Browse Articles

The efficacy of essential oil mixtures on vase life and the quality of Gerbera cut flowers

Abstract Gerbera is one of the four most important cut flowers worldwide, ranking fourth among cut flowers beyond roses, chrysanthemums, and tulips. Utilizing essential oils (EOs) as preservative material to control bacterial and fungal contamination, as well as to reduce postharvest quality loss in several cut flowers is a necessity in recent days. It was thought of investigating mixtures of essential oils to maximize their benefits in preserving cut flowers. Four different mixtures of essential oils were examined to preserve Gerbera jamesonii L. cv. Froza cut inflorescence. They were Cumin oil (150 µlL − 1 ) and Peppermint oil (150 µlL − 1 ) [T2], Cumin oil (150 µlL − 1 ) and Nigella oil (150 µlL − 1 ) [T3], Clove oil (150 µlL − 1 ) and Anise oil (150 µlL − 1 ) [T4], and Lavender oil (150 µlL − 1 ) and Thyme oil (150 µlL − 1 ) [T5], while the control cut inflorescences were held in distilled water and 0.5 µlL − 1 of tween-20 [T1]. The utilized mixtures effectively prolonged the vase life of Gerbera cut inflorescences. They also maintained the fresh and dry weights of the cut inflorescences, enhanced the water relations, raised the inflorescence and scape diameters, and preserved the total contents of anthocyanins and carbohydrates. They dramatically decreased the growth of microorganisms in the vase solution. The combination of cumin oil and nigella oil was the most effective mixture in most of the studied characteristics. This mixture could extend the vase life of Gerbera cut inflorescences by approximately 7 days, rather than the control. Applying various mixtures of essential oils is a novel field that requires further studies and analysis.

Pore-pressure diffusion controls upper-plate aftershocks of the 2014 Iquique earthquake

Abstract Upper-plate aftershocks following megathrust earthquakes are particularly dangerous as they may occur close to densely populated regions. Aftershock numbers decay with time, imposing a time-dependent seismic hazard that is assessed with statistical forecast models. While coseismic static stress transfer cannot explain this time-dependency, transient postseismic deformation due to afterslip, viscoelastic relaxation, and pore-pressure diffusion are potential candidates. Here we demonstrate which postseismic process is the key driver of the upper-plate aftershocks pattern following the 2014 M w = 8.2 Iquique earthquake in northern Chile. We first use a 4D (space and time) model approach to reproduce the postseismic deformation observed in geodetic data. We then analyze the spatiotemporal stress changes produced by individual postseismic processes and compare them to the upper-plate aftershocks distribution. Our results reveal that stress changes produced by coseismically-induced pore-pressure diffusion best correlate in space and time with increased upper-plate aftershock activity. Moreover, an increase in pore-pressure reduces the three effective principal stress magnitudes likewise. Hence, all faults, regardless of their orientations, are brought closer to failure. This explains the higher diversity of the aftershocks faulting styles. Our findings provide further insights into the link between pore-pressure diffusion and upper-plate deformation in subduction zones and provide grounds for a physics-based aftershock forecast.

Association of early VEGF trajectories with bronchopulmonary dysplasia severity in preterm infants

Chiral two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic frameworks with high spin polarization

Abstract Two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic frameworks have garnered significant research interest as emerging candidates for organic 2D crystal materials. In classical 2D crystals, chirality can give rise to unique physical phenomena; however, the precise implantation of chirality into 2D c-MOFs has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we demonstrate an example of chiral 2D c-MOFs obtained through the side chain-induced chirality amplification strategy to achieve tunable chiral expression, enabling notable chirality amplification. Chiral substitutions induce distortions in the 2,3,7,8,12,13-hexaiminotriindole conjugated ligand along distinct orientations, effectively transferring their chirality to the conjugated backbone. The resulting frameworks exhibit tunable chirality through steric control, where chiral naphthylethyl substitution increases the distortion angle from 2.3° to 7.0°, leading to pronounced chirality amplification. Furthermore, the chiral 2D c-MOFs demonstrate exceptional spin polarization measured by magnetic-conductive atomic force microscopy (mc-AFM), achieving a value as high as 96.9%, placing them among the highest-performing materials reported to date. This work opens new avenues for the design of chiral 2D crystal materials with potential applications in chiral spintronics.

