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Background and Aim: Human papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted infection and a health concern, being the major cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus in the Kurdish population., Methods and Materials: A total of 2650 samples from individuals attending central laboratories in Sanandaj, the center of Kurdistan Province in north-west Iran, were tested for human papillomavirus infection. Cervical samples were collected from women using a cervical brush, while semen samples were collected from men. Cervical samples were stored in a vial with cell preservation solution, while semen samples were stored at room temperature until complete liquefaction of the semen. Human papillomavirus DNA from positive samples was extracted using a high-purity viral nucleic acid kit, and human papillomavirus genotyping was performed using the ZYTOVISION human papillomavirus Chip1.0 genotyping system according to the manufacturer's instructions., Results: Of the 2610 samples screened, 655 were found positive for human papillomavirus and included in the human papillomavirus molecular typing analysis. The overall prevalence of human papillomavirus in the study samples was 25.1%. Of the 655 positive samples, 645 (98.5%) were women and 10 (1.5%) were men. The mean age was 35.95 years (women: 36.06 years and men: 28.81 years). The most common genotypes identified were types 6 (30.1%), 16(14.4%), and 54(9.0%). Of those affected, 387 (59.1%) had a single human papillomavirus infection and 268 (40.9%) had multiple infections., Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of human papillomavirus among Kurdish women is relatively high. The findings highlight the importance of targeted human papillomavirus vaccination programs and screening strategies, particularly in younger age groups, to reduce the burden of human papillomavirus-related disease in this setting. Future studies should investigate the impact of cultural and behavioral factors on human papillomavirus transmission and associated health outcomes in this population., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2025.) more...

Purpose: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in gene regulation and are emerging as major players in cancer biology, This study investigates the expression of FAM83H-AS1 in breast cancer and its association with tumor grade, hormone receptors, pathological diagnosis, and molecular markers related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)., Methods: The expression of the long non-coding RNA FAM83H-AS1 in 80 breast cancer patients was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Clinical significance was evaluated through histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. The associations of FAM83H-AS1 expression with tumor grade, hormone receptor status, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were analyzed., Results: A positive correlation was observed between tumor grade and the expression of FAM83H-AS1, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and vimentin, whereas FGF-18, TGF-β, and β-catenin were downregulated. Estrogen receptor positivity was associated with CLDN1 and Snail-1 expression, while HER2 positivity was linked to vimentin expression. Snail-1 expression correlated positively with Ki-67 levels. All genes except MMP2 were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in FGF-18, TGF-β, N-cadherin, β-catenin, and MMP2 expression among luminal A, luminal B, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes. FAM83H-AS1 was upregulated in TNBC compared to luminal A and inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), although the difference was not statistically significant. TNBC Exhibited upregulation of TGF-β, N-cadherin, and β-catenin, suggesting their role in the aggressive nature of this subtype. In contrast, MMP2 was downregulated in TNBC compared to IBC, potentially indicating a suppressive role in tumor invasion in TNBC. Vimentin was upregulated in IBC compared to luminal A, indicating its involvement in IBC's aggressive behavior. MMP2 and MMP9 were significantly upregulated in IBC compared to luminal A., Conclusion:  FAM83H-AS1 shows potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, especially in TNBC and IBC, with implications for personalized breast cancer treatment strategies. Its expression correlates with tumor grade, hormone receptor status, and EMT markers, suggesting a role in cancer progression and metastasis., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.) more...

