Inspired by protein-based odorant recognition in the mammalian olfactory system, we constructed a biomimetic fluorescent sensor array using poly(amino acid) dots synthesized from tyrosine, alanine, and cysteine. Saccharides and amino acids are two categories of structurally analogous small molecules that coexist widely in biological and food matrices (e.g., energy drinks, nutritional supplements, fermented products). Their simultaneous monitoring is challenging because of their completely different functional groups. While most studies target individual detection of such organic compounds, rapid methods capable of simultaneously detecting saccharides and amino acids in a multiplexed manner remain scarce. Here, we designed a multidimensional fluorescence sensor array in which the poly(amino acid) dots act as receptors, zinc ion and pH serve as modulators, and four excitation wavelengths (320, 370, 420, and 470 nm) are introduced as independent information channels that provide additional response dimensions. Unlike conventional arrays that rely on increasing the number of physical sensors, this strategy treats each excitation wavelength as an independent response channel, quadrupling the data points per sensor (16 output channels from 4 physical sensors) while substantially simplifying array construction. Combined with machine learning algorithms (PCA, OPLS-DA, PLSR, and SVM), the array correctly identified ten small molecules from the two categorized groups (saccharides and amino acids) with 100% recognition accuracy. Quantitative detection of fructose, valine, and glutamic acid was achieved with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.032, 0.11, and 0.078 μg/mL, respectively. The array also successfully discriminated ternary mixtures of these analytes and, when applied to real samples (orange soda and green tea), showed excellent agreement with standard HPLC methods. This multidimensional approach holds great potential for rapid multiplex sensing in medical diagnostics, food quality control, and environmental monitoring.

In nature, biological systems achieve highly efficient sensing through the orchestrated self-assembly of proteins, which converts subtle molecular stimuli into clear physiological responses. However, replicating such high-fidelity transduction in artificial peptide-based sensors remains a challenge. Herein, we report a programmable "Molecular Domino" strategy that transforms peptide assembly from a passive recognition event into an active, cascaded signal amplification process. Specifically, we have designed a self-assembling peptide (SAP-RGD) that remains kinetically monodispersed until the target acts as a local nucleation template, overcoming the energy barrier to initiate in situ assembly. This initial recognition event triggers a domino-like effect: target-anchored assemblies act as molecular seeds for the recursive recruitment of peptide monomers (RRK-SAP), which subsequently bridge silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to generate a high-gained electrochemical signal. This bioinspired approach has also demonstrated exceptional sensitivity for breast cancer cell detection and robust performance in complex biological matrices. Furthermore, by modularly tailoring the targeting motif, the designed system has successfully monitored the dynamic expression of N-cadherin during the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MCF-7 cells. This modular sensing paradigm may offer a versatile method for precisely tracking complex pathological transitions.

Iron metabolism has emerged as a potential regulator of metabolic and endocrine pathways, particularly in female health disorders. However, its role as a biological mediator linking insulin resistance, thyroid function, and vitamin D status remains insufficiently explored. The study aimed to analyze the role of iron status as a biological mediator in the pathogenesis of metabolic and hormonal disturbances, with a focus on insulin resistance, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and vitamin D3. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 88 young, non-pregnant, fasting women aged 18-30 years with untreated iron deficiency. Iron status parameters (ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation) were evaluated alongside metabolic markers (insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, QUICKI), as well as TSH, and vitamin D3 levels. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, and partial correlation controlling for age using SPSS version 28. The multiple linear regression model demonstrated a strong fit (R2 = 0.864, p < 0.001), with ferritin identified as an important independent Insulin Resistance Index (HOMA-IR) (β = -0.224, p < 0.001). Furthermore, ferritin showed a strong positive correlation with QUICKI (r = +0.76), indicating improved insulin sensitivity. Partial correlation analysis confirmed a strong independent association between ferritin and HOMA-IR (r = -0.803, p < 0.001), in addition to vitamin D3 (r = 0.781, p < 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between iron profile and TSH (p > 0.05). Logistic regression achieved perfect classification but was unstable due to complete separation. Iron status, particularly ferritin, plays a central role in metabolic dysregulation and may act as a biological mediator in insulin resistance and vitamin D metabolism. These findings highlight the importance of iron homeostasis in female health disorders and suggest potential pathways for targeted intervention.

