High-throughput single biomarker identification using droplet nanopore.

Biomarkers are present in various metabolism processes, demanding precise and meticulous analysis at the single-molecule level for accurate clinical diagnosis. Given the need for high sensitivity, biological nanopore have been applied for single biomarker sensing. However, the detection of low-volume biomarkers poses challenges due to their low concentrations in dilute buffer solutions, as well as difficulty in parallel detection. Here, a droplet nanopore technique is developed for low-volume and high-throughput single biomarker detection at the sub-microliter scale, which shows a 2000-fold volume reduction compared to conventional setups. To prove the concept, this nanopore sensing platform not only enables multichannel recording but also significantly lowers the detection limit for various types of biomarkers such as angiotensin II, to 42 pg. This advancement enables direct biomarker detection at the picogram level. Such a leap forward in detection capability positions this nanopore sensing platform as a promising candidate for point-of-care testing of biomarker at single-molecule level, while substantially minimizing the need for sample dilution.

Cholesterol efflux from C1QB-expressing macrophages is associated with resistance to chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in primary refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has demonstrated promising efficacy in early trials for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, its efficacy in treating primary refractory DLBCL has not been comprehensively investigated, and the underlying resistance mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report the outcomes of a phase I, open-label, single-arm clinical trial of relmacabtagene autoleucel (relma-cel), a CD19-targeted CAR-T cell product, with safety and efficacy as primary endpoints. Among the 12 enrolled patients, 8 experienced grade 4 hematologic toxicity of treatment-emergent adverse event. No grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity occurred. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed an increase proportion of C1QB-expressing macrophages in patients with progressive disease before CAR-T cell therapy. Cholesterol efflux from M2 macrophages was found to inhibit CAR-T cells cytotoxicity by inducing an immunosuppressive state in CD8+ T cells, leading to their exhaustion. Possible interactions between macrophages and CD8+ T cells, mediating lipid metabolism (AFR1-FAS), immune checkpoint activation, and T cell exhaustion (LGALS9-HAVCR2, CD86-CTLA4, and NECTIN2-TIGIT) were enhanced during disease progression. These findings suggest that cholesterol efflux from macrophages may trigger CD8+ T cell exhaustion, providing a rationale for metabolic reprogramming to counteract CAR-T treatment failure. Chinadrugtrials.org.cn identifier: CTR20200376.

Seeking help as a strategy for ethical and professional decision-making in research: Perspectives of researchers from East Asia and the United States.

Background: A person's cultural background shapes how they interpret and navigate problems. Given that large numbers of international researchers work and train in the U.S. we sought to better understand how researchers use the decision-making strategy of seeking help to navigate ethical and professional challenges.Methods: Participants (N = 300) were researchers working or training in the U.S. who were born in East Asia (EA) or born in the U.S. They completed a screening survey; then a subset completed think-aloud interviews (n = 66) focused on how they would respond to three hypothetical research scenarios.Results: Thematic analysis of the transcripts showed that seeking help was a commonly endorsed strategy, with some nuances between groups. Themes included seeking help in the form of getting advice, seeking someone to help solve the problem, and gathering information. Endorsement of the seeking help strategy frequently depended on participants' relationships; desiring to seek help from people they trusted. Notably, EA participants tended to prefer seeking help in ways that avoided reputational harm to others.Conclusion: A better understanding of how researchers from different cultural backgrounds use decision-making strategies can inform how to make educational programs more inclusive and comprehensive to more effectively develop researchers' ethical and professional decision-making skills.

Circulating hypervirulent Marek's disease viruses in vaccinated chicken flocks in Taiwan by genetic analysis of meq oncogene.

