Effects of intermittent fasting and calorie-restricted diet combined with moderate exercise in adults with overweight and obesity.

Background: Various weight management practices may have different impacts on weight loss at different time points. The aim of this study was to compare the temporal effectiveness of intermittent fasting (IF) versus calorie-restricted diet (CRD), both combined with exercise, for weight management in overweight and obese adults.

Methods: Ninety-six overweight/obese adults were voluntarily assigned to either a 5:2 IF combined with moderate exercise (IF group, n = 50) or a CRD combined with moderate exercise (CRD group, n = 46).

Biomarkers of pediatric Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis through single-cell transcriptomics.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) is a fatal hyperinflammatory disorder distinct from self-limiting EBV-induced infectious mononucleosis (IM). However, the immunological mechanisms underlying the divergence between benign EBV infection and fulminant HLH-particularly in the absence of inherited immunodeficiency-remains unclear, and systematic comparisons of immune landscapes across EBV-associated disease spectra are lacking. In this study, by enrolling children with IM and healthy volunteers as controls, we utilize single-cell RNA sequencing to identify unique immunological characteristics of EBV-HLH.

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Drug Toxicity Prediction: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Drug toxicity prediction plays a crucial role in the drug research and development process, ensuring clinical drug safety. However, traditional methods are hampered by high cost, low throughput, and uncertainty of cross-species extrapolation, which has become a key bottleneck restricting the efficiency of new drug research and development. The breakthrough development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, especially the application of deep learning and multimodal data fusion strategy, is reshaping the scientific paradigm of drug toxicology assessment.

Metabolic reprogramming promotes apoptosis resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia through CASP3 lactylation.

Unlabelled: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by metabolic adaptations that support rapid cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Our study identifies elevated sphingomyelin (SM) as a key metabolic alteration in ALL, contributing to apoptosis resistance via CASP3 (caspase 3) lactylation. Using comprehensive lipidomic analyses of plasma samples from pediatric ALL patients, we observed significantly increased SM concentrations in patients with manifest ALL compared to patients after remission.

EGCG and DOX dual-drug-loaded enzyme-responsive nanovesicles boost mitochondrial-mediated ICD for improved immunotherapy.

Enhancing cancer immunotherapy using methods that induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) can significantly improve its effectiveness and profoundly influence its role as a highly efficient cancer treatment strategy. However, the limited penetration of cytotoxic T cells into tumors, owing to dense tumor fibrosis, remains a significant barrier to immunotherapy. A tumor microenvironment-sensitive intelligent dual-drug delivery system was developed to simultaneously deliver epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and doxorubicin (DOX) to mitochondria.

Terminal Carboxyl Editing Drives Divergence in Fasamycin and Anthrabenzoxocinone Biosynthesis.

Aromatic polyketides are a vast category of natural products known for their wide-ranging biological activities, with their structural variety stemming from modifications to their core frameworks. This study reveals two distinct processes that shape the frameworks of (+)/(-)-anthrabenzoxocinone (ABX) and fasamycin (FAS) from a common biosynthetic precursor, compound . FasS protects the carboxyl group of this molecule without altering it, preparing it for FasU, which then crafts FAS's unique, nonplanar axial chiral aromatic framework.

Comprehensive comparison of potential flavor-active peptides, amino acids and pigments accumulation in different altitudes cultivated albino teas.

Albino tea was known for umami and exhibited varying flavors responding to cultivation and processing, necessitating further exploration. In this study, peptidomics and targeted metabolomics unraveled crucial taste related compounds in low-altitude (L) and high-altitude (H) samples. >300 peptides were newly identified via de novo sequencing, with 24 umami and 19 bitter peptides predicted with potential active cores.

Current status of transcriptome sequencing technology in ruminants.

In many parts of the world, safe ruminant production underpins food security, while ruminant meat and milk are important agricultural commodities and a major source of protein requirements in the human diet. In order to maintain the sustainability of such agricultural products, animal production should be made more efficient through better management and production techniques. Ruminating animals such as cows and sheep have been used for the synthesis of dairy products, the production of high-quality meat, and the study of reproductive mechanisms.

Breaking the Birefringence Barrier in B-O Crystals via B-C π-scaffolding.

Optically anisotropic crystals exhibiting large birefringence (Δ) are crucial for manipulating polarized light in optical technologies. While traditional borates offer structural diversity and inherent anisotropy, achieving large Δ (>0.3) combined with short-wave UV transparency remains challenging, and surpassing the Δ = 0.

Key odorants driving aroma transformation during aging process in Liubao tea: A sensory and chemical perspective.

Liubao tea, a representative Chinese dark tea, undergoes significant aroma quality changes during aging, though the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study employed an integrated approach combining stir bar sorptive extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SBSE-GC-MS), gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), odor activity value (OAV) calculation, aroma addition experiments, and multivariate statistical analysis to investigate volatile profile variations and identify key odorants during a 6-month aging process. The research identified 84 volatile compounds, including geosmin and intermedeol-rarely reported in dark tea-and established 4 key odorants closely linked to Liubao tea's flavor quality.

Effects of Paeoniae Radix Rubra on lowering lipid via bioinformatics and gut microbiome.

Hyperlipidemia, a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal lipid levels, is closely linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we investigated the hypolipidemic properties of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and its regulatory effects on gut microbiota composition in a high-fat diet model. Using UHPLC-QE-MS/MS, we identified its chemical constituents and applied bioinformatics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking to virtually screen for bioactive compounds and molecular targets.

Microscopic Mechanism of Asphalt Mixture Reinforced by Polyurethane and Silane Coupling Agent: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation-Based Study.

