Browse Articles

Impact of rhizosphere quantitative microbiome and soil properties on alkaloid levels in Lycoris aurea herb

Interaction of cyanobacteria and microplastics polystyrene spiked with pharmaceutical drug-paracetamol

Abstract The microplastics polymer—polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc. are now recognized as potent threats to the aquatic system due to the Trojan horse effect i.e., they adsorb other pollutants such as pharmaceutical drugs, organic solvents, metals etc. and act as a vector or carrier. Polystyrene (PS) is one of the most usable plastics worldwide that abundantly contaminates the aquatic body. However, to date, only a few studies have focused on the eco-toxic effects of polystyrene in combination with other pollutants. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of polystyrene (pristine) and spiked with the emerging pollutant paracetamol (PCM) was studied on cyanobacterium- Nostoc muscorum. PS, spiked with paracetamol exhibited a higher adverse effect on the growth and biochemical constituents. Fluorescence intensities of confocal images of the samples decreased with increasing toxic effect of polystyrene when spiked with paracetamol. Increased laccase and esterase activity also indicated the degradation potential of Nostoc muscorum. The findings of present work suggested PS (Pristine and spiked with PCM) toxicity on primary producer of ecosystem and role of cyanobacterial degrading enzymes in bioremediation of PS. Therefore, it is better to “nip in the bud” the plastic pollution rather than to face a great environmental threat.

Delivery of Peptide-LYTAC via Polyporus Polysaccharide Microneedles for Targeted CD47 Degradation and Enhanced Tumor Immunotherapy

Integrating AI-generated content tools in higher education: a comparative analysis of interdisciplinary learning outcomes

Abstract This study examines the integration of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) tools across disciplines in higher education settings. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed implementation patterns and learning outcomes across humanities, STEM, and social sciences programs at multiple institutions. Findings revealed a 37% increase in interdisciplinary project outcomes (measured by collaborative problem-solving scores, cross-domain knowledge integration ratings, and peer evaluation metrics) when AIGC tools were strategically implemented, with significant variations in effectiveness based on implementation approach. While these technologies demonstrated substantial value in breaking down disciplinary silos and accommodating diverse learning preferences, challenges emerged regarding algorithmic bias, digital equity, and maintenance of discipline-specific skills. This research contributes to educational theory by proposing a revised framework for AI-human collaboration in knowledge production. We conclude with policy recommendations for governance frameworks that balance innovation with academic integrity, emphasizing faculty co-design approaches and the establishment of cross-disciplinary communities of practice.

Uterine angle changes during the in vitro fertilization treatment cycle

Chirality-Contiguous Bridged Carboranes: Synergistic Scalable Synthesis and Amplification of Circularly Polarized Luminescence

Exploreing the potential mechanism of Aitongxiao formula inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo based on network Pharmacology

Impact of optimal anti-proteinuric therapy on the prevention of diabetic kidney disease progression

Mechanical Recycling of Mixed Plastics by Supramolecular Dynamic Cross-Linking Strategy

Retrospective analysis of IMA ligation level effects on nodal dissection and anastomosis in colorectal cancer

Platinum-Catalyzed C–F Bond Reconstruction via the Multi-unit Insertion for Remote Fluorine Migration

A novel stochastic approach for reliable design of advanced frugal products

Hybrid genetic algorithm and deep learning techniques for advanced side-channel attacks

Voice fatigue subtyping through individual modeling of vocal demand responses

Traffic accident severity prediction based on an enhanced MSCPO-XGBoost hybrid model

Caffeine reduces accuracy in face recognition memory consolidation

Evaluating the effect of mental health curriculum on secondary school students’ mental health literacy and knowledge and attitude to mental illness

Conjugated Bisphosphonic Acid Self-Assembled Monolayers for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Prevalence of betel nut chewing and its pattern of distribution across the Bangladeshi socio-demographics

Abstract In Bangladesh, chewing betel nut has become culturally and socially approved, becoming a mounting public health concern. This study aimed to estimate the current prevalence of betel nut chewing, identify the sociodemographic correlates in urban and rural settings, and identify any vulnerable group for future policy-making to address this problem. This is a retrospective study of secondary data analysis based on the data of the Bangladesh Health and Injury Survey 2016. The outcome variable of interest was the self-reported practice of chewing betel nuts. Only ≥ 18 years old participants were considered. In the logistic regression model, the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to determine the correlates of each independent variable. The multivariable model’s explanatory variables were all tested to ensure no multi-collinearity in the final model. The prevalence of betel nut chewing was 31.4% among the study population. Multivariate analysis showed that participants aged 65 years and above were 10 times more likely to be betel nut users (AOR 10.17; 95% CI 9.58–10.79), while rural populations were 1.24 times more likely to use betel nut (AOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.21–1.27). Given the significant public health burden, targeted interventions are warranted to mitigate its impact. The findings indicate that betel nut chewing is highly prevalent, particularly among older, illiterate, and rural populations, demonstrating stark social and geographic inequalities. However, as the data were collected in 2016, the current socio-political and economic changes in Bangladesh may have influenced this trend, limiting the direct applicability of the findings to the present context.

Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of Monkeypox virus through less explored pathways