Mitochondria-targeted NIR fluorescent probe for detection of hydrogen sulfide and its application in monitoring food freshness and bioimaging.

Background: The hydrogen sulfide (HS) in spoilage of raw meat poses significant food safety risks to human health. Meanwhile, as a signaling molecule, HS is crucial for maintaining human physiological homeostasis. Thus, the establishment of an efficient method for HS detection is essential for safeguarding human health.

Cognitive frailty and cardiometabolic risk in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the UK and China.

Background: Cognitive frailty, a novel construct integrating cognitive and physical deficits, is increasingly recognized in aging research.

Aims: This study aimed to examine the associations between cognitive frailty and cardiometabolic risk in two nationally representative cohorts from China and the United Kingdom.

Methods: We analyzed data from 7,628 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and 4,703 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), all aged ≥ 50 years.

Adropin as a therapeutic candidate for HFpEF: evidence of oxidative stress mitigation via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which accounts for more than half of all heart failure cases worldwide, has emerged as a major public health challenge characterized by substantial morbidity and mortality rates. As adropin is a key regulator of cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis, this study investigated its therapeutic effects against HFpEF pathogenesis.

Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat-derived calories) with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.

Wireless Electrotactile System with Hydrogel-Based Electrodes for Conformal Tactile Interaction.

A wireless epidermal electrotactile interface is demonstrated through integration of skin-conformal electrodes and flexible circuitry, addressing existing limitations in haptic technology caused by mechanical mismatch and system-level integration challenges. This electrotactile system achieves low stimulation thresholds (<20 V) through optimized electrode-skin modulus matching and improved electrochemical interfaces, enabling pain-free tactile sensation generation across finger pads. The millimeter-scale architecture incorporates multiplexed stimulation channels that spatially map to ISO-standard Braille configurations, demonstrating 91.

Synthetic microbial consortium enhances acetoin production and functional quality of citrus vinegar via metabolic and process optimization.

Acetoin (3-hydroxy-2-butanone) is a key flavor compound that enhances the sensory profile of fruit vinegar. In this study, we developed a high-yield acetoin fermentation process using a synthetic microbial combination composed of NF2 and NF171 for citrus vinegar production. By screening compatible strains and optimizing fermentation parameters, the co-culture system significantly improved acetoin synthesis compared to single-strain fermentations.

AIE functionality ratiometric fluorescent probe based on quinoline-malononitrile for detection of ONOO and its application in bioimaging.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO), a highly reactive endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays pivotal roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes, the development of sensitive and reliable strategy for efficiently detecting ONOO is helpful to understand its biological functions in biological systems. Here, a novel AIEgen fluorescent probe QM-NP was developed by utilizing quinoline-malononitrile fluorophore as the light-emitting core and aryl borate moiety as the specific ONOO recognition group. Upon reaction with ONOO, QM-NP exhibits remarkable ratiometric fluorescence response with a distinct emission shift from red (630 nm) to green (540 nm), with higher specificity for ONOO compared to other analytes (ROS and RNS), rapid response (<10 s) and high sensitivity (LOD = 1.

Structural Diversity and Bioactivities of Marine Fungal Terpenoids (2020-2024).

Marine-derived fungi have proven to be a rich source of structurally diverse terpenoids with significant pharmacological potential. This systematic review of 119 studies (2020-2024) identifies 512 novel terpenoids, accounting for 87% of the total discoveries to 2020, from five major classes (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, and triterpenes) isolated from 104 fungal strains across 33 genera. Sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids constitute the predominant chemical classes, with , , , and being the most productive genera.

Wavelength-Selective Photochromism in a Naphthalenediimide-Based Metal-Organic Framework: Mechanism, Ultrafast Response, and Inkless Printing Applications.

This work presents a novel Zn(II)-based metal-organic framework (MOF, named ) incorporating naphthalenediimide (NDI) ligands, which exhibits ultrafast and reversible photochromic properties under irradiation with blue-violet light (395-465 nm). The material exhibits exceptional sensitivity to blue-violet light, enabling rapid color transitions within seconds, a feature rarely reported in NDI-based systems. Structural and spectroscopic analyses reveal that the photochromism originates from photoinduced electron transfer (ET) facilitated by hydrogen bonding and lone pair-π interactions, leading to the formation of NDI radical anions.

Activation of the Pseudocapacitive Behavior of MXene/PANI for High-Performance Ammonium-Ion Batteries.

