Browse Articles

Triangulating evidence for genetic and environmental components of associations between parental behaviours and aggressive behaviour in children

Abstract Parenting behaviours are often linked to childhood aggression, but many studies fail to account for shared genetics or test directionality. Using family-based designs, we control for genetic confounding and examined bidirectional effects across two samples. First, we apply a children-of-twins/siblings design in the Norwegian Mother Father and Child Cohort Study which uses genetic relatedness between family members to separate genetic and environmental components of parent-child associations. Second, we use longitudinal models in the USA-based Early Growth and Development Study, an adoption sample where parents and child are not genetically related, enabling estimation of parent-child associations without genetic confounding. Across both studies, we find evidence for genetic and environmental transmission between parenting and child aggression. We show significant child-to-parent effects on inconsistent discipline in both samples. In the children-of-twins analysis, the association between positive parenting and child aggression is shown to be due to shared genetics, where no statistically significant association is observed in the adoption sample. These findings build on the growing body of literature showing genetic influences on both aggression and parenting behaviours, whilst underscoring the value of triangulation.

Assessment of cricket frass as a sustainable organic fertilizer: Effects on seedling establishment, growth and fruit yield of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

Inherently poor soil quality, compounded by widespread soil degradation from unsustainable farming practices, continues to constrain agricultural productivity in Madagascar. As a result, fertilizer application has become essential for improving crop yields. This study assessed the effects of cricket frass fertilizer (CFF) from Gryllus  madagascariensis on zucchini ( Cucurbita pepo ) production, in comparison with cattle manure (CM) and NPK, across two contrasting sites in southeastern Madagascar: Tsaratanàna, a relatively nutrient-rich coastal site, and Namohora, a nutrient-poor inland site. Seven fertilizer treatments were evaluated: an unfertilized control, CM (3.75 g N/plant), NPK (3.75 g N/plant), CFF at the baseline dose (3.75 g N/plant), ¼ × CFF (0.94 g N/plant), 2 × CFF (7.50 g N/plant), and a CM + CFF combination (7.50 g N/plant total). Plant survival was highest with ¼ × CFF in Tsaratanàna and with 2 × CFF in Namohora. Plant height and leaf number generally increased with increasing CFF dose at both sites. Yield responses were site-dependent: NPK produced the highest yield in Tsaratanàna, whereas 2 × CFF produced the highest yield in Namohora. Overall, CFF improved zucchini survival, growth, and yield relative to the unfertilized control. CFF performance relative to cattle manure varied across sites but generally remained comparable or superior, whereas its performance relative to NPK was not consistently superior across sites. These findings indicate that CFF is a promising organic fertilizer for zucchini, particularly under nutrient-poor conditions.

Au(III) Complexes as Pyroptosis Inducers by Targeting Mitochondrial DNA for Tumor Immunity

ABSTRACT Targeting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to induce a highly inflammatory form of cell death, such as pyroptosis, represents a promising yet underexplored therapeutic strategy. In this study, we report a novel cationic Au(III) Schiff base complex ( Au9 ) that selectively accumulates in mitochondria, targets mtDNA, and induces mtDNA damage. Additionally, Au9 inhibits thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity, elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). These combined effects activate the caspase‐3/gasdermin E (GSDME) pathway, leading to pyroptosis. This process is accompanied by the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), significantly enhancing immunogenic cell death (ICD). Further investigations indicate that Au9 effectively modulates the tumor immune microenvironment by promoting dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and CD4 + /CD8 + T cells activation while reducing the proportion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). This study provides the first evidence that Au(III) complexes can induce pyroptosis by targeting mtDNA and synergistically enhance antitumor immune responses, offering innovative strategies for developing novel metal‐based immunotherapeutic agents.

