Wild jujube (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa) fruit is rich in ascorbic acid (AsA), but developmental coordination among AsA accumulation, enzyme activities and candidate-gene expression remains unclear. We compared wild jujube with Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. 'Lingwuchangzao' grown in the same orchard across five developmental stages. We measured fruit traits, sugars, acids, AsA, total ascorbic acid (T-AsA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and five AsA-related enzyme activities, and analyzed repeated sampling with linear mixed-effects models. Differential expression, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), predicted protein-interaction networks and RT-qPCR were applied to 15 wild-jujube RNA-seq samples; ZjVTC2 was transiently overexpressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. At the young-fruit stage, wild jujube contained 778.75 ± 19.14mg·100g⁻¹ FW AsA and 861.77 ± 17.44mg·100g⁻¹ FW T-AsA. At maturity, AsA content remained higher in wild jujube than in 'Lingwuchangzao' (612.34 ± 13.53 versus 321.22 ± 4.31mg·100g⁻¹ FW). Significant material × developmental-stage interactions occurred for AsA, T-AsA and DHA (P < 0.01). Material differences in DHAR, MDHAR, GalLDH and APX varied by stage, whereas the MIOX interaction was not significant. Transcriptomic and network analyses identified VTC2, GLDH, HXK2, PGMP, and the bHLH gene LOC107430586 as candidates. Transient ZjVTC2 overexpression increased leaf AsA by 72.65% (P < 0.01). Thus, AsA accumulation differed between materials in a stage-dependent manner, and ZjVTC2 was functionally supported, whereas the other candidate genes require validation.

Selenocysteine (Sec), the 21st genetically encoded amino acid, plays a crucial role in cellular redox regulation and selenium metabolism. Abnormal Sec fluctuations are closely associated with inflammatory oxidative stress and the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, efficient tools for real-time visualization of Sec fluctuations in living systems remain highly limited. Herein, two novel mitochondria-targeted iridium(III) complex probes, Irppy-DNP and Irpiq-DNP, were successfully designed and developed based on a thiolysis-triggered phosphorescence activation strategy for Sec-responsive "turn-on" sensing. Upon reaction with Sec to generate the corresponding hydroxylated products (Irppy-OH and Irpiq-OH), the two probes exhibited distinct photophysical responses, characterized by increased photoluminescence quantum yields (2.3 → 34.3% and 1.3 → 26.9%), prolonged excited-state lifetimes (0.23 → 0.42 μs and 0.62 → 0.70 μs), and reduced nonradiative decay rates (knr) (4.25 × 106 → 1.56 × 106 s-1 and 1.59 × 106 → 1.04 × 106 s-1), respectively. In addition, the two probes exhibited excellent analytical performance, including favorable photostability (60 min), fast response time (15/20 min), low detection limit (0.79/0.70 nM), excellent selectivity and anti-interference capability, low cytotoxicity (>70% cell viability), and visualized endogenous and exogenous Sec in living cells. Especially, the probes showed high selectivity toward Sec over Cys, Hcy, and GSH, benefiting from the greater nucleophilicity of Sec-derived selenolate at physiological pH (7.4) and its efficient thiolysis of the dinitrophenyl ether moiety. Given the key role of Sec-mediated redox regulation in IBD-associated mitochondrial ROS elevation, mitochondrial targeting is essential for monitoring pathological processes, with both probes exhibiting efficient organelle localization (PCC = 0.783/0.803). Notably, Irpiq-DNP enabled longitudinal imaging of Sec fluctuations in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice, where the luminescence intensity closely correlated with disease progression as well as therapeutic response to 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) treatment. This work provides a promising phosphorescent platform for monitoring Sec fluctuations during inflammatory processes and therapeutic intervention in IBD.

Background Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used in children, but NSAID hypersensitivity (NSAID-H) presents a heterogeneous clinical profile. Pediatric diagnostic approaches and real-life data after drug challenges (DCs) remain limited. Objective We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic algorithm for suspected pediatric NSAID-H and examine real-life drug use. Methods Children (1-18 years) evaluated for NSAID-H using WAO guidelines at a tertiary pediatric allergy center (Jan 2022-Nov 2025) were included. Clinical histories, co-morbidities, and DC outcomes were recorded. Patients were classified as having single- or multiple-NSAID induced hypersensitivity. Positive patients underwent DCs for safe alternatives, and real-life tolerance was assessed. Results Of 62 included children, five had suspected immediate paracetamol reactions (one confirmed). Fifty-seven reported reactions to ≥2 unrelated NSAIDs; six were diagnosed via history alone. Of 51 children challenged with ASA/ibuprofen, 14 (27.5%) were positive. Angioedema was the most frequent reaction; one experienced anaphylaxis following ibuprofen provocation. Single- and multiple-NSAID hypersensitivity rates were 20% (1/5) and 35.1% (20/57), respectively. Five patients already used paracetamol safely. For the remaining 14, safe alternatives identified were nimesulide (n=6) and meloxicam (n=4). One reacted to both, but tolerated codeine. Among 41 patients with excluded NSAID-H, 37 were contacted; 36 (97.3%) safely reused the culprit drug in real-life (one avoided due to maternal fear). Of 14 confirmed NSAID-H patients, 11 were contacted, all reporting safe alternative use without reactions. Conclusion Structured diagnostic algorithms and drug challenges ensure accurate diagnosis, reducing unnecessary NSAID restrictions and enabling safe real-life drug use in children. Key Words Acetyl salicylic acid, Children, Cyclooxygenase, Diagnosis, Drug allergy, Drug challenge, NSAID Hypersensitivity, Safe alternative, Real life.

