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Intestinal metabolomics analysis reveals lysophosphatidylcholine is the key regulatory metabolite in mouse models of necrotizing enterocolitis
Growth-predation risk tradeoffs constrain the local distribution of a thicket-forming Staghorn coral to marginal reef habitats
Abstract On tropical reefs, environmental conditions and biological interactions are fundamental drivers of the spatial distribution of corals, which in turn influences community attributes and ecosystem rate processes. Here we focus on a major habitat-providing species of coral, the thicket-forming staghorn Acropora pulchra , in Moorea, French Polynesia, to explore environmental attributes that shape its local distribution. At the island scale, A. pulchra decreased in abundance with increasing distance from the shoreline and was inversely related to nitrogen enrichment. To investigate growth-predation risk tradeoffs, we quantified growth and corallivory rates across major abiotic (nutrients, sedimentation) and biotic (corallivorous fish biomass) gradients. At 20 sites divided between fringing reef and mid-lagoon habitats, we quantified colony growth of transplanted A. pulchra fragments (nubbins) that were either exposed or protected from predators after 83 days. Nubbins protected from corallivores grew more in the mid-lagoon than on the fringing reef, whereas mid-lagoon nubbins exposed to predators only achieved 30% of the growth of exposed fringing reef nubbins. These findings suggest that a growth-predation risk tradeoff exists for A. pulchra , with predation a major constraint on the local distribution of A. pulchra thickets that hinders the ability of staghorn to proliferate further offshore from the fringing reef.
Measles, polio, tuberculosis: what’s causing spikes in infectious diseases?
Dietary transition from pelleted feed to live fry of two brown trout (Salmo trutta) morphs, reared for reintroduction
Determinants of student discussion participation in the mathematical collaborative problem-solving process using PLS-SEM and FsQCA
Zoonotic potential of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from pets and their owners in Bangladesh
Experimental and simulation assessment of gamma-radiation shielding properties of the polyester polymer reinforced with WO3
LC/ESI-MS/MS phytochemical profiling and apoptotic effect of Haloxylon scoparium leaf extract on hepatocellular carcinoma
Abstract Haloxylon scoparium , a plant native to Moroccan Sahara, was investigated for its potential anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study aimed to evaluate the effects of its methanolic extract on HCC and to conduct detailed chemical analysis using LC-ESI-MS/MS. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using HepG2 liver cancer cell line. In vivo experiments involved inducing HCC in mice with diethylnitrosamine (DEN). The study monitored inflammatory (TNF-α), apoptotic (BAX, Caspase-3, Caspase-8), and oncogenic markers (AFP, Bcl-2) through blood and liver tissue analysis. Liver histopathology was also performed to evaluate tissue-level changes. Mice survival rates were 83.33% in the DEN group and 91.67% in the DEN/ H. scoparium group. Liver function markers (TBILR, ALP, AST) significantly decreased in the treatment group. TNF-α levels, elevated in DEN-only mice, were notably reduced after treatment. Oncogenic markers showed significant elevation in the DEN group but were decreased in the treatment group, whereas apoptotic markers were significantly elevated after treatment. Histopathology revealed more preserved liver architecture and scattered apoptotic foci in treated mice. Phytochemical profiling identified 27 compounds, including organic acids, phenolic acid derivatives, and flavonoids by LC/ESI-MS/MS. Molecular docking using AutoDock MGLTools 1.5.7 showed strong binding affinities of quercetin and isorhamnetin glycosides with cancer-related proteins (BCL-2, BAX, Caspases, AFP, TNF-α), supporting experimental results. 3D interaction models and box plots confirmed the stability and specificity of ligand–protein interactions. The study concludes that H. scoparium extract demonstrates promising multi-target anticancer potential and may serve as a valuable candidate for pharmaceutical development.
Optimization by decoded quantum interferometry
Building sensor coverage in couture: balancing cost, coverage, and comfort
Abstract The layout and performance of air quality sensors are crucial for building control systems and occupant comfort. Most previous studies have primarily focused on sensor placement and density. However, aspects such as accuracy, multifunctionality, and cost-effectiveness have received relatively little attention. To address these gaps, this study proposes two integer linear programming (ILP) models to optimize sensor placement. One model is designed to optimize cost, while the other focuses on maximizing coverage. To achieve an optimal balance between cost and coverage, a Leader-Follower (bi-level) approach is employed. This approach enables attaining the required coverage at the lowest possible cost or maximizing coverage within a fixed budget. Measurement accuracy at different locations is also incorporated to support energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction. The integration of the ILP models with the Leader-Follower framework reduces computational complexity and runtime while preserving solution accuracy. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently and rapidly identify optimal sensor configurations while ensuring both reliable coverage and cost-effectiveness.