An engineered chimeric ACE2-HR2 peptide exhibits potent and broad-spectrum activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The persistent circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and limited efficacy of current vaccines in preventing viral transmission underscore the critical need for broad-spectrum antivirals. Here, we report a novel engineering strategy to develop A3M6L35HR2 (FL), a cholesterol-free recombinant peptide derived from our previously reported A1L35HR2, by incorporating an optimized angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-mimetic peptide A3M6 with six residue mutations. A3M6L35HR2 (FL) exhibited superior inhibitory potency against diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants with IC from 1.

Bpin-Enabled Nickel/Brønsted Acid Relay-Catalyzed Reductive [2+2+2] Cycloaddition: Facile Access to Unsymmetric Pentacyclic Pyridine Derivatives.

Herein, an unprecedented nickel/Brønsted acid relay-catalyzed reductive [2+2+2] cycloaddition that enables efficient construction of pentacyclic pyridine frameworks is reported. Mechanistic studies reveal that this transformation proceeds through a distinctive sequence involving azanickelacyclopentadiene intermediates, followed by unconventional protonation, dimerization, and cyclization steps. The proposed mechanism was systematically verified through controlled experiments and isotopic labeling mass spectrometry analysis.

Methyl Indole-3-Acetate (MEIAA) mediated stem curvature and apical meristem necrosis in Ageratina adenophora: impacts on cell wall components, vascular system integrity, and key metabolic pathways.

Background: The invasive weed poses significant ecological threats, necessitating novel control strategies. This study investigated the phytotoxic potential of methyl indole-3-acetate (MEIAA) through foliar application. As a methylated derivative of IAA, MEIAA exists in plants at extremely low concentrations and exhibits herbicidal properties distinct from conventional auxin mimics such as 2,4-D.

CYP2C19 genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy to prevent thromboembolic events after stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: CYP2C19 genotyping has been widely studied to guide antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease; however, its role in neurointerventional procedures, particularly for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA), remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of CYP2C19-guided antiplatelet therapy following stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) in patients with UIA.

Methods: A total of 403 patients who underwent SAC were included.

Respiratory-related safety profiles of ciprofol (cipepofol) for anesthesia/sedation in Chinese elderly patients undergoing gastroscopy: a multicenter, parallel controlled clinical trial (REST trial).

Background: A post-marketing, parallel-controlled clinical trial (REST trial) was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cipepofol versus propofol for the induction of anesthesia/sedation in Chinese elderly patients undergoing gastroscopy.

Methods: All enrolled patients aged ≥65 years were assigned randomly in a 1:1 ratio to be administered intravenous cipepofol-0.3 mg/kg or propofol-1.

Association of tuberculosis infection with the development of active tuberculosis and comorbidities in rural China: a 10-year follow-up results of a population-based, multicentre, prospective study.

Background: In China, there is limited research on the role of recent and long-term infection of in relation to the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), as well as the impact of tuberculosis infection (TBI) on other diseases. A population-based, multicenter prospective study (LATENTTB-NSTM) was implemented since 2013 to assess the prevalence of TBI and to track the development of active disease in rural China. This cohort study provides an opportunity to address these gaps in knowledge.

MiR-20a-5p Inhibits Bladder Cancer Proliferation and Migration by Targeting KPNA2.

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the 10 most common cancers in the world, and its recurrence and metastasis are the main causes of death in BC patients. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of BC pathogenesis and searching for new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets are important for improving patient prognosis. KPNA2 was found to be a potential oncogene in different malignant tumours, as demonstrated in our previous study.

Genetic effects on chromatin accessibility reveal the molecular mechanisms of complex traits in maize.

Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) are critical for modulating gene expression and phenotypic diversity in maize. While genome-wide association study (GWAS) hits and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) are often enriched in CREs, their molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Characterizing CREs within accessible chromatin regions (ACRs) offers a powerful approach to link noncoding variants to chromatin structure alterations and phenotypic variation.

PD-L1/ITGB4 Axis Modulates Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Sorafenib via FAK/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently develops resistance to sorafenib, a first-line treatment for advanced HCC. While PD-L1 contributes to immune evasion and direct tumor survival, its role in modulating sorafenib resistance via non-immunological pathways remains unclear. This study investigates the PD-L1/ITGB4 axis in regulating sorafenib sensitivity.

Potential and degradation mechanism of sulfamethoxazole removal by the synergistic effect of micro-nano bubbles and sodium hypochlorite.

In this paper, the potential and mechanistic behavior of micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) synergistic with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) in the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) were thoroughly investigated. In the MNBs-NaClO system, the effects of varying environmental factors (NaClO concentration, pH, inorganic anions, surfactants) on the degradation efficiency of SMX were investigated. The degradation products and pathways of SMX were investigated to reveal the degradation mechanism of antibiotics within the MNBs-NaClO system by using density functional theory (DFT) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

The Effectiveness of a Mobile National Remote Emergency System for Malignant Hyperthermia in China: Retrospective Pre-Post Implementation Study.

Background: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) seriously threatens perioperative safety. Historically, limited awareness of MH among anesthesiologists and the unavailability of dantrolene have caused a high mortality rate of MH events in China. Although domestic dantrolene has been available in China since 2020, Chinese anesthesiologists continue to face significant challenges in managing MH crises.

Effect of broccoli extract supplement on carcass traits and lipid metabolism in Holstein steers.

Introduction: Feed additives are widely used to enhance feed efficiency and promote animal growth and health. Broccoli extract, a plant-derived additive rich in bioactive compounds, has potential physiological regulatory effects. However, its specific impact on cattle remains unclear.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: Research Progress in Molecular and Circuit Mechanisms.

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective surgical intervention for treating chronic neuropathic pain conditions that are refractory to other management options, such as opioids, physical therapy, nerve blocks, or radiofrequency ablation. It is currently clinically approved as the main therapeutic procedure for persistent low back pain. As we understand these mechanisms better, SCS could have novel clinical applications.

In vivo Multimodal Magnetic Particle Imaging for Early Detection of Ischemic Stroke in Tree Shrews.

Purpose: Ischemic stroke is a significant threat to human life and health, and timely diagnosis is essential for improving patient outcomes. Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), as an emerging high-sensitivity imaging technology, holds significant potential for the diagnosis of ischemic stroke. It is necessary to conduct multimodal MPI research based on the characteristics of the animal model and the detection needs of ischemic stroke.

Fluorescence sensing of berberine hydrochloride via ns-Q[10]-based supramolecular assembly.

A sensing strategy to significantly enhance the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of berberine hydrochloride (BBR) is proposed. A supramolecular framework material was prepared by using 5-sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) and nor-seco-cucurbit[10]uril (ns-Q[10]). Single crystal structure analysis confirmed that the SSA@ns-Q[10] assembly forms a ternary complex.

TNF-α-preconditioning enhances analgesic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle in neuropathic pain miR-101b-3p targeting Nav1.6.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle (MSC-EV) has shown promise for pain relief, but its efficacy is limited. Preconditioning MSC with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) may enhance their therapeutic potential; however, the impact on analgesia and underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we investigated the analgesic effects of EV from TNF-α-preconditioned MSC (T-EV) in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model and examined the molecular mechanisms involved.

Clinical and pathological analyses of gastric-type cervical adenocarcinoma and its prognostic relevance.

Background: Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GAS), the predominant non-human papillomavirus cervical cancer, is highly aggressive with poor prognosis. No drugs are effective against advanced or recurrent GAS.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the clinical and pathological characteristics of GAS, evaluate the expression of targets for targeted drug therapy, and assess the predictive value of Immunoscore for prognosis.

Extending the frequency tuning range of a self-injection locked DFB laser diode by artificially enhancing Rayleigh scattering based optical feedback.

Laser diodes self-injection locked to a high -factor microresonator through Rayleigh scattering based feedback usually demonstrate narrow linewidth, low frequency noise but limited frequency tuning range. Here, we present a method for extending the frequency tuning range of a DFB laser diode self-injection locked to a microresonator by artificially enhancing Rayleigh scattering based optical feedback. Taking a packaged silica spherical microresonator as an example, we dope zinc oxide nanoparticles to artificially enhance Rayleigh scattering.

An Evaluation of the Safety, Immunogenicity, and Protective Efficacy of a Combined Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis, Type b, and ACYW135 Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Murine and Rat Models.

: The combined diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (three-component), type b (Hib, conjugate), and ACYW135 meningococcal (conjugate) vaccine (DTaP-Hib-MCV4) offers a promising alternative to single-component vaccines, potentially simplifying immunization schedules and improving vaccination coverage. : We evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of DTaP-Hib-MCV4 in animal models. Acute and long-term toxicity studies were conducted in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with equal numbers of male and female animals.

Genome-environment association analysis reveals climate-driven adaptation of chickens.

Background: Domestic chickens are one of the most widely raised and distributed bird species, exhibiting remarkable environmental adaptability, which makes them valuable model organisms for investigating the genetic mechanisms underlying climate adaptation. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of adaptive mechanisms in chickens by jointly analyzing genomic variations and climatic variables related to temperature and precipitation. To this end, whole-genome sequencing data were collected from 199 indigenous domestic chickens raised under diverse environmental conditions worldwide, and three genome-environment association analyses were performed.

Perioperative NT pro BNP can predict severe postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

To develop a predictive model based on the perioperative plasma concentration of amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) in elderly patients to assess the risk of severe postoperative complications. Elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) enrolled in this prospective observational study underwent general surgery. Plasma NT-Pro BNP concentration was measured before surgery and 2 h after surgery.

Operando Monitoring of Chemo-Mechanical Stress Evolution in SiO/C Composite Anodes via Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry.

The cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries is closely related to the expansion effect of anode materials during charge and discharge processes. Studying the chemo-mechanical stress evolution of SiO/C composite anode materials is crucial for evaluating battery performance. Here, we propose a high spatial resolution phase-sensitive optical frequency domain reflectometry technique, in which the fiber under test is embedded into the anode of a lithium-ion battery to monitor the chemo-mechanical stress evolution during cycling with a spatial resolution of 1.

Survival and acute osmoregulatory response of grass carp under salinity stress.

Inland saline waters, widely distributed globally, impose stringent constraints on aquaculture owing to their high osmotic pressure, preventing most aquatic organisms from surviving. As the most extensively farmed freshwater fish worldwide, the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is confined to freshwater habitats. The adaptation of this species to saline aquaculture holds significant ecological and economic potential; however, the mechanisms underlying its osmotic regulation in hypersaline environments remain poorly understood.

Hydromorphone Versus Fentanyl-Based Induction of Anesthesia for Postoperative Pain and Emergence Delirium in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind Comparative Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydromorphone and fentanyl-based induction of anesthesia for immediate postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients.

Patients And Methods: This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. 186 preschool children aged 3 to 7 years old scheduled for strabismus surgery were randomized to receive hydromorphone 0.