Catalytic Potential of Green-Synthesized Iron Nanoparticles from Psidium guajava for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction

This study presents a sustainable approach for the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (Fe(NPs)) using an aqueous extract of Psidium guajava (guava leaves) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The FeNPs were applied in the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol. To minimize the use of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), different volumetric ratios of plant extract and NaBH₄ were tested. The influence of these ratios on the physicochemical and morphological properties of the FeNPs was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), high-resolution field-emission SEM (HR-FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N₂ physisorption. Increasing the proportion of plant extract led to reduced crystallinity, larger particle sizes, and lower surface areas. Despite these changes, using up to 40% extract improved catalytic performance, achieving over 90% reduction of 4-nitrophenol. Ecotoxicological assessments confirmed the biocompatibility of the FeNPs, the effective neutralization of 4-nitrophenol toxicity post-reduction, and highlighted the inherent toxicity of NaBH₄. These findings demonstrate the potential of Psidium guajava-mediated FeNPs as eco-friendly catalysts for pollutant reduction, combining efficiency with reduced environmental impact.

The 10th International Symposium on Sturgeons (ISS 10) Will Be Held in Yichang This October

Guidance and Control System for an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle as a Wingman

This study focuses on designing and testing a formation guidance system for a UCAV as a wingman to an F-16 fighter jet. A critical assessment of the UCAV autopilot revealed areas for improvement, which were addressed to refine the stable foundation of the autopilot for implementing the guidance system. This system uses PID controllers to minimise the along-track, cross-track, and vertical-track errors during standard manoeuvres. The system performed exceptionally well in the vertical (z) direction but showed robustness challenges in the along-track (x) and cross-track (y) directions under wind disturbances. A notable outcome was the identification of a novel mathematical relationship between the along-track offset command and its gains, offering a pathway for advanced formation systems. These findings pave the way for future enhancements in diverse formation operations.

The Heterogeneity and Functional Roles of Dendritic Cells in Atherosclerosis: Origins, Subsets, and Therapeutic Implications

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall, is driven by dysregulated immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs), as central orchestrators of innate and adaptive immunity, accumulate in atherosclerotic lesions and critically influence disease progression through their roles in lipid metabolism, antigen presentation, and cytokine signaling. Recent advances in single-cell omics and genetic lineage tracing have unveiled the functional diversity of DC subsets, including conventional DCs (cDC1, cDC2), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs), in shaping plaque inflammation, immune tolerance, and tissue repair. However, the mechanisms underlying DC heterogeneity, recruitment, and crosstalk with other immune and vascular cells remain incompletely understood. This review summarizes current knowledge on DC ontogeny, subset-specific functions, and their interplay with T cells, B cells, endothelial cells (ECs), and smooth muscle cells in Atherosclerosis. We also critically evaluate transgenic models for DC research and emerging DC-targeted therapies, including tolerogenic vaccines and nanoparticle-based strategies. Unresolved questions about spatial distribution, functional duality, and ontogenetic pathways are discussed to guide future investigations.

Immunoprofiling of Alcohol-Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Reveals Mechanisms of Immune Evasion through NK/T Lymphocyte Checkpoint Signaling

Chronic alcohol consumption induces the pathogenic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and their conversion into proliferative myofibroblasts (Myo), which together constitute a disease hub in alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD). While natural killer (NK) lymphocytes efficiently target early activated HSC and ameliorate liver fibrosis in mouse models of diet- and alcohol-induced liver disease, late-activated HSC evade immune surveillance. To gain insight into evasive resistance mechanisms, we profiled the expression of immunoregulatory ligands by HSC and showed that HSC dynamically express CD80, a B7-family ligand that suppresses NK and T cell responses. Using a mouse model of acute-on-chronic alcohol consumption, we show that combined blockade of the CTLA-4//TIGIT/PD-1 inhibitory checkpoints overcomes this resistance mechanism, promoting the selective elimination of activated HSC (aHSC)/Myo, yet fails to diminish fibrosis or ameliorate liver function. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of liver non-parenchymal cells revealed that checkpoint blockade promotes hepatic infiltration of pro-fibrotic Th1 and Th17 T cell subpopulations, while decreasing immunosuppressive Treg. Strikingly, antibody-directed engagement of the PD-1 and TIGIT checkpoints also fails to reduce fibrosis or improve liver function. Thus, selective targeting of aHSC/Myo may be necessary to achieve significant therapeutic benefit.

