Low Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA5248, XBB15 and JN1 by Homologous Booster and Breakthrough Infection.

Immunity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be induced through either infection with the virus or vaccination, providing protection against reinfection or reducing the risk of severe clinical outcomes. In this study, we recruited 172 volunteers who received different vaccination regimens, including 124 individuals who had recovered from breakthrough infections caused by the Omicron variant (27 with 2 doses, 49 with 3 doses, and 48 with 4 doses) and 48 healthy donors who did not experience breakthrough infections (all of whom received a fourth dose during the infection wave). We measured neutralizing antibody levels against Omicron BA.

Inflammation and Immune Escape in Ovarian Cancer: Pathways and Therapeutic Opportunities.

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, largely due to its late-stage diagnosis and high recurrence rates. Chronic inflammation is a critical driver of OC progression, contributing to immune evasion, tumor growth, and metastasis. Inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8, as well as key signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), are upregulated in OC, promoting a tumor-promoting environment.

Rate estimation and trend analysis of new HIV infections among the international migrant population in Chile from 2013 to 2022.

Background: International migrants are central to HIV research, but comparative data on their infection rates versus resident populations, including in Chile, are scarce. This study compares HIV incidence rates between international migrants and Chileans.

Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted.

CDKN3 as a key regulator of G2M phase in triple-negative breast cancer: Insights from multi-transcriptomic analysis.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the need for precise identification of patients with specific therapeutic targets and those at high risk of metastasis. This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets for personalized treatment of TNBC patients by elucidating their roles in cell cycle regulation. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified 83 hub genes by integrating gene expression profiles with clinical pathological grades.

Standard operating procedure combined with comprehensive quality control system for multiple LC-MS platforms urinary proteomics.

Urinary proteomics is emerging as a potent tool for detecting sensitive and non-invasive biomarkers. At present, the comparability of urinary proteomics data across diverse liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platforms remains an area that requires investigation. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of urinary proteome across multiple LC-MS platforms.

Clinical and biochemical factors associated with amygdalar metabolic activity.

We investigated clinical factors and biochemical markers associated with amygdalar metabolic activity evaluated by [F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in 346 subjects without a history of malignant neoplasms. Univariate regression analysis revealed significant relationships between amygdalar metabolic activity and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin, coronary artery disease (CAD) history, aspirin use, oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) use, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). In multiple stepwise regression analysis, FPG and CAD history were independently associated with amygdalar metabolic activity.

Analysis of Refractive Index Sensing Properties of a Hybrid Hollow Cylindrical Tetramer Array.

In recent years, metal surface plasmon resonance sensors and dielectric guided-mode resonance sensors have attracted the attention of researchers. Metal sensors are sensitive to environmental disturbances but have high optical losses, while dielectric sensors have low losses but limited sensitivity. To overcome these limitations, hybrid resonance sensors that combine the advantages of metal and dielectric were proposed to achieve a high sensitivity and a high factor at the same time.

Exploring the role of metabolic pathways in TNBC immunotherapy: insights from single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.

The article provides an overview of the current understanding of the interplay between metabolic pathways and immune function in the context of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It highlights recent advancements in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies, which have revolutionized the analysis of tumor heterogeneity and the immune microenvironment in TNBC. The review emphasizes the crucial role of metabolic reprogramming in modulating immune cell function, discussing how specific metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, can directly impact the activity and phenotypes of various immune cell populations within the TNBC tumor microenvironment.

Astragaloside IV inhibits retinal pigment epithelial cell senescence and reduces IL-1β mRNA stability by targeting FTO-mediated mA methylation.

Background: Resistance to senescence in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells can delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the mechanisms underlying RPE cell senescence remain inadequately understood, and effective therapeutic strategies are lacking. While astragaloside IV (Ast) has demonstrated anti-aging properties, its specific effects on RPE cell senescence and potential mechanisms are not yet fully clarified.

tDDA: A Targeted Data-Dependent Acquisition Mode for Rapid Screening of Targets in Complex Matrices.

Miniaturized mass spectrometers offer significant potential for in situ analysis due to their high specificity and portability. In traditional data-dependent acquisition (DDA) mode, precursor ions for tandem analysis are selected based on the full-scan mass spectrum. However, in situ applications often require the direct analysis of complex samples without extensive sample pretreatment, making them susceptible to chemical noise that can result in false negatives.

Insight into interplay between PANoptosis and autophagy: novel therapeutics in ischemic stroke.

PANoptosis is a novelly defined mode of programmed cell death that involves the activation of multiple cellular death pathways, including pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, triggering robust inflammatory reactions. Autophagy is a crucial cellular process that maintains cellular homeostasis and protects cells from various stresses. PANoptosis and autophagy, both vital players in the intricate pathological progression of ischemic stroke (IS), a brain ailment governed by intricate cell death cascades, have garnered attention in recent years for their potential interplay.

Changes in nutritional management after gastrointestinal cancer surgery over a 12-year period: a cohort study using a nationwide medical claims database.

Background: Nutritional management in patients after gastrointestinal cancer surgery has changed throughout the 2000s. However, its evolution has not been formally studied. This study aimed to evaluate changes in nutritional management using real-world data.

A novel peptide encoded by circSRCAP confers resistance to enzalutamide by inhibiting the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of AR-V7 in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Background: The sustained activation of androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7) is a key factor in the resistance of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) to second-generation anti-androgens such as enzalutamide (ENZ). The AR/AR-V7 protein is regulated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase STUB1 and a complex involving HSP70, but the precise mechanism remains unclear.

Methods: High-throughput RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) in ENZ-resistant and control CRPC cells.

Diversity, characterization, and biotechnological potential of plant growth-promoting bacteria from Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) (Crassulaceae) roots and rhizosphere soil.