The development of aqueous ammonium-ion batteries (AAIBs) requires electrode materials that combine high NH storage capacity with rapid and reversible ion transport. Herein, a metal-vacancy MXene/polyaniline (MoCT/PANI) composite is reported, in which the pseudocapacitive response is synergistically activated by introducing 0.1 m HSO into 1 m (NH)SO electrolyte.

Integrated Analysis of Single-cell and Bulk RNA-Sequencing Identifies a Signature Based on Cancer-related Fibroblast Marker Genes to Predict Prognosis and Therapy Response in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs), crucial in the tumor microenvironment, significantly influence tumorigenesis and extracellular matrix shaping. This study aimed to analyze the expression of CAF marker genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and create a prognostic signature. We included 716 LUAD patients from different cohorts, conducting a comprehensive analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, identifying 227 CAF marker genes.

Combining Soft-Templating and Post-Synthetic Methods for the Rational Design of an Amidoximated Metal-Organic Framework with Mesopores for Efficient Uranium Extraction.

Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely studied for uranium extraction from seawater to resolve the shortage of uranium resources. However, traditional MOF-based adsorbents are microporous structures, which are unfavorable to the mass transfer of guest molecules and the modification of functional groups. Herein, a novel mesoporous MOF (meso-UiO-66-NH-CN) is designed by the synergy of perchlorate and Pluronic F127, which gives meso-UiO-66-NH-CN with more accessible active sites and high mass transfer rates.

Comprehensive integration of single-cell and bulk transcriptome to reveal plasma cell heterogeneity and a prognosis signature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a low five-year survival rate, emphasising the urgent need for effective prognostic biomarkers to guide patient stratification and personalised treatment. Plasma cells (PCs), a subset of antitumor effector B cells, are known for their antibody production to target tumour-associated antigens. However, their role in HNSCC remains insufficiently characterised.

A mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection of HS and its application in monitoring food freshness and bioimaging.

Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a colorless gas produced during the spoilage of sulfur-rich foods. It is also a multi-functional signaling molecule and plays an essential role in diverse physiological systems. Herein, a ratiometric fluorescent probe (TD) for monitoring HS was rationally prepared.

Branched-Chain α Keto-Acid Dehydrogenase Kinase-Mediated AKT Phosphorylation Promotes RCC Tumorigenesis and Drug Resistance.

Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) has been implicated in promoting RCC metastasis, but its specific substrates and the mechanisms underlying its regulation of RCC progression remain poorly understood. This study uncovers a novel mechanism whereby BCKDK-mediated AKT phosphorylation drives RCC tumorigenesis and drug resistance.

Tetraaryl-functionalized hydrazine-responsive fluorescent materials with aggregation-induced emission and Photochromism for chemical sensing and time-dependent dynamic anti-counterfeiting.

Multi-stimulus-responsive materials, leveraging their dynamic tunability, demonstrate transformative potential in intelligent sensing and advanced anti-counterfeiting applications. These materials employ multimodal coordination mechanisms to perceive composite environmental stimuli simultaneously. For instance, by integrating photochromic properties with chemically responsive strategies, they enable innovative technical pathways for constructing multifunctional detection platforms and high-security anti-counterfeiting systems, thereby addressing challenges in real-time environmental monitoring and information protection.

Breed-specific gut microbiota and enterotype divergence in Chinese indigenous ducks.

The gut microbiota of domestic ducks plays an important role in digestion and absorption, immune regulation, and overall health. However, our knowledge about the gut microbial composition in ducks of various phylogeny is insufficient, especially if raised in the same farm environment. In this study, 260 fecal samples from 15 Chinese indigenous duck breeds living in a uniformed farm were collected and 16 S rRNA gene sequencing was performed.

Graphene-like MoS/C sandwiched-structures for kinetic acceleration of polysulfide conversion in LiS batteries.

Graphene-like MoS/C composites with sandwiched-structures have been fabricated through a facile hydrothermal process and subsequent annealing treatment, which are used to modify separators for LiS batteries. The sandwiched carbons could not only generate fast electronic conducting channels between MoS layers to endow MoS/C with high conductivity, but also prevent MoS layers from re-stacking to obtain few- or single-layered MoS with large amounts of active-sites for polysulfide adsorption and electro-catalysis. Therefore, the MoS/C composites could effectively promote the polysulfide conversion and LiS deposition, and the MoS/C modified polypropylene (MoS/C@PP) separators could greatly prohibit the polysulfide shuttling to enhance the electrochemical performances of LiS batteries.

