Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is an emerging nanomaterial with unique features such as photocatalyst, biocompatibility, and tunable surface chemistry, placing g-C₃N₄ as a versatile platform for innovative biomedical applications. This review explores the properties, synthesis, biomedical applications, challenges, and future perspectives of g-C₃N₄. An electronic search of PubMed and Elsevier’s Scopus was undertaken, with no limits to the year of publication, and only English-language literature was included. One of the notable applications is as a drug delivery system due to its large surface area, functional tunability, and controlled release mechanisms. Recently, g-C₃N₄ has also emerged as a promising agent for cancer treatment, particularly in photodynamic and photothermal therapies. Another widely explored application is its role in regenerative medicine, including wound healing, where its biocompatibility and ability to enhance cellular interactions are advantageous. Additionally, g-C₃N₄ demonstrates strong potential in biosensing and bioimaging, leveraging its fluorescence properties for diagnostic and monitoring applications. While direct studies in dentistry are limited, these biomedical advancements suggest a potential for future dental applications, particularly in antimicrobial coatings, drug-loaded restorative materials, and guided tissue regeneration. Future research should focus on optimizing g-C₃N₄-based materials for targeted clinical applications, particularly within dentistry.

To systematically evaluate and compare the performance of large language models (LLMs) in answering osteoporosis-related frequently asked questions (FAQs) derived from international osteoporosis-related associations. A standardized question bank was constructed based on FAQs summarized from three international osteoporosis-related associations. Six LLMs were prompted to generate responses to all questions under uniform conditions. Two osteoporosis experts independently and blindly evaluated all responses using 5-point Likert scales for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s κ coefficient. Nonparametric statistical analyses, including Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn’s post hoc comparisons and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, were performed to compare models’ performance. A total of 528 responses were generated from 88 association-based questions. Inter-rater agreement was good for both accuracy and comprehensiveness (κ = 0.668 and 0.702, respectively). Significant differences were observed among models, with Claude Sonnet 4.5 demonstrating the highest overall performance on association-based FAQs. Although most models showed solid medical knowledge and basic reasoning ability, substantial variability was observed across question types and prompt formulations. Current LLMs demonstrate promising potential as auxiliary tools for osteoporosis-related health management. However, it is necessary to optimize the strategies for integrating medical knowledge and designing prompts, so as to better improve the accessibility of its clinical application.

Proximal femoral fractures (PFFs) represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. Beyond bone mineral density, proximal femoral (PF) and hip joint (HJ) morphometry have been implicated in fracture susceptibility and fracture pattern. However, the relative contribution of individual geometric parameters remains incompletely defined. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the association between PF and HJ morphometry and hip fracture (HF) patterns, and to assess the predictive value of radiographic morphometric parameters derived from standard anteroposterior radiographs.

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched up to September 2025 for observational studies reporting radiographic morphometric parameters in patients with unilateral PFFs. Statistical meta-analysis was performed with random-effect models to compare intracapsular-ICF/subcapital-SCF fractures with intertrochanteric (ITF) and extracapsular (ECF) fracture patterns.

Twenty-two studies comprising 4184 patients (77.8% female; pooled mean age 77.4 years) were included. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model revealed that ITF were significantly associated with a smaller femoral head diameter (p < 0.001) and increased medial neck cortex thickness (p = 0.021) compared with ICF. ECF demonstrated significantly longer femoral neck axis length (p = 0.012), increased horizontal offset (p = 0.048), smaller absolute offset (p = 0.026) and shorter hip axis length (p = 0.026) than ICFs. Angular parameters provided the most robust stratification. ITFs and ECFs exhibited significantly lower (more varus) neck-shaft angles (p < 0.001) and significantly higher Wiberg angles (p < 0.001) compared with the ICF group.

PF and HJ morphometry are associated with distinct HF patterns, independently of bone mineral density. Simple linear and angular measurements obtained from standard anteroposterior radiographs may assist fracture pattern stratification, risk assessment, and preoperative planning in elderly patients.

This study investigated gender disparities in random blood glucose (RBS) levels among Pakistani adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), examining biological and sociocultural determinants. A cross-sectional analysis of 300 age-matched adults with T2D (150 men, 150 women; age 35–60 years) from four tertiary hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan (February–July 2023). RBS was measured via the Microlab-300 system (Beer–Lambert Law). Multivariate regression and machine learning models (Ridge Regression, Random Forest, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Neural Network, Polynomial Regression) with nested cross-validation were used to analyze associations between demographic factors and RBS. Women had significantly higher mean RBS than men (243.6 vs. 210.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of severe hyperglycemia ($$\ge$$260 mg/dL: 38.7% vs. 12.0%). Gender alone explained 16.5% of RBS variance in simple linear regression. Age showed a moderate positive correlation with RBS (r = 0.587, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, female gender ($$\beta$$ = 24.76, p < 0.001), age ($$\beta$$ = 3.01 per year, p < 0.001), and BMI ($$\beta$$ = 0.88, p = 0.034) were significant predictors, while family history showed a protective effect ($$\beta$$ = –13.36, p < 0.001). Machine learning models using only demographic variables achieved moderate predictive performance (R² = 0.421–0.470), with Ridge Regression performing best (R² = 0.470, MAE = 23.68 mg/dL). Feature importance analysis identified age (70.9%), gender (17.8%), and BMI (8.9%) as the dominant predictors. Significant gender disparities exist in random blood glucose among Pakistani adults with T2D, with women exhibiting higher mean values and greater prevalence of severe hyperglycemia. Age, gender, BMI, and family history are important demographic determinants, but demographic factors alone explain less than half of RBS variance. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive diabetes management strategies in South Asia and emphasize the necessity of incorporating direct biomarkers in future prediction efforts.

Bacteria dominate the biosphere and assemble into highly diverse communities, yet the mechanisms by which these communities migrate remain poorly understood. Here, we used a meso-tube chemotaxis assay to track taxonomic, functional and genomic shifts within sewage-derived microbial communities that migrate in self-organized bands over metre scales. Chemotactic bands accelerated during migration and incorporated non-motile bacterial hitchhikers as well as up to 10⁶ viruses/mL. Approximately 500 species co-migrated, with relative abundances fluctuating by orders of magnitude over time. The final communities exhibited enrichment of functional genes linked to motility and chemotaxis, consistent with adaptation to migration. Despite this functional convergence, replicate communities differed in taxonomic composition, reflecting environmental filtering that selects for functionally equivalent species. By revealing how chemotaxis governs large-scale microbial migration, this work provides a framework for understanding microbial spread in natural ecosystems and host-associated environments.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques for placement of hepatic artery infusion pump are gaining popularity over the traditional open method, even in patients who had undergone prior open abdominal and open liver operation.^1–4 In this video, we described our technique of robotic hepatic artery infusion pump placement after prior open left hemihepatectomy and colorectal resection for recurrent multifocal liver metastasis from rectal cancer.

This video demonstrates the technique in a 62-year-old man with a history of recurrent multiple liver metastases from rectal cancer following adjuvant chemotherapy (FOLFOX for 6 months) and curative-intent resection of rectum and liver. Initial computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) scans showed multiple recurrence in the remnant liver, deemed to be unresectable. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed multiple PET-avid lesions consistent with metastatic recurrence and absence of extra-hepatic disease. A robotic approach to hepatic artery infusion pump placement was then undertaken. A schematic image of port placement in relation to the location of the hepatic artery infusion pump is included in the video. Hepatic arterial anatomy was very carefully exposed using bipolar Maryland forceps to avoid thermal injury to the vessel wall. For the purpose of clarity, hepatic artery tributary has been labeled.

Total operative time was 150 min, with an estimated blood loss of 75 mL. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 without any complications. Postoperatively, a Tc-99m nuclear medicine scan was performed showing uniform hepatic perfusion without extra-hepatic perfusion.

This case highlights the safety and feasibility of utilizing a minimally invasive robotic approach in hepatic artery infusion pump placement after an open left hemihepatectomy.

Loss of BLM helicase leads to Bloom Syndrome, characterized by genomic instability, cancer predisposition and immunodeficiency. We now show that BLM is essential for the proliferation of cycling B cells and sustains B-cell development by maintaining NF-κB signalling. Hence, in the absence of BLM, the NF-κB pathway is impaired as visualized by the lack of the nuclear translocation of RelA. This action of BLM is due to its binding to the MALT1 promoter (a key positive regulator of NF-κB signalling) and activating its transcription. Reintroduction of MALT1 and constitutively active IKKβ rescues B-cell development in BLM-deficient bone marrow and spleen cells of BLM knockout mice. This indicates that downregulation of MALT1 in BLM-deficient cells is the primary cause of deregulated NF-κB signalling and impaired B-cell development. Interestingly, the pro-proliferative role of BLM can be exploited in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of BLM (phenocopied by the inhibition of MALT1) suppresses the progression of lymphoma and leukaemia by inhibiting MALT1-dependent NF-κB signalling and sensitizing malignant B cells to chemotherapy. Together, our findings establish the BLM-MALT1-NF-κB axis as a critical regulator of B-cell development and demonstrate its therapeutic potential in B-cell malignancies. Hence, both upregulation and downregulation of BLM contribute to oncogenesis, underscoring the need to maintain its expression within a tightly controlled threshold.

Crack damage in directionally solidified nickel-based superalloys severely threatens the reliability of aero-engine components. This study proposes a brazing repair method assisted by water-guided laser pretreatment to enhance repair quality. The effects of different pretreatment methods and laser parameters on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of brazed joints were systematically investigated. Results show that water-guided laser pretreatment effectively removes surface oxides and contaminants while generating a refined remelting layer on the substrate. This modified surface significantly improves the wettability of the molten filler metal and promotes metallurgical bonding at the interface. During brazing, intensive elemental diffusion occurs between the filler metal and substrate. The diffusion of melting-point depressants (B and Si) into the substrate increases the liquidus temperature of the residual liquid, inducing γ-Ni solid solution nucleation and growth from the substrate toward the brazing center. Upon further cooling, eutectic reactions form structures comprising γ-Ni, CrB, and Ni₃B phases. Mechanical testing demonstrates that optimized water-guided laser pretreatment significantly enhances shear strength and interfacial bonding quality of brazed joints. The improved performance is attributed to the regulated remelting layer, enhanced elemental diffusion, and controlled phase evolution during brazing. This study provides an effective strategy for high-quality repair of directionally solidified nickel-based superalloy components and offers insights into the brazing repair mechanism assisted by water-guided laser pretreatment.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a primary fiber crop of the globe, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Growth and development of crops are severely affected by climate change effects, especially drought and heat stress. Conventional breeding efforts have been practiced, incorporating heat and drought stress tolerance from tolerant crop genotypes or related tolerant crop species, which take many years until the development reaches the farmers’ fields. Biotechnological innovations have made the process of genetic improvement fast, and even genes from unrelated crop species can be transferred to cotton in order to make it tolerant to deteriorating environmental stresses brought by climate change. In this review article, the consequences of heat and drought stress on cotton crops and their management options through biotechnological innovations like gene transformation, gene editing, epigenetic modifications, and their limitations are discussed. Overall, the objective of this review is to present a comprehensive analysis of biotechnological innovations aimed at heat and drought stress tolerance in cotton, along with future research thrusts.