Browse Articles

A strategy for challenging tumorous bone regeneration by borosilicate bioactive glass boosting moderate magnetic hyperthermia

Opportunities for decentralised solar power to improve reliability, reduce emissions and avoid stranded assets

Abstract Despite recent improvements to electricity access in lower-income countries, reliability remains low for many. Local renewable electricity infrastructure supplementing the national grid offers a promising route to improved reliability for rural communities. However, improvements in the reliability of national grids create risks for investors including the possibility of “stranded” renewable assets. We use energy-system modelling to explore ways in which solar photovoltaic (PV)-based mini-grids could be interconnected with national grids. We explore the impact of reduced electricity demand to quantify the investment risks of losing customers. Our results indicate that national grid–connected mini-grids can reduce the unit electricity costs for communities whilst also increasing reliability and reducing the carbon intensity of electricity in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7. Reductions in demand have a minimal impact at lower levels but at moderate levels are likely to undermine economic viability. Finally, we discuss policy interventions to facilitate and protect investing in national grid-connected mini-grids.

Towards holistic colony feeding: Effects of vitamin supplementation on summer and winter honey bee workers, Apis mellifera L

In managed western honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies, vitamins are often neglected when it comes to SI feeding despite their importance for health. Moreover, the potential links of vitamin feeding to longevity, food consumption and adult dry weight are poorly understood. Finally, comparative nutritional studies of short-lived summer workers and long-lived winter workers are currently lacking. Here, in a fully-crossed design, multivitamin supplementation of vitamins A, D, E, K, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9 and B12 (N = 13), titrated in three different dosages were fed to summer and winter workers in two trials. In standard laboratory hoarding cages, experimental workers were assigned one of eight treatments: Sucrose, Sucrose + Pollen, Vitamin 1, Vitamin 1 + Pollen, Vitamin 2, Vitamin 2 + Pollen, Vitamin 3, Vitamin 3 + Pollen (N = 8 treatments, 26 workers/cage, N = 64 cages/phase, N = 3328 total workers). Regardless of season, significant consumption polynomial trends were revealed; however, no significant differences in sucrose and pollen consumption were found. Likewise, none of the used multivitamin dosages did significantly improve any of the measured parameters. On the other hand, ad libitum access to pollen consistently increased both weight and lifespan, reinforcing pollen as critical to honey bee health. Additionally, the data clearly show that summer and winter workers bees display very similar significant patterns of dry weight and longevity. In particular, summer bees lived longer than winter ones. In light of well-known differences between summer and winter workers in the field, in particular longevity, these results are unexpected. Therefore, improved laboratory settings for honey bee s seem to be required to obtain more biologically relevant data and ultimately improve managed A. mellifera health.

Stabilized Fe7C3 catalyst with K–Mg dual promotion for robust CO2 hydrogenation to high-value olefins

Abstract Iron carbide catalysts, particularly the Fe7C3 phase, hold significant potential for efficient CO2 hydrogenation to olefins, yet stabilizing this phase under reactive conditions remains a major challenge. Herein, we report a robust and efficient synthesis of nearly phase-pure Fe7C3 catalysts derived from Prussian blue analogues, whose stability is significantly enhanced by strategically incorporating K and Mg promoters. Comprehensive characterization reveals that K accelerates the carbonization process and markedly enhances olefin selectivity, whereas Mg effectively suppresses water-induced oxidation, preserving the structural integrity of the Fe7C3 phase. Under optimized reaction conditions (340 °C, 2 MPa, H2/CO2 = 3), the Fe7C3-KMg catalyst achieves a high CO2 conversion of 41.5% and an olefin selectivity of 67.1%, maintaining exceptional catalytic stability for over 1000 hours. These findings offer valuable new insights into the rational design of robust iron carbide catalysts for sustainable and efficient CO2 conversion into high-value chemicals.