Marek's disease (MD) is an important neoplastic disease caused by serotype 1 Marek's disease virus (MDV-1), which results in severe economic losses worldwide. Despite vaccination practices that have controlled the MD epidemic, current increasing MD-suspected cases indicate the persistent viral infections circulating among vaccinated chicken farms in many countries. However, the lack of available information about phylogeny and molecular characterization of circulating MDV-1 field strains in Taiwan reveals a potential risk in MD outbreaks. This study investigated the genetic characteristics of 18 MDV-1 strains obtained from 17 vaccinated chicken flocks in Taiwan between 2018 and 2020. Based on the sequences of the meq oncogene, the phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the circulating Taiwanese MDV-1 field strains were predominantly in a single cluster that showed high similarity with strains from countries of the East Asian region. Because the strains were obtained from CVI988/Rispens vaccinated chicken flocks and the molecular characteristics of the Meq oncoprotein showed features like vvMDV and vv+MDV strains, the circulating Taiwanese MDV-1 field strains may have higher virulence compared with vvMDV pathotype. In conclusion, the data presented demonstrates the circulation of hypervirulent MDV-1 strains in Taiwan and highlights the importance of routine surveillance and precaution strategies in response to the emergence of enhanced virulent MDV-1.

Conquer coronary artery perforation with magic hands.

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) poses a significant challenge for interventional cardiologists. Management of CAP depends on the location and severity of the perforation. The conventional method for addressing the perforation of large vessels involves the placement of a covered stent, while the perforation of distal and collateral vessels is typically managed using coils, autologous skin, subcutaneous fat, microspheres, gelatin sponge, thrombin or other substances. However, the above techniques have certain limitations and are not applicable in all scenarios. Our team has developed a range of innovative strategies for effectively managing CAP. This article provides an insightful review of the various tips and tricks for the treatment of CAP.

Biomechanical comparisons of F.E.R.I. techniques with different type of intramedullary screws fixation for Jones fractures.

Introduction: Jones fractures frequently fail to unite, and adequate fixation stability is crucial. This study aimed to elucidate the biomechanical stability of various intramedullary screw fixation constructs. Methods: Jones fracture model over the proximal 5th metatarsal of artificial bone was created in all specimens. Six groups were divided based on varied screw constructs with different screw lengths, either 30 or 40 mm, including cannulated screws-C30 and C40 groups, one high-resistance suture combined with intramedullary cannulated screws (F.E.R.I. technique)-CF30 and CF40 groups, and second-generation headless compression screws (SG-HCS) -HL30 and HL40 groups. Mechanical testing was conducted sequentially, and the maximal force (N) and stiffness (N/mm) of all constructs were recorded. Results: The maximal force (N) at 1.0 mm downward displacement in C30, C40, CF30, CF40, HL30, and HL40 groups were 0.56 ± 0.02, 0.49 ± 0.02, 0.65 ± 0.02, 0.49 ± 0.01, 0.68 ± 0.02, and 0.73 ± 0.02, respectively, and the stiffness (N/mm) in subgroups were 0.49 ± 0.01, 0.43 ± 0.01, 0.67 ± 0.01, 0.42 ± 0.01, 0.61 ± 0.01, and 0.58 ± 0.02, respectively. SG-HCS subgroups exhibited greater maximal force and stiffness than conventional cannulated screws. Screws of 30 mm in length demonstrated better stability than all 40 mm-length screws in each subgroup. In C30 fixation, the stiffness and maximum force endured increased by 1.16 and 1.12 times, respectively, compared with the C40 fixation method. There were no significant differences between CF30 and SG-HCS groups. Only the F.E.R.I technique combined with the 4.5 mm cannulated screw of 30 mm in length increased the biomechanical stability for Jones fractures. Discussion: These biomechanical findings help clinicians decide on better screw fixation options for greater stability in Jones fractures, especially when large-diameter screws are limited in use. However, this biomechanical testing of intramedullary screw fixation on Jones fracture model lacks clinical validation and no comparisons to extramedullary plate fixations. Moving forward, additional clinical and biomechanical research is necessary to validate our findings.

Molecular Dynamic Simulation Study on Replacement of Methane Hydrates with Carbon Dioxide Under Different Temperatures, Pressures, and Concentrations of Ethylene Glycol.