Identification of Pathways That Drive Myofibroblast Transformation in Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) are a common complication of burn injuries and are characterized by excessive dermal fibrosis driven by the transformation of resident dermal fibroblasts to profibrotic myofibroblasts. Although single cell and bulk RNA transcriptomics analysis of HTS and normal skin tissue samples were performed previously, transcriptomics of the transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts has not been studied. Here, we report the data obtained from RNA sequencing of fibroblasts before and after exposure to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and highlight the pathways that are up- and down-regulated during myofibroblast transformation. Our results suggest increased cellular signalling and rewiring, proliferative surge, immune-like and metabolic reprogramming, and delayed structural remodelling as four groups of events during the transformation of human primary dermal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts.

A Case Report of Telehealth Assessment for Adolescent Anxiety, Depression and COVID-Related Grief

Rates of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents have steadily risen over the past decade, and the arrival of COVID-19 exacerbated existing psychological problems for many youth. In the context of these increased rates and the pandemic lockdown, telepsychology, including virtual assessment, evolved as a cornerstone of mental health practice. There are salient benefits to telepsychology, most notably its convenience and accessibility, which have contributed to its expanded application across different types of problems and populations. At the same time, it can pose challenges in acquiring a comprehensive picture of client functioning. This article presents a case study of an adolescent with combined anxiety and depression who was referred for teletherapy during COVID-19, with an emphasis on the assessment intake. Results from a multi-method approach to the assessment are provided along with a brief discussion of treatment and future implications for the practice of telepsychology with youth and families.

Preparation of CdS-BaZrO₃ Heterojunction for Enhanced Photocatalytic Water-Splitting Hydrogen Production

Photocatalytic water splitting using solar light, a promising technical approach for hydrogen production. However, the slow charge transfer and rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers in photocatalysis limit their practical application. To address these issues, in this work, we successfully prepared a novel CdS-BaZrO₃ (CdS-BZO₃) heterojunction via a simple chemical-bath deposition method. The as-prepared heterojunctions facilitate the separation and transportation of photogenerated charges, while also maintaining the high redox-oxid ation ability of the photocatalysts. As a result, CdS-BZO₃ heterojunctions show enhanced photocatalytic water-splitting hydrogen production ability without a co-catalyst. Especially, the optimized CdS-BZO₃ sample exhibits high photocatalytic activity with a hydrogen production rate of 44.77 μmol/h, which is 4.4 and 2.9 times higher than that of BZO₃ and CdS, respectively. At the same time, the CdS-BZO₃ heterojunction exhibits good stability in the photocatalytic hydrogen production cycle test. This work provides a reference for the heterostructure construction of perovskite-based photocatalysts to improve photocatalytic performance.

Sitagliptin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease: A Public Health and Health Equity Perspective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease are interrelated conditions that disproportionately affect underserved populations, with compounded risk in communities facing systemic barriers to care. This review synthesizes clinical trial evidence, preclinical research, and public health perspectives to evaluate sitagliptin’s pharmacologic profile, safety, and potential vascular effects, particularly in resource-limited settings. Sitagliptin, the first FDA-approved oral DPP-4 inhibitor, demonstrates weight neutrality, minimal hypoglycemia risk, and renal dosing flexibility. Large cardiovascular outcomes trials confirm cardiovascular neutrality, while preclinical and animal studies suggest possible microvascular benefits. Despite superior cardiovascular outcomes with newer agents like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, sitagliptin remains a practical option for patients who cannot access or tolerate these therapies, supported by oral dosing, low side-effect burden, and anticipated generic availability in the US. Its continued value is evident in U.S. safety-net systems such as federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and globally in low- and middle-income countries where newer drugs remain unaffordable. Achieving meaningful public health impact will require pairing pharmacologic safety with structural access improvements, including expanded insurance coverage, protection of safety-net drug pricing programs, culturally tailored interventions, and inclusive research practices. Sitagliptin illustrates a broader principle in chronic disease care: even safe therapies cannot close disparities until equitable access.

Review of Gallium Nitride Devices and Integrated Circuits at High Temperatures

In various industrial applications, including aviation, electric vehicles, and drilling, the demand for semiconductor devices and associated circuits with high thermal stability is progressively increasing. Wide-bandgap semiconductor Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices exhibit the advantages of fast switching capability, low on-resistance, and the ability to operate at high temperatures. These advantages have made them potential candidates for integrated circuits in high-temperature environments in recent years. Lateral GaN devices promote monolithic integration, which consequently increases power density and reduces cost of cooling systems. Hence, it is worthwhile to investigate the performance of GaN devices in high-temperature environments. This review aims to present a thorough review of high-temperature characteristics of GaN devices and integrated circuits. The performance of GaN devices at high temperatures, such as threshold voltage，saturation current and on-resistance, has been reviewed in response to different structures. The underlying degradation mechanisms related to the intrinsic properties of structures and fabrication technology are discussed at high temperatures. The thermal performance of GaN small signal integrated circuits and power converters was presented. This paper systematically examines the advantages and challenges of GaN devices and integrated circuits at high temperature environments.