Description of a new music frog (Anura, Ranidae, ) critically endangered in Taiwan.

(Boettger, 1895) is a small-sized ranid species belonging to the East Asian genus Dubois, 1992. Previous studies have indicated that this species was exclusively distributed on Ishigaki and Iriomote islands in the southern Ryukyus, as well as two extremely small wetland habitats in central Taiwan. Such a restricted distribution makes it one of the most endangered frog species in both Taiwan and Japan.

Allopatric Speciation and Interspecific Gene Flow Driven by Niche Conservatism of Diploderma Tree Lizards in Taiwan.

Allopatric speciation is a widely accepted hypothesis for species distributed across geographic barriers. Meanwhile, niche conservatism, the tendency of species to retain their ancestral ecological traits, helps reinforce genetic differentiation by stabilising species distributions over time and reducing the role of competition in shaping range boundaries. In contrast, hybridisation can occur at the edges of distribution after secondary contact following climatic or geological events, leading to a reduction in genetic divergence between divergent lineages.

Analysis of clinical and imaging characteristics of pseudocirrhosis in breast cancer liver metastasis.

Background: Pseudocirrhosis that may be triggered by the treatment of breast cancer liver metastasis often begins insidiously and progresses rapidly. This complicates the accurate assessment of tumor growth or regression. Without timely intervention, patients are at significant risk of death due to acute liver failure or bleeding from ruptured varices.

Recombinant human collagen XVII protects skin basement membrane integrity by inhibiting the MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways.

Collagen XVII is a key component linking the cytoskeleton to the basement membrane, serving an essential role in maintaining skin integrity. With the advancement of synthetic biology, recombinant human collagen XVII (RHCXVII) has emerged as a promising novel collagen material. The present study aimed to elucidate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of RHCXVII in protecting skin basement membrane integrity.

Exploring the Active Constituents of in Protecting the Skin Barrier and the Synergistic Effects with Collagen XVII.

is mainly used to treat skin inflammations, wounds, and infections. In this study, Andrographis Herba, the aerial part of the plant, was proven to increase the viability of UVB-damaged HaCat cells and reduce reactive oxygen species levels. The chemical composition of Andrographis Herba extract (AHE) was analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and diterpene lactones were identified as its primary constituents.

Multicolor Emission in -Carborane Derivatives Induced by Conformation Diversity through C-C Double Bond Substitution.

Rationally designed molecules with versatile conformations are ideal candidates for creating challenging single component-based multicolor emissive materials. Herein, a new strategy is presented by introducing a C-C double bond in an -carborane derivative. Compared to a linear connection using a C-C triple bond (CbPyY), a C-C double bond connection (CbPyE) exhibited a zigzag structure and unique fluorescence behavior.

Hidden social complexity behind vocal and acoustic communication in non-avian reptiles.

Social interactions are inevitable in the lives of most animals, since most essential behaviours require interaction with conspecifics, such as mating and competing for resources. Non-avian reptiles are typically viewed as solitary animals that predominantly use their vision and olfaction to communicate with conspecifics. Nevertheless, in recent years, evidence is mounting that some reptiles can produce sounds and have the potential for acoustic communication.

Adipose-derived stem cells promote glycolysis and peritoneal metastasis via TGF-β1/SMAD3/ANGPTL4 axis in colorectal cancer.

Peritoneal metastasis, the third most common metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC), has a poor prognosis for the rapid progression and limited therapeutic strategy. However, the molecular characteristics and pathogenesis of CRC peritoneal metastasis are poorly understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate the action and mechanism of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), a prominent component of the peritoneal microenvironment, in CRC peritoneal metastasis formation.

Trained quantity discrimination in invasive red-eared slider and a comparison with the native stripe-necked turtle.

Little is known about the behavioral and cognitive traits that best predict invasion success. Evidence is mounting that cognitive performance correlates with survival and fecundity, two pivotal factors for the successful establishment of invasive populations. We assessed the quantity discrimination ability of the globally invasive red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).

Graph theoretical analysis and independent component analysis of diabetic optic neuropathy: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the resting-state functional connectivity and topologic characteristics of brain networks in patients with diabetic optic neuropathy (DON).

Methods: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed on 23 patients and 41 healthy control (HC) subjects. We used independent component analysis and graph theoretical analysis to determine the topologic characteristics of the brain and as well as functional network connectivity (FNC) and topologic properties of brain networks.

Common but ignored: a new species of (Chordata, Reptilia, Squamata, Gekkonidae) from lowland Sumatra Barat, Indonesia.

The lowland region of Sumatra Barat has received little attention in previous biodiversity studies. Past studies have mainly focused on highland habitat and conservation areas. However, many populations of in the lowland habitats of Sumatra Barat were not correctly identified.

Altered functional brain networks in coronary heart disease: independent component analysis and graph theoretical analysis.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) confers a high risk of cognitive and mental impairments in patients. This study aimed to explore the association of CHD with functional connectivity and topological properties of brain networks. A total of 27 patients with CHD and 44 healthy controls (HCs) participated in this study and underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scan.

A new species of the complex (Chordata, Reptilia, Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Sumatra Barat, Indonesia.

Among the six species of occurring in Sumatra, two species were described based on non-Sumatran type series, and . The latter species was described originally from Thailand thus the wider distribution in Sumatra should be clarified taxonomically. from Sumatra Barat was examined using both morphology and the Natrium Dehydrogenase Subunit 2 (ND2) gene to clarify its taxonomic status and phylogenetic placement.

Sustainable synthesis of lignin-derived carbon dots with visible pH response for Fe detection and bioimaging.

Synthesis of lignin-based carbon dots (LCDs) with high quantum yield (QY), stable fluorescence properties and biocompatibility has been a challenge. Here, we propose an improved two-step strategy for producing high-quality LCDs from enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL). The p-aminobenzenesulfonic acid used in the strategy not only provides nitrogen and sulfur elements, but also tailors the disordered three-dimensional structure of EHL.

MACC1 and Gasdermin-E (GSDME) regulate the resistance of colorectal cancer cells to irinotecan.

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is an oncogene associated with the progression and metastasis of many solid cancer entities. High expression of MACC1 is found in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. So far, the role of MACC1 in CRC cell pyroptosis and resistance to irinotecan is unclear.

Research Progress of Chitosan-based Multifunctional Nanoparticles in Cancer Targeted Therapy.

Conventional tumor therapeutic modalities, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, involve low tumor inhibition efficiency, non-targeted drug delivery, and side effects. The development of novel and practical nano-drug delivery systems (DDSs) for targeted tumor therapy has become particularly important. Among various bioactive nanoparticles, chitosan is considered a suitable candidate for drug delivery due to its nontoxicity, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability.

NF-κB Activator 1 downregulation in macrophages activates STAT3 to promote adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition and immunosuppression in colorectal cancer.

Background: Adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition is a key feature of colorectal cancer (CRC) occurrence and is closely regulated by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and CD8 T cells. Here, we investigated the effect of the NF-κB activator 1 (Act1) downregulation of macrophages in the adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition.

Methods: This study used spontaneous adenoma-developing Apc, macrophage-specific Act1-knockdown (anti-Act1), and Apc; anti-Act1 (AA) mice.

Intrinsic brain abnormalities in chronic rhinosinusitis associated with mood and cognitive function.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) poses a risk for developing emotional and cognitive disorders. However, the neural evidence for this association is largely unclear. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) analysis can demonstrate abnormal brain activity and functional connectivity and contribute to explaining the potential pathophysiology of CRS-related mood and cognitive alterations.