In order to alleviate the world energy resources crisis, the research and development of natural gas hydrates has a very important economic value and strategic significance. The CH4-CO2 replacement method can not only achieve geological storage of carbon dioxide but also more effectively mine natural gas hydrates. Based on molecular dynamics theory and the properties of natural gas hydrates, this paper delves into the replacement of methane hydrate with carbon dioxide under different temperatures, pressures, and concentrations of ethylene glycol (EG). We established a CO2-Hydrate model and three CO2/EG-Hydrate models with different concentrations of EG, and we simulated the radial distribution function (RDF), mean square displacement (MSD), and relative density distribution of each particle in the system in different conditions. The higher the temperature, the more unstable the methane hydrates are, and the methane hydrates are more prone to decomposition. Compared with 280 and 290 K, the temperature of 270 K is more favorable for carbon dioxide molecules to enter the hydrate layer and form carbon dioxide hydrates. The changes in pressure have little impact on the decomposition of methane hydrates, the rupture of water cages of methane hydrates, and the number of carbon dioxide molecules entering the hydrate layer under temperatures of 280 K and pressures of 1, 4, and 7 MPa. But overall, a pressure of 1 MPa is more conducive for carbon dioxide molecules to enter the hydrate layer and form carbon dioxide hydrates. Adding EG to CO2 molecules can inhibit the decomposition of methane hydrates. However, the higher the concentration of EG, the faster the decomposition of methane hydrates. The degree of fracture of the water cages in methane hydrates is greater under pure CO2 conditions. Adding EG to CO2 molecules is more conducive for CO2 molecules to enter the hydrate layer and form carbon dioxide hydrates. This review is of great significance to improve the mining efficiency and CO2 storage efficiency of the replacement of natural gas hydrates with CO2.

Bacteria inhabiting spider webs enhance host silk extensibility.

Spider silk is a promising material with great potential in biomedical applications due to its incredible mechanical properties and resistance to degradation of commercially available bacterial strains. However, little is known about the bacterial communities that may inhabit spider webs and how these microorganisms interact with spider silk. In this study, we exposed two exopolysaccharide-secreting bacteria, isolated from webs of an orb spider, to major ampullate (MA) silk from host spiders. The naturally occurring lipid and glycoprotein surface layers of MA silk were experimentally removed to further probe the interaction between bacteria and silk. Extensibility of major ampullate silk produced by Triconephila clavata that was exposed to either Microbacterium sp. or Novosphigobium sp. was significantly higher than that of silk that was not exposed to bacteria (differed by 58.7%). This strain-enhancing effect was not observed when the lipid and glycoprotein surface layers of MA silks were removed. The presence of exopolysaccharides was detected through NMR from MA silks exposed to these two bacteria but not from those without exposure. Here we report for the first time that exopolysaccharide-secreting bacteria inhabiting spider webs can enhance extensibility of host MA silks and silk surface layers play a vital role in mediating such effects.

Hematological and plasma profiles and ticks and tick-borne pathogens in wild Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus).

BACKGROUND: The endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) is the largest native carnivorous mammal in Taiwan. Diseases, poor management, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction are serious threats to the survival of bear populations. However, studies on the impact of diseases on bear populations are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of free-ranging Formosan black bears and investigate the occurrence of ectoparasites, blood parasites, and vector-borne pathogens. METHODS: Formosan black bears were captured in Yushan National Park (YNP) and Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area (DSY) in Taiwan. Blood samples were collected from each bear for hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry using a hematology analyzer. Parasites and pathogens were detected using a thin blood smear with Wright-Giemsa staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Additionally, macroscopic ectoparasites were collected from bears to detect blood parasites and other pathogens. Moreover, the relationships between the bear variables (sex, age, and occurrence of parasites or pathogens), ectoparasites, and infectious agents were also analyzed. RESULTS: In all, 21 wild bears (14 in YNP and 7 in DSY) were captured and released during the satellite tracking studies. Hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry indicated significant differences in white blood cells (WBC), segments, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels between foot snare and culvert-captured bears. Additionally, there were significant differences in total plasma protein (TPP), creatinine, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ levels between male and female bears. Moreover, pathogen-infected bears had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; 30 min and 1 h) and globulin levels than uninfected bears. In total, 240 ticks were collected from 13 bears, among which eight adult tick species were identified, including Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Amblyomma testudinarium, Ixodes ovatus, Dermacentor taiwanensis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes acutitarsus, Amblyomma javanense, and nymphs belonging to Haemaphysalis spp. PCR revealed that 13 (61.90%) and 8 (38.10%) bears harbored Hepatozoon ursi and Babesia DNA, respectively. Among the ticks examined, 157 (65.41%) and 128 (53.33%) samples were positive for H. ursi and Babesia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of wild Formosan black bears and investigate ectoparasite infestation and Hepatozoon and Babesia spp. INFECTION: In conclusion, these findings may serve as a reference for monitoring the health and population of locally endangered bears.

