Altermagnetic Band Splitting in 10 nm Epitaxial CrSb Thin Films.

Altermagnets are a newly identified family of collinear antiferromagnets with a momentum-dependent spin-split band structure of non-relativistic origin, derived from spin-group symmetry-protected crystal structures. Among candidate altermagnets, CrSb is attractive for potential applications because of a large spin-splitting near the Fermi level and a high Néel transition temperature of around 700 K. Molecular beam epitaxy is used to synthesize CrSb (0001) thin films with thicknesses ranging from 10 to 100 nm.

Production of chondroitin by Corynebacterium glutamicum through co-utilization of glucose and xylose from corn straw.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS), a biopolymer with critical applications in osteoarthritis treatment and biomedical sectors, faces production challenges due to low yields and high costs. This study established a high-yield chondroitin (the major precursor of CS) production platform in Corynebacterium glutamicum for the simultaneous utilization of glucose and xylose from corn straw hydrolysate. Firstly, through codon optimization of genes encoding chondroitin synthase (KfoC) and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-4-epimerase (KfoA), combined with tailoring metabolic pathways and medium components for chondroitin synthesis, yielded the high-titer strain CgC25.

A meta analysis of the acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of functional constipation.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint embedding for FC by meta-analysis, in order to provide evidence-based medical evidence for clinical practice.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on ACE for FC published from inception to November 2024. The included studies were assessed for quality using the modified Jadad scale, and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.

Comprehensive validation of reference genes in Solanum nigrum under abiotic stresses: Identifying pendimethalin-responsive genes for herbicide resistance insights.

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.), a globally invasive weed of the Solanaceae family, exhibits remarkable adaptability to diverse abiotic stresses. Despite its ecological and agricultural significance, validated reference genes (RGs) for reliable RT-qPCR normalization in this species remain undefined.

Liver regeneration-associated hepatocellular YAP1 activation prevents colorectal cancer liver metastasis through glutamine competition.

The literature suggests that hepatocellular Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) signaling is activated following hepatectomy and that such activation can suppress the growth of metastatic liver tumors. The prognosis of a real-world cohort of 240 patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) undergoing major and minor hepatectomy was compared after adjusting for confounding factors. To model CRLM, we induced liver metastasis in mice by transsplenically injecting MC38 cells.

Tislelizumab-induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a patient with microsatellite instability-high colon cancer and coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have profoundly transformed the treatment landscape for microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC). However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) remain a common and unpredictable complication among patients undergoing ICI therapy. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening irAE, is triggered by hyperactivated immune cells and excessive secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.

Temporal asymmetry of neural pattern similarity predicts recognition memory decisions.

A stimulus can be familiar for multiple reasons. It might have been recently encountered, is similar to recent experience, or is similar to 'typical' experience. Understanding how the brain translates these sources of similarity into memory decisions is a fundamental, but challenging goal.

Room temperature quantum metric effect in TbMnSn.

Quantum geometry, including Berry curvature and the quantum metric, of the electronic Bloch bands has been studied via nonlinear responses in topological materials. Naturally, these material systems with intrinsic strong nonlinear responses also form the key component in nonlinear electronic devices. However, the previous reported quantum geometry effects are mainly observed at cryogenic temperatures, hindering their application in practical devices.

Combined oxybenzone and UVB exposure induces metabolic and neural dysregulation in Mugilogobius chulae embryos and larvae.

The widespread use of sunscreens has contaminated aquatic environments with UV filters like oxybenzone (BP-3), which act as endocrine disruptors in aquatic organisms and exhibit enhanced toxicity under UV radiation. This study employed a multi-omics approach integrating responses from genes to whole organisms to investigate UVB-potentiated toxicity of BP-3 in embryos of the marine fish Mugilogobius chulae. Results demonstrated that UVB significantly amplified BP-3 toxicity, reducing LC from 5674 μg L⁻¹ to 3653 μg L⁻¹ and impairing key developmental endpoints: spontaneous movement, heart rate, and body length.

Metal-based nanoparticles in natural aquatic environments: concentrations, toxic effects and kinetic processes.

Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely used in many aspects of production and life, resulting in their detection in various types of aquatic environments globally with mass concentrations mostly in the range of ng/L-μg/L. Therefore, more attention should be paid to considering realistic situations and exposure scenarios at environmentally relevant MNPs concentrations. With the support of new technology and methods, the environmental concentration distribution of MNPs in the aquatic environment was investigated and sorted out.

Facile Gram-Scale Production of Cu/CuO Core/Shell Nanoparticles Densely Embedded in a Porous Carbon Framework for Cost-Effective Peroxidase Mimicking.

Natural enzymes are efficient catalysts but face high costs and instability, leading to the development of artificial enzymes like nanozymes. While noble metals commonly demonstrate high peroxidase (POD)-like activity, their expense limits their practical use. In contrast, 3d transition metal oxides, though less active, are more cost-effective due to their natural abundance, with Cu(I) emerging as a promising candidate.

Pollutant distribution in vertebrates across scales: Organs, cells, and organelles.

Pollutant accumulation patterns are essential for understanding their toxicity mechanisms and health risks. Accurately identifying pollutant accumulation sites and toxicity targets requires an integrated understanding of their distribution across multiple scales. This review systematically examines recent advances in the multi-scale distribution of environmental pollutants in vertebrates, spanning organ, cellular, and subcellular levels.

SIRPα blockade therapy potentiates immunotherapy by inhibiting PD-L1 myeloid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) are pivotal cell populations involved in the immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). However, there has been little success in large-scale clinical trials of myeloid cell modulators. We aim to investigate potential molecular targets for TIMs and disclose the underlying mechanism.

High-Entropy Materials for Water Splitting: An Atomic Nanoengineering Approach to Sustainable Hydrogen Production.

