Aromaticity in Isoelectronic Analogues of Benzene, Carborazine and Borazine, from Electronic Structure and Magnetic Property.

Carborazine (B2C2N2H6) and borazine (B3N3H6) are isoelectronic analogues of benzene (C6H6). The aromatic character of borazine have basically reached a consensus after a long period of controversy, but the related properties of carborazine are even rarely reported. In this work, we systematically investigated the geometric structure, charge distribution, frontier molecular orbital characteristics, bonding, electronic delocalization, magnetic shielding effect, and induced ring current of carborazine and borazine, and compared the studied characteristics with those of benzene to determine the aromatic character of the two analogues. The combination of multiple properties shows that although they are isoelectronic, carborazine is evidently aromatic, while borazine only exhibits rather weak aromaticity. The C atom acting as a connecting bridge between B and N atoms in carborazine reduces the electronegativity difference on the molecular backbone and enhances the electronic delocalization over the conjugated path, which is the essence of the distinct disparity of aromaticity between carborazine and borazine.

Discovery of lignans and curcuminoids as the effective inhibitors of pancreatic lipase: structure-activity relationship and inhibitory mechanism.

Pancreatic lipase (PL) is the main enzyme in the digestive system that breaks down triglyceride and promotes its absorption. In this paper, we found that lignans 2, 3 and 21, curcuminoids 24-26 exhibited significant inhibitory potential against PL. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) indicated that benzo-1, 3-dioxole group in the construction of lignans is essential to inhibitory effects against PL, while double bonds at C-7/C-2 position and 4-hydroxyphenyl moiety in the structure of curcuminoids are beneficial for PL inhibition. The kinetic studies and molecular docking were also conducted, the results showed that the three curcuminoids with the strongest inhibition effect above were all mixed inhibitors of PL. Furthermore, curcuminoids 24-26 displayed a preferential selectivity towards, in contrast to other serine hydrolases. The above results indicate that lignans and curcuminoids are natural functional components for PL inhibition, providing new ideas for finding and developing novel lead compounds for the treatment of obesity.

Two-dimensional fully ferroelectric-gated hybrid computing-in-memory hardware for high-precision and energy-efficient dynamic tracking.

Computing in memory (CIM) breaks the conventional von Neumann bottleneck through in situ processing. Monolithic integration of digital and analog CIM hardware, ensuring both high precision and energy efficiency, provides a sustainable paradigm for increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) applications but remains challenging. Here, we propose a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor-compatible ferroelectric hybrid CIM platform that consists of Boolean logic and triggers for digital processing and multistage cell arrays for analog computation. The basic ferroelectric-gated units are assembled with solution-processable two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide atomic-thin channels at a wafer-scale yield of 96.36%, delivering high on/off ratios (>107), high endurance (>1012), long retention time (>10 years), and ultralow cycle-to-cycle/device-to-device variations (~0.3%/~0.5%). Last, we customize a highly compact 2D hybrid CIM system for dynamic tracking, achieving a high accuracy of 99.8% and a 263-fold improvement in power efficiency compared to graphics processing units. These results demonstrate the potential of 2D fully ferroelectric-gated hybrid hardware for developing versatile CIM blocks for AI tasks.

Reconfigurable aJ-Level Ferroelectric Transistor-Based Boolean Logic for Logic-in-Memory.

Logic-in-memory (LIM) architecture holds great potential to break the von Neumann bottleneck. Despite the extensive research on novel devices, challenges persist in developing suitable engineering building blocks for such designs. Herein, we propose a reconfigurable strategy for efficient implementation of Boolean logics based on a hafnium oxide-based ferroelectric field effect transistor (HfO2-based FeFET). The logic results are stored within the device itself (in situ) during the computation process, featuring the key characteristics of LIM. The fast switching speed and low power consumption of a HfO2-based FeFET enable the execution of Boolean logics with an ultralow energy of lower than 8 attojoule (aJ). This represents a significant milestone in achieving aJ-level computing energy consumption. Furthermore, the system demonstrates exceptional reliability with computing endurance exceeding 108 cycles and retention properties exceeding 1000 s. These results highlight the remarkable potential of a FeFET for the realization of high performance beyond the von Neumann LIM computing architectures.