Oral polymicrobial biofilms formed between Candida albicans and bacterial pathogens underlie early childhood caries, denture stomatitis, periodontal disease, and oropharyngeal candidiasis, infections that conventional antimicrobials consistently fail to eradicate. The agglutinin-like sequence 3 (Als3) protein is a GPI-anchored hypha-specific adhesin that serves as the principal molecular scaffold for interkingdom co-aggregation in these biofilms. This review examines the molecular architecture and domain organization of Als3, including the N-terminal peptide-binding cavity (PBC) and the amyloid-forming region, as well as the regulatory network controlling ALS3 expression. The structural basis of Als3 interactions with staphylococcal MSCRAMMs, streptococcal antigen I/II adhesins, Porphyromonas gingivalis internalin InlJ, and Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferases is examined in detail. Emergent properties of Als3-dependent oral co-biofilms, including elevated antimicrobial tolerance, architectural complexity, metabolic interdependence, and interkingdom signaling amplification, are analyzed. Therapeutic strategies reviewed include the NDV-3A recombinant vaccine, anti-Als3 monoclonal antibodies, peptide-based competitive inhibitors, and small-molecule antagonists that bind the Als3 N-terminal domain. Als3 acts at the interface between bacteria and fungi. Because of this, it is one of the few targets for which a single treatment can act on both the fungal and bacterial components of these hard-to-treat oral biofilms at once.

Previous transcriptomic analysis revealed that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alters miRNA expression in HepG2 cells. Two key miRNA-mRNA axes mediating EPA's antioxidant effects were identified. EPA was found to downregulate let-7c-3p, which directly targets mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Inhibiting let-7c-3p or overexpressing TFAM enhanced antioxidant capacity, reduced reactive oxygen species, improved mitochondrial function, and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis. In parallel, EPA was found to upregulate miR-34c-5p, which directly targets NAD-Dependent Protein Deacetylase Sirtuin (SIRT1). This repression of SIRT1 is associated with increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. These findings indicate a dual-miRNA mechanism through which EPA alleviates oxidative stress via coordinated enhancement of mitochondrial biogenesis and enzymatic defenses.

Lectins are non-immunogenic, non-enzymatic proteins distributed across microbes, fungi, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Their carbohydrate-binding specificity forms the basis of diverse biomedical applications, particularly in immunomodulation, prognosis, and diagnosis. Among these, fungal lectins have gained attention as promising biomolecules, although they remain less explored than their plant and animal counterparts. Several fungal lectins, including Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL), Laetiporus sulphureus lectin (LSL), Marasmius oreades agglutinin (MOA), Agrocybe aegerita galectin (AAG), and Rhizoctonia bataticola lectin (RBL), demonstrate unique biological activities. They regulate immune responses by influencing cytokine expression (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10), act on innate and adaptive immune cells, and initiate apoptosis or necrosis via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Their diagnostic potential lies in recognizing aberrant glycans such as TF and Tn antigens, while their prognostic relevance is associated with monitoring glycosylation changes during cancer progression. Collectively, fungal lectins represent versatile molecules capable of serving as both functional immunomodulators and sensitive glycan-based probes. Despite extensive in vitro studies, their clinical application remains limited by insufficient in vivo validation and translational research. Advancing fungal lectins into biomedical practice requires systematic evaluation of their safety, specificity, and therapeutic potential. This review consolidates current knowledge on fungal lectins in immunomodulation, prognosis, and diagnostics, and highlights their translational prospects. Future studies should prioritize in vivo evaluation, biosensor integration, and protein engineering approaches to fully exploit fungal lectins as next-generation tools in immunotherapy and precision medicine.

Sexual dimorphism in secondary sexual structures used as weapons is mainly attributed to sexual selection, which promotes asymmetry in these structures between sexes. However, when selective pressures also act on female weaponry, sexual dimorphism may decrease or even be absent. We evaluated the effect of static allometry, that is, shape variation associated with increasing size of the structure, on claw shape in three populations of the snapping shrimp Alpheus estuariensis, a socially monogamous species abundant in estuarine mudflats along the northeastern coast of Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that static allometry promotes a similar effect on claw shape in both sexes, thereby promoting sexual shape monomorphism. Our results show that although males bear larger claws, shape variation in response to growth is slight, leading to morphological overlap between sexes. Nonetheless, sexual shape dimorphism, although slight, was statistically observed, suggesting that males and females possess functionally similar weaponry. These results partially support our hypothesis and contrast with the pronounced sexual shape dimorphism previously reported for other Alpheus species. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the selective pressures acting on the weaponry of A. estuariensis may differ from those operating in congeneric species. Biomechanical and comparative analyses among species are needed to assess how selective pressures mediated by social and ecological interactions shape the evolution of weapons in snapping shrimp.

