Vibrational signature of 1B+u and hot 2A-g excited states of carotenoids revisited by femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy.

The significance of carotenoids in biological systems cannot be overstated. Their functionality largely arises from unique excited-state dynamics, where photon absorption promotes the molecule to the optically allowed 1B+u state (conventionally S), which rapidly decays to the optically forbidden 2A-g state (S). While the vibrational signature of the S state is well established, that of the initial S state has remained elusive.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol-based hand rub consumption and hand hygiene compliance: a cross-sectional study using digital direct-observation tools in Slovakia.

Background: Hand hygiene (HH) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) is a key component in ensuring safe and high-quality healthcare. Monitoring the Five moments for HH according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines remains the gold standard for compliance assessment. Proper HH is the most effective measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAI).

Self-Reported Personality Functioning in Patients With Substance Use Disorders: Similarities and Specifics With Respect to the Czech Community Sample.

Objective: Information about the level of general personality functioning could provide benefits for tailoring substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. This study examined self-reported personality functioning among patients with SUD compared to the general population, gender specifics, and the psychometric properties of the Czech Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Self Report (LPFS-SR).

Methods: Two samples were used in this study.

Pleural Effusion Formation Linked to Altered Transporter Expression Involved in Alveolar Fluid Clearance: Insights From the Monocrotaline Model of Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pleural effusions (PLEF) in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), particularly in patients with isolated right heart failure, are associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality. This study investigates changes in alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) transporter expression in relation to lung fluid accumulation and PLEF formation during PAH progression, as well as the effects of terbutaline (TER) and riociguat (RIO) treatment. Using a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) rat model, we performed a detailed molecular analysis of AFC transporter expression at different disease stages, both before and after PH development.

[Tc]Tc-Sestamibi/[Tc]NaTcO Subtraction SPECT of Parathyroid Glands Using Analysis of Principal Components.

The aim of the study was to validate a new method for semiautomatic subtraction of [Tc]Tc-sestamibi and [Tc]NaTcO SPECT 3-dimensional datasets using principal component analysis (PCA) against the results of parathyroid surgery and to compare its performance with an interactive method for visual comparison of images. We also sought to identify factors that affect the accuracy of lesion detection using the two methods. Scintigraphic data from [Tc]Tc-sestamibi and [Tc]NaTcO SPECT were analyzed using semiautomatic subtraction of the 2 registered datasets based on PCA applied to the region of interest including the thyroid and an interactive method for visual comparison of the 2 image datasets.

Influence of different stimulants on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain in relation to the germination and early growth.

Due to the growing environmental and health concerns with chemical plant stimulants, there is a growing need to find alternative sources of plant stimulants that could help the seeds germinate and sustain their growth in the global climate change scenario. The article compares various seed stimulants such as chemical compounds (benzothiadiazole, salicylic acid, glycine betaine), alcoholic extracts from commercial plant products (English oak bark, ginger spices, turmeric spices, caraway fruits) and from wild plant leaves (Japanese pagoda tree, Himalayan balsam, stinging nettle and Bohemian knotweed) and their effects on wheat seed germination and seedling characteristics. It was found that BTH had significantly lower effect on seedling characteristics such as SG3 (%), SG5 (%), R/S III, SVI I (mm) and SVI III (mg) followed by ZO on SG3 (%), SG5 (%) and GI (unit).

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase in yeasts: characterization and involvement in telomere maintenance.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) are enzymes catalyzing the post-translational addition of chains of ADP-ribose moieties to proteins. In most eukaryotic cells, their primary protein targets are involved in DNA recombination, repair, and chromosome maintenance. Even though this group of enzymes is quite common in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, no PARP homologs have been described so far in ascomycetous yeasts, leaving their potential roles in this group of organisms unexplored.

Electrical pulse stimulation reflecting the episodic nature of real-life exercise modulates metabolic and secretory profile of primary human myotubes.

Electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) represents a useful tool to study exercise-related adaptations of muscle cells in vitro. Here, we examine the metabolic and secretory response of primary human muscle cells from metabolically healthy individuals to the EPS protocol reflecting the episodic nature of real-life exercise training. This intermittent EPS protocol alternates high-frequency stimulation periods with low-frequency resting periods.

Nanoscale ruthenium(III) complexes with bioactive ligands: structural, colloidal, and dual antimicrobial-cytotoxic investigations.

This study comprehensively analyses two new ruthenium(III) complexes, [RuCl(Nic)][(CH)NH]DMF, 1, and [RuCl(3-HPA)][3-HHPA](EtOH), 2, (where Nic = nicotinic acid (vitamin B3), 3-HPA = anion of a 3-hydroxypicolinic acid), as potential antimicrobial agents, highlighting their physicochemical properties, nanoparticle formation, and cytotoxic activity. The complexes were fully characterised by a single crystal X-ray diffraction technique, Fourier-transform infrared, energy-dispersive X-ray, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. The synthesis of micro- and nanoparticles (NPs) of these complexes was performed using the liquid anti-solvent crystallisation method.

Visual processing of social and non-social stimuli in schizophrenia: investigation of the links to positive and negative symptoms.

Introduction: Schizophrenia (SCZ) spectrum is characterised by aberrant processing of social cues. However, little is known about the specific stages of visual attention and their connection to subclinical and clinical symptoms in psychosis. This study aimed to investigate the visual processing of social and non-social parts of naturalistic scenes, and its link to positive and negative symptoms.

Bidirectional relationship between burnout and perceived work ability: Evidence from a two-wave study among teachers.

Burnout and perceived work ability (PWA) are critical factors influencing teachers' professional well-being and effectiveness. The potential bidirectional relationship between these constructs remains underexplored, particularly in primary and lower secondary school teachers. This study examines the reciprocal relationship between burnout and PWA among teachers over time, using the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and the conservation of resources (COR) theory.

