Insights into mouse metabolic health and gut microbiota responses to conventional and biodegradable microplastics released from plastic food containers.

Both conventional and biodegradable microplastics (MPs) are widely used in food packaging and other fields. Although existing studies have indicated that host metabolism and gut microbiota are key hubs for MPs to regulate their physiological homeostasis, the in vivo health risks of MPs released from these plastic food containers remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of irregularly shaped polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs) with a particle size range of 1-30 μm on plasma metabolism and gut microbiota in mice.

Autoimmunity and hyperactivation of immune responses by HAE-FLS2 chimera.

Plants employ cell surface receptors to perceive extracellular signals and initiate appropriate cellular responses, thereby regulating diverse physiological processes. The well-characterized leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLK) type receptor FLAGELLIN-SENSITIVE 2 (FLS2) functions as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that specifically detects bacterial flagellin, activating downstream responses including MAPK signaling and ROS burst. Here, we report that engineered expression of a chimeric receptor combining the N-terminal extracellular and transmembrane domains of HAE with the cytosolic kinase domain of FLS2 (HAE-FLS2) leads to excessive activation of plant immune responses, as evidenced by dwarfism, enhanced flg22-induced ROS burst and MAPK activation, and upregulated expression of defense-related genes in transgenic plants.

Hydrogel sealants in hemostasis: A review of natural, synthetic, and composite biological macromolecules.

Hemostasis is a critical component in trauma management and surgical procedures. Advanced hemostatic technologies not only significantly reduce blood loss and lower the incidence of postoperative complications but also promote tissue repair, thereby improving patient outcomes. Despite the widespread clinical use of traditional hemostatic materials, they still exhibit notable limitations in terms of efficacy and safety.

Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of the U-Box Gene Family in Cucumber ().

Plant U-box (PUB) E3 ubiquitin ligases have undergone significant expansion compared to their fungal and animal counterparts. These E3 ligases play critical roles in diverse biological processes, including responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, systematic identification of genes in cucumber ( L.

Steroids, peniciversiols and aspergilosidols from endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. TZS-Y4.

Endophytic fungi have emerged as a crucial resource for medicinal drug development. The genus Aspergillus, in particular, has yielded diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, we isolated nine steroids, five peniciversiols, and two aspergilosidols from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp.

Preparation, characterization, multidimensional applications and prospects of protein bio-based hydrogels: A review.

Protein bio-based hydrogels have emerged as a versatile and functional class of biomaterials due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, tunable mechanical strength, and environmental responsiveness (pH, enzymes, ions and light). This review comprehensively explores the preparation methods, physicochemical properties, and multidimensional applications of protein-based hydrogels. Various fabrication techniques, such as chemical crosslinking, physical gelation, and enzymatic reactions, are discussed, highlighting their impact on the structure and functionality of hydrogels.

Precise Electromagnetic Modulation of the Cell Cycle and Its Applications in Cancer Therapy.

Precise modulation of the cell cycle via electromagnetic (EM) control presents a groundbreaking approach for cancer therapy, especially in the development of personalized treatment strategies. EM fields can precisely regulate key cellular homeostatic mechanisms such as proliferation, apoptosis, and repair by finely tuning parameters like frequency, intensity, and duration. This review summarizes the mechanisms through which EM fields influence cancer cell dynamics, highlighting recent developments in high-throughput electromagnetic modulation platforms that facilitate precise cell cycle regulation.

Structural optimization and pharmacological evaluation of diphenyl amine esters as anti-hepatocellular carcinoma agents by targeting TAR RNA-binding protein 2.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related death in the world, urgently requires novel therapeutic strategies and drug targets. The TRBP-Dicer complex plays a critical role in miRNA biosynthesis, which can be regulated by small molecules to exert anti-cancer effects. This study presented the structural modification of the natural product (-)-Gomisin M1(GM), resulting in the synthesis of 37 derivatives with a diphenyl amine ester scaffold.

Curcumin prevents dexamethasone-induced activation of the pseudorabies virus in rat pheochromocytoma cells through the miR-155-5p-Aak1-Numb/Notch2 signalling axis.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) causes neurological disorders and organ damage in diseased animals. After initial infection, PRV activity is gradually inhibited; however, stress stimulation increases the host's glucocorticoid levels, which overcomes the inhibition of PRV activity. Curcumin (Cur) helps maintain the inhibitory state of the Epstein-Barr virus, although further research is needed to establish whether Cur can prevent PRV activation triggered by stress hormones.

Effects of cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsion on the quality of refrigerated Hairtail (Trichiurus haumela).

The preservation of hairtail (Trichiurus haumela) under refrigerated conditions is notably difficult, as it is highly prone to spoilage caused by microbial activity and protein oxidation. This study investigated the effectiveness of a novel Zein-AG-CBO Pickering emulsion, enriched with cinnamon bark oil, in enhancing the shelf life and quality of hairtail. The emulsions, with different concentrations from 0MIC to 2MIC, were applied to evaluate its preservative effect on the hairtail in terms of physicochemical, microbiological and myofibrillar proteins over a 10-day storage period at 4 °C.

