Smart and Sustainable Crop Protection: Design and Evaluation of a Novel α-Amylase-Responsive Nanopesticide for Effective Pest Control.

In this study, an α-amylase-responsive controlled-release formulation was developed by capping polydopamine onto ß-cyclodextrin-modified abamectin-loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The prepared Aba@HMS@CD@PDA were subjected to characterization using various analytical techniques. The findings revealed that Aba@HMS@CD@PDA, featuring a loading rate of 18.8 wt %, displayed noteworthy release behavior of abamectin in the presence of α-amylase. In comparison to abamectin EC, Aba@HMS@CD@PDA displayed a significantly foliar affinity and improved rainfastness on lotus leaves. The results of field trail demonstrated a significantly higher control efficacy against Spodoptera litura Fabricius compared to abamectin EC at all concentrations after 7, 14, and 21 days of spaying, showcasing the remarkable persistence of Aba@HMS@CD@PDA. These results underscore the potential of Aba@HMS@CD@PDA as a novel and persistently effective strategy for sustainable on-demand crop protection. The application of nanopesticides can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of pesticide utilization, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Development and validation of a prognostic prediction model for cervical cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy: a study based on TCGA database.

Background: Radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced or inoperable cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC). However, treatment failure for CESC patients treated with radical radiotherapy still occurs due to local recurrence and distant metastasis. The previous prediction models were focused on all CESC patients, neglecting the prognostic differences under different treatment modalities. Therefore, there is a pressing demand to explore novel biomarkers for the prognosis and sensitivity of radiotherapy in CESC patients treated with radical radiotherapy. As a single biomarker has limited effect in stratifying these patients, our objective was to identify radioresponse-related mRNAs to ameliorate forecast of the prognosis for CESC patients treated with radical radiotherapy. Methods: Sample data on CESC patients treated with radical radiotherapy were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We randomly separated these patients into a training and test cohorts using a 1:1 ratio. Differential expression analysis was carried out to identify radioresponse-related mRNA sets that were significantly dysregulated between complete response (CR) and radiographic progressive disease (RPD) groups, and univariate Cox regression analyses, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and multivariate Cox regression were performed to identify the radioresponse-related signature in the training cohort. we adopted survival analysis to measure the predictive value of the radioresponse-related signature both in the test and entire cohorts. Moreover, we developed a novel nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) of CESC patients treated with radical radiotherapy. In addition, immune infiltration analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were conducted to preliminarily explore possible mechanisms. Results: This study included a total of 92 CESC patients subjected to radical radiotherapy. We developed and verified a risk score model based on radioresponse-related mRNA. The radioresponse-related mRNA signature and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage were served as independent prognostic factors for CESC patients treated with radical radiotherapy. Moreover, a nomogram integrating radioresponse-related mRNA signature with FIGO stage was established to perform better for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. Mechanically, the low-risk group under the risk score of this model had a better survival status, and the distribution of CD4 T cells was potentially involved in the regulation of radiotherapy response in CESC, leading to a better survival outcome in the low-risk group. Conclusions: This study presents a new radioresponse-related mRNA signature that shows promising clinical efficacy in predicting the prognosis of CESC patients treated with radical radiotherapy.

Efficacy and safety of enteral supplementation with high-dose vitamin D in critically ill patients with vitamin D deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with mortality and morbidity in critically ill patients. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of enteral high-dose vitamin D supplementation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients in Asia. METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective, randomized-controlled study. Eligible participants with vitamin D deficiency were randomly assigned to the control or vitamin D supplementation group. In the vitamin D supplementation group, the patients received 569,600 IU vitamin D. The primary outcome was the serum 25(OH)D level on day 7. RESULTS: 41 and 20 patients were included in the vitamin D supplementation and control groups, respectively. On day 7, the serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in the vitamin D supplementation group compared to the control group (28.5 [IQR: 20.2-52.6] ng/mL and 13.9 [IQR: 11.6-18.8] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Only 41.5% of the patients achieved serum 25(OH)D levels higher than 30 ng/mL in the supplementation group. This increased level was sustained in the supplementation group on both day 14 and day 28. There were no significant adverse effects noted in the supplementation group. Patients who reached a serum 25(OH)D level of >30 ng/mL on day 7 had a significantly lower 30-day mortality rate than did those who did not (5.9% vs 37.5%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, less than half of the patients reached adequate vitamin D levels after the enteral administration of high-dose vitamin D. A reduction in 30-day mortality was noted in the patients who achieved adequate vitamin D levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS. GOV ID: NCT04292873, Registered, March 1, 2020.

