Browse Articles

Integrating transparency and privacy in grievance redressal through Hyperledger Fabric with multi-organization support

Inverse CO ₂ ‐C ₂ H ₂ Separation on the Low‐Silica CHA Zeolite Through Cooperative Cation and Gas Molecule Migration Mechanism

Abstract Inverse CO 2 /C 2 H 2 separation is promising for direct C 2 H 2 purification; however, designing cost‐effective and CO 2 ‐selective stable porous materials remains challenging. Herein, by precise Si/Al ratio design and inorganic cation regulation in low‐silica CHA zeolites, we achieve excellent inverse CO 2 /C 2 H 2 separation based on the trapdoor effect via a cooperative cation and gas molecule migration mechanism, distinct from the transient and reversible cation deviation previously reported. The designed K‐CHA exhibits high CO 2 capacity (3.51 mmol g −1 ) and much lower C 2 H 2 uptake (0.62 mmol g −1 ) at 298 K and 1 bar, achieving an ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) selectivity of 4350, outperforming most metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites. Breakthrough experiments confirmed the exceptional one‐step C 2 H 2 purification ability of K‐CHA, yielding a productivity of 662.9 mmol kg −1 . Rietveld refinement located cation positions within CHA. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD) elucidated the separation mechanism that CO 2 interacts more strongly with K‐CHA compared to C 2 H 2 , and the diffusion barrier for CO 2 passing through K⁺‐gated 8‐rings is lower than C 2 H 2 . AIMD further revealed distinct trajectories and synergistic migration of the door‐keeping K + ions and CO 2 /C 2 H 2  molecules during diffusion. This work provides new insights into the trapdoor mechanism, advancing our fundamental understanding.

A cross-sectional survey to explore healthcare providers’ experiences and attitudes toward HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for women in family planning centers of Greater Paris

Despite representing a disproportionately high percentage of new HIV diagnoses in France annually, women who have migrated from Sub-Saharan Africa (WMSSA) remain underserved by HIV prevention strategies, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This study aimed to understand healthcare providers’ experiences and attitudes toward PrEP delivery to WMSSA within family planning centers (FPCs) of the Paris region in France. We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey from February to June 2024 to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of providers in FPCs in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis (SSD) County. The survey link was emailed to FPC providers via their departmental mailing lists. Of the 284 providers who were contacted, 64 completed the survey (response rate of 23%). Respondents were predominantly women (95%), with a median age of 44 (IQR 35–53) and a median of 17.5 (IQR 10–26) years of professional experience. They worked as physicians (44%), midwives (34%), or nurses (22%), primarily in FPCs within SSD County (77%). All providers had heard of PrEP; 42% had already discussed it with a client; 28% reported PrEP prescriptions being offered in their FPC; and 21% had already prescribed it for a woman. Among participants, 42% had received PrEP training, and 53% rated their overall PrEP knowledge as good or very good. About one-third of providers reported feeling uncomfortable discussing or prescribing PrEP to women. The top three barriers to PrEP implementation were the lack of PrEP awareness among clients (32%), inadequate provider training (21%), and the limited number of PrEP prescribers in FPCs (21%). Providers endorsed multiple interventions to increase PrEP delivery, including PrEP training, educational materials, and policy shifts to broaden prescriber roles. FPC providers in Paris and SSD County have limited experience in delivering PrEP to women. Several facilitators were identified to inform PrEP implementation strategies at the provider, client and structural levels.

The application of a three-dimensional gradient spin‒echo sequence (GRASE) in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

Perylene‐Diimide Dimers with Cross Conformations as Cathode Interfacial Layers for High‐Performance and Stable Thin‐Film Solar Cells

Abstract A series of PDI‐based monomers and cross‐coupled copolymers have been reported recently, exhibiting excellent photoelectric performance as cathode interfacial layers (CILs) in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the problems of high crystallinity for monomers and poor batch‐to‐batch repeatability for copolymers are still unresolved, which inspire the probe to the size of PDI‐based materials. Herein, PDI‐based homo‐oligomers, namely single‐bond‐linked perylene‐diimide dimers (S‐di(PDI)s) were designed and synthesized. Compared with PDI monomers, S‐di(PDI)s not only retain the large planar conjugated backbone of PDI subunits, but also exhibit a cross conformation between two PDI blades, which is beneficial for maintaining excellent electron transporting capability while reducing intermolecular excessive aggregation and achieving outstanding optical and thermal stabilities. Among them, the binary devices of D18:L8‐BO fabricated with S‐di(PDI)‐NBr CIL achieve a remarkable PCE of 20.53%, even higher than devices fabricated with copolymer PNDIT‐F3N that is widely used as CIL in state‐of‐the‐art OSC system. Meanwhile, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on S‐di(PDI)‐NBr CIL also achieved an outstanding PCE of 26.53%, much higher than PSCs based on C 60 CIL.

