Journals
2025 EN
Abdelrahman Alaa H. M. · Mekhemer Gamal A. H. · Sidhom Peter A.
+3 more
Ebola virus (EBOV), one of the deadliest diseases, is responsible for infecting individuals with hemorrhagic fever syndrome, which remains an ongoing worldwide health concern. The extremely deadly nature and virulence of EBOV illness illuminate the imperative need to evolve effective curative agents. Viral protien (VP35) acts as an Achilles heel for EBOV reproduction and also interacts with numerous human proteins, which leads to impairing the immune system. Herein, the DrugBank database, containing >14000 investigational and approved drugs, is mined to hunt prospective inhibitors toward VP35 utilizing various computational approaches. Docking technique performance is initially validated to predict the VP35‐inhibitor binding pose upon the accessible experimental data. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) are then conducted in triplicate on the top potent drug candidates, followed by binding energy (Δ G binding ) estimations using molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) approach. Upon MM/GBSA//250 ns MDS, DB14875 and DB07800 revealed better binding energy against VP35 than 1D9, reference inhibitor, with Δ G binding values of −36.6, −35.6, and −29.3 kcal mol −1 , respectively. Post‐MD analyses demonstrate great stability for the identified drug candidates complexed with VP35 over 250 ns MDS. Ultimately, the density functional theory computations are executed, and their outcomes elucidate favorable molecular reactivity of the identified drug candidates. Conclusively, these findings suggest promising inhibitors for VP35, warranting further experimental assays.
Journals
2025 EN
Kalligosfyri Panagiota M. · Miglione Antonella · Esposito Alessia
+6 more
A flexible printed electrochemical sensor capable of monitoring the activity of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in human serum at the point of care is presented. It opens wide possibilities in clinical diagnostics; in fact, the under/over expression of this enzyme might be correlated to different diseases, from cardiovascular to cancer. The sensing system can be easily coupled to a smartphone for the readout, making the approach even more user friendly and decentralized. More details can be found in the Research Article by Panagiota M. Kalligosfyri, Sevinc Kurbanoglu, Stefano Cinti, and co‐workers (DOI: 10.1002/open.202500113 ).
Journals
2025 EN
Khan Muhammad Azam · Ibrahim Yusnidah · Othman Nor Salwati
+1 more
ABSTRACT Institutional quality (IQ) stands as a cornerstone in shaping foreign direct investment (FDI), influencing both the confidence and commitment of international investors in any nation's economy. This research empirically explores the influence of IQ variables, along with other important macroeconomic factors, on inward FDI in nine countries of theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations $$ iation}\ \ east}\ \ ns ASEAN) using quarterly data from 2002Q1 to 2022Q4. Appropriate estimation techniques, including Robust Least Squares, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), and Dynamic OLS estimators, are implemented in the current work to estimate the parameters. The study finds that IQ variables, namely corruption, rule of law, political stability, and government effectiveness, are significant in determining FDI inflows in the ASEAN economies, in addition to macroeconomic variables such as trade openness, urbanization, market size, financial sector development, tourism development, and inflation rate. The findings reveal that political stability and the rule of law positively influence FDI inflows, and corruption and government effectiveness show significant negative effects. Most variables showed significance at the 1% level. Findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize strengthening institutional governance, reducing corruption, and improving regulatory frameworks to create a more secure and attractive investment environment. Also, the stakeholders and development agencies must support institutional reforms to enhance legal certainty and administrative efficiency to boost FDI growth.
Journals
2025 EN
Meghwar Ambedker · Raza Ahmed · Kumar Haresh
+14 more
ABSTRACT Doped polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized using low concentrations of Ag and Cu coinage metals in order to evaluate their impact on energy conversion and storage performances. During the preparation of PANI, a chemical oxidation polymerization process was followed by concurrent doping with Ag and Cu. The nanoparticles were found to have typical orientations when examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was used to examine the crystal structure of the synthesized doped PANI materials, which confirmed their crystalline nature. Ag‐Cu‐doped PANI samples demonstrated a more pronounced reduction in optical band gap as compared to other doped samples. Based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, it can be concluded that the synthesized materials possess large functional groups. Compared to other enhanced PANI materials in an alkaline electrolyte, Ag‐Cu enriched PANI exhibited superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and supercapacitor performances. The presence of the oxygen evolution reaction activity (OER) in a 1 M KOH solution was observed at an overpotential of 340 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm 2 . Using Ag‐Cu‐doped PANI as the anode electrode material, asymmetric supercapacitors produced an energy density of 211.75 W h/kg at a current density of 4.5 A/g, demonstrating their superior performance. The obtained results described high cycle stability over 50,000 galvanic charge–discharge cycles at a current density of 4.5 A/g, and a 102% capacitance retention rate was described by the electrode material. Despite low concentrations of Ag and Cu dopants, the coinage metals can be effectively used as dopants for the fabrication of next‐generation practical energy storage devices.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim N. · Firdaus S. Muhammad · Mariatti M.