Calculation analysis and design on flexural capacity of partially encased steel-concrete composite beam with web opening.

To explore a new type of steel-concrete composite beam, which can save the material to reduce the self-weight of the members, and also facilitate the arrangement of the pipeline. In this paper, a partially encased steel-concrete composite beam (PECB) with web opening is proposed. This new composite beam has several through geometric holes in the web that can be used for piping facilities to pass through.

Hierarchical meso-macroporous iron-nitrogen-coordinated carbon nanozyme: Preparation, catalytic mechanism, and used as colorimetric sensor array for on-site discrimination and detection of multiple sulfides.

Background: As commonplace food preservatives or flavor regulators, excessive intake of sulfides can bring adverse effects to harm health. Nanozyme-based sensor array enables rapid and on-time detection and discrimination of sulfide in food samples.

Results: A meso-macroporous iron-nitrogen-coordinated carbon nanozyme (mpFe-NCzyme) was synthesized and presented uniform spherical morphology with a meso-macroporous structure, resulting in large specific surface area, fully exposing and utilizing the active sites (Fe-N), and favoring the mass transport.

Terahertz Let-7a specific sensing and DNA differentiation enabled by Q-BIC metasurface and phenylboronic acid-gold nanoprobe.

Nucleic acids are genetic molecules that carry biological information, the development of accurate nucleic acid detection technology is of great significance for the treatment of some diseases. Here, we proposed a novel scheme to specific detect Let-7a (miRNA) and simultaneous discrimination from DNA based on terahertz (THz) metasurface. The metasurface is designed for supporting quasi-bound states in continuum (Q-BIC) resonance, which can effectively improve the sensing performance.

Facile fabrication of Au/PEDOT nanowire-based sensing platform for efficient detection of ractopamine in pork.

Ractopamine (RAC), illegally used in swine feed to promote lean muscle growth, seriously endangers human health (particularly children's development), necessitating rapid and accurate monitoring of its residues in pork and derived products. In this work, the well-structured gold/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanowires (Au/PEDOT NWs) were facilely synthesized via interfacial polymerization, which enabled the uniform loading of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) on/in cross-linked PEDOT NWs. The component, structure, and morphology of Au/PEDOT NWs were confirmed by series of physical characterization.

A spherical fuzzy WASPAS approach to prioritize the factors enhancing the effectiveness of physical education classroom teaching.

Enhancing the effectiveness of physical education (PE) classroom teaching is critical to fostering students' physical, mental, and social development. When assessing the alternatives for enhancing PE teaching in connection with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), the necessary criteria include the engagement level of the learner, cost control, and distribution of the resources. However, MCDM methods used in the past suffer from some limitations, such as uncertainty, vagueness, and subjectivity of experts' opinions, which leads to inefficient decision-making information.

Air quality assessment in Beijing based on cloud model.

This research employs the cloud model method to assess the outdoor air quality in Beijing over the past ten years. The study establishes standard and evaluation clouds for major air pollutants and constructs a comprehensive evaluation cloud model for the Air Quality Index (AQI) using aggregation functions and cloud model attributes. A novel normal cloud similarity measurement method based on the second-order Fréchet distance is adopted to conduct annual assessments.

All-3D-Printed PEDOT:PSS-Based Stretchable Thermoelectric Devices for Power Generation.

The development of flexible thermoelectric devices (F-TEDs) for wearable electronics has gained significant attention due to their potential for sustainable energy harvesting. However, the practical use of flexible thermoelectric materials is limited by their stretchability and the complexities of device integration, particularly with regard to mechanical performance and fabrication. To address these issues, we developed a stretchable polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-based thermoelectric composite and an all three-dimensional (3D) printing fabrication method, overcoming mechanical and manufacturing challenges to enable seamless integration in wearable electronics.

Study on the mechanical properties of lithium slag recycled fine aggregate concrete.

To promote the sustainable utilization of industrial solid wastes in concrete applications, this study systematically investigates the combined use of lithium slag (LS) as a cement replacement and recycled fine aggregates (RFA) as a substitute for river sand (RS). Through experimental analysis with a fixed water-cement ratio (0.46), we evaluated the effects of varying LS content (0-40%) and RFA replacement rates (0-30%) on concrete performance.