Electroacupuncture Exerts Anti-Obesity Effects by Affecting the Gut Microbiota and Upregulating Acetic Acid and 5-HT Levels in Obese Rats.

Background: Obesity is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Acupuncture has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating obesity, offering substantial societal health benefits.

Objective: Electroacupuncture has shown promise in the treatment of obesity (OB).

Research of text paraphrase generation based on self-contrastive learning.

The goal of this study is to improve the quality and diversity of text paraphrase generation, a critical task in Natural Language Generation (NLG) that requires producing semantically equivalent sentences with varied structures and expressions. Existing approaches often fail to generate paraphrases that are both high-quality and diverse, limiting their applicability in tasks such as machine translation, dialogue systems, and automated content rewriting. To address this gap, we introduce two self-contrastive learning models designed to enhance paraphrase generation: the Contrastive Generative Adversarial Network (ContraGAN) for supervised learning and the Contrastive Model with Metrics (ContraMetrics) for unsupervised learning.

Chaos-Based Color Image Encryption with JPEG Compression: Balancing Security and Compression Efficiency.

In recent years, most proposed digital image encryption algorithms have primarily focused on encrypting raw pixel data, often neglecting the integration with image compression techniques. Image compression algorithms, such as JPEG, are widely utilized in internet applications, highlighting the need for encryption methods that are compatible with compression processes. This study introduces an innovative color image encryption algorithm integrated with JPEG compression, designed to enhance the security of images susceptible to attacks or tampering during prolonged transmission.

Accelerated biological aging as a potential mediator mediates the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the risk of psoriasis: a prospective analysis from the UK biobank.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome (MetS) may contribute to the development of psoriasis. However, the mediating role of accelerated aging in this association remains unclear.

Methods: This study utilized data from 319,263 participants in the UK Biobank.

Sensory and neural responses to flavor compound 3-Methylbutanal in dry fermented sausages: Enhancing perceived overall aroma.

This study investigated the impact of 3-methylbutanal (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 μg/kg) on aroma and neural responses in fermented sausages. Among 33 volatiles identified, 3-methylbutanal exhibited the highest odor activity value of 868, indicating its dominant contribution. Sensory analysis showed that samples with 180 μg/kg received the highest ratings for savory (7.

Equivariant Interaction-Aware Graph Network for Predicting the Binding Affinity of Protein-Ligand.

The success of drug discovery relies on predicting the binding affinity of protein-ligand. Applying deep learning to this field can expedite the process and reduce resource consumption. Recently, researchers have employed graph neural networks for predicting protein-ligand binding affinitiy, showcasing remarkable performance.

Comparison of microbial culture, metagenomic next-generation sequencing and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction methods for pathogen detection in patients with neurosurgical central nervous system infection.

Background: Neurosurgical central nervous system infections (NCNSIs) are one of the most common complications in neurosurgical patients, followed by neurosurgery itself, trauma, implants or infection need to be treated by surgery. However, the diagnosis of NCNSIs continues to pose a significant challenge. The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively assess the diagnostic performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and Multiplex Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) in elucidating the microbiological etiologies underlying NCNSIs in affected patients.

Sialic Acid Identity Modulates Host Tropism of Sialoglycan-binding Viridans Group Streptococci.

Microbial interactions with multiple species may expand the range of potential hosts, supporting both pathogen reservoirs and zoonotic spillover. Viridans group streptococci interact with host cells by engaging protein-attached glycosylations capped with terminal sialic acids (sialoglycans). One potential origin for host tropism of these streptococci arises because humans exclusively synthesize the N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) form of sialic acid, while non-human mammals synthesize both Neu5Ac and a hydroxylated N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc).

Screening of salt-tolerant soybean germplasm and study of salt-tolerance mechanism.

Screening of salt-tolerant soybean varieties, identification of key genes and verification of gene function through salt-tolerance assessment, transcriptome profiling and soybean hairy root transformation experiments. Screening and breeding of salt-tolerant soybean varieties is essential to increase the area and yield of soybean on saline-alkaline soils. In this study, 81 soybean varieties were systematically assessed for salt tolerance during both germination and early seedling development stages.