Outcome of Tocilizumab Treatment in Febrile Neutropenic Children with Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock in a Single-Center Retrospective Case Series.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of an IL-6 blockade with tocilizumab on treatment outcome of severe sepsis/septic shock in children with febrile neutropenia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of febrile neutropenic patients younger than 18 years old who developed severe sepsis/septic shock at a single medical center between November 2022 and October 2023. RESULTS: Seven patients with febrile neutropenia complicated with severe sepsis/septic shock were identified. Four of seven patients received tocilizumab in addition to standard of care. The median IL-6 level before administration of tocilizumab was 14,147 pg/mL (range: 672-30,509 pg/mL). All four patients successfully recovered from severe sepsis/septic shock. Three of seven patients received standard of care without tocilizumab. IL-6 levels were checked intwo2 patients, with a median of 1514.5 (range: 838-2191). Only one of three (33%) patients without tocilizumab therapy made a full recovery from severe sepsis/septic shock. The mortality rate was higher in patients without tocilizumab therapy compared to patients with tocilizumab therapy (67% vs. 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of tocilizumab reduced mortality of severe sepsis/septic shock in children with febrile neutropenia. However, it warrants confirmation with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up.

VND genes redundantly regulate cell wall thickening during parasitic nematode infection.

Plant-parasitic root knot nematodes are major agricultural pests worldwide, as they infect plant roots and cause substantial damages to crop plants. Root-knot nematodes induce specialized feeding cells known as giant cells in the root vasculature, which serve as nutrient reservoirs for the infecting nematodes. Here we show that the cell walls of giant cells thicken to form pitted patterns that superficially resemble to metaxylem cells. Interestingly, VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN1 (VND1) was found to be up-regulated, while the xylem-type programmed cell death marker XYLEM CYSTEINE PEPTIDASE 1 (XCP1) was down-regulated upon nematode infection. The vnd2 and vnd3 mutants showed reduced secondary cell wall pore size, while the vnd1 vnd2 vnd3 triple mutant produced significantly fewer nematode egg masses when compared with the wild type. These results suggest that giant cell development pathway likely share common signaling modules with the metaxylem differentiation pathway, and VND1, VND2, and VND3 redundantly regulate plant-nematode interaction through secondary cell wall formation.

HFM-Tracker: a cell tracking algorithm based on hybrid feature matching.

Cell migration is known to be a fundamental biological process, playing an essential role in development, homeostasis, and diseases. This paper introduces a cell tracking algorithm named HFM-Tracker (Hybrid Feature Matching Tracker) that automatically identifies cell migration behaviours in consecutive images. It combines Contour Attention (CA) and Adaptive Confusion Matrix (ACM) modules to accurately capture cell contours in each image and track the dynamic behaviors of migrating cells in the field of view. Cells are firstly located and identified via the CA module-based cell detection network, and then associated and tracked via a cell tracking algorithm employing a hybrid feature-matching strategy. This proposed HFM-Tracker exhibits superiorities in cell detection and tracking, achieving 75% in MOTA (Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy) and 65% in IDF1 (ID F1 score). It provides quantitative analysis of the cell morphology and migration features, which could further help in understanding the complicated and diverse cell migration processes.

