DHX15 and Rig-I Coordinate Apoptosis and Innate Immune Signaling by Antiviral RNase L.

During virus infection, the activation of the antiviral endoribonuclease, ribonuclease L (RNase L), by a unique ligand 2'-5'-oilgoadenylate (2-5A) causes the cleavage of single-stranded viral and cellular RNA targets, restricting protein synthesis, activating stress response pathways, and promoting cell death to establish broad antiviral effects. The immunostimulatory dsRNA cleavage products of RNase L activity (RL RNAs) recruit diverse dsRNA sensors to activate signaling pathways to amplify interferon (IFN) production and activate inflammasome, but the sensors that promote cell death are not known. In this study, we found that DEAH-box polypeptide 15 (DHX15) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (Rig-I) are essential for apoptosis induced by RL RNAs and require mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS), c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) for caspase-3-mediated intrinsic apoptosis.

Optimal Position and Orientation of an Ossicular Accelerometer for Human Auditory Prostheses.

In this study, a method for determining the optimal location and orientation of an implantable piezoelectric accelerometer on the short process of the incus is presented. The accelerometer is intended to be used as a replacement for an external microphone to enable totally implantable auditory prostheses. The optimal orientation of the sensor and the best attachment point are determined based on two criteria-maximum pressure sensitivity sum and minimum loudness level sum.

Pathological In Vivo Analysis of Helicobacter DNA Infection in Stomach Cells Using Carbon Nanotube Microsensor.

The WHO has classified Helicobacter pylori as a group 1 carcinogen for stomach cancer since early 1994. However, despite the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, only about 3% of infected people eventually develop gastric cancer.Biomolecular detections of Helicobacter pylori(HP) were compared using specially modified sensors and fluorine immobilized on a carbon nanotube (HFCNT) electrode, which yielded sensitive results.

Complexities, Benefits, Risks, and Clinical Implications of Sodium Bicarbonate Administration in Critically Ill Patients: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Sodium bicarbonate has been used in the treatment of different pathologies, such as hyperkalemia, cardiac arrest, tricyclic antidepressant toxicity, aspirin toxicity, acute acidosis, lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and adrenergic receptors' resistance to catecholamine in patients with shock. An ongoing debate about bicarbonate's efficacy and potential harm has been raised for decades because of the lack of evidence supporting its potential efficacy. Despite the guidelines' restrictions, sodium bicarbonate has been overused in clinical practice.

A Practical Clinical Approach to Navigate Pulmonary Embolism Management: A Primer and Narrative Review of the Evolving Landscape.

Advances in imaging, pharmacological, and procedural technologies have rapidly expanded the care of pulmonary embolism. Earlier, more accurate identification and quantification has enhanced risk stratification across the spectrum of the disease process, with a number of clinical tools available to prognosticate outcomes and guide treatment. Direct oral anticoagulants have enabled a consistent and more convenient long-term therapeutic option, with a greater shift toward outpatient treatment for a select group of low-risk patients.

Controlled Dynamic Microfluidic Culture of Murine, Bovine, and Human Embryos Improves Development: Proof-of-Concept Studies.

Classical preimplantation embryo culture is performed in static fluid environments. Whether a dynamic fluid environment, like the fallopian tube, is beneficial for embryo development remains to be determined across mammalian species. Objectives of these proof-of-concept studies were to determine if controllable dynamic microfluidic culture would enhance preimplantation murine, bovine, and human embryo development compared to static culture.

Neurocognitive Profile and Associated Factors Among Children Affected by Sickle Cell Disease in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/objectives: Understanding the neurocognitive profile of children with sickle cell disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo is essential, as this condition can significantly affect their development. Our study aims to assess these children's neurocognitive and developmental profiles and identify related factors.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 287 children, aged 0 to 68 months, using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Gensini Gavito Scale.

Fear of Childbirth Among Pregnant People Facing Anti-Fat Bias.

Explicit and implicit anti-fat biases are widespread among healthcare providers, leading to significant negative consequences for pregnant people, including poorer health outcomes. Fear of childbirth (FOC) can affect the length of labor, increase the risk of cesarean delivery, and negatively influence a new parent's perception of infant bonding. This study investigated the impact of perceived anti-fat bias on FOC among pregnant people.

Effect of Group Antenatal Care on Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practices Among Pregnant Women in Ghana: Findings from a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth to ensure child health and survival. Antenatal care provides an opportunity to educate pregnant women on optimal breastfeeding practices. A cluster-randomized control trial in Ghana examined the impact of group antenatal care on breastfeeding knowledge and practice.

A 15-Year Observational Cohort of Acute Empyema at a Single-Center in Japan.

Despite the advancements in diagnostic methods and antibiotic treatment, empyema is a critical respiratory infection, showing a high mortality rate of 10-25%. To evaluate the bacterial etiology and prognostic factors of acute empyema, we conducted this long-term retrospective cohort study at our institute between 2008 and 2022. A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this cohort.

The Historical Evolution and Significance of Multiple Sequence Alignment in Molecular Structure and Function Prediction.

Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) has evolved into a fundamental tool in the biological sciences, playing a pivotal role in predicting molecular structures and functions. With broad applications in protein and nucleic acid modeling, MSAs continue to underpin advancements across a range of disciplines. MSAs are not only foundational for traditional sequence comparison techniques but also increasingly important in the context of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven advancements.

Oxidative Stress in Kidney Injury and Hypertension.

Hypertension (HTN) is a major contributor to kidney damage, leading to conditions such as nephrosclerosis and hypertensive nephropathy, significant causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). HTN is also a risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) play critical roles in causing kidney injury in HTN.

Healthier Lipid Profiles of Japanese Adults, Especially in Women with Elevated High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Are Associated with Low HDL-C Peroxide Content.