New insights into the role of ultrasonication in the myofibrillar protein-chlorogenic acid interaction under non-oxidative or oxidative environments and thermal gelation.

Effects of incorporating ultrasonication at varying power levels (0-600 W) in myofibrillar protein (MP)-chlorogenic acid (CA) interactions under non-oxidative or oxidative stress on structural characteristics and gelling performance of MP were explored. CA binding, notably under oxidative stress, induced pronounced reductions in fluorescence intensity, free amines, and total sulfhydryls, alongside increased surface hydrophobicity. The introduced ultrasonication impelled more extensive structural changes, especially at a moderate power (100 W), indicating enhanced MP-CA interactions.

RB1 controls differentiation through positive regulation of phosphoglycerate mutases.

Most glycolytic enzymes are transcriptionally controlled by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and/or MYC, however, phosphoglycerate mutases (PGAMs) are exceptional. Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor 1 (RB1) loss converts poorly spherogenic Trp53-null leiomyosarcoma cells to highly spherogenic. We determined a gene expression signature of RB1 loss-of-function in this setting and identified PGAM2 as a positive transcriptional target of RB1.

Sialic Acid Identity Modulates Host Tropism of Sialoglycan-binding Viridans Group Streptococci.

Microbial interactions with multiple species may expand the range of potential hosts, supporting both pathogen reservoirs and zoonotic spillover. Viridans group streptococci interact with host cells by engaging protein-attached glycosylations capped with terminal sialic acids (sialoglycans). One potential origin for host tropism of these streptococci arises because humans exclusively synthesize the N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) form of sialic acid, while non-human mammals synthesize both Neu5Ac and a hydroxylated N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc).

The triglyceride glucose-waist circumference index is a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea risk and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face greater chances of developing diabetes mellitus. The triglyceride glucose-waist circumference (TyG-WC) index is an effective predictor of insulin resistance; however, its association with OSA and its impact on prognosis in OSA patients remain unclear. Using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2008, 2015-2018), we aimed to assess the association between TyG-WC and OSA and investigate its correlation with mortality in individuals with OSA symptoms.

Enhanced Oxidation of Carbamazepine Using Mn(II)-Activated Peracetic Acid: A Novel Advanced Oxidation Process Involving the Significant Role of Ligand Effects.

In recent years, extensive attention has been paid to advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with peracetic acid (PAA), a widely used disinfectant, using transition metal ions for the degradation of organic contaminants within water environments. Mn(II) has been widely used as an effective homogeneous transition metal catalyst for oxidant activation, but it has shown poor performances with PAA. Since the stability of manganese species can be enhanced through the addition of ligands, this study systematically investigated a novel AOP for the oxidation of carbamazepine (CBZ) using an Mn(II)/PAA system with several different ligands added.

Purification and characterization of a novel antibacterial peptide against .

HG88 was isolated from ileal mucosa samples of egg layer hens that were raised without the use of antibiotics. Its cell-free supernatant (CFS) was found to inhibit the growth of , the causative agent of necrotic enteritis in chickens. The inhibitory compound was determined to be proteinaceous due to its susceptibility to protease digestion.

Novel adjuvant delivery system constructed by alum-emulsion hybrid nanoparticles with TLR9 agonists boosts vaccine immunity.

Vaccine Adjuvant Delivery Systems (VADSs) that integrate both delivery and adjuvancy constitute a vital strategy in modern vaccine research. Herein, we employed microfluidics to blend nanosized aluminum hydroxide (XA) and a nanoemulsion (XE) in varying proportions. A 2:3 (v/v) mixture produced nanoparticles (XAE) of approximately 220 nm with near-neutral zeta potential, which significantly enhanced antigen uptake in DC2.

Effect of lard-derived diacylglycerol on the physicochemical properties and quality of frankfurters.

