Vibrio cholerae is a highly motile, comma-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium, which can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and even human death. Accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota and their culture supernatants affect the fitness and colonization of V. cholerae in the host intestine. However, the effects of the most abundant gut bacterial strains on the physiological activities of V. cholerae have not been systematically investigated at the strain level. Here, our systematic screening revealed that gut bacterial culture supernatants exert profound and diverse effects on the physiology of V. cholerae. Specifically, the culture supernatants from Clostridium butyricum L65, Ruminococcus bromii CNGBCC 1800554, and Bacteroides clarus CNGBCC 1801343 strongly inhibited the growth of V. cholerae. In contrast, the culture supernatants of Akkermansia muciniphila L86 and Roseburia inulinivorans DSM 108,070 enhanced the biofilm formation of V. cholerae. Additionally, ROS resistance in Eubacterium rectale CNGBCC 1801156 and R. inulinivorans 108,070 was linked to their KatE activity, while the culture supernatants of Bifidobacterium animalis L73 and R. inulinivorans DSM 108070 significantly suppressed motility. Furthermore, gut microbial culture supernatants modulated the expression of major regulatory genes in V. cholerae. Integration of our data with human cholera cohort data validated Ruminococcus bromii CNGBCC 1800554 as a promising probiotic candidate. This work provides a theoretical foundation and valuable strain resources for further elucidating the interactions between the gut microbiota and V. cholerae at the strain level, and supports the development of next-generation probiotics for cholera prevention and treatment.

Self-amplifying mRNA (samRNA) vaccines can induce potent immune responses at lower doses than conventional non-replicating mRNA vaccines; however, large RNA size and manufacturing considerations associated with 5' capping remain important challenges. Here, we developed a capless samRNA (CLsamRNA) vaccine platform derived from a Coxsackievirus B5 replicon that uses IRES-mediated cap-independent translation. Systematic optimization of key genetic elements enhanced antigen expression from the CLsamRNA backbone. Using reporter RNAs, LNP-formulated CLsamRNA showed rapid early expression and RNA amplification, with expression kinetics distinct from VEEV-based saRNA and nucleoside-modified mRNA comparators. When encoding the hemagglutinin antigen of highly pathogenic avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4 H5 viruses, CLsamRNA induced potent immune responses after LNP formulation. In mouse models, CLsamRNA induced potent neutralizing antibody responses, cross-reactive activity against clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus, Th1-skewed humoral immunity, and strong antigen-specific cellular immune responses. CLsamRNA also elicited platform-specific early inflammatory and lymph-node immune gene signatures associated with antigen presentation, costimulation, and cellular immune priming. Notably, a minimal 0.01 μg dose of CLsamRNA conferred complete protection against lethal H5N8 influenza virus challenge in BALB/c mice. These findings support CLsamRNA as a distinct cap-independent RNA vaccine platform with dose-sparing protective efficacy against HPAI H5 viruses.

Photosynthesis sustains life on Earth by converting light to chemical energy through the coordinated action of photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) within thylakoid membranes1-4. Although structures of isolated photosystems are available, their native organization in chloroplasts remains unknown. Here, using in situ cryo-electron microscopy, we directly imaged Oryza sativa (rice) chloroplasts and determined structures of photosystem supercomplexes in their native membrane environment. We resolved a C2S2M2L4-type PSII-light harvesting complex II (LHCII) supercomplex, including four LHCII antenna trimers that were not retained in purified preparations. Excitation energy transfer calculations based on this architecture closely reproduce in vivo measurements, indicating its physiological relevance. We also resolved asymmetric PSII-LHCII dimers, including side-by-side, trans-lumenal and trans-stromal architectures, and higher-order assemblies of trimers and tetramers. On the basis of these observations, we propose that PSII forms a trans-lumenal and trans-stromal 'skeleton' that shapes thylakoid morphology and supports grana stacking. In addition, we obtained high-resolution structures of PSI-LHCI-LHCII and PSI-LHCI supercomplexes. Together, these structures reveal extensive networks of lipids, pigments and cofactors, providing the first molecular framework for understanding how the native architecture of plant photosystem supports the exceptional photon-to-electron efficiency of photosynthesis.