Shear Field-Controlled Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanochains Forest with High-Density sp3 Defects for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction Reaction.

Defect engineering and nitrogen doping being effective strategies for modulating the surface chemical state of the carbon matrix have been widely explored to promote the catalytic activity in the territory of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices. However, the controllable synthesis of carbon material with high-density specific defects and high nitrogen doping is still full of challenges. Here, we first synthesize one-dimensional necklace-like nitrogen-doped carbon nanochains (N-CNCs) with abundant defects on carbon fiber paper (CFP) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The resultant nanostructures are a bunch of interconnected carbon spheres with a hollow structure at the internode and present the complete one-dimensional nanochain configuration. Specifically, the N-CNCs with a corrugated surface possesses high content of sp3 defects (31.2%) and nitrogen (23.6 at %). Combining finite element analysis and experimental results, it reveals that the robust shear field generated by etching gas releasing from thermal decomposition of melamine in situ modulates the CVD process via changing the size and force environment of the metal catalyst droplets for formation of N-CNCs. Benefiting from the high ratio of sp3/sp2 and nitrogen doped on the surface, the N-CNCs@CFP displays a superior electrocatalytic performance for CO2RR, delivering CO Faradaic efficiency of 95.9% and a current density of 23.2 mA cm-2 at -0.86 V vs RHE. This work provides promising synthesis strategy and some inspirations for construction of ultradense and specific defects coupling with nitrogen doping sites into carbon materials to achieve high-efficiency electrocatalysis applications.

Complete Obstruction, a Real Risk Factor: A Comprehensive Study on Obstruction in Stage IIA Colon Cancer With Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

MICROABSTRACT: This study evaluates the prognostic significance of obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer, distinguishing between partial and complete obstructions. It employs a retrospective review of 1914 patients with propensity score matching to analyze oncologic outcomes. Findings reveal complete obstruction as a significant risk factor for poorer outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for further research to refine treatment strategies, particularly regarding the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy across obstruction types. BACKGROUND: This study examined the prognostic impact of obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer. The analysis specifically differentiated partial and complete obstructions, analyzing their distinct influences of both on oncologic outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of stage IIA colon cancer cases with the presence of an obstruction. Patients were stratified by whether it was partial or complete based on the severity of obstruction. Propensity score matching was employed to control for confounders. RESULTS: Among 1914 consecutive patients diagnosed with stage IIA colon cancer, 758 patients (597 patients with partial obstruction, 161 patients with complete obstruction) exhibited obstruction, while 1156 patients had no obstruction. The median follow-up period was 126 months. Complete obstruction was associated with poorer disease-free survival (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.785, P < .001) and overall survival (HR = 1.853, P = .001). This trend persisted after propensity score matching, patients with complete obstruction showing a worsened disease-free survival (HR = 1.666, P = .028) and overall survival (HR = 1.732, P = .041). Adjuvant chemotherapy showed improved outcomes overall, but its efficacy varied across obstruction types. CONCLUSION: Differentiating between complete and partial obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer is an important clinical distinction, as our findings suggest that complete obstruction is a significant risk factor for poorer oncologic outcomes. While adjuvant chemotherapy generally improves prognosis in stage IIA colon cancer, the correlation of obstruction type with its efficacy remains uncertain, necessitating further research to refine treatment strategies.

