engineering of acetylesterase for enhanced thermal stability and efficiency.

Acetylesterase, produced by , plays a crucial role in deacetylating hemicellulose during pulp production. Thermostable variants of this enzyme, although rare, can significantly enhance industrial efficiency by retaining activity at high temperatures. This research aims to design a thermostable variant of acetylesterase from (EC 3.

Bone Representation Effects on Carpal Kinematics in Wrist Finite Element Models: A Methodological Comparison.

Wrist biomechanics remain incompletely understood due to the complexity of experimental measurements in this multi-bone joint system. Finite element analysis provides a powerful alternative for investigating internal variables such as carpal kinematics and displacement patterns. This technical brief compares two bone representation approaches, all-cortical versus cortical-trabecular, using two distinct finite element models developed from the same wrist CT dataset.

Melatonin Ameliorates Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis by Suppressing BIP/PERK/CHOP Signaling Pathways; Insights from In Silico and In vivo Studies.

In cardiovascular research, melatonin has shown promise in exhibiting antifibrotic properties and modulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, the exact mechanism by which it influences myocardial fibrosis has not been fully clarified. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of melatonin on the progression of myocardial fibrosis through a mechanism involving the BIP/PERK/CHOP signaling pathway, both in silico and in vivo experimental models.

Comparative Genome Analysis and Characterization of Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei NKN344 Strain Isolated from Curd of Buffalo Milk Reared on Brackish Water Lagoons of the Eastern Indian Coast.

Ethnic fermented foods represent a significant repository for discovering novel probiotic entities. These fermented foods, entrenched in indigenous practices, have conserved a distinct microbiota through generations. Exploration of these fermented foods could yield microbial consortia capable of transforming human health.

Multi-scale model of neural entrainment by transcranial alternating current stimulation in realistic cortical anatomy.

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) enables non-invasive modulation of brain activity, holding promise for cognitive research and clinical applications. However, it remains unclear how the spiking activity of cortical neurons is modulated by specific electric field (E-field) distributions. Here, we use a multi-scale computational framework that integrates an anatomically accurate head model with morphologically realistic neuron models to simulate the responses of layer 5 pyramidal cells (L5 PCs) to the E-fields generated by conventional M1-SO tACS.

ChatGPT in Nursing: Applications, Advantages, and Challenges in Education, Research, and Clinical Practice.

The incorporation of AI-supported language models into the healthcare sector holds significant potential to revolutionize nursing education, research, and clinical practice. Within this framework, ChatGPT has emerged as a valuable tool for personalizing educational materials, enhancing academic productivity, expediting clinical decision-making processes, and optimizing research efficiency. In the realm of nursing education, ChatGPT offers numerous advantages, including the preparation of course content, facilitation of student assessments, and the development of simulation-based learning environments.

Neural models and algorithms for sensorimotor control of an octopus arm.

In this article, a biophysically realistic model of a soft octopus arm with internal musculature is presented. The modeling is motivated by experimental observations of sensorimotor control where an arm localizes and reaches a target. Major contributions of this article are: (i) development of models to capture the mechanical properties of arm musculature, the electrical properties of the arm peripheral nervous system (PNS), and the coupling of PNS with muscular contractions; (ii) modeling the arm sensory system, including chemosensing and proprioception; and (iii) algorithms for sensorimotor control, which include a novel feedback neural motor control law for mimicking target-oriented arm reaching motions, and a novel consensus algorithm for solving sensing problems such as locating a food source from local chemical sensory information (exogenous) and arm deformation information (endogenous).

Targeting the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer: the effect of Rapamycin on angiogenesis, apoptosis, and STAT5A/TORC1 signaling.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly the interactions between endothelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), plays a pivotal role in promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and therapy resistance. The HUVEC-fibroblast co-culture model closely mimics stromal-endothelial interactions observed in CRC, enabling mechanistic insights not achievable in monocultures.

Evaluating the role of alpha cell dysregulation in the progression to type 2 diabetes using mathematical simulations.

Aims/hypothesis: Alpha cell dysregulation is an integral part of type 2 diabetes pathophysiology, increasing fasting as well as postprandial glucose concentrations. Alpha cell dysregulation occurs in tandem with the development of insulin resistance and changes in beta cell function. Our aim was to investigate, using mathematical modelling, the role of alpha cell dysregulation in beta cell compensatory insulin secretion and subsequent failure in the progression from normoglycaemia to type 2 diabetes defined by ADA criteria.

PERC: a suite of software tools for the curation of cryoEM data with application to simulation, modeling and machine learning.

Ease of access to data, tools and models expedites scientific research. In structural biology there are now numerous open repositories of experimental and simulated data sets. Being able to easily access and utilize these is crucial to allow researchers to make optimal use of their research effort.

Dynamic systems modeling for quality improvement in reducing neonatal mortality: evidence from Kerman and Bam, Iran.

Purpose: Neonatal mortality is a significant global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to identify and understand the factors contributing to high neonatal mortality rates in the cities of Kerman and Bam, Iran, to develop effective strategies for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach: We employed systems dynamics to develop Causal Loop Diagrams that capture qualitative interactions among determinants of neonatal mortality.

Spherical Acoustic Resonator-Based Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic-Photothermal Dual Spectroscopy Sensing.

In this paper, a single-quartz-enhanced photoacoustic-photothermal dual spectroscopy sensor based on a spherical acoustic resonator (SAR) is reported for the first time. The dual spectroscopy of quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) and quartz-enhanced photothermal spectroscopy (QEPTS), utilizing a single quartz tuning fork (QTF), eliminates the frequency mismatch issue that occurs when multiple QTFs are used. The dual spectroscopy model was constructed using the finite element method, which provides numerical simulation support for subsequent experiments.

