Browse Articles

Retraction: Regional integration and export performance of Pakistan: Empirical evidence from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

China wants to lead the world on AI regulation — will the plan work?

A modular Uba1-nanobody fusion enables selective ubiquitin transfer to tagged E2 enzymes

Application of silicon and gibberellic acid modulate photosynthetic capacity and antioxidative defense machinery in Saccharum officinarum cv. GT55

Methanol Upcycling Toward Glycolaldehyde Synthesis Enabled by New High‐Performance Photoredox Route

Abstract Glycolaldehyde (GA) possesses great potential to serve as the feedstock for the C 2 ‐based chemical industry and plays a vital role in the fabrication of pharmaceuticals and various chemicals. However, conventional GA synthesis methods suffer from harsh reaction conditions, low selectivity, and high purification costs. Herein, we for the first time demonstrate a new photoredox‐catalyzed high‐performance route toward dehydrogenative C─C coupling of methanol into GA paired with H 2 generation over Ni‐decorated ZnIn 2 S 4 , presenting an essentially untapped photocatalytic tactic for selective GA synthesis. Specifically, GA is formed with the production rate of 30.0 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 and the selectivity of 94% and the optimal apparent quantum yield at λ = 360 nm reaches 22%, the highest value reported to date for selective photocatalytic methanol conversion to GA. Mechanistic studies reveal that the decoration of Ni facilitates interfacial charge separation and transfer and promotes the formation of key radical intermediates of •CH 2 OH and •OCH 3 for GA production. This work offers a conceptually new photocatalytic approach for the efficient and sustainable production of GA and enriches the content of methanol upcycling chemistry.

Generation of severely scoliotic subject-specific musculoskeletal models

Surgical correction of severe scoliosis has been associated with high rates of complications and reoperation rates. Patient outcomes could be improved with the use of personalised scoliotic spine models. To be clinically applicable, these models must be robust to operator variability, must accurately reflect the patient anatomy, and be rapidly generated. This study developed a semi-automatic pipeline for creating subject-specific models, and the inter- and intra-operator variability and model accuracy were assessed. An existing generic spine model was modified and morphed into a subject-specific spine model using manually performed virtual anatomical landmark palpations through a semi-automatic pipeline. The inter- and intra-operator variability of the virtual palpations was assessed, and the model was compared to the ground truth of a radiographic evaluation and segmentation of computed tomography data. The interclass correlation coefficient showed excellent inter- and intra-operator repeatability (>0.9). Although significant differences were found, they were not associated with specific anatomical landmarks. The mean inter- and intra-operator variability of the virtually palpated anatomical landmarks was 2 mm, and the maximum was 10.3 mm. The vertebral centres of the patient-specific model had maximum median errors of 10.3 mm. While the mean curvature of the model reflected the radiographic measurements, there were substantial deviations from the mean. The semi-automatic pipeline successfully created a subject-specific scoliotic spine model that included automatically adjusted muscle paths. The results indicated the process was robust to inter- and intra-operator variability but would benefit from full automation, particularly to improve the definition of the intervertebral joint.

Correction to “Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2025”

Embryonic stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles delay cellular senescence by inhibiting oxidative stress

Miniaturized integrated electrochemical sensor using Ag@MoS2/graphene oxide aerogel for implantable non-enzymatic glucose monitoring

Abstract This study reports the successful synthesis of silver-decorated molybdenum disulfide/graphene oxide aerogels (Ag@MoS 2 /GOA) via a combined hydrothermal and freeze-drying approach. This 3D aerogel-based nanocomposite offers a high surface area and porous framework, thereby significantly enhancing the diffusion of glucose molecules and their electrochemical interactions. Electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensors were subsequently fabricated by precisely depositing the nanocomposite onto a gold-coated tungsten (W-Au) microelectrode within a highly confined area. To further stabilize the active layer, electropolymerization of pyrrole was employed during the sensor’s construction. This design not only enabled sensor miniaturization but also significantly increased its potential for implantable applications. Furthermore, an integrated reference electrode (IRE) based on Ag/AgCl was developed and seamlessly incorporated into the platform, thereby enhancing to the sensing system’s compactness and self-sufficiency. Surface morphology analyses confirmed the successful and uniform formation of the nanocomposite layer on the electrode surface. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments were conducted in both alkaline (1.0 M NaOH) and neutral (PBS) media, consistently revealing a significant enhancement in glucose oxidation under alkaline conditions. Amperometric measurements across a glucose concentration range of 1–18 mM demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity of 24.70 µA mM −1 cm −2 , a low detection limit of 0.52 µM, a wide linear range, and excellent operational stability. The sensor further exhibited remarkable selectivity, excellent reproducibility, long-term durability, and a relatively fast response time (6–8 s). Collectively, these findings indicate that the Ag@MoS 2 /GOA-based platform, effectively supported by an integrated reference electrode, represents a promising strategy for reliable and enzyme-free glucose detection in complex biological environments.

