Mechanically robust and highly conductive polyacrylamide/carboxymethyl chitosan organohydrogels via synergistic physical interactions for flexible sensing.

Conductive hydrogels have revolutionized wearable electronics due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties. However, it remains a great challenge for hydrogel-based sensors to maintain both conductivity and mechanical integrity in harsh environments. Synergistic dynamic interactions provide a promising strategy to address this issue.

Systematic profiling and bioactivity evaluation of Jiuzao from light flavor baijiu: A by-product rich in bioactive compounds.

Despite being rich in bioactive compounds, Jiuzao of light flavor Baijiu (LFB) remains an underutilized by-product due to limited systematic characterization of its components and lack of efficient valorization strategies. In this study, widely targeted metabolomics was used to comprehensively analyze the water-soluble metabolites in the enzymatic hydrolysate (JEH) and water extract (JWE) of Jiuzao from LFB, and 1869 metabolites (with 887 novel compounds) were identified, including 128 bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine and 95 functional peptides. JEH exhibited superior anti-glycation and antioxidant activities, with inhibition rates of 66.

Drought inhibits thermomorphogenesis via salicylic acid-mediated suppression of ELF3 phase separation.

Plants are constantly exposed to environmental changes and must respond carefully to ensure survival and growth. Under high temperatures, many plants exhibit a series of morphological and developmental adjustments, including increased hypocotyl and petiole elongation. These adaptations, collectively termed thermomorphogenesis, promote transpiration and water loss, thereby enhancing evaporative cooling.

Enhanced mixing and mass transfer of non-Newtonian fluids for DHA production via Schizochytrium sp. fermentation.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production via aerobic fermentation of Schizochytrium sp. is a green strategy, and the fermentation broth is a highly viscous, non-Newtonian fluid. In this study, the mixing and mass transfer of non-Newtonian fluids were enhanced using computational fluid dynamics combined with particle image velocimetry.

MPTP controls the release of mtDNA and induces endothelial cell PANoptosis in trichloroethylene-induced immune kidney injury.

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) damage is closely related to kidney injury. Our previous research revealed the involvement of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1)-mediated PANoptosis of renal ECs in trichloroethylene (TCE)-induced immune kidney injury. However, how IRF1 regulates ECs PANoptosis remains unclear.

STAT1-VAMP8 axis drives nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression via autophagy enhancement.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor with a high risk of invasion and metastasis. Elucidating the molecular underpinnings of NPC may uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Vesicle associated membrane protein 8 (VAMP8) is overexpressed and plays an oncogenic role in various tumors.

Theoretical Study on the Nucleophilic Ring-Opening Reaction between F and Oxirane.

This work investigated the ring-opening reaction mechanism between F and oxirane by combining electronic structure calculations with chemical dynamics simulations. Electronic structure calculations revealed two primary reaction pathways: nucleophilic substitution (S2) and elimination (E2). The S2 pathway was further classified into oxygen-side attack (ret-S2) and backside attack (inv-S2) based on the nucleophilic approach direction.

Antitachycardia Pacing is More Effective When Delivered to the Left Bundle Branch Area Compared to the Right Ventricle in a Pre-clinical Model of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia.

Background: Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) delivered from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) provides critically timed pacing pulses to terminate ventricular tachycardia (VT). Physiological pacing through left bundle branch area (LBBA) pacing has emerged as a clinically relevant alternative to induce synchronous activation of the ventricles. The main objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ATP delivered to an LBBA lead and a conventional RV lead.

Sleep duration and mental health in middle-aged and older adults: a study on gender differences.

Background: As the global population ages, mental health issues among middle-aged and older adults have become an important public health concern. Although the impact of sleep disorders on mental health is widely recognised, the specific mechanisms underlying the gender differences in mental health among middle-aged and older adults due to differences in sleep duration remain unclear. This study aims to explore the impact of sleep duration on mental health differences between middle-aged and older adults of different genders, providing key mechanistic evidence for understanding gender inequality in mental health among middle-aged and older adults.

Serine/Threonine Kinase 33 as a Novel Target of Bufalin in Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Identifying novel therapeutic targets and drugs is crucial for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Bufalin, a key active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine HuaChansu, has been employed in tumor therapy. Here, SPR-LC-MS/MS is employed to characterize the targets of Bufalin and found that serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33) possesses a strong binding affinity to Bufalin.

The FN1-targeted delivery of low-molecular-weight heparin to venous clots revolutionizes thrombosis treatment in CVT.

The systemic administration of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as the standard initial treatment for venous thromboembolism is intended to prevent thrombus growth during the acute phase and prevent thrombus recurrence during the chronic phase. However, precisely controlling the specificity and localization of LMWH presents significant challenges, which has necessitated research into targeted delivery methods. Furthermore, due to different thrombosis mechanisms, tailored pharmacologic interventions are needed, particularly for arterial and venous thrombosis.

Fe-modified biochar-driven ROS generation in the rhizosphere and their role in microplastic transformation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical mediators of soil biogeochemical processes. While the production of ROS with biochar (BC) in the rhizosphere has not been explored. We demonstrate that BC and Fe-modified biochar (FeBC), prepared at 400°C and 600°C, influence ROS generation in paddy soil containing biodegradable (polybutylene succinate: PBS) and conventional (polystyrene) microplastics (MPs).

The evolution of concomitant mitral regurgitation in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a prospective multi-center China-DVD2 cohort study.

Background: Severe aortic stenosis (AS) often coexists with mitral regurgitation (MR). This study evaluated the significant evolution of MR in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for AS.

Methods: This multi-center China Degenerative Valve Disease II Cohort (China-DVD2) Study enrolled patients undergoing TAVR for AS from January 2020 to October 2023.