Purpose: To determine the pooled prevalence and associated contributing factors of microbial water quality, especially the most recent fecal contamination indicator, fecal coliforms, from drinking water in Ethiopia. Method: The review will be conducted per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and PRISMA-P and registered in PROSPERO CRD42024537804. The studies will be identified from peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, and expert submissions. To identify peer-reviewed literature, "microbial water quality" will be combined with terms to restrict the search for drinking water and measure the prevalence and/or associated factors of microbial water quality. We further restricted the search in Ethiopia. The following databases will be used: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Worldwide Science, and Science Direct. Two independent reviewers will identify studies, extract data, assess the risk of bias, and assess methodological quality. The studies included will be determined in terms of quality based on the criteria listed in the Goanna Bridge Institute quality parameters. Statistical techniques like Higgins I2 will be used to investigate heterogeneity among the included studies. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis will be carried out to evaluate how reliable the results are. A funnel plot will be used to evaluate reporting publication bias, and Begg's and Egger's assessments will be used to check funnel plot balances. Discussion: This review and meta-analysis will thoroughly discover and integrate the data available on the prevalence and associated factors of fecal coliforms contamination in drinking water. The findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis will be compared and discussed with those from other studies. Conclusion: Our systematic review and meta-analysis will help to develop specific recommendations for identified fecal coliforms contamination and associated factors in drinking water in Ethiopia. Moreover, this study will identify research gaps and guide future research and public health measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The collimator in the SPECT imaging system is a critical component that uniquely influences image quality. Collimator selection for the imaging of the specific isotope is of the utmost importance. This study used Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the response of different collimators for commonly used radionuclides in SPECT imaging. Methods: The Simulating Medical Imaging Nuclear Detectors Monte Carlo program was used to simulate the Discovery NM/CT 670 Pro SPECT system equipped for a collimator–radionuclide pair to optimize the selection of the collimator for SPECT imaging. Low-energy high-resolution (LEHR), medium-energy general-purpose (MEGP), and high-energy general-purpose (HEGP) collimators were simulated with 99mTc, 177Lu, and 131I point sources (1 MBq) to evaluate spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, and septal penetration. The results were analyzed for the optimization of the collimator–radionuclide pair. Results: For 99mTc (γ-energy, 140 keV), the resolution (full width at half maximum), sensitivity, scatter fraction, and septal penetration for LEHR, MEGP, and HEGP were 7.03 mm, 189 counts per minute (cpm)/μCi, 3.50%, and 2.65%; 9.3 mm, 184 cpm/μCi, 2.32%, and 1.35%; and 11.3 mm, 224 cpm/μCi, 2.05%, and 1.27%, respectively. For 177Lu (γ-energy, 113 and 208 keV), the respective values were 7.5 mm, 62.52 cpm/μCi, 22.22%, and 18.56%; 9.6 mm, 20 cpm/μCi, 3.36%, and 2.19%; and 12.03 mm, 25 cpm/μCi, 2.88%, and 1.89%. For 131I (γ-energy, 364 keV), the respective values were 11.5 mm, 6,027 cpm/μCi, 28.80%, and 49.78%; 11.3 mm, 152 cpm/μCi, 43.49%, and 32.89%; and 14.08 mm, 86 cpm/μCi, 23.85%, and 17.96%. Conclusion: The study highlighted the need to understand collimator characteristics as a function of photon energy, where quantitative evaluation is the main aspect. The study suggests that the collimators that had optimal characteristics for imaging with 99mTc, 177Lu, and 131I were the LEHR, MEGP, and HEGP collimators, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Objective: Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Lavandula stoechas L. (L. stoechas) has traditionally been used to manage inflammatory diseases and against multiple medical conditions. In this study, we aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of L. stoechas in a mice model of acute asthma. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male BALB/c mice were placed into five distinct study groups: (1) control, (2) ovalbumin (OVA) + Al(OH)3, (3) OVA + L. stoechas (200 mg/kg), (4) OVA + L. stoechas (300 mg/kg) and (5) OVA + dexamethasone. Sensitization of the mice involved intraperitoneal administration of 75 µg OVA + 2mg Al(OH)3 on days 1 and 8. Subsequently, between days 15 and 17, the mice underwent intranasal challenges with 50 µg of OVA. On days 13-18, the mice were administered either L. stoechas (200 and 300 mg/kg) orally or dexamethasone intraperitoneally (used as a positive control). On day 19, both bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue samples were collected for biochemical and immuno-histological analyses. Results: The L. stoechas extract-treated groups displayed notable reductions in histological alterations and inflammatory cell infiltration, surpassing the effects observed in the OVA group. Moreover, the L. stoechas treatment group exhibited lowered TNF-a and IL-6 expression levels. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated the potential of L. stoechas as an anti-inflammatory agent in acute asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Human respiratory and enteric viruses are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Wastewater-based epidemiology utilizing next-generation sequencing serves as an effective tool for monitoring viral circulation dynamics at the community level. However, these complex environmental samples are often laden with other microorganisms and host genomic material, which can hinder the sensitivity of viral detection. To address this limitation, targeted enrichment sequencing is emerging as a preferred strategy, facilitating the acquisition of a more comprehensive understanding of specific pathogens. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a targeted enrichment sequencing panel for 42 excreted respiratory viruses (including Picornaviridae, Adenoviridae, Coronaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Orthoherpesviridae, Pneumoviridae, and Parvoviridae families), known as the Respiratory Pathogen ID/AMR enrichment panel (RPIP), coupled with Explify bioinformatics analysis in 3 sewage samples from Uruguay. RPIP panel successfully identified sequences from frequently circulating viruses, along with some that had not been documented previously. We identified and characterized various viruses, including human Enterovirus (Coxsackievirus A1 and A19), Influenza A-H1N1, and full-length sequences of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, several other viral pathogens were detected, such as human Bocavirus, human Parechovirus, Enterovirus A71, and Enterovirus D68; however, for these viruses further analysis was limited due to the small genomic regions or low-read coverage obtained. While the RPIP panel necessitates substantial sequencing depth and may introduce bias towards the more predominant strains present in the samples, this approach suggests its viability as a genomic epidemiological tool for assessing respiratory and enteric viruses in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection, includes over 200 types, some linked to genital warts and various cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. In Saudi Arabia, an estimated 10.7 million women aged 15 years and older are at risk of HPV-related cervical cancer. This study assessed HPV prevalence, genotype distribution, awareness, and health behaviors among females in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pap smear samples were collected from 106 women attending gynecology clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and were analyzed using nested PCR and Sanger sequencing. Results showed a 15.1% HPV positivity rate, with genotypes of HPV 16, 6, and 58 identified. HPV 16 was the most prevalent (43.75%), particularly among women aged 35–44. In addition, over 60% of the participants were unaware of the link between HPV and cervical cancer, or the availability of vaccines, indicating significant knowledge gaps in the population. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive HPV surveillance and targeted public health interventions in Saudi Arabia. This study emphasizes the importance of HPV vaccination programs, increased screening, and educational campaigns to address the high prevalence of high-risk genotypes, particularly HPV 16. Tailored strategies are crucial to reducing HPV-related health risks, especially for high-risk age groups and under-informed populations. The data provide a foundation for improving HPV prevention and reducing the burden of related diseases in the Saudi population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is the most common complication experienced by patients with thoracic tumors after radiotherapy. Among patients receiving thoracic tumor radiotherapy, 14.6–37.2% develop RILI. RILI is characterized by an acute inflammatory response; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear and an ideal drug is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of flagellin A with linked C- and N-terminal ends (FlaA N/C) against the development of RILI. Methods: Mice and bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to radiation (15 Gy) after FlaA N/C treatment. Lung injury, bronchial epithelial cell injury, and RILI were assessed by histological evaluation in vivo and cell viability and cell death detection in vitro. Pyroptosis was assessed by western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). To explore the molecular mechanisms by which FlaA N/C inhibits RILI, conditional Beclin 1 (Beclin1+/−) and NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (Nlrc4)-knockout (Nlrc4−/−) mice were generated. An autophagy inhibitor was used for in vitro cell assays, and pyroptosis indicators were detected. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Results: FlaA N/C attenuated radiation-induced lung tissue damage, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and pyroptosis in vivo and cell viability, cell death, and pyroptosis in vitro. Mechanistically, FlaA N/C activated the neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP)/NLRC4/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) inflammasome, which was then degraded during Beclin 1-mediated autophagy. Deletion of the FlaA N/C D0 domain reversed the inhibitory effect of FlaA N/C on radiation-induced pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro. Similarly, Nlrc4-knockout in vivo or inhibition of autophagy in vitro eliminated the protective effects of FlaA N/C against radiation-induced pyroptosis. Conclusions: These results indicate that FlaA N/C attenuates RILI by promoting NAIP/NLRC4/ASC inflammasome autophagy and inhibiting pyroptosis. This study provides a potential approach for RILI intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest threats to public health globally. This study evaluates the prevalence of smoking among Iranian university students. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in international databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed) and domestic databases (Magiran, SID, Irandoc). Cross-sectional studies in Farsi and English from 2012 to 2023 were included. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the articles. Heterogeneity was examined using Cochran’s test and the I2 index. Due to high heterogeneity, a random effects model was employed to estimate smoking prevalence, and a funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. Results: Out of 840 articles identified through the search, 149 records were removed as duplicates. Of the remaining 691 records screened for relevancy to the review question, 635 were excluded. Fifty-six reports were sought for full-text retrieval, and 54 full-text articles were successfully retrieved. However, 11 reports were excluded due to invalid data or insufficient information. Ultimately, 43 studies reporting the prevalence of smoking or the number of smokers in general, by gender, were included in the analysis. Specifically, 28 studies were included for males, 23 for females, and 43 for overall conditions. The overall prevalence of smoking was estimated to be 16% for both sexes combined, 26% for males, and 7% for females. Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking among male and female students is high. Due to the high heterogeneity of the studies, the results of this meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution. Trial registration: The study is registered in Prospero with the code CRD42021240264. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Importance: The Gaza Strip has been enduring a severe humanitarian crisis due to prolonged conflict, blockade, and systemic instability, resulting in the collapse of its healthcare system. Objective: To explore the impact of healthcare collapse on the spread of infectious diseases in Gaza, focusing on the challenges faced by healthcare workers, the barriers to disease management, and the coping mechanisms employed by the community. Design, settings, and participants: In this qualitative research, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare professionals, humanitarian workers, and community members in the Gaza Strip were utilized. In total, 30 interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals and humanitarian workers, and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members were held in three different locations across the Gaza Strip. Each interview lasted approximately 45–60 min, and FGDs ranged from 60 to 90 min. All interviews and discussions were audio-recorded with participants' consent. The semi-structured interview guide used in this study was specifically developed by the research team to address the study's objectives. The guide was informed by a review of relevant literature and expert input to ensure comprehensiveness. An English-language version of the interview guide has been provided as a Supplementary File 1. Main outcomes and measures: Descriptive themes of participant experiences to identify key challenges and patterns related to the collapse of the healthcare system and its impact on infectious disease spread. Results: The study found that the collapse of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza could have exacerbated the spread of infectious diseases, as it created conditions that may have increased the risk of transmission. Key challenges included severe shortages of medical supplies and equipment, overcrowded healthcare facilities, and inadequate sanitation and hygiene conditions. These issues were compounded by the psychological stress and burnout experienced by healthcare workers. The lack of effective disease surveillance and delayed international aid further impeded the response to infectious disease outbreaks. Participants reported a reliance on traditional remedies and community networks due to a loss of confidence in the formal healthcare system. Conculsions and relevance: The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive international support to rebuild Gaza's healthcare infrastructure and improve disease management. Addressing the shortages of medical supplies, enhancing disease surveillance, and providing psychological support for healthcare workers are critical steps in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. The study highlights the broader implications of healthcare system collapse in conflict zones and calls for coordinated global efforts to address the underlying issues contributing to public health crises in such settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Purpose: In this work, we propose to develop a 3D U-Net-based deep learning model that accurately predicts the dose distribution for breast cancer radiotherapy. Methods: This study included 176 breast cancer patients, divided into training, validating and testing sets. A deep learning model based on the 3D U-Net architecture was developed to predict dose distribution, which employed a double encoder combination attention (DECA) module, a cross stage partial + Resnet + Attention (CRA) module, a difficulty perception and a critical regions loss. The performance and generalization ability of this model were evaluated by the voxel mean absolute error (MAE), several clinically relevant dosimetric indexes and 3D gamma passing rates. Results: Our model accurately predicted the 3D dose distributions with each dosage level mirroring the clinical reality in shape. The generated dose-volume histogram (DVH) matched with the ground truth curve. The total dose error of our model was below 1.16 Gy, complying with clinical usage standards. When compared to other exceptional models, our model optimally predicted eight out of nine regions, and the prediction errors for the first planning target volume (PTV1) and PTV2 were merely 1.03 Gy and 0.74 Gy. Moreover, the mean 3%/3 mm 3D gamma passing rates for PTV1, PTV2, Heart and Lung L achieved 91.8%, 96.4%, 91.5%, and 93.2%, respectively, surpassing the other models and meeting clinical standards. Conclusions: This study developed a new deep learning model based on 3D U-Net that can accurately predict dose distributions for breast cancer radiotherapy, which can improve the quality and planning efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) occur in over 20% of patients, with postmenopausal women (over 50 years old) carrying the highest risk for recurrence compared to younger women. Virulence factors such as type 1 fimbriae adhesin FimH, the outer membrane protease OmpT, and the secreted pore-forming toxin α-hemolysin (HlyA) have been shown to support the formation of intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) within bladder epithelial cells (BECs), facilitating persistence. This study aims to characterize the virulence expression and intracellular persistence of ESBL-producing uropathogenic E. coli (E-UPEC) strains isolated from postmenopausal women with recurrent or single episode infections. Methods: Study strains included 72 E-UPEC strains collected from patients (36 recurrent; 36 single episode) with a confirmed UTI diagnosis and control UPEC strains (CFT073 and UTI89). Patient demographics and clinical course were collected. Presence of hlyA, ompT, and fimH genes were confirmed by colony PCR, and qRT-PCR was performed using extracted RNA from a subset of 18 strains (12 recurrent; 6 single episode) grown in Luria-Bertani media and isolated from infected BECs to characterize gene expression. Bladder cell line 5637 was infected with study strains at MOI 15 for 2 h, treated with amikacin for 2 h to remove extracellular bacteria, then lysed to enumerate intracellular CFU counts. Results: No differences in clinical characteristics between patient groups were observed. Overall prevalence of fimH, ompT, and hlyA was 99% (71/72), 82% (59/72), and 26% (19/72) respectively; presence of all three genes did not differ between recurrent and single-episode strains. Notably, all recurrent strains had significantly more intracellular CFUs compared to single episode strains (median 16,248 CFU/mL vs. 4,118 CFU/mL, p = 0.018). Intracellular expression ompT was significantly increased (p = 0.0312) in the recurrent group compared to LB media, while fimH was significantly decreased (p = 0.0365) in the single episode group compared to expression in LB media. Conclusion: Our findings indicate strain-specific ability to persist inside BECs with the recurrent strains exhibiting increased ompT expression inside BECs and higher intracellular bacterial burden compared to strains causing single episode UTI. These results emphasize the potential microbial contributions to recurrence in postmenopausal women and warrant future investigations on the impact of antibiotic therapy and host response on IBC-supportive UPEC virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In this study, cobalt titanate nanoparticles (CoTiO₃ NPs) were synthesized and applied as a photocatalyst to degrade atrazine. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed irregularly shaped particles prone to agglomeration, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a rhombohedral CoTiO₃ phase with a crystallite size of 3.76 nm. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed vibrations typical for Ti–O and Co–O bonds and confirmed a well-defined cobalt titanate structure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the nanoparticles remained stable up to 800 °C. The photocatalytic activity of CoTiO₃ NPs was tested under sunlight irradiation and the results obtained demonstrated excellent efficiency compared to the photolysis reaction. The efficiency was influenced by concentration (20–50 ppm), catalyst dosage (0.5–2.0 mg/L), pH (4.21–10.22), and irradiation time (0–120 min). The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a surface area of 32.5 m2/g (DFT) and 828.03 m⁻1 (BET), a pore volume of 0.03925 m3/g, and a bandgap energy of 2.66 eV. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the degradation followed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, with the photocatalytic reaction being the rate-determining step. Adsorption rate constants were found to range from 0.03828 to 0.166528 min⁻1, while photocatalytic rate constants ranged from 0.373692 to 0.977135 min⁻1. The CoTiO₃ NPs also showed excellent recyclability, maintaining high degradation efficiency after five cycles. Scavenger experiments confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (HO•) are responsible for atrazine degradation while GCMS analysis confirmed the complete mineralization of atrazine with carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) as the final degradation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This paper investigates delivery of encapsulated drug from poly lactic-co-glycolic micro-/nano-particles. Experimental data collected from about 50 papers are analyzed by machine learning algorithms including linear regression, principal component analysis, Gaussian process regression, and artificial neural networks. The focus is to understand the effect of drug solubility, drug molecular weight, particle size, and pH-value of the release matrix/environment on drug release profiles. The results obtained from machine learning is then used as guidelines for designing new in vitro experiments to examine dependence of drug release profiles on those four factors. It is interesting to see that indeed the results of the new in vitro experiments are in basic agreement with the results obtained from machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Heavy metal ions contain highly toxic and non-biodegradable wastewater pollutants seriously contaminating the environment and affecting human health. Removal of heavy metal ions from the environment is a vital step towards the elimination of water pollution on a global scale. Therefore, in this study, cellulose was modified with L-cysteine, sodium alginate and polyethyleneimine to produce cellulose/sodium alginate /polyethyleneimine/L-cysteine composite hydrogel microspheres (WCMs/SA/PEI/L-Cys) in order to efficiently adsorb heavy metal ions. Co(II) and Ni(II) are successfully removed from water. After their production, the sorbents underwent examination using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the investigation of the mechanism and adsorption characteristics of cellulose-modified gel microspheres WCMs/SA/PEI/L-Cys has been completed. The majority of the adsorption of contaminants by cellulose-modified gel microspheres WCMs/SA/PEI/L-Cys adhered to the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model and quasi-secondary kinetic model. The intra-particle diffusion model was adopted for improving the fitting of the adsorption process in the materials. It was indicated that the internal and external diffusion acted together to eliminate the contaminants from the materials. When exploring the decontamination mechanism of the materials using XPS, it was shown that the functional groups containing nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur play a key role in removing contaminants. For Co(II) and Ni(II), the highest adsorption capacities of the sorbent were 358 and 373 mg/g, respectively. The material exhibited robust stability and recyclability based on the regeneration experiment results, remaining stable after six adsorption cycles and retaining over 80% of the initial adsorption amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