Quality of life and clinical correlates in cognitively-able autistic adults: A special focus on sensory characteristics and perceived parental support.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) has been suggested as an indicator of outcomes in autistic adults. Factors associated with QoL in autistic individuals remain unclear. This study aims to examine the subjective QoL for autistic adults in Taiwan and investigate the determinants for different domains of QoL. METHODS: The study comprised 90 autistic adults (aged 26.9, SD 7.3; males, 80.9%). We used Taiwanese version of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF to measure QoL. Four domains of QoL were compared with 61 non-autistic controls, including physical, psychological, social, and environment. To identify the correlates of QoL domains, we assessed IQ, personality trait, family support, anxiety/depressive symptoms, autistic severity, and sensory symptoms by various questionnaires, and assessed their association with QoL by correlation analyses and model selection. RESULTS: Our results showed that autistic adults reported lower QoL on the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF across all domains. QoL was significantly associated with autistic symptom severity, harm avoidance, family support, sensory symptoms, anxiety, and depression, but not intelligence. Model selections revealed male sex, poor paternal support, autism severity, depression, anxiety, and sensory symptoms were associated with specific QoL domains. CONCLUSION: Findings supported lower QoL in autistic adults. Modifying the QoL correlates may improve life quality in autistic adults. Furthermore, our findings revealed the importance of sensory symptoms and paternal support in QoL of autistic adults, which was a novel finding in this population.

Artemisia argyi extracts overcome lapatinib resistance via enhancing TMPRSS2 activation in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Breast cancer stands as the predominant malignancy and primary cause of cancer-related mortality among females globally. Approximately 25% of breast cancers exhibit HER2 overexpression, imparting a more aggressive tumor phenotype and correlating with poor prognoses. Patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (HER2 TKIs), such as Lapatinib, develop acquired resistance within a year, posing a critical challenge in managing this disease. Here, we explore the potential of Artemisia argyi, a Chinese herbal medicine known for its anti-cancer properties, in mitigating HER2 TKI resistance in breast cancer. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed diminished expression of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), a subfamily of membrane proteolytic enzymes, in breast cancer patients, correlating with unfavorable outcomes. Intriguingly, lapatinib-responsive patients exhibited higher TMPRSS2 expression. Our study unveiled that the compounds from Artemisia argyi, eriodictyol, and umbelliferone could inhibit the growth of lapatinib-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, they suppressed HER2 kinase activation by enhancing TMPRSS2 activity. Our findings propose TMPRSS2 as a critical determinant in lapatinib sensitivity, and Artemisia argyi emerges as a potential agent to overcome lapatinib via activating TMPRSS2 in HER2-positive breast cancer. This study not only unravels the molecular mechanisms driving cell death in HER2-positive breast cancer cells induced by Artemisia argyi but also lays the groundwork for developing novel inhibitors to enhance therapy outcomes.

Dihydroartemisinin eliminates senescent cells by promoting autophagy-dependent ferroptosis via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Cellular senescence is an irreversible cell-cycle arrest in response to a variety of cellular stresses, which contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of age-related degenerative diseases. However, effective antisenescence strategies are still lacking. Drugs that selectively target senescent cells represent an intriguing therapeutic strategy to delay aging and age-related diseases. Thus, we thought to investigate the effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on senescent cells and elucidated its mechanisms underlying aging. Stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model was built in NIH3T3 cells using H2O2 and evaluated by ß-galactosidase staining. Cells were exposed to DHA and subjected to cellular activity assays including viability, ferroptosis, and autophagy. The number of microtubule-associated protein light-chain 3 puncta was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The iron content was assessed by spectrophotometer and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by fluorescent probe dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. We found that DHA triggered senescent cell death via ferroptosis. DHA accelerated ferritin degradation via promoting autophagy, increasing the iron contents, promoting ROS accumulation, thus leading to ferroptotic cell death in SIPS cells. In addition, autophagy inhibitor BafA1 preconditioning inhibited ferroptosis induced by DHA. Moreover, Atg5 silencing and autophagy inhibitor BafA1 preconditioning inhibited ferroptosis induced by DHA. We also revealed that the expression of p-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in senescent cells was downregulated. These results suggested that DHA may be a promising drug candidate for clearing senescent cells by inducing autophagy-dependent ferroptosis via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Immunoenhancement effect of cinobufagin on macrophages and the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mouse model.

