalt‐based materials are promising catalysts for electrochemical nitrate‐to‐ammonia reduction, achieving stable operation at high current densities remains challenging due to significant overpotential issues. To address this, we engineered a CoOOH/(Co x Sn 1‐ x ) 3 O 4 assembly to stabilize low‐spin Co 3+ ( t 2 g 6 e g 0 ) active centers, enabling highly durable performance under high current density operation. Sn doping in the underlying (Co x Sn 1‐ x ) 3 O 4 strengthens the stability of Co 3+ within the CoOOH catalytic layer by inducing an interfacial electric field at the CoOOH/(Co x Sn 1‐ x ) 3 O 4 junction. This field promotes electron transfer from Co 3+ species in CoOOH to (Co x Sn 1‐ x ) 3 O 4 , thereby stabilizing the critical Co 3+ active centers during high‐current operation. The enhanced interfacial electric field arises from the higher electronegativity of Sn 4+ (1.706) compared to Co 3+ (1.693). Consequently, the CoOOH/(Co x Sn 1‐ x ) 3 O 4 catalyst achieves a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 96.7% for NH 4 + generation at −0.3 V versus RHE (110 mA cm −2 ) and demonstrates exceptional long‐term stability for 1000 h at 100 mA cm −2 . This work demonstrates that creating an interface electric field is an efficient strategy to stabilize electroreduction active centers at high currents.

Efficient solvent-free amide synthesis via Ritter reaction catalyzed by a reusable Fe3O4/g-C3N4/ NTMPA nanocomposite

Volumetric additive manufacturing of complex geometries around complex inserts

Assessment of thyroid iodine accumulation following repeated iodinated contrast media administration using dual-energy computed tomography in a rabbit model

Urine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combined with machine learning algorithm in the diagnosis of gallstones with cholecystitis

Strain‐Release Induced 1,2‐Metallate Rearrangement of Geminal Diborons: Multicomponent 1,5‐Difunctionalization via Ring‐Opening Coupling

Abstract 1,2‐metallate rearrangement of geminal diboryl alkanes typically requires an α‐leaving group and results in monofunctionalization at the proximal carbon. We present a strategy to engage non‐terminal geminal diborons in 1,2‐boronate shift via ring‐opening of strained vinyl cyclopropyl diborons (VCPDBs). This multicomponent reaction enabled proximal and remote 1,5‐difunctionalization yielding densely functionalized homoallylic diboryl alkanes featuring allylic halide or branched 1,5‐diene motifs which are components of bioactive natural products. The VCPDB reaction displayed polarity inversion relative to majority of the previous VCP ring‐opening reactions. The protocol showed broad substrate scope, providing alkenyl products with high E ‐stereoselectivity, and their downstream synthetic utility was also demonstrated. Employing a chiral ligand in the allylation preserved the reaction efficiency while indicating enantioenrichment in the ring‐opening coupling. 11 B NMR studies indicated the involvement of “ate‐complex” and the role of trans ‐orientation of vinyl and boronate groups to facilitate ring opening. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first examples of strain‐release induced 1,2‐metallate rearrangement on geminal diborons and Ir catalyzed multicomponent allylation of organoborons beyond 1,2 or 1,3‐addition.

Synergistic Interplay of Ni Single Atoms and Neighboring Mn ₂ Dual Atoms Enabling Selective Photocatalytic Reduction of CO ₂ to Propane