A surge has been observed in the use of pesticides to boost agricultural yield in order to feed the continuously increasing human population. Different types and classes of broad-spectrum insecticides are in use, and the number is constantly increasing with the introduction of new ones. Keeping in view the broad-spectrum effects of organophosphate pesticides including Malathion (MLN), their use is continuously increasing without appraising their toxic impacts on non-target organisms. The continuous rise in the use of MLN has led to its presence, persistence, and transport to water bodies globally, subsequently affecting commercially valuable aquatic organisms. The current study was conducted to assess MLN-induced hematological and biochemical toxicities in the brain of a commercially valuable indigenous major carp, rohu, Labeo rohita. The fish was exposed to an acute concentration of commercial-grade MLN. The LC50 of MLN (5 µg/L) led to behavioral inconsistencies and subtle impacts on the hematology (an increase in white blood cells and a reduction in red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume level, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) and biochemistry (an increase in reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase) but a reduction in total protein content and activity of Na+/K+ ATPases) in the brain tissues. MLN also inhibited the activity of Acetylcholinesterase, while it led to an increase in Acetylcholine. Significant changes were observed in the serum biochemical profile; for example, glucose, cholesterol, potassium, urea, and total bilirubin increased, whereas total protein, sodium, chloride, albumin, and inorganic phosphate decreased after exposure. The current study clearly classified MLN as highly toxic to rohu. Therefore, the extra-judicious use of MLN should be strictly supervised. Studies concerning the real-world concentration of pesticides should be carried out on regular basis to mitigate the echoing issue of pesticide-based pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Glycine is an essential amino acid involved in synthesizing a variety of important biomolecules, and its concentration can influence numerous biochemical processes, including the severity of symptoms in a wide range of conditions in humans, such as cancer, schizophrenia, major depression, and diabetes. While a few costly or labour-intensive methods are currently available, we have developed a new enzymatic biosensor that can accurately measure glycine levels with remarkable simplicity. By employing immobilized laccase enzymes in combination with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) device, our system achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.95 mM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 33.19 mM. In addition, it demonstrated a recovery rate of 97.64 ± 7.71%. Moreover, the biosensor maintained consistent signal intensity over 21 days and supported a total of 60 analyses using the same immobilized enzyme setup, demonstrating excellent reusability. Notably, this study marks the first time glycine has been determined using an enzymatic SPR-based platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) removal by indigenous microorganisms is often suboptimal, resulting in constraints on its practical application. To enhance the degradation efficiency of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in contaminated soil, an effective microbial fermented product (EMF) was employed as a biostimulant. Our findings demonstrated that when 1‱ or 1‰ (w/w) of the EMF was applied to the B[a]P-contaminated soil for 21 days, the biodegradation rates of the B[a]P were 59.37% and 100%, respectively, which is much higher than that by the natural attenuation (18.79%). The abundance of the 16S rDNA and PAH-RHDα GP genes were both significantly increased due to the applied EMF. Soil enzymatic activities were also affected, to different degrees, by the addition of the EMF. The diversity, composition, and functionality of the soil microbial community also changed to varying degrees. These results suggest that the use of the EMF to enhance the biodegradation of the B[a]P in soil may hold promise for the microbial remediation of PAH-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study evaluated the efficiency of methylene blue (MB) removal by using activated carbon produced from olive pits. The activated carbon (OPAC) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The adsorption process was optimized in two stages using factorial design. Based on the existing literature, the first stage selected the most influential variables (reaction time, dosage, pH, and dye concentration). Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approaches have been combined to optimize and model the adsorption of MB. To assess the optimal conditions for MB adsorption, RSM was initially applied using four controllable operating parameters. Throughout the optimization process, various independent variables were employed, including initial dye concentrations ranging from 25 to 125 mg/L, adsorbent dosages ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 g/L, pH values spanning from 1 to 9, and contact times ranging from 15 to 75 min. Moreover, the R2 value (R2 = 0.9804) indicates that regression can effectively forecast the response of the adsorption process within the examined range. Thermodynamic studies were performed for three different temperatures between 293 and 303 K. Isothermal analysis parameters and negative Gibbs free energy indicate that the process is spontaneous and favorable. The data best fit the Langmuir model. This research showcases the effectiveness of optimizing and predicting the color removal process through the combined RSM-ANN approach. It highlights the effectiveness of adsorption using OPAC as a viable primary treatment method for the removal of color from wastewater-containing dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Computer vision and artificial intelligence have revolutionized the field of pathological image analysis, enabling faster and more accurate diagnostic classification. Deep learning architectures like convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have shown superior performance in tasks such as image classification, segmentation, and object detection in pathology. Computer vision has significantly improved the accuracy of disease diagnosis in healthcare. By leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, computer vision systems can analyze medical images with high precision, often matching or even surpassing human expert performance. In pathology, deep learning models have been trained on large datasets of annotated pathology images to perform tasks such as cancer diagnosis, grading, and prognostication. While deep learning approaches show great promise in diagnostic classification, challenges remain, including issues related to model interpretability, reliability, and generalization across diverse patient populations and imaging settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The extensive use of synthetic dyes in the textile industry has resulted in severe water contamination, with methylene blue (MB) being a prevalent pollutant. This study presents the development of an eco-friendly nanocomposite, Activated Carbon Thin Film-Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ACTF@ZIF-8), synthesized through an in-situ growth method for efficient MB removal from aqueous solutions. The composite's structural and physicochemical properties were thoroughly characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The nanocomposite exhibited a high specific surface area of 384.4 m2/g and an adsorption capacity of 156.83 mg/g, achieving a removal efficiency of 98.8%. Kinetic studies indicated that MB adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.9994), suggesting chemisorption as the primary mechanism. The adsorption isotherms conformed to the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.999), indicating multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an endothermic process, characterized by a positive enthalpy change and an increase in entropy. The process was confirmed to be spontaneous, as demonstrated by negative Gibbs free energy values. The composite also demonstrated high reusability, maintaining efficiency across multiple cycles. These findings position ACTF@ZIF-8 as a promising material for sustainable wastewater treatment, aligning with advancements in nanomaterial-based environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Earlier diagnosis of lung cancer is crucial for reducing mortality and morbidity in high-risk patients. Liquid biopsy is a critical technique for detecting the cancer earlier and tracking the treatment outcomes. However, noninvasive biomarkers are desperately needed due to the lack of therapeutic sensitivity and early-stage diagnosis. Therefore, we have utilized transcriptomic profiling of early-stage lung cancer patients to discover promising biomarkers and their associated metabolic functions. Initially, PCA highlights the diversity level of gene expression in three stages of lung cancer samples. We have identified two major clusters consisting of highly variant genes among the three stages. Further, a total of 7742, 6611, and 643 genes were identified as DGE for stages I-III respectively. Topological analysis of the protein–protein interaction network resulted in seven candidate biomarkers such as JUN, LYN, PTK2, UBC, HSP90AA1, TP53, and UBB cumulatively for the three stages of lung cancers. Gene enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses aid in the comprehension of pathway mechanisms and regulation of identified hub genes in lung cancer. Importantly, the medial survival rates up to ~ 70 months were identified for hub genes during the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Moreover, the hub genes displayed the significance of risk factors during gene expression analysis using TIMER2.0 analysis. Therefore, we have reason that these biomarkers may serve as a prospective targeting candidate with higher treatment efficacy in early-stage lung cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

