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Preservation of shrimp quality using dill seed essential oil emulsion in terms of physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluation

Abstract This study assessed the preservative effects of Anethum graveolens essential oil emulsion (DSEO emulsion) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory attributes of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during refrigerated storage. Freshly peeled shrimps were divided into five groups: control, butylhydroxytoluene (BHT)-treated (100 ppm), and three DSEO emulsion treatments (100, 1000, and 2000 ppm). Samples were examined over 12 days. DSEO-3 significantly reduced pH (6.62 ± 0.04), drip loss (0.82 ± 0.07%), and microbial counts (aerobic plate count: 4.11 ± 0.13 log CFU/g; coliforms: <2 log CFU/g) compared to control (pH: 7.21 ± 0.05; APC: 7.64 ± 0.16 log CFU/g). DSEO-1 and DSEO-3 also reduced cooking loss and improved sensory scores (overall acceptability: 7.4 ± 0.2 vs. control 4.6 ± 0.3 on day 9; p < 0.05). DSEO-treated groups showed enhanced lightness (L*) and whiteness index values. These findings suggest DSEO emulsion, especially at 2000 ppm, is effective as a natural preservative for extending shrimp shelf life and maintaining quality.

Author Correction: Optimizing ternary hybrid nanofluids using neural networks, gene expression programming, and multi-objective particle swarm optimization: a computational intelligence strategy

Enhancement of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Whey protein isolate and chlorogenic acid complexes through enzymatic and alkaline techniques

A pilot study on the cutaneous effects of ethanol in a moisturizing cream on non-lesional skin of patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract Ethanol is widely used in cosmetic formulations as a solvent, preservative, and penetration enhancer, yet its effects on atopic skin remain controversial. This study explores the impact of ethanol in skin care products on skin physiology, microbiome composition and subjective perception. A two-part investigation was conducted: (I) ex vivo analysis using porcine skin models exposed to varying ethanol concentrations, and (II) a double blinded, placebo controlled, randomized clinical pilot study on 9 patients with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) comparing creams with and without 12% ethanol. The ex vivo study revealed that ethanol concentrations above 15% negatively affected epidermal barrier integrity, increasing stratum corneum (SC) permeability and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In the clinical trial, 12% ethanol demonstrated no significant adverse effects on SC hydration, erythema, pH, or TEWL over 30 days. Microbiome analysis revealed a localized increase in Xanthomonas species associated with ethanol use, while no significant community-wide changes were observed. The implications of increased Xanthomonas abundance in response to the application of a 12% ethanol cream for atopic dermatitis remain unclear. Subjective evaluations reported similar perceptions for both formulations, with no notable exacerbations in non-lesional AD skin. These findings indicate that ethanol in concentrations ≤ 12% is safe for atopic skin.

Acoustic deterrence as a mitigation tool for seal-human conflicts in the Helgoland Dune swimming zone

Abstract Successful species conservation and rising tourism in coastal ecosystems lead to more human-wildlife conflicts. Non-invasive conflict mitigation measures are needed to ensure human safety and wildlife conservation. The Helgoland Dune, a small German offshore island, is home to Germany’s largest grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) colony alongside popular tourist beaches, leading to frequent human-seal encounters. Previous physical incidents in the shared swimming zone have raised safety concerns. This study evaluated an acoustic deterrent system (ADS) using Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) to reduce such interactions. During two field trials, the ADS emitted pulsed signals (2 s, 700–1500 Hz, 180 dB re 1 µPa) while a camera tracked seal movements. Analysing 22,086 positions via a cumulative link mixed model (CLMM) revealed seals were 3.57 times more likely (odds ratio, CI: 2.38–5.37, p-value < 0.001) to occupy the two farther distance categories (10–25 m, > 25 m) during signal emission, compared to the closest distance zone (< 10 m). Individual variability accounted for 94% (ICC) of behavioural differences. Results provide the first empirical evidence of the ADS’s effectiveness in a recreational context as a non-invasive deterrent tool, while maintaining seal access to surrounding habitat crucial to them.