Modeling the Migration Characteristics and Identifying the Sources of Np and Pu in Seawater and Sediments in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Sediments from the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean were analyzed using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) to determine the activity of Np and Pu, as well as their atomic ratios Np/Pu and Pu/Pu. These measurements served as tracers to investigate the transport pathways from the Pacific Proving Grounds (PPG) to both oceans. This study provides the first comprehensive report on the distribution of Np activity and the Np/Pu atomic ratio in South China Sea sediments.

The Role of the Major Histocompatibility Complex Region on Chromosome 6 in Skin Atrophy: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: Skin atrophy (SA) is a pathological condition marked by the thinning of the skin, decreased elasticity, and reduced functionality, often arising from aging, chronic glucocorticoid use, or autoimmune diseases.

Objective: This study investigates the role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region on chromosome 6 in the development of SA.

Methods: We applied summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) using eQTL data of three skin-related tissues (whole blood, lower leg, and suprapubic) from the GTEx database, and SA genome-wide association study data from FinnGen.

Body size influences the capacity to cope with extreme cold or hot temperatures in the striped hamster.

Body size of organisms is a key trait influencing nearly all aspects of their life history. Despite growing evidence of Bergmann's rule, there is considerably less known about the links between body size and the maximum capacity to thermoregulate of an animal in response to extreme cold or hot environment. Thermal characteristics such as resting metabolic rate (RMR) and non-shivering thermogenesis (NST), and the upper- and lower-critical temperatures of the thermal neutral zone (TNZ) were investigated in small and large body sized striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis).

Dynamic location model for designated COVID-19 hospitals in China.

In order to effectively cope with the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, cases should be concentrated in designated medical institutions with full capability to deal with patients infected by this virus. We studied the location of such hospitals dividing the patients into two categories: ordinary and severe. Genetic algorithms were constructed to achieve a three-phase dynamic approach for the location of hospitals designated to receive and treat COVID-19 cases based on the goal of minimizing the cost of construction and operation isolation wards as well as the transportation costs involved.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 4,6-diarylquinoxaline-based KDM4D inhibitors.

Histone lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D) is a critical player in the regulation of tumorigenesis, emerging as a potential target for developing anti-tumor agents. In this study, a series of KDM4D inhibitors containing the 4,6-diarylquinoxaline scaffold were prepared based on the previously discovered hit compound QD-1. Among these inhibitors, 33a was the most potent compound, with an IC value of 0.

Six new prenylated flavonoids from Dodonaea viscosa with anti-Zika virus activity.

Six new prenylated flavonoids, named visconaeas A-F (1-6), and eleven known isopentenyl flavonoids (7-17) were isolated from Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. The structures of the separated compounds were determined through comprehensive spectral analysis and quantum chemical calculations.

Effect of freeze-thaw treatments with different conditions on frost fatigue in three diffuse-porous trees.

In addition to inducing xylem embolism, freeze-thaw events can cause frost fatigue phenomena. Freezing temperature, freezing times, number of freeze-thaw cycles and frost drought can affect the level of freeze-thaw-induced embolism, but it is unknown whether there is an effect on frost fatigue. We assessed whether these frost-related factors changed frost fatigue in the three diffuse-porous species by simulating freeze-thaw treatments under different conditions.

Constituents from leaves of .

Objective: To study constituents of the leaves of , and evaluate their inhibitory effects against NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, and antiproliferative activity.

Methods: The constituents were isolated and purified by column chromatography on MCI gel CHP20P/P120, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and HPLC. The structures of compounds were determined by 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS data.

Fatty Acid Desaturase , Suppressed in the Salivary Glands by Domestication, is Involved in Regulation of Food Intake in Silkworms.

Understanding the evolutionary genetics of food intake regulation in domesticated animals has relevance to evolutionary biology, animal improvement, and obesity treatment. Here, we observed that the fatty acid desaturase gene (), which regulates food intake, is suppressed in domesticated silkworms, but expressed in the salivary glands of the wild silkworm . The content of its catalytic product, -vaccenic acid, was related to the expression levels of in the salivary glands of domesticated and wild silkworm strains.

Overview of indigo biosynthesis by Flavin-containing Monooxygenases: History, industrialization challenges, and strategies.

Indigo is a natural dye extensively used in the global textile industry. However, the conventional synthesis of indigo using toxic compounds like aniline, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide has led to environmental pollution and health risks for workers. This method also faces growing economic, sustainability, and environmental challenges.

Two new oleanane triterpenes from .

Two new triterpenes mayteneri A (), mayteneri B (), and seven known compounds () were isolated from stems of Loes. The chemical structures of compounds and were established by 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS analysis, and calculating electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The structures of known compounds - were determined by comparison of their spectral with those reported.

Functional biomacromolecules-based microneedle patch for the treatment of diabetic wound.

Diabetic wounds are a common complication of diabetes. The prolonged exposure to high glucose and oxidative stress in the wound environment increases the risk of bacterial infection and abnormal angiogenesis, leading to amputation. Microneedle patches have shown promise in promoting the healing of diabetic wounds through transdermal drug delivery.

Magnetic field filtering of the boundary supercurrent in unconventional metal NiTe-based Josephson junctions.

Topological materials with boundary (surface/edge/hinge) states have attracted tremendous research interest. Additionally, unconventional (obstructed atomic) materials have recently drawn lots of attention owing to their obstructed boundary states. Experimentally, Josephson junctions (JJs) constructed on materials with boundary states produce the peculiar boundary supercurrent, which was utilized as a powerful diagnostic approach.