+3 more
ABSTRACT The increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials has driven the development of bio‐based polymer composites as alternatives to petroleum‐based plastics. However, optimizing the interfacial interaction between the polymer matrix and natural fibers remains a key challenge. In this study, PLA/PBAT composites reinforced with 5 wt% kenaf fiber were fabricated using three compounding sequences to investigate the effect of fiber localization on composite performance. The results show that Sequence 2 (S2), where kenaf was pre‐blended with PBAT before mixing with PLA, yielded the best performance with a 68% increase in tensile strength and a 57% improvement in tensile modulus compared to the conventional direct mixing method. TGA and DSC analyses revealed improved thermal stability and suppressed PBAT crystallization due to the processing sequence. Morphological analysis confirmed better fiber dispersion and matrix interaction in S2. Water absorption results showed lower uptake in S2 composites (3.4% at 24 h) compared to S3 (5.2% at 24 h), confirming stronger matrix encapsulation and reduced voids. These findings demonstrate that tuning the compounding sequence is a simple, scalable strategy to enhance the mechanical and environmental performance of bio‐based composites, making them promising candidates for biodegradable packaging and short‐lifespan structural applications.
Journals
2025 EN
Mohammed M. I. · Ashry A. · Ismail A. M.
+3 more
ABSTRACT Using the solution casting method, polymeric nanocomposite films were created using a 1:1 weight ratio of polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate, reinforced with different amounts of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 wt%). X‐ray diffraction examination verified that the produced nanocomposites had an amorphous structure. Despite noticeable aggregation and surface roughness, the MgO nanoparticles' primarily spherical morphology and well‐ordered nanocrystalline domains were revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the MgO nanofillers and the polymer matrix interacted effectively. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy showed that as the MgO content increased, the free volume ( V f ) and ortho‐positronium pick‐off lifetime ( τ 3 ) decreased. This was explained by void filling caused by nanoparticles, a decrease in the local free volume due to particle size, and the impact of polar functional groups in the matrix. As the concentration of nanoparticles increased, optical measurements showed that the optical band gap ( E gap ) decreased from 4.09 to 3.40 eV for direct transitions and from 3.69 to 3.00 eV for indirect transitions. Furthermore, at 15 wt% MgO, the Urbach energy ( E u ) rose significantly from 0.23 eV (unfilled blend) to 1.04 eV, along with a rise in the refractive index. Higher MgO loading resulted in a considerable improvement in gamma shielding performance, as evidenced by better mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, and lower half‐value layer values. Urbach energy and free volume characteristics were found to be correlated. Overall, the PVC/PMMA/MgO nanocomposites exhibit favorable characteristics for potential applications in radiation shielding, optoelectronic devices, and other advanced functional materials.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Bnar M. · Omer Salah K. · Fakhre Nabil A.
+5 more
ABSTRACT A novel adsorbent was developed by modifying lignin with 4,7,13,16,21,24‐hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8] hexacosane (Kryptofix 222, abbreviated as LK‐222). The successful synthesis of LK‐222 was confirmed through characterization techniques, including FTIR, FE‐SEM, and EDX, which revealed appropriate functional groups, morphology, and structural features for effective adsorption. The material was then evaluated for its ability to remove lead (Pb(II)) ions from aqueous solutions. Key parameters influencing adsorption efficiencies—such as solution pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial metal ion concentration—were systematically studied. Kinetic analysis indicated that the adsorption followed a pseudo‐second‐order model, while equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) onto LK‐222, as predicted by the Langmuir model, was 454.55 mg/g. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in the temperature range of 25°C–55°C. Additionally, the adsorbent was effectively regenerated using 0.1 N HCl and reused in successive adsorption cycles with minimal performance loss.