Eco-friendly zinc-chitosan/poly(l-lactic acid)/polyurethane nanocomposites for dye removal and antimicrobial wastewater treatment

Abstract This research explores the development of sustainable zinc-chitosan/poly(L-lactic acid)/polyurethane (ZnCS/PLA/PU) nanocomposites for the dual-purpose treatment of wastewater by removing Acid Blue 25 dye and inhibiting pathogens. The nanocomposites were synthesized at ZnCS-to-PU ratios of 4:1 (ZCPP41), 1:1 (ZCPP11), and 1:4 (ZCPP14) and feature particle sizes of 191–365 nm and zeta potentials ranging from + 39.1 to -9.7 mV. ZCPP41 demonstrates an impressive adsorption capacity of 142 ± 1.9 mg/g and 98.8% removal efficiency at pH 2, facilitated by electrostatic interactions below a pHzpc of 5.6, complemented by charge-assisted hydrogen bonding and surface complexation through chitosan’s -OH and -NH₂ groups. Kinetic studies align with the pseudo-second-order model (k₂ = 0.0071 g/mg min, R² = 0.998), while intraparticle diffusion (kipd = 3.22 to 5.93 mg/g min0.5, R² = 0.965) and swelling-enhanced pore filling support deeper dye penetration, corroborated by Langmuir (qmax = 142 ± 1.9 mg/g, R² = 0.956) and Freundlich (R² = 0.979) isotherm fits. ZCPP11 exhibits robust antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 27.0 mm against Gram-positive bacteria, surpassing gentamicin (24.3 mm), driven by the synergistic effects of Zn²⁺ and chitosan. Desorption with 0.01 M Na₂CO₃ yields 96.5–98.1% efficiency, retaining 71% activity over three cycles, underscoring practical utility. Despite biodegradability, challenges include untested efficacy in complex matrices and scalability. Future work will optimize neutral pH performance and evaluate fixed-bed systems.

Publisher Correction: Redox profiling of preovulatory follicular fluid in the donkey is species-specific, and contributes to modulate sperm function

Magnetic and electrical properties of pseudowollastonite nanoceramic prepared by wet method

Abstract Pseudowollastonite with different CoO contents (0.0-9.5wt.%) was systematized by the wet precipitation method and sintered for 1 h at 1300 °C. XRD patterns demonstrated a nanoceramic composite structure with nanocrystallite sizes rising from 77.6 to 86.1 nm as CoO content increases from 0.0 to 9.5wt.% in composites. The addition of CoO causes RAMAN bands shift and intensity variations, indicating structural alterations. The magnetic moment values rise from 75.6 × 10− 3 to 0.481emu/g with increasing CoO content from 3.5 to 9.5wt.%. Hence the nanoceramics acquire a magnetic property from the CoO component. Electrode polarization dominates the spectra at lower frequencies. The dielectric spectra are conquered on the low frequency side by electrode polarization effects, although the investigated nanoceramics are insulators, and their resistivity rises with increasing CoO content. The higher frequency side is characterized by charge transport in a disordered matrix as the underlying physical mechanism. The novelty of this work lies on emerging pseudowollastonite phase via rising the sintering temperature to 1300 °C which opens applications for new industrial uses.