Wildfire Smoke Induces Eye Surface Inflammation and Tear Film Changes in a Human Experimental Model.

Purpose: To investigate the short-term impact of exposure to smoke from vegetation burns on ocular surface symptoms and signs.

Methods: Woody bushfuels were burnt in an enclosed room (Flammability Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Australia) to generate particulate matter and monitored in real time (Dust Trak II). Eighteen participants (aged 20-63 years, 8 males and 10 females) fitted with respirators were seated 1.

Minimum Area Confidence Set Optimality for Simultaneous Confidence Bands for Percentiles With Applications to Drug Shelf-Life Estimation.

One important property of any drug product is its stability over time. A key objective in drug stability studies is to estimate the shelf-life of a drug, involving a suitable definition of the true shelf-life and the construction of an appropriate estimate of the true shelf-life. Simultaneous confidence bands (SCBs) for percentiles in linear regression are valuable tools for determining the shelf-life in drug stability studies.

Differences in the Corneal Biomechanical Responses to LASIK and KLEx Based on Parametric Numerical Simulation.

Purpose: To use parametric numerical simulation to characterize and compare the differences in corneal biomechanical responses to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) under various surgical settings.

Methods: The Finite Element Model was used in a parametric study to evaluate corneal biomechanical responses to LASIK and KLEx, considering variations in preoperative corneal thickness, corneal flap/cap thickness and diameter, refractive correction, and optical zone diameter. Surgery-induced stress, displacement, and interface contact pressure were compared between LASIK and KLEx using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Structure of Organoboron Dyes and Multiphoton Absorption: Insights from Theory.

Computer simulations play an essential role in the interpretation of experimental multiphoton absorption spectra. In addition, models derived from theory allow for the establishment of "structure-property" relationships. This work contributes to these efforts and presents the results of an analysis of two- and three-photon absorptions for a set comprising 450 conjugated molecules performed at the CAM-B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level.

Reducing Calibration Bias for Person Fit Assessment by Mixture Model Expansion.

Measurement appropriateness concerns the question of whether the test or survey scale under consideration can provide a valid measure for a specific individual. An aberrant item response pattern would provide internal counterevidence against using the test/scale for this person, whereas a more typical item response pattern would imply a fit of the measure to the person. Traditional approaches, including the popular Lz person fit statistic, are hampered by their two-stage estimation procedure and the fact that the fit for the person is determined based on the model calibrated on data that include the misfitting persons.

Simulation-Based Training in Aortic Aneurysm Surgery: Toward a New Educational Standard.

Simulation-based training is transforming the education of vascular surgeons in the management of aortic aneurysms (AAs), addressing limitations in traditional apprenticeship models amid declining open surgical volumes and increasing reliance on complex endovascular techniques. This review explores the current landscape of simulation technologies, including computational modeling, fluid-structure interaction, patient-specific 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and robotic platforms. These tools enable high-fidelity, anatomically accurate, and physiologically realistic training environments.

Bridging Participation Gaps: A Community-Led Inception for Integrating Comprehensive Adolescent-Friendly Family Planning and Post-Abortion Care (CAFFP-PAC) into Primary Healthcare Facilities in Northern Uganda.

Background: Conventional top-down health interventions often exclude adolescents and community stakeholders from service design and implementation, resulting in low uptake and a mismatch with young people's needs. The CAFFP-PAC initiative in Northern Uganda sought to explore how a community-led, adolescent-centered inception process could support integration of adolescent-friendly family planning and post-abortion care into primary healthcare services.

Methods: A participatory qualitative design was employed during an inception meeting in Lira City on April 1, 2025, guided by principles of community-based participatory research and citizen science.

Determination of Cutting Angle for Patient-Specific Replacement of Knee Joint Based on Mechanical Alignment.

The need for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has grown significantly in recent years. The cutting angle in TKA plays a major role in the functionality and life expectancy of the knee implant components. This study aims to personalize the femur bone cutting angle selection for implant placement.

Eugenol Promotes Immune Function and Survival Rate in Cecal Ligation Puncture Induced Sepsis Rat Model by Targeting A2A Receptor to Regulate Oxidative Stress Pathway.

This study investigates the potential protective effects of eugenol on cecal ligation puncture (CLP) induced sepsis rat model. CLP was used to induce sepsis in rats and then treated with eugenol at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.

Investigating the mechanism of gastrodin-regulated miR-128-3p in methamphetamine dependence via integrated pharmacology.

Gastrodin (GAS), the principal bioactive component derived from Gastrodia elata Bl., has demonstrated efficacy in attenuating methamphetamine (MA) induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-addictive effects, particularly the role of miRNAs, remain insufficiently understood.

Theoretical simulation-guided design and fabrication of molecularly imprinted hydrogels for selective osteopontin separation.

Osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional milk protein essential for bioactive functions, remains challenging to isolate efficiently due to the limited specificity of conventional methods. We developed hydrogel-based molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) for selective OPN recognition. Dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) were selected as functional monomers based on molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, ensuring optimized binding interactions.

Combining bioinformatics techniques to study the anti-inflammatory activity of two novel peptides from yak milk cheese.

Background: Yak milk casein peptides exhibit promising anti-inflammatory activity, but there is a gap in the study of their anti-inflammatory mechanisms and specific molecular targets.

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of two novel yak casein-derived peptides, QEPVLGPVRGPFP (QP13) and VYPFPGPIPN (VN10), previously identified via bioinformatics screening.

Methods: An LPS-induced RAW264.