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Study of photocatalytic performance of green synthesis V2O5/ZnO nanocomposite for sunlight-driven degradation of acid orange 7 dyes
Conserved macromolecular architecture of poplar secondary cell walls revealed by ssNMR and atomistic modeling
Expression of Concern: Investigations on segmentation-based fractal texture for texture classification in the presence of Gaussian noise
Soybean genotypes with elevated thermal demand and photoperiod sensitivity show adaptive flowering in lower latitudes
Dissecting autonomous enzymatic variability in single cells
Abstract Metabolic enzymes perform life-sustaining functions in various cellular compartments. Anecdotally, metabolic activity is observed to vary between genetically identical cells, which impacts drug resistance, differentiation, and immune cell activation. However, no large-scale resource systematically reporting metabolic cellular heterogeneity exists. Here, we leverage imaging-based single-cell spatial proteomics to reveal the extent of non-genetic variability of the human enzymatic proteome, as a proxy for metabolic states. Nearly two fifths of enzymes exhibit cell-to-cell variable expression, and half localize to multiple cellular compartments. Metabolic heterogeneity arises largely autonomously of cell cycling, and individual cells reestablish these myriad metabolic phenotypes over several cell divisions. We reveal through multiplexed imaging that metabolic states are continuous and that the correlation between metabolic pathways is metabolic state dependent. These results establish cell-to-cell enzymatic heterogeneity as an organizing principle of cell biology that may rewire our understanding of drug resistance, treatment design, and other aspects of medicine.
Gold wrist-assisted PFNA reduces internal complications and enhances recovery in obese osteoporotic patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures
Introduction Obese, osteoporotic patients with intertrochanteric fractures face higher surgical risks and delayed recovery. The “Gold Wrist,” an auxiliary curved guiding instrument for proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA), was developed to assist guidewire placement and improve procedural efficiency. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 500 patients (almost all with BMI > 28 and varying degrees of osteoporosis) underwent PFNA using either the Gold Wrist (n = 250) or conventional instruments (n = 250). Outcomes included operative time, fluoroscopy exposure, incision length, inflammatory markers, functional recovery, internal medicine complications, mechanical complications, hospitalization cost, and estimated carbon footprint. Finite element analysis assessed device mechanical stability. Results Finite element analysis confirmed reliable mechanical performance. The Gold Wrist group had shorter operative time (114.7 ± 34.6 vs. 127.3 ± 34.3 min), smaller incisions (6.15 ± 1.88 vs. 7.27 ± 1.79 cm), and lower TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and CK levels (all P < 0.0001). Functional recovery was faster, with higher Harris Hip Scores (87.7 ± 2.7 vs. 84.7 ± 3.4) and greater hip motion. Internal medicine complications—including infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and cardiovascular events—were significantly reduced. Mechanical complications, including implant failure, were reported separately. Hospitalization costs and estimated carbon footprint were also lower. Conclusion The auxiliary Gold Wrist device improves surgical precision, accelerates recovery, and reduces internal medicine complications in obese, osteoporotic patients undergoing PFNA. It offers a clinically effective and sustainable approach to managing high-risk intertrochanteric fractures.