An ideal wound dressing should be biocompatible, exhibit high antibacterial activity, and promote blood coagulation in the wound. In this study, we used chitosan as a multifunctional template to synthesize silver nanoparticles embedded in chitosan (Ag NP@CHI), which were then combined with β-1,3-glucan/hyaluronic acid (HA) to form an Ag NP@CHI/β-1,3-glucan/HA composite material with biocompatibility, wound healing-promoting properties, and antibacterial activity. A high concentration of chitosan led to the formation of smaller crystalline structures of Ag NPs and improved their dispersion within the chitosan matrix, but decreased their antibacterial potency. The Ag NP@CHI prepared with 1.0 mg/mL chitosan had the smallest particle size and good antibacterial activity. Compared to Ag NP@CHI, the prepared Ag NP@CHI/β-1,3-glucan/HA composite significantly enhanced biocompatibility, cell migration, hemocompatibility, and blood coagulation, with a minor reduction in antibacterial efficiency due to restricted ionic silver release and diffusion. With its high biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, promotion of blood coagulation and wound healing, and antibacterial efficiency, Ag NP@CHI@β-1,3-glucan/HA demonstrates potential as a wound healing composite in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Phytate, also known as myoinositol hexakisphosphate, exhibits anti-nutritional properties and possesses a negative environmental impact. Phytase enzymes break down phytate, showing potential in various industries, necessitating thorough biochemical and computational characterizations. The present study focuses on Obesumbacterium proteus phytase (OPP), indicating its similarities with known phytases and its potential through computational analyses. Structure, functional, and docking results shed light on OPP's features, structural stability, strong and stable interaction, and dynamic conformation, with flexible sidechains that could adapt to different temperatures or specific functions. Root Mean Square fluctuation (RMSF) highlighted fluctuating regions in OPP, indicating potential sites for stability enhancement through mutagenesis. The systematic approach developed here could aid in enhancing enzyme properties via a rational engineering approach. Computational analysis expedites enzyme discovery and engineering, complementing the traditional biochemical methods to accelerate the quest for superior enzymes for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