Journals
2025 EN
Moreira Daniel C. · Hashmi Saman K. · Andujar Allyson
+24 more
ABSTRACT There is currently a global shortage of healthcare professionals equipped to handle the rising burden of childhood cancer. St. Jude Global is an initiative to improve survival rates of children with cancer worldwide while improving access to quality care. One of the overriding goals of St. Jude Global is focused on education: the training of the clinical workforce needed to expand quality care for all children with cancer. Herein, we describe the St. Jude Global Academy (SJGA) and its programs. The three main workstreams of the SJGA are: clinical training programs, courses, and distance learning. St. Jude collaborates with eight institutions in seven low‐ and middle‐income countries to train pediatric subspecialists. Each year, approximately 20 new fellows start at these clinical training programs. To date, 92 specialists have been trained. The SJGA's courses create educational opportunities that provide a structured learning experience in key areas that are relevant to pediatric cancer care. To date, 1081 participants from 372 institutions in 84 countries have successfully completed these educational opportunities. Cure4Kids is the SJGA's distance learning platform. Over 9000 healthcare professionals in 177 countries use Cure4Kids. The platform receives 1400 visits and over 13,000 page views per day. The SJGA's multifaceted approach encompasses various disciplines and skills, providing healthcare professionals from around the world the skills to address the needs of children diagnosed with cancer in their respected institutions. These efforts are essential for building workforce capacity to improve outcomes.
Journals
2025 EN
Luksch Roberto · Palmerini Emanuela · Milano Giuseppe Maria
+28 more
ABSTRACT Background Several studies have shown that the intensity of treatment in Ewing sarcoma has an impact on outcome. The present trial tested the non‐inferiority of intensive, shorter, induction chemotherapy (25 weeks total treatment time) compared to the standard treatment (37 weeks) in non‐metastatic Ewing sarcoma (ES) at onset. Procedure This national, multicenter, parallel, randomized, controlled, open‐label, non‐inferiority, phase III trial was conducted in 14 specialized hospitals in Italy. Patients aged 2‐40 years with newly diagnosed localized ES were randomized to receive four courses of induction therapy (one every 21 days) either with a standard arm (Arm A) or with an intensive arm (Arm B). For consolidation therapy, good responders (GRs) in Arm A received nine courses (37 weeks), while Arm B patients received five courses (25 weeks). Poor responders for both arms received four courses followed by high‐dose busulfan/melphalan + autologous stem cell rescue. Follow‐up was 5 years. Results In the study period 2009–2018, 274 patients with ES at onset were screened, 248 were eligible, 15 refused randomization, and 233 were randomized (Arm A: 113; Arm B: 120). Median age was 14 years. Arm B was not inferior to Arm A: 5‐year EFS was 77.5% and 71.6%, respectively (HR vs. Arm A: 0.74, 90% CI: 0.49–1.14). GRs were 54.9% in Arm A and 62.5% in Arm B. Hematological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular Grade ≥3 toxicities had higher frequencies in Arm B. Conclusions Intensive induction therapy showed non‐inferiority in 5‐year EFS when compared with the standard induction therapy. Higher toxicity was reported in Arm B with similar outcome, counterbalanced in GRs with a shorter treatment plan. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02063022.
Journals
2025 EN
Fayek Nesrin M. · Baky Mostafa H. · Li Zhenhao
+3 more
Abstract Introduction The Olive ( Olea europaea L.) is one of the most popular edible oil‐producing fruits, consumed worldwide for its myriad nutritional and health benefits. Olive oil production generates huge quantities of by‐products from the fruit, which are considered environmental hazards. Recently, more and more efforts have been made to valorize olive by‐products as a source of low‐cost, value‐added food applications. Objective The main objective of this study was to globally assess the metabolome of olive fruit by‐products, including olive mill wastewater, olive pomace, and olive seeds from fruits from two areas, Siwa and Anshas, Egypt. Methods Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS) were used for profiling primary and secondary metabolites in olive by‐products. Also, multivariate data analyses were used to assess variations between olive by‐product samples. Results A total of 103 primary metabolites and 105 secondary metabolites were identified by GC‐MS and UPLC‐MS, respectively. Fatty acids amounted to a major class in the olive by‐products at 53–91%, with oleic acid dominating, especially in the pomace of Siwa. Mill wastewater was discriminated from other by‐products by the presence of phenolics mainly tyrosol, hydroxyl tyrosol, and α‐tocopherol as analyzed by UPLC‐MS indicating their potential antioxidant activity. Pomace and seeds were rich in fatty acids/esters and hydroxy fatty acids and not readily distinguishable from each other. Conclusion The current work discusses the metabolome profile of olive waste products for valorization purposes. Pomace and seeds were enriched in fatty acids/esters, though not readily distinguishable from each other.