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Netrin1 blockade alleviates resistance to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer

Nature Gael Roth, Pascal Artru, Olivier Bouche et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10436-4

Flexible ensheathment of axons enables myelination of complex CNS networks

Nature Cody L. Call, Sarah A. Neely, Jason J. Early et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10312-1

Leaf beetle diversity on a Southeast Asian continental island: Taxonomy, DNA barcoding, and preliminary evolutionary insights from Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

PLoS ONE Dinh Thi Nguyen, Loan Thi Ho Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0351706

Continental shelf islands in Southeast Asia remain poorly studied with respect to insect diversity and evolutionary history. Here, we provide an integrative assessment of species diversity, DNA barcode variation, diversification dynamics, and historical biogeography of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Cat Ba Island, northern Vietnam. Based on field surveys, 36 morphospecies operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 30 genera and five subfamilies were documented, with Galerucinae representing the most species-rich lineage. DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene generated 31 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), most of which represent new records in the Barcode of Life Data System, highlighting substantial undocumented genetic diversity. COI-based analyses were further used to explore broad temporal and evolutionary patterns. Within this exploratory framework, divergence-time estimation under a relaxed molecular clock suggests that major lineages may have originated during the early–middle Miocene, predating the formation of the present-day island. Diversification analyses support relatively constant rates through time with low inferred extinction, consistent with expectations for continental shelf island systems shaped by repeated connectivity and isolation. Model-based biogeographic analyses indicate predominantly localized ancestral ranges, with Cat Ba Island and adjacent mainland regions playing recurrent roles in the assembly of the fauna. Together, these results provide baseline taxonomic and genetic data for a poorly known insular insect assemblage while offering a preliminary evolutionary context that should be interpreted with caution and that can serve as a foundation for future biodiversity monitoring and comparative studies in dynamic island–mainland systems.

CLEIA-based type IV collagen 7S for second-step assessment of MRE-defined clinically significant fibrosis in MASLD with indeterminate FIB-4

Scientific Reports Shiho Murakami, Miwa Kawanaka, Kento Imajo et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-58113-w

Optimized feature selection and zero-parameter channel attention BiLSTM for RPL-attack classification in IoT networks

PLoS ONE Sudha Rani Unnam, Kareemulla Shaik Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0350844

The increasing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices introduces significant security challenges, particularly in networks based on the Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL), where resource constraints limit the effectiveness of conventional security solutions. This work presents an optimized deep learning framework for detecting and classifying RPL-based routing attacks. The framework integrates Chaotic Pied Kingfisher Optimization (Ch-PKO) for feature selection with a Zero-parameter Channel Attention Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (ZCAtt-BiLSTM) model for classification. Data preprocessing includes cleaning, one-hot encoding, and Pareto scaling to improve data quality and learning stability. The approach is evaluated on the IoT-RPL dataset, covering Blackhole, Flooding, DODAG Version Number, and Decreased Rank attacks. Experimental results show strong performance, achieving 99.305% accuracy, 98.57% F1-score, 0.61% false discovery rate, and 97.949% MCC. Comparative analysis indicates improved performance over baseline models. However, the evaluation is based on simulated data, and the training process introduces additional computational cost, which may affect real-time deployment.

Electroporation of pLI50 harboring qacA or qacB increases chlorhexidine minimal inhibitory concentrations in transformed Staphylococcus aureus strain RN4220

Scientific Reports Kai-Hsiang Lin, Chieh-Chen Huang, Cheng-Mao Ho Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-58608-6

Thyroid V40 as a potential early predictor of hypothyroidism following hypofractionated locoregional breast radiotherapy

PLoS ONE Moemen Khalifa, Maher Soliman, Abbas Omar et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0351856