Leech Poecilobdella manillensis protein extract ameliorated hyperuricemia by restoring gut microbiota dysregulation and affecting serum metabolites.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a public health concern that needs to be solved urgently. The lyophilized powder of Poecilobdella manillensis has been shown to significantly alleviate HUA; however, its underlying metabolic regulation remains unclear. AIM: To explore the underlying mechanisms of Poecilobdella manillensis in HUA based on modulation of the gut microbiota and host metabolism. METHODS: A mouse model of rapid HUA was established using a high-purine diet and potassium oxonate injections. The mice received oral drugs or saline. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics were performed to identify changes in the microbiome and host metabolome, respectively. The levels of uric acid transporters and epithelial tight junction proteins in the renal and intestinal tissues were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The protein extract of Poecilobdella manillensis lyophilized powder (49 mg/kg) showed an enhanced anti-trioxypurine ability than that of allopurinol (5 mg/kg) (P < 0.05). A total of nine bacterial genera were identified to be closely related to the anti-trioxypurine activity of Poecilobdella manillensis powder, which included the genera of Prevotella, Delftia, Dialister, Akkermansia, Lactococcus, Escherichia_Shigella, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides. Furthermore, 22 metabolites in the serum were found to be closely related to the anti-trioxypurine activity of Poecilobdella manillensis powder, which correlated to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of cysteine and methionine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, galactose metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. Correlation analysis found that changes in the gut microbiota were significantly related to these metabolites. CONCLUSION: The proteins in Poecilobdella manillensis powder were effective for HUA. Mechanistically, they are associated with improvements in gut microbiota dysbiosis and the regulation of sphingolipid and galactose metabolism.

A comprehensive electron wavefunction analysis toolbox for chemists, Multiwfn.

Analysis of electron wavefunction is a key component of quantum chemistry investigations and is indispensable for the practical research of many chemical problems. After more than ten years of active development, the wavefunction analysis program Multiwfn has accumulated very rich functions, and its application scope has covered numerous aspects of theoretical chemical research, including charge distribution, chemical bond, electron localization and delocalization, aromaticity, intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, electronic excitation, and response property. This article systematically introduces the features and functions of the latest version of Multiwfn and provides many representative examples. Through this article, readers will be able to fully understand the characteristics and recognize the unique value of Multiwfn. The source code and precompiled executable files of Multiwfn, as well as the manual containing a detailed introduction to theoretical backgrounds and very rich tutorials, can all be downloaded for free from the Multiwfn website (http://sobereva.com/multiwfn).

Theoretical Insight into Complexation Between Cyclocarbons and C60 Fullerene.

This work conducts a comprehensive theoretical study on the non-covalent complexation between cyclocarbons and C60 fullerene for the first time. The binding energy between cyclocarbons and C60 fullerene is significantly stronger than that between two C18 or two C60 fullerenes, indicating a particularly strong affinity. The cyclocarbons and C60 fullerene can spontaneously assemble into complexes in the gas phase at room temperature, and the hydrophobic effect caused by the solvent environment can promote this binding. The binding strength with C60 fullerene increases almost linearly with the increase of cyclocarbon size, and the C34@C60 dimer exhibits a perfect nano-Saturn structure. As the ring size increases, the angle between the two cyclocarbons of the 2 : 1 trimers formed by cyclocarbons and C60 fullerene gradually decreases. In C60@2 C34 trimer, the fullerene is symmetrically surrounded by two cyclocarbons. The results on the trimers formed by cyclocarbon and C60 fullerenes in a 1 : 2 ratio showed when the cyclocarbon sandwiched between two fullerenes is not quite large, the trimers exhibit an ideal dumbbell-like structure, and the presence of the first fullerene has a significant synergistic effect on the binding of the second one. The cyclocarbon greatly promotes the dimerization of fullerenes, which acted as a "molecular glue".

Energetic Information from Information-Theoretic Approach in Density Functional Theory as Quantitative Measures of Physicochemical Properties.

The Hohenberg-Kohn theorem of density functional theory (DFT) stipulates that energy is a universal functional of electron density in the ground state, so energy can be thought of having encoded essential information for the density. Based on this, we recently proposed to quantify energetic information within the framework of information-theoretic approach (ITA) of DFT (J. Chem. Phys. 2022, 157, 101103). In this study, we systematically apply energetic information to a variety of chemical phenomena to validate the use of energetic information as quantitative measures of physicochemical properties. To that end, we employed six ITA quantities such as Shannon entropy and Fisher information for five energetic densities, yielding twenty-six viable energetic information quantities. Then, they are applied to correlate with physicochemical properties of molecular systems, including chemical bonding, conformational stability, intermolecular interactions, acidity, aromaticity, cooperativity, electrophilicity, nucleophilicity, and reactivity. Our results show that different quantities of energetic information often behave differently for different properties but a few of them, such as Shannon entropy of the total kinetic energy density and information gain of the Pauli energy density, stand out and strongly correlate with several properties across different categories of molecular systems. These results suggest that they can be employed as quantitative measures of physicochemical properties. This work not only enriches the body of our knowledge about the relationship between energy and information, but also provides scores of newly introduced explicit density functionals to quantify physicochemical properties, which can serve as robust features for building machine learning models in future studies.