Binding Modes Tuning Nitrite Reduction Reactivity at Iron(III) Centers Triggered by Hydrogen Atom, Hydride, and Proton Transfers

Abstract To elucidate the mechanisms of iron‐mediated nitrite reduction, we synthesized and fully characterized Fe(III)‐NO 2 − complexes featuring distinct κ 1 –O (nitrito) and κ 1 –N (nitro) binding modes, supported by a tris (benzenethiolato)phosphine ligand derivative. Interconversion between these two linkage isomers is modulated by a Na + cation in the secondary coordination sphere. These binding motifs direct divergent nitrite reduction pathways. For the κ 1 –O isomer, reduction is initiated by hydrogen atom or hydride transfer to yield an {FeNO} 7 species, whereas protonation results in formation of an {FeNO} 6 complex. Hydrogen atom transfer and protonation are accompanied by hydroxyl radical generation, while hydride transfer produces hydroxide. In contrast, the κ 1 –N isomer undergoes nitrite reduction exclusively via protonation. Detailed computational studies afford a mechanistic rationale for how nitrite binding modes govern distinct nitrite reduction trajectories.

Modelling alcohol consumption patterns to enable policy impact assessment

Objective To prevent harmful effects of alcohol use, various countries implement policies preventing excessive and heavy episodic drinking. To enable the evaluation of the impact of such policies on (future) drinking behaviour, we aimed to develop a model that predicts alcohol consumption patterns. Methods The model predicts alcohol use in three stages. First, a logistic submodel predicts probabilities of drinking any alcohol. Second, for drinkers, a submodel predicts the weekly consumption through a negative binomial distribution for the number of beverages. Finally, based on the predicted weekly consumption, a logistic submodel predicts probabilities of heavy episodic drinking. The distribution for the weekly consumption was calibrated, targeted to predict the prevalence of excessive and heavy episodic drinking accurately. Model parameters were estimated using Dutch individual-level cross-sectional survey data covering the years 2008–2022. The characteristics age, sex, education, calendar time and their interactions were used as predictors and the model accounts for trend breaks in the data. Model performance was assessed by comparing population-level predictions with observed data on which the model was calibrated (2014–2022). Results A comparison between predictions of the calibrated model and observed data shows that the prevalences of excessive (error <0.2 percent point (pp)) and heavy episodic drinking (error <0.1 pp) align, averaged over the years 2014–2022. Visual inspection using qq-plots and within-sample validation over time further indicates that the model fits well for predicting excessive and heavy episodic drinking, based on the predicted distribution for the weekly consumption. Conclusions We developed a model for alcohol consumption patterns based on Dutch data. This model enables evaluation of the impact of interventions on the (future) prevalence of excessive and heavy episodic drinking.

Talking with adolescent and young adult cancer survivors about health after cancer: A review and communication guide for clinicians

Abstract Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors represent a vulnerable population in cancer care and survivorship. AYA survivors are a heterogeneous group that includes people between the ages of 15 and 39 years who were treated for cancer during their childhood or AYA years, at which time they had variable agency and may have received cancer care in pediatric or adult settings. AYA survivors experience one or multiple health care transitions, moving from active oncology to posttreatment survivorship and/or from pediatric to adult care. Clinician communication that centers the needs and preferences of the AYA and their family (parent, partner, other support person) is a therapeutic tool that can support AYAs in these health care transitions and promote AYA engagement in their care. In this article, the authors review clinician communication practices through the lens of AYAs' and families' lived experiences with a focus on the initial diagnosis and treatment phase, completion of treatment, and throughout posttreatment survivorship care. Specific communication topics relevant to survivorship encompass managing uncertainty and fear of cancer recurrence, discussing treatment‐related future health risks, and supporting self‐management and engagement in care. Best practices for clinician communication include maintaining openness, compassion, and flexibility to re‐assess and adapt communication styles as an AYA cancer survivors' needs, concerns, and preferences change over time.

Mammalian and bacterial adaptors function as co-disinhibitory pairs to activate the E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2

Evaluating EEG-to-text models through noise-based performance analysis

Rare‐Earth Regulated Bond Polarizability in Layered Cuprates for Promoted Surface Reconstruction Toward C ₂₊ Electrosynthesis

Abstract Copper (Cu) oxides hold great potential for electrochemical synthesis of multi‐carbon (C 2+ ) products from CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR), but a clear picture correlating chemical bond characteristics in pristine Cu oxides with inevitable reconstruction during CO 2 RR remains underexplored. Herein, we report our findings in the regulation of Cu─O bond polarizability in layered cuprates (Ln 2 CuO 4 , Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Gd) by an A‐site rare‐earth modulation strategy, to promote surface reconstruction toward high‐efficiency C 2+ electrosynthesis. In particular, the optimized Pr 2 CuO 4 bulk material with largest bond polarizability exhibits the best performance, achieving a Faradaic efficiency of ∼80% for C 2+ products and a C 2+ partial current density of 376.2 mA cm −2 at −1.7 V versus RHE as well as maintaining robust durability at 200 mA cm −2 in a membrane electrode assembly. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that larger Cu─O bond polarizability, characterized as increased bond length and decreased valence state, accelerates the Cu‐O bond breaking that can lead to the formation of ultrasmall, highly dispersed, and strained Cu nanoparticles. These reconstructed metallic Cu particles, together with Cu/Pr 2 CuO 4 interface, function as dual active sites to improve * CO coverage and lower the energy barrier for C─C coupling, resulting in the enhanced C 2+ selectivity.