There is a growing concern worldwide about the potential harmful effects of anesthesia on brain development, based on studies in both humans and animals. In infants, repeated anesthesia exposure is linked to learning disabilities and attention disorders. Similarly, laboratory studies in mice show that neonates exposed to general anesthesia experience long-term cognitive and behavioral impairments. Inhaled anesthetics affect the postsynaptic density (PSD)-95, discs large homolog, and zona occludens-1 (PDZ) domains. The disruption of the synaptic PSD95-PDZ2 domain-mediated protein interactions leads to a loss of spine plasticity and cognitive deficits in juvenile mice. The nitric oxide-mediated protein kinase-G signaling pathway enhances synaptic plasticity also by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase, which subsequently phosphorylates cAMP-response element binding protein, a crucial transcription factor for memory formation. Exposure to isoflurane or postsynaptic density-95-PDZ2-wildtype peptides results in decreased levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB), which are critical for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Pizotifen treatment after isoflurane or postsynaptic density-95-PDZ2-wildtype peptide exposure in mice prevented decline in p-ERK levels, preserved learning and memory functions at 5 weeks of age, and maintained mushroom spine density at 7 weeks of age. Protein kinase-G activation by components of the nitric oxide signaling pathway leads to the stabilization of dendritic spines and synaptic connections. Concurrently, the ERK/CREB pathway, which is crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation, is supported and maintained by pizotifen, thereby preventing cognitive deficits caused in response to isoflurane or postsynaptic density-95-PDZ2-wildtype peptide exposure. Activation of ERK signaling cascade by pizotifen helps to prevent cognitive impairment and spine loss in response to postsynaptic density-95-PDZ2 domain disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

After undergoing biological treatment, wastewater still contains substances with endotoxic activity, such as lipopolysaccharide. However, due to the increasing practice of treating wastewater to make it suitable for drinking (potable reuse), the removal of these endotoxic active materials is crucial. These substances can be harmful to human health, leading to a condition called endotoxaemia. Furthermore, environmental endotoxins pose risks to pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and the quality of the final pharmaceutical products. Ultimately, the most significant concern lies with the patient, as exposure to such substances can have adverse effects on their health and well-being. Activated carbon has a proven efficiency for endotoxin removal; rice husk (RH), as a type of natural lignocellulosic agricultural waste, is a unique carbon precursor material in terms of its availability, large-scale world production (over 140 million tons annually), and is characterized by the presence of nanoscale silica phytoliths, which serve as a template to create additional meso/macropore space within the nanoscale range. High surface area RH/lignin-derived honeycomb monoliths were prepared in this study via extrusion, followed by carbonization and physical and chemical activation to develop additional pore space. The nanoporosity of the carbon honeycomb monoliths was established by means of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption studies, using calculations based on QSDFT equilibrium and BJH models, as well as mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and SEM investigations. An alternative method for the elimination of the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—a conventional marker—using filtration in flowing recirculation systems and the adsorbent activity of the monoliths towards LPS was investigated. Since LPS expresses strong toxic effects even at very low concentrations, e.g., below 10 EU/mL, its removal even in minute amounts is essential. It was found that monoliths are able to eliminate biologically relevant LPS levels, e.g., adsorption removal within 5, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min of circulation reached the values of 49.8, 74.1, 85.4, 91.3%, and 91.6%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Excessive vascularization during tracheal in-stent restenosis (TISR) is a significant but frequently overlooked issue. We developed an anti-inflammatory coupled anti-angiogenic airway stent (PAGL) incorporating anlotinib hydrochloride and silver nanoparticles using advanced electrospinning technology. PAGL exhibited hydrophobic surface properties, exceptional mechanical strength, and appropriate drug-release kinetics. Moreover, it demonstrated a remarkable eradication effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It also displayed anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts. PAGL was implanted into the tracheae of New Zealand rabbits to evaluate its efficacy in inhibiting bacterial infection, suppressing the inflammatory response, reducing angiogenesis, and attenuating excessive fibroblast activation. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant downregulation of genes associated with fibrosis, intimal hyperplasia, and cell migration following PAGL treatment. This study provides insight into the development of airway stents that target angiogenesis and inflammation to address problems associated with TISR effectively and have the potential for clinical translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental defect that affects the enamel tissue of permanent teeth. Clinicians may observe a range of opacities in the affected teeth, varying from white to creamy, yellow, and brown. Of particular interest is an etiology of MIH that has not been rigorously elucidated. Researchers believe that there are many potential etiological factors with strong genetic and/or epigenetic influence. The primary factors contributing to the risk of MIH development include specific medical conditions and circumstances. These encompass prematurity, cesarean delivery, perinatal hypoxia, and various health issues such as measles, urinary tract infections, otitis media, gastrointestinal disorders, bronchitis, kidney diseases, pneumonia, and asthma. Although genetic research in this area has received substantial attention, the investigation of epigenetic factors remains comparatively underexplored. Special attention is given to genes and their protein products involved in amelogenesis. Examples of such genes are AMELX, AMBN, ENAM, TUFT1, FAM83H, and MMP20. The median relative FAM83H gene expression in the control group was 0.038 (0.031–0.061) and 0.045 (0.032–0.087) in the study group in buccal swabs. The median relative TUFT1 gene expression in the control group was 0.328 (0.247–0.456) and 0.704 (0.334–1.183) in the study group in buccal swabs. Furthermore, children with MIH had significantly higher TUFT1 expression levels compared to the control group (p-value = 0.0043). Alterations in the expression of the TUFT1 and FAM83H genes could be contributing factors to MIH pathogenesis. Nonetheless, further investigation is essential to comprehensively elucidate the roles of all analyzed genes in the pathogenesis of MIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Ensuring the supply of safe and high-quality drinking water can be compromised by the presence of chironomid larvae in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), which may contaminate municipal water systems through freshwater resources. Chironomids are dominant species known for their resilience to a broad range of extreme aquatic environments. This study aimed to identify the morphological characteristics and obtain genetic information of the chironomid Paratanytarsus grimmii found in the water intake source and freshwater resource of DWTPs in Korea, highlighting the potential possibility of a parthenogenetic chironomid outbreak within DWTP networks. The distribution of chironomid larvae at the water intake source site (DY) of the Danyang DWTP and the freshwater resource (ND) of the Nakdong River was investigated. A total of 180 chironomid individuals, encompassing three subfamilies and six species from six 6 genera were identified at the DY site, with Procladius nigriventris being the dominant species. At the ND site, fifty chironomid individuals, encompassing two subfamilies and six species from six genera, were identified, with Cricotopus sylvestris being the dominant species. The morphological characteristics of the head capsule, mentum, mandible, and antennae of six P. grimmii larvae collected from the DY and ND sites were characterized. DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct mitochondrial diversities between the P. grimmii larvae from DY and those from ND. These results provide crucial information for the morphological identification and DNA barcoding of the key management target chironomid P. grimmii larvae, which can be used to detect the occurrence of this chironomid species in DWTPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is crucial for human health. As a key component of various enzymes and proteins, selenium primarily exerts its biological functions in the form of selenoproteins within the body. Currently, over 30 types of selenoproteins have been identified, with more than 20 of them containing selenocysteine residues. Among these, glutathione peroxidases (GPXs), thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs), and iodothyronine deiodinases (DIOs) have been widely studied. Selenium boasts numerous biological functions, including antioxidant properties, immune system enhancement, thyroid function regulation, anti-cancer effects, cardiovascular protection, reproductive capability improvement, and anti-inflammatory activity. Despite its critical importance to human health, the range between selenium's nutritional and toxic doses is very narrow. Insufficient daily selenium intake can lead to selenium deficiency, while excessive intake carries the risk of selenium toxicity. Therefore, selenium intake must be controlled within a relatively precise range. This article reviews the distribution and intake of selenium, as well as its absorption and metabolism mechanisms in the human body. It also explores the multiple biological functions and mechanisms of selenium in maintaining human health. The aim is to provide new insights and evidence for further elucidating the role of selenium and selenoproteins in health maintenance, as well as for future nutritional guidelines and public health policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