Voluntary wheel running reduces infarct size through thioredoxin-1 and survival pathways

Statescope: an integrative deconvolution framework for discovering cell states in tumors

Abstract Accurate deconvolution of cell states from bulk tumor RNA-seq is hindered by heterogeneous malignant cells specifically in cancer applications. We present Statescope, a Bayesian framework that incorporates DNA-derived malignant cell purity to overcome this heterogeneity and explicitly models inter-sample variation to accurately identify cell states. Comprehensive benchmarking shows Statescope outperforms existing methods in both cell fraction and state estimation, and is unique in its ability to identify states entirely absent from single-cell references. In real-data applications, Statescope successfully recapitulates established cell states, including multiple states in neutrophils, a cell type often missed by single-cell methods in lung cancer. Critically, in the POPLAR/OAK clinical trials, Statescope identifies a combinatorial signature of effector CD8 + T cells and conventional dendritic cell states that together predict a striking survival benefit from immunotherapy. Collectively, Statescope transforms deconvolution into a versatile discovery platform, enabling deeper biological and clinical insights from widely available bulk multi-omics data.

Generating solutions for charged compact configurations in f(R) gravity

We present a systematic method for generating solutions of charged, spherically symmetric compact objects in modified f ( R ) gravity. The stellar interior is modeled with an anisotropic matter distribution, allowing distinct radial and tangential stresses. The modified field equations initially provide three relations among five unknown functions. To construct a consistent system, we impose a linear equation of state together with two geometric constraints: the conformally flat condition (vanishing Weyl tensor) and the Karmarkar condition associated with class-I embedding. These conditions lead to a closed expression for the energy density, which serves as a generating function for the model. Within this framework, the radial pressure, tangential pressure, and anisotropy factor naturally emerge as key drivers in the generation of solutions. The resulting Riccati equation is transformed into a second-order linear homogeneous form, enabling explicit construction of stellar models. Our analysis demonstrates that once a particular solution is identified, entire families of generating solutions can be obtained in f ( R ) gravity, with the anisotropy factor playing a central role in their formulation.

Charge‐Transfer Exciton Flows: Red Luminescent Zn ₈ D ₁₄ A ₄ Nanotubes

ABSTRACT Precise arrangement of multi‐electron‐donor (D) and acceptor (A) molecules can drive directional flows of photo‐generated molecular excitons and charge‐transfer (CT) excitons along with the proper D–A sequence. Here, a highly D–A‐accumulated (14D + 4A) non‐statistical triple‐wall nanotube [(Zn 2+ ) 8 ( L D ) 14 ( L A ) 4 ] driven by linkages with eight zinc ions (Zn 2+ ) is fabricated ( L D and L A are anthracene‐ and anthraquinone‐based ditopic ligands, respectively). The absolute D and A positions are successfully determined by x‐ray diffraction analysis on a single crystal of (Zn 2+ ) 8 ( L D ) 14 ( L A ) 4 , realizing their nanotubular arrangements with a non‐statistical D–A sequence. The four L A ligands are located at the inner positions of the nanotube and undergo CT interactions with the outer four L D ligands, and the other 10 L D ligands form dimers [( L D ) 2 ] through π‐stacking or excitonic interactions between the anthracene rings. The intra‐tube L D / L A CT interactions produce a CT absorption band at long wavelength, enabling the (Zn 2+ ) 8 ( L D ) 14 ( L A ) 4 nanotube to absorb long‐wavelength green light through CT excitation ( L D / L A + h ν (CT) → L D •+ / L A •– ). Long‐wavelength light excitation provides a bright red excimer emission from the anthracene dimer units [( L D ) 2 * ]. This is most probably arising from flows of the low‐energy photon‐generated CT excitons.

Graphdiyne as a Hole‐Transport Channel in Carbon Nitride Heterojunctions for Synergistic CO ₂ Reduction and <i>γ</i> ‐Butyrolactone Synthesis

ABSTRACT Coupling photocatalytic CO 2 reduction with organic oxidation promises enhanced solar energy conversion and atom economy but remains challenging due to the difficulty in orchestrating selective redox transformations while suppressing side reactions. Here, we report a metal‐free graphdiyne (GDY)/polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) heterojunction that achieves exceptional bifunctional performance in CO 2 reduction coupled with tetrahydrofuran oxidation to γ ‐butyrolactone. The optimized composite delivers a CO production rate of 55 µmol·h −1 ·g −1 with 95% selectivity, and a γ ‐butyrolactone yield of 54% with near‐unity selectivity (&gt; 99%) under mild photothermal conditions, representing 2.9‐fold and 6.8‐fold enhancements over thermally treated PCN, respectively. Mechanistic investigations reveal that GDY serves as a hole‐transport layer, generating a built‐in electric field that drives spatial separation of charge carriers. This configuration confines electrons on PCN for CO 2 reduction while directing holes to GDY for tetrahydrofuran activation. Moreover, the metal‐free heterojunction suppresses over‐oxidation pathways that plague metal‐loaded systems, enabling remarkable selectivity control. This work establishes the GDY/PCN heterojunction as a powerful platform for cooperative photoredox catalysis and provides a blueprint for designing metal‐free heterojunctions toward sustainable synthesis.