Abstract The photocatalytic conversion of CO 2 and H 2 O into long carbon chain products (C n , n ≥ 3) presents a sustainable strategy for synthesizing high‐value fuels and chemicals. However, the synthesis of long carbon chain products under mild conditions still faces great challenges, largely due to sluggish multi‐electron/proton transfer kinetics and the thermodynamically unfavorable C 1 –C 1 and C 1 –C 2 coupling processes. In this study, we developed tri‐metal active sites composed of Ni single atoms and Mn 2 dual atoms anchored on NH 2 ‐MIL‐125(Ti) (Ni 1 /Mn 2 ‐MIL) for synergistic photocatalytic C 3 H 8 production. The synthesized Ni 1 /Mn 2 ‐MIL catalyst achieved efficient CO 2 photoreduction (CO 2 PR) in pure water, yielding 32.2 µmol g −1 h −1 of C 3 H 8 with 81.3% electron‐based selectivity, significantly outperforming Ni 1 ‐MIL and Mn 2 ‐MIL. Remarkably, the catalyst exhibited exceptional stability over 50 cycles without degradation. Integrated experimental and theoretical investigations revealed that the Ni 1 site activates CO 2 to form CO, while the adjacent Mn 2 site promotes the formation of *COCHO intermediates. Strong electronic interactions between Ni 1 and Mn 2 create charge‐polarized active sites, which mitigate electrostatic repulsion between C 1 and C 2 intermediates, thereby promoting C–C coupling and subsequent formation of the *CH 2 OCOCO intermediates. Consequently, both the selectivity and catalytic efficiency toward C 3 H 8 production are significantly enhanced.

Effects of 12-week aquatic HIIT on blood pressure lipid profile and BaPWV in postmenopausal women with different ACE genotypes

Abstract The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism influences renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity and may modulate cardiovascular adaptations to exercise. Yet, evidence regarding genotype-dependent responses to aquatic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in postmenopausal women is limited. We aimed to compare the effects of 12-week aquatic HIIT on blood pressure, lipid profile, and arterial stiffness between postmenopausal women with the ACE II genotype and those carrying at least one D allele (ID/DD genotype). Sixty postmenopausal women aged 45–75 years were recruited, with ten participants voluntarily withdrawing from the study and three lost to follow-up. A total of 47 participants completed the intervention (21.7% attrition). Participants were stratified into ACE II (n = 25, 59.0 ± 5.52 years) and ID/DD (n = 22, 57.4 ± 7.52 years) genotype groups. Participants performed a 12-week aquatic HIIT program, with three 40-minute sessions per week. Each session consisted of a 6-minute warm-up, 30 min of main training (involving strength and jumping exercises), and a 4-minute cool-down. key cardiovascular outcomes were measured at pre- and post-intervention. Following a 12-week aquatic HIIT program, no significant differences were observed in post-intervention systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), or mean arterial pressure (MAP) between the II and ID/DD groups (all p > 0.05). While no significant between-group differences were found in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) on either side (p = 0.058, 0.086), a greater magnitude of change in baPWV values was observed in the ID/DD group. Within-group analyses revealed that the II group exhibited significant reductions in SBP, DBP, MAP, and baPWV(right) (p = 0.023, 0.041, 0.020, 0.019), whereas the ID/DD group showed significant increases in baPWV (right/left, p = 0.013, 0.002). Post-intervention TG levels were significantly lower in the ID/DD group compared to the II group (p = 0.000), with a non-significant trend toward higher HDL-C levels (p = 0.053). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in lipid profiles, characterized by increased HDL-C and decreased LDL-C (p < 0.05). The aquatic HIIT program significantly improved blood lipids in postmenopausal women, yet no significant ACE genotype-specific effects were observed on blood pressure or arterial stiffness. While the II group exhibited favorable reductions in blood pressure, the ID/DD group showed increased arterial stiffness, suggesting potential vascular risks and underscoring the need for monitoring during exercise. Trial registration : ChiCTR2400087544 (July 30, 2024).

Boosting Cancer Chemoimmunotherapy with Mitochondria‐Targeting Iridium(III)‐Based Immunogenic Oncosis Inducers