Inverse Design of Low-Resistivity Ternary Gold Alloys via Interpretable Machine Learning and Proactive Search Progress.

Ternary gold alloys (TGAs) are highly regarded for their excellent electrical properties. Electrical resistivity is a crucial indicator for evaluating the electrical performance of TGAs. To explore new promising TGAs with lower resistivity, we developed a reverse design approach integrating machine learning techniques and proactive searching progress (PSP) method. Compared with other models, the support vector regression (SVR) was determined to be the most optimal model for resistivity prediction. The training and test sets yielded R2 values of 0.73 and 0.77, respectively. The model interpretation indicated that lower electrical resistivity was associated with the following conditions: a van der Waals Radius (Vrt) of 0, a Vr (another van der Waals Radius) of less than 217, and a mass attenuation coefficient of MoKα (Macm) greater than 77.5 cm2g-1. Applying the PSP method, we successfully identified eight candidates whose resistivity was lower than that of the sample with the lowest resistivity in the dataset by more than 53-60%, e.g., Au1.000Cu4.406Pt1.833 and Au1.000Pt2.232In1.502. Finally, the candidates were validated to possess low resistivity through the pattern recognition method.

The m6A reader HNRNPC promotes glioma progression by enhancing the stability of IRAK1 mRNA through the MAPK pathway.

Glioma is the most common and aggressive type of primary malignant brain tumor. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification widely exists in eukaryotic cells and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of human tumors. However, the function and mechanism of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC), an RNA-binding protein and m6A reader in gliomas remains to be comprehensively and extensively explored. Herein, we found that HNRNPC mRNA and protein overexpression were associated with a poor prognosis for patients with gliomas, based on the data from TCGA, the CGGA, and the TMAs. Biologically, HNRNPC knockdown markedly repressed malignant phenotypes of glioma in vitro and in vivo, whereas ectopic HNRNPC expression had the opposite effect. Integrative RNA sequencing and MeRIP sequencing analyses identified interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) as a downstream target of HNRNPC. The glioma public datasets and tissue microarrays (TMAs) data indicated that IRAK1 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis, and IRAK1 knockdown significantly repressed malignant biological behavior in vitro. Mechanistically, HNRNPC maintains the mRNA stability of IRAK1 in an m6A-dependent manner, resulting in activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which was necessary for the malignant behavior of glioma. Our findings demonstrate the HNRNPC-IRAK1-MAPK axis as a crucial carcinogenic factor for glioma and the novel underlying mechanism of IRAK1 upregulation, which provides a rationale for therapeutically targeting epitranscriptomic modulators in glioma.

Unraveling the Genetic Foundations of Broiler Meat Quality: Advancements in Research and Their Impact.

As societal progress elevates living standards, the focus on meat consumption has shifted from quantity to quality. In broiler production, optimizing meat quality has become paramount, prompting efforts to refine various meat attributes. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies have revealed the genome's complexity, surpassing previous conceptions. Through experimentation, numerous genetic elements have been linked to crucial meat quality traits in broiler chickens. This review synthesizes the current understanding of genetic determinants associated with meat quality attributes in broilers. Researchers have unveiled the pivotal insights detailed herein by employing diverse genomic methodologies such as QTL-based investigations, candidate gene studies, single-nucleotide polymorphism screening, genome-wide association studies, and RNA sequencing. These studies have identified numerous genes involved in broiler meat quality traits, including meat lightness (COL1A2 and ACAA2), meat yellowness (BCMO1 and GDPD5), fiber diameter (myostatin and LncIRS1), meat pH (PRDX4), tenderness (CAPN1), and intramuscular fat content (miR-24-3p and ANXA6). Consequently, a comprehensive exploration of these genetic elements is imperative to devise novel molecular markers and potential targets, promising to revolutionize strategies for enhancing broiler meat quality.

Cross-scale mechanobiological regulation of cylindrical compressible liquid inclusion via coating.

