Engineered extracellular vesicles with DR5 agonistic scFvs simultaneously target tumor and immunosuppressive stromal cells.

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are nanosized vesicles. Death receptor 5 (DR5) mediates extrinsic apoptosis. We engineer DR5 agonistic single-chain variable fragment (scFv) expression on the surface of sEVs derived from natural killer cells.

Programmable DNA Nanoswitch-Regulated Plasmonic CRISPR/Cas12a-Gold Nanostars Reporter Platform for Nucleic Acid and Non-Nucleic Acid Biomarker Analysis Assisted by a Spatial Confinement Effect.

CRISPR/Cas 12a system based nucleic acid and non-nucleic acid targets detection faces two challenges including (1) multiple crRNAs are needed for multiple biomarkers detection and (2) insufficient sensitivity resulted from photobleaching of fluorescent dyes and the low kinetic cleavage rate for a traditional single-strand (ssDNA) reporter. To address these limitations, we developed a programmable DNA nanoswitch (NS)-regulated plasmonic CRISPR/Cas12a-gold nanostars (Au NSTs) reporter platform for detection of nucleic acid and non-nucleic acid biomarkers with the assistance of the spatial confinement effect. Through simply programming the target recognition sequence in NS, only one crRNA is required to detect both nucleic acid and non-nucleic acid biomarkers.

Porous Silicon Particle-Assisted Mass Spectrometry Technology Unlocks Serum Metabolic Fingerprints in the Progression From Chronic Hepatitis B to Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy and generally develops from liver cirrhosis (LC), which is primarily caused by the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus. Reliable liquid biopsy methods for HCC screening in high-risk populations are urgently needed. Here, we establish a porous silicon-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (PSALDI-MS) technology to profile metabolite information hidden in human serum in a high throughput manner.

Robustness of machine learning predictions for Fe-Co-Ni alloys prepared by various synthesis methods.

Developing high-performance alloys is essential for applications in advanced electromagnetic energy conversion devices. In this study, we assess Fe-Co-Ni alloy compositions identified in our previous work through a machine learning (ML) framework, which used both multi-property ML models and multi-objective Bayesian optimization to design compositions with predicted high values of saturation magnetization, Curie temperature, and Vickers hardness. Experimental validation was conducted on two promising compositions synthesized using three different methods: arc melting, ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS), and chemical synthesis followed by SPS.

TRIF-TAK1 signaling suppresses caspase-8/3-mediated GSDMD/E activation and pyroptosis in influenza A virus-infected airway epithelial cells.

Pyroptosis plays an important role in attracting innate immune cells to eliminate infected niches. Our study focuses on how influenza A virus (IAV) infection triggers pyroptosis in respiratory epithelial cells. Here, we report that IAV infection induces pyroptosis in a human and murine airway epithelial cell line.

The attraction effect of cleaning air on migrants in China: A comparative analysis with the contribution of wage and house prices.

Air pollution poses significant health risks and influences migration patterns, making it a global concern with widespread implications. Understanding its effects on where migrants choose to reside can provide insights for addressing environmental and social challenges. Matching micro-survey data of 1.

Association of iron deficiency with kidney outcome and all-cause mortality in chronic kidney disease patients without anemia.

Background: Iron deficiency is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), even in those without anemia. However, the effects of iron deficiency on CKD progression and all-cause mortality in non-dialysis-dependent CKD (NDD-CKD) patients without anemia remain incompletely understood.

Methods: This multicenter retrospective nationwide cohort study included adult patients with non-anemia NDD-CKD from 24 hospitals across China.

Nonacademic predictors of China medical licensing examination.

Background: National Medical Licensing Examination (NMLE) is the entrance exam for medical practice in China, and its general medical knowledge test (GMKT) evaluates abilities of medical students to comprehensively apply medical knowledge to clinical practice. This study aimed to identify nonacademic predictors of GMKT performance, which would benefit medical schools in designing appropriate strategies and techniques to facilitate the transition from medical students to qualified medical practitioners.

Methods: In 1202 medical students, we conducted the deletion-substitution-addition (DSA) and structural equation model (SEM) analyses to identify nonacademic predictors of GMKT performance from 98 candidate variables including early life events, physical conditions, psychological and personality assessments, cognitive abilities, and socioeconomic conditions.

Identifying effective immune biomarkers in alopecia areata diagnosis based on machine learning methods.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common non-scarring hair loss disorder associated with autoimmune conditions. However, the pathobiology of AA is not well understood, and there is no targeted therapy available for AA.  METHODS: In this study, differential gene expression analysis, immune status assessment, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and functional enrichment analysis were performed to identify shared genes associated with both immunological response and AA.

Modeling bacterial interactions uncovers the importance of outliers in the coastal lignin-degrading consortium.

Lignin, as the abundant carbon polymer, is essential for carbon cycle and biorefinery. Microorganisms interact to form communities for lignin biodegradation, yet it is a challenge to understand such complex interactions. Here, we develop a coastal lignin-degrading bacterial consortium (LD), through "top-down" enrichment.

Chitosan-pullulan edible coating loaded with dihydromyricetin: Enhanced antioxidant activity and barrier properties to prolong Cantonese sausages' shelf-life.

Cantonese sausages are susceptible to oxidative deterioration during storage. Compared with synthetic antioxidants, dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a natural active substance with various functions such as antioxidant and antimicrobial. In this study, edible coating solutions loaded with DMY were prepared based on chitosan (CS) and pullulan (PUL) to prolong the shelf-life of Cantonese sausages.

Association between systemic inflammatory response index and cerebral small vessel disease.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD), focusing on its key imaging markers.

Methods: We enrolled 344 patients admitted to the neurology department between January 2022 and September 2024, comprising 223 patients diagnosed with CSVD and 121 without CSVD. Baseline characteristics were compared between groups, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of SIRI on CSVD risk.

Getting closer to the coronary arteries: A bibliometric analysis of CT-based adipose tissue imaging in coronary artery disease.

The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of CT-based adipose tissue imaging related to coronary artery disease (CAD) to investigate the dynamic development of this field. Web of Science Core Collection was used as our data source to identify relevant documents limited to articles or review articles and written in English with no time restrictions. Then we analyzed the whole trend of publications and utilized VOSviewer and Bibliometrix to conduct a bibliometric analysis including citations, keywords, countries, institutions, authors as well as co-citation analyses of cited references and sources.

A multiplex fluorescent microsphere immunochromatography assay for simultaneous detection of phorate, fenthion, and profenofos.

The mass production and use of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) have led to a threat to human health. Therefore, establishing a sensitive, rapid, and high-throughput detection method is of great importance. In this study, computer-aided molecular design was firstly applied to design the specific haptens of phorate (PHO), fenthion (FEN), and profenofos (PRO), and high-performance monoclonal antibodies against PHO, FEN, and PRO were prepared.

Manganese(III)-Mediated Selective Cascade Phosphorylation-Cyclization of Tertiary Enamides for the Synthesis of Multi-Substituted 3-Phosphorylpyridines.

A novel regioselective manganese(III)-mediated radical cascade cyclization of N-propargyl enamides with various H-phosphine oxides, H-phosphinates and H-phosphonates was developed. Mechanistic studies show that the reaction is mainly composed of the selective addition of phosphonyl radical to C≡C bond and the intramolecular 6--trig cyclization of vinyl radical. Utilizing this protocol, we successfully synthesized a diverse range of 3-phosphorylpyridines in high efficiency with good functional group compatibility and simple operation.

A practical distribution pattern of α-SMA-positive carcinoma associated fibroblasts indicates poor prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Purpose The present study aimed to clarify the distribution pattern of carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs) across pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its prognostic prediction value. Methods Data of two cohorts were retrospectively collected from consecutive patients who underwent primary pancreatic resection from January 2015 to December 2017. We used tumor specimens to screen out the most suitable markers for the spatial distribution analysis for CAFs subpopulations.

Survival and early outcomes following lung transplantation for interstitial lung disease associated with non-scleroderma connective tissue disease: a national cohort study.

Objectives: The progressive decline in interstitial lung disease associated with non-scleroderma connective tissue disease (ILD-NSCTD) is linked to poor prognosis and frequently results in respiratory failure. Lung transplantation (LTx) offers a viable treatment option, yet its outcomes in ILD-NSCTD remain contentious, particularly across different subtypes.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n=11,610) and ILD-NSCTD (n=610) listed in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database who underwent lung transplantation between May 5, 2005, and December 31, 2022.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Eosinophilia (FAB AML-M4Eo) having NPM1/DNMT3A/IDH2 Gene Mutations and t(5;12)(q31;p13).

Background: AML-M4Eo is a type of AML characterized by malignant proliferation of granulocyte and monocyte precursor cells accompanied by eosinophilia. Patients present as anemia, infection, bleeding, and tissue and organ infiltration. MICM classification makes the classification of AML more accurate and lays a foundation for the correct treatment and prognosis of AML.

Grass carp reovirus VP4 manipulates TOLLIP to degrade STING for inhibition of IFN production.

Unlabelled: Although fish possess an effective interferon (IFN) system to defend against viral infection, grass carp reovirus (GCRV) still causes epidemic hemorrhagic disease and tremendous economic loss in grass carp. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the immune escape strategies employed by GCRV. In this study, we show that the structural protein VP4 of GCRV (encoded by the S6 segment) significantly restricts IFN expression by degrading stimulator of IFN genes (STING) through the autophagy-lysosome-dependent pathway.

A discrete choice experiment on Chinese parents' preferences of vaccine schedules against six childhood infectious diseases.

Background: China's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) provides vaccinations against 12 vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) at no cost to families. For some VPDs, parents may opt to substitute equivalent non-program vaccines, including combination vaccines, for EPI vaccines; substitute vaccines must be paid for by the family. Although parents have several choices for vaccinating their children, their preferences for vaccines and immunization schedules have not been systematically evaluated.

Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio as an independent predictor of long-term mortality in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients: A propensity score-matched study: UACR and Long-term Mortality in ASCVD.

Background And Aims: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of mortality, and while the association between the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and cardiovascular risk is recognized, the specific impact of UACR on the long-term survival of ASCVD patients remains not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of UACR on the long-term risk of all-cause mortality in patients with ASCVD.

Methods: This study included ASCVD patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018.

Dietary patterns and cardiovascular diseases among Chinese high-risk population aged 35 years and older: A 6-year cohort study.

This study aims to investigate the dietary patterns of Chinese individuals aged 35 years and older who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to explore the correlation between these dietary patterns and the risk of CVD. A total of 28,747 high-risk participants in China PEACE in Zhejiang Province from 2014 to 2019 were included in the analysis Dietary data were obtained using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, and dietary patterns were extracted through factor analysis. Cox regression was used to examine the relationship between the dietary patterns and CVD risk in the high-risk groups.