Iron excess is associated with atheroma presence and progression in chronic kidney disease in the NEFRONA cohort

Complementary roles of cell-type-specific plasticity in shaping neocortical dynamics for learning action timing

Enhancing blockchain technology adoption in governmental operations: A comprehensive framework for user adoption

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that affect Blockchain adoption in governmental operations in Sri Lanka and to propose a comprehensive adoption framework for Blockchain technology in the Sri Lankan governmental operations. The Technology- Organization-Environment (TOE) framework is utilized due to its capacity to capture the complexities of technological adoption in the public sector, addressing both internal (organizational) and external (environmental) factors that influence the adoption process. Given the structural, regulatory, and data sensitivity challenges of governmental settings, the TOE framework integrates employee insights from technological, organizational, and environmental perspectives, making it adaptable to the public sector’s needs and scalable across various government entities. It also reflects the regulatory and operational requirements specific to the Sri Lankan public institutions, including essential compliance areas such as data privacy, security regulations, and government workflows, thereby offering a practical pathway for Blockchain adoption within the local context. This study employed statistical methods to ensure the validity and reliability of data collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to Grade I–IT Directors to capture their perceptions and experiences with Blockchain technology. Using the structural equation modelling (SEM), the study finds that all the technological, organizational, and environmental dimensions of the TOE framework are significantly associated with intention to adopt Blockchain technology in the Sri Lankan governmental operations. At a more specific level, trust, compatibility, security, higher authority support, monetary resources, rivalry pressure, and regulatory support were identified as significant predictors of adoption intention, while relative advantage, IT resources, and business partner pressure were not statistically significant, and firm size showed only weak support. These findings provide an empirically grounded framework for understanding Blockchain adoption intention in the Sri Lankan public sector and offer implications for future policy and implementation planning.

Isolation and Reactivity of a Stannabismuthene

ABSTRACT Multiple‐bonded compounds involving heavy group 14 elements (Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) and bismuth (Bi), as heavier analogs of imines, have not previously been isolated as stable entities. In this study, we report the successful isolation of a stannabismuthene ( 2 ), a Sn/Bi analog of imines, achieved through the kinetic stabilization provided by a bulky terphenyl substituent. The stannabismuthene was synthesized via a one‐pot reduction of BiBr 3 and carboranyl distannene ( 1 ) using two equivalents of KC 8 in THF, and it has been unambiguously characterized through spectroscopic analysis, x‐ray diffraction, and DFT calculations. This compound features a Sn═Bi double bond, which acts as a π donor, coordinating with AgNTf 2 to form a π complex 3 . DFT calculations reveal two significant interactions in 3 : the donation from the Bi–Sn π‐bonding orbital to the 5s orbital of the Ag atom, and the backdonation from the 4d orbital of Ag to the Bi–Sn π* orbital. These interactions conform to the Dewar−Chatt−Duncanson model for π‐complexes, highlighting the unique bonding characteristics of stannabismuthene.

SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity after XBB.1.5 vaccination is not significantly altered by subsequent influenza vaccination in dialysis patients

Abstract Annual immunisation against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza before the winter waves is increasingly recommended in routine practice. These vaccines may be administered on the same day or sequentially, yet data on the immunogenicity of consecutive vaccinations in patients on dialysis remain limited. In this real-world observational study, we assessed SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses in dialysis patients receiving the monovalent XBB.1.5-vaccine followed by a quadrivalent influenza vaccine 14 days later, or either vaccine alone. Antigen-specific antibodies and T cells were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry. Baseline analyses showed that most patients had detectable SARS-CoV-2- and influenza-specific immunity prior to the vaccination season. Both vaccines substantially boosted pre-existing humoral and cellular responses. Among XBB.1.5-vaccinated patients, subsequent influenza vaccination did not alter the magnitude of spike-specific antibody or T-cell responses. Likewise, influenza vaccination had no non-specific effect on SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity. Spike-specific responses remained stable for six months and persisted at levels exceeding those of unvaccinated patients assessed during the same period. Sequential administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in patients on dialysis is feasible and was not associated with compromised immunogenicity of either vaccine. These findings support the use of booster vaccination in these patients and inform future deployment of additional mRNA-based vaccines.