Cultivable microbial communities associated with plants inhabiting extreme environments have great potential in biotechnological applications. However, there is a lack of knowledge about these microorganisms from Bryophyllum pinnatum (which survives in severely barren soil) and their ability to promote plant growth. The present study focused on the isolation, identification, biochemical characterization, and potential applications of root endophytic bacteria and rhizosphere bacteria.

A study on the exploration of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease based on decision-making cognitive computing.

Mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD-MCI) as an independent risk factor for dementia in Parkinson's disease has prognostic value in predicting dementia in PD patients. It was found that the calculation of cognitive function decision-making could better evaluate the cognitive function of PD-MCI. Therefore, this study explored deficits in decision-making cognitive function in PD-MCI population, and mined novel digital biomarkers for recognizing early cognitive decline in PD-MCI through an independently designed maze decision-making digital assessment paradigm.

Non-invasive electron paramagnetic resonance imaging detects tumor redox imbalance induced by ferroptosis.

Targeting ferroptosis, cell death caused by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides, and disruption of the redox balance are promising strategies in cancer therapy owing to the physiological characteristics of cancer cells. However, the detection of ferroptosis using imaging remains challenging. We previously reported that redox maps showing the reduction power per unit time of implanted tumor tissues via non-invasive redox imaging using a novel, compact, and portable electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) device could be compared with tumor tissue sections.

Meibomian gland alterations in allergic conjunctivitis: insights from a novel quantitative analysis algorithm.

Purpose: To investigate the changes in meibomian gland (MG) structure in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) patients using an intelligent quantitative analysis algorithm and to explore the relationship between these changes and clinical parameters.

Methods: A total of 252 eyes from patients with AC and 200 eyes from normal controls were examined. Infrared meibography was performed using the non-contact mode of the Keratograph 5M.

Three-dimensional whole-body imaging of the bioreduction and clearance of nitroxide probes in the thoracic and abdominal regions of mice using a compact and mobile electron paramagnetic resonance imager.

Purpose: Redox homeostasis plays a key role in regulating the overall health and development of organisms. This study aimed to develop a compact and mobile continuous-wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imager to facilitate stable, highly sensitive fast three-dimensional (3D) whole-body imaging of nitroxide-infused mice.

Methods: A multiturn loop gap resonator with a diameter of 30 mm and length of 35 mm was designed for whole-body EPR imaging.

Five new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids with oxygen-containing heterocyclic systems from Curcuma longa.

Five new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids (1-5) were isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, and all of them were oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, and their absolute configurations were confirmed through electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All of the compounds were evaluated for their vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effects of Curcuma phaeocaulis essential oil and its representative compound isocurcumenol.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The rhizomes of Curcuma phaeocaulis Val. are a Rhizoma curcumae source in Chinese pharmacopoeia, and this traditional Chinese medicine has been extensively used in China to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. However, little is known regarding the vasodilatory effects and underlying mechanisms.

miR-199a-3p mitigates simulated microgravity-induced cardiac remodeling by targeting MEF2C.

Microgravity-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction present significant challenges to long-term spaceflight, highlighting the urgent need to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and develop precise countermeasures. Previous studies have outlined the important role of miRNAs in cardiovascular disease progression, with miR-199a-3p playing a crucial role in myocardial injury repair and the maintenance of cardiac function. However, the specific role and expression pattern of miR-199a-3p in microgravity-induced cardiac remodeling remain unclear.

A nanobody-enzyme fusion protein targeting PD-L1 and sialic acid exerts anti-tumor effects by C-type lectin pathway-mediated tumor associated macrophages repolarizing.

Aberrant sialylated glycosylation in the tumor microenvironment is a novel immune suppression pathway, which has garnered significant attention as a targetable glycoimmune checkpoint for cancer immunotherapy to address the dilemma of existing therapies. However, rational drug design and in-depth mechanistic studies are urgently required for tumor sialic acid to become valuable glycoimmune targets. In this study, we explored the positive correlation of PD-L1 and sialyltransferase expression in clinical colorectal cancer tissues and identified their mutual regulation effects in macrophages.

Skeletal muscle-specific Bambi deletion induces hypertrophy and oxidative switching coupling with adipocyte thermogenesis against metabolic disorders.

Skeletal muscle plays a significant role in both local and systemic energy metabolism. The current investigation aims to explore the role of the Bambi gene in skeletal muscle, focusing on its implications for muscle hypertrophy and systemic metabolism. We hypothesize that skeletal muscle-specific deletion of Bambi induces muscle hypertrophy, improves metabolic performance, and activates thermogenic adipocytes via the reprogramming of progenitor of iWAT, offering potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic syndromes.

Development and performance validation of an affordable and portable high-resolution darkfield polarization-sensitive multispectral imaging microscope for the assessment of radiation dermatitis and fibrosis.

Radiation therapy (RT) is widely used for cancer treatment but is found with side effects of radiation dermatitis and fibrosis thereby calling for timely assessment. Nevertheless, current clinical assessment methods are found to be subjective, prone to bias, and accompanied by variability. There is, therefore, an unmet clinical need to explore a new assessment technique, ideally portable and affordable, making it accessible to less developed regions too.

Wearable Biodevices Based on Two-Dimensional Materials: From Flexible Sensors to Smart Integrated Systems.

The proliferation of wearable biodevices has boosted the development of soft, innovative, and multifunctional materials for human health monitoring. The integration of wearable sensors with intelligent systems is an overwhelming tendency, providing powerful tools for remote health monitoring and personal health management. Among many candidates, two-dimensional (2D) materials stand out due to several exotic mechanical, electrical, optical, and chemical properties that can be efficiently integrated into atomic-thin films.