A genetically encoded nanobody sensor reveals conformational diversity in β-arrestins orchestrated by distinct seven transmembrane receptors.

Agonist-induced interaction of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with β-arrestins (βarrs) is a critical mechanism that regulates the spatiotemporal pattern of receptor localization and signaling. While the underlying mechanism governing GPCR-βarr interaction is primarily conserved and involves receptor activation and phosphorylation, there are several examples of receptor-specific fine-tuning of βarr-mediated functional outcomes. Considering the key contribution of conformational plasticity of βarrs in driving receptor-specific functional responses, it is important to develop novel sensors capable of reporting distinct βarr conformations in cellular context.

Forced symmetry-breaking in networks with dihedral symmetry.

Adaptation in complex systems implies a natural ability to change. In networks, adaptation may include a change in structural connectivity, which can lead to a change in collective behavior. When dihedral symmetry is present, i.

Comparative Genome Analysis and Characterization of Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei NKN344 Strain Isolated from Curd of Buffalo Milk Reared on Brackish Water Lagoons of the Eastern Indian Coast.

Ethnic fermented foods represent a significant repository for discovering novel probiotic entities. These fermented foods, entrenched in indigenous practices, have conserved a distinct microbiota through generations. Exploration of these fermented foods could yield microbial consortia capable of transforming human health.

Whole-genome assembly and comparative genomic analyses provide insight into the endophytic lifestyle of Trichoderma lixii.

Trichoderma species exhibit remarkable versatility in adaptability and in occupying habitats with lifestyles ranging from mycoparasitism and saprotrophy to endophytism. In this study, we present the first high-quality whole-genome assembly and annotation of T. lixii using Illumina HiSeq technology to explore the mechanisms of endophytic lifestyle and plant colonization.

Post Contrast-Acute Kidney Injury in CT Imaging: A Knowledge, Perception and Practice Assessment among Radiographers and Radiologists.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), often referred to as post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), remains a significant issue in diagnostic imaging procedures that utilize iodinated contrast agents. This study aims to examine the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of radiologists and radiographers regarding PC-AKI. A survey was conducted among South Indian radiologists and radiographers in November and December of 2024.

Rhodium(II) catalysed highly diastereoselective synthesis of indolyl-pyrrolo[2,1-]isoindoles from phthalimide-derived -sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and indoles.

A synthetic method has been developed for the diastereoselective domino synthesis of indolyl-pyrrolo[2,1-]isoindoles from phthalimide-derived -sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and indoles. The reaction proceeds ring chain isomerization of triazoles to give α-imino diazo compounds. Then, denitrogenative generation of α-imino Rh(II) carbenes followed by intramolecular oxygen insertion and nucleophilic addition of indoles delivers the indolyl-pyrrolo[2,1-]isoindoles.

Wavelength Selective Single Molecule Photobase/Photoacid Generator Enabling Dynamic Control of Soft Matter Materials Functions.

Photoremovable protecting groups (PRPGs) enable precise spatiotemporal control over molecular release and functional activation. Recent advances have introduced wavelength-selective systems for sequential deprotection, broadening applications in drug delivery, material synthesis, and photopolymerization. In parallel, PRPGs play a crucial role in photobase generators (PBGs) and photoacid generators (PAGs), enabling oxygen-tolerant, spatially controlled polymerization and depolymerization through light-induced base and acid release.

Caught in the Crossroads: Damage Control Orthopedics versus Early Total Care for Polytrauma in the Indian Scenario.

Polytrauma patients are defined by the Berlin Consensus as those with severe injuries across multiple regions and require complex, adaptable treatment approaches to address both immediate and long-term needs of the patient, while considering the resource availability. This review evaluates early total care (ETC), which attempts early definitive fixation, against damage control orthopedics (DCO), which focuses on temporary stabilization to reduce physiological strain from surgery. While ETC promotes early mobilization, DCO reduces risks and subsequent complications associated with the "second hit" phenomenon in critically ill patients.

Taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeography of the Oriental subfamily Perittopinae China & Usinger, 1949 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae).

The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates during the Eocene represents a major tectonic shift that significantly altered biotic dynamics and promoted species diversification across the Oriental region. To explain the diversification of taxa from the Indian subcontinent into Southeast Asia, two principal hypotheses have been proposed: the "Biotic-ferry" and "Step-stone" models. The subfamily Perittopinae, a lineage of semi-aquatic bugs comprising a single genus and 20 extant species, provides an ideal system for testing these hypotheses due to its disjunct distribution spanning the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Next-Generation Food Drying: Specialized and Smart Approaches to Boost Efficiency and Quality.

Drying is a critical unit operation in food processing, essential for extending shelf life, ensuring microbial safety, and preserving the nutritional and sensory attributes of food products. However, conventional convective drying techniques are often energy-intensive and lead to undesirable changes such as texture degradation, loss of bioactive compounds, and reduced product quality, thereby raising concerns regarding their sustainability and efficiency. In response, recent advancements have focused on the development of innovative drying technologies that offer energy-efficient, rapid, and quality-preserving alternatives.

Multimodal Therapeutic Approach Using Donor-Engineered AIE Photosensitizer to Combat Multifaceted Aspects of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive decline and the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, with current treatments offering only limited efficacy. Targeted photo-oxygenation of Aβ using small-molecule photosensitizers has emerged as a promising strategy to modulate amyloid aggregation and mitigate associated toxicity. In this work, the rational design and synthesis of donor-engineered, benzimidazole-functionalized aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer with optimized photophysical and morphological properties for multimodal theranostic applications in AD is analyzed and reported.