Behaviour and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster exposed to 3.6 GHz radio-frequency electromagnetic fields

Insects are exposed to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields emitted by wireless telecommunication networks. A part of these fields will be absorbed by these insects. This absorption might have biological effects, depending on the amount of absorbed power. It is currently unknown at what level of absorption this might occur. To investigate this, we used RF dosimetry of adult Drosophila melanogaster flies, which we combined with two assays studying the locomotor activity and fecundity of D. melanogaster exposed to electromagnetic fields at 3.6 GHz. To perform dosimetry, we created a 3D digital twin of an adult fly using micro-CT scans of a female D. melanogaster . We used this model in numerical EM simulations to estimate the absorbed power in the fly as a function of RF frequency in the far field of an antenna and during the two experimental assays at 3.6 GHz. In the behavioural experiments, no effects were found on the locomotor activity for a 5-day exposure to RF field values between 5.4 and 9 V/m, which correspond to 3.56 nW to 9.88 nW absorbed power. We also did not find any effects on fecundity, at an absorption level of 1.91 mW for 48h at 3.6 GHz. In our future work, we aim to investigate possible exposure effects at higher frequencies and exposures, and for immature stages.

Prostate cancer statistics, 2025

Abstract Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, and the incidence of advanced disease is increasing rapidly. This article provides an overview of prostate cancer occurrence using population‐based incidence and mortality data from the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prostate cancer incidence trends have reversed from a decline of 6.4% per year during 2007 through 2014 to an increase of 3.0% annually during 2014 through 2021. The increasing trend is confined to distant‐stage disease in men younger than 55 years and to regional/distant‐stage disease in men aged 55–69 years but includes early stage disease in men aged 70 years and older. Over the past decade of data, distant‐stage disease has increased by 2.6% annually in men younger than 55 years, 6.0% annually in men aged 55–69 years, and 6.2% annually in men aged 70 years and older. American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic men are less likely than Black and White men to be diagnosed with localized disease (64%–67% vs. 71%–72%). Compared with White men, American Indian/Alaska Native men have 12% higher prostate cancer mortality despite 13% lower incidence, whereas Black men have double the prostate cancer mortality, with 67% higher incidence. In summary, continued increases in the diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer and persistent racial disparities underscore the need for redoubled efforts to optimize early detection while limiting overdiagnosis and to understand and address barriers to equitable outcomes.

Extravesicular chloride ion regulates the uptake of ATP, sulfate, and inorganic phosphate by membrane vesicles from bovine adrenal chromaffin granules

Biomechanical and neuromuscular differences between professional and varsity football players during countermovement and approach jumps

This study aimed to compare lower-body kinematics, muscle activity, performance, and vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) metrics between professional and varsity Ecuadorian football players during countermovement jumps with arm swing (CMJ AS ) and approach jumps (AJ). These two jump types were selected because they closely reflect common football-specific movement patterns; CMJ AS simulates vertical jumps with arm drive, while AJ mimics explosive jumping after a run-up. Forty athletes (20 professional, 20 varsity; equally distributed by sex) were assessed using synchronized motion capture, force plates, and surface electromyography. Professional males demonstrated greater force production efficiency, defined here as the ability to generate higher concentric average GRFz, higher braking peak GRFz, shorter movement durations, and higher rates of force development in the unloading, yielding and braking phases, while achieving similar jump heights and modified reactive strength index (RSI mod) to varsity players during CMJ AS . However, they also experienced higher impact forces in the AJ. Among females, professionals outperformed varsity players in both jumps, achieving greater jump heights, higher RSI mod scores, and increased concentric average GRFz. They also exhibited higher landing impact forces, loading rates, and asymmetric vastus medialis mean activation during landing; patterns commonly associated with elevated injury risk. Across groups, joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle activation patterns varied by phase, with professionals generally showing more proximal muscle activation and neuromuscular control. Asymmetries in ROM and muscle activation were more pronounced among professional females, particularly during AJ, suggesting task-specific adaptations that may also influence injury susceptibility. These findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive biomechanical assessment to inform injury screening and targeted strategies for injury risk reduction in competitive football.

Update and new advances in fertility preservation and cancer

Abstract Adolescents and young adults with a cancer diagnosis face unique challenges during treatment and into survivorship related to fertility and family building. This review provides an updated overview of the impact of cancer and its associated treatments, including novel treatments in male and female fertility. An overview of fertility preservation and family building options, including experimental options, is also provided.