The barriers for uptake of artificial intelligence in hepatology and how to overcome them.

Artificial intelligence (AI) methods in hepatology have proliferated since the mid-2010s, with numerous publications and some regulatory approvals. Yet, adoption of AI methods in real-world clinical practice and clinical research remains limited. Despite clear benefits of using AI to analyze complex data types in hepatology, such as histopathology, radiology images, multi-omics and more recently, natural language patient data, there are still substantial barriers and challenges to its integration into routine clinical workflows.

When artificial intelligence meets protein research.

The 2024 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physics mark a watershed moment in the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular biology. This article explores how AI, particularly deep learning and neural networks, has revolutionized protein science through breakthroughs in structure prediction and computational design. It highlights the contributions of 2024 Nobel laureates John Hopfield, Geoffrey Hinton, David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper, whose foundational work laid the groundwork for AI tools such as AlphaFold.

Bridging micro and macroevolution: insights from chromosomal dynamics in plants.

Understanding the relationship between macro- and microevolutionary processes and their delimitation remains a challenge. This review focuses on the role of chromosomal rearrangements in plant population differentiation and lineage diversification resulting in speciation, helping bridge the gap between macro- and microevolution through chromosomal evolution. We focus on angiosperms, a group that comprises the majority of extant plant species diversity and exhibits the largest chromosomal and genomic variations.

Daylight spectrum and intensity reduction and its impact on melatonin, cortisol, alpha-amylase, sleep parameters and sleepiness in humans.

Light serves as the main synchroniser of the circadian system. The amount of light and its spectral distribution throughout the day influence hormonal secretion and sleep-wake regulation. There is a knowledge gap regarding the impact of the spectrum and intensity reduction of short-wavelength light during the day on circadian system outputs.

Are We Witnessing a Speciation Continuum? Evidence From Current and Past Gene Flow in the Genus Oritrophium s.s. (Asteraceae) From the Tropical High Andes.

Determining species boundaries is key for appropriately assessing biodiversity. However, the continuity of the speciation process makes delimiting species a difficult task, especially for recently diverged taxa. Furthermore, past introgression may leave traces that result in reticulate evolutionary patterns, challenging the estimation of species relationships.

Unraveling the nexus in the neuro-neoplastic progression of colorectal cancer: Potential role of β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR).

Background: Studies on the interaction of cancer cells with other cells (fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells) of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have led to the development of many novel targeted therapies. More recently, the notion that neuronal cells of the TME could impact various processes supporting cancer progression has gained momentum. Tumor-associated neurons release neurotransmitters into the TME that, in turn, bind to specific receptors on different target cells, supporting cancer progression.

Pig as an Interorgan Communication Model and Its Applications in Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Bioengineering Research.

Advances in modern nanomedicine, bioengineering, and biomaterial research are linked to the parallel development of biological models for testing innovative biomaterials. Experimental procedures based on biological systems are key to biomaterial engineering, enabling an accurate assessment of biological activity and biosafety, including the biocompatibility of new materials. Although the optimal model for human research is still humans themselves, clinical trials on humans are not always possible, especially in the context of innovative technologies or law/ethical problems.

Novel antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory aminated chitosan hybrid quinoline Schiff base as multi-target agent: Design, molecular docking, and toxicity assessment.

This study involves the synthesis of a novel 7-ethoxy-3-formyl-2-morpholino quinoline (MQ) derivative, which was hybridized with aminated chitosan (AMCH) to yield a new AMCH-MQ Schiff base. Structural characterization via H NMR, FTIR, electronic spectra, XRD, and TGA confirmed successful hybridization. Ion exchange capacity decreased from 28.

Phenylpyridine-Based Boron Azides: Tuning Reactivity and Accessing Fluorescent Triazoles.

We report the synthesis and reactivity of phenylpyridine-based boron azides readily accessible via nucleophilic substitution from generated borenium-type precursors. Three azides were obtained: a hydridic species (L)BHN (L = 2-phenylpyridine), a cyclopentyl-substituted analogue (L)B(cyclopentyl)N, and a boron diazide (L)B(N) obtained as a byproduct from the synthesis of (L)BHN. The prepared borane azides exhibit notable thermal and photochemical robustness, with decomposition temperatures around 140 °C in mesitylene solution and above 170 °C in the solid state, as evidenced by DSC/TGA analysis.

Cultural narratives, social norms, and psychological stigma: a study of mental health help-seeking behavior in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Introduction: Mental health stigma remains a major barrier to accessing psychiatric care worldwide, with pronounced effects in culturally traditional societies such as Peshawar, Pakistan. In the Pashtun cultural context, the code of Pashtunwali-an honor-based system-shapes social attitudes and behaviors, potentially influencing mental health help-seeking patterns. This study examines how cultural narratives, social norms, and stigma interact to affect help-seeking behavior in this sociocultural setting.

Occurrence of Hepatitis E Virus in Human Patients, Food and Animal Products From Slovakia.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the only zoonotic pathogen that causes human viral hepatitis. Foodborne transmission of this virus is one of the most important transmission routes. In this study, performed in various hospitals between 2019 and 2024, we detected the HEV RNA in samples of 66 suspected patients in Eastern Slovakia.

The impact of COVID-19 on complications and long-term outcomes in maxillofacial trauma: A retrospective multicentre analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global healthcare, including patterns of maxillofacial trauma. This multicentre retrospective study analysed 3954 patients treated from January 2018 to December 2023 at hospitals in Bratislava, Martin, and Kosice, covering three periods: pre-COVID, during COVID, and post-COVID. Data included patient demographics, trauma causes, treatment methods, and complication rates.