Cinobufagin (CBG) is a natural active substance. Although its various pharmacological activities have been explored, the immunomodulatory activity of CBG remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of CBG ex vivo and in vivo. The immunomodulatory activity of CBG was investigated in RAW 264.7 cells. CBG showed no significant toxicity to cells. Additionally, 0.5-8 µg/mL CBG significantly increased the phagocytosis ability of macrophages and the secretion levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α. Thus, it exerted immunomodulatory effects. We established the immunosuppressive model induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in mice and studied the immunomodulatory activity of CBG in vivo. The experimental results showed that the intervention of CBG alleviated the CTX-induced weight loss, restored the lymphocyte nuclear cell number, and promoted the secretion and mRNA expression of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12. Moreover, CBG increased the immune organ index, protected the growth of the spleen and thymus, and improved the pathological changes in immunosuppressed mice. Western blot results showed that different concentrations of CBG upregulated the phosphorylation level of PI3K/Akt/mTOR in the spleen of CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. This suggests that the immunomodulatory effect of CBG may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing CBG immune enhancers and opens up new ideas for the comprehensive utilization and development of CBG in factories.

Noninvasive Stereotactic Radiotherapy for PADN in an Acute Canine Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

This study assesses the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of noninvasive stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as an approach for pulmonary artery denervation in canine models. SBRT with CyberKnife resulted in reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance, and insignificantly increased cardiac output. In comparison to the control group, serum norepinephrine levels at 1 month and 6 months were significantly lower in the CyberKnife group. Computed tomography, pulmonary angiography, and histology analysis revealed that SBRT was associated with minimal collateral damage.

Electrochemical Visualization of Single-Molecule Thiol Substitution with Nanopore Measurement.

Reactions involving sulfhydryl groups play a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of proteins. However, traditional mechanistic studies have mainly focused on reaction rates and the efficiency in bulk solutions. Herein, we have designed a cysteine-mutated nanopore as a biological protein nanoreactor for electrochemical visualization of the thiol substitute reaction. Statistical analysis of characteristic current signals shows that the apparent reaction rate at the single-molecule level in this confined nanoreactor reached 1400 times higher than that observed in bulk solution. This substantial acceleration of thiol substitution reactions within the nanopore offers promising opportunities for advancing the design and optimization of micro/nanoreactors. Moreover, our results could shed light on the understanding of sulfhydryl reactions and the thiol-involved signal transduction mechanisms in biological systems.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Understanding of Genetic Factors and Treatment.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), recognized as a chronic and debilitating skin disease, presents significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. This review explores the clinical manifestations, genetic landscape, and molecular mechanisms underlying HS. The disease's association with a predisposing genetic background, obesity, smoking, and skin occlusion underscores the complexity of its etiology. Genetic heterogeneity manifests in sporadic, familial, and syndromic forms, with a focus on mutations in the γ-secretase complex genes, particularly NCSTN. The dysregulation of immune mediators, including TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1ß, and IL-12/23, plays a crucial role in the chronic inflammatory nature of HS. Recent advancements in genetic research have identified potential therapeutic targets, leading to the development of anti-TNF-α, anti-IL-17, anti-IL-1α, and anti-IL-12/23 therapies and JAK inhibitors. These interventions offer promise in alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for HS patients.

A Novel, Controllable, and Efficient Method for Building Highly Hydrophobic Aerogels.

Aerogels prepared using freeze-drying methods have the potential to be insulation materials or absorbents in the fields of industry, architecture, agriculture, etc., for their low heat conductivity, high specific area, low density, degradability, and low cost. However, their native, poor water resistance caused by the hydrophilicity of their polymer matrix limits their practical application. In this work, a novel, controllable, and efficient templating method was utilized to construct a highly hydrophobic surface for freeze-drying aerogels. The influence of templates on the macroscopic morphology and hydrophobic properties of materials was investigated in detail. This method provided the economical and rapid preparation of a water-resistant aerogel made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and montmorillonite (MMT), putting forward a new direction for the research and development of new, environmentally friendly materials.