Stimuli-responsive tunable supramolecular assemblies are highly desirable for controlling functionalities morphological changes and alternations in crystallinity. Here, we report that amphiphilic peptoids with a multifunctional spiropyran (SP) group assemble into responsive 2D nanosheets and 1D nanotubes through light and heat-mediated isomerization. Computational analysis by periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations on dimers of SP and its isomer, merocyanine (MC), reveals significantly more favorable packing energetics for MC compared to SP, further supporting the high crystallinity of assemblies composed of peptoids with MC. Furthermore, we demonstrate how stimulus-responsive control over peptoid assembly crystallinity can be utilized in tuning catalytic activity in mimicking carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes.

Conservation (or safe) havens are protected areas where barriers (e.g., fences) separate biodiversity from threatening processes and are being increasingly used to support conservation. Differences between selection pressures inside and outside havens can be anticipated; however, understanding of the evolutionary consequences of these differences is limited, and many changes may be going unnoticed. This hampers assessments of the extent to which haven populations will continue to represent natural populations and wild-type traits and their potential as a source of robust individuals suitable for restoration projects outside havens. Although many haven populations are essentially wild, they have similarities to ex situ conservation populations and even domestic and cultivated species that can shed light on potential changes in selection pressures and their consequences. By assessing how features of havens can alter selection pressures, one can begin to make predictions about the likelihood of genetic change and develop monitoring strategies to further inform risks that phenotypic changes in protected populations will be maladaptive outside havens. Havens could also provide opportunities as outdoor laboratories to improve understanding of selection and evolutionary processes. Research, combined with effective monitoring and adaptive management in havens, is essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of havens as a conservation tool and their ability to supply robust individuals for future in situ conservation.

: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is characterized by rising morbidity and mortality rates, along with significant financial costs associated with its treatment, positioning it as a priority health challenge. Difficult access to accurate biomarkers for renal dysfunction poses challenges in identifying high-risk patients prone to progression to severe AKI. Therefore, this study aimed to identify clinical and laboratory variables that could contribute to future risk stratification approaches in AKI. : This observational retrospective study included 106 patients diagnosed with AKI who were admitted to the emergency department of the HGZ05-IMSS Hospital between January 2020 and July 2023. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify clinical and laboratory factors associated with in-hospital mortality. : Patients with AKI exhibited elevated inflammatory indices (NLR, MLR, and PLR), increased levels of glucose, urea, and C-reactive protein (CRP), and reduced lymphocyte counts, serum albumin, FiO, and BUN/creatinine (BCR) ratio. The hematological profile showed myeloid predominance, characterized by neutrophilia and lower eosinophil, erythrocyte, and monocyte counts, consistent with systemic inflammation. Multivariable analysis identified COVID-19 infection, thrombocytopenia, low eosinophil levels, and polypharmacy as independent predictors of mortality in AKI patients. : These findings underscore the interplay between inflammatory, metabolic, and hematological alterations in AKI and highlight key prognostic factors that may contribute to future risk stratification.

To estimate the pooled prevalence of feeding difficulties among persons with dementia and to explore heterogeneity, including regional differences and study characteristics. Feeding difficulties, including impaired ability to feed oneself, swallowing problems, reduced appetite, and behavioral resistance to eating, are common among individuals with dementia, leading to malnutrition, and caregiver burden. Evidence on the prevalence of feeding difficulties is fragmented, with no prior meta-analysis available. Six databases were searched until April 2025 for observational studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines with PROSPERO registration (CRD420251024333). Studies were included if they reported feeding difficulty prevalence in dementia using validated instruments or clinical observation. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence and 95% prediction intervals were calculated using a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression explored heterogeneity. Fifteen studies involving 3175 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of feeding difficulties among persons with dementia was 48% (95% PI: 38%-59%), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 97%). Prevalence was notably higher in studies conducted in Asia (59%) compared to non-Asian regions (32%). Neither publication year nor mean participant age significantly moderated prevalence estimates. Nearly half of individuals with dementia experience feeding difficulties, with particularly high prevalence in Asia. This regional disparity stresses the importance of routine assessment. High heterogeneity and inconsistent disease staging reporting call for standardized assessments and further research across dementia stages to improve care globally.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) accounts for approximately 20% of cases of pediatric nephrotic syndrome and is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease among glomerular disorders in the US. Primary FSGS is thought to be caused by a circulating factor which causes podocyte, glomerular and endothelial injury, and immune dysregulation. There is growing evidence that the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) immunoregulatory pathway is involved in various kidney diseases, however, its role in FSGS has not been thoroughly studied. We recently identified JAK1 gain-of-function mutation in a pediatric patient with membranous nephropathy and multisystem immune dysregulation, which was successfully treated with a JAK inhibitor. We hypothesized that JAK/STAT pathway hyperactivity may play a role in the pathogenesis of pediatric primary FSGS, and may correlate with worse clinical outcomes.

