End-to-end contact enables long-distance electron transport between filaments in cable bacteria.

Filamentous cable bacteria are capable of centimeter-scale long-distance electron transport and play crucial roles in the biogeochemistry of aquatic sediments. However, the mechanisms underlying long-distance electron transport remain incompletely understood. This study reports dynamic contacts between separate filaments of cable bacteria, enabling them to relay electrons between sulfidic and oxic zones.

Sex differences and anti-epidemic work in psychological symptoms of healthcare workers in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Background: Sex-based differences in psychological symptoms have been well documented but remain significantly underexplored among healthcare workers who work in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to explore the sex-based differences in psychological symptoms among Chinese ICU healthcare workers and compare psychological symptoms between those who directly participated in COVID-19 anti-epidemic work and those who did not.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the psychological symptoms of ICU healthcare workers using the Chinese version of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), with higher scores indicating more severe psychological symptoms.

High performance transmission-type meta-surface for generating terahertz focused vortex beams.

Conventional optical devices that generate focused vortex beams (FVBs) often suffer from bulky size and integration challenges with other optical components. Here, we propose a novel approach using a transmission-type Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) meta-surface to generate nearly perfect focused terahertz vortex beams with opposite incident circular polarization. Our design leverages silicon pillars composed of two-layer structures exhibiting opposite symmetry Fabry-Perot resonances along two orthogonal directions, serving as high performance meta-atoms capable of both generating PB phase and achieving high transmittance.

Taiji-Inspired Synergistic Attraction-Repulsion Electrostatic Interactions Enable Dual-Electrode Stabilization for Durable High-Areal-Capacity Aqueous Zinc-Bromine Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-bromine (Zn-Br) batteries have emerged as promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage due to their intrinsic safety and low cost. However, their practical deployment is hindered by the dissolution of polybromide species at the cathode and their subsequent shuttling and corrosive reactions at the zinc anode, which severely limit areal capacity and cycling stability. Herein, a Taiji-inspired dual-electrode stabilization strategy is developed to synergistically regulate interfacial chemistry at both electrodes, enabling durable high-areal-capacity Zn-Br batteries.

Component characterization of Roxb., and its inhibitory activity against through targeted suppression of its secreted urease.

Background: Roxb. (SGR), known as "tufuling" in China, is a medical and edible plant, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antineoplastic activity. SGR is extensively utilized in the remedy of gastroenteric disorders associated with infection.

IFN-γ2 enhances proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells: a novel target of natural grass feeding mode improving muscle quality in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), as the highest-yielding freshwater species in China, has become a focus of muscle quality research. Previous studies have shown that natural grass feeding (GF) mode can improve the muscle quality of grass carp compared with artificial feeding (AF) mode, but its mechanism has not been revealed. In this study, we identified that interferon-γ2 (IFN-γ2) can be induced in the muscle tissues under GF mode.

Analysis of the current situation and influencing factors of internal perceptions in patients with chronic heart failure at the county level.

Aim: The objective of this study is to investigate interoceptive awareness-defined as the ability to perceive and interpret bodily signals-in individuals diagnosed with chronic heart failure, along with the factors that may influence this awareness. This research aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the development of psychoeducational programs focused on interoception, such as mindfulness-based symptom awareness training, and digital health interventions specifically designed for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods: A total of 406 patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure were selected as research subjects through convenience sampling from the cardiology departments of six county hospitals in Nantong City, during the period from January 2025 to March 2025.

Genetic diversity and evolutionary insights of Dali tea (Camellia taliensis) in the Lancang River Basin: Implications for tea breeding and resource conservation.

Dali tea (Camellia taliensis), serving as a primitive wild species within the section Thea, represents a crucial genetic source for the domestication of Pu-erh tea (C. sinensis var. assamica) due to its strong stress tolerance and unique biochemical composition.

Evaluating the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of oral Candida infection: A meta-analysis.

Objective: This paper aims to assess the impact of probiotics on oral Candida infection using an evidence-based medicine approach.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of oral Candida infection were retrieved from databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database, up until December 2022. Two researchers independently conducted data extraction and quality assessment.

Abiotic environments prevail over plant functional traits in shaping phyllosphere fungal communities of temperate grasslands in China.

Phyllosphere fungi play critical roles in plant health and ecosystem functioning. While previous studies have explored the diversity and composition of phyllosphere fungal communities in various ecosystems, they have typically focused on either epiphytic or endophytic fungi at single sites and rarely addressed both groups simultaneously across broad environmental gradients. As a result, the relative importance of abiotic environments, plant traits, and dispersal processes in shaping phyllosphere fungal communities remains unclear, particularly with respect to differences between epiphytic and endophytic fungi.

Microbial electrotrophs-driven molecular transformations of dissolved organic matter in paddy soil.

Microbial electrotrophs are key players in biogeochemical cycles, but the impact of electrotrophic communities on the diverse chemical composition and properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) molecules in paddy soils has not been comprehensively explored. Herein, we investigated the response of DOM molecules in paddy soil-based microcosms to electrotrophic communities using microbial electrosynthesis systems (MESs), high-resolution mass spectrometry, and genome-centric metagenomics techniques. Compared to the open-circuit control, the closed-circuit system exhibited a 2.

Crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with NK-large granular lymphocytic leukemia: A case report.

Rationale: Chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of natural killer cells is a rare heterogeneous indolent hematological disease, characterized by persistent clonal increase of mature NK cells with a typical large granular lymphocyte pattern. Chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of natural killer cells was revised to NK-large granular lymphocytic leukemia (NK-LGLL) in 2022 WHO classification. Renal involvement in NK-LGLL is extremely rare.

