Browse Articles

Discovery and characterization of an enantioselective family VIII esterase from effluent treatment plant sludge metagenome

Inhibition of scheggia/SLC25A1 citrate transporter alleviates XPD deficits

Self‐Stabilized Heterometallic Pair Sites for Selective Ethanol Dehydrogenation on Pt–Cr–Ag Alloy Catalysts

Abstract Self‐stabilized, heterometallic pair‐sites can enable fine‐tuning of catalytic functionality while also mitigating dynamic structural changes that degrade catalytic performance. This study demonstrates the development and characterization of trimetallic Pt x Cr x Ag 1‐2x ( x ≤ 0.1) alloys with active Pt–Cr pair‐ensembles for non‐oxidative ethanol dehydrogenation, leveraging predictions that favorable bonding stabilizes Pt–Cr pairs diluted in Ag. Operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy confirms the preferential formation and stability of Pt–Cr pairings dispersed throughout the Ag matrix, and ambient‐pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that Pt–Cr sites have significant activity for ethanol dehydrogenation, while suppressing reaction processes that deactivate binary Pt–Ag and Cr–Ag alloys. This work demonstrates that stabilizing heterometallic pair sites within trimetallic alloys provides a new avenue for designing catalysts with discrete active sites that are durable and highly selective.

Identification and characterization of GHR gene promoter of yak

NERHF: a hybrid machine learning-driven efficient credit risk control framework

Reactive Oxygen Species‐Responsive Biomimetic Nanoplatelets for Thrombus‐Mediated Photothermal Immunotherapy of Tumor

Abstract One of the biggest advantages of photothermal therapy (PTT) as a compelling cancer treatment is its spatiotemporal nature. However, there are still significant challenges in completely eradicating tumors through PTT due to the unclear boundary between tumor and normal tissues. Here, we present a tumor vascular disruption strategy that leverages photothermally induced hemorrhage to enhance therapeutic efficacy through thrombosis‐driven intensive PTT and peripheral tumor vascular embolization. A biomimetic nanoplatelet (PPIE@P), reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive nanogel scaffold loading with indocyanine green (ICG) and the coagulant etamsylate with platelet membrane camouflage, is developed. Upon near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, ICG‐generated ROS trigger precise disintegration of PPIE@P, releasing the coagulant while producing hyperthermia that induces vascular injury and hemorrhage. This process activates the coagulation cascade and recruits additional nanoplatelets to the hemorrhagic tumor site. Subsequently, the penetrating ICG and coagulant‐accelerated blood clots enable intense hyperthermia during a second photoirradiation, whereas embolization of peripheral tumor‐associated vessels contributes to complete tumor eradication. Notably, this antiangiogenic PTT strategy also elicits a potent systematic immune response by promoting dendritic cell maturation and effector T‐cell infiltration. Overall, this work introduces a thrombus‐augmented PTT paradigm with strong potential for future clinical translation.

Long-read genome sequencing resolves the breakpoints of a chromosome 8;22 balanced translocation in NF2-related schwannomatosis

CRISPR-based therapeutic genome editing for inherited blood disorders  

Transcriptomic exploration of key genes related to mitochondria and ferroptosis in inflammatory bowel disease and experimental validation

Detecting mangrove seedlings from UAV imagery using deep learning for restoration monitoring

Automated cervix biometry, volumetry and normative models for 3D motion-corrected T2-weighted 0.55-3T fetal MRI during 2nd and 3rd trimesters

Abstract Fetal MRI provides superior tissue contrast and true 3D spatial information however there is only a limited number of MRI studies investigating cervix during pregnancy 1–3 . Furthermore, there are no clearly formalised protocols or automated methods for MRI cervical measurements. This work introduces the first deep learning pipeline for automated multi-layer segmentation and biometry for 3D T2w reconstructed images of the pregnant cervix. Evaluation on 20 datasets from 0.55T and 3T acquisitions showed good performance in comparison to manual measurements. This solution could potentially minimise the need for manual editing, significantly reduce analysis time and address inter- and intra-observer bias. Next, we used the pipeline to process 270 normal term cases from 16 to 40 weeks gestational age (GA) range. The inlet diameter and length showed the strongest correlation with GA which is in agreement with the gradual remodeling and softening of the cervix prior to birth. We also generated 3D population-averaged MRI atlases of the cervix that are publicly available online.

Artificial Intelligence-based fine-tuning model for fall activity recognition in disabled persons within an IoT environment

High‐Throughput Electron Transfer in Inorganic–Organic Interfacial Electric Field Enabling Selective CO ₂ Photoreduction

Abstract The efficiency of photocatalytic CO 2 reduction has long been limited by the competing H 2 evolution reaction. In this study, we present an innovative strategy for boosting high‐throughput electron transfer to suppress H 2 evolution, thereby enhancing CO 2 reduction. By employing CdS and cobalt bipyridine as a model, we engineered the surface of CdS to create an electric field at the inorganic–organic interface. Through in situ and transient spectroscopy techniques, we discovered that CdS functionalized with ─COOH groups demonstrates remarkable noncovalent interactions and improved charge transfer capabilities compared to those functionalized with ─NH 2 groups. The fast delivery of electrons on cobalt bipyridine facilitates the adsorbed CO 2 to participate in the proton‐electron coupling reaction, rather than allowing adsorbed protons to accept electrons directly. Consequently, the established CdS‐COOH/Co(II)‐bpy system achieved a CO production rate of 2.523 mmol g −1 h −1 with a selectivity of 96.3%. This research presents an approach for creating efficient charge transport interfaces and provides a comprehensive strategy for designing high‐performance photocatalytic CO 2 reduction systems that effectively counteract the challenges posed by competing H 2 evolution reactions.