Plastic drinking straws are a visible single-use plastic product, yet selecting suitable substitutes remains challenging because literature-derived climate evidence and reported user experience are rarely evaluated together. This study develops and demonstrates an interpretable AI-enabled decision-support workflow that integrates literature-derived per-use greenhouse gas (GHG) indicators with review-derived user evidence extracted from online customer reviews using natural language processing (NLP). Drinking-straw alternatives were used as an information-rich case study. The integrated assessment combined a GHG-derived score, a user-experience feature score, and rating-based consumer approval within a transparent multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) under four predefined decision-priority scenarios. Among the five shortlisted materials and within the evaluated dataset, the selected per-use GHG assumptions, review-derived user evidence, normalization procedure, and scenario-specific weights resulted in Silicone achieving the highest integrated MCDA score across all four scenarios, whereas Paper ranked lowest. Silicone combined a low per-use GHG indicator with the highest user-experience feature score and high consumer approval. Paper had the highest per-use GHG indicator and a moderate user-experience feature score, while lexical analysis identified recurring functionality-related expressions in its reviews. A shallow decision tree identified a 0.081 kg CO₂e/use threshold separating Paper from the lower-per-use-GHG reusable alternatives within the evaluated decision matrix. The study is not a new process-based life-cycle assessment or comprehensive sustainability assessment. Instead, it demonstrates decision support limited to per-use GHG indicators and review-derived user evidence; broader sustainability dimensions were outside the scope. Future studies may adapt and evaluate the workflow for other product categories using product-appropriate environmental criteria and relevant user-derived evidence.

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) significantly limits the efficacy of abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy while also impairing patient quality of life. This condition is primarily driven by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dysregulation of Caspase-dependent apoptosis. Quercetin (QUE), a natural antioxidant flavonoid, exhibits radioprotective potential; however, the key signaling pathways it employs to regulate radiation-induced apoptosis remain to be elucidated. In vitro studies, IEC-6 cells (1-10 µg/mL QUE pretreatment followed by 0-8 Gy X-ray exposure) were conducted to analyze proliferation, clonogenic survival, ROS levels, apoptosis, and expression of RIII-related proteins and genes. Network pharmacology identified 47 overlapping targets associated with QUE and RIII, with AKT1 and CASP3 identified as hub targets, and the PI3K-AKT pathway recognized as a key regulatory pathway. A Caspase-3/7 inhibitor (HY-103346, H10) and AutoDock-Vina docking analysis were used to explore the involvement of Caspase-3-related apoptotic signaling. In vivo experiments using Drosophila melanogaster (W1118) involved groups subjected to control, 50 Gy irradiation alone, or 50 Gy combined with 1/5/10/50 µg/mL QUE. Lifespan, locomotor capacity, and intestinal ROS levels were assessed, including validation with DCP-1RNAi transgenic flies (DCP-1: Drosophila Caspase-3 homolog). In vitro findings revealed that QUE enhanced the viability of irradiated IEC-6 cells, reduced ROS and apoptosis, upregulated anti-apoptotic markers (p-AKT, p-PI3K and p-mTOR), and downregulated pro-apoptotic markers (cleaved-Caspase-3 and Cytochrome C), while H10 inhibited the effects of QUE. Molecular docking suggested a potential interaction between QUE and Caspase-3 through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions to inhibit its activation. In vivo, pre-irradiation gavage of 10 µg/mL QUE mitigated RIII in Drosophila, an effect that was abolished in DCP-1 knockdown flies. In summary, QUE protects against RIII by scavenging ROS and modulating apoptosis-related signaling, with evidence supporting the involvement of the PI3K-AKT/Caspase-3 axis, with the PI3K-AKT/Caspase-3 axis identified as central to these protective effects. This study underscores the clinical potential of QUE for RIII and offers insights into the targeting of apoptosis for radioprotection.

Historically, young people with genetic heart diseases were discouraged from active sport due to concerns about the increased risk of sudden cardiac death during competitive or intensive exercise. The shock resulting from the sudden death of a young athlete, an event often highly publicised, tends to generate concern in the general population, and fear of litigation in a low-evidence area: both influence decision-making by the medical profession when discussing 'restrictions', especially in patients with genetic heart diseases, who by definition, are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. In recent years, however, we have moved to a point where many athletes with certain genetic heart diseases can, with optimal medical therapy, be considered for involvement in various sporting and athletic pursuits. We are cautiously moving away from the assumption that exercise is contraindicated; we are factoring in the wishes of the patient-athlete (shared decision-making), and we are encouraging optimal protection for these athletes during their sporting endeavours (easily available automated external defibrillators [AEDs], and club personnel trained in basic life support [BLS]), while ensuring regular medical assessment to identify alterations in risk status. With dedicated follow-up of all such patient-athletes, we can refine our understanding of how best to advise (and protect) them in terms of exercise for enhanced quality of life.

