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German soils affect biomass production, elemental profiles, and anti-inflammatory activity of three medicinal plants used in Brazilian traditional medicine: Scoparia dulcis L., Physalis angulata L., and Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass.
Abstract Cultivated medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive raw materials. However, information on their performance in non-native soils and their associated elemental and pharmacological profiles is limited. This study evaluated whether the three South American medicinal species – Physalis angulata L., Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass., and Scoparia dulcis L. – can be cultivated on two German soils (clayey silt and sandy loam) under greenhouse conditions, focusing on biomass production, elemental profile, and anti-inflammatory potential. Soil and plant tissues were analyzed for macro-, micro-nutrients, and trace elements, including rare earth elements (REEs), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Crude extracts were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. High-resolution mass spectrometry with class-level annotation was used to characterize major natural product classes. The three plant species produced satisfactory above-ground biomass, with P. ruderale yielding the highest biomass, and nutrient levels were within ranges considered adequate for plant growth. Potentially toxic elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, and REEs) were detected at subtoxic concentrations. REEs were largely retained in the roots, with limited translocation to the shoots, which supports the safe use of the above-ground biomass. Acetone extracts of P. angulata , enriched in limonoids (physalins), exhibited the strongest inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. In contrast, S. dulcis extracts were dominated by diterpenoids, exhibiting solvent-dependent activity. Overall, both soils supported the production of pharmacologically active biomass, demonstrating their potential as a reliable raw material for this purpose in a Central European agricultural setting.
Analysis of molecular targets and mechanisms of Bisphenol F (BPF)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on network toxicology and molecular dynamics
Bisphenol F (BPF), a primary substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), is widely utilized in industrial production and daily life. However, its widespread environmental presence has raised concerns regarding potential health risks. This study aims to investigate the potential toxic targets of BPF in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Initially, potential target genes of BPF were identified using the ChEMBL, STITCH, and SWISS databases. NAFLD-related genes were obtained from the OMIM and GeneCards databases, yielding a preliminary set of 28 overlapping candidate targets. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were subsequently performed to elucidate the biological processes and signaling pathways potentially affected by BPF. Differential expression analysis of transcriptomic data from NAFLD and normal liver tissues obtained from the GEO database (GSE260666) revealed that CYP2C19 and SHBG were significantly upregulated in NAFLD samples, suggesting their potential as key targets of BPF. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock demonstrated stable binding conformations between BPF and both CYP2C19 and SHBG proteins, with favorable binding free energies indicating strong interactions. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the structural stability of the protein-ligand complexes under simulated physiological conditions. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the toxic targets and mechanisms of BPF in NAFLD pathogenesis and offer insights for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD associated with BPF exposure from plastic products.
Sliding mode control gain optimization for a robot arm manipulator using an improved stochastic framework
Exploring how entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial mindset shape students’ entrepreneurial intention in an Iranian university context
Despite the growing emphasis on entrepreneurship education, many university graduates continue to exhibit low entrepreneurial intention and engagement. Understanding how education and entrepreneurial mindset jointly influence this intention remains limited, particularly in non-Western contexts. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study investigates how entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial mindset shape students’ entrepreneurial intention through the TPB constructs—attitude toward entrepreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC). Using a self-administered survey, 190 valid responses from students at an Iranian public university were analyzed via structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS). The findings indicate that attitude and PBC significantly influence entrepreneurial intention, while subjective norms do not have a direct effect but exert an indirect influence through attitude and PBC. Entrepreneurship education positively affects PBC and indirectly influences entrepreneurial intention via PBC but does not directly predict intention, attitude, or subjective norms. Furthermore, entrepreneurial mindset significantly shapes attitude, subjective norms, and PBC, and indirectly influences entrepreneurial intention through these TPB components. Overall, the findings highlight the need for more experiential and practice-oriented educational approaches to ensure that improvements in entrepreneurial mindset and educational exposure translate into stronger entrepreneurial intention. Practical recommendations are offered to enhance the design and delivery of entrepreneurship education in higher education settings.
Dynamic energy performance assessment using a digital shadow for sludge incineration in wastewater treatment plants
Abstract The rapid growth of the global economy and rising energy costs have underscored the need for efficient energy utilization across various sectors. To address this, we developed a novel data-informed digital shadow framework, enhancing energy management within a closed-loop control system, particularly in wastewater treatment facilities. Our approach centers on reducing biogas consumption in the fluidized bed reactor, a crucial component of the incineration process. The digital shadow simulates the entire incineration section by extracting model parameters for key components, including the furnace, dryer, mixer, and heat exchangers, from both physical models and operational data. System-level simulation was performed in AnyLogic software, integrating analytical calculations with data from positioning sensors. The model was informed by operational plant data and validated against historical system data. Evaluation of five operating scenarios demonstrated the capability of the digital shadow to capture system behavior and support operational decision-making. The evaluation of dynamic energy performance identified the most effective scenario, achieving a 40% reduction in biogas consumption while maintaining furnace operation within the temperature range specified by European standards. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the digital shadow approach and highlight its potential to deliver substantial annual cost savings in wastewater sludge incineration systems.