Abstract Most clinically used chemotherapeutic agents act by inducing apoptosis. However, their clinical effectiveness is often limited by poor therapeutic efficacy and the rapid development of drug resistance. In contrast, oncosis, as an inflammatory form of cell death independent of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and apoptotic pathways, exhibits unique advantages in overcoming tumor drug resistance and regulating anti‐tumor immune responses. Herein, we present the first iridium(III)‐based immunogenic oncosis inducers designed to concurrently induce oncosis and activate the cGAS–STING pathway, thereby bridging chemotherapy with immunotherapy. Through a bioisosteric design strategy, we identified benzoselenazole and benzothiazole derivatives as key pharmacophores for triggering oncosis. These iridium(III)‐based oncosis‐inducers rapidly disrupt mitochondrial architecture, induce oxidative stress, and promote Ca(II) release, which subsequently activate calpain and porimin to initiate oncosis in multidrug‐resistant cancer cells. Transcriptomic profiling further revealed their ability to regulate actin cytoskeleton organization, modulate ABC transporter activity, and affect glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Notably, the metal complexes induce mitochondrial swelling and mt‐DNA damage, leading to robust activation of the cGAS–STING innate immune pathway and eliciting a strong anticancer immune response. Based on these multimodal mechanisms, the Ir(III)‐based immunogenic oncosis inducers were able to effectively kill drug‐resistant cancer cells and enhance the anticancer immune response in tumor mouse models.

Remote sensing assessment of vegetation and moisture dynamics in semi-arid regions

Aqueous and Surfactant‐Free Synthesis of Nanoscale Covalent Organic Frameworks

Abstract The synthesis of nanosized covalent organic frameworks (nanoCOFs) with good dispersibility is vital for optical and optoelectronic applications. However, conventional methods rely on surfactants and organic solvents, limiting scalability and water compatibility. Here, we report a facile, scalable, and surfactant‐free strategy to synthesize imine‐linked nanoCOFs incorporating porphyrin units in aqueous acetic acid. By tuning monomer and catalyst concentrations, we modulated polymerization kinetics to obtain highly crystalline nanoCOFs with controlled sizes (∼50 nm–5 µm), tunable morphologies (nanocubes, nanorods, nanofibers), and good dispersibility. Protonation of porphyrin units during synthesis introduced surface charges, preventing aggregation and enabling excellent water dispersibility. The nanoCOFs exhibited strong and broad light absorption along with high colloidal stability. A proof‐of‐concept study demonstrated their remarkable photocatalytic activity for oxidative coupling of benzylamines in water, even at an ultra‐low loading (0.0074 mol%). This sustainable approach offers a versatile route to high‐performance nanoCOFs, advancing COF‐based photocatalysis and fundamental studies of their photophysical properties.

Lipid metabolism and gallstone disease risk: a multicenter study

An interactive cascaded deep learning framework with expert refinement for accurate striatal subregion segmentation

Translational assessment of butyrylcholinesterase activity as a diagnostic biomarker for depression using a chemiluminescent probe

Osteoporosis and cardiac remodeling in middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study

Giant Cycloparaphenylene‐Scaffolded Porphyrins as Photocatalysts

Abstract The efficient synthesis of cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) with the designated functional groups still remains challenging. Meanwhile, the applications of functional CPPs have received increasing attention. In this paper, we first present a staged macrocyclization and TMS‐I exchange strategy for the precise synthesis of [12]CPP‐8I, while a direct three‐fold macrocyclization of a diiodo‐terphenyl precursor yields [9]CPP‐6I in 39% yield. These results not only provide reliable routes to iodinated CPPs, but also reveal the influence of ring size on their chemical reactivity. Second, we further synthesized the giant porphyrin‐CPP conjugates [12]CPP‐8 t Bu 3 TPP and [9]CPP‐6 t Bu 3 TPP from the respective iodinated precursors via Suzuki coupling with the porphyrin boronic ester. The unique 3D structure of the CPP scaffold can weaken intermolecular π–π stacking and favor the intermolecular loose packing of porphyrin units, ushering in generating 1 O 2 and O 2 ·− with high efficiency under light irradiation in DMF. Third, the giant porphyrin‐CPP conjugates, in particular [9]CPP‐6 t Bu 3 TPP, were demonstrated to be efficient photocatalysts for the photochemical reaction between tertiary aniline and maleimide with high yield and wide substrate scope, significantly outperforming porphyrins and other benchmark catalysts reported previously. Furthermore, the utility of [9]CPP‐6 t Bu 3 TPP as the photocatalyst for developing photoinduced polymerization was explored.

Graphene-enhanced non-Hermitian Thue–Morse metamaterial sensor exploiting exceptional point for cancer biomarker detection