Effects of glycyrrhizin on healing and prevention of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in hamster models

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), a major type of stomatitis, can significantly impair quality of life. The therapeutic and preventive effects of glycyrrhizin (GL), a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, remain unclear due to the lack of appropriate animal models, especially for prevention studies. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic and preventive effects of GL and determine the optimal concentrations using two hamster models (stomatitis-initiation model and stomatitis-healing model) representing the initiation and healing phases of RAS. The effects were evaluated through macroscopic and histological analyses, gene expression profiling in hamster buccal tissues, and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) assays in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human oral keratinocytes. In the stomatitis-healing model, a low concentration of GL (0.0065%) significantly increased the cure rate and histologically reduced the numbers of vessels and lymphocytes. In the stomatitis-initiation model, low concentrations of GL (0.0065% and 0.033%) significantly decreased the edema score and histologically reduced the numbers of vessels and neutrophils, as well as the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 . In contrast, a high concentration of GL (0.33%) showed inferior efficacy compared with low concentrations in both models. Similarly, in LPS-stimulated human oral keratinocytes, low GL concentrations suppressed PGE₂ protein expression, while the highest concentration increased it. These findings show that GL promotes healing and prevents the onset of stomatitis at specific concentrations, underscoring the importance of optimal dosing and supporting the potential clinical application of GL in the management of RAS.

Effect of ZnO on the pozzolanic activity and physico-mechanical properties of modified metakaolin cement mortar composites

Abstract Metakaolin (MK) is commonly added to enhance the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. The pozzolanic activity of MK can be improved by calcining approximately ≈ 1 wt% ZnO with kaolin. However, the role of ZnO in enhancing the pozzolanic activity of MK remains unclear. The aim of this work is to investigate the surface modification of MK caused by ZnO that could enhance the pozzolanic activity of MK. ZnO-modified metakaolin (MMK) was prepared by calcination of kaolin powder (90 μm) with zinc carbonate basic equivalent to 1% by weight of ZnO, at 850 °C, and was analyzed by FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The strength activity index according to ASTM C618, and the physico-chemical properties of blended cement mortars were measured at 28 days. Cement mortar samples were analyzed by FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The XRD and FTIR results of MMK did not detect products of the interaction of ZnO and MK due to the detection limits. The SEM results illustrate the formation of uniform, non-aggregated (MMK) particles. The physico-chemical properties, strength activity index, FTIR, and XRD results of MK blended cement mortars indicated the higher pozzolanic activity of MMK. Whereas the SEM imaging shows the dispersion of cement particles coated with intense honeycomb-like C-S-H without being agglomerated in the case of MMK blended cement mortar. It was concluded that ZnO improves the pozzolanic activity by modifying the surface properties of MK during the calcination process as well as during the hydration process. The proposed mechanisms of surface modification of MK by ZnO were discussed. The addressed mechanism for visualizing the surface chemistry and microstructure of MMK paves the way for future studies on improving the pozzolanic activity of MK and the sustainability of cementitious-pozzolanic compositions.

Terpenoid Synthesis via Convergent Radical Annulation

Abstract The development of a convergent radical annulation strategy for the synthesis of complex terpenoids from sclareolide is disclosed. This approach employs a 1,3‐diradical synthon to enable rapid C‐ring annulation through inter‐ and intramolecular radical couplings, exemplified in the concise syntheses of serratene and cyclodammarane scaffolds from a common intermediate. Key features include a rapid alternating polarity (rAP) Kolbe electrolysis for onoceradiene assembly, a Co‐electrocatalytic metal‐catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) 7‐ endo ‐trig cycloisomerization─the first of its kind─to form the serratene core, and a tandem Fe‐mediated reductive olefin coupling/enolate alkylation cascade─also unprecedented─to forge the [4.3.1] propellane motif of cyclodammaranes with complete diastereocontrol over three contiguous quaternary centers. These routes, completed in 5–9 steps, maximize skeletal bond‐forming efficiency, feature unique radical cascades, and highlight the advantages of radical‐based disconnections in terpenoid synthesis.

