Trivalent recombinant protein vaccine induces cross-neutralization against XBB lineage and JN.1 subvariants: preclinical and phase 1 clinical trials.

The immune escape capacities of XBB variants necessitate the authorization of vaccines with these antigens. In this study, we produce three recombinant trimeric proteins from the RBD sequences of Delta, BA.5, and XBB.

In vivo imaging of glycogen in human muscle.

Probing regional glycogen metabolism in humans non-invasively has been challenging due to a lack of sensitive approaches. Here we studied human muscle glycogen dynamics post-exercise with a spatial resolution of millimeters and temporal resolution of minutes, using relayed nuclear Overhauser effect (glycoNOE) MRI. Data at 5T showed a homogeneous distribution of glycogen in resting muscle, with an average concentration of 99 ± 13 mM.

Neurotransmitter-bound bestrophin channel structures reveal small molecule drug targeting sites for disease treatment.

Best1 and Best2 are two members of the bestrophin family of anion channels critically involved in the prevention of retinal degeneration and maintenance of intraocular pressure, respectively. Here, we solved glutamate- and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-bound Best2 structures, which delineate an intracellular glutamate binding site and an extracellular GABA binding site on Best2, respectively, identified extracellular GABA as a permeable activator of Best2, and elucidated the co-regulation of Best2 by glutamate, GABA and glutamine synthetase in vivo. We further identified multiple small molecules as activators of the bestrophin channels.

Quantitative lameness assessment in horses by using an accelerometer-based simple device: A preliminary study.

Background: Global technological advancements have shifted equine lameness diagnostics from purely subjective assessment toward more objective, quantitative methods. Traditional gait evaluations are increasingly being supplemented by innovative technologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Aim: This study aimed to determine if traditional gait assessment could be effectively complemented by quantitative measurements using an affordable, self-constructed device, the Lameness Detector 0.

Understanding the influence of plant genetic factors on rhizosphere microbiome assembly in .

Introduction: Functional rhizosphere microbiomes (FRM) are critical for plant health and yield. However, the ecological succession of FRM and their links to plant genetic factors across the life cycle of perennial plants remain poorly understood.

Methods: This study profiled FRM, including plant-beneficial bacteria (PBB) and fungal plant pathogens (FPP), across different developmental stages of .

Unfolding and refolding of GH19 chitinase Chi19MK with antifungal activity from Lysobacter sp. MK9-1 at low pH and high temperature.

The GH19 chitinase Chi19MK from Lysobacter sp. MK9-1 inhibits fungal growth. In this study, the thermal stability of Chi19MK was investigated in buffers of different pH.

Formation of high-quality mixed silage from paper mulberry and wheat bran driven by the characteristics of the microbial community.

Paper mulberry () is a high-quality silage protein feed material that can help address feed shortages and support livestock development. Although some studies have investigated the relationships between microbial communities and silage quality, these relationships and the underlying community assembly processes remain complex, requiring further research to clarify them. Additionally, limited research has explored the relationship between microbial community fermentation functions and silage quality.

Basigin in cerebrovascular diseases: roles, mechanisms, and therapeutic target potential.

Cerebrovascular diseases are major global health issues, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Basigin (additionally called CD147 or EMMPRIN) is a glycosylated transmembrane protein that facilitates intercellular communication. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of Basigin in inducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which contribute to the progression of cerebrovascular diseases.

Antifungal activity of essential oils and their potential synergistic effect with amphotericin B.

Candida albicans is a common opportunistic pathogen, causing infections ranging from superficial to bloodstream infections. The limited antifungal options and rising drug resistance challenge clinical treatment. We screened 98 essential oils and identified 48 with antifungal activity against Candida albicans at 1% concentration, determining their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC).

Comprehensive Mass Spectral Libraries of Human Thyroid Tissues and Cells.

Thyroid nodules are a common endocrine condition with an increasing incidence over the decades. Data-independent acquisition has been widely utilized in discovery proteomics to identify disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. To analyze the thyroid disease-related proteome in a high-throughput, reproducible and reliable manner, we introduce thyroid-specific peptide spectral libraries.

Safety of baricitinib in vaccinated patients with severe and critical COVID-19 sub study of the randomised Bari-SolidAct trial.

Background: The Bari-SolidAct randomized controlled trial compared baricitinib with placebo in patients with severe COVID-19. A post hoc analysis revealed a higher incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) among SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated participants who had received baricitinib. This sub-study aimed to investigate whether vaccination influences the safety profile of baricitinib in patients with severe COVID-19.

High-Throughput Exploration of Ti-V-Nb-Mo Carbide MXenes Using Neural Network Potentials and Their Evaluation as Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Realization of a sustainable hydrogen economy in the future requires the development of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for its production at scale. MXenes (MX) are a class of 2D materials with 'n' layers of carbon or nitrogen (X) interleaved by 'n+1' layers of transition metal (M) and have emerged as promising materials for various applications including catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Their properties are intimately related to both their composition and their atomic structure.

Deep Learning Model for the Differential Diagnosis of Nasal Polyps and Inverted Papilloma by CT Images: A Multicenter Study.

Rationale And Objectives: Nasal polyps (NP) and inverted papilloma (IP) are benign tumors within the nasal cavity, each necessitating distinct treatment approaches. Herein, we investigate the utility of a deep learning (DL) model for distinguishing between NP and IP.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1791 patients with nasal benign tumors from two hospitals were retrospectively enrolled.