Design, synthesis and structural mechanism of action of TRPV1 agonist MSP20 with long-lasting analgesic effect

Higher frequency of subclonal anti-EGFR resistance mutations in post-treatment samples from patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases following anti-EGFR-based conversion chemotherapy

Background/aims Initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases may become resectable after chemotherapy. The acquisition of somatic mutations has been demonstrated to indicate evolving tumor subclones resistant to therapy and hinder R0 resection. However, the added value of mutational profiling in a real-world setting remains to be elucidated. The objective of the present study was to identify recurrent molecular profiles in colorectal cancer liver metastases that had been pre-treated with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies plus chemotherapy. Methods A retrospective, single-centre analysis of colorectal cancer liver metastases samples from 30 patients (9 pre-therapy/21 post-therapy) who received chemotherapy and anti-EGFR agents between January 2008 and February 2014 was conducted. Targeted next-generation resequencing (NGS) was performed. Subsequently, the results were compared to publicly available genomic datasets of primary colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Results 145 mutations were identified (mean, 5.2 ± 1.3 mutations per sample; range 0–28, median 2, IQR 3.75). Neither mutation count nor RAS status did correlate with the achievement of resectability. NGS confirmed prior identified KRAS mutations in 4/29 patients (14.8%) and revealed further somatic RAS alterations in 5 cases. In addition to the classical colorectal cancer driver mutations, tumors exhibited recurrent mutations in genes implicated in anti-EGFR resistance such as HNF1A (34.4%, 10/29), FGFR2 (31%, 9/29), VHL (27.5%, 8/29) and PDGFR (27.5%, 8/29), ERBB2 (24.1%, 7/29), ABL1 (24.1%, 7/29), SMO (24.1%, 7/29), GNA11 (20.6%, 6/29), RET (20.6%, 6/29), STK11 (20.6%, 6/29), HRAS (20.6%, 6/29) and NRAS (17.2%, 5/29). Conclusion In the current study, we describe a higher frequency of potential anti-EGFR treatment resistance mutations in patients who respond well to the combination of chemotherapy and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody treatment. Nevertheless, subclonal mutations associated with resistance to anti-EGFR therapy did not affect the secondary resectability of colorectal liver metastases.

Planar Chiral Carbazole‐Naphthalene Bisimide Hetero‐Cyclophane for Circularly Polarized Delayed Fluorescence

ABSTRACT Chiral organic chromophores with circularly polarized thermally activated delayed fluorescence (CP–TADF) provide great prospects as circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emitters owing to the involvement of long‐lived triplet excitons. Here, we construct a tailored planar chiral hetero‐cyclophane ( NBICz–Cy ) composed of 1,2:5,6–naphthalene bisimide (1,2:5,6–NBI) and carbazole (Cz) units, which functions as an efficient solution‐state CP–TADF emitter. Comprehensive photophysical studies reveal pronounced delayed fluorescence in the orange‐red region, with a quantum yield (QY) of 19% in deaerated solution and 12% in an aerated solution‐processable matrix. Single‐crystal XRD analysis unravels a through‐space charge‐transfer (CT) interaction between the NBI and Cz moieties, being responsible for delayed fluorescence. The inherent prochirality of the 1,2:5,6–NBI moiety imparts planar chirality in the cyclophane framework, resulting in CP–TADF in both solution and solid state with |g lum | values of ∼ 2.5 – 3.3 × 10 −3 .