Radiotherapy (RT) is used quite often among breast cancer patients, and because these patients now live longer than they used to, long-term treatment-related adverse effects, such as hypothyroidism, are becoming increasingly relevant. Radiation-induced hypothyroidism is a late side effect of radiation to the thyroid gland, which could develop months to years after radiotherapy. However, there are insufficient data on hypothyroidism in patients with breast cancer who receive locoregional RT, which usually affects a portion of the thyroid gland. In this prospective study, we aimed to evaluate the association between radiation dose to the thyroid gland and early thyroid dysfunction in breast cancer patients treated with hypofractionated locoregional radiotherapy, and to establish potential planning objectives that could help in sparing the thyroid gland. Our study included 109 women who received 3-D conformal locoregional breast radiotherapy. These patients had normal thyroid function prior to start of radiotherapy. Patients had follow-up thyroid function tests 6 months after finishing radiotherapy. Based on dose volume histograms (DVH), the percentages of the thyroid volume, and ipsilateral thyroid lobe, receiving 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 Gy (V5, V10, V15, V20, V25, V30, V35, and V40 respectively), in addition to the mean and maximum thyroid doses, were estimated. Follow-up assessment of thyroid function and statistical analysis unveiled incidence of radiotherapy induced hypothyroidism to be 8.3%. Possible risk factors included high maximum radiation dose and V40 to the thyroid gland and the ipsilateral thyroid lobe, as well as high mean dose and smaller volume of the ipsilateral thyroid lobe. The likelihood of hypothyroidism was significantly increased with V40 of >5% of the thyroid gland, and V40 of >11% of the ipsilateral thyroid lobe. Further study is recommended for larger populations and longer follow-up periods.

Bisphosphane‐Stabilized Borylenes: Unlocking Borylene Transfer Reactivities

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Zimeng Zhang, Shuyan Liu, Kai Lu et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.2903979

ABSTRACT The development of borylene‐transfer reactions—a powerful yet underdeveloped strategy for the efficient construction of boron‐containing compounds—has been hindered by the scarcity of reliable reagents. A fundamental challenge lies in balancing the high ambiphilic reactivity required for transfer with the requisite molecular stability. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of bisphosphane‐stabilized borylenes and disclose their exceptional borylene‐transfer capabilities. The target borylenes ( 3 ) were prepared via facile deprotonation of the corresponding bisphosphane‐coordinated hydroboronium precursors using KHMDS (potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide). Notably, borylene 3a undergoes formal B─H bond insertion with hydroboranes to yield diborane (6) derivatives. Furthermore, 3a facilitates unprecedented borylene transfer to polar π systems, including benzaldehyde and chalcone, providing efficient access to three‐membered oxaboriranes and boriranes. Experimental and computational studies reveal that the labile phosphorus–boron (P–B) coordination is pivotal in maintaining the high borylene‐transfer capability of 3a . These preliminary results set the stage for the use of stable hydroboronium compounds as practical borylene‐transfer reagent precursors in synthetic chemistry.

When BMI exceeds 50: what ten years of follow-up reveal after bariatric surgery (BARI-10-POL study)

Scientific Reports Agata Czerwińska, Izabela Karpińska, Natalia Dowgiałło-Gornowicz et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-58057-1

Hybrid quantum-classical neural networks for real-time fault detection in power systems

PLoS ONE Hina Hashmi, Aman Kumar, Shanu Rakesh Kuttan et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0349887

As modern power systems continue to be integrated with renewable energy sources, the ability to detect faults in these systems quickly and accurately is becoming more sophisticated. A Hybrid Quantum Classical Neural Network (HQCNN) model is presented in this paper that addresses the real-time fault detection challenge in transmission systems. A classical feature extractor, in this case a 1D CNN, and a quantum circuit are combined by the model, which aids in the classification of faults. Evaluations were conducted on simulated IEEE 14 and 39-bus system and on approximately 800 real PMU fault events. An accuracy of 96.43% on simulated data and 94.74% on real PMU data was achieved by the model, outperforming traditional deep learning models and maintaining detection times under 3 milliseconds. Various kind of fault like SDL (single line to ground), DL (double line), TP (three phase), and high-impedance faults, were correctly classified by the system. In a study in which elements of the model were removed, the quantum layer was found to be very important for improved performance. Issues like hardware limits and quantum noise were also looked at. As for the future, larger PMD data sets will be worked on, model explainability will be improved with hybrid XAI methods, and smaller HQCNN models will be developed for use in substation edge devices.