The double-bag theory in modern anatomy suggests that structures with coatings are commonly found in human body at various length scales, such as osteocyte processes covered by pericellular matrix and bones covered by muscle tissue. To understand the mechanical behaviors and physiological responses of such biological structures, we develop an analytical model to quantify surface effects on the deformation of a coated cylindrical compressible liquid inclusion in an elastic matrix subjected to remote loading. Our analytical solution reveals that coating can either amplify or attenuate the volumetric strain of the inclusion, depending on the relative elastic moduli of inclusion, coating, and matrix. For illustration, we utilize this solution to explore amplification/attenuation of volumetric strain in musculoskeletal systems, nerve cells, and vascular tissues. We demonstrate that coating often plays a crucial role in mechanical regulation of the development and repair of human tissues and cells. Our model provides qualitative analysis of cross-scale mechanical response of coated liquid inclusions, helpful for constructing mechanical microenvironment of cells.

Theoretical Prediction and Comprehensive Characterization of an All-Nitrogenatomic Ring, Cyclo[18]Nitrogen (N18).

The cyclic molecule cyclo[18]carbon composed of 18 carbon atoms has been observed in condensed phase experiment in recent years and has attracted great attention. Through state-of-art quantum chemistry calculation, this study found that 18 nitrogen atoms can also form a macrocyclic system, cyclo[18]nitrogen (N18), though its lifetime is very short at room temperature and can only exist for a relatively long time at very low temperatures. We comprehensively theoretically studied properties of N18, including geometric configurations, thermal decomposition mechanism and rate, molecular dynamics behavior, energetic properties, vibrational and electronic spectra. We also discussed in depth the electronic structure of N18, including nature of the N-N bonds, lone-pairs, charge distribution characteristics, electronic delocalization, and aromaticity. This work is not only the first exploration of the macrocyclic N18 molecule, but also the first time to systematically examine a very long-chain substance fully composed of nitrogen atoms in isolated state.

Differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis based on ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is often misdiagnosed as intestinal tuberculosis (ITB). However, the treatment and prognosis of these two diseases are dramatically different. Therefore, it is important to develop a method to identify CD and ITB with high accuracy, specificity, and speed. AIM: To develop a method to identify CD and ITB with high accuracy, specificity, and speed. METHODS: A total of 72 paraffin wax-embedded tissue sections were pathologically and clinically diagnosed as CD or ITB. Paraffin wax-embedded tissue sections were attached to a metal coating and measured using attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy at mid-infrared wavelengths combined with XGBoost for differential diagnosis. RESULTS: The results showed that the paraffin wax-embedded specimens of CD and ITB were significantly different in their spectral signals at 1074 cm-1 and 1234 cm-1 bands, and the differential diagnosis model based on spectral characteristics combined with machine learning showed accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of 91.84%, 92.59%, and 90.90%, respectively, for the differential diagnosis of CD and ITB. CONCLUSION: Information on the mid-infrared region can reveal the different histological components of CD and ITB at the molecular level, and spectral analysis combined with machine learning to establish a diagnostic model is expected to become a new method for the differential diagnosis of CD and ITB.

[Correlation Analysis of Peripheral Blood B Cell Count with Clinical Features and Prognosis in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between peripheral blood B cell count and clinical features and prognosis of patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS: The relationship of peripheral blood B cell count with clinical features, laboratory indexes and prognosis in 67 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Patients were divided into low B-cell count group (B cell＜0.1×109/L, n=34) and high B-cell count group (B cell≥0.1×109/L, n=33) according to the median B cell count values. Compared with the high B cell count group, the low B cell count group had a higher proportion of patients with Lugano stage III-IV, elevated LDH, elevated ß2-MG and IPI score 3-5 and increased CRP (P =0.033, 0.000, 0.023, 0.001, 0.033). The peripheral CD3+ and CD4+ cell counts of patients in the low B cell count group were significantly lower than those in the high B cell count group (P =0.010, 0.017). After initial treatment, overall response rate (ORR) and complete remission (CR) rate in high B cell count group were significantly higher than those in low B cell count group (P =0.032, 0.013). The median follow-up time of patients was 23(2-77) months, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients in the high B cell count group were significantly better than those in the low B cell count group (P =0.001, 0.002). Univariate analysis showed that pretreatment low B cell count in the peripheral blood was associated with shortened PFS and OS (HR=4.108, P =0.002; HR=8.218, P =0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that low B cell count was an independent prognostic factor for shortened PFS (HR=3.116, P =0.037). CONCLUSION: Decreased peripheral blood B cell count in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients is associated with high-risk clinical features and may affect the efficacy of immunochemotherapy, which is associated with poor clinical prognosis.