Plasmonic nanostructures provide strong optical near-fields for trapping and manipulating nanosized particles, but converting these interactions into robust directional transport has remained challenging. Here we demonstrate a plasmonic Brownian ratchet that rectifies colloidal diffusion using an asymmetric gold nanoarray under continuous-wave illumination. Finite-element simulations reveal anisotropic near-field distributions that bias optical forces, and experiments confirm directed motion for 40-200 nm nanoparticles of various compositions (dielectric, semiconducting and metallic). We show that, under periodic light modulation, nanoparticles undergo unidirectional lateral transport with velocities up to 2.4 μm/s at incident intensities below 1 kW/cm. These results establish plasmonic ratcheting as an efficient route to bias transport of nanosized analytes, achieving markedly higher speeds and lower operating powers than previous optical ratchets, and opening opportunities for integration into nanophotonic and lab-on-chip systems.

Optical Stokes skyrmions represent an emerging class of structured light characterized by intricate topological polarization textures in the beam's transverse plane. Traditional methods for generating Stokes skyrmions rely on bulky optical setups, driving significant interests in compact, single-device solutions. However, existing approaches fail to ensure propagation-invariant topology, an imperative requirement for advancing applications in this field. In this paper we address this fundamental challenge with a metasurface design based on structural birefringence and geometric phase which manipulates light in dynamic phase iso-curves, achieving arbitrary co-polarization to cross-polarization conversion while maintaining a constant dynamic phase. This design enables propagation-invariant topological features of optical skyrmions produced by a single generation device. Our framework offers a compact platform for shaping topologically stable optical skyrmions, which may stimulate their applications for long-range optical information transfer.

Graphene, a novel 2D carbon-based material, has become integral to energy capture and storage facilities in wind and photovoltaic energy. Its widespread application has escalated concerns regarding occupational inhalation exposure, necessitating urgent identification of associated health risks and preventive strategies. Divergent outcomes are reported regarding nanographene-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Intriguingly, multiple modes of programmed cell death, including ferroptosis, are discovered to have essential regulatory roles in the pathological process. Nevertheless, their relationship with graphene exposure and the resulting toxic effects remains unexplored. In this study, it is demonstrated that escalating graphene exposure durations and doses induced tissue-specific organ damage, predominantly localized to the pulmonary and immune systems. Notably, cellular ferroptosis is accompanied by lung tissue fibrosis, a finding further confirmed by metabolomics. Furthermore, 1-methyladenosine is identified as a responsive biomarker of graphene exposure, with functional validation implicating tRNA methyltransferase 6 (TRMT6 and tRNA methyltransferase 61A (TRMT61A). Collectively, the findings suggest that m1A mediates critical signaling during the progression of fibrosis and ferroptosis induced by graphene exposure and can serve as a potential biomarker of graphene exposure. Targeting TRMT6/TRMT61A may offer therapeutic avenues against graphene-induced toxicity.

The colorectal epithelium is rapidly renewing, with remarkable capacity to regenerate following injury. In colorectal cancer (CRC), this regenerative capacity can be co-opted to drive epithelial plasticity. While oncogenic MAPK signalling in CRC is common, with frequent mutations of both KRAS (40-50%) and BRAF (10%), inhibition of this pathway typically drives resistance clinically. Given the development of KRAS inhibitors, and licensing of BRAF inhibitor combinations, we have interrogated key mechanisms of resistance to these agents in advanced preclinical CRC models. We show that oncogenic MAPK signalling induces epithelial state changes in vivo, driving adoption of a regenerative/revival stem like population, while inhibition leads to rapid transcriptional remodeling of both Kras- and Braf-mutant tumours, favoring a Wnt-associated, canonical stem phenotype. This drives acute therapeutic resistance in Kras- and delayed resistance in Braf-driven models. Importantly, where plasticity is restrained, such as in early metastatic disease, or through targeting ligand-dependent Wnt-pathway Rnf43 mutations, marked therapeutic responses are observed. This explains the super response to BRAF+EGFR targeted therapies previously observed in a BRAF/RNF43 co-mutant patient population, highlighting the criticality of cellular plasticity in therapeutic response. Together, our data provides clear insight into the mechanisms underpinning resistance to MAPK targeted therapies in CRC. Moreover, strategies that aim to corral stem cell fate, restrict epithelial plasticity or intervene when tumours lack heterogeneity may improve therapeutic efficacy of these agents.