Japanese adults typically have healthier lipid profiles than American and European adults and a lower prevalence and later onset of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Many Japanese also have uniquely elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The following analysis examined the relationship between HDL-C level and HDL-C peroxide content, a bioindicator of unhealthy lipid metabolism in Japanese adults.

Cellular cartography reveals mouse prostate organization and determinants of castration resistance.

Inadequate response to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) frequently arises in prostate cancer, driven by cellular mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Here, we integrated single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell multiomics, and spatial transcriptomics to define the transcriptional, epigenetic, and spatial basis of cell identity and castration response in the mouse prostate. Leveraging these data along with a meta-analysis of human prostates and prostate cancer, we identified cellular orthologs and key determinants of ADT response and resistance.

Genetically Labeled Premyelinating Oligodendrocytes: Bridging Oligodendrogenesis and Neuronal Activity.

To myelinate axons, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) must stop dividing and differentiate into premyelinating oligodendrocytes (preOLs). PreOLs are thought to survey and begin ensheathing nearby axons, and their maturation is often stalled at human demyelinating lesions. Lack of genetic tools to visualize and manipulate preOLs has left this critical differentiation stage woefully understudied.

Clinically meaningful classes of financial toxicity for patients with diabetes.

Aims: This study aims to improve the interpretability and clinical utility of the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity-Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT) by identifying distinct financial toxicity classes in adults with diabetes.

Methods: Data included a sample of 600 adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and high A1c. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients based on COST-FACIT score patterns.

Exploring novel determinants of exercise behavior: a lagged exposure-wide approach.

Unlabelled: Many middle-aged to older adults do not engage in regular exercise at all, despite its importance for healthy aging. Extensive research grounded in behavioral and social science theories has identified numerous determinants of exercise. However, few studies used an exposure-wide approach, a data-driven exploratory method particularly useful for identifying novel determinants.

The impact of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on early adolescent sleep disturbances for youth exposed to adverse childhood experiences.

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may increase the risk for adolescent sleep disturbances, though the impact of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) remains unclear.

Objective: We sought to determine the direct and moderating impact of race, ethnicity, family SES, and community SES on sleep disturbances across early adolescence for ACE-exposed youth.

Participants And Setting: This secondary analysis used longitudinal Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study® data (2016-2022) from youth who experienced ≥1 ACE by age 9-10 years.

NEK7 phosphorylation amplifies NLRP3 inflammasome activation downstream of potassium efflux and gasdermin D.

The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in innate immunity and inflammatory diseases. NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) is essential for inflammasome activation, and its interaction with NLRP3 is enhanced by K efflux. However, the mechanism by which K efflux promotes this interaction remains unknown.

Deciphering neutrophil dynamics: Enhanced phagocytosis of elastic particles and impact on vascular-targeted carrier performance.

Particle elasticity has widely been established to substantially influence immune cell clearance and circulation time of vascular-targeted carriers (VTCs). However, prior studies have primarily investigated interactions with macrophages, monocytic cell lines, and in vivo murine models. Interactions between particles and human neutrophils remain largely unexplored, although they represent a critical aspect of VTC performance.

Development of an implementation intervention to promote adoption of the COMFORT clinical practice guideline for peripartum pain management: a qualitative study.

Background: Pain management after childbirth is widely variable, increasing risk of untreated pain, opioid harms, and inequitable experiences of care. The Creating Optimal Pain Management FOR Tailoring Care (COMFORT) clinical practice guideline (CPG) seeks to promote evidence-based, equitable acute peripartum pain management in the United States. We aimed to identify contextual conditions (i.

Empathy is associated with older adults' social behaviors and verbal emotional expressions throughout the day.

Empathy plays a crucial role in promoting older adults' interpersonal experiences, but it remains unclear how these benefits of empathy occur. To address this gap, we examined associations between empathy and how older adults behave and express emotions during their daily interpersonal encounters. Participants included 268 adults aged 65+ (46% men, n = 124) from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study.

Identification of a selective pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDHK1) chemical probe by virtual screening.

PDHK1 is a non-canonical Ser/Thr kinase that negatively regulates the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), restricting entry of acetyl-CoA into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and downregulating oxidative phosphorylation. In many glycolytic tumors, PDHK1 is overexpressed to suppress activity of the PDC and cause a shift in metabolism toward an increased reliance on glycolysis (the Warburg effect). Genetic studies have shown that knockdown or knockout of PDHK1 reverts this phenotype and inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, but chemical tools to pharmacologically validate and build upon these data are lacking.

Sub-terahertz transmissive reconfigurable intelligent surface for integrated beam steering and self-OOK-modulation.

Boasting superior flexibility in beam manipulation and a simpler framework than traditional phased arrays, terahertz metasurface-based phased arrays show great promise for 5G-A/6G communication networks. Compared with the reflective reconfigurable intelligent surface (reflective RIS), the transmissive RIS (TRIS) offers more feasibility for transceiver multiplexing systems to meet the growing demand for high-performance beam tracking in terahertz communication and radar systems. However, the terahertz TRIS encounters greater challenges in phase shift, beam efficiency, and complex circuitry.

Promoter analysis reveals conserved 30-base-pair core sequences controlling the nonhair-cell preferential expression of WEREWOLF in Arabidopsis.

The root epidermis of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) consists of two distinct cell types: hair (H) cells and non-hair (N) cells, whose patterning is regulated by a network of genes. Among these, the WEREWOLF (WER) gene, encoding an R2R3 MYB transcription factor, acts as a master regulator by promoting the expression of key downstream genes, such as GLABRA2 and CAPRICE. However, the mechanisms controlling WER expression have remained largely unexplored.