Long-term outcome of stem cell transplantation with and without anti-tumor necrotic factor therapy in perianal fistula with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for curing perianal fistula in Crohn's disease (CD). Anti-tumor necrotic factor (TNF) therapy combined with drainage procedure is effective as well. However, previous studies are limited to proving whether the combination treatment of biologics and stem cell transplantation improves the effect of fistula closure. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of stem cell transplantation and compare Crohn's perianal fistula (CPF) closure rates after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy, and to identify the factors affecting CPF closure and recurrence. METHODS: The patients with CD who underwent stem cell transplantation for treating perianal fistula in our institution between Jun 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled. Clinical data were compared according to anti-TNF therapy and CPF closure. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were included. The median age of females was 26 years (range: 21-31) and that of males was 29 (44.6%). The mean follow-up duration was 65.88 ± 32.65 months, and complete closure was observed in 50 (76.9%) patients. The closure rates were similar after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy (66.7% vs 81.6% at 3 year, P = 0.098). The patients with fistula closure had short fistulous tract and infrequent proctitis and anorectal stricture (P = 0.027, 0.002, and 0.008, respectively). Clinical factors such as complexity, number of fistulas, presence of concurrent abscess, and medication were not significant for closure. The cumulative 1-, 2-, and 3-year closure rates were 66.2%, 73.8%, and 75.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Anti-TNF therapy does not increase CPF closure rates in patients with stem cell transplantation. However, both refractory and non-refractory CPF have similar closure rates after additional anti-TNF therapy. Fistulous tract length, proctitis, and anal stricture are risk factors for non-closure in patients with CPF after stem cell transplantation.

Platelet-derived microparticles and their cargos: The past, present and future.

All eukaryotic cells can secrete extracellular vesicles, which have a double-membrane structure and are important players in the intercellular communication involved in a variety of important biological processes. Platelets form platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) in response to activation, injury, or apoptosis. This review introduces the origin, pathway, and biological functions of PMPs and their importance in physiological and pathological processes. In addition, we review the potential applications of PMPs in cancer, vascular homeostasis, thrombosis, inflammation, neural regeneration, biomarkers, and drug carriers to achieve targeted drug delivery. In addition, we comprehensively report on the origin, biological functions, and applications of PMPs. The clinical transformation, high heterogeneity, future development direction, and limitations of the current research on PMPs are also discussed in depth. Evidence has revealed that PMPs play an important role in cell-cell communication, providing clues for the development of PMPs as carriers for relevant cell-targeted drugs. The development history and prospects of PMPs and their cargos are explored in this guidebook.

Ciprofol ameliorates ECS-induced learning and memory impairment by modulating aerobic glycolysis in the hippocampus of depressive-like rats.

Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) is utilized to treat depression but may cause learning/memory impairments, which may be ameliorated by anesthetics through the modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Given that synaptic plasticity is governed by aerobic glycolysis, it remains unclear whether anesthetics modulate aerobic glycolysis to enhance learning and memory function. Depression-like behavior in rats was induced by chronic mild unpredictable stress (CUMS), with anhedonia assessed via sucrose preference test (SPT). Depressive-like behaviors and spatial learning/memory were assessed with forced swim test (FST), open field test (OFT), and Morris water maze (MWM) test. Changes in aerobic glycolysis and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal region of depressive-like rats post-ECS were documented using immunofluorescence analysis, Western blot, Lactate Assay Kit and transmission electron microscopy. Both the OFT and FST indicated that ECS was effective in alleviating depressive-like behaviors. The MWM test demonstrated that anesthetics were capable of attenuating ECS-induced learning and memory deficits. Immunofluorescence analysis, Western blot, Lactate Assay Kit and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the decline in learning and memory abilities in ECS-induced depressive-like rats was correlated with decreased aerobic glycolysis, and that the additional use of ciprofol or propofol ameliorated these alterations. Adding the glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG diminished the ameliorative effects of the anesthetic. No significant difference was observed between ciprofol and propofol in enhancing aerobic glycolysis in astrocytes and synaptic plasticity after ECS. These findings may contribute to understanding the mechanisms by which anesthetic drugs modulate learning and memory impairment after ECS in depressive-like behavior rats.