Providers of and participants in suicide assistance in Germany: A field description based on expert interviews
Background Over the past 20 years, assisted dying practices have been legalised in an increasing number of countries around the world. After a decision of the German Federal Constitutional Court in 2020, suicide assistance is unregulated in Germany but official data about the implementation of suicide assistance is lacking. Aim This study aims to explore the providers of and participants in suicide assistance in Germany. Methods 16 semi-structured qualitative expert interviews were conducted with scientists, officials, journalists and members of right-to-die organisations between May and July 2025. Experts were chosen due to their extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of the practice of assisted suicide in Germany. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis, according to Mayring. Results A total of five main providers and participants involved in the practice of assisted suicide in Germany were identified: 1) right-to-die organisations, 2) medical and non-medical suicide assistants, 3) treating physicians, 4) funeral directors and 5) relatives and friends. Right-to-die organisations and suicide assistants from various professions regularly provide suicide assistance and carry out all relevant tasks, including the provision of information, organisation, implementation and documentation. Treating physicians, funeral directors, relatives and friends may be asked to provide suicide assistance in individual cases and take on specific tasks. Other healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, pharmacists) and professional groups (e.g., police officers, prosecutors) may also be confronted with suicide assistance and become involved in the process. Discussion Given the minimal regulation of assisted suicide in Germany, the landscape of providers and supporters appears to be diversifying and growing increasingly complex. Future research should examine the roles, experiences, challenges and best practices of the various actors involved in the provision of assisted suicide. Trial registration The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) under Registration N° DRKS00034574, on 04 July 2024. It is also searchable via the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal of the World Health Organization, under the same registration number.
Alkaline loading of extracellular vesicles produced from human neural stem cell-derived neurospheres enables CNS drug delivery
First steps towards distinguishing Mediterranean vegetation root marks on bones: An experimental approach
Root-bone interactions are common in buried skeletal remains, yet their diagnostic value remains largely unexplored because few controlled studies have linked root marks to specific plant types. Consequently, the potential of these marks to provide information about burial environments in archaeological, paleontological, and forensic contexts has been largely overlooked. Here, we present a long-term experimental study documenting root-induced bone modifications under natural field conditions in central Spain. Deer ribs were buried at various depths and for different lengths of time among three widespread Mediterranean trees and shrubs: holm oak ( Quercus ilex ), olive ( Olea europaea ), and grapevine ( Vitis vinifera ). Using optical and scanning electron microscopy, we identified distinct patterns of root engraving on cortical bone surfaces that varied by plant type. Holm oak roots produced sinuous, dendritic grooves; olive roots generated shallow, rectilinear markings; and grapevine roots formed linear-to-circular engravings, which were often associated with localized cracking. Mark intensity increased with burial depth and duration. These findings underscore the diagnostic value of root marks in identifying plant-specific signatures and offer a novel approach to recognizing plant activity in burial environments. This information improves taphonomic interpretations in various fields, including fossil reworking processes and forensic secondary burials.
Correction: Cold microwave plasma jets for wound healing: antimicrobial efficacy, mechanisms and changes in microbial cells
Effectiveness and implementation of a primary healthcare intervention for multimorbidity and frailty among urban older adults in India: Protocol for the Multi-FrAME cluster randomized trial
The worldwide impact of multimorbidity and frailty is accelerating among older adults, particularly in India, where healthcare systems face resource constraints. Multimorbidity defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic health conditions, and frailty—a state of heightened vulnerability—jointly result in functional disability, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare use. Despite this, primary healthcare frameworks in India lack integrated geriatric care models. The study addresses this gap by evaluating a culturally appropriate, multicomponent intervention to improve quality of life related to health status and wellbeing among older adults in urban Odisha. The Multimorbidity-Frailty among elderly (Multi-FrAME) study is a phase 3, two-arm, cluster-randomized, observer-blinded trial that will be conducted across 10 urban Primary Healthcare Centres (UPHCs) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Eligible participants will be enrolled and randomized at the cluster level. The intervention group will receive a structured, monthly multicomponent package delivered through UPHCs whereas the control group will be given standard care. The primary outcome will include change in EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) quality of life score at 6 and 12 months, and secondary outcomes will be a change in frailty, function, healthcare use, medication adherence and mortality. Data will be collected by trained, blinded assessors using validated tools and analyzed using mixed-effects regression models. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained for the study. The Multi-FrAME trial addresses a critical gap in geriatric care by evaluating a scalable, multicomponent intervention for frailty and multimorbidity within India’s primary healthcare system. Leveraging existing infrastructure and non-specialist staff, it integrates medical, nutritional, physical, and psychosocial support. Findings will inform policy and offer a replicable model for integrated elder care in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Trial Registration was done in Clinical Trial Registry of India (linked to WHO registry of trials) with registration no CTRI/2024/09/073487 on 5 th September,2024.