Herein, we describe ocular abnormalities in an adult male Crested Capuchin (Sapajus robustus) with partial unilateral loss of vision. On necropsy, there was a white, firm, and homogeneous plaque expanding the ciliary body of the left eyeball. White, irregular and firm nodules were observed in skeletal muscles, lymph nodes, lungs, heart, spleen, ileum, cecum, pancreas, and testes. Microscopically, diffuse severe pyogranulomatous endophthalmitis in the left eyeball and mild granulomatous posterior uveitis in the right eyeball, both with intralesional yeasts, were noted. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong labeling with anti-Paracoccidiodes spp. Fungal culture and molecular examination were performed, and confirmed P. brasiliensis infection. Based on the marked differences in lesion severity between the two eyes, we suggest that choroidal vessels may play a crucial role in the ocular dissemination of P. brasiliensis.

In recent years, the rapid emergence and global spread of dengue has become a public health burden. Clinical surveillance alone has limited capacity, with delayed detection of upcoming outbreaks. Hence, the potential use of wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) for early detection of incoming surges of dengue cases could complement proactive public health action. However, there are still substantial gaps in the standard approach for sampling and detection methods in dengue WBS.

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is a promising strategy for freshwater production. Although hygroscopic polymeric gels (HPGs) are attractive AWH materials, their performance is limited by slow sorption-desorption kinetics. Herein, a new strategy is proposed to enhance moisture sorption-desorption kinetics by engineering an entanglement-enhanced sponge hydrogel doped with lithium chloride (denoted as X-PP@LiCl), which is synthesized via cosolvent-induced gelation. By adjusting the dimethyl sulfoxide/water ratio (X), the cross-linking density of the poly(dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide sulfonate) (PDMAPS) network is modulated, thereby constructing continuous microchannels. Such architectures enhance vapor diffusion efficiency while maintaining excellent structural integrity over multiple sorption-desorption cycles. Crucially, the synergy between PDMAPS and LiCl generates an internal osmotic pressure gradient, facilitating water transport and enabling continuous regeneration of active sites. Therefore, the X-PP@LiCl hydrogel exhibits outstanding water uptake rates (0.95-1.48 g g h) across a wide relative humidity (RH) range of 20-90%, a rapid desorption rate of 7.57 g g h at 30% RH, and robust cycling stability, retaining >97.6% of its initial water uptake capacity at 30% RH after 30 cycles. Furthermore, it achieves an excellent outdoor water production of 4.15 L kg day. This work provides a new strategy for designing high-performance HPGs for AWH applications.

Atmospheric humidity, as a widely distributed environmental resource, holds great potential to create significant value for human society via efficient regulation and utilization. Hygroscopic polymer gels (HPGs) have emerged as a highly promising material platform for atmospheric moisture capture, owing to their highly tunable structures, unique swelling behaviors, and versatile functionality. In this review, recent advances in HPGs, including the hygroscopic mechanisms and state-of-the-art construction strategies, are systematically summarized. Furthermore, cutting-edge applications of HPGs, including atmospheric water harvesting, electricity production, thermal management, fuel production, advanced greenhouses, dehumidification, and HPGs-based electrolytes, are thoroughly discussed. The review places particular emphasis on the urgent need to intensify the design and development of HPGs specifically tailored for sustainable applications in challenging low-humidity arid regions. Finally, the current challenges are summarized, and future research directions for next-generation HPGs in atmospheric moisture management are outlined, aiming to fully harness the potential of atmospheric humidity as an abundant and renewable resource.

Within the Canadian context, we sought to examine the relationship between households with autistic children/youths and household income.