Correlation between self-regulatory fatigue and physical activity in lung cancer patients undergoing comprehensive treatment

Background Self-regulated fatigue is often assessed in studies of chronic diseases. Research is needed on the self-regulation of fatigue and physical activity in lung cancer patients undergoing treatment, and the impact of these factors on this population. Objective The goal of this study is to investigate the current status, influencing factors, and correlation between self-regulatory fatigue and physical activity in lung cancer patients undergoing comprehensive treatment. Methods We used a convenience sampling method to enroll 188 lung cancer patients admitted to two tertiary hospitals in Chengdu from October 2024 to April 2025. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and two scales: the Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale (SRF-S) and The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form (IPAQ-L). Results The mean self-regulatory fatigue score was 42.19 ± 9.06. The total metabolic equivalent (MET) of physical activity was 544.00 (0.00, 1386.00) MET-min/week, with leisure-time activity accounting for 429.00 (0.00, 1188.00) MET-min/week (data presented as median and interquartile range). Significant negative correlations were observed between Self-Regulatory Fatigue total scores and energy expenditure from housework, leisure activities, as well as total physical activity expenditure. Furthermore, self-regulatory fatigue was negatively correlated with both moderate-intensity and low-intensity physical activity, but positively correlated with high-intensity physical activity ( P  < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis identified gender, physical activity intensity, and pre-diagnosis exercise habits as significant independent influencing factors of self-regulatory fatigue in these patients ( P  < 0.05), collectively explaining 30.6% of the total variance ( R²  = 0.306). Conclusion Engaging in appropriate leisure and household activities at moderate-to-low intensity may help alleviate the severity of self-regulatory fatigue in lung cancer patients undergoing comprehensive treatment. Healthcare providers should encourage appropriate activity to reduce the psychological burden and conserve self-regulatory resources.

AI–assisted multimodal assessment for right ventricular function from echocardiography predicts mortality in patients with pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure

Electron‐Trap Induced “Hot” Microenvironment Boosting Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

Abstract Plasmonic photocatalysis aims to develop a highly reactive surface enriched with hot carriers to enable challenging chemical processes, including high‐energy‐barrier nitrogen reduction reactions. In traditional plasmonic photocatalysis, hot carriers often undergo rapid thermalization, leading to suboptimal catalytic efficiency. Moreover, the role of hot carriers in surface reactions is often complex and frequently overlooked. Here, we designed a photocatalyst through loading Au nanoparticles on Mo‐doped W 18 O 49 nanorods (Au‐MWO‐S) to achieve efficient nitrogen reduction to produce ammonia, with a formation rate reaching 571.0 µmol h −1 g −1 and solar‐to‐ammonia (STA) conversion efficiency up to 0.28%. It was revealed through in situ experiments and theoretical simulations that the shallow energy‐level defects in MWO‐S act as electron traps to rapidly capture, store, and release hot electrons, which greatly reduces the thermalization of hot electrons. At the same time, the local electromagnetic field of MWO‐S was enhanced, creating a high‐activity “hot” microenvironment on the surface of the photocatalyst. This, in turn, increased the occupancy of electrons in the anti‐bonding orbitals of N 2 , significantly promoting photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (pNRR). This work unveils the mechanism of hot carrier participation in surface reactions, inspiring the development of catalytic systems with hot‐electron‐active surfaces.