Background: Traditional emulsified meat products are high in animal fat, which is associated with good quality (texture, taste, flavor and palatability), but excessive fat intake has adverse effects on human health and has been linked to chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of lard-derived diacylglycerol (DG) with health benefits on the physicochemical and sensory properties of frankfurters. Frankfurters were prepared by substituting lard with purified lard-derived diacylglycerol (PDG) at different levels (0%, 25%, 50% and 100%).

Association of blocking acetylcholine receptor antibodies with clinical subtypes and disease severity in myasthenia gravis.

Background And Aim: The identification of serum antibodies, particularly acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR-ab), is essential for diagnosing myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the clinical significance of blocking AChR-abs (bAChR-ab) and their correlation with disease severity remain underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the distribution of bAChR-ab across MG subtypes and their correlation with clinical severity.

The Sialome of the Retina, Alteration in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathology, and Potential Impacts on Complement Factor H.

Purpose: Little is known about sialic acids of the human retina, despite their integral role in self /non-self-discrimination by complement factor H (FH), the alternative complement pathway inhibitor.

Methods: A custom sialoglycan microarray was used to characterize the sialic acid-binding specificity of native FH or recombinant molecules where IgG Fc was fused to FH domains 16 to 20 (which contains a sialic acid-binding site), domains 6 and 7 (which contains a glycosaminoglycan-binding site), or the FH-related proteins (FHRs) 1 and 3. We analyzed macular and peripheral retinal tissue from postmortem ocular globes for the amount, type, and presentation (glycosidic linkage type) of sialic acid in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and age-matched controls using fluorescent lectins and antibodies to detect sialic acid and endogenous FH.

Antibodies elicited by hepatitis E vaccination in humans confer cross-genus protection against rat hepatitis E virus.

Background & Aims: Paslahepevirus balayani (bHEV), also known as hepatitis E virus (HEV), encompasses eight genotypes, five of which infect humans. Rats are natural reservoirs of Rocahepevirus ratti genotype 1 (HEV-r-1; rat HEV; rHEV), which has recently been implicated in viral hepatitis. Despite the antigenic divergence between bHEV and rHEV, studies on shared protective antibodies remain rare.

Adhesive and antibacterial dialdehyde microfibrillated cellulose/gelatin hydrogel incorporating core-shell structured AgNPs@PA for wound management.

Antibacterial hydrogels have garnered significant attention in wound healing research, yet the development of multifunctional wound dressings remains a challenge. In this work, we designed a gelatin-based composite hydrogel with exceptional antibacterial efficacy, robust anti-oxidant capacity, and strong adhesive properties, tailored for advanced wound management. The hydrogel incorporates dialdehyde microfibrillated cellulose (DAMFC) to enhance its mechanical strength through fibril reinforcement and Schiff-base reactions between DAMFC's aldehyde groups and gelatin's amide chains.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Dynamics and prediction of relative survival revealed using model-based period analysis.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common and aggressive malignancy, often diagnosed at advanced stages with a high tendency for lymph node metastasis, leading to poor prognosis. Understanding current survival rates is crucial, as analyzing SCC survival trends helps identify prognostic factors, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and guide clinical decision-making to improve patient outcomes.

Methods: Period analyses were used to examine the relative survival rates and trends in patients with SCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2000-2019).

sp/sp-Hybridized nitrogen-mediated electrochemical CO capture and utilization.

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO) capture and utilization, powered by renewable energy, are essential to achieving net-zero emissions and CO valorization. While remarkable progress has been made in catalysts, solution design, and system engineering, recent breakthroughs reveal that nitrogen-containing molecules-specifically sp-hybridized structures (e.g.

Influenza neuraminidase active site proximity assay for rapid profiling of inhibitory antibodies and antigenic drift.

Efficient approaches that can help to select vaccine strains for the influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) antigen are currently needed to advance the development of vaccines containing NA. Here, we present a rapid and cost-effective solution-based NA active site proximity assay (NASPA) for measuring NA activity inhibitory (NAI) antibodies. This simplified assay uses large "bulky" NA active site-binding inhibitors to replace the sialylated glycoprotein substrates in common NA enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA) approaches.