Browse Articles

Microstrip plastic scintillating detector system for quality assurance in synchrotron microbeam radiotherapy

Robust skin-integrated conductive biogel for high-fidelity detection under mechanical stress

Catalyst-controlled directing group translocation in the site selective C–H functionalization of 3-carboxamide indoles and metallocarbenes

Correction: A secreted proteomic footprint for stem cell pluripotency

Population dynamics and the role of protected areas in China’s milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus) rewilding

Correlation of physicochemical properties with antioxidant activity in phenol and thiophenol analogues

Capsaicin-induced secondary hyperalgesia differences between the trigeminal and spinal innervation

Climate engineering faces hostility — here’s how scientists say it might move forwards

Structural insights into distinct mechanisms of RNA polymerase II and III recruitment to snRNA promoters

Long non-coding RNAs direct the SWI/SNF complex to cell type-specific enhancers

AbstractThe coordination of chromatin remodeling is essential for DNA accessibility and gene expression control. The highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex plays a central role in cell type- and context-dependent gene expression. Despite the absence of a defined DNA recognition motif, SWI/SNF binds lineage specific enhancers genome-wide where it actively maintains open chromatin state. It does so while retaining the ability to respond dynamically to cellular signals. However, the mechanisms that guide SWI/SNF to specific genomic targets have remained elusive. Here we demonstrate that trans-acting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) direct the SWI/SNF complex to cell type-specific enhancers. SWI/SNF preferentially binds lncRNAs and these predominantly bind DNA targets in trans. Together they localize to enhancers, many of which are cell type-specific. Knockdown of SWI/SNF- and enhancer-bound lncRNAs causes the genome-wide redistribution of SWI/SNF away from enhancers and a concomitant differential expression of spatially connected target genes. These lncRNA-SWI/SNF-enhancer networks support an enhancer hub model of SWI/SNF genomic targeting. Our findings reveal that lncRNAs competitively recruit SWI/SNF, providing a specific and dynamic layer of control over chromatin accessibility, and reinforcing their role in mediating enhancer activity and gene expression.

Correction: Self-reported food intolerance, dietary supplement use and malnutrition in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Lebanon

Evidence of eared doves consumption and the potential toxic exposure during the Regional Development period in Quito-Ecuador

Environmental impact assessment of southern tehran wastewater treatment plant using life cycle assessment (LCA)

Emergence of structures in neuronal network activities

Unusual violation of the Wiedemann–Franz law at ultralow temperatures in topological compensated semimetals

Nano-island-encapsulated cobalt single-atom catalysts for breaking activity-stability trade-off in Fenton-like reactions

Virological outcomes of antiretroviral therapy and its determinants among HIV patients in Ethiopia: Implications for achieving the 95–95–95 target

Background Despite significant advancements in HIV treatment, virological outcomes remain a critical issue. Ethiopia did not meet the 90:90:90 targets set for 2020, which aimed for 90% of people on antiretroviral therapy to achieve viral suppression. As the country shifts its focus toward the 95:95:95 targets for 2030—seeking to achieve 95% viral suppression among those on ART—it is crucial to deepen our understanding of viral suppression and the factors that influence it. Methods Virological suppression was examined among 410 HIV-positive individuals on ART using the EPHIA survey. The survey employed a two-stage, stratified sampling design across urban areas in nine regions and two city administrations. Data analysis was conducted with STATA version 18, and multicollinearity was assessed using variance inflation factors. A logistic regression model identified significant determinants of viral suppression, with variables having a p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant in the multivariable analysis. Results The findings revealed that 364 participants (88.78%) achieved viral suppression. Key determinants of virological outcomes included a higher wealth level (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.15–6.22), the presence of active TB (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.14–0.57), hepatitis B virus (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.10–0.31), and the utilization of HIV support group care (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.35–6.30). Conclusion Viral suppression among HIV patients is 88.78%, which even falls short of the WHO’s 90% target for 2020, indicating the substantial work required to achieve 95% by 2030. To improve virological outcomes, it is crucial to increase support for low-income patients, enhance management of co-infections like TB and hepatitis B, and expand access to HIV support groups for better adherence and care.

Exploring the causal impact of body mass index on metabolic biomarkers and cholelithiasis risk: a Mendelian randomization analysis

AbstractObesity is a well-established risk factor for various diseases, but the mechanisms through which it influences disease development remain unclear. Using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, we examined the causal relationship between BMI, 249 metabolic traits, and cholelithiasis. BMI data were obtained from four sources, and cholelithiasis data were from two distinct datasets. We analyzed the direct effect of BMI on cholelithiasis and identified key metabolic mediators. BMI was found to be positively associated with the risk of cholelithiasis across all datasets analyzed. A total of 176 metabolites were identified to be significantly associated with BMI, including amino acids, cholesterol esters, free cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Among these, 49 metabolites were identified as mediators in the BMI-cholelithiasis relationship. Specifically, fatty acid levels, cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, triglycerides, and free cholesterol were key mediators in this relationship, with mediation proportions ranging from − 2.38–7.14%. This study provides robust evidence that BMI significantly impacts metabolic biomarkers, which in turn affect the risk of cholelithiasis. These findings highlight the importance of managing BMI to mitigate metabolic dysfunction and reduce the risk of gallstone formation. Future research should explore the specific metabolic pathways involved to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Enhancing betalains production and antioxidant activity in Celosia argentea cell suspension cultures using biotic and abiotic elicitors

AbstractCelosia argentea is a plant known for producing bioactive compounds, including betalains, which possess various biological and pharmaceutical properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biotic and abiotic elicitors on betalains production and their antioxidant activity in cell suspension cultures of C. argentea. Various concentrations of chitosan, yeast extract, salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, copper sulfate (CuSO4), and cobalt chloride (CoCl2) were evaluated. The results revealed that chitosan, salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, and CuSO4 significantly improved betalains production in the cell suspension cultures. Among these elicitors, chitosan at 5.0 mg/L and CuSO4 at 6.4 µM were the most effective in enhancing betalains production, yielding the highest concentrations of 4.65 and 4.99 mg/g dry weight, respectively. Notably, the betalains derived from the elicitor-treated cultures exhibited greater antioxidant activity compared to the control. These findings suggest that chitosan and CuSO4 are promising elicitors for sustainable in vitro production of betalains from C. argentea cell suspension cultures on a commercial scale, owing to their ability to enhance betalains production and antioxidant activity.

Strategies for promoting green buildings: integrating evolutionary game and SEIR models