Most modified asphalts require high-temperature shearing and prolonged mixing to achieve a uniform structure, often resulting in substantial exhaust gas pollution. This study explores the utilization of polyurethane (PU) as a warm mix asphalt modifier, leveraging its favorable compatibility with asphalt at lower temperatures to mitigate emissions. To address the inherent limitations of PU-modified asphalt mixtures, namely, poor low-temperature performance and susceptibility to water damage, silane coupling agents (SCAs) are introduced to reinforce the asphalt-aggregate interfacial strength.

Associations of Sleep Quality with Life's Essential 8 Cardiovascular Health Score and Metabolic Syndrome Among US Adults.

Recent studies have identified a U-shaped association between sleep duration and both poor cardiovascular health (CVH) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the extent to which sleep quality affects cardiometabolic health remains understudied. Here, we examined associations of sleep quality with CVH and MetS.

A multicenter cross-sectional study on factors associated with caregiving appraisal in pediatric acute leukemia caregivers.

Introduction: Caring for pediatric acute leukemia (PAL) patients poses significant psychological challenges for family caregivers, impacting their well-being and caregiving capacity. This multicenter study aimed to assess caregivers' perception of their caregiving role using the revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale (rCAS) and identify factors associated with negative and positive caregiving appraisals among caregivers of children with PAL.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across three hospitals affiliated with Central South University.

Circular RNA TFRC/SCD1 mRNA interaction regulates ferroptosis and metastasis in gastric cancer.

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, holds promise for cancer treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), widely expressed across tumor types, modulate multiple cellular biological processes, including ferroptosis. However, the regulatory dynamics of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC)-associated ferroptosis remain poorly understood.

The endophytic fungus Serendipita indica reshapes rhizosphere soil microbiota to improve Salix suchowensis growth and phytoremediation.

Soil cadmium (Cd) contamination, a global issue threatening human health, can be mitigated through phytoremediation using plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), which enhance heavy metal extraction. Endophyte Serendipita indica promotes plant growth and alleviates abiotic/biotic stress, but its role in reshaping rhizosphere microecology remains unclear. We combined in situ zymography, diffusive equilibration in thin films (DET), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to explore Cd rhizosphere processes.

The contribution of cyclic imide stereoisomers on cereblon-dependent activity.

Thalidomide, lenalidomide, and their derivatives mimic glutarimide and aspartimide protein modifications that give rise to a motif recognized by the E3 ligase substrate adapter cereblon (CRBN). These cyclic imides have a chiral center that, given the biological significance of chirality, may influence CRBN's function and therapeutic applications. Here, we systematically examine cyclic imides in small molecules, peptides, and proteins to assess their racemization, CRBN engagement, ternary complex formation , and resulting degradation outcomes in cells.

Causal relationship between distinct sleep characteristics and delirium: A multivariable Mendelian randomization study.

Delirium is a common neurological complication among hospitalized patients and has been closely linked to sleep disturbances. Dynamic changes in sleep rhythms are influenced by various sleep characteristics, which complicates the identification of the relationship between individual sleep features and the risk of delirium. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential causal relationships between distinct sleep characteristics and delirium, and to further investigate their independent effects.

Application of deep learning convolutional neural networks to identify gastric squamous cell carcinoma in mice.

Objective: In non-clinical safety evaluation of drugs, pathological result is one of the gold standards for determining toxic effects. However, pathological diagnosis might be challenging and affected by pathologist expertise. In carcinogenicity studies, drug-induced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the mouse stomach represents a diagnostic challenge for toxicopathologists.

Neighborhood Vulnerability and Age of Natural Menopause and Menopausal Symptoms Among Midlife Women.

Importance: Women experiencing more severe menopausal symptoms exhibit poorer quality of life, and those with early menopause have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases. However, the extent to which neighborhood disadvantage contributes to menopause onset and symptom severity remains understudied.

Objective: To examine the association of Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) with age of natural menopause onset and menopausal symptom severity.

Identification of potential therapeutic drug targets for sepsis by combining the human plasma proteome and genome: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Currently, sepsis has an extremely high mortality rate and no specific treatment. Mendelian Randomization (MR) can utilize genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) to infer causal relationships between protein biomarkers and sepsis. We conducted a proteome-wide MR study to identify biological markers and therapeutic targets associated with sepsis.

Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture combined with warm needling for subjective tinnitus: A multicenter, three-arm randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) and electroacupuncture combined with warm needling (EAWN) on reducing tinnitus loudness and tinnitus-related distress among older adults.

Methods: This multicenter, assessor-blinded, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 2022 to April 2024 at three out-patient clinics in Hong Kong. Ninety eligible participants aged 50-70 years with subjective tinnitus for 0.

Recent Advances in N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidinone-Substituted Flavanols (EPSFs), Novel Bioactive Components in Tea: Chemical Structure, Formation Mechanism, and Potential Health Benefits.

N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted flavanols (EPSFs) are a newly discovered class of flavanol derivatives in tea and have emerged as a focal point in tea studies in recent years. Over 50 EPSFs and their analogs have been identified in fresh tea leaves and various tea products. These compounds are characterized by N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone substitution at either the C-8 or C-6 position of flavanols, and they exist as chiral enantiomers (R- or S-configuration).

Methyl jasmonate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles improve tea drought resistance on drought-sensitive cultivar 'Zhongcha 108'.

DS severely impacts tea plant growth and yield. Foliar application of Methyl jasmonate (MJ) -loaded Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) (MJ-CNPs) significantly boost tea DS resistance, necessitating further mechanism exploration. This study comprehensively investigated alterations at the phenotypic, biochemical, and genetic levels.