Electrospun poly(lactic acid) biopolymer fibers functionalized with Y-sperm-specific scFv enable immunoaffinity-driven bovine sperm sexing
PTPRE promotes gastric cancer cell resistance to 5-fluorouracil by inhibiting ferroptosis via the Src/FAK/TRIB3 axis
Acquired drug resistance is a major cause of failure in gastric cancer treatment. The protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type E (PTPRE) plays an oncogenic role in certain tumours; however, its function in chemotherapy-resistant gastric cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we analysed PTPRE expression in gastric cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas. In vitro experiments were then conducted to investigate the effects of PTPRE on the resistance of cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its potential mechanisms. The results were further validated in vitro using xenograft studies. We found that PTPRE is upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and participates in the induction of 5-FU resistance. Mechanistic studies revealed that PTPRE suppressed ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells and promoted 5-FU resistance by activating the Src/FAK pathway to upregulate TRIB3 expression. In summary, PTPRE suppresses ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells via the Src/FAK/TRIB3 signalling pathway, thereby inducing 5-FU resistance. Intervention with PTPRE and its downstream targets may represent a potential approach for the clinical treatment of 5-FU-resistant gastric cancer.
Investigation into the effects of pregabalin on motor nerves and their underlying mechanisms
What a royal bedchamber provides the queen bee
An improved grey wolf optimization algorithm for 3-D UWB indoor positioning
Traditional Ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning algorithms cannot achieve ideal positioning results when facing multipath effects and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) factors. In order to improve the accuracy of UWB indoor positioning, this paper proposes an improved grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm for 3-D UWB indoor positioning in the NLOS environment. First, the Chan algorithm is used for initial tag positioning. Then, the search area of the GWO algorithm is constructed with the initial positioning result as the center. Next, the GWO algorithm’s optimization accuracy and convergence speed are improved through the improvement of Tent chaotic mapping, nonlinear convergence factor based on cosine function, and dynamic inertia weight factor. Finally, the optimized position of the tag is determined using the improved GWO algorithm. Experimental results show that this algorithm can converge to the global optimal solution faster and achieve higher positioning accuracy in complex experimental environments. Compared with the Chan, ChanTaylor, particle swarm optimization (PSO), GWO, and enhanced grey wolf optimization (AGWO) algorithms, the average positioning accuracy of the proposed algorithm is improved by 62.92%, 66.43%, 45.71%, 40.91%, and 37.76% respectively, demonstrating its high practical value.
Intravenous Artesunate in Artemisinin-Resistant Severe Malaria in Uganda
Towards trustworthy brain stroke diagnosis using a lightweight explainable deep learning framework for CT imaging
Assessment of water quality of the Halda River using multiple WQI approaches: Implications for Riverine Ecosystem and Sustainable Management
The Halda River-Bangladesh’s only natural breeding ground for major carps and a vital freshwater resource is undergoing alarming deterioration in water quality. This study assessed its ecological condition by applying seven Water Quality Indices (WQIs): Weighted Arithmetic, British Columbia, Canadian, Malaysian, Oregon, Assigned, and the recently developed Method of the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC-WQI). To record the seasonal and regional changes, surface water samples were collected during both dry and wet seasons. It has been observed that the respective values of several important parameters like turbidity, ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), and dissolved oxygen (DO), often exceeded national reference limits or guidelines. The deduced water quality index (WQI) scores ranged from 25 to 45, which categorized the river water as ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’. The water quality shows more deterioration during the dry season, which might be related to the reduction of water flow, industrial discharges, etc. Overall, the uses of various WQI techniques help to obtain a comprehensive and comparative assessment of river health. This study indicates a non-negligible man made stress on the Halda River ecosystem, and it recommends to implement a comprehensive pollution control strategies and viable watershed management to protect the River’s ecological balance.