Green hydrogen production via water electrolysis is pivotal for achieving energy sustainability. However, the inherently sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction impede the progress of water-splitting technology. Recently, high-entropy materials (HEMs) composed of at least five elements have garnered significant attention as promising electrocatalysts for water splitting, owing to their compositional versatility, structural robustness, and synergistic interactions among elements.

Longitudinal Tρ quantification in chronic hepatitis B: from fibrosis staging to pegylated interferon-α therapeutic response tracking.

Rationale And Objectives: To investigate liver tissue alterations across chronic hepatitis B (CHB) progression stages and monitor therapeutic changes following pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFNα) therapy using Tρ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials And Methods: This prospective study enrolled 93 CHB patients stratified by histological severity: 44 mild, 26 moderate, and 23 severe cases. All patients underwent liver biopsy and Tρ MRI at baseline, followed by 48 weeks of PEG-IFNα therapy.

Imaging Cancer-associated Cachexia: Utilizing Clinical Imaging Modalities for Early Diagnosis.

Cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) is a prevalent condition that accelerates cancer progression and heightens treatment-related adverse effects in patients by affecting multiple organ systems. Despite the profound impact of CAC on clinical management and treatment outcomes of patients with cancer, the current understanding of mechanisms associated with the condition, as well as the tools necessary for early diagnosis, are limited. Currently, the clinical diagnosis of CAC relies on weight change-based assessments, which have limited sensitivity and cannot identify patients at risk for CAC.

Luspatercept for the treatment of lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome with SF3B1 mutation: a real-world single-center research in China.

Background: Luspatercept, approved by the FDA and EMA for patients with transfusion-dependent lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS) unresponsive to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), lacks extensive real-world data, particularly in China.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 14 LR-MDS-SF3B1 patients treated with luspatercept for ≥12 weeks.

Results: Median age was 60 years (range 47-72); 42.

Curcumin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced alveolar epithelial Glycocalyx damage by modulating the Rac1/NF-κB/HPSE pathway.

The glycocalyx, a cell surface component implicated in various diseases, has recently been recognized for its role in acute lung injury (ALI). Also known as the alveolar epithelial polysaccharide coat, it is vital for maintaining lung barrier integrity, fluid homeostasis, and defense against pathogens. This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of curcumin, a natural polyphenol, against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced alveolar epithelial glycocalyx damage.

Surface-Dominated Quantum-Metric-Induced Nonlinear Transport in the Layered Antiferromagnet CrSBr.

The van der Waals (vdW) antiferromagnet CrSBr has recently garnered significant attention due to its air stability, high magnetic transition temperature, and semiconducting properties. We investigate its nonlinear transport properties and identify a quantum-metric-dipole (QMD)-induced nonlinear anomalous Hall effect and nonlinear longitudinal resistivity, which switch signs upon reversing the Néel vector. The significant QMD originates from Dirac nodal lines near the conduction band edge within the experimentally achievable doping range.

Immobilizing Zwitterionic Molecular Brush in Functional Organic Interfacial Layers for Ultra-Stable Zn-Ion Batteries.

Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for large-scale energy storage applications due to their high safety and low cost. However, the use of Zn metal in batteries suffers from many severe issues, including dendrite growth and parasitic reactions, which often lead to short cycle lives. Herein, we propose the construction of functional organic interfacial layers (OIL) on the Zn metal anodes to address these challenges.

Preparation and characterization of microcapsules using an acid-tolerant sanxan gum combined with sodium alginate/chitosan and their application in Lactobacillus plantarum delivery.

The oral delivery of probiotics faces numerous challenges, particularly the acidic gastric environment. This study aimed to construct microcapsules using acid-resistant polysaccharide sanxan gum (SG) combined with sodium alginate (SA) and chitosan (CS), and to evaluate their protective effects on the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Sanxan gum, an edible polysaccharide produced by Sphingomonas sanxanigenens strain, is composed of mannose, glucuronic acid, rhamnose, and glucose.

Interwoven MnO/Co-derived N-doped carbon nanotube composites as highly efficient and durable bifunctional oxygen catalysts for zinc-air batteries.

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) have emerged as a compelling candidate for advanced electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems, owing to their exceptional theoretical energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility. Despite these advantages, their practical utility is restrained by the intrinsically sluggish kinetics of both the oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions. Herein, we present a novel coordination-assisted ball-milling approach to fabricate MnO/Co-N-CNT composites featuring a unique interwoven carbon nanotube architecture.

Pharmacological inhibition of PLK1/PRC1 triggers mitotic catastrophe and sensitizes lung cancers to chemotherapy.

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) signaling drives tumor malignancy and chemotherapy resistance, which is an unmet clinical need. Recruiting PLK1 to the central spindle during anaphase is necessary for its function in promoting cancer cell proliferation, which is achieved by binding to microtubule-associated protein regulating of cytokinesis (PRC1) located in the spindle. However, the role of PLK1/PRC1 signaling in chemotherapy resistance is unknown.

FMO2 cancer-associated fibroblasts sensitize anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited by heterogeneity in individual responses to therapy. The heterogeneous phenotypes and crucial roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in immunotherapy resistance remain largely unclear.

Methods: A specific CAF subset was identified by integrating comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and transcriptome profiling of patients with HCC with different responses to antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) therapy.

Ibuprofen exposure interferes with the mitochondrial dynamics processes and affects lipid metabolism in the yellowstripe goby (Mugilogobius chulae).

Ibuprofen (IBU), a prevalent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is extensively utilized in medical practices. Especially since the popularity of COVID-19, its use has become more widespread, coupled with its low degradation rate and high environmental residues. Thus, more focus is warranted on the possible detrimental impacts on non-target organisms, as well as the underlying mechanisms of toxicity.