Sustainable Design and Integrity Control of Onboard Health Tools for Humans and Their Environmental Urban Biodiversity

Recently, onboard sensing and support devices have been used for the well-being of humans, animals, birds, plants and, more generally, biodiversity. The performance of these tools is closely linked to their electromagnetic environment, mainly artificially created by humans. Therefore, the presence of electromagnetic radiation linked to human activities near such tools constitutes a threat. The intelligent and sustainable manufacturing of these tools, which makes it possible to face such a threat, can be achieved through their design and optimization. This commentary aims to highlight the interaction of artificial electromagnetic radiation with onboard health tools involving living tissues in urban biodiversity (One Health concept) and the intelligent and sustainable construction and protection (Responsible Attitude concept) of these tools. The manuscript presents an overview of onboard devices, possible effects of electromagnetic radiation, durable construction and shielding, and analysis of electromagnetic compatibility integrity control. The main outcome of this contribution regarding sustainably designed onboard devices is that numerical analysis tools of electromagnetic fields could efficiently verify their integrity and the behavior of their necessary smart shields. These different themes are associated with examples of literature.

Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Protein 1 (TRAP1): A Pivotal Regulator of Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence and Atherosclerosis through Metabolic Reprogramming

Primed Lung−Vagus−Brainstem Circuit by Allergen Triggers Airway Hyperactivity

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the primary hub for sensing and integrating respiratory information. It integrates input from the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerve. It interacts with other brainstem nuclei, such as the nucleus ambiguus (NA) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV), to transmit information and initiate a neuroreflex response to respiratory stimuli. In a recent issue of the journal Nature, Su et al. demonstrated that Dbh⁺ neurons in the NTS can receive signals from vagal Trpv1⁺ sensory neurons that sense allergen−induced IL−4 production in mast cells and pass the signal to Chat⁺ neurons in the NA by releasing norepinephrine. Subsequently, NA Chat⁺ neurons drive allergen−induced airway hyperresponsiveness by projecting onto cholinergic pulmonary ganglia in the lungs. This study not only provides new insights into the regulation of allergen−induced airway hyperresponsiveness by lung−vagus–brainstem interoceptive circuit but also provides us with new strategies to combat asthma.

Direct-Ink-Writing Printing of Shape Memory Cross-Linked Networks from Biomass-Derived Small Molecules

The rapid development of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has opened up new opportunities for applying shape memory polymers (SMPs) in various fields. The use of abundant, inexpensive, and easily accessible biomass materials as printing raw materials not only facilitates the creation of more intricate SMPs but also aligns with the principles of low-carbon, green, and sustainable development. Here, we successfully printed a shape memory cross-linked network (NW-MO-TTMP) in a single step by direct-ink-writing printing and an in-situ thiol-ene click reaction with magnolol and trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) as raw materials. The resulting NW-MO-TTMP network exhibited high mechanical properties and a tensile strength (σ) of up to 2.7 MPa when the thiol-ene ratio was 1.0:1, and the photo-initiator content was 1.5%. To improve printability, ethyl cellulose (EC) derived from biomass was incorporated to enhance the viscosity of the printing precursor fluid, resulting in a significant increase in the σ of the NW-MO-TTMP/EC network, reaching 20.6 MPa. Moreover, the successful printing of intricate models, such as the ‘whale’ and ‘octopus,’ demonstrated excellent shape memory effects. This approach highlights the potential of combining biomass-derived materials with advanced 3D printing techniques to develop sustainable and high-performance SMPs.

Emerging Technologies in Forensic DNA Analysis

Forensic DNA analysis has fundamentally transformed criminal investigations, providing an unprecedented level of accuracy in identifying suspects, exonerating the innocent, and solving cold cases. This manuscript reviews the emerging technologies that are reshaping the field of forensic DNA analysis, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), rapid DNA analysis, AI-driven forensic workflows, 3D genomics, and mobile DNA platforms. These innovations enhance the speed, precision, and scope of DNA analysis, allowing forensic scientists to process evidence more efficiently, analyze more complex samples, and conduct real-time field-based investigations. While these advancements hold great promise, they also introduce significant challenges, such as ensuring data security, maintaining the integrity of evidence, and navigating the ethical and legal implications of new forensic technologies. Issues related to privacy, consent, and potential bias in DNA databases are becoming increasingly complex as these systems expand. Furthermore, the legal admissibility of cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven DNA analysis and phenotypic prediction must be carefully evaluated to ensure the rigorous standards of forensic evidence in court are met.This review explores the opportunities and challenges associated with these emerging technologies, emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical use. By examining advances in DNA extraction, spatial DNA analysis, and the integration of AI in forensic workflows, this manuscript provides forensic professionals with a roadmap for navigating the evolving landscape of forensic DNA analysis. The future of forensic DNA analysis lies in balancing technological innovation with the commitment to justice, ensuring that DNA evidence remains a reliable and indispensable tool in pursuing a more equitable legal system.