Examine integrating PCM yarns for enhancing merchant maritime uniform fabricated by polyester double cloth fabric

Abstract Functional garments play a crucial role in various professional settings, particularly in merchant maritime uniforms, which must be optimized to meet users’ requirements and withstand environmental fluctuation. In this study, a double-cloth woven structure was developed using phase change material (PCM) yarns, which were strategically incorporated into the backcloth layer intended for direct skin contact. Polyester yarns, including microfibers and Renova variants, were selected for their innovative mechanical and comfort-related properties. Sample designs were guided by the mechanical characteristics of the yarns. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted using standardized test methods to assess physical and mechanical properties, comfort and thermal regulation, UV protection, antistatic behavior, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) performance. Statistical analyses—including column bar graphs, one-way ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05), and radar charts—demonstrated that the integration of PCM yarns significantly enhanced fabric performance. Key improvements included reduced thickness, increased breathability and water absorbency, and enhanced thermal comfort. Notably, laying viscose PCM yarns outperformed polyester PCM yarns in supporting the produced fabric attitude for the proposed application.

Genotype distribution and molecular characterization of HPV in the Peruvian amazon: insights into prevalence, lineage diversity, and viral integration

Abstract Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in Peru, with the highest death rates reported in the Amazon region. Despite this burden, molecular data on human papillomavirus (HPV) in this area are limited. This study aimed to assess HPV genotype distribution and molecular characteristics in women undergoing cervical screening in the Peruvian Amazon. Between May and November 2024, cervical samples were collected from 503 women aged 25–55, along with an additional subset of 35 women with histologically confirmed CIN2 + lesions. HPV genotyping was performed using the Allplex™ HPV28 assay, and single infections with HPV16 or HPV52 were further analyzed by TaME-seq to determine lineage, intrahost variability, and integration. HPV prevalence was 51.7% (278/538), with high rates of multiple infections (44.2%) and low vaccination coverage (7.8%). Oncogenic HPV types were detected in 35.7% (192/538) of participants, with HPV 16 and HPV 52 being the most prevalent. Sublineage analysis revealed predominance of A1 variants, while viral integration was detected in nine cases, three associated with CIN2 + lesions. Integration sites occurred mainly in E1/E2 for HPV16 and L1/L2 for HPV52. These findings highlight the urgent need to expand vaccination and implement molecular screening strategies in the Peruvian Amazon.

Biomarker potential of vanin-1-derived pantothenic acid in diabetes and its associated cardiovascular complications

Abstract The enzyme vanin-1 produces pantothenic acid (PA) and cysteamine, but the role of the vanin-1 /PA axis in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases remains less explored than the vanin-1 /cysteamine pathway. This study investigated the relationship between vanin-1 and PA with obesity, type-2 diabetes (T2D), and related cardiovascular complications (CVD). We found that patients with T2D, with or without CVD, had significantly lower plasma PA levels, which negatively correlated with glycemic markers and positively with HDL cholesterol. Individuals in the lowest PA tertile exhibited a markedly higher prevalence of T2D (76.6%). While vanin-1 levels did not significantly differ between groups, a trend towards higher levels in T2D was observed, and higher vanin-1 correlated with higher HbA1c, with the highest vanin-1 tertile showing a greater proportion of T2D (62.5%). Importantly, low PA levels were significantly associated with increased odds of T2D in patients with obesity (OR = 7.61) and increased odds of diabetes with CVD in both patients with and without obesity (OR = 12.03, OR = 7.24, respectively). In contrast, high vanin-1 was not associated with increased odds. Our findings suggest that low PA levels may serve as a potential biomarker for T2D and T2D with CVD. Future research should investigate the impact of vanin-1 modulation on PA levels and the therapeutic potential of PA supplementation in managing these conditions.