Integrative GC-MS, network pharmacology, and molecular dynamics elucidate synergistic anti-diabetic mechanisms of Chongqing Citrus reticulata ‘Dahongpao’ volatile oil via multi-target stabilization

Background Diabetes mellitus involves complex pathogenesis requiring multi-target interventions. Citrus reticulata ‘Dahongpao’ from Chongqing exhibits anti-diabetic potential, but its mechanisms remain elusive. Methods We employed an integrative strategy: GC-MS identified 82 compounds (96.61% coverage), dominated by D -limonene (62.48%). Network pharmacology revealed 36 diabetes-related targets. Molecular docking prioritized ligands (thymol: −6.8 kcal/mol with FABP1; n-hexadecanoic acid: −6.7 kcal/mol with PTGS2). Critical validation was achieved via 100-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations. Results MD simulations demonstrated structural stability (RMSD < 2.5 Å) for core complexes (e.g., CYP19A1/thymol). MM-GBSA quantified robust binding for FABP1/dodecanoic acid (−43.26 kcal/mol) and PTGS2/n-hexadecanoic acid (−43.93 kcal/mol), driven by van der Waals forces. Hydrogen bond dynamics revealed persistent interactions (e.g., thymol–THR102 in FABP1), while RMSF highlighted ligand-induced flexibility in fatty acids. Pathway analysis implicated PPAR signaling and insulin resistance. Conclusion Citrus reticulata ‘Dahongpao’ essential oil combats diabetes through synergistic multi-target modulation, validated by dynamic ligand–protein stability and energetics. This study presents an in silico framework that integrates phytochemical profiling and computational analyses to facilitate natural product drug discovery.

Photodissociation and electron-collision induced dissociation of C5H2F10 using photoelectron–photoion coincidence spectroscopy and quantum chemistry

Stereodivergent Construction of Spiropyrrolidine‐ <i>γ</i> ‐Butyrolactones Enabled by Cu/Ru Sequential Catalysis and Stereoselective Reduction

Abstract The stereodivergent synthesis of spiroheterocycles bearing multiple stereocenters is a pivotal yet challenging frontier in asymmetric catalysis, particularly for rigid scaffolds integrating pharmacophoric pyrrolidine and γ‐butyrolactone motifs with structural complexity and saturation. While the strategy of synergistic dual catalysis has advanced the stereodivergent construction of vicinal stereocenters, the precise control of 1,3‐nonadjacent stereocenters in spirocyclic architectures remains underdeveloped. Herein, we report a bimetallic Cu/Ru sequential catalytic platform enabling stereodivergent access to spiropyrrolidine‐γ‐butyrolactones with three skipped stereocenters. By orchestrally integrating Cu‐catalyzed asymmetric alkylation with Ru‐mediated tandem asymmetric transfer hydrogenation/lactonization, this one‐pot protocol achieves independent stereochemical control over two successively formed 1,3‐stereocenters through sequential catalytic cycles. A stereoselective imine reduction further installs the third stereocenter with exceptional diastereoselectivity, completing the three‐dimensional chiral architectures that were otherwise inaccessible. Control experiments validate the sequential catalytic pathway and reveal the essential role of Cs 2 CO 3 in facilitating lactonization.

Jingfang granules inhibiting LPS-induced acute lung injury via regulating linoleic acid and arachidonic acid metabolism pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe clinical syndrome with high mortality. Jingfang Granules (JFG), a modern formulation of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound Jingfang Baidu Powder, has been widely used to treat ALI. However, its protective effects and underlying mechanisms in ALI remain poorly understood. This study is based on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rat model, which was intervened with low, medium, and high dose of JFG. We carried out metabolomic analysis and identified 12 blood metabolites, the levels of core metabolites were regulated under JFG intervention, including L-Carnitine, Citric acid, Taurocholic acid, Arachidonic acid (AA), and Linoleic Acid (LA). Besides blood metabolites, 11 urine metabolites were also callback under JFG intervention, including Valine, Citric acid, L-Phenyalalanine, and Leukotriene B4, mainly involving the LA metabolism, AA metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis. Comprehensive analysis shows that the restored enrichment pathways are mainly concentrated in inflammatory response, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. These findings reveal the potential mechanism of JFG in LPS-induced ALI, and its pathway nodes facilitate rapid translation from laboratory to clinical applications.