Author Correction: Incidence of opioid-induced constipation in non-cancer patients using weak opioids for chronic pain in Japan: a cohort study

iPSC-derived ITGA6-positive cells restore aqueous humor outflow in glaucoma eyes

Abstract Decreased trabecular meshwork (TM) cellularity is a critical pathogenic cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, yet therapies to regenerate the decellularized TM are very limited. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived TM-like cells (iPSC-TM) can efficiently restore aqueous humor outflow. Here, we conducted a multi-modal RNA sequencing analysis to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying TM regeneration. Our clustering analysis identified a group of iPSC-derived alpha6 integrin-positive (iPSC-ITGA6 + ) cells with a distinct transcriptome that wasn’t observed in primary TM (pTM) cells. These iPSC-ITGA6 + cells not only stimulate pTM proliferation but also facilitate the repopulation of the TM and Schlemm’s canal in glaucoma, with a much higher efficiency than other iPSC-TM subtypes. Interaction with iPSC-ITGA6 + cells is characterized by the proliferation and rejuvenation of endogenous pTM cells, primarily through the transcription of long non-coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript1 and the abundance of paraspeckles within iPSC-ITGA6 + cells. Enhancing paraspeckle assembly by MEN β-associated RNA promotes the rejuvenation and proliferation of pTM, suggesting a novel and promising approach for TM regeneration.

Cost patterns of long-term prescribed medications in patients with multiple sclerosis in Germany

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects people in their most productive years of life. A multimodal treatment approach is typically employed to slow the progression of disability and alleviate MS-related symptoms. This implies a high financial burden of MS on patients, healthcare systems and society. Our study focused on the costs that are attributable to long-term drug prescriptions in patients with MS. For this purpose, the medication plans of 728 MS patients from 3 medical centers in Germany were analyzed. Pharmaceutical pricing information was obtained from the LAUER-TAXE database in May 2024. The costs for the therapy with disease-modifying drugs (DMDs), the treatment of symptoms and the drug management of comorbidities were calculated separately. We then explored how the annual medication costs are related to clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients. Apart from the use of DMDs ( n  = 584 patients, 80.2%), an average of 2.9 other prescribed medications were taken by the patients on a long-term basis. The annual medication costs averaged €11,788. DMDs contributed to 92.1% of the cumulative costs and explained 25.36% of the variance in total costs alone. The total costs were higher in younger patients with relapsing MS and mild to moderate disability due to their more frequent use of expensive DMDs. The costs for symptomatic medications and comorbidity medications increased with age, degree of disability and number of comorbidities. However, the large variability in the costs for individual patients could only be partly explained by regression models. Our study provides current data on the costs of prescribed medications, which are a major direct cost element in the care of MS patients. The clinical heterogeneity of the patients is reflected in a great variety in drug consumption and in a broad distribution of medication costs. The highest medication costs are incurred before the age of 50, as an early effective treatment can minimize later indirect costs of MS.

Mode of action of a DCAF16-recruiting targeted glue that can selectively degrade BRD9

Association between aortic valve calcification and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease

A male-drive female-sterile system for the self-limited control of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae

Abstract Despite great leaps forward in preventing and treating malaria, several challenges, including insecticide resistance, have hindered progress in fighting the disease. Thus, there is a pressing need for new tools to control malaria, including the use of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) in the field. Various genetic strategies for vector control are currently explored, ranging from self-sustaining GMMs with unrestricted geographic and temporal spread to self-limiting alternatives. Here, we describe a self-limiting gene drive strategy called Male Drive Female Sterile (MDFS) targeting Anopheles gambiae , a major malaria vector. The MDFS genetic construct causes dominant sterility in females, while transgenic males remain fertile, allowing them to transmit the female sterility trait at super-Mendelian rates. Laboratory studies show that repeated releases of MDFS can lead to elimination of caged mosquito populations. Based on these findings, modelling suggests MDFS could be a highly effective and self-limiting strategy for suppressing wild malaria mosquito populations.