CrayStack: a simplified crayfish optimization driven stacking ensemble for prediction of machining quality characteristics under data scarcity

Scientific Reports Ithipri Emonena, Xu Yong, Festus I. Ashiedu et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-55016-8

Visual and textual cues in online presentations of natural foods are associated with taste inference and cognitive engagement

PLoS ONE Lili Sun, Chenwen Wei, Heliang Huang Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0351115

Digital environments have become important contexts in which consumers form sensory expectations and evaluate food quality prior to consumption. Drawing on the elaboration likelihood model and attribution theory, this study develops a theoretically grounded process model to explain how visual and textual cues in online presentations of natural foods shape food-related cognition. Specifically, we propose that perceived naturalness serves as an initial perceptual input that can trigger cognitive engagement through multiple mechanisms: directly, via credibility as a validation mechanism, via taste inference as an experiential simulation, and through a sequential chain in which credibility enables taste inference that subsequently sustains elaboration. A 2 (platform type: content-oriented vs. transaction-oriented) × 2 (image scene: lifestyle-oriented vs. nature-oriented) × 2 (text framing: consumption-oriented vs. production-oriented) between-subjects experiment (N = 320) was conducted. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to test direct and indirect effects; multi-group analysis examined boundary conditions across experimental contexts; and necessary condition analysis identified minimum required levels of predictors for high engagement states. The results indicate that perceived naturalness has a significant direct effect on cognitive engagement, as well as indirect effects through credibility and taste inference independently and in sequence. The indirect pathway is more pronounced in content-oriented environments, particularly when nature-oriented images and consumption-oriented text are used. Taste inference emerged as the strongest necessary condition for high cognitive engagement, followed by credibility; perceived naturalness showed a weaker but significant necessity effect. These findings demonstrate how visual and textual cues jointly guide anticipatory sensory processing and cognitive engagement in digital food contexts, offering both theoretical contributions to cue-based processing research and practical implications for the design of online presentations of natural foods.

Reprogramming the Fate of Stored Excitation Energy in Persistent Phosphors for Dark Photocatalysis

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Yang Zhang, Weiting Ma, Liang Bao et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.9655199

ABSTRACT Solar‐driven CO 2 reduction is fundamentally constrained by the intermittency of sunlight, resulting in a temporal mismatch between energy harvesting and catalytic conversion. Persistent phosphors offer a unique platform to bridge this gap by storing excitation energy; however, this stored energy is predominantly dissipated via radiative recombination rather than being utilized as chemically accessible redox power. Here, we demonstrate that the fate of stored excitation energy can be reprogrammed in persistent phosphors, enabling chemical reactions to proceed in the absence of light. By constructing single‐crystalline Sr 2 MgSi 2 O 7 :Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ platelets with co‐exposed {100} and {001} facets, anisotropic surface potentials enforce directional charge separation and spatially separated carrier localization, enabling the formation of a long‐lived electron reservoir. These stored electrons are subsequently extracted through Pt cocatalyst sites to drive sustained CO 2 ‐to‐CH 4 conversion in complete darkness for over 8 h, maintaining a high CH 4 selectivity of 93.6%. This work establishes a general strategy for reprogramming the fate of stored excitation energy, thereby redefining the role of persistent phosphors from luminescent materials to platforms for sustained chemical reactivity beyond illumination.

Advancing occupational and environmental safety in greenhouse agriculture: an extended elaboration likelihood model of safety technology adoption

Scientific Reports Amir Alambeigi, Marzieh Keshavarz, Mahla Farzipour et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-58812-4

Correction: The Covid-19 pandemic in Sweden: Prolonged and unevenly distributed effects on the volume of pediatric anesthesia and surgery demonstrated by data from the Swedish Perioperative Register

PLoS ONE Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0352123

Ketal Protection of Glycerol for Selective Electrosynthesis of Glyceric Acid in Highly Alkaline Media

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Jiamin Wang, Baokun Zhang, Kanglei Pang et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.5555743

ABSTRACT Electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation represents a sustainable route for glycerol valorization, yet high selectivity toward glyceric acid (GLA) remains challenging on non‐noble‐metal catalysts due to competing C─C bond cleavage and complex oxidation pathways. Herein, we introduce solketal, a ketal‐protected glycerol derivative, to steer reaction selectivity. Its rigid five‐membered ketal structure selectively exposes the primary hydroxyl group while shielding vicinal diols, thereby enforcing site‐selective oxidation and suppressing C–C scission. Using a non‐noble Cu 3 Mo 2 O 9 catalyst in 6.0 M KOH with 0.2 M solketal, the system achieves a record‐high GLA selectivity of 90.1% with a production rate of 675.45 µmol cm −2 h −1 at 1.40 V versus RHE, reaching ∼95% substrate conversion within 5 h and maintaining stable operation over 100 h. Mechanistic investigations reveal that highly alkaline conditions promote solketal deprotonation to reactive alkoxide species, weaken the C α ─H bond to accelerate dehydrogenation kinetics, and mitigate local interfacial acidification, thus stabilizing the ketal‐protected intermediate and suppressing side reactions. Furthermore, practical feasibility is demonstrated through integrated upstream solketal synthesis (90% yield, 99% purity) and downstream GLA isolation (99% purity). This work establishes a substrate‐protection strategy for steering reaction pathways, offering new insights into the selective conversion of biomass‐derived polyols into value‐added oxygenates.