Soil properties and plant functional traits have different importance in shaping rhizosphere soil bacterial and fungal communities in a meadow steppe.

Unlabelled: Soil properties and plant functional traits are important factors influencing rhizosphere microbial diversity and composition. However, their divergent roles in shaping rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities remain poorly understood. Additionally, the influence of plant resource acquisition strategies on these microbial communities is not well documented.

The role of the aging process and related factor in promoting progression of resectable pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant neoplasm of the digestive system. The primary objective of this investigation is to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying the role of the aging process and the related factor Epithelial membrane protein 1 (EMP1) in PC progression. We established a prognostic model pertinent to the aging process that could be applied in postoperative PC patients.

Narciclasine mitigates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by enhancing BNIP3-mediated mitophagy and suppressing ferroptosis.

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) remains a major contributor to sepsis-related mortality, driven by overwhelming inflammation, oxidative damage and impaired mitochondrial quality control. Narciclasine (Narc), a plant-derived diterpenoid, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various disease models. Here, we investigated whether Narc attenuates SIMD by inhibiting ferroptosis and promoting mitophagy.

A Case of Competitive Aromatization vs. Sigmatropic [1,5]-Hydrogen Atom Migration in a 1,2,4-Cyclohexatriene Intermediate Derived from a Bis-Enyne Cyclization.

1,2,4-Cyclohexatrienes are strained, reactive intermediates often formed by the tetradehydro-Diels-Alder (TDDA) reaction of a conjugated enyne bearing a tethered alkyne as the enynophile. The ene component is commonly the π-bond of an aromatic group. In this focused study, we investigated the reactivity of a symmetrical substrate in which the pair of terminal ene moieties were simple 2-propenyl groups.

Risk factors and a nomogram model for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in Asian population.

Objective: Epilepsy is one of the most widespread neurological diseases, affecting millions globally. Despite the effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), 20-30 % of patients develop into drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Identifying early risk factors for DRE could guide timely interventions.

Activation of STING pathway by mitochondrial fission negatively regulates adipogenic differentiation of 3 T3-L1 cells.

Adipocyte hyperplasia refers to the increase in the number of adipocytes, whereas adipocyte hypertrophy pertains to the enlargement of individual adipocytes resulting from the accumulation of lipid droplets. In this study, we found that activation of the STING signalling pathway occurs during adipogenic differentiation of 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes. Interestingly, inhibiting the STING pathway by using STING antagonist H151 or siRNA targeting STING promotes adipocyte differentiation and increases adipocyte numbers, while activation of STING inhibits adipogenic differentiation.

An Integrated Tandem-Structured Separator Enables Dual-Enhanced Stable Interfaces for Long-Cycle-Life and High-Areal-Capacity Aqueous Zinc-Iodine Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-iodine batteries (AZIBs) hold great promise for next-generation energy storage technologies due to their inherent safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, unstable interfacial chemistry manifested as polyiodide formation and accumulation at the cathode, alongside dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the anode results in capacity loss. Moreover, polyiodide migration toward the anode further triggers severe Zn corrosion, exacerbating interfacial instability.

Exploring illness uncertainty categories in ischemic stroke patients and the relationship with perceived social support: a latent class analysis.

Objectives: This study examined the categories of illness uncertainty and their influencing factors in ischemic stroke patients and analyzed their relationship with perceived social support.

Methods: Patients with ischemic stroke who were admitted to the neurology department of a tertiary general hospital in Yibin City from June to December 2024 were selected for this study. The general information questionnaire, the Mishel Uncertainty in illness scale, and the perceived social support scale were used.

Promoter polymorphisms in the JK*01 W.06 allele associated with the Jk(a + ) weak antigen phenotype.

Background: The Kidd blood group system is critical in transfusion medicine, especially for delayed hemolytic reactions. However, the genetic background and molecular mechanisms underlying the weak antigen phenotype remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate how the allelic variant and its promoter region polymorphisms contribute to reduced Jk antigen expression in the weak antigen phenotype.

Dysregulation of NK cell subsets and phenotypes in COVID-19 patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes.

Recent studies have linked natural killer (NK) cells to COVID-19. However, the role of NK cells in COVID-19 patients complicated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unexplored. Our findings indicate no significant differences in the frequency or immunophenotype of total NK cells and the CD56bright CD16- subset among COVID-19 patients, T2D patients, and healthy individuals.

Laparoendoscopic single site myomectomy versus conventional laparoscopic myomectomy for uterine myomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Although uterine myomas can be treated with drugs, uterine artery embolization, and high-intensity focused ultrasound, myomectomy is still the most commonly used treatment in women who wish to preserve fertility. This study aimed to assess the current evidence regarding the safety, efficiency, and potential advantages of laparoendoscopic single-site myomectomy (LESS-M) for treating uterine myomas.

Materials And Methods: We comprehensively searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.

Continuous Dopaminergic Stimulation-Based Levodopa Treatment in Patients with Early to Mid-Stage Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Despite promising results from continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS)-based treatments, the effectiveness of sustained-release formulations of levodopa remains debated. This meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of CDS-based levodopa treatment in patients with early to mid-stage Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: Comprehensive searches were performed using PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.

Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing Reveal Tumor Cell Characteristics and Communication Features of Primary and Lymphatic Metastatic Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is strongly associated with poor prognosis in hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma (HPSCC). Identifying key drivers of LNM and potential therapeutic targets in HPSCC is therefore essential for the early detection of high-risk patients and for informing personalized treatment strategies.

Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing data were used to characterize malignant epithelial cells (maECs) in HPSCC primary tumors (PT) and LNM, as well as differences in cell-to-cell communication.