[The Role of NK Cells in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Micro-Transplantation for Acute Myeloid leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of NK cells in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell micro-transplantation(MST) in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML). METHODS: Data from 93 AML patients treated with MST at our center from 2013-2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The induction regimen was anthracycline and cytarabine combined with peripheral blood stem cells transplantation mobilization by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GPBSC), followed by 2-4 courses of intensive treatment with medium to high doses of cytarabine combined with GPBSC after achieving complete remission (CR). The therapeutic effects of one and two courses of MST induction therapy on 42 patients who did not reach CR before transplantation were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of donor NK cell dose and KIR genotype, including KIR ligand mismatch, 2DS1, haplotype, and HLA-Cw ligands on survival prognosis of patients. RESULTS: Forty-two patients received MST induction therapy, and the CR rate was 57.1% after 1 course and 73.7% after 2 courses. Multivariate analysis showed that, medium and high doses of NK cells was significantly associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) of patients (HR=0.27, P =0.005; HR=0.21, P =0.001), and high doses of NK cells was significantly associated with improved overall survival (OS) of patients (HR=0.15, P =0.000). Donor 2DS1 positive significantly increases OS of patients (HR=0.25, P =0.011). For high-risk patients under 60 years old, patients of the donor-recipient KIR ligand mismatch group had longer DFS compared to the nonmismatch group (P =0.036); donor 2DS1 positive significantly prolonged OS of patients (P =0.009). CONCLUSION: NK cell dose, KIR ligand mismatch and 2DS1 influence the therapeutic effect of MST, improve the survival of AML patients.

Enhancing the Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy Composites via Constructing Oriented ZnO Nanowire-Decorated Carbon Fibers Networks.

With the miniaturization and high integration of electronic devices, high-performance thermally conductive composites have received increasing attention. The construction of hierarchical structures is an effective strategy to reduce interfacial thermal resistance and enhance composite thermal conductivity. In this study, by decorating carbon fibers (CF) with needle-like ZnO nanowires, hierarchical hybrid fillers (CF@ZnO) were rationally designed and synthesized using the hydrothermal method, which was further used to construct oriented aligned filler networks via the simple freeze-casting process. Subsequently, epoxy (EP)-based composites were prepared using the vacuum impregnation method. Compared with the pure CF, the CF@ZnO hybrid fillers led to a significant increase in thermal conductivity, which was mainly due to the fact that the ZnO nanowires could act as bridging links between CF to increase more thermally conductive pathways, which in turn reduced interfacial thermal resistance. In addition, the introduction of CF@ZnO fillers was also beneficial in improving the thermal stability of the EP-based composites, which was favorable for practical thermal management applications.

Quetiapine Significantly Improves the Effectiveness of Radiotherapy in Combating Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression in a Hep3B Xenograft Mouse Model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, radiotherapy (RT) stands as a pivotal approach, yet the emergence of radioresistance poses a formidable challenge. This study aimed to explore the potential synergy between quetiapine and RT for HCC treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Hep3B xenograft mouse model was used, the investigation tracked tumor progression, safety parameters, and molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: The findings revealed a synergistic anti-HCC effect when quetiapine was coupled with RT that prolonged tumor growth time and a significantly higher growth inhibition rate compared to the control group. Safety assessments indicated minimal pathological changes, suggesting potential of quetiapine in mitigating RT-induced alterations in liver and kidney functions. Mechanistically, the combination suppressed metastasis and angiogenesis-related proteins, while triggering the activation of apoptosis-related proteins via targeting Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signaling. CONCLUSION: The potential of the quetiapine and RT combination is emphasized, offering enhanced anti-HCC efficacy, a safety profile, and positioning quetiapine as a radiosensitizer for HCC treatment.