Fault diagnosis model based on multi-strategy adaptive COA and improved weighted kernel ELM: A case study on wind turbine blade icing

The icing failures of wind turbine blades are critical factors that affect both power generation efficiency and safety. To improve the diagnostic accuracy and speed, an improved weighted kernel extreme learning machine (IWKELM) optimized by multi-strategy adaptive coati optimization algorithm (MACOA) for icing fault diagnosis model is proposed, i.e., MACOA-IWKELM. Firstly, in order to improve the model optimization performance, the MACOA is proposed by introducing chaotic mapping Lévy flights, nonlinear inertial step factors, an improved coati vigilante mechanism, and an improved objective function. Secondly, the weighted kernel extreme learning machine (WKELM) is optimized by improved weighted parameters considering the influence of the internal distribution of samples on the diagnostic model. Finally, the MACOA is applied to the IWKELM and combined with the random forest (RF) dimensionality reduction technique to form the icing diagnostic model. The method is based on two sets of real SCADA data of wind turbine blade icing for comparison experiments with other models. In the two sets of experiments, the accuracy reaches 92.22% and 96.94% respectively, and the standard deviation of the accuracy in 50 experiments is 2.53% and 1.92% respectively. Keywords: Multi-strategy adaptive coati optimization algorithm; Improved weighted extreme learning machine; Wind turbine blade icing fault detection; Fault detection.

Structural basis of VCP-VCPIP1-p47 ternary complex in Golgi maintenance

Abstract VCP/p97 regulates a wide range of cellular processes, including post-mitotic Golgi reassembly. In this context, VCP is assisted by p47, an adapter protein, and VCPIP1, a deubiquitylase (DUB). However, how they organize into a functional ternary complex to promote Golgi assembly remains unknown. Here, we use cryo-EM to characterize both VCP-VCPIP1 and VCP-VCPIP1-p47 complexes. We show that VCPIP1 engages VCP through two interfaces: one involving the N-domain of VCP and the UBX domain of VCPIP1, and the other involving the VCP D2 domains and a region of VCPIP1 we refer to as VCPID. The p47 UBX domain competitively binds to the VCP N-domain, while not affecting VCPID binding. We show that VCPID is critical for VCP-mediated enhancement of DUB activity and proper Golgi assembly. The ternary structure along with biochemical and cellular data provides new insights into the complex interplay of VCP with its co-factors.

Physician knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of respiratory syncytial virus in older adults: A cross-sectional survey in Germany and Italy

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes substantial morbidity and mortality among older adults and individuals with chronic diseases, putting pressure on healthcare systems. RSV vaccines became available in 2023, however, physicians’ knowledge and attitudes regarding RSV and RSV vaccines may hinder uptake. We aimed to understand physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of respiratory infections, including RSV, and vaccination. A pre-tested cross-sectional survey was fielded with physicians who commonly administer or recommend respiratory vaccines in Germany and Italy. Regression models assessed physicians’ characteristics associated with knowledge and perceptions of RSV. Overall, 307 physicians (Germany: n = 152; Italy: n = 155) completed the survey. Physicians had good mean RSV disease knowledge scores (Germany: 3.8/5; Italy: 3.3/5). Most (Germany: 68%; Italy: 72%) indicated wanting further information on RSV, versus <35% for other respiratory diseases. Most considered RSV an important burden, especially for adults aged ≥50 years with immunocompromising conditions (Germany: >96%; Italy: >92%) and ≥60 years with chronic conditions (Germany: >95%; Italy: >87%). Physicians seeing >100 versus ≤100 patients weekly, and general practitioners versus other specialists, perceived RSV burden as more important. Perceived barriers to RSV vaccination included lack of national recommendation and reimbursement (Germany: 92%; Italy: 89%), and patients not being informed on getting vaccinated (Germany: 71%; Italy: 59%). In conclusion, physicians generally considered RSV an important pathogen for older adults and those with chronic conditions at risk of severe infection. Most wanted more information on RSV, thus medical education is important to address knowledge gaps and enable physicians to guide patients in making informed vaccination decisions.

Bioinspired interfacial nanofluidic layer enabling high-rate and dendrite-free lithium metal negative electrodes

VM-Unet enhanced with multi-scale pyramid feature extraction for segmentation of tibiofemoral joint tissues from knee MRI

In medical imaging diagnosis, accurate segmentation of the knee joint can help doctors better observe and diagnose lesions, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. Vision Mamba mainly relies on the State Space Model (SSM) for feature modeling, which excels at capturing global contextual information but cannot capture local texture features. Moreover, features of different scales are not effectively integrated, resulting in the model’s weak segmentation ability on small-scale tissues (such as cartilage areas). To this end, this study proposed a novel multi-scale Vision Mamba Unet (VM-Unet) framework named MSPF-VM-Unet to perform the segmentation on the femur, tibia, femoral cartilage, and tibial cartilage in knee MRI images. The proposed MSPF-VM-Unet extends VM-Unet by introducing a designed multi-scale pyramid feature extraction network named MPSK, which synergizes multi-resolution feature extraction with channel-space attention. MPSK network enhances multi-scale local feature extraction through Selective Kernel (SK) convolution and pyramid pooling. The network merges the overall context information extracted by the Vision Mamba encoder to achieve the coordinated optimization of a multi-scale hierarchical feature fusion mechanism and global long-range dependency modeling. The results of the comparative experiments on the OAI-ZIB dataset indicate that MSPF-VM-Unet significantly improves the boundary accuracy and regional consistency of the MRI tibiofemoral joint tissue structure.

