Synthesis, Characterization, and Mechanical Performance Evaluation of PET‐Based Packaging Films Reinforced With Surface‐Functionalized Rice Husk Nanosilica and Phthalate‐Modified Starch

ABSTRACT This work highlights the conversion of PET, in combination with phthalated starch and modified nanosilica, into an environmentally friendly, biodegradable polymer blend. The surface‐functionalized nanosilica and phthalate‐modified starch undergo a good dispersion in the PET matrix. The high surface area (2.87 m 2 /g) and low particle size (9.87 μm) of the produced starch phthalate enhance its capability to form a homogeneous blend with PET. The produced blended sheets were extensively characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, and TGA analysis. SEM study investigates that on the addition of starch phthalate, the surface texture gets highly improved, leading to better compatibility with other materials in the matrix. Due to better binding properties, the interfacial tension gets reduced, which ultimately reduces the phase separation. XRD study reveals major peaks, which justify the crystalline nature of starch phthalate blended PET. FTIR analysis demonstrated that starch phthalate and nanosilica were successfully incorporated into polyolefin blends, indicating successful structural alteration. TGA showed that adding starch phthalate to PET lowers its thermal stability and decomposition temperature, suggesting that the modified composites are more biodegradable. Among different compositions, the best ratio of starch phthalate, modified nanosilica, and PET was found to be 8:0.6:32, having tensile strength 36 MPa, tear strength of 10.6 N/mm, and Young's modulus of 960 MPa. The produced blend can act as a superior packaging alternative for maintaining a sustainable environment.

Rare Angiosarcoma in the Postauricular Region—A Diagnostic Challenge and Treatment

ABSTRACT Sarcomas are rare connective tissue tumors of mesenchymal origin. They account for about 1% of head and neck cancers. Hemangiosarcomas of the temporal bone are extremely rare. In this case report, we present a case with an unusual course and diagnostic difficulties, which was treated successfully using an unusual method. Our aim is to show how insidious angiosarcoma is and to present proton therapy as one of the effective treatment methods outside the typical treatment protocols.

Cyt‐Geist: Current and Future Challenges in Cytometry: Reports of the CYTO 2025 Conference Workshops

FAM83H Regulates Postnatal T Cell Development Through Thymic Stroma Organization

ABSTRACT Family of Sequence Similarity 83H (FAM83H/SACK1H) is primarily expressed in epithelial cells, where it interacts with casein kinase 1 (CK1) and keratins to regulate cytoskeletal organization, cell proliferation, and vesicular trafficking. Mutations in FAM83H are known to cause amelogenesis imperfecta, highlighting its critical role in enamel formation. We generated Fam83h ‐deficient mice ( Fam83h em2(IMPC)Ccpcz , Fam83h −/− ) and mice lacking a part of the N‐terminal CK1‐binding domain ( Fam83h ∆87/∆87 ). Consistent with other Fam83h ‐deficient models, these mice are subviable, smaller in size, and exhibit a sparse, scruffy coat, scaly skin, general weakness, and hypoactivity. Notably, both strains show impaired lymphoid cell development in early postnatal life. In the thymus, Fam83h expression is confined to thymic epithelial cells (TECs), and its deficiency in stromal cells results in disrupted thymic architecture and a severe block in the expansion of double‐negative stage 3 (DN3) T cells, ultimately leading to insufficient T cell production. Single‐cell transcriptomic analysis reveals that Fam83h −/− cortical TECs (cTECs) express reduced levels of the TEC master regulator Foxn1 , and its multiple downstream target genes, suggesting a critical role for FAM83H, likely in coordination with CK1, in cTEC maturation.

Polyelectrolyte‐Enhanced Electrochemical Sensing of Gaseous Hydrogen Peroxide With Copper(II)–Mediating Systems

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) plays a crucial role in both biological and industrial applications; hence, there is a growing need to develop methods that enable reliable and efficient detection. While traditional techniques such as spectrophotometry and fluorescence provide high sensitivity, electrochemical methods offer rapid, cost‐effective, and real‐time monitoring capabilities. This study explores the role of polyelectrolytes as supporting electrolytes in enhancing electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide using copper(II)‐mediated electrocatalysis. Building upon our previous research utilizing polyacrylic acid (PAA), alternative polyelectrolytes, including poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) (pAMPS) and poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (pAAmAA), were investigated. Cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry were employed to assess the impact of these polymers on the electrochemical performance. Results indicated that pAMPS strongly complexed Cu 2+ , reducing catalytic efficiency, whereas neutralized pAMPS improved Cu 2+ availability, enhancing H 2 O 2 reduction. Among all tested electrolytes, 1% pAAmAA demonstrated the highest sensitivity for direct H 2 O 2 reduction and was subsequently selected for the gas‐phase studies. Further optimization involved modifying pAMPS’ pH, revealing that pAMPS at pH 2 significantly enhanced overall catalytic activity. The combination of pAMPS and pAAmAA with Prussian blue‐modified screen‐printed electrodes enabled H 2 O 2 gas‐phase detection down to 1.8 × 10 −10   mol  L −1 . These findings highlight the potential of polyelectrolyte‐based electrolytes for improving the sensitivity and selectivity of electrochemical hydrogen peroxide detection, particularly in gas‐phase applications.