This article deals with ethical issues related to the participation of children and teenagers in research and seeks to defend their rights, well-being, dignity, and care by discussing assent as a tool to broaden the scope of pediatric research in Brazil. This qualitative research used a literature review and discussion of situations and cases involving assent. The results point to the need for reflections and recommendations on obtaining assent in research with this population.

Maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most significant cereal crops in the world, is very susceptible to abiotic stresses that include drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity, among others, all of which pose a risk to food and nutrition security in the face of climate change. These stresses disrupt cellular homeostasis, cause oxidative damage, inhibit photosynthesis, and eventually lower yield. This work is a synthesis of recent progress in knowledge of the biochemical, physiological, and molecular adaptation of maize to these conditions. The key processes involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hormone-mediated signaling circuits; a strong antioxidant response (SOD, CAT, APX, and AsA-GSH); osmolytes (proline, glycine, betaine, and soluble sugars); and metal detoxification (phytochelatin, metallothioneins, and transporter-mediated) pathways. Genotypic variation can affect the effectiveness of these responses, and tolerant cultivars have been shown to have better redox regulation, ion homeostasis, and stress memory. Emerging biotechnological interventions, especially CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and molecular breeding, offer promising opportunities to accelerate the development of multi-stress-tolerant maize. Nevertheless, there are knowledge gaps in the understanding of combined stress responses, the role of epigenetic regulation, and the field-level translation of biochemical processes into yield stability. This review highlights the necessity to adopt integrative and systems-level solutions that can integrate the understanding of the molecular basis, breeding, and biotechnology to improve the resilience of maize, protect productivity, and sustain agriculture in light of increasing climate variability.

Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare condition, most commonly associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its association with a bicuspid pulmonary valve is exceptionally uncommon.

Background and objectivesBenign anorectal diseases are prevalent in the general population. Currently, spinal anesthesia is mainly performed in the lateral and sitting positions and is rarely performed in the prone or jackknife positions. This study compared the effects of the prone, lateral, and sitting positions on sensory and motor blocks in patients undergoing anorectal surgery under spinal anesthesia.Materials and methodsIn this prospective comparative study, 75 ASA I and II class patients aged >18 years who underwent anorectal surgery were included, with 25 patients in each group. Spinal anesthesia was administered at the L3-L4 or L4-L5 intervertebral space using a No. 25 Quincke needle and 10 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine in the prone, lateral, or sitting position. Outcomes related to sensory and motor blocks and the anesthesia success rate were compared among the three groups.ResultsSensory block reached T10 in most patients in the prone (44%) and lateral (52%) groups, compared with L1 in the sitting group (56%; p = 0.004). Motor block depth (Bromage 3) was observed in 44% (prone), 48% (lateral), and 84% (sitting) of patients (p = 0.04). Sensory block onset was slower in the prone (2.92 ± 0.87 min) and lateral (2.72 ± 0.87 min) vs. sitting (1.94 ± 1.92 min; p = 0.001). Sensory block duration was longer in the prone (79.96 ± 14.42 min) and lateral (80.28 ± 16.55 min) vs. sitting (67.64 ± 15.99 min; p = 0.007). Motor block duration was shorter in the prone (75.64 ± 12.59 min) and lateral (74.12 ± 14.20 min) vs. sitting (87.30 ± 18.24 min; p = 0.005). Hemodynamic stability was better in the prone and lateral positions (p = 0.0001). First-attempt success was higher in the sitting group (76%) vs. prone (36%) and lateral (68%) positions (p = 0.009).ConclusionThe prone and lateral positions provide higher sensory block levels and better hemodynamic stability, whereas the sitting position is associated with faster sensory block onset, deeper motor block, and higher first-attempt success. The choice of position should be individualized according to surgical requirements and patient characteristics.

Aims To evaluate whether a dilated cecum (≥9 cm) and small-bowel distention on preoperative CT are associated with worse postoperative outcomes in patients with left-sided obstructive colon cancer (LSOCC) undergoing an emergency resection (ER) or a bridge-to-surgery (BTS). Methods A national multicenter cohort study was conducted using data from a prospective audit performed in 75 Dutch hospitals. Patients undergoing curative resection for LSOCC (2009-2016) with available CT data on cecal diameter and small-bowel distention were included. Primary outcomes were 90-day postoperative complications and mortality, analyzed by multivariable logistic regression and stratified by treatment strategy (ER vs BTS). Results Of 1,282 patients, 967 underwent ER and 315 BTS. Among ER patients, concurrent cecal dilatation (≥9 cm) and small-bowel distention were independently associated with higher 90-day complications (58.8% vs 42.7%; OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.25-2.93; p= 0.003) and 30-day mortality (7.0% vs 2.7%; p= 0.038). These associations were absent in BTS patients. In this high-risk CT subgroup, BTS yielded fewer complications (37.4% vs 58.8%), lower permanent stoma rates (23.0% vs 52.1%), and higher primary anastomosis rates (85.4% vs 30.6%). In young (<70 years) and healthy patients (ASA I-II) without a dilated coecum or small bowel on CT, no outcome differences were found between ER or BTS. Conclusions Concurrent cecal dilatation and small-bowel distention on CT identify high-risk patients after ER, whereas BTS mitigates these risks. Routine CT-assessment may aid individualized management.