Diversity and functional traits of the flower stigma microbiome in heterotrophic and autotrophic plants: Phelipanche ramosa vs. its host Nicotiana tabacum

Sentinel-Net for anomaly events detection of meteorological stations monitoring

Improved thermal behavior of polypropylene polymer loaded with bulk and nanoscale Bi2O3/CuO composite

Abstract This study investigates the structural, vibrational, morphological, and optical properties of bulk and nanoscale Bi 2 O 3 and CuO oxides and their composite, which were prepared via high-speed ball milling at different times (20, 40, 60, and 80 min). According to X-ray diffraction analysis, Bi 2 O 3 and CuO preserved their monoclinic crystal structures. However, the increase in milling time resulted in peak broadening, smaller crystallite sizes, and higher microstrain. FTIR revealed consistent Bi–O and Cu–O vibrational modes, with slight shifts to higher wavenumbers as crystallite sizes decreased. PL investigations revealed a significant quenching effect with prolonged milling, which was attributed to an increase in oxygen vacancies and structural defects, leading to enhanced related emissions. The EDX verified the elemental compositions, and SEM micrographs demonstrated how increasing milling time transformed the bulk agglomerates into finer and more uniform nanoparticles. In both bulk and nanocomposites, the 70 wt.% Bi 2 O 3 and 30 wt.% CuO combination displayed encouraging optical characteristics, indicating potential for usage in optoelectronic devices. The effect of bulk and nanofillers on the thermal and structural properties of polypropylene (PP) composites is also studied in this research. According to thermogravimetric analysis studies, the resistance to heat degradation significantly improves with an increase in filler content. The highest bulk (B20) and nanofiller (N20) composites had commencing breakdown temperatures (T 5% ) of 381 °C and 387 °C, respectively, compared to 324 °C for pure PP. Due to improved filler dispersion and interfacial contact, nanocomposites exhibited advanced thermal barrier performance with higher activation energies and a more consistent and regulated degradation profile. Particularly in nanocomposites, DSC data showed a little change in the melting onset and peak temperatures along with an increase in the degree of crystallinity and enthalpy of fusion. The outcomes demonstrate that although both types of fillers enhance thermal behavior, nanofillers provide better improvements due to their greater surface area and stronger interfacial effects. Incorporating nanoscale fillers into polymer nanocomposites is crucial for improving thermal stability, heat resistance, and crystallinity because they facilitate efficient heat transfer and function as powerful nucleating agents inside the polymer matrix.

Biochar from invasive weeds for enhanced removal of organic pollutants and pathogens from municipal wastewater

Immunological risk factors for recurrent implantation failure using a deep learning model: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Materials Innovation and the Changing Face of Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction Research: From Metal Nanoclusters to Extended Frameworks

Abstract The accelerating rise in atmospheric CO 2 levels, driven by anthropogenic emissions, underscores the urgent need for transformative carbon management strategies. Photocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction reactions (CO 2 RRs) offer a promising route to valorize CO 2 into energy‐rich fuels and chemical feedstocks, yet the intrinsic thermodynamic and kinetic barriers necessitate catalysts that combine high activity, selectivity, and durability. Recent breakthroughs in materials chemistry have spotlighted two emerging material classes—atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) and extended reticular frameworks such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs)—as frontiers for next‐generation CO 2 RR catalysts. Both systems offer unparalleled opportunities to engineer active sites at the atomic and molecular levels, enabling precise modulation of local environments, electronic structures, and substrate interactions. This review brings these two materials paradigms under a common vision of precision‐controlled catalysis, highlighting how innovations in cluster size, framework topology, and chemical functionality dictate product selectivity and C─C coupling behavior. We discuss emerging mechanistic insights, synthetic strategies, and structure–function relationships and outline challenges in conductivity, stability, and scalability. Finally, we propose integrated design principles to guide the development of hybrid platforms for efficient and selective CO 2 valorization.

The in vitro effect of electronic versus conventional cigarettes on color stability and surface roughness of dental resin composites

Abstract The appearance quality of dental restoration is recognized as crucial for the oral health-related quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of electronic and conventional cigarettes on the color stability and surface roughness of dental composites. Eighty-four specimens of four composites (multi-shade: Tetric Prime, Neo Spectra ST-HV, and single-shade: Charisma Diamond One, Omnichroma; n  = 21/material) were exposed to electronic cigarettes, conventional cigarettes, or artificial saliva (control) for 60 days using an automated smoking simulator with special robotic system for brushing, finishing, and polishing, mimicked six months of heavy smoking. Color and roughness were measured at baseline, after exposure, and post-thermocycling using a spectrophotometer and optical profilometer. Statistical analysis (SPSS v25) employed a three-way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc, and Pearson correlation ( p  < 0.05). The color stability was significantly different according to the type of treatment. In comparison, surface roughness was not affected by any treatment. The correlation between color stability and surface roughness was significant negative (p-value = 0.017). This study showed that conventional cigarettes caused higher discoloration than electronic cigarettes. While multi-shade resin-based composite materials had lower color stability than single-shade counterparts. On the other hand, neither smoking nor thermocycling negatively affected the surface roughness of materials.