High levels of heavy metals in the environment pose a significant risk to the aquatic ecosystem and its organisms. The non-biodegradable nature and lengthy persistence of heavy metals in the environment lead to toxicity in shrimp. Using aquatic animals as bio-indicators of metal contamination provides valuable data on acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic species and environmental quality. This review aims to provide insights into the sources, impacts, diseases and mitigation strategies related to heavy metal pollution in shrimp farming and the dangers to humans. Shrimp growth and development at each stage exhibit distinct responses to toxicity, which can vary depending on the species, types of metals, their mechanisms of action, as well as the concentration of heavy metals and duration of exposure. While several heavy metals are considered essential nutrient elements that enhance shrimp growth and feed efficiency, exceeding the maximum tolerable limit threatens shrimp health, human consumers, and ecological systems' stability. Shrimp species subjected to lethal toxic metal concentrations experience significant effects on accumulation in histopathology. Heavy metal toxicity has been linked to high mortality rates, malformation rates, oxidative stress, moulting issues, and decreased reproduction with increasing concentrations in shrimp. Various methods have been reported for removing heavy metal ions from aquatic environments, including filtration, adsorbents, removal efficacy, operating conditions, and the pros and cons of each technique. Therefore, this review provides an overview of how heavy metals can affect shrimp physiology and dangers to consumers. It aims to increase awareness about the importance of preventing and regulating their contamination in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Purpose: The model incorporates key factors of membrane such as permeability and resistance, feed concentration, fluid viscosity and pressure differentials. Special emphasis is placed on the fouling mechanisms, including pore blockage and cake layer formation, which significantly impact the efficiency of the filtration process. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, we present a numerical analysis of permeate flux through a membrane, focusing on the intricate dynamics of fouling phenomena. Utilizing the Langevin model, we simulate the permeation process to understand how various operational parameters affect the flux rates. Findings: Our results demonstrate that fouling not only reduces the permeate flux but also alters the membrane's hydraulic resistance over time. The results show that the increasing of the diffusion process on membrane reduces the clogging phenomenon. Hence, the increases of the transmembrane pressure reduce exponentially blocking pore process. Originality/value: By analyzing these changes, we provide insights into optimizing membrane performance and developing strategies to mitigate clogging membrane. This research contributes to the field of membrane technology by enhancing our understanding of permeate flux behavior under fouling conditions and offering potential pathways for improving long-term operational sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Monkeypox, a zoonotic virus in the Orthopoxvirus genus , has drawn global attention for its impact on public health. In the current Mpox outbreak, a novel clade, Ib, has emerged as a significant and potentially fatal threat. This review examines the dynamics of MPXV transmission, person-to-person spread, and infection mechanisms, highlighting key risk factors. We explore the clinical features of Mpox, focusing on symptomology, illness duration, and the distinguishing characteristics of clade Ib compared to other clades. A critical analysis addresses diagnostic techniques and emphasizes the need for robust surveillance, particularly for clade Ib detection. We review recent prevention and treatment strategies, including antiviral drugs and vaccines, with a focus on clade Ib containment. The conclusion underscores the urgency of global collaboration to prevent and prepare for emerging threats like clade Ib and identifies crucial research paths and knowledge gaps. This review offers a comprehensive overview of clade Ib, covering its emergence, genetic traits, epidemiological impact, transmission patterns, clinical features, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in outbreak management, detection challenges, and implications for public health response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Over the past century, colorectal cancer (CRC) has become one of the most devastating cancers impacting the human population. To gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving this solid tumor, researchers have increasingly turned their attention to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Spatial transcriptomics and proteomics have emerged as a particularly powerful technology for deciphering the complexity of CRC tumors, given that the TME and its spatial organization are critical determinants of disease progression and treatment response. Spatial transcriptomics enables high-resolution mapping of the whole transcriptome. While spatial proteomics maps protein expression and function across tissue sections. Together, they provide a detailed view of the molecular landscape and cellular interactions within the TME. In this review, we delve into recent advances in spatial biology technologies applied to CRC research, highlighting both the methodologies and the challenges associated with their use, such as the substantial tissue heterogeneity characteristic of CRC. We also discuss the limitations of current approaches and the need for novel computational tools to manage and interpret these complex datasets. To conclude, we emphasize the importance of further developing and integrating spatial transcriptomics into CRC precision medicine strategies to enhance therapeutic targeting and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Monkeypox (mpox) is a viral infection closely related to smallpox, manifesting as a milder febrile rash in affected individuals. Over the past two decades, the incidence of mpox has surged, possibly linked to a declining immunity against the smallpox vaccine worldwide. Recent outbreaks of mpox in multiple countries have sparked concerns regarding altered transmission patterns and the potential for a global menace. In this article, we present a multidimensional review encompassing the latest scientific discoveries, illuminating the intricate structure of the human mpox virus. Key findings include advancements in understanding the virus's molecular mechanisms, which highlight its genetic adaptability and potential for zoonotic spillover. Diagnostic innovations, such as improved molecular assays, have enhanced detection accuracy, while novel therapeutic strategies, including antiviral drugs and vaccines, show promise in mitigating outbreaks. Our conclusions emphasize the importance of robust surveillance systems, vaccination programs, and rapid response strategies to curb mpox's spread. Future recommendations include strengthening global collaboration for zoonotic disease surveillance, advancing the research on host–pathogen interactions, and developing next-generation therapeutics to address this emerging public health threat effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