Icariside II alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting lung epithelial inflammatory and immune responses mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps.

AIMS: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening lung disease characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and lung epithelial injury. Icariside II (ICS II), one of the main active ingredients of Herba Epimedii, exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, the effect and mechanism of ICS II in ALI remain unclear. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the pharmacological effect and underlying mechanism of ICS II in ALI. MAIN METHODS: Models of neutrophil-like cells, human peripheral blood neutrophils, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mouse model were utilized. RT-qPCR and Western blotting determined the gene and protein expression levels. Protein distribution and quantification were analyzed by immunofluorescence. KEY FINDINGS: ICS II significantly reduced lung histopathological damage, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration, and it reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in ALI. There is an excessive activation of neutrophils leading to a significant production of NETs in ALI mice, a process mitigated by the administration of ICS II. In vivo and in vitro studies found that ICS II could decrease NET formation by targeting neutrophil C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4). Further data showed that ICS II reduces the overproduction of dsDNA, a NETs-related component, thereby suppressing cGAS/STING/NF-κB signalling pathway activation and inflammatory mediators release in lung epithelial cells. SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggested that ICS II may alleviate LPS-induced ALI by modulating the inflammatory response, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for ALI treatment.

Thermal decomposition characteristics of BHT and its peroxide (BHTOOH).

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) is an excellent antioxidant that is easily oxidized to 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxyl-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadienone (BHTOOH). For the safety of BHT production and usage, it is meaningful to study the thermal stability and decomposition properties of BHT and BHTOOH. In this paper, the thermal decomposition properties of BHT and BHTOOH were compared by the mini closed pressure vessel test (MCPVT) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Their kinetics of thermal decomposition were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal decomposition products of BHT and BHTOOH were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results show that there was no significant change in temperature pressure when BHT was warmed up under a nitrogen atmosphere, indicating that BHT was stable within 400 K. The thermal decomposition reaction of BHTOOH was rapid with an initial reaction temperature of 375.2 K. The initial exothermic temperature (Ti) and heat release (QDSC) of DSC were 384.9 K and 865.0 J g-1, respectively. The apparent activation energies (Ea) for the thermal decomposition reactions of BHT and BHTOOH calculated by the Kissinger method were 151.8 kJ mol-1 and 66.07 kJ mol-1, respectively. The main decomposition products of BHT were isobutene and 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The thermal decomposition products of BHTOOH included BHT, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4,4'-(1,2-ethanediyl) bis [2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol, etc. Based on the thermal decomposition behavior and products, the reaction pathway has been described. These results indicate that BHT is a potential thermal hazard during production, storage and application. For the safety of the chemical industry, the oxidation of BHT should be avoided.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Safety and Autoimmune Response.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health crisis [...].

The crude extract obtained from Cinnamomum macrostemon Hayata regulates oxidative stress and mitophagy in keratinocytes.

Four ethanol fractionated crude extracts (EFCEs [A-D]) purified from the leaves of Cinnamomum macrostemon Hayata were screened for antioxidative effects and mitochondrial function in HaCaT cells. The higher cell viability indicated that EFCE C was mildly toxic. Under the treatment of 50 ng/mL EFCE C, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels were reduced as well as the H2O2-impaired cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP production, and mitochondrial mass. The conversion of globular mitochondria to tubular mitochondria is coincident with EFCE C-restored mitochondrial function. The mitophagy activator rapamycin showed similar effects to EFCE C in recovering the H2O2-impaired cell viability, MMP, ATP production, mitochondrial mass, and also mitophagic proteins such as PINK1, Parkin, LC3 II, and biogenesis protein PGC-1α. We thereby propose the application of EFCE C in the prevention of oxidative stress in skin cells.

Nitro-PAHs: Occurrences, ecological consequences, and remediation strategies for environmental restoration.

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) are persistent pollutants that have been introduced