Effects of sampling strategy and delay compensation on the dynamic performance of a bidirectional DC–DC converter for electric vehicle applications
Single cell spatial transcriptomics track the evolutionary hierarchy and microenvironment remodeling during breast carcinoma invasion
Spatio-temporal patterns and prediction of colorectal cancer mortality in Chinese cancer registration areas: A nationwide study based on multiple models
Objective To describe the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality in Chinese cancer registration areas and to predict its future trends, thereby providing an epidemiological basis for CRC prevention and control in China. Method This study used cancer registry data from 2005 to 2018, collected from the China Cancer Registry Annual Report (2008–2021), to comprehensively describe CRC mortality patterns. Joinpoint regression models were employed to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) to analyze temporal trends. The age–period–cohort model was used to disentangle the effects of age, period, and cohort. A Bayesian age–period–cohort (BAPC) model was constructed to predict future trends for 2019–2035. Global and local spatial autocorrelation methods were applied to describe the spatial distribution of CRC mortality and to identify high-risk areas. Results From 2005 to 2018, in Chinese cancer registration areas, the mortality of CRC was 14.45/100,000, and the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was 11.13/100,000 [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.03, 11.27]. From 2005 to 2007, the mortality rate of CRC showed an upward trend, with an APC of 3.67% (95% CI: −0.77%, 8.33%); from 2007 to 2013, there was a significant downward trend with an APC of −2.45% (95%CI: −3.14%, −1.47%); from 2013 to 2018, there was an upward trend with an APC of 0.13% (95% CI: −0.88%, 1.17%). From 2007 to 2013, the CRC mortality rates of different genders showed a significant downward trend. In urban areas from 2009 to 2018, the CRC mortality rate showed a significant downward trend with an APC of −1.21% (95% CI: −1.71%, −0.71%), but in rural areas, it showed a significant upward trend with an AAPC of 0.59% (95% CI: 0.24%, 1.56%). The age effects indicated that the risk of CRC death increased with age. From 2019 to 2035, the ASMR of CRC in Chinese cancer registration areas will generally show a slow upward trend. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the mortality rate of CRC in Chinese cancer registration areas exhibited spatial clustering characteristics, with hotspots concentrated in the eastern coastal and northeastern provinces. Conclusions The mortality rate of CRC in Chinese cancer registration areas showed a trend of first increasing, then decreasing, and then increasing from 2005 to 2018. It was predicted that it will continue to rise from 2019 and still face a series of challenges such as urban-rural, gender, and regional inequality. In the future, more targeted prevention and control strategies should be adopted, combined with dietary and lifestyle interventions, to further reduce the burden of CRC.
Synergistic nanophotonic and work-function engineering in HTL-free carbon-based perovskite solar cells employing a double electron transport layer
Concurrent control of natural and robotic limbs through a tactile-encoded brain-computer interface
Abstract Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) promise to extend human movement capabilities by enabling direct neural control of supernumerary effectors, yet integrating augmented commands with multiple degrees of freedom without disrupting natural movement remains a key challenge. Here, we propose a tactile-encoded BCI that leverages sensory afferents through a tactile-evoked P300 paradigm, allowing reliable decoding of supernumerary motor intentions even when superimposed with voluntary actions. The interface was evaluated in a multi-day experiment comprising a single motor recognition task to validate baseline BCI performance and a dual-task paradigm to assess the potential influence between the BCI and natural human movement. The interface achieved real-time and reliable decoding of four supernumerary degrees of freedom, with significant performance improvements after three days of training. After training, performance did not differ significantly between the single-task and dual-task conditions, and natural movement remained unimpaired during concurrent supernumerary control. Lastly, the interface was deployed in a movement augmentation task, demonstrating its ability to command two supernumerary robotic arms for functional assistance during bimanual tasks. These results establish a neural interface paradigm for movement augmentation through stimulation of sensory afferents, expanding motor degrees of freedom without impairing natural movement.
ClpP deficiency attenuates contrast-induced HK-2 cell injury through changes associated with mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis
Background Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a renal impairment that occurs after several days of intravascular administration of iodine-containing contrast media. ClpP is a key protease that plays an important role in cellular mitochondrial function. This study investigated the role of ClpP in mitochondrial dynamics and early injury in an in‑vitro CA‑AKI model. Methods mRNA sequencing was performed on HK-2 cells with or without iohexol exposure. Cell viability, mitochondrial dynamics-related protein expression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and cell apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit-8, immunoblotting, JC‑1 staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Results Iohexol treatment at 80 mg I/mL reduced HK-2 cell viability to 63.44%, induced mitochondrial fission, inhibited mitochondrial fusion and promoted apoptosis. mRNA sequencing revealed significant upregulation of Opa1 and ClpP gene expression, as well as alterations in proteasome‑related signaling in iohexol-induced HK-2 cell. Western blot analysis further confirmed elevated ClpP protein expression after iohexol exposure. Importantly, ClpP knockdown partially restored MMP, increased Opa1 expression, improved mitochondrial morphology, and alleviated iohexol‑induced apoptosis. Conclusion ClpP deficiency may exert cytoprotective effects against iohexol-induced HK-2 cell injury, at least partly through changes associated with mitochondrial dynamics, partial preservation of MMP, and attenuation of apoptosis. These findings suggest that ClpP may represent a potential molecular target for further investigation in CA-AKI.