Regulatory role of the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region of the DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX3X in selective RNA recognition

Abstract DDX3X, a member of the DEAD-box RNA helicase family, plays a central role in the translational regulation of gene expression through its unwinding activity toward complex RNA structures in messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Although DDX3X is known to selectively stimulate the translation of a subset of genes, a specific sequence motif has not been identified; thus, the molecular mechanism underlying this selectivity remains elusive. Using solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of DDX3X plays a critical role in the binding and unwinding of structured RNAs. We propose that the selectivity toward target transcripts is mediated by its preferential binding to structured motifs, particularly the G-quadruplex structure, through arginine-rich segments within the N-terminal IDR. Our results provide a molecular basis for understanding translational regulation by DDX3X and highlight the remarkable role of the flexible IDR in controlling the cellular translational landscape.

Knee arthroplasty can preserve cognitive function in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis

Background This study examined how the clinical and radiological severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and various treatment methods affect cognitive function. Method This prospective study included patients with knee pain or discomfort who visited a single institution between July 2017 and November 2022. Patients with Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) grade 0 or treatable dementia were excluded from this study, and 88 patients were followed up for an average duration of 2.4 ± 1.3 years. Overall, 55 patients had K–L grade 4, of whom 45 who did not improve after >3 months of conservative treatment underwent knee arthroplasty. Results Among patients with K–L grade 4, the decrease in the Mini-Mental State Examination score in patients who underwent surgery was significantly lower than that in other patients who received conservative treatment only. Conclusion Knee arthroplasty can reduce the decline in cognitive function in patients with severe knee OA of K-L grade 4 who do not respond to conservative treatment. Even if pain is controlled with conservative treatment, the decline in cognitive function in patients with OA is faster than the age-related decline observed in the general population.

Granzyme B activated near-infrared-II ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe for early detection of tumor response to immunotherapy

Synergistic Treatment with Antiretrovirals and Laser Interstitial Thermal ThErapy (STARLITE) for unresectable glioblastoma: A phase 1 study protocol

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of primary adult brain tumor with a five-year survival of <7%. Standard of care (SoC) involves maximal safe surgical resection with chemoradiation; nevertheless, most patients experience disease progression. Deep intracranial GBM is unresectable, limiting treatment to chemoradiation only. Thus, novel approaches are needed. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a promising minimally invasive procedure using thermal energy for focal necrosis. Another approach is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which was initially explored as a treatment for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related malignancies, that has recently shown preclinical promise for GBM. We present the Synergistic Treatment with Antiretrovirals and Laser Interstitial Thermal ThErapy (STARLITE) (NCT06428045) trial, which seeks to synergize LITT with ART to treat unresectable GBM. STARLITE is a single-institution, single-arm, phase 1 study. An ART regimen of abacavir, lamivudine, and ritonavir will be administered followed by SoC adjuvant therapy in patients with newly-diagnosed, unresectable GBM after LITT. The primary objective of the study will be the determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of ritonavir as part of the ART regimen. Secondary objectives of the clinical trial will be to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). LITT has been shown to have minimal post-operative complications while improving OS in unresectable GBM. In preclinical GBM models, ART has been shown to reduce cell viability and stemness. STARLITE aims to leverage the ability of LITT to target unresectable GBM foci and transiently open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to increase the tumoral delivery of ART and augment its anti-tumor effects. We hypothesize this combination will be well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects and improve GBM prognosis. Trial Registration This clinical trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06428045). The authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention are registered.

Concept and demonstration of a low-cost compact electron microscope enabled by a photothermionic carbon nanotube cathode

Abstract The scanning electron microscope (SEM) delivers high resolution, high depth of field, and an image quality as if microscopic objects are seen by the naked eye. This makes it not only a powerful scientific instrument, but a tool inherently applicable to nearly all fields of study and curiosity involving the small scale. However, SEMs have remained complex, expensive, and beyond the reach of many. To broaden access, we demonstrate an SEM using simple, low-cost, off-the-shelf components, and hobby-level electromechanics; this has been enabled by a thermionic electron source based on a carbon nanotube array excited by low optical power. The instrument offers sub-micrometer resolution, a depth of field of the order of a hundred micrometers, and an image quality comparable to commercial SEMs; it also tolerates poor vacuum and moist specimens, making it broadly applicable. It has a flexible design that lends itself to customization for different use scenarios. We describe the conceptual approach and high-level design in this paper; the detailed blueprints of our specific implementation are provided separately online. We hope that specialists and non-specialists alike will build variations that fit their own needs and interests, helping electron microscopy expand further into industry and society.