A Real-World Cohort Study of the Risks of Kidney Failure and Death in Diabetes.

Background: Risks of kidney failure versus death in diabetes have not been previously quantified across a full range of kidney function. The study aim was to assess competing risks of kidney failure and death in a real-world cohort with diabetes.

Methods: Cumulative incidence functions for kidney failure and death, stratified by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were estimated for the diabetes population from electronic health record data at Providence and the University of California Los Angeles health systems.

KCuS: A Layered Inorganic Chalcogenide Semiconductor as a Promising Light Absorber.

A potential replacement that alleviates the shortcomings of the dominant light absorber materials used in solar photovoltaics has been synthesized, and its microstructural, electronic structure, and optical properties have been investigated. KCuS crystals were synthesized by the carbonate method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) established [010] as the growth direction of the needle-like monoclinic crystals.

A generalized theoretical framework to investigate multicomponent actin dynamics.

The length of actin filaments is regulated by the combined action of hundreds of actin-binding proteins. While the roles of individual proteins are well understood, how they combine to regulate actin dynamics in vivo remains unclear. Recent advances in microscopy have enabled precise, high-throughput measurements of filament lengths over time.

Cost-effectiveness of oil and milk fortification by scale for reducing Vitamin A and Vitamin D deficiency in India.

Background: Although broad-scale data might suggest low prevalence, millions of children in India still suffer from Vitamin A and Vitamin D deficiencies despite India's existing guidelines for Vitamin A deficiency. To address the issue, the Government of India has recommended fortification of oil and milk to improve Vitamin A and Vitamin D consumption. However, there is limited information on the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of fortifying oil and milk at scale.

A Rapid Electrochemical Immunosensor Platform for the Sepsis-Associated Host and Pathogen Marker Dual Detection.

The study addresses the critical issue of sepsis diagnosis, a life-threatening condition triggered by the body's immune response to infection that leads to mortality. Current diagnostic methods rely on the time-consuming assessment of multiple biomarkers by a series of tests, leading to delayed treatment. Here, we report a platform for developing a point-of-care (POC) device utilizing electrochemical immunosensors for the dual and rapid detection of sepsis biomarkers: Procalcitonin (PCT), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) as host markers and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a pathogen marker.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts as a potential therapeutic target for thyroid cancers.

Thyroid cancer, a prevalent endocrine malignancy, is influenced by its tumor microenvironment (TME), with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) playing a pivotal role in disease progression. Molecularly, CAFs orchestrate a pro-tumorigenic niche via cytokine secretion and extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening, underscoring their targetability. Therapeutic strategies, including small molecule inhibitor-based therapies, immune-based therapies, nanoparticle-based approaches, and combination regimens, have been evaluated for their efficacy in disrupting CAF functionality.

Understanding the Impact of Flow Fields on the Performance of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: A Review on Design Trends.

Flow fields (FFs) play multifaceted roles in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) by facilitating the transport and distribution of species, removal of products, support to the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), electrical conductivity, water, and thermal management. Therefore, the performance of DMFC is directly related to the pattern and geometry of the FF. DMFCs can generate power density of up to ≈100-300 mW cm; however, their performance is impeded by cathode flooding, CO gas bubbles formation, and mass transfer limitations.

Phenylbutyrate restricts murine β-coronavirus infectivity and limits virus-induced demyelination .

High morbidity and mortality associated with human β-coronavirus (CoV) infection highlight the need to determine host responses to infection and develop anti-viral therapies. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), particularly involving Connexin43 (Cx43), is vital for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, and disruption of GJIC is a well-documented pathogenic mechanism among β-coronaviruses. Specifically, murine β-coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-A59) inoculation in the mouse brain causes acute-stage CNS viral spread and chronic neuroinflammatory demyelination while causing pronounced downregulation of Cx43 at the acute stage, reflecting a critical role in CNS pathology.

assembly of seven multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococci genomes from biofilms of hemodialysis tunneled cuffed catheter tips of patients undergoing renal failure treatment.

CHRFS5, HL_CHRU_S18, S48B, HL_CHRU_S16, S19, HL_CHRU_S79, and HL_CHRU_S111 were isolated from the biofilm of catheter tip of renal failure patients. Whole genome sequencing predicted the presence of multiple antibiotic-resistant gene cassettes.

Glycolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate by BiOCl Nanoplates: Synergy of Surface Hydroxy Groups, Facets, and Lewis Acid Sites.

Accumulation of waste plastics on the earth's surface is a global challenge. There is a possibility of turning this challenge into an opportunity by plastic upcycling. In this work, the potential of bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) as a heterogeneous catalyst for the glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is reported.

Bio-reductive Co(iii)-doxorubicin complex for cancer cell-selective delivery of doxorubicin and potent anticancer activity.

The utility of bio-reductive prodrugs in cancer research has emerged as an attractive strategy. We synthesized and characterized a couple of cobalt(iii)-Schiff base complexes of general molecular formula Co(L)(L) and Co(L)(dox) , where L and L are ,-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(1-(pyridine-2-yl)methanimine) and 1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione, and dox = doxorubicin, as bio-reductive prodrugs. UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopic assays confirmed the reductive release of doxorubicin from the complex in a GSH-dependent manner under physiological conditions, showing its potential for drug release.

Documentation of social determinants of health for patients with type 2 diabetes in Epic Cosmos.

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing public health burden with persistent racial and ethnic disparities. . This study assessed the completeness of social determinants of health (SdoH) data for patients with T2D in Epic Cosmos, a nationwide, cross-institutional electronic health recors (EHR) database.