Manufacturing, quality control, and GLP-grade preclinical study of nebulized allogenic adipose mesenchymal stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles.

BACKGROUND: Human adipose stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles (haMSC-EVs) have been shown to alleviate inflammation in acute lung injury (ALI) animal models. However, there are few systemic studies on clinical-grade haMSC-EVs. Our study aimed to investigate the manufacturing, quality control (QC) and preclinical safety of clinical-grade haMSC-EVs. METHODS: haMSC-EVs were isolated from the conditioned medium of human adipose MSCs incubated in 2D containers. Purification was performed by PEG precipitation and differential centrifugation. Characterizations were conducted by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Western blotting, nanoflow cytometry analysis, and the TNF-α inhibition ratio of macrophage [after stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]. RNA-seq and proteomic analysis with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used to inspect the lot-to-lot consistency of the EV products. Repeated toxicity was evaluated in rats after administration using trace liquid endotracheal nebulizers for 28 days, and respiratory toxicity was evaluated 24 h after the first administration. In vivo therapeutic effects were assessed in an LPS-induced ALI/ acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rat model. RESULTS: The quality criteria have been standardized. In a stability study, haMSC-EVs were found to remain stable after 6 months of storage at - 80°C, 3 months at - 20 °C, and 6 h at room temperature. The microRNA profile and proteome of haMSC-EVs demonstrated suitable lot-to-lot consistency, further suggesting the stability of the production processes. Intratracheally administered 1.5 × 108 particles/rat/day for four weeks elicited no significant toxicity in rats. In LPS-induced ALI/ARDS model rats, intratracheally administered haMSC-EVs alleviated lung injury, possibly by reducing the serum level of inflammatory factors. CONCLUSION: haMSC-EVs, as an off-shelf drug, have suitable stability and lot-to-lot consistency. Intratracheally administered haMSC-EVs demonstrated excellent safety at the tested dosages in systematic preclinical toxicity studies. Intratracheally administered haMSC-EVs improved the lung function and exerted anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced ALI/ARDS model rats.

[Mechanism of ultrafiltration extract of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Hedysari Radix regulates HIF-1α signaling pathway mediated by renal hypoxia to ameliorate renal fibrosis in DKD rats].

This study explored the mechanism of the ultrafiltration extract of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Hedysari Radix in ameliorating renal fibrosis in the rat model of diabetic kidney disease(DKD) based on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and HIF-1α/platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor(PDGFR) signaling pathways in the DKD rats. After 1 week of adaptive feeding, 50 male SPF-grade Wistar rats were randomized into a blank group(n=7) and a modeling group. After 24 h of fasting, the rats in the modeling group were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin and fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet to establish a DKD model. After modeling, the rats were randomly assigned into model(n=7), low-dose ultrafiltration extract(n=7), medium-dose ultrafiltration extract(n=7), irbesartan(n=8), and high-dose ultrafiltration extract(n=8) groups. After intervention by corresponding drugs for 12 weeks, the general conditions of the rats were observed. The body weights and blood glucose levels of the rats were measured weekly, and the 24 h urinary protein(24hUP) was measured at the 6th and 12th weeks of drug administration. After the last drug administration, the renal function indicators were determined. Masson staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the renal tissue. The expression of prolyl hydroxylase domain 2(PHD2) and HIF-1α in the renal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC). Real-time qPCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of PHD2, VEGF, PDGF, and PDGFR in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, PDGF, and PDGFR in the renal tissue. The results showed that compared with the model group, drug administration lowered the levels of glycosylated serum protein(GSP), aerum creatinine(Scr), and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05 or P<0.01) and mitigated the pathological changes in the renal tissue. Furthermore, drug administration up-regulated mRNA level of PHD2(P<0.05 or P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA levels of VEGF, PDGF, and PDGFR(P<0.05 or P<0.01) and the protein levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, PDGF, and PDGFR(P<0.01) in the renal tissue, and increased the rate of PHD2-positive cells(P<0.01). In conclusion, the ultrafiltration extract of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Hedysari Radix effectively alleviated the renal fibrosis in DKD rats by inhibiting the expression of key proteins in the HIF-1α signaling pathway mediated by renal hypoxia and reducing extracellular matrix(ECM) deposition.