Correction: The Efficient Coding of Speech: Cross-Linguistic Differences

Long-term health outcomes in adolescents with obesity treated with faecal microbiota transplantation: 4-year follow-up

An improved GC-MS-SIM analytical method for determination of pendimethalin residue in commercial crops (leaf and soils) and its validation

Pendimethalin is generally used as pre-emergence herbicide cum suckericide in different growing region of Flue-Cured Verginia (FCV) tobacco by applying indiscriminately in irrigation channel. In quest of safety regulations related to pendimethalin residues in cured leaf tobacco and tobacco growing soils, a rapid and robust method is developed by GC-MS single quadruple system.. The GC-MS single ion monitoring (SIM) analytical method, achieved good linearity (R2 > 0.99) with LOD and LOQ values of 0.001 mg/kg and 0.005 mg/kg, respectively. The method gave more than 80% recovery (5% RSD) showed compliance with international specification of DG-SANTE guidelines. In the majority of samples, pesticide residue levels were below the guidance residue levels (GRL; for pendimethalin GRL 5 ppm) value set by Center for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA). The analytical method developed for true detection of pendimethalin residue at very trace levels with acceptable recovery level and matrix effect. The method is improved in terms of sentivity and precision as per regulatory norms of exporting commercial crops like tobacco. Looking at the consumer safety the method can be used in monitoring the pendimethalin residues in FCV tobacco and FCV tobacco grown soils at regular intervals.

Cortex folding by combined progenitor expansion and adhesion-controlled neuronal migration

Abstract Folding of the mammalian cerebral cortex into sulcal fissures and gyral peaks is the result of complex processes that are incompletely understood. Previously we showed that genetic deletion of Flrt1/3 adhesion molecules causes folding of the smooth mouse cortex into sulci resulting from increased lateral dispersion and faster neuron migration, without progenitor expansion. Here, we show in mice that combining the Flrt1/3 double knockout with an additional genetic deletion that causes progenitor expansion, greatly enhances cortex folding. Expansion of intermediate progenitors by deletion of Cep83 leads to a relative increase in Flrt-mutant neurons resulting in enhanced formation of sulci. Expansion of apical progenitors by deletion of Fgf10 leads to a relative reduction in Flrt-mutant neurons resulting in enhanced formation of gyri. These results together with computational modeling identify key developmental mechanisms, such as adhesive properties, cell densities and migration of cortical neurons, that cooperate to promote cortical gyrification.

Effectiveness of metaverse-based nursing education on operating room patient safety

Purpose It is speculated that practical education that utilizes the metaverse can reduce the drawbacks of limited practice environments for nursing students and achieve the educational goals of clinical practice to improve the competency and academic satisfaction of nursing students. Metaverse can represent the actual clinical experience and participation of learners. This study aimed to develop metaverse-based nursing education content on operating room patient safety and verify its effects on nursing students’ learning transfer motivation, self-regulated learning, self-efficacy, and patient safety nursing. Methods This study had a nonequivalent control group pre- and post-experimental design. Nursing education content was developed based on the ASSURE model. The content consisted of surgical hand washing, sterile gown wearing, patient confirmation, surgical counting, specimen management, and high-risk drug management. The control group underwent clinical training in the operating room, and the experimental group underwent practical training in the metaverse operating room. Results The control and experimental groups included 19 and 25 participants, respectively. On comparing the study variables after the intervention, the difference between the control and experimental groups was not statistically significant, and the average score of the experimental group was generally higher. In particular, patient safety nursing scores improved from 3.99 to 4.79 in the control group and from 4.05 to 4.80 in the experimental group. Both groups showed significant improvement from pre- to post-intervention, with similar trends in educational outcomes observed across the two groups. Conclusion Both training methods demonstrated comparable educational outcomes. These findings suggest that metaverse-based education has the potential to be a viable alternative to traditional clinical training in operating room patient safety nursing.

Bridging known and unknown dynamics by transformer-based machine-learning inference from sparse observations