Variable gradient-based phase locked loop for accurate frequency estimation of distorted grids

Tumor-targeted top1 inhibitor delivery with optimized parp inhibition in advanced solid tumors: a phase i trial of gapped scheduling

Abstract Despite mechanistic rationale for combining PARP inhibitors with topoisomerase I inhibitors, clinical use has been hindered by dose-limiting toxicities. We hypothesized that integrating tumor-targeted topoisomerase I inhibitor delivery with optimized PARP inhibitor scheduling could enable effective combination therapy while reducing toxicity. In this trial (NCT02769962), we combined CRLX101, a nanoparticle topoisomerase I inhibitor, with olaparib using a gapped dosing schedule. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Secondary objectives were to evaluate pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, overall and progression-free survival. Twenty-four patients with advanced solid tumors were enrolled. The maximum tolerated dose for CRLX101 was 12 mg/m² every two weeks and olaparib 250 mg twice daily on days 3-13 and 17-26. Pharmacokinetics were consistent with monotherapy of each agent, and γH2AX kinetics revealed elevated DNA damage with the combination treatment compared to CRLX101 alone, supporting mechanistic efficacy. Among 19 evaluable patients, 2 patients had partial responses, and 6 had stable disease. Median overall survival was 6.06 months, progression-free survival 2.34 months, and duration of response 7.95 months. The combination showed acceptable safety across dose levels. Targeted delivery of a topoisomerase I inhibitor and gapped scheduling allowed higher olaparib dosing, showing promising activity and supporting the strategy’s potential to widen the therapeutic window of DNA-damage response inhibitors while reducing toxicity.

Direct NO2 formation from N2-O2 supercritical fluid plasma

An eNOS-like nanomaterial for specific reversal of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Experiential factors mediate the link between brain status and theory of mind in building-up cognitive reserve

Conserved hydrophilic checkpoints tune FocA-mediated formate:H+ symport

Abstract FocA belongs to the widespread, evolutionarily ancient formate-nitrite transporter (FNT) family of pentameric anion channels and translocates formic acid bidirectionally. Here, we identify compartmentalized polarity distribution across the complete FocA pore structure – resolved at 2.56 Å – mirrored against a two-fold axis with H209 at its center. A FocA-H209N variant that exhibits an efflux-only channel-like function in vivo reveals a density consistent with formate located directly at N209, abolishing the channel’s amphiphilicity. Pyruvate formate-lyase, which generates formate, orients at the cytoplasmic face where formate delivery is regulated by conformational changes in the FocA vestibule. Comparisons with other FNTs suggest a tuning mechanism of formate-specific transport via checkpoints enriched in hydrophilic residues.

Application of Taguchi Grey-Based ANFIS model for prediction of process parameters in fused deposition modelling of PETG

Ultra-high entropy rare earth phosphate against environmental corrosion

Behavioral and molecular disruptions in honey bees induced by lithium chloride exposure

Abstract Lithium chloride (LiCl) has emerged as a promising alternative to synthetic acaricides for controlling Varroa destructor , a major threat to honey bee health. However, its potential side effects on bees and their products require further investigation. This study aimed to assess the effects of LiCl on honey bee health, focusing on survival, behavior, and molecular responses. We investigated the effects of varying doses and feeding durations of LiCl on honey bee survival, aggression, stress- and immune-related gene expression, and recovery potential after treatment cessation. Our results show that LiCl feeding reduced honey bee survival in a dose-dependent manner, with higher concentrations leading to greater accumulation of lithium in bee tissues. Furthermore, LiCl suppressed aggression behavior and altered the gene expression related to honey bee health, such as vitellogenin, antimicrobial peptides, antioxidant enzymes, and heat shock proteins. The duration of LiCl feeding was a critical factor, as shorter feeding periods followed by recovery with control diets restored gene expression and survival rates to the levels of control groups. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing LiCl dosage and feeding duration to balance its Varroa controlling efficacy with honey bee safety, and further research is needed to ensure its long-term safety for colonies and ecosystems.

Spatial N-glycan rearrangement on α5β1 integrin nucleates galectin-3 oligomers to determine endocytic fate

Abstract Membrane glycoproteins frequently adopt different conformations when altering between active and inactive states. Here, we discover a molecular switch that exploits dynamic spatial rearrangements of N-glycans during such conformational transitions to control protein function. For the conformationally switchable cell adhesion glycoprotein α 5 β 1 integrin, we find that only the bent-closed state arranges N-glycans to nucleate the formation of up to tetrameric oligomers of the glycan-binding protein galectin-3. We propose a structural model of how these galectin-3 oligomers are built and how they clamp the bent-closed state to select it for endocytic uptake and subsequent retrograde trafficking to the Golgi for polarized distribution in cells. Our findings reveal the dynamic regulation of the glycan landscape at the cell surface to achieve oligomerization of galectin-3. Galectin-3 oligomers are thereby identified as functional decoders of defined spatial patterns of N-glycans on specifically the bent-closed conformational state of α 5 β 1 integrin and possibly other integrin family members.