Feeding the world's increasing population is an enormous task for our current food system. Traditional animal agriculture harms the environment through high land and water use and significant greenhouse gas emission. Sustainable food systems will promote a low-impact food future through the use of alternative protein sources. Alternative protein sources include plant-based, microbially based, and insect-based proteins. Examples of those types of alternative proteins are: plant based includes peas, soy, and hemp; microbially based includes fungi and bacteria; and insect protein. The purpose of this article is to utilize life cycle assessment (LCA) data to assess the environmental sustainability of a range of alternative protein sources compared with conventional sources of protein. Another objective of the article is to discuss new technologies available for the processing and production of foods from alternative proteins, including fermentation and low-impact processing techniques, as well as biodegradable packaging materials and other sustainable packaging options that can mitigate waste generated by food packaging. The acceptance of these products by consumers will also be discussed in relation to the overall sustainability of alternative protein sources, as studies have found that many consumers would like to try new foods; however, taste, price, and familiarity are the three main reasons consumers typically do not purchase alternative protein products. There are many factors affecting a person's decisions to adopt a new way of eating, including risk of deficiencies in Vitamin B12, Iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids, along with considerations of food processing and socio-economic factors. Policies and regulations created by government agencies, in addition to providing financial support through subsidies; regulations that set clear labeling parameters; and economic considerations (i.e., price and market growth), which affect the purchasing decisions of consumers. The market for plant-based meat continues to grow quickly. As such, there is a need for future research into improving the nutritional content and flavor of these products, as well as increasing their production capabilities.This review uniquely integrates environmental life cycle assessment, nutritional adequacy,consumer behavior, and policy frameworks to compare plant-based, microbial, and insect-based proteins within a circular food systems perspective.

Developing sustainable and economic biomass hydrogel electrolyte is highly desired but confronts significant challenges for solid-state aqueous batteries. Herein, we propose biomass-cytoplasm reconstruction strategy and develop a type of biomass hydrogel electrolyte with robust mechanical strength of 11.6 MPa, high ion conductivity of 20.27 mS cm[-1], and ultrahigh diffusion coefficient of 1.4 × 10[-5] cm[2] s[-1], where hydrogel electrolyte is fabricated by the facile and energy-efficiency brining technique. The brining of natural biomass in aqueous electrolytes maintains the self-supported cytoderm framework but in situ induce polysaccharide/protein cytoplasm reconstruction to acquire ion channels. As a proof of concept, kombu-based hydrogel electrolyte endows zinc metal batteries with the high current discharge ability of 100 mA cm[-2], the ultra-wide working temperature from -60°C to 80°C, and the stable cycling-life of 400 cycles for Ah-level pouch batteries, as well as the practical verification of the integrated photovoltaic-battery energy storage systems. Biomass-cytoplasm reconstruction concept is also demonstrated by aluminum metal batteries to verify the universality, and endow biomass hydrogel electrolyte with threefold cost reductions and notable sustainability advantages compared with petroleum-based hydrogel electrolyte. This work not only provides a new prototype to design high-performance hydrogel electrolyte for aqueous batteries but also realizes green and sustainable development.

Regulated cell death (RCD) has emerged as a pivotal upstream mediator supported by correlative preclinical and clinical evidence in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC), a life-threatening complication strongly linked to increased mortality. RCD-guided phenotyping integrates pyroptosis, NETosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis pathways to systematically redefine SIC - from molecular signatures to targeted interventions. This review comprehensively examines how RCD-derived Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) mediate coagulation dysfunction, explores subtype-specific biomarkers for patient stratification, and outlines phenotype-directed combination therapies. We further investigate unresolved challenges and future developments in RCD-guided precision immunomodulation, emphasizing the transformative potential of RCD-based frameworks to advance the clinical management of SIC by bridging insights from cell death and thrombosis research.

Rice bran oil (RBO) is highly valued for its beneficial fatty acid profile and wide applications in the food, pharmaceutical and skincare industries. It offers numerous health benefits, including reduced bad cholesterol and antioxidant activity, due to its high levels of vitamin E and γ-oryzanol. Enhancing oil composition and understanding the complex genetic architecture underlying lipid metabolism are, therefore, critical for improving RBO quality. The complexity of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and their environmental interactions has constrained their application in rice breeding. However, Meta-QTL (M-QTL) analysis can streamline this QTL information, identifying stable QTL and candidate genes for introgression. In this study, a M-QTL approach was employed to identify stable QTLs influencing RBO quality. Fourteen independent linkage mapping studies were integrated to construct a high-density consensus map spanning 3029.6 cM with 1523 markers. The analysis identified 19 stable M-QTLs and 133 putative candidate genes associated with lipid metabolism. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted 20 key genes essential for lipid biosynthesis, while haplotype analysis and gene-metabolite interaction mapping provided further insight into the regulation of lipid content in RBO. This work provides a foundation for developing rice varieties with enhanced lipid content, supporting the growing global demand for high-quality rice.