Cage Catalyst: Tandem Assembly and Temperature‐Regulated Symmetry Breaking of Endogenous Metal Cluster for Phase‐Controlled CO ₂ Electroreduction

ABSTRACT Encapsulation of metal clusters in porous organic cages (POCs) is a promising strategy for metalloenzyme‐mimetic catalysts. However, constructing POCs with endogenous metal clusters and achieving atomic‐level control over their formation and structural evolution remains a key challenge. Here, we realize the in situ growth of a cubic tetranuclear Ag‐halide cluster in an imine‐based [4+6] POC ( α ‐Ag 4 X 4 @Cage‐2 , X = Cl, Br, I) via coordination‐driven tandem assembly, monitored by time‐resolved mass spectrometry. Upon heating, α ‐Ag 4 X 4 @Cage‐2 (X = Cl, Br) undergoes a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformation, with symmetry breaking via Ag–X bond cleavage and structural transition from cubane to distorted hexahedron ( β phase). This is a rare atomic‐level observation of thermally induced structural change of endogenous metal clusters in molecular cages. For CO 2 electroreduction, β ‐Ag 4 X 4 @Cage‐2 reaches 98.7% FE CO at −1.05 V versus RHE with 100 h stability (outperforming its α ‐phase counterpart), a TOF of 100 060 h −1 at 500 mA cm −2 , ranking among top molecular materials. Mechanistic studies reveal that the β ‐Ag 4 X 4 structural distortion disrupts charge symmetry of the four Ag atoms and localizes electrons at the bond‐cleaved Ag site, lowering the energy barrier for key *COOH intermediate formation. This work offers insights into the dynamic evolution of confined metal clusters via precise host–guest structural engineering.

Effects of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae zoocompost on the mineral element content of blue honeysuckle berries

Abstract Agricultural production is increasingly constrained by climate variability, soil degradation, and plant raw material safety concerns, underscoring the need to explore more sustainable solutions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) zoocompost, growing season, and cultivar on the macro- and microelement content of the berries of three blue honeysuckle cultivars. The experiment was conducted during the 2024 and 2025, using different rates (0, 1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha −1 ) of BSFL zoocompost for fertilization. The results revealed that BSFL zoocompost significantly increased N content in berries at all application rates, while K content increased significantly at the 1500 and 2000 kg ha −1 application rates in both years. All zoocompost application rates significantly increased P content in berries only in 2024, whereas fertilization had no significant effect on P content in 2025. In both years, fertilization had no significant effect on the Mg content. All fertilization treatments decreased Fe in ‘Wojtek’ and ‘Zojka’ berries in 2024, while increasing this element content in 2025. Fertilization at 2000 kg ha −1 in 2024 and 1500 kg ha −1 in 2025 significantly increased Fe in ‘Indigo Yum’ berries. In both years, fertilization with 1500 and 2000 kg ha −1 of BSFL zoocompost increased Zn content in ‘Zojka’ and ‘Wojtek’ berries. These findings underscore the importance of considering cultivar characteristics, fertilization practices, and climatic conditions to optimize the mineral element content of blue honeysuckle berries, thereby supporting more sustainable and efficient production systems.

Modulating mechanisms of marine hydrodynamics on global coastal carbon burial

Strategies to promote safe mobilization of people with obesity in inpatient care settings: A scoping review protocol

Introduction Hospital-associated deconditioning is common during inpatient admissions, particularly among patients with obesity whose mobilization presents added complexity and safety challenges. Despite the known benefits of mobilization, there is no comprehensive synthesis or guidelines to address safe mobilization for patients with obesity in inpatient settings. Materials and methods This protocol describes a scoping review that will systematically map the literature on mobilization strategies used for adults with obesity in acute and inpatient rehabilitation settings, including barriers and facilitators to safe practice. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methods and PRISMA-ScR reporting, peer-reviewed studies involving patients with author-defined obesity will be identified through comprehensive searches of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Emcare, Ovid AMED, EbscoHost CINAHL, and Clarivate Web of Science from database inception. Screening and data extraction will be conducted independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. Data will be summarized narratively and with descriptive statistics, as appropriate. Conclusion The results of this scoping review will summarize the available evidence on the strategies used to safely mobilize patients with obesity during admission to inpatient settings and the barriers and facilitators that impact these strategies. A manuscript will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at appropriate rehabilitation conferences.