Modeling graphene oxide decorated with FeO, SO and NO

Abstract In this computational investigation, the effect of decoration of graphene oxide (GrO) with three different species FeO, SO, and NO modulates its electronic structure and reactivity for potential electrode and sensing applications. All model structures (pristine graphene, GrO, GrO/FeO, GrO/SO, and GrO/NO) were optimized at the B3LYP/LANL2MB level of theory. We analyzed total dipole moments (TDM), HOMO/LUMO energy gaps (ΔE), global reactivity descriptors (I, A, µ, η, S, ω), density of states (DOS and PDOS), molecular electrostatic potential (MESP), Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) topologies, and noncovalent interaction (NCI) patterns. Oxidation from Gr to GrO created a modest dipole moment (3.06 Debye) and reduced ΔE from 4.483 eV to 3.226 eV. Decoration with FeO raised the TDM to 14.26 Debye and decreased ΔE to 1.625 eV, while SO decoration yielded the largest TDM (20.38 Debye) and the smallest gap (0.576 eV). In contrast, NO decoration produced intermediate values (TDM = 2.90 Debye, ΔE = 2.412 eV). Global reactivity descriptors confirm that GrO/FeO and GrO/SO acquire strong electrophilic character and high softness, and GrO/NO retains moderate reactivity. DOS/PDOS analysis shows that Fe, S, and N introduce new states near the Fermi level, facilitating charge transfer. MESP maps identify electron-rich and -poor regions at functional sites, while QTAIM indicates a covalent Fe–O bond in GrO/FeO and hydrogen-bonding interactions in GrO/SO and GrO/NO. NCI analysis further supports the presence of van der Waals interactions at the decoration interfaces. Taken together, our results demonstrate that choice of decorating species enables precise tuning of GrO’s electronic and reactive properties, highlighting GrO/FeO and especially GrO/SO as promising candidates for enhanced electrode performance and gas sensing.

Characterization of tumour-like inclusions in breast-mimicking phantoms using ultrasound optical tomography

Abstract Ultrasound Optical Tomography (UOT) combines the high-resolution imaging capability of ultrasound with measurements of light absorption and scattering properties of human tissue. In this work, UOT working at 794.2 nm wavelength and equipped with a spectral hole burning filter was used to image through 5 cm thick tissue phantoms with embedded cubic 12 × 12 × 12 mm3 inclusions at a 2.5 cm depth. In contrast to earlier UOT works at tissue-relevant wavelengths, these inclusions have orders of magnitude lower absorption and actually mimic the optical properties of human breast tissue with various lesions. Phantoms with inclusions of increasing reduced scattering (inclusions 9.37–14.1 cm−1, background 7.83 and 8.5 cm-1) and absorption (inclusions 0.061–0.086 cm−1, background 0.044 and 0.045 cm-1) coefficients were investigated. In the UOT images, the contrast-to-noise ratios varied between 3.87 ± 1.71 and 6.25 ± 2.96, and the inclusions could be easily identified by eye. This indicates that the UOT technique has the potential for spatially resolved imaging and optical data acquisition through at least 5 cm of soft tissue. Our findings suggest that UOT equipped with a spectral hole burning filter is a promising technique for breast tumour imaging as well as qualitative and quantitative characterization of their optical properties.

Correction: Unravelling the mechanism by which vildagliptin and linagliptin inhibit pyroptosis in lung injury through the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in type 1 diabetic rats

Cranberry improves metabolic syndrome-related organ dysfunction in rats by modulating AMPK/SREBP1, ROCK1 and TGF-β1

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widespread, complex health issue that poses a substantial global health burden with increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of life, necessitating effective prevention and management strategies. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and metformin on metabolic syndrome in a rat model. Forty rats were divided into the following groups: normal control, MetS (high fat and fructose for 4 weeks followed by streptozotocin 35 mg/kg, i.p.), MetS + cranberry (50 mg/kg), MetS + cranberry (100 mg/kg), and MetS + metformin (200 mg/kg) groups. Treatments were given orally for four weeks with the continuation of a high-fat and high-fructose diet. The evaluations included key metabolic parameters, liver and kidney pathology, and relevant molecular pathways. The present results revealed that MetS induction significantly increased body weight, BMI, fasting glucose, and OGTT results; impaired lipid profile, creatinine and blood pressure; and upregulated hepatic gene expression of Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (Rock1 ) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1), which encodes the protein SREBP-1c. In addition to hepatic and renal structural abnormalities, increased collagen and increased iNOS/TGF-β1 immunoreactivity were observed. Cranberry ameliorated metabolic parameters in a dose-dependent manner, upregulated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), downregulated Rock1 and Srebf1 expression, improved the histopathology of the liver and kidney and decreased the immunoexpression of iNOS and TGF-β1. The results for cranberry were generally comparable to those for metformin. In conclusion, cranberry extract is potentially a safe therapeutic strategy for MetS, offering broad-spectrum action, organ protection, and molecular pathway modulation. These findings strongly support cranberry as a promising natural approach for managing MetS.