Characteristics of intestinal bacteriophages and their relationship with Bacteria and serum metabolites during quail sexual maturity transition.

BACKGROUND: Bacteriophages are prokaryotic viruses that rank among the most abundant microbes in the gut but remain among the least understood, especially in quails. In this study, we surveyed the gut bacteriophage communities in 22 quails at different ages (days 20 and 70) using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We then systematically evaluated the relationships with gut bacteria and host serum metabolites. RESULTS: We discovered that Myoviridae and Siphoviridae were the dominant bacteriophage families in quails. Through a random forest and LEfSe analysis, we identified 23 differential bacteriophages with overlapping presence. Of these, 21 bacteriophages (e.g., Enterococcus phage IME-EFm5 and Enterococcus phage IME-EFm1) showed higher abundances in the day 20 group, while two bacteriophages (Bacillus phage Silence and Bacillus virus WPh) were enriched in the day 70 group. These key bacteriophages can serve as biomarkers for quail sexual maturity. Additionally, the differential bacteriophages significantly correlated with specific bacterial species and shifts in the functional capacities of the gut microbiome. For example, Enterococcus phages (e.g., Enterococcus phage EFP01, Enterococcus phage IME-EFm5, and Enterococcus phage IME-EFm1) were significantly (P < 0.001, FDR) and positively correlated with Enterococcus faecalis. However, the relationships between the host serum metabolites and either bacteriophages or bacterial species varied. None of the bacteriophages significantly (P > 0.05, FDR) correlated with nicotinamide riboside and triacetate lactone. In contrast, some differential bacterial species (e.g., Christensenella massiliensis and Bacteroides neonati) significantly (P < 0.05, FDR) correlated with nicotinamide riboside and triacetate lactone. Furthermore, characteristic successional alterations in gut bacteriophages, bacteria, and host serum metabolites across different ages highlighted a sexual maturity transition coexpression network. CONCLUSION: This study improves our understanding of the gut bacteriophage characteristics in quails and offers profound insights into the interactions among gut bacteriophages, bacteria, and host serum metabolites during the quail's sexual maturity transition.

Dual-Scale Spiral Material for Balancing High Load Bearing and Sound Absorption.

Porous materials with sound absorption and load-bearing capabilities are in demand in engineering fields like aviation and rail transportation. However, achieving both properties simultaneously is challenging due to the trade-off between interconnected pores for sound absorption and mechanical strength. Inspired by quilling art, a novel design using spiral material formed by rolling planar materials into helical structures is proposed. Experimental results show high structural strength through self-locking mechanisms, while double porosities from interlayer spiral slits and aligned submillimeter pores provide excellent sound absorption. These spiral sheets surpass foam aluminum in specific strength (up to 5.1 MPa) and approach aerogels in sound absorption (average coefficient of 0.93 within 0-6400 Hz). With its adaptability to various planar materials, this spiral design allows for hybrid combinations of different materials for multi-functionality, paving the way for designing advanced, lightweight porous materials for broad applications.

Decoding the spatiotemporal regulation of transcription factors during human spinal cord development.

The spinal cord is a crucial component of the central nervous system that facilitates sensory processing and motor performance. Despite its importance, the spatiotemporal codes underlying human spinal cord development have remained elusive. In this study, we have introduced an image-based single-cell transcription factor (TF) expression decoding spatial transcriptome method (TF-seqFISH) to investigate the spatial expression and regulation of TFs during human spinal cord development. By combining spatial transcriptomic data from TF-seqFISH and single-cell RNA-sequencing data, we uncovered the spatial distribution of neural progenitor cells characterized by combinatorial TFs along the dorsoventral axis, as well as the molecular and spatial features governing neuronal generation, migration, and differentiation along the mediolateral axis. Notably, we observed a sandwich-like organization of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons transiently appearing in the dorsal horns of the developing human spinal cord. In addition, we integrated data from 10× Visium to identify early and late waves of neurogenesis in the dorsal horn, revealing the formation of laminas in the dorsal horns. Our study also illuminated the spatial differences and molecular cues underlying motor neuron (MN) diversification, and the enrichment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) risk genes in MNs and microglia. Interestingly, we detected disease-associated microglia (DAM)-like microglia groups in the developing human spinal cord, which are predicted to be vulnerable to ALS and engaged in the TYROBP causal network and response to unfolded proteins. These findings provide spatiotemporal transcriptomic resources on the developing human spinal cord and potential strategies for spinal cord injury repair and ALS treatment.