Fine particulate matter exacerbates childhood asthma via DNMT3A-mediated modulation of GPX4 DNA methylation

Rhodium(III)‐Nitroxyl Radical Complex Triggers Dual‐Pronged Disulfidptosis‐Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Metabolic Sabotage and Redox Catalysis

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resists apoptosis‐targeting therapies, necessitating the development of agents targeting alternative cell death pathways. Here, we report the discovery of a nitroxyl radical‐conjugated Rh(III) complex ( OG‐Rh ) that triggers dual disulfidptosis and apoptosis via synergistic metabolic sabotage and redox catalysis. OG‐Rh inhibited glucose uptake, depleted NADPH, and induced disulfidptosis, a novel disulfide‐stress‐mediated death, by inducing actin cytoskeleton collapse via pathogenic disulfide over‐crosslinking. Simultaneously, its tumor‐selective superoxide dismutase/peroxidase (SOD)/(POD) mimetic activity converted endogenous O 2 • − and H 2 O 2 into •OH, resulting in redox attacks that suppressed AP‐1 via Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK)‐SIRT1 and amplified disulfide stress. This dual pathway mechanism overcomes apoptosis resistance and catalytic therapy limitations. In vitro, OG‐Rh showed potent cytotoxicity (IC 50  = 1.0 µM in BEL‐7402 cells) and selectivity (&gt;10‐fold versus normal cells). In vivo, it suppressed tumor growth by 60.9% without systemic toxicity. This work pioneered a strategy via “metabolic sabotage‐redox storm” achieved by a small‐molecule metallodrug, offering a paradigm‐shifting approach against refractory HCC.

Prevalence and predictors of preconception medical and behavioral risks among soon-to-be married couples: A quantitative cross-sectional survey in Rwanda

Background Maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortality remain a global public health concern. Although preconception risk assessment has been found to enhance maternal, fetal, neonatal, and child health outcomes, few studies have explored preconception risks among premarital couples. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of preconception medical and behavioral risks among soon-to-be-married couples. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey of 623 couples attending prenuptial meetings in rural and urban settings (churches and sector offices) was conducted from May to June 2024 using multistage cluster and purposive sampling. Data in the form of self-reported information were collected via structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 29, was used to analyze the data. Results Most participants (64%) were aged 21–30, with 81.5% from rural areas. Nearly half (49.3%) were classified as high-risk. Common medical risks included mental stress (46%), underweight (21.7%), use of teratogenic medications (16.1%), diabetes (12.5%), and hypertension (9.9%). Over 90% had never been screened for syphilis, hepatitis, anemia, or taken folic acid. Behavioral risks included inadequate nutrition (41%), heavy alcohol use (29%), use of non-prescribed/herbal medications, exposure to hazardous environments (20%), and inadequate physical activity. Males (OR = 1.28, p = .033) and urban residents (OR = 1.37, p = .011) had higher odds of risk. Shorter time until marriage was linked to increased risks (OR = 0.59, p &lt; .001), while awareness of preconception care (OR = 0.09, p = .023) and medium-to-high income (OR = 0.79, p = .042) were associated with reduced risk. Conclusion The overall prevalence of preconception risks among engaged couples was found to be high, indicating a need for targeted clinical and educational interventions for early prevention and management.

DrugBank mining with machine learning reveals novel candidates for BCL-2 inhibition

The Histidine Kinase VraS Interacts with Vancomycin and Penicillins Through its Membrane‐Anchored N‐terminal Domain

Abstract Multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) is a major global health threat, with the VraTSR three‐component system playing a key role in conferring resistance to cell‐wall active antibiotics, through regulation of the cell wall stress stimulon. The molecular signals sensed by VraTSR remain unknown. We investigated interactions of the membrane histidine kinase VraS with β‐lactams and glycopeptides. Photo‐crosslinking assays with a vancomycin‐derived and an ampicillin‐derived photoprobe revealed direct interaction of these two classes of antibiotics with full‐length VraS. Saturation transfer difference (STD) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance experiments confirmed vancomycin, ampicillin and penicillin G binding to VraS, with the involvement of aryl protons from the antibiotics. STD NMR assays with truncated versions of VraS demonstrated that ampicillin and vancomycin bind to the membrane‐anchored N‐terminal region of VraS. In contrast, assays with membrane vesicles expressing only VraT or co‐expressing VraS/VraT did not show covalent adduct formation between VraT and the vancomycin‐derived photoprobe. VraS p‐azido‐L‐phenylalanine mutants demonstrated participation of the extracellular loop of VraS in β‐lactam binding. These results demonstrate that vancomycin and penicillins directly interact with VraS, an interaction that could be involved in activation of the cell wall stress stimulon and the mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance.