PpNAC transcription factors regulate ENDOPOLYGALACTURONASE alleles and control peach fruit texture and stone adhesion.

Fruit texture variation in peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch), especially softening accompanied by the melting phase, directly affects marketability and storage. Two tandem endopolygalacturonase (endoPG) genes at the F-M locus, PGF and PGM, determine the melting or non-melting trait, which is associated with the freestone or clingstone trait.

Site-specific engineering of S-Te-S bridged nano-prodrug: A dual equilibrium strategy for enhanced antitumor efficacy and safety of paclitaxel.

Homodimeric prodrug nanoassemblies (HPNs) have emerged as an effective strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and safety of chemotherapeutic drugs. However, achieving both stable assembly and rapid drug release in tumor remains a critical challenge. Herein, we designed S-Te-S linkages with varying linkage lengths (α-, β-, and γ-) to develop three paclitaxel (PTX) homodimeric prodrug nanoassemblies (PHPNs).

Automatic LPI radar waveform recognition of overlapping signals based on vision language model.

Low probability of intercept (LPI) microwave waveforms are commonly utilized in multiple radar systems. Identifying precisely the modulation formats of LPI waveform is of importance in complex electromagnetic environment. We propose a framework for recognizing overlapping LPI radar waveforms.

Reversible transformation of single-crystal two-dimensional polymer framework for photo/thermal reversible photolithography.

The preparation of large-sized single crystals of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) or 2D polymers is already a highly challenging task, and the study of reversible transformations of such materials in their single-crystalline state remains an unexplored research area. Herein, we demonstrate a successful photo/thermal reversible transformation between a 2D polymer framework and its monomer while maintaining single-crystal integrity. By photopolymerization under UV light and thermal depolymerization at elevated temperatures, repeatable structural transitions were achieved in a single-crystal state.

Photoinduced Cation Coupled Electron Transfer for Efficient Ionic Power Harvesting Based on CNT/MoS Heterostructures.

Inspired from the light-driven proton-coupled electron transfer during photosynthesis in green plants, an engineered CNT/MoS biomimetic nanofluidic system has been successfully developed, which achieves photo-activated ion transport in iso-concentration electrolytes through synergistic photothermal-photoelectric coupling. Under light irradiation, localized photothermal effects in CNT generate a temperature gradient, driving thermophoretic ion migration, while the same irradiation triggers a MoS-mediated surface charge gradient via photoexcited carrier redistribution, encompassing both vertical charge transfer and horizontal carrier diffusion. The resultant dual gradients of surface charge asymmetry and temperature differential cooperatively drive autonomous ion pumping.

An overview of extreme weather-epidemic compound disasters.

Extreme weather events are increasing the chances of global outbreaks of infectious diseases, and are highly susceptible to the formation of "extreme weather-epidemic" compound disasters. It has become a serious challenge for the global climate and public health. In this study, we summarize and outline a series of research that advances in the theoretical basis, monitoring technology, prediction and early warning, and risk assessment of extreme weather-epidemic compound disasters (EWED).

"Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction in Frontal Hairline Correction with Hair Transplantation: A Multicenter Retrospective Study".

Background: Frontal hairline correction with hair transplantation is a widely performed aesthetic procedure; however, patient satisfaction remains variable. Despite this, limited studies have investigated the factors influencing satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to identify key predictors of satisfaction in frontal hairline correction to provide clinicians with insights to optimize patient outcomes.

Involvement of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

The kynurenine pathway (KP), a major metabolic pathway for L-tryptophan (Trp) in mammals, plays a multifaceted role in various physiological processes, including neural activity, immune system regulation, and the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. The functional connection between the KP and immune system is supported by robust evidence, including disease-associated alterations in KP metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities that correlate with immune function changes. Imbalances in the KP can be detrimental, as excessive production of pro- or anti-inflammatory metabolites may promote autoimmunity or impair pathogen defense.

Photoactivated Ion Transport: Role of Intrinsic Defects and Plasmonics for Efficient Ionic Power Harvesting.

The process of photosynthesis in green plants and energy conversion in certain archaea are inseparable from photoregulated ion pumping. Two-dimensional (2D) nanofluidic membranes, emerging as competitive candidates for constructing ion pumps, present intriguing prospects for harvesting light energy. However, the inevitable presence of defects during the synthesis of 2D materials underscores the critical need to understand their impact on ion transport dynamics within nanofluidic systems.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Salt Tolerance in Maize: A Combined Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis.

Maize ( L.) is one of the most important food crops. Salt stress can hinder crop growth and development, but the molecular mechanisms underlying maize's response to salt tolerance remain unclear.

A "Glue" Strategy to Engineer Cancer Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Prodrug Nanoassemblies for Efficient Targeted Chemotherapy.

Homodimeric prodrug nanoassemblies (HDPNs) offer a unique approach to improving the selectivity of chemo-drugs but demonstrate suboptimal tumor targeting efficiency. Cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles, particularly those using homologous cancer cell membranes (CM), can achieve excellent tumor accumulation. However, it is challenging to prepare CM-camouflaged HDPNs due to the poor affinity between hydrophobic HDPNs and hydrophilic CM.

Engineering myeloid cells for cancer immunotherapy.

Macrophages naturally infiltrate tumors, modulate tumor microenvironment, phagocytose tumor cells, and present antigens to induce T cell responses. These properties have been leveraged to develop chimeric antigen receptor-macrophages (CAR-Ms) for cancer immunotherapy. We discuss key findings from CAR-M studies to assess their potential to overcome major limitations of current CAR-T cell therapies and outline research directions to optimize CAR-Ms as a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective cancer immunotherapy.

Dicyandiamide-Driven Tailoring of the n-Value Distribution and Interface Dynamics for High-Performance ACI 2D Perovskite Solar Cells.

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells achieve remarkable efficiencies (> 26%) yet face stability challenges. Quasi-2D alternating-cation-interlayer perovskites offer enhanced stability through hydrophobic spacer cations but suffer from vertical phase segregation and buried interface defects. Herein, we introduce dicyanodiamide (DCD) to simultaneously address these dual limitations in GA(MA)PbI perovskites.

Cancer Cell Membrane-Coated Homodimer Prodrug Nanoassemblies to Simultaneously Deliver Prodrugs and Immune Adjuvants for Combined Chemo-Immunotherapy.

Homodimer prodrug nanoassemblies (HPNAs) gain significant attention due to their ultrahigh drug-loading capacity and carrier-free nature but suffer from poor self-assembly stability and rapid clearance from blood circulation. Cell membranes prove as a promising coating material for nanoparticle modification, offering specialized properties such as specific recognition, prolonged circulation time, and immune evasion. Here, we present a cancer cell membrane-modified biomimetic nanoassembly system designed for combined chemo-immunotherapy.

Peroxiredoxin 6: A Regulatory Target in Cellular Senescence and Age-Related Diseases.

Oxidative stress is a key factor in inducing cellular senescence and age-related diseases. When the redox balance within the body is disrupted, sustained oxidative stress can lead to cellular senescence. The accumulation of senescent cells, in turn, triggers a variety of age-related diseases.

Hybrid-contact engineering for enhanced p-type performance in WSefield-effect transistors.

The development of high-performance p-type transition metal dichalcogenide field-effect transistors (FETs) is hindered by Fermi-level pinning (FLP) at metal-semiconductor interfaces, which creates large Schottky barriers and limits hole injection. This work introduces a hybrid-contact architecture, combining edge and top contacts, to mitigate FLP effects in WSeFETs. By employing thermal scanning probe lithography and hard-mask etching, hybrid-contact devices were fabricated with minimal processing damage.

Ultrastable and Robust Free-Standing COF Fiber Composite Membrane Enabled by Hydrogen Bonding for Selective Chromium(VI) Adsorption.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are widely used due to their high structural order, tunable pore size, and large specific surface area. However, COFs are typically bulk solid microcrystalline powders that are insoluble and challenging to process, which significantly impacts their application prospects. We report a method for the in situ growth of COF-COOH on the surface of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers by using electrospinning.

GRK2-mediated phosphorylation and de-succinylation of PKM2 reduce macrophage glycolysis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Glucose metabolism disorder is an important hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inhibiting key glycolysis enzymes is the primary approach, but effective treatments targeting glycolytic metabolism have not yet reached clinical practice. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) as a multi-signals regulatory hub has attracted wide attention.

Quantification of Tryptophan Enantiomers in a Single Cell by β-Cyclodextrin-Modified Carbon Nanopipettes.

Tryptophan levels in the human body are closely related to disease development and metabolic processes, but identification and quantification of tryptophan enantiomers at the single-cell level is still very challenging now. Herein, the mono-(6-ethanediamine-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-modified carbon nanopipet (CNP) was fabricated, and high-enantioselective electrochemical detection of tryptophan was achieved. Interestingly, the selectivity of the prepared CNP toward l-tryptophan (l-Trp) and d-Tryptophan (d-Trp) could be modulated by adjusting the solution pH.

An mA methyltransferase confers host resistance by degrading viral proteins through ubiquitination.

Posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications play crucial roles in plant immunity. However, how plants fine-tune such modifications to activate antiviral immunity remains unknown. Here, we report that the mA methyltransferase TaHAKAI is utilized by wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) to increase viral genomic mA modification and promote viral replication.

Development of an Evaluation System to Classify Beard Donor Area for Hair Transplantation.

Background: Beards are important donor sources for hair transplantation in male patients. However, standardized assessment criteria for beard grafts' suitability and application are unavailable.

Objective: To develop an evaluation system for classifying beard suitability and defining its specific applications in hair transplantation.

Premade Incisions vs. Stick and Place: A Multicenter Retrospective Comparison of Hair Transplantation Outcomes in China.

Background: Based on the differences in the procedures of recipient site creation and graft placement, hair transplantation implantation techniques can be classified into premade incisions (PI) and stick and place (S&P). However, limited studies have systematically compared their clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 191 Chinese patients (95 in the PI group and 96 in the S&P group) from four hospitals, undergoing follicular unit excision between August 2022 and August 2024.

Comparison of immunotherapy based total neoadjuvant therapy or standard neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer: a multi-institutional retrospective study.

Background: Combining radiation therapy with immunotherapy produces a synergistic effect in patients with microsatellite stable/mismatch repair-proficient (MSS/pMMR) locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and safety of immunotherapy combined with long-course chemoradiotherapy (ICIs + nCRT) versus immunotherapy combined with total neoadjuvant therapy (ICIs + TNT).

Methods: This retrospective study collected clinical data of adult patients with clinical T3-4 and/or N1 rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent ICIs + TNT or ICIs + nCRT followed by curative surgery at four medical centers between March 2020 and August 2021.

Intelligent Deep Learning and Keypoint Tracking-Based Detection of Lameness in Dairy Cows.

With the ongoing development of computer vision technologies, the automation of lameness detection in dairy cows urgently requires improvement. To address the challenges of detection difficulties and technological limitations, this paper proposes an automated scoring method for cow lameness that integrates deep learning with keypoint tracking. First, the DeepLabCut tool is used to efficiently extract keypoint features during the walking process of dairy cows, which enables the automated monitoring and output of positional information.

Combining GWAS Summary Data and Proteomics Identified Potential Drug Targets in Dementia.

Due to progressive cognitive loss and subsequent incapability of daily life, the development of novel therapeutics is urgently needed for dementia patients. We performed a two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using summary-level statistics to identify causality between peripheral and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins and the risk of dementia. Genetic variants were subtracted from the Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) results.