One of the key factors that contribute to tumor progression and resistance is the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the tumor. CD200 is a recently identified cell surface glycoprotein recognized as an important molecule in breast cancer for its versatile modulation of the immune response via its receptor, CD200R. The interaction between CD200 and CD200R suppresses the immune activities against tumor cells and allows them to be undetected and, in doing so, to escape from the destructive capability of the immune cells. Here, we review recent advances and future trends in CD200-targeted therapies for cancer treatments. We also discuss molecular pathways that include variable expressions across different cancer types and their importance in treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The non-biodegradability and microtoxicity of harmful anions in water, especially hexavalent chromium, have caused serious damage to the environment and human health. Therefore, research on efficient and environmentally friendly adsorbents for the removal of Cr(VI) becomes essential. In this paper, we propose for the first time to effectively remove Cr(VI) anion by aminated graphene oxide/cellulose oxide nanocellulose/sodium alginate porous materials (NH2-GO/NOC/SA) prepared by cross-linking aminated graphene oxide with biomass materials (oxidized nanocellulose and sodium alginate) via epichlorohydrin. The porous materials were characterized using tools such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electroluminescence (EDS), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The optimum adsorption performance of the porous material was obtained by varying the initial concentration (from 100 to 500 mg/L), pH (from 1 to 8), and adsorption time (from 15 min to 72 h) of the Cr(VI) solution. The analysis of the adsorption data showed that the adsorption process was more in line with the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir isotherm model, and the equilibrium adsorption amount reached 394.1 mg/g. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on the NH2-GO/NOC/SA porous material was achieved by electrostatic interactions, Schiff base chemical bonding energy, ion exchange, protonation, precipitation, and hydrogen bonding. In conclusion, the experimental results show that the biomass adsorbent NH2-GO/NOC/SA can be consistently applied to remove Cr(VI) from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Indiscriminate disposal of agricultural wastes causes detrimental effects on the environment. Utilization of waste biomasses, and renewable feedstocks, for the production of value-added products, contributes to the economy. Potato peel is considered an interesting source of several bioactive compounds, among which are phenolic compounds, glycoalkaloids, polysaccharides, proteins, and vitamins. In this work, facile green synthesis of the semiconductor CuO nanoparticles using potato peel extract as a stabilizing agent was performed. The fabricated nanoparticles were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thermogravimetric analysis, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and antibacterial tests, and then used for direct red 80 dye removal with the photocatalytic degradation and advanced oxidation processes. The prepared monoclinic crystalline nanoparticles represented 19.1 nm average crystallite size, 1.75 eV bandgap energy, and remarkable inhibition zone diameters of 21 and 27 mm for the growth of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively. The dye degradation kinetics was fast with about 30 min needed to reach equilibrium, and more than 90% of the dye was removed in the first 2 min. The dye degradation was fitted to the pseudo-first-order Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This correspondence addresses a critical humanitarian concern: the inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in shelters within the Gaza Strip amidst ongoing conflict. Recent data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that approximately 200,000 civilians are displaced, with only 30% of shelters having access to potable water and even fewer possessing functional sanitation infrastructure. This deficiency poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, heightening the prevalence of waterborne diseases and impeding efforts to control the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. This article underscores the urgent need for stakeholders to mobilize resources and enhance WASH services in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights principles. Additionally, it advocates for research to understand the factors contributing to the WASH crisis in conflict-affected settings, aiming to inform targeted interventions and protect the health and dignity of displaced populations. The global community is called upon to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure access to essential services, working towards mitigating the health impacts of the WASH crisis in Gaza Strip shelters and advancing health equity in humanitarian contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Rapid-eye movement sleep deprivation (REM SD) drastically alters behavioral functions and the mood state. Evidence demonstrates that the effects of REM SD on cognition and mood vary significantly based on the duration of deprivation. On the other hand, crocin (as a natural therapeutic compound found in Saffron) may be beneficial for the alleviation of SD effect. The present research aimed to explore the effects of REM SD of varying durations on behavioral functions and the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) in the prefrontal cortex. REM SD was conducted for 1, 5, or 10 days (6 h per day). Crocin was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 50 mg/kg. The results showed that REM SD for 5- and 10-days increased locomotor activity and rearing, decreased pain threshold, and impaired passive avoidance memory performance. REM SD for 5- and 10-days increased the expression levels of GSK-3β, while only REM SD for 5 days decreased BDNF levels. Crocin (only in rats exposed to REM SD for 5 days) restored behavioral alterations, while in rats exposed to REM SD for 10 days had no effect. Interestingly, crocin in rats exposed to REM SD for 5- and 10-days attenuated GSK-3β upregulation. In addition, crocin in rats exposed to REM SD for 5 but not 10 days attenuated BDNF down regulation. In conclusion, the duration of REM SD is a crucial determinant of its impact on cognitive and mood functions., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical Approval: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, under the ethical reference number IR.IAU.PS.REC.1403.205. All experimental procedures complied with the ethical standards outlined in the 2011 U.S. National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, ensuring the humane and ethical treatment of animals throughout the study. Consent to Participate: Not applicable. Consent to Publish: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.) more...

This study centered on removing toxic Pb (II) ions from wastewater using Fe 3 O 4 with natural biopolymer chitosan and green plant extracts from Ricinus communis (Castor plant) to synthesize a novel magnetic chitosan nano-composites (GCS-Fe 3 O 4 ) adsorbent. The nano-material was synthesized using the co-precipitation method and characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM, TEM, SEM, AFM, TGA-DTA, DLS, UV-Vis, and VSM. The green-synthesized nanocomposites (GCS-Fe 3 O 4 ) have been used to remove Pb (II) from a wastewater solution. A study was conducted on the experimental parameters, such as the pH range, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and temperature effects, the highest capacity of adsorption Pb (II) ions observed at a pH 6.8, a temperature of 30℃, a contact time of 60 min., with an adsorbent dose of 0.30 g/L. The maximum removal of Pb (II) ions was 99.2%, obtained at a concentration of 0.30 g/L. The Freundlich isotherm stipulated the most precise simulation of the adsorption equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 48.64 mg/g at 30℃ using the Freundlich isotherm. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model most accurately represented the adsorption kinetics of Pb (II). In contrast, thermodynamic data shows an endothermic adsorption process with temperature, the adsorption efficiency also increases to 5.35, 7.17, and 8.90 kJ/mol respectively. The Pb (II) ions were determined by 797 VA anodic linear sweep voltammetry Computrace (Metrohm). Hence, the synthesized green magnetite chitosan composite (GCS-Fe 3 O 4 ) is suitable for removing Pb (II) ions from wastewater solutions., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: • I confirm that I have read, understand, and agreed to the submission guidelines, policies, and submission declaration of the journal. • There is no funding information other than this part I have declared. • I confirm that all authors of the manuscript have no conflict of interest to declare. • I confirm that the manuscript is the author's original work and the manuscript has not received prior publication and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. • On behalf of all Co-Authors, I shall bear full responsibility for the submission. • I confirm that all authors listed on the title page have contributed significantly to the work, have read the manuscript, attest to the validity and legitimacy of the data and its interpretation, and agree to its submission. • I confirm that the paper now submitted is not a copied or plagiarized version of some other published work. • I declare that I shall not submit the paper for publication in any other Journal or Magazine. • If the paper is finally accepted by the journal for publication, this will be a great opportunity for my research work. Consent to participate/publish: I, Hari Mohan Meena, as the Corresponding author, agree to participate or agree to participate/publish my research paper with co-authors Shrikant Kukreti, Pyar Singh Jassal. I consent to participate in the research project and the following has been explained to me: • The research may not be of direct benefit to me. • My participation is completely voluntary. • My right to withdraw from the study at any time without any implications to me. • The risks including any possible inconvenience, discomfort, or harm as a consequence of my participation in the research. • The steps that have been taken to minimize any possible risks. • Public liability insurance arrangements. • What I expected and required to do. • Whom I should contact for any complaints about the research or the conduct of the research. • I can request a copy of the research findings and reports. • Security and confidentiality of my personal information. In addition, I consent to: • Audio-visual recording of any part of or all research activities (if applicable). •Publication of results from this study on the condition that my identify will not be revealed. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.) more...

An effective approach to enrich the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocyte medium as one of the main assisted reproduction technologies is the use of antioxidants to minimize oxidative stress. This study examined the effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized by chemical (Ch-NPs) and green (G-CuNPs) methods on the IVM process of mouse oocytes and the development of the embryo in comparison to control oocytes (without nanoparticles treatment). Hydroalcoholic (G-H-CuNPs) and aqueous (G-A-CuNPs) Rosmarinus officinalis extracts were used for green synthesis. Here, Ch-NPs showed much less nuclear maturation and survival rate (44.92 ± 4.52; 66.21 ± 6.22) than the control (73.36 ± 7.40; 89.33 ± 4.40), respectively (P < 0.001). In contrast, G-H-CuNPs treated oocytes exhibited a significant increase (72.28 ± 5.51; 79.37 ± 6.29) compared to the Ch-NPs (P < 0.05). The level of ROS in Ch-NPs exposed oocytes was significantly higher than in the control (P < 0.001). The fertilization rate exhibited a significant elevation in the G-H-CuNPs (96.00 ± 2.45) compared to the control (71.14 ± 5.20) and Ch-NPs (50.00 ± 0.01) (P < 0.05). The 8-cell and blastocyst (BL) rates in the G-H-CuNPs (70.32 ± 3.78) revealed notably higher than those in the control (64.29 ± 3.69) and Ch-NPs (36.67 ± 10.22) (P < 0.05). In summary, results exhibited that G-CuNPs promote mouse oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development more than Ch-NPs. The follow-up studies propose looking into the safety and applicability of green-synthesized CuNPs in human-assisted reproductive technologies., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics, Approval, and Consent to Participate: The present study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (IR.KHU.REC.1401.004). Consent for Publication: All authers have consent for publication. Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Society for Reproductive Investigation.) more...