Population aging has intensified the global burden of dementia, creating significant challenges for patients, caregivers, and health care systems. While traditional in-person dementia care faces barriers, digital health technologies offer promising solutions to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and patient-centered care. However, evidence on applicability, safety, and effectiveness in dementia care remains fragmented, underscoring systematic evaluation.

Our understanding of the immune response in tuberculosis (TB) remains incomplete. This applies in particular to extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), a highly heterogeneous disease affecting up to 30% of patients in certain regions. Based on data-driven clustering of blood transcriptomes in an EPTB patient cohort, we define three highly distinct immunotypes. Combining bulk with single-cell RNA-sequencing delineates immunological trajectories characterized by dynamic IFN- and IL-1-mediated signalling in monocytes, alongside hyperactivation of T and NK cells, ultimately resulting in extensive immune dysregulation. Integrative analysis of multi-omics data provides deep insights into different layers of the anti-tuberculous immune response and the identification of immunotypes enabling stratification strategies for personalized host-directed treatments. In addition, our comprehensive approach helps to develop an accurate diagnostic gene expression signature for both EPTB and pulmonary TB highlighting the translational potential of our data.

The objective of the study was to assess differences in the accessibility of general practitioner (GP office visits, telephone contacts and electronic communication for patients with hypertension before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in primary healthcare.

An individual's ability to process flickering light is expressed by critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF), tested with the flicker test. CFFF is used to assess visual processing, arousal, and cognitive functioning, among other things, although it is unclear how it reflects these processes. Due to possible differences between CFFF values obtained in trials with increasing and decreasing frequency, it also remains questionable to use only averaged CFFF values in research. The main objective of the present study was to assess how CFFF is related to cognitive functions (attention, short-term and working memory, and executive functions), and psychomotor speed. The research objectives also included assessing the stability of CFFF and its variability with age and comparing CFFF between men and women. Thirty-six participants (17 women and 19 men) completed computerized cognitive tests (Simon and flanker tasks, the Corsi block-tapping task, and the digit span task) three times, along with the flicker test. We found that CFFF scores were stable across sessions but differed between fusion and flicker thresholds, with age significantly correlating only with the fusion frequency. Given that, we suggest that future studies analyze not only the averaged CFFF, but also examine flicker and fusion thresholds separately to better understand their distinct contributions. Our results also revealed generally weak correlations between CFFF and neuropsychological test scores, with significant associations found only in women, suggesting that CFFF may not be a reliable indicator of cognitive functioning.

Grape seed oil (GSO) is a potent source of dietary phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, known for their health-promoting properties. This study aims to investigate the anticancer and hepatoprotective effects of a nanoemulsion formulation of grape seed oil (GSONE), to enhance the efficacy and bioavailability of its phytochemical constituents against solid tumors. Ninety female Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups: control, alone, GSONE alone, Ehrlich solid tumor (EST), EST treated with GSO, and EST treated with GSONE. Tumor development, growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status, hepatic histopathology, apoptotic gene expression, and flow cytometry analyses were assessed following 30 days of daily oral treatment. GSONE significantly reduced tumor weight and volume (52.9%) and more effectively counteracted tumor-induced body weight loss than crude GSO. Treatment with GSONE normalized serum protein levels and improved liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin) to near-control values. Tumor markers (AFP, CEA) and oxidative stress indices (MDA, 8-OHdG) were markedly decreased, while activities of hepatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) were restored. GSONE enhanced gene expression of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, TP53, caspase-3, caspase-9), suppressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and significantly increased the proportion of p53- and cleaved caspase-3-positive tumor cells. Liver histopathology and ultrastructure demonstrated normalized morphology and reduced damage in GSONE-treated mice. Multivariate analyses confirmed GSONE's restorative effect compared to raw GSO. The delivery of dietary phytochemicals via nanoemulsion significantly enhances antitumor and hepatoprotective actions in a preclinical solid tumor model. These findings support the potential of phytochemical-rich edible oils, enhanced by nanotechnology, for dietary prevention and adjunctive management of cancer.

Surveillance guidelines following breast cancer surgery recommend mammography as the sole imaging modality. However, the accuracy of mammography is low in younger women and in those with dense breast tissue. Additional imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may offer diagnostic benefits. This prospective, multicenter study (KBCSG-27) aims to compare the diagnostic performances of mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI for detecting second breast cancer (SBC) in women with a personal history of breast cancer (PHBC) and dense breasts.