This study synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using the leaf extract of Cinnamomum longepaniculatum. The extract composition was identified by GC-MS, and the nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, SEM, EDX, and FTIR. Three pre-harvest spray treatments of SeNPs at concentrations of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/L were applied, with water as the control, to investigate their effects on the postharvest quality and browning of Pleurotus ostreatus. The results show that the leaf extract contains more than 13 compounds that can act as reducing and stabilizing agents. The synthesized SeNPs are spherical with an average particle size of 59.32 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.1029, and a ζ-potential of -23.65 mV, and their surface is coated with an organic layer containing carbon and oxygen. Pre-harvest spraying of SeNPs improves the postharvest quality of oyster mushrooms, with the 5 mg/L treatment showing the optimal effect. After 15 days of storage, this treatment group exhibits significantly higher contents of total sugar, soluble protein, total phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid compared to the control. It also maintains higher mushroom lightness (L*), suppresses polyphenol oxidase activity, enhances antioxidant enzyme activity and free radical scavenging capacity, and reduces malondialdehyde content. In summary, pre-harvest spraying of SeNPs effectively improves the postharvest quality and delays browning in P. ostreatus, providing a theoretical and technical basis for oyster mushroom preservation and the high-value utilization of C. longepaniculatum resources.

Gastric acid is essential for digestion, host defense, and maintenance of gastrointestinal homeostasis; however, its excessive or inappropriate secretion contributes to the development and progression of several acid-related disorders. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have remained the cornerstone of acid-suppressive therapies for more than four decades owing to their potent blockade of gastric H+/K+-ATPases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological properties, clinical applications, and current limitations of the most widely used PPIs, including omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. Particular emphasis is placed on their role in the management of Helicobacter pylori infection, a strong risk factor for the development of severe gastric diseases and one of the most clinically important indications for PPI-based antibiotic therapy. Beyond elevating intragastric pH to enhance antibiotic stability and efficacy, accumulating evidence indicates that PPIs exert direct antibacterial activity against H. pylori and may act synergistically with selected antibiotics. The review also discusses emerging evidence for interindividual variability in PPI metabolism, drug-drug interactions, and concerns regarding long-term adverse effects of the current treatments. Finally, it highlights potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs), a newer class of acid-suppressive agents that provide sustained acid inhibition and represent a promising alternative to PPI-based regimens for H. pylori eradication.

The tunica adventitia of blood vessels is a highly heterogeneous microenvironment comprising diverse cell types. Beyond providing structural scaffolding, adventitial fibroblasts act as dynamic, responsive cells that contribute to vascular homeostasis mainly through regulation of collagen, fibronectin and elastin expression and paracrine effects that promote vascular inflammation. Their dysregulation leads to the onset and progression of several diseases. Signaling pathways in adventitial fibroblasts, particularly DDR2, hypoxia-ERK1/2 MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling, impact cell proliferation, pro-fibrotic gene expression and cellular response to stress. Furthermore, non-coding RNAs and novel epigenetic mechanisms significantly impact adventitial fibroblast function. Adventitial fibroblasts promote sex-related variations in the prevalence and severity of vascular diseases. Rapid advances in single-cell transcriptomics, biomarker development and other molecular and imaging techniques promise deeper insights into adventitial fibroblast biology, unravelling their heterogeneity and functional variability, and their role in extracellular matrix remodeling and paracrine signaling. These in turn would pave the way for innovative strategies to target pro-fibrotic fibroblast subpopulations and prevent adverse vascular remodeling. This review provides an overview of adventitial fibroblast function and the role of these cells in atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, aneurysm and age-related vascular dysfunction, underscoring the need for a paradigm shift in vascular biology, positioning the adventitia as a critical regulator of vascular health and disease.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1390949.].

