Reproduction, metabolic enzyme activity, and metabolomics in earthworms Eisenia fetida exposed to different polymer microplastics.

Plastics degradation generates microplastics (MPs), posing a risk to soil function and organisms. Currently, the impact of MPs derived from different polymers remains poorly understood. In this study, the effects of three polymers (polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)) were investigated at environmentally relevant levels (0, 0.

Layer-dependent and delayed responses of disinfection by-product precursors to rainfall events in a stratified deepwater reservoir.

Rainfall events significantly increase dissolved organic matter (DOM) and disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors in the reservoir, threatening water supply security. However, the vertical variations and ecological drivers of DBP precursors in the deepwater stratified reservoir during rainfall events remain poorly understood. This study investigated DOM composition, DBP precursors, nutrients, metals, and algae in the Sanhekou Reservoir under stormwater influence.

Orbital energy level engineering: 3d high-spin Mn's d-electron mediating electronic structure of VO boosting highly durable aqueous ammonium ion batteries.

Aqueous batteries have become a prospective future energy storage system because of their low coefficient of cost and stability. However, their lower energy density limits their applications. Ammonium ions (NH) have a small hydration radius and light molar mass, and aqueous ammonium ion batteries (AAIBs) are anticipated for solving the inherent low-energy density problem of aqueous batteries.

Selenium-regulated band structure engineering in CF cathodes enables high-power and wide-temperature Li/CF primary batteries.

Li/CF primary batteries are renowned for their exceptional energy density, yet their practical deployment is hindered by the inherently sluggish kinetics of the CF cathode. This study addresses this limitation by incorporating selenium (Se) into CF (denoted as CF/Se) via a facile low-temperature thermal treatment, significantly enhancing its electrochemical performance. Comprehensive spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses reveal that Se doping induces the formation of CSe bonds, which promote semi-ionic CF bonding, thereby accelerating Li diffusion and reducing charge transfer resistance.

Structure-guided discovery of nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) scaffold-based PFKFB4 inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, with treatment efficacy often compromised by drug resistance, highlighting the urgent need for novel targeted therapies. The enzyme fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4) governs glycolytic flux by modulating fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP) levels. PFKFB4 overexpression has been observed in various cancers and correlates with tumor growth, aggressiveness, and poor prognosis.

A collagen/silk fibroin/magnesium hydroxide multifunctional sponge with enhanced mechanical strength, rapid hemostasis, and antibacterial properties for promoting infectious wound healing.

Hemostatic intervention at the bleeding site during early-phase wound management plays a crucial role in reducing trauma-induced complications and mortality, while advanced wound dressings facilitate hemorrhage control, exudate management, and antimicrobial protection to promote optimal healing outcomes. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional collagen/silk fibroin/Mg(OH)₂ (Col/SF/Mg(OH)₂) composite sponge combining enhanced mechanical strength, rapid hemostasis, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The incorporation of silk fibroin (SF) through covalent crosslinking increased the elastic modulus by 4.

Unveiling the binding details of berberine mid-chain fatty acid salts on lysozyme: Multi-spectroscopy and molecular docking.

The interactions of three berberine mid-chain fatty acid salts ([BBR][C], n = 6, 7, 8) with lysozyme (Lyz) are investigated in detail using multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques. Steady-state fluorescence and UV-visible absorption experiments suggest that the binding mechanism of [BBR][C] on Lyz is a static quenching with a binding ratio of 1:1. The compound [BBR][C] exhibits a moderate binding affinity toward Lyz.

Viscosity-sensitive fluorescent probes based on the hemicyanine for the organelle-specific visualization during autophagy and ferroptosis.

The dynamic monitoring of cell death processes remains a significant challenge due to the scarcity of highly sensitive molecular tools. In this study, two hemicyanine-based probes (5a-5b) with D-π-A structures were developed for organelle-specific viscosity monitoring. Both probes exhibited correlation with the Förster-Hoffmann viscosity-dependent relationship (R > 0.

Resolve and regulate: Alum nanoplatform coordinating STING availability and agonist delivery for enhanced anti-tumor immunotherapy.

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway represents a promising target in cancer immunotherapy. However, the clinical translation of cyclic dinucleotide (CDN)-based STING agonists remains hindered by insufficient formation of functional CDN-STING complexes. This critical bottleneck arises from two interdependent barriers: inefficient cytosolic CDN delivery and tumor-specific STING silencing via DNA methyltransferase-mediated promoter hypermethylation.

Asymmetric Fe-O-Ni Pair Sites in Two-Step Dealloyed Prussian Blue Analogue Nanocubes Enrich Linear-Adsorbed Intermediates for Efficient Oxygen Evolution.

Ni-Fe (oxy)hydroxides are among the most active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts in alkaline media. However, achieving precise control over local asymmetric Fe-O-Ni active sites in Ni-Fe oxyhydroxides for key oxygenated intermediates' adsorption steric configuration regulation of the OER is still challenging. Herein, we report a two-step dealloying strategy to fabricate asymmetric Fe-O-Ni pair sites in the shell of NiOOH@FeOOH/NiOOH heterostructures from NiFe Prussian blue analogue (PBA) nanocubes, involving anion exchange and structure reconstruction.

Photofunctionalization of Light Alkanes by FeO/BCN at 12 °C.

The activation of methane and other gaseous hydrocarbons at low temperature remains a substantial challenge for the chemistry community. Here, we report an anaerobic photosystem based on crystalline borocarbonitride (BCN) supported Fe-O nanoclusters, which can selectively functionalize C-H bonds of methane, ethane, and higher alkanes to value-added organic chemicals at 12 °C. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy corroborated the ultrafine FeOOH and FeO species in Fe-O clusters, which enhanced the interfacial charge transfer/separation of BCN as well as the chemisorption of methane.

20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 Inhibits Neuroinflammation Induced by Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Regulating the Toll-Like Receptor 4/Myeloid Differentiation Factor-88/Nuclear Factor Kappa B Signaling Pathway.

20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 can reduce the effects of oxidative stress and cell death in cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury (CIRI). Neuroinflammation is crucial post-CIRI, but how 20(R)-Rg3 affects ischemia‒reperfusion-induced neuroinflammation is unclear. To study 20(R)-Rg3's effects on neuroinflammation and neuronal preservation in stroke models and explore toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor-88/nuclear factor kappa B (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) pathway mechanisms.

Umbelliferone Alleviates Sleep Deprivation Induced Cognitive Impairment through the Modulation of Gut Microbiota.

Sleep deprivation (SD) is a major contributor to cognitive impairment, often accompanied by central neuroinflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The tryptophan (TRP) pathway, activated via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), serves as a critical link between immune activation and neuronal damage. Umbelliferone (UMB), a naturally occurring coumarin compound, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and microbiota-modulating properties.

Bidirectional Modulation of α-Glucosidase by Steroidal Saponins From Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium: Inhibitory and Activating Effects Align With the Yin-Yang Balance Theory.

Three new steroidal saponins, kingianoside L-N (1-3), whose structures were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, and 15 known compounds (4-18) were isolated from Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium, a source of the traditional antihyperglycemic medicine Polygonati rhizome. The effects of compounds 1-13 on α-glucosidase activity were evaluated in vitro.

Design, Synthesis, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel Thiazolyl-Based Compounds Incorporating Bioactive Amide and Hydrazide Groups.

In recent years, the hydrazide skeleton, as a pivotal class of nitrogen-containing structures, has garnered considerable attention in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis owing to its unique chemical versatility and broad-spectrum biological activities. In this study, a series of thiazole-containing benzoylhydrazine derivatives -, -, and - with structural divergence from conventional hydrazide-based molecular frameworks were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antifungal/antioomycete activities. The antifungal/antioomycete assay showed that some of the targeted compounds exhibited remarkable and broad-spectrum antifungal activities.

The Essence of Nature Can be the Simplest (6)-Lifespan: Determined by Extracellular Fenton Chemistry.

Understanding the determinants of lifespan is a central objective in biology. Lifespan is shaped by dynamic, stage-specific changes in metabolism, energy allocation, and genome integrity. Heart rate serves as a physiological marker that reflects both life stage and metabolic state.

ANASFV: a workflow for African swine fever virus whole-genome analysis.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is highly transmissible and can cause up to 100% mortality in pigs. The virus has spread across most regions of Asia and Europe, resulting in the deaths of millions of pigs. A deep understanding of the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of ASFV is necessary to effectively manage outbreaks.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Targeting Androgenetic Alopecia: How Far Can We Go Beyond Minoxidil and Finasteride?

The prevalence of AGA is continuously rising, with an earlier age of onset. Currently, only minoxidil and finasteride have received FDA approval for the treatment of AGA, inadequately addressing the pressing clinical needs. Recently, the involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in AGA has attracted increased research interest.

Convergent Paired Electrolysis Enables Electrochemical Halogen-Atom Transfer-Mediated Alkyl Radical Cross-Coupling.

The direct cross-coupling of unactivated alkyl halides with aryl or heteroaryl partners remains a fundamental challenge in synthetic chemistry due to their inertness and propensity for side reactions. Herein, we report a transition-metal-free electrochemical halogen-atom transfer strategy that enables efficient alkyl radical cross-coupling via convergent paired electrolysis. In this system, anodically generated α-aminoalkyl radicals mediate the activation of alkyl iodides, while aryl/heteroaryl aldehydes or nitriles undergo cathodic reduction to afford persistent ketyl radical anions or aryl radical anions.

Electrochemical Trifluoromethylation/1,5-HAT Reaction of -Cyanamide Alkenes: Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Cyclic Amidines and -Acryloylpyrrolidin-2-one Derivatives.

The electrochemical trifluoromethylation/1,5-HAT of -cyanamide alkenes with CFSONa has been achieved to construct trifluoromethylated cyclic amidines and -acryloylpyrrolidin-2-one derivatives. This transformation was performed with readily available starting materials under mild conditions and required neither oxidants nor transition metal catalysts, exhibiting high atom economy.

Unveiling additive effects on molecular packing and charge transfer in organic solar cells: an AIMD and DFT study.

Additive assisted strategies play a crucial role in optimizing the morphology and improving the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs), yet the molecular-level mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we employ molecular dynamics (AIMD) and density functional theory (DFT) to elucidate the influence of typical additives of 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) and 3,5-dichlorobromobenzene (DCBB) on molecular packing, electronic structures, and charge transport. It can be observed that both additives can enhance the stacking properties of the donor and acceptor materials, yet they have different effects on the local electrostatic environment.

1p-Enh-regulated CYP4B1 alleviates NNK-induced heart failure and lung cancer via the STAT3 pathway.

Heart failure (HF) and lung cancer (LC) often coexist, yet their shared molecular mechanisms are unclear. We analyzed transcriptome data from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE141910, GSE57338) to identify 346 HF‑related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), then combined weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) pinpointed 70 hub candidates. Further screening of these 70 hub candidates in TCGA lung cancer cohorts via LASSO, Random Forest, and multivariate Cox regression suggested CYP4B1 as the only independent prognostic marker.

Multi-sphere Cascade DNA Reaction Amplified "On-Super On-Off" PEC Sensor for Sensitive Detection of Pax-5a Gene.

Pax-5a gene, as a nucleic acid biomarker closely associated with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), holds significant potential for early disease diagnosis. In this study, we developed a highly accurate and efficient "on-super on-off" photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor based on a dual-photoelectrode heterojunction system integrated with a multisphere cascade DNA amplification strategy. The designed heterojunction dual-photoelectrode platform, comprising a InO/CdS photoanode (on state) and an in situ-formed MIL-68(In)/InO (MIO) photocathode, effectively extends the electron-hole transport pathway, enhances photogenerated charge separation, and produces high-amplitude signal output (super on state), thereby providing a robust baseline for signal transduction.

sp. nov., a novel halotolerant, flexirubin-type pigment-producing bacterium of the family .

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated 14752, was isolated from a saline lake in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The strain was subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain 14752 was able to grow at 4-40 ℃ (optimum 28 ℃), pH 6.

Molecular engineering for bitterness masking of natural products: from decoding structure-taste relationships to structure-driven bitterness suppression.

Natural products have emerged as a vital source of active ingredients in medicine, food, and cosmetics due to their unique biological activities, safety profiles, and sustainability. However, most bioactive compounds in natural products are intensely bitter, limiting their use in pharmaceuticals and foods. The bitter taste attributes vary markedly among different compound classes, predominantly due to their structural characteristics.