Viral oncogenesis and immune remodeling: Decoding the therapeutic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in virus-associated cancers.

Various viruses are widely recognized as key contributors to the development of numerous hematological malignancies and solid tumors. It is estimated that virus-associated cancers account for approximately 1.5 million new cases globally each year.

Trends in the prevalence of steatotic liver disease among Chinese adults, 2015-2023: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and steatotic liver disease (SLD) have emerged as one of the fastest-growing liver complications over recent decades; this study evaluated trends in SLD prevalence among Chinese adults and its variation across demographic groups.

Methods: A multicenter, retrospective study analyzed health examination data from 600,536 Chinese adults across 10 provinces between 2015 and 2023. Participants (≥18 y) with complete data on age, sex, weight, waist circumference, ultrasound, and biochemical tests were included.

CrWRKY57 and CrABF3 cooperatively activate to modulate drought tolerance and root development.

Drought is a major abiotic stress. WRKYs are one of the largest families of transcription factors (TFs) in plants. The effects of most WRKYs on developmental regulation and drought adaptation in remain largely unclear.

Anti-cancer effect of Loranthus micranthus via downregulation of inflammation, tryptophan catabolism and kynurenine synthesis.

New therapeutic approaches are essential in the fight against breast cancer, which remains one of the top causes of mortality globally. Innovative and efficient methods of treating and preventing cancer has become expedient since its incidence rates are rising globally. Combining herbal extracts and chemotherapy have drawn a lot of attention in recent times as a cutting-edge cancer prevention approach.

Phytochrome B modulates arsenite stress tolerance and arsenic accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Arsenic (As) contamination severely limits plant growth and poses a significant threat to human health due to its accumulation in crops like rice. Phytochrome B (PhyB) regulates plant development and responses to abiotic stress, but its role in modulating As stress and regulating As accumulation in rice remains unclear. In this study, we examined the physiological and molecular responses of rice phytochrome B (OsPHYB) knockout (OsPHYB-KO) lines compared with wild-type (WT) plants under arsenite [As(III)] stress.

Blocking CXCR4 CD4 T cells reprograms T-mediated immunosuppression via modulating the Rho-GTPase/NF-κB signaling axis.

Background: While clinical trials have shown that CXCR4 antagonists can enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, the molecular mechanisms by which CXCR4 modulates the tumor microenvironment remain poorly understood. We recently identified CXCR4 as a regulator of exhausted CD8 T cell phenotypes in cancer. Here, we investigate its role in orchestrating regulatory T (T) cell-mediated immunosuppression within tumors.

Multi-omics integration analysis identifies INPP4B as a T-cell-specific activation suppressor.

Background: Naïve T cells are maintained in a quiescent state prior to activation. As inappropriate T-cell activation can lead to impaired immune tolerance and autoimmune diseases, the transition from quiescence to activation must be under strict regulation. Despite its importance, the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of the quiescent state remain incompletely understood.

Precision nutrition in epigenetic aging: SHAP-optimized machine learning identifies omega-3 constituent-specific associations with aging biomarkers.

This cross-sectional investigation seeks to examine the association between dietary omega-3 fatty acids (including α-linolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and biomarkers of cellular aging, specifically DNA methylation age (Horvathage) and telomere length (Horvathtelo), in older adults. Our analysis leveraged nationally representative data from 2,136 participants aged ≥ 50 years in the 1999-2002 NHANES cycles. Multivariable linear regression models with survey weights were constructed to evaluate dose-response relationships, complemented by restricted cubic splines (RCS) for nonlinearity detection.

A Clinical Prediction Model Integrated With Machine Learning Algorithms Uncovers the Associations Between Dietary Omega-3, Its Components, and Aging Biomarkers.

This study aimed to explore the associations between dietary omega-3 intake (including alpha-linolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and aging biomarkers (specifically DNA methylation age [HorvathAge], telomere length [Horvathtelo], and phenotypic age) in older adults by constructing clinical prediction models through cross-sectional, machine learning (ML), and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Linear regression models, supplemented by restricted cubic splines (RCS) for nonlinearity detection, were established using dietary omega-3 intake (excluding supplements) from participants in the 1999-2002 NHANES. Causal associations were further validated via MR analysis using the inverse-variance weighted.

Global, regional, and national burden of neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma, 1990-2019.

Background: Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) due to birth asphyxia and trauma has become the second leading cause of global neonatal and under-5 deaths. However, comprehensive data on the global NE burden is scarce. This study aimed to determine the global, regional, and national trends in NE burden from 1990 to 2019, utilizing the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study data.

Genome-wide identification of C1-1i-ZFP genes and functional analysis of ZFP6a gene from Platanus × acerifolia.

31 PaC1-1iZFP genes were identified from Platanus × acerifolia genome. Overexpression of PaZFP6a promoted initiation of trichome of tobacco leaves and Arabidopsis thaliana sepals. Platanus × acerifolia is known as the king of the street tree, but its annual seed trichome and leaf trichome problem seriously affects human health and life.

Application of single-cell and spatial omics in deciphering cellular hallmarks of cancer drug response and resistance.

Drug resistance poses a significant challenge in cancer therapy, contributing to rapid recurrence, disease progression, and high patient mortality. Despite its critical impact, few reliable predictors for cancer drug response or failure have been established for clinical application. Tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are pivotal factors influencing cancer drug efficacy and resistance.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of membrane-active cannabichromene derivatives as potent antibacterial agents.

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections underscores the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents with distinct mechanisms. In this study, we present the rational design and synthesis of cationic amphiphilic cannabichromene (CBC, 1) derivatives that mimic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Structural optimization of CBC through the incorporation of quaternary ammonium cations improved hydrophilicity and expanded the antibacterial spectrum.

Enzymatic Stereoselective Nucleophilic Cyclization Governs Atypical Spirotetronate Assembly in Lucensimycin A Biosynthesis.

Lucensimycin A is a structurally unique spirotetronate polyketide featuring a rare spiro[tetronate-hydrophenanthrene] tetracyclic core, distinct from the classical spiro[tetronate-cyclohexene] scaffolds formed via intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) cyclizations. Here, we identified and characterized the biosynthetic gene cluster from NAX0062, revealing a divergent biosynthetic logic. The pathway begins with type I PKS assembly of a linear polyketide, followed by tetronate ring formation by a canonical tetronate cassette.

Edible Safety Evaluation of Seed Kernel Oil: Sub-Chronic Toxicity and Teratogenicity Assessments.

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are regarded as an important ingredient for functional foods and nutraceuticals. seed kernel oil (CCSKO) contains more than 95% medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which is a significantly higher level than palm kernel oil (62%) and coconut oil (55%). However, the safety assessment of CCSKO, as the only natural MCT oil rich in capric acid and lauric acid found so far in the world, has not been fully verified.

Prediction of Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic Population Using LightGBM and Cohort Validation of Its Clinical Value: Cross-Sectional and Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Insulin resistance (IR), a precursor to type 2 diabetes and a major risk factor for various chronic diseases, is becoming increasingly prevalent in China due to population aging and unhealthy lifestyles. Current methods like the gold-standard hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp has limitations in practical application. The development of more convenient and efficient methods to predict and manage IR in nondiabetic populations will have prevention and control value.

The relationship between flavonols intake and stroke in the elderly: a cross-sectional study from NHANES (2007-2010 and 2017-2018).

Background: Stroke is a common fatal and disabling disease in the elderly. We investigated the correlation and potential benefits of dietary intake of flavonoid compounds and their subclasses in elderly stroke patients.

Methods: This study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the cycles 2007-2010 and 2017-2018.

Effects of training prior to music therapy-assisted childbirth on labor pain and delivery outcomes in parturients.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of training prior to music therapy-assisted childbirth on labor pain and delivery outcomes in parturients.

Methods: We randomly selected 100 parturients who gave birth in our hospital from October 2020 to December 2021. Using the random number table method, these 100 women were divided into the intervention group and control group.

Mechanistic insights into Licorice-Evodiae Fructus interaction: UPLC-MS/MS-based hepatotoxic metabolite detection and CYP3A4 regulation study.

Evodiae Fructus (EF) is a hepatotoxic herbal medicine whose toxicity is linked to CYP3A4-mediated metabolic activation of evodiamine (EVD), as identified in our previous study using high-resolution MS platform. In clinic, EF is often combined with Licorice to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, but the detoxification mechanism is unknown. In this study, we developed an integrated analytical strategy combining multi-mass spectrometry techniques and biological experiments to investigate the detoxification mechanism of Licorice-EF combination.

Ferroptosis and protein translation: emerging perspectives in the research of myocardial infraction.

Myocardial infarction, as the principal type of ischemic heart disease, has currently become the focus of research on its prevention and treatment strategies. From the perspective of myocardial infarction pathogenesis, it is urgent to impede the progression of this disease and improve diagnosis and treatment techniques. Ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death mechanistically distinct from apoptosis and autophagy, is implicated throughout the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction.

Nobiletin from Citrus reticulata Blanco alleviates pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Citrus reticulata Blanco, a traditional Chinese herb, has been utilized for bronchitis-related conditions. Nobiletin (NOB), the primary bioactive compound in Citrus reticulata Blanco, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic properties. However, the efficacy of NOB in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and the underlying mechanisms remain ambiguous.

Trends in lifestyle and mental health among 0.1 million Chinese: a longitudinal study pre- and post-COVID-19.

Background: To investigate the changes in lifestyle and mental conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown pre- and post-COVID-19 epidemic by analysing 0.1 million in the general population.

Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect demographic, lifestyle and mental condition information.

Total Synthesis of Auriculatin and Millexatin F and Discovery of Their Antibacterial Mechanism.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria necessitates the urgent development of novel antibacterial agents. This study reported the first total synthesis of two antibacterial isoflavones, auriculatin () and millexatin F (), derived from the tropical medicinal plant . Through evaluations, both compounds and possessed significant antibacterial activities (MICs = 0.

BiOCl Atomic Layers with Electrons Enriched Active Sites Exposed for Efficient Photocatalytic CO Overall Splitting.

Given the limited exposure of active sites and the retarded separation of photogenerated charge carriers in those developed photocatalysts, photocatalytic CO splitting into value-added chemicals has suffered from the poor activity and remained in great challenge for real application. Herein, hydrothermally synthesized BiOCl with layered structure (BOCNSs) was exfoliated into thickness reduced nanosheets (BOCNSs-w) and even atomic layers (BOCNSs-i) via ultrasonication in water and isopropanol, respectively. In comparison with the pristine BOCNSs, the exfoliated BiOCl, especially BOCNSs-i with atomically layered structure, exhibits much improved photocatalytic activity for CO overall splitting to produce CO and O at a stoichiometric ratio of 2:1, with CO evolution rate reaching 134.

Assessing neonatal brain glymphatic system development using diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space and choroid plexus volume.

Purpose: Neonatal brain development constitutes a critical period of structural and functional maturation underpinning sensory, motor, and cognitive capacities. The glymphatic system-a cerebral waste clearance network-remains poorly understood in neonates. We investigated non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers of glymphatic system and their developmental correlates in neonates.