The title salt, C4H12N2 2+·2C7H3Br2O2 -, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with Z = 4. The asymmetric unit comprises one-half of a piperazine-1,4-diium dication, located about an inversion center, and one 2,5-di-bromo-benzoate anion. In the dication, both nitro-gen atoms of the piperazine ring are protonated, while the 2,5-di-bromo-benzoic acid is deprotonated at the carboxyl group. The proton is transferred from the acid to the piperazine mol-ecule, resulting in the formation of the ionic salt. Charge neutrality is achieved by the presence of one dication for every two monobasic 2,5-di-bromo-benzoate anions. The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. The cations and anions are linked via N-H⋯O and N-H⋯Br hydrogen bonds, in which the carboxyl-ate O atoms and Br atoms act as acceptors. These inter-actions (N-H⋯O/Br), together with additional C-H⋯Br contacts, contribute to the cohesion of the crystal structure. The resulting supra-molecular architecture is analyzed in detail. Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis, supported by two-dimensional fingerprint plots, indicates that H⋯O/O⋯H (47.5%) and H⋯Br/Br⋯H (34.0%) contacts are the major contributors for the cation, whereas H⋯Br/Br⋯H (31.6%) and H⋯O/O⋯H (21.4%) inter-actions dominate for the anion.

The mammalian immune system has evolved in constant dialogue with its diverse microbiota, forming an ecological and molecular partnership that is fundamental to health. This review examines how microbial communities shape immunity across developmental and functional axes, the immunological consequences of dysbiosis during infection and inflammatory disease, and emerging microbiota-targeted interventions. The host-microbiota-pathogen triad offers a framework to understand how commensals and pathogens compete for ecological niches and immune recognition, and how disturbances in this balance can cascade into chronic inflammation or infection. Microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and tryptophan derivatives act as key bioactive intermediaries translating microbial activity into host immune architecture, influencing epigenetic programming, cellular differentiation, and mucosal barrier function. These interactions orchestrate tolerance toward commensals while maintaining effector readiness against pathogens, particularly through regulatory T cell (Treg)-Th17 balance, B cell education, and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses. When perturbed, as in infections caused by Clostridioides difficile, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, or Listeria monocytogenes, the ensuing dysbiosis reinforces immune dysfunction in a self-perpetuating cycle. Therapeutic frontiers now extend beyond conventional antimicrobial strategies to include live biotherapeutics, bacteriophage therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, and metabolite-based (postbiotic) interventions. Future efforts must reconcile inter-individual microbiome variability with precision medicine, integrating metagenomic and metabolomic profiling to design safe, effective, and personalized microbiota-centered therapeutics.

Introduction Communication with relatives is a vital part of delivering high-quality healthcare, particularly within older adult mental health inpatient services where many patients have cognitive impairment or severe mental illness. The involvement of family members is especially crucial given that patients often rely upon family members to support decision-making and discharge planning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, visiting restrictions drastically reduced opportunities for face-to-face communication, resulting in increased anxiety amongst relatives and increased telephone enquiries to ward staff. This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to improve the quality, consistency and frequency of communication with relatives of patients admitted to an older adult psychiatric inpatient ward by introducing a structured written communication process, with the goal of increasing relatives' involvement in care and reducing telephone requests for clinical updates. Methods A QIP was undertaken on a 20-bed older adult psychiatric assessment ward within North London NHS Foundation Trust to improve the quality, consistency and frequency of communication with relatives. Baseline feedback from relatives identified a wish for more regular, structured updates, with a majority expressing a preference for written communication via email. Four iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were undertaken to develop and refine a standardised written feedback template that was emailed to relatives following multidisciplinary ward reviews. Results Satisfaction amongst relatives improved throughout the project, with mean feedback scores increasing from 4.25/5 during the first cycle to 4.94/5 by the fourth and final cycle. Relatives consistently reported feeling better informed and more involved in their family member's care. Nursing and administrative staff also reported fewer telephone enquiries requesting clinical updates, suggesting reduced administrative burden and improved efficiency. Conclusions The intervention proved acceptable to relatives and staff, required minimal financial investment, and became embedded into routine clinical practice. Standardised written communication represents a simple, sustainable intervention that may improve family experience and reduce staff workload within older adult mental health inpatient services.