Hypoxic Ventilatory Response in Highlander and Lowlander Chinese Patients with Sleep Apnea

The aim of the study was to compare Hypoxic Ventilatory Response (HVR) of sleep apnea in Uygur patients stemming from higher altitude and Chinese Han patients from sea level. 276 subjects with or without snoring from the Karamay community were recruited. 226 subjects (n = 71 Han OSA patients, n = 75 Uygur OSA patients, n = 52 for Uygur control subjects without OSA, n = 28 Han control subjects without OSA) were matched for age and gender. All patients were assessed via polysomnography (PSG). Lung function was assessed. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), mean SaO₂ (MSaO₂%), lowest SaO₂ (LSaO₂%), the number of desaturations ≥4% per hour (ODI4), FEV1/FVC ratio, HVR, △VE/△SaO₂ and the pulse responses to hypoxia changes (ΔPulse/ΔSaO₂) were calculated. A multiple logistic regression using a binary outcome for HVR was applied. (1) In control subjects without OSA, those living at high altitude (Uygur) had a lower HVR than control subjects living at sea level (Han) [−0.35L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂(−0.49 to−0.20 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂) vs.−0.44 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂(−0.55 to −0.21 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂)]. (2) Compared to patients with OSA living at sea level (Han), those OSA patients living at high altitude (Uygur) had a higher neck circumference [43 cm (range 39–45 cm) vs. 42 cm (41–46) cm], higher abdominal circumference [110 cm (102–120 cm) vs. 101 cm (98–111 cm], higher LSaO₂ [81% (72–85%) vs. 76% (68–81%)], lower AHI [26 events/h (16–43 events/h) vs. 36 events/h (24–62 events/h)] and lower ODI4 [15/h (7–29/h) vs. 37/h (20–54/h)]. (3) Considering patients with mild OSA, those who lived at high altitude (Uygur) had a weaker HVR compared to Han patients [−0.31 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂(−0.42 to −0.20 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂) vs.−0.47 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂(−0.59 to −0.21 L·min⁻¹ per %SpO₂)]. However, in moderate and severe OSA the difference in HVR between people living at high and low altitudes was not significant. In people living at high altitude (Uygur) compared to sea level (Han), HVR is weaker both in control subjects and those with mild OSA, but this difference between populations living at different altitudes in those with moderate and severe OSA is not obvious.

Maxillary Molar Enamel Dentine-Junction Shape Differences between Krapina Neanderthals and Modern Humans

Archaic and modern humans differ in a range of craniodental features. From a taxonomic and phylogenetic perspective, it is essential to distinguish between species accurately through detailed morphological characterizations. This study analyzes the size and shape variation of the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) of upper molars from two hominin species, early Neanderthals from Krapina (N = 13) and mid-Holocene European modern humans (N = 14), to assess the extent of their endostructural morphological differentiation. The EDJ was obtained through microtomographic scans of each molar using segmentation procedures. Three-dimensional landmarks semilandmarks and 3D geometric morphometric methods, were employed to investigate EDJ size and shape variation through univariate (t-test), multivariate exploratory, and classification methods (PCA and LDA). The results indicate that the shape of the EDJ and cervix of M² differentiates Krapina Neanderthals from mid-Holocene European modern humans with a high degree of accuracy (~85%). Furthermore, EDJ size and dental nonmetric traits expressed in this structure provide additional information that is useful for distinguishing between the two species. Compared to modern humans, Krapina Neanderthals exhibit reduced dental diversity. From an endostructural perspective, this study provides additional insights into early Neanderthals’ morphological diversification relative to modern humans, which is valuable for studying middle and late Pleistocene hominin evolution.

Payment or Incentive: Public Perception on Payment for Ecosystem Services at the Time of Climate Change in Nepal

Understanding community preferences and perceptions of ecosystem services is needed to generate local-level financing through Payment for Ecosystem Services. Local-level financing is crucial for both ecosystem management and also helpful in climate change adaptation actions. This research focuses on community perceptions of payment for ecosystem schemes and their preferences to generate local-level financing. The study was carried out in Dhankuta and Dasarath Chand municipalities, representing Koshi and Sudur Paschim provinces of Nepal. We applied social science research methods using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and community surveys. The study indicates that community-perceived payment for ecosystem service schemes can be instrumental in generating local financing, and their preference is more towards in-kind or project-based payment mechanisms. While climate change is largely impacting ecosystems and community livelihoods, project-based payment mechanisms could be more effective than cash payments. However, this needs a strong institutional mechanism within the municipal government where such in-kind or project-based support could be mobilized through a multisectoral approach.

A Review of the Current Landscape of Anti-Fibrotic Medicines

Fibrosis is defined as the excessive accumulation and disorganized deposition of extracellular matrix components, affecting any organ in the human body. Fibrotic diseases of the vital organs such as lung, heart, kidney and liver can be chronic, progressive, irreversible and fatal. Although fibrotic diseases account for 45% of the mortality in the Western world, the available treatment options are limited in numbers, efficacy and safety. There is certainly a lack of progress in developing novel anti-fibrotics even though the market size for fibrotic diseases is estimated to be ~$30B and several pharmaceutical companies have active R&D programmes in this field. We reviewed the current efforts in developing novel anti-fibrotic medicines focusing on lung, heart, kidney, liver and skin fibrosis. Our analysis revealed an estimated 83% attrition rate from Phase 2 to Phase 3 trials across the five fibrotic diseases. The possible reasons for the slow pace and high attrition rates in developing new anti-fibrotics are discussed and potential solutions are proposed.

Application of Polydopamine-Based Photocatalysts in Energy and Environmental Systems

Polydopamine (PDA) is also widely sought after in photocatalytic applications due to its fascinating properties such as simple preparation, templating agent, near-infrared absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency, abundant functional groups, and strong chelating effect of metal ions. This review will present the structural features and synthetic methods of PDA, the advantages of PDA for photocatalytic applications (templating agent effect, light absorption properties, film-forming properties, hydrophilicity, conductivity, etc.), the modulation strategies of PDA for photocatalytic applications, and the use of PDA-based photocatalytic materials for solar-powered water purification (heavy metal adsorption and reduction, catalytic degradation of organic pollutants, and antimicrobial properties), hydrogen production, hydrogen peroxide production, CO₂ reduction, and organic conversion. Finally, this review will provide valuable information for the design and development of PDA-based photocatalytic materials.