N-acetylation of α-synuclein enhances synaptic vesicle clustering mediated by α-synuclein and lysophosphatidylcholine.

Previously, we reported that α-synuclein (α-syn) clusters synaptic vesicles (SV) Diao et al., 2013, and neutral phospholipid lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) can mediate this clustering Lai et al., 2023.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated GhFT-targeted mutagenesis prolongs indeterminate growth and alters plant architecture in cotton.

The shift from vegetative to reproductive growth is an important developmental transition that affects flowering and maturation, architecture, and ecological adaptability in plants. The florigen-antiflorigen system universally controls flowering and plant architecture, and changes to the ratio of these components alter this transition and disrupt growth. The genes FT (FLOWERING LOCUS T), encoding the florigen protein FT, and CETS [CENTRORADIALIS (CEN)/TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1)/SELF-PRUNING (SP)], encoding antiflorigen proteins, have opposing roles.

A Novel Transcatheter Posterior Ventricular Anchoring Neochordoplasty Mitral Valve Repair Device.

Purpose: Advancements in minimally invasive technologies to decrease postoperative morbidity and recovery times represent a large opportunity for mitral valve repair operations. However, current technologies are unable to replicate gold standard surgical neochord implantation.

Methods: We developed a novel neochordal repair device, Minimally Invasive Ventricular Anchoring Neochordoplasty (MIVAN), which operates via transcatheter, trans-septal anchoring to the posterior ventricular wall.

Papillary Renal Neoplasm With Reverse Polarity: CT and MR Imaging Characteristics in 26 Patients.

Rationale And Objectives: To improve the diagnostic recognition of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP) through comprehensive analysis of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective multi-center study was conducted on patients with pathologically confirmed PRNRPs from 2019 to 2024, encompassing six institutions. Clinical and pathological data were meticulously documented.

Impaired Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity Signaling in Yellow Nail Syndrome.

Background: Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare disorder characterized by a triad of yellow dystrophic nails, lymphedema, and chronic lung disease. Most patients present in adulthood, with only a few congenital or familial cases described. The cause of YNS remains largely unknown, although defects in lymphatic vessel development are suggested to play a significant role.

Accurately constituting robust interfaces for high-performance high-energy lithium metal batteries.

High-energy lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have received ever-increasing interest. Among them, coupling lithium metal (Li) with nickel-rich material, LiNiMnCoO (NMCs, ≥ 0.6, + + = 1), is promising because Li anodes enable an extremely high capacity (∼3860 mA h g) and the lowest redox potential (-3.

Safety and efficacy of GLP-1/FGF21 dual agonist HEC88473 in MASLD and T2DM: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background And Aims: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are key regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism. In the present study, we assessed the safety and efficacy of a novel GLP-1/FGF21 dual agonist HEC88473 for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending-dose phase 1b/2a trial.

Dual Antiplatelet Treatment up to 72 Hours After Ischemic Stroke Stratified by Risk Profile: A Post Hoc Analysis.

Background: Risk profile of recurrence may influence the effect of antiplatelet therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of clopidogrel-aspirin initiated within 72 hours after symptom onset for acute mild stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack stratified by risk profile.

Methods: This is a secondary post hoc analysis of the INSPIRES (Intensive Statin and Antiplatelet Therapy for Acute High-risk Intracranial or Extracranial Atherosclerosis) randomized clinical trial that enrolled patients 35 to 80 years old with acute mild ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack between 2018 and 2022.

Visualization of four-dimensional X-ray absorption fine structure data using a virtual reality system.

X-ray spectromicroscopy is extensively utilized for nondestructive mapping of chemical states in materials. However, understanding and analyzing the geometric and topological aspects of such data pose challenges due to their representation in 4D space, encompassing (x, y, z) coordinates along with the energy (E) axis and often extending to 5D space with the inclusion of time (t) or reaction degree. In this study, we addressed this challenge by developing a new approach and introducing a device named `4D-XASView', specifically designed for visualizing X-ray absorption fine structures (XAFS) data in 4D (comprising 3D space and energy), through a multi-projection system, within the virtual reality (VR) environment.

Aligning Large Language Models with Humans: A Comprehensive Survey of ChatGPT's Aptitude in Pharmacology.

Background: Due to the lack of a comprehensive pharmacology test set, evaluating the potential and value of large language models (LLMs) in pharmacology is complex and challenging.

Aims: This study aims to provide a test set reference for assessing the application potential of both general-purpose and specialized LLMs in pharmacology.

Methods: We constructed a pharmacology test set consisting of three tasks: drug information retrieval, lead compound structure optimization, and research trend summarization and analysis.

Mechanism of proton release during water oxidation in Photosystem II.

Photosystem II (PSII) catalyzes light-driven water oxidation that releases dioxygen into our atmosphere and provides the electrons needed for the synthesis of biomass. The catalysis occurs in the oxygen-evolving oxo-manganese-calcium (MnOCa) cluster that drives the oxidation and deprotonation of substrate water molecules leading to the O formation. However, despite recent advances, the mechanism of these reactions remains unclear and much debated.

Lung ultrasound on first postoperative day predicts out-of-hospital pulmonary complications following video-assisted thoracic surgery: A prospective cohort study.

Background: The integration of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols into the peri-operative management of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has facilitated rapid patient recovery, enabling discharge within 48 h. However, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) postdischarge pose significant concerns for patient welfare. Despite the established utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in diagnosing the causes of dyspnoea, the effectiveness of quantitative LUS in predicting PPCs after VATS remains uncertain.