Comprehensive analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment in gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis based on single-cell RNA sequencing analysis

FDA validated ecofriendly HPTLC method for quantification of Florfenicol and Meloxicam in bovine tissues with sustainability assessment

Abstract Meloxicam and Florfenicol, two pharmacologically distinct agents with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, respectively, have attracted considerable interest in veterinary medicine due to their therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles, particularly in cattle and poultry. In this study, a cost-effective and straightforward thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) densitometric method was developed for the simultaneous Quantification of these drugs in both pharmaceutical formulations and spiked bovine muscle samples, with the aim of monitoring tissue residues. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a mobile phase consisting of glacial acetic acid, methanol, triethylamine, and ethyl acetate (0.05: 1.00: 0.10: 9.00, by volume). Densitometric detection was performed at 230 nm, with Esomeprazole (ESO) employed as an internal standard to compensate for potential wavelength fluctuations. Method validation was conducted in accordance with ICH guidelines, demonstrating Linearity within the ranges of 0.03–3.00 µg/band for meloxicam and 0.50–9.00 µg/band for Florfenicol. This method offers a reliable analytical tool for regulatory and surveillance purposes, contributing to public health protection and food safety by enabling the detection of veterinary drug residues in edible tissues. The environmental impact of the method was evaluated using five greenness assessment tools, including greenness, whiteness, and blueness metrics, confirming its eco-friendly nature.

Current applications and future directions in natural language processing for news media and mental health

Abstract Mental health discourse has gained prominence in public media, significantly influencing societal perceptions. This study explores the application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to analyze the representation of mental health in news media texts. The complex interplay between media representation and public understanding of mental health requires advanced analytical tools. NLP offers promising avenues for unpacking these narratives but faces challenges in capturing the nuances of mental health discourse. We employ a scoping review to examine several NLP applications, including sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and bias detection. Our study compares news media to social media, highlighting the unique linguistic challenges of formal journalistic language. The analysis reveals significant limitations of current NLP techniques when applied to mental health news coverage. We uncover significant biases and accuracy issues in sentiment analysis of mental health content across different media platforms. Our findings underscore the need for specialized NLP techniques in mental health news analysis. We propose ten recommendations for tailored NLP approaches that provide critical insights for researchers, policymakers, and media professionals. This work aims to improve mental health communication strategies and promote more nuanced, effective public discourse and media coverage.

A new ensemble heart attack diagnosis (EHAD) model using artificial intelligence techniques

Abstract Myocardial infarctions, also known as heart attacks, are a leading cause of death globally, highlighting the need for prompt and precise diagnoses to improve patient outcomes. Recently, many machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been used for diagnosing heart attack diseases, but these techniques still cannot provide the most accurate results. Thus, it is important to improve these approaches to provide better results than current methods do. In this paper, a new hybrid diagnostic approach for heart attack diagnosis called the ensemble heart attack diagnosis model (EHAD), which is based on the ensemble classification technique (ECT), is introduced. ECT integrates three primary classifiers, namely, the support vector machine (SVM), long short-term memory (LSTM), and artificial neural network (ANN), which are combined with the majority voting (MV) technique to make accurate and fast final decisions. The simulation proved that the Ensemble Heart Attack Diagnosis (EHAD) outperforms other models related to many metrics, such as recall, precision, F1 score, accuracy, and many other statistical analysis measurements.