Biotransformation of common NSAIDs by Cunninghamella species and resulting metabolite toxicity

Scientific Reports Aleksandra Pietrzak, Barbara Dąbrówka, Justyna Popiół-Adamska et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-58519-6

Abstract Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (DCF), ibuprofen (IBU), and ketoprofen (KET) are commonly found in the environment and pose potential toxicological risks. This study investigates the microbial biotransformation of these NSAIDs by Cunninghamella spp. and evaluates the toxicity of the Cunninghamella -processed samples. The results demonstrate that Cunninghamella efficiently biotransformed DCF and IBU into multiple metabolites, whereas the biotransformation of KET was negligible. Microbial treatment reduced the ecotoxicity of IBU and DCF, as confirmed by Microtox ® and algal growth inhibition assays. In vitro cytotoxicity tests using human hepatocytes (HepG2), neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), astrocytes, and rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2) showed lower toxicity of the biotransformation products compared to the parent compounds. The Ames assay revealed no mutagenicity for any of the samples. Endocrine disruption assays indicated a loss of antagonistic estrogenic and androgenic effects post-biotransformation, with minor estrogenic agonistic activity observed. In conclusion, fungal biotransformation by Cunninghamella appears to be a promising strategy for reducing the environmental toxicity of NSAIDs. However, the generation of transformation products with altered biological activity underscores the importance of combining analytical identification with comprehensive toxicological assessment.

Author Correction: Attenuated fusogenicity and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

Nature Rigel Suzuki, Daichi Yamasoba, Izumi Kimura et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10665-7

Attitudes and Behaviors toward traditional music among Chinese students: the role of individual, family, and school factors

PLoS ONE Jin Liu, Tian Li Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326009

Background Traditional music is vital for cultural identity, particularly among youth in China, yet factors influencing students’ engagement with it remain underexplored. Purpose This study investigates the key factors affecting primary and secondary school students’ attitudes and behaviors toward traditional music in Guangdong Province, focusing on gender, grade level, parental support, and regional disparities. Methods Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the research involved surveys and interviews with students, parents, and educators to gather comprehensive insights. Major Findings The study revealed significant gender differences: female students displayed more positive attitudes and higher participation. Younger students exhibited greater enthusiasm, which declines with academic pressure. Parental involvement was identified as crucial, but the unexpected negative impact of parental artistic ability suggests more nuanced dynamics. Implications These findings highlight the need for tailored music education policies that are inclusive and responsive to diverse student backgrounds, particularly in less developed regions. Conclusion By understanding the multifaceted influences on students’ engagement, this study underscores the importance of fostering youth involvement in traditional music as a means of cultural preservation in an evolving educational landscape.

Formation of Gallium Monofluoride in the Coordination Sphere of Nickel

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Johannes Stephan, Samia Kahlal, Jean‐Yves Saillard et al. Jun 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.1189853

ABSTRACT Monovalent gallium halides are intrinsically unstable compounds at room temperature and can only be generated in the gas phase at temperatures of about 1000 °C. Although they are isoelectronic to carbon monoxide, dinitrogen, and the cyanide ion, which are pivotal ligands in coordination chemistry, monovalent gallium halides are largely unexplored as ligands with transition metals. Herein, we report the isolation of a dicationic nickel complex bearing a gallium monofluoride ligand. The +I oxidation state of the gallium centre is supported by NMR‐spectroscopic methods, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as density functional theory calculations. Analysis of the bonding situation between the GaF ligand and the central nickel atom suggests strong σ‐donating, but negligible π‐accepting properties for the supported GaF fragment. The GaF moiety forms as a product of C(sp 3 )–F bond activation of the weakly coordinating BAr F24 (tetrakis[(bis‐3,5‐trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) anion and serves as a fluorine source for silicon and carbon electrophiles. This leads to facile defluorination, forming the fluoride‐free complex and fluorinated products such as fluorotrimethylsilane or benzoyl fluoride.