Bioactive Potential of Origanum vulgare Rhizomes: Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxicity Profiles

ABSTRACT Utilization of plant by‐products contributes to the efficient use of natural resources and expands the range of bioactive materials of botanical origin. Oregano ( Origanum vulgare L.) is widely recognized for its active metabolites; however, its underground parts have received little attention. In this study, 14 phenolic compounds were identified in water extracts of oregano leaves (OVL) and rhizomes (OVR) using LC–MS/MS‐DAD. Both extracts contained rosmarinic acid, oreganol C, and caffeic acid, while OVL also included oreganol A, oreganol B, and luteolin‐7‐ O ‐diglucuronide. Remarkably, OVR was revealed as a previously unreported natural source of salvianolic acid A. The antioxidant potential, evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and H 2 O 2 scavenging assays, demonstrated comparable activities of OVL and OVR. Antimicrobial testing (broth microdilution and isothermal microcalorimetry) confirmed inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, MRSA), Proteus mirabilis , and Enterococcus faecalis . Notably, OVR showed stronger inhibition of staphylococcal metabolic activity (≥ 0.75 mg/mL) than OVL (≥ 5.0 mg/mL). Cytotoxicity assessed by MTT assay on HaCaT keratinocytes indicated no significant reduction in cell viability at concentrations ≤ 100 μg/mL, supporting the biocompatibility of both extracts. The rhizome extract further showed a safety profile comparable to that of the leaf extract, supporting its potential for further biomedical use. The present study demonstrates that oregano rhizomes represent an unexplored botanical source of antioxidant and anti‐staphylococcal compounds, expanding current knowledge on the phytochemical potential of this species.

Exploring the Subchronic Toxicity of Sulfonylurea Herbicides: Renal and Hematological Implications in Rabbit Models

ABSTRACT Sulfonylurea herbicides are among the most extensively applied agents in modern agriculture; however, increasing attention has been drawn to their potential adverse effects on nontarget organisms. In this study, we evaluated the subchronic toxicological impact of the sulfonylurea‐based herbicide (Sekator: amidosulfuron and iodosulfuron‐methyl‐sodium) on renal physiology and hematological health in male rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ). Twenty‐four animals were randomly allocated into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving oral doses of Sekator at 0.213, 0.426, and 1.066 mg/kg body weight daily for a period of 3 weeks. Biochemical assessments demonstrated significant, dose‐dependent elevations in serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid concentrations, accompanied by increased kidney weight, collectively indicating renal dysfunction. After taking a close look at the tissue samples, clear signs of kidney damage were found, like swollen tubes and dead tissue. On the blood side of things, several dominant changes happen: There were drops in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, which are clear signs of anemia. At the same time, there was an uptick in white blood cells, which suggests some kind of inflammation is going on. All in all, these results strongly show that Sekator has harmful effects on the kidneys and blood in a mammal model. This raises some serious flags about the unexpected risks that sulfonylurea herbicides pose to animals that were not meant to be affected. There is need to dig deeper to figure out how this toxicity works and what it means for the environment and health when people are exposed to these chemicals over time.

Synchronous B‐Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and Wilms Tumour in a Patient With Lateralised Overgrowth: Causation or Coincidence?

Development and Psychometric Testing of a Scale Evaluating Traditional Health Practices for Cervical Cancer Prevention Among Haitian Migrant Women

ABSTRACT Objective Haitian migrant women experience disproportionate rates of cervical cancer. Cultural worldviews have been implicated as a factor influencing cervical cancer behaviors. However, no validated or reliable scale has been developed to measure the influence of cultural worldviews on cervical cancer risk and behaviors in this community. Methods We detail the original development and psychometric testing of the Traditional Health Practices for Cervical Cancer Prevention Scale (THP‐CCP). A total of N  = 151 Haitian women who recently migrated to the U.S. participated in the study. Scale items were newly developed based on qualitative interviews conducted by our team. Items were administered to participants, and the scale's construct validity, reliability, and concurrent validity were evaluated. We hypothesized that the scale would be associated with women's education levels and superstitious beliefs toward cancer, which we tested with an ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. Results A total of 30 items were developed in Haitian Creole and were evaluated by an expert panel of reviewers. Factor analysis yielded a one‐factor solution consisting of 11‐items interpreted as traditional health practices and cultural beliefs influencing cervical cancer risk and behaviors. The total scale Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was 0.79. The THP‐CCP scores demonstrated concurrent validity with women's education level ( F  = 3.56, p  = 0.031) and superstitious beliefs toward cancer ( r  = 0.26, p value = 0.001). Conclusion The THP‐CCP scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties and can assist researchers in better understanding cultural influences toward engagement in cervical cancer prevention behaviors among Haitian women.

Application of Dual‐Tree Complex Wavelet Transform for Spectra Background Reduction

This article presents a unique background‐cutting method for experimental data processing using the dual‐tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT) algorithm. The presented technique is based on discrete wavelet theory (DWT) and overcomes numerous obstacles encountered in information retrieval that are present in commonly employed numerical techniques, especially fitting or filtering. The DTCWT also outperforms methods based on the Fourier transform. This method is universal, which allows the analysis of an arbitrarily selected data range and its position in time. Furthermore, it suits the special requirements of signal analysis and optimization, both preservation and bias reduction. This article discusses the implementation of an algorithm for background reduction, leading to the extraction and enhancement of the valuable information from spectra. The capabilities of wavelets for spectra data processing are demonstrated based on the example of significantly different spectra, namely, X‐ray powder diffraction and photoluminescence, measured for the crystal Ga 2 O 3 . Issues typical of the DWT application and important for robust and reliable data processing, such as the choice of wavelet family and the number of decomposition levels, are also discussed. It is available as a software package for background reduction.