Global Burden, Projection, and Inequalities Analysis of Cancer Attributable to Occupational Carcinogen Exposure in Individuals Aged Over 40 Years.

Background: In this study, we investigated the global burden, projection, and inequalities of cancer attributable to occupational carcinogen exposure in individuals aged over 40 years.

Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease 2021 dataset, we examined age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (ASR-DALYs) and deaths associated with cancer attributable to occupational carcinogen exposure. Statistical analyses included: the estimated Annual Percentage Change to assess trends (1990-2021); Bayesian age-period-cohort modeling for projections to 2030 and 2050; decomposition analysis to quantify contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes; and slope and concentration indices (SII, CI) to evaluate health inequalities by sociodemographic index (SDI).

Three-dimensional quantitative evaluation of hypertension-induced aortic fibre remodelling based on multiphoton microscopy: a cross-age perspective.

Hypertension is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases, and its worldwide prevalence has continued to increase recently. Aortic fibre remodelling is critical in the development of hypertension and is strikingly age-related. However, the underlying microlevel variations remain unknown.

Unexpected renal influence on isavuconazole trough concentrations: two case reports and literature review.

Isavuconazole (ISA) is a first-line treatment for invasive aspergillosis, with routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) typically deemed unnecessary. Although the drug label and prior studies suggest renal function does not affect ISA pharmacokinetics, our findings in two high-risk patients challenge this perspective, showing an inverse correlation between ISA trough concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Trough concentrations exceeding the reported toxicity threshold were associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Biochar-derived dissolved organic matter induced changes in the bacterial communities structure and metabolic functions in As and Cd contaminated soil.

This study investigates the effects of pyrolytic temperature and feedstock type on the release of biochar-derived dissolved organic matter (BDOM) and its impact on the soil bacterial community and the composition of soil dissolved organic matter (SDOM). The BDOM was extracted from biochars produced from sheep bones, rice husk, and rabbit manure, prepared at low (400 °C, LPT) or high (700 °C, HPT) pyrolytic temperatures. The BDOM was then applied at a concentration of 2.

Prognostic role of Naples prognostic score in lung cancer: a meta-analysis.

To clarify the association of pretreatment Naples prognostic score (NPS) with long-term survival among lung cancer patients. EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed and CNKI databases were searched up to April 16, 2024. Primary outcomes included the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Purine metabolism in tumorigenesis and its clinical implications.

Metabolic reprogramming constitutes a hallmark of malignant neoplasms. Purine metabolism emerges as a pivotal regulator in cellular metabolic networks through multiple mechanisms, including dysregulation of de novo biosynthesis/salvage pathway coordination, adenosine-mediated immunosuppressive microenvironment formation, and collective contributions to tumorigenesis and malignant progression. During metastatic progression, purine metabolism reinforces tumor cell plasticity through mitochondrial energy regulation and modulation of cell cycle checkpoints (eg, G1/S transition).

Association of single and joint urinary metal exposure with carotid atherosclerosis in non-dyslipidemic middle-aged and elderly adults: A retrospective case-control study.

Background: Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a major contributor to cerebrovascular incidence and mortality, yet its etiology in non-dyslipidemic individuals remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental metal exposure may play a critical role in CAS development.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective matched case-control study involving 1290 non-dyslipidemic middle-aged and elderly individuals to examine the association between urinary metal exposure and CAS.

Decoding the limits of deep learning in molecular docking for drug discovery.

Structure-based molecular docking, a cornerstone of computational drug design, is undergoing a paradigm shift fueled by deep learning (DL) innovations. However, the rapid proliferation of DL-driven docking methods has created uncharted challenges in translating predictions to biomedical reality. Here, we delve into the performance and prospects of traditional methods and state-of-the-art DL docking paradigms-encompassing generative diffusion models, regression-based architectures, and hybrid frameworks-across five critical dimensions: pose prediction accuracy, physical plausibility, interaction recovery, virtual screening (VS) efficacy, and generalization across diverse protein-ligand landscapes.

Global, regional, and national trends in the incidence of pneumoconiosis among populations aged 20 and above from 1990 to 2021.

Background: Pneumoconiosis remains one of the most critical occupational health hazards globally. Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, we have updated the epidemiological trends of pneumoconiosis.

Methods: We conducted and analyzed pneumoconiosis-related data from the GBD 2021 study for individuals aged ≥20 years.

Targeted deprivation of STAT6 sensitizes acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells to cytarabine in vivo and in vitro: clinical implications.

Chemotherapy is the leading treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, many ALL patients eventually develop relapses, the treatment of which remains a major challenge due to their chemoresistance phenotype. As a step towards this end, we here uncovered that relapsed ALL specimens exhibit a significantly lower expression of STAT6 but not of other STATs, when compared with their paired diagnosis specimens.

Latent profile analysis for benefit finding in ischemic stroke patients: A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to explore the benefit finding (BF) profile and to identify heterogeneous subgroups in patients with ischemic stroke. From November 2021 to July 2022, the cross-sectional study was carried out among patients with ischemic stroke using a convenient sampling. The general information questionnaire, modified Rankin Scale, revised Benefit Finding Scale, and Mutuality Scale were used for the investigation.

Cascaded metasurface for polarization-dependent varifocal vortex beam manipulation.

Vortex beams, characterized by orbital angular momentum (OAM), hold significant potential in optical communications, quantum information processing, and optical manipulation. However, existing metasurface designs are largely confined to single-degree-of-freedom control, such as static OAM generation or fixed focal points, which limiting their ability to integrate polarization multiplexing with dynamic focal tuning. To address this challenge, we propose a tunable multifunctional cascaded metasurface that synergizes polarization-sensitive phase engineering with interlayer rotational coupling, overcoming conventional device limitations.