Improving the behavior of eco-friendly HMA containing high percentage of RAP with the Nano-CaO modified bitumen
Years of life lost in patients with a false-negative diagnosis of primary melanoma. A prospective study of the German Central Malignant Melanoma Registry involving 9063 patients over 28 years
Abstract A false-negative diagnosis of cancer can lead to a delay in effective treatment and a poorer prognosis. Here, we use the example of cutaneous melanoma to examine how many years of life are lost after a false-negative diagnosis compared to a primarily correct diagnosis. From 1996 to 2015, 9,063 patients are prospectively registered in the German Central Malignant Melanoma Registry and followed up until December 2023. A false-negative diagnosis is found in 206 (2.3%) patients. The median time to correct diagnosis is 24.0 months. The 10-year recurrence-free survival probabilities are 32.9% for false-negative diagnoses and 76.2% for correct diagnoses (p < 0.001). The 10-year melanoma-specific survival probabilities are 62.1% versus 85.0% (p < 0.001). On average, each person with an initial false-negative diagnosis loses 8.2 years of life compared to people with a correct diagnosis. This high number of years of life lost raises the question of whether similar results also apply to other types of cancer.
Effects of ginger-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on growth, morphological and biochemical attributes of Sesamum indicum L.
Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) have gained attention due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, and are found in a wide range of agricultural products. The green synthesis and characterization of ChNPs using ginger extract were evaluated for their effects on biochemical and morphological parameters in sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.). Ginger-loaded ChNPs synthesis, size, structure, morphology, and crystallinity were confirmed via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS (151.7 nm, ± 30 mV), FTIR, SEM, and XRD, respectively. Foliar applications of ChNPs (50 mg L -1 and 100 mg L -1 ) and pesticides confidor (2.5 mL L -1 ) confidor + talstar (2.5 mL L -1 ) were applied at flowering and capsule stages under controlled conditions. ChNPs at 100 mg L ⁻ ¹ significantly enhanced plant height 5.3%, leaf area 26.5%, number of capsules 43.6%, capsule weight (12.4%), stem diameter 34.4%, total chlorophyll 11.9%, and catalase activity 53.1% compared with the control (P < 0.05), while reducing peroxidase 85.7% and PAL 59%. In contrast, confidor and confidor + talstar treatments showed compromised effects. Present research demonstrated that green synthesized ChNPs have good potential for use in agriculture and can significantly increase sesame growth and yield.
Comparison of growth, phytochemical content and antioxidant activities of the halophyte, Limonium tetragonum under saline and non-saline conditions
Abstract Soil salinization threatens global agriculture, increasing interest in salt-tolerant halophytes like Limonium tetragonum for their reported biological activities. However, cultivation strategies enabling their industrial utilization remain underdeveloped. This study assessed the cultivation potential of L. tetragonum under conventional agricultural conditions by comparing plants grown in saline soil (SS; high EC, Na⁺, Mg²⁺) and non-saline soil (NSS; higher organic matter, available P, Ca²⁺). Growth parameters (leaf number, leaf length, biomass) were measured, five major secondary metabolites (catechin and flavonoids) were quantified via LC-MS/MS, and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, ROS assays) were evaluated. Principal component analysis determined correlations among soil traits, plant growth, and metabolite profiles. As indicated by the diverse physicochemical differences between the two soils, cultivation in NSS was associated with significantly superior growth, higher accumulation of major bioactive compounds (including total anthocyanins and carotenoids), and stronger antioxidant capacities compared to those in SS. Correlation analysis revealed that elevated organic matter and available P in NSS were closely associated with enhanced metabolite biosynthesis and physiological activity. These results demonstrate that L. tetragonum is readily cultivable under non-saline conditions, suggesting an alternative perspective to the general assumption that salinity maximizes secondary metabolite production, and providing a scientific basis for the sustainable utilization of bioactive halophytes.
Dynamic evolution of higher alcohols from CO2 on Fe3O4-Fe5C2-Cu catalytic interfaces with amorphous Ti layout
COMBINA: The EAAD four-level approach for depression and suicide prevention and wellbeing promotion in the community and vulnerable populations. A cross-country study protocol from the MENTBEST project
Depression and suicide are leading public health problems requiring complex multilevel interventions. This study protocol details the COMBINA trial, which expands the evidence-based European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) Community-Based 4-level intervention to also focus on improving wellbeing and tailored to five groups with increased vulnerability to depression: young people, older people, migrants/refugees, the long-term unemployed, and people with an existing mental health condition. In this prospective, non-randomised controlled trial, the COMBINA project will be newly implemented during a 24-month period, from late 2024 to late 2026, in five regions in Albania, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, and Spain. These regions will be compared to five control regions in the same countries, chosen to reflect a similar context, size, and sociodemographic characteristics. Main outcomes are a comparison between the intervention and control regions in the rates of deaths by suicide and hospitalisations for suicide attempts and the levels of wellbeing, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, depression-related stigma, and willingness to seek psychological help in the general population. A process evaluation and economic evaluation will also be conducted. This intervention protocol also details the steps taken to promote successful implementation across a range of different cultural and regional contexts, with challenges including different existing mental health resources and differing capacities for the population to use digital tools. The COMBINA project includes co-creation, whereby materials and implementation strategy were designed with people from the vulnerable groups. The trial is funded by the European Union (grant agreement no. 101080651 and carried out according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval has been obtained in all participating countries. The results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals, presented at scientific meetings and disseminated through COMBINA stakeholders, with participation from the co-creators. This trial protocol (version 1.1, 24/10/2024) was registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN10521127) on 14/11/2025 ( https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10521127 ).
Dual branch fundus deep learning network as an enhanced multi classification system for ocular disease detection via hybrid feature fusion
Abstract Ophthalmic diagnosis relies heavily on the interpretation of fundus images to identify a range of debilitating diseases. However, the presence of multiple, co-existing pathologies and the subtle visual cues associated with early-stage disease pose a significant challenge, necessitating the development of advanced diagnostic tools. We present DFD-Net (Dual-Branch Fundus Deep Learning Network), a deep learning solution that performs multi-label classification of various ocular diseases. The system achieves this by integrating the attribute maps from bilateral retinal photographs, like those from the right and left eyes. This study starts with a thorough pre-processing operation on the fundus images, represented in image rescaling, black border image cropping, contrast enhancement, and data augmentation of retinal photographs. Following this, the processing pipeline begins with a dual-branch feature extraction framework. A part of the system employs a ConvNeXt architecture to obtain complex semantic characteristics, while the parallel branch employs a U-Net encoder to capture fine-grained, structural characteristics across several scales. These complementary feature representations are then combined via a fusion mechanism. The fused feature representations are subsequently enhanced by a SENet Block for greater robustness through channel-wise recalibration. The resulting feature maps are reduced via Global Average Pooling, and then passed through a Dense layer for feature refinement. Finally, the features are classified by a Softmax output layer, consistent with the single-label multi-class formulation adopted in this work, to identify one of eight possible categories. The testing was implemented on the Ocular Disease Intelligent Recognition-Ophthalmic Image analysis (OIA-ODIR) dataset, which has retinal photographs that represent six distinct ophthalmic categories, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and myopia, images that present normal cases, and images that represent multiple other diseases, depicting eight different categories. The proposed DFD-Net system established precision, recall, F1- scores, and overall accuracy of 92.75%, 93.17%, 94.45%, and 93.77% on the On-Site testing collection and 91.50%, 93.19%, 92.11%, and 92.97% on the Off-Site testing collection, respectively. Ultimately, the suggested DFD-Net system proved high efficiency in precisely classifying multiple ocular diseases, offering a novel and outstanding approach for early detection of fundus diseases.