Purpose: To explore the impact of seasonal variations on the risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment., Methods: We retrospectively included a total of 21,469 women who achieved singleton delivery during their first cycles of IVF, the risks of HDP and GDM were compared in different seasonal groups according to the time of embryo transfer and the time of oocyte retrieval., Results: After adjustment via multivariable logistic regression, women who underwent embryo transfer in spring with the expected date of confinement in winter had a higher risk of HDP (4.9% vs. 3.8%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.64; P = 0.005) than those underwent embryo transfer in winter with the expected date of confinement in autumn. There were no seasonal variations in the risk of HDP according to the time of oocyte retrieval or in the risk of GDM regardless of the time of embryo transfer or the time of oocyte retrieval. After subgroup analysis, the seasonal variations in the risk of HDP remained in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles but not in fresh embryo transfer (FreET) cycles., Conclusions: The risk of HDP was increased in women who underwent embryo transfer in spring compared to those who underwent embryo transfer in winter. The risk of HDP is more likely to be affected by the season at the time of embryo transfer in FET cycles compared to FreET cycles., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: All methods in this study were carried out in accordance with the guidelines and regulations in the Declaration of Helsinki. The Institutional Ethics Committee of the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University approved the study (Ethical Review No. 66, 2023). Consent to participate: Written informed consent was obtained from all patients before treatment, and the patients consented to the use of their retrospective data in scientific publications. Consent for publication: Not application. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.) more...

The Shitalakshya River, vital to the Dhaka district, faces severe pollution challenges due to industrial discharges, urban runoff, and other anthropogenic activities. This study investigated the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in the river water, utilizing GC-MS/MS and ICP-MS techniques. The results revealed a total PAH concentration ranging from 4.97 to 5.87 ng/mL, with 3-ring PAHs being the most prevalent. Heavy metals such as Fe, As, Ni, and Zn were found in significant concentrations, exceeding international standards for drinking water and aquatic life. The ecological risk assessment identified benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene as the highest threats to aquatic organisms. Health risk assessments indicated substantial risks from dermal and ingestion exposures, particularly due to arsenic, highlighting potential long-term health implications for local residents. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring, pollution source identification, and stringent regulatory measures to mitigate these risks., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.) more...

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a significant public health challenge in modern society. An in-depth analysis of the injury mechanisms, pathological forms, and assessment criteria of mTBI has underscored the pivotal role of craniocerebral models in comprehending and addressing mTBI. Research indicates that although existing finite element craniocerebral models have made strides in simulating the macroscopic biomechanical responses of the brain, they still fall short in accurately depicting the complexity of mTBI. Consequently, this paper emphasizes the necessity of integrating biomechanics, neuropathology, and neuroimaging to develop multiscale and multiphysics craniocerebral models, which are crucial for precisely capturing microscopic injuries, establishing pathological mechanical indicators, and simulating secondary and long-term brain functional impairments. The comprehensive analysis and in-depth discussion presented in this paper offer new perspectives and approaches for understanding, diagnosing, and preventing mTBI, potentially contributing to alleviating the global burden of mTBI., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.) more...

Despite significant advancements in cancer treatment, current therapies often fail to completely eradicate malignant cells. This shortfall underscores the urgent need to explore alternative approaches such as cancer vaccines. Leveraging the immune system's natural ability to target and kill cancer cells holds great therapeutic potential. However, the development of cancer vaccines is hindered by several challenges, including low stability, inadequate immune response activation, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which limit their efficacy. Recent progress in various fields, such as click chemistry, nanotechnology, exosome engineering, and neoantigen design, offer innovative solutions to these challenges. These achievements have led to the emergence of smart vaccine platforms (SVPs), which integrate protective carriers for messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) with functionalization strategies to optimize targeted delivery. Click chemistry further enhances SVP performance by improving the encapsulation of mRNA antigens and facilitating their precise delivery to target cells. This review highlights the latest developments in SVP technologies for cancer therapy, exploring both their opportunities and challenges in advancing these transformative approaches., (© 2025 The Author(s). Cancer Communications published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. on behalf of Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center.) more...

In this study, chitosan (CH) was synthesized by processing of fish-shrimp solid waste (shell). It was utilized in the preparation of polyethersulfone (PES)-based mixed matrix membrane (M x /CH y ) through the film casting method. The hydrophilicity of the membrane was modified by increasing the concentration of CH. The degree of deacetylation (DD%) of CH, analyzed using the acid-base titration method, was found to be 78%. The molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of the membrane was analyzed using the polyethylene glycol rejection method. The surface properties such as mean pore size and hydrophilicity of the membrane were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrograph and water contact angle meter. The membrane (M 18 /CH 1.0 ) mean pore size and MWCO were 7.0 nm and 1.8 kDa, respectively, which is in the nanofiltration (NF) range. After cross-linking of CH with PES/PVP, hydrophilicity and porosity of the M 18 /CH 1.0 increased. The feasibility of the membrane was tested for the treatment of industrial wastewater (iron and steel, distillery, and paper and pulp industry) by varying the feed pressure. The collected permeate through the M 18 /CH 1.0 for all industrial wastewater was transparent. The M 18 /CH 1.0 showed the removal efficiency as follows: turbidity, 65%; total dissolved solids (TDS), 86.6%; total suspended solids (TSS), 60.5%; chemical oxygen demand (COD), 99.5%; biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 99.5%; and electrical conductivity (EC), 63.2% of distillery industry wastewater. In the case of steel and iron wastewater, it showed the removal efficiency for TDS, 48.3%; TSS, 65.3%; and EC, 42.2%. However, M 18 /CH 1.0 removed the turbidity, 94.5%; TDS, 65.7%; TSS, 97.6%; and EC, 85.5% from the pulp and paper industry wastewater feed. The strong removal efficiency and resistance towards the fouling of the M 18 /CH 1.0 make it a potential candidate for the application in the treatment of industrial wastewater., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: Not required. Consent to participate: All authors have granted their consent to participate in this research. Consent for publication: I have taken the consent from authors to publish this work. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.) more...

In this study, a titanium-based coagulant, (i.e., PTFS), with a three-dimensional spatial mesh structure was prepared for the coagulation removal of polystyrene (PS) and titanium dioxide (TiO ript>2 ) nanoparticles in water. The results of scanning electron microscopy, TGA-DSC, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization showed that the PTFS was not a simple mixture of raw materials and a chemical reaction occurred, thereby generating new chemically connected bonds. The optimum removal of PS could reach 92.5% at the dosage of 0.6 mg/L, initial concentration of 70 mg/L, pH of 7, stirring intensity of 350 rpm, settling time of 60 min, and kaolin concentration of 70 mg/L. The best removal rate of TiO 2 could reach 95.3% when the dosage was 0.8 mg/L, the initial concentration was 70 mg/L, the pH was 7, the stirring intensity was 350 rpm, the settling time was 60 min, and the kaolin concentration was 50 mg/L. The flocs produced by PTFS were large and dense. In the early stage of coagulation, the flocculation mechanism was dominated by electroneutralization, and in the middle and late stages of coagulation, adsorption, bridging, and netting were dominated. This study aims to provide a reference for the removal of nanopollutants by coagulation in the actual water treatment process. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A titanium-based coagulant PTFS with a three-dimensional spatial mesh structure was prepared. PTFS effectively removes nano-PS and nano-TiO 2 from water. The flocs produced by PTFS were large and dense flocs. Removal of PS and TiO 2 by PFTS has been a combination of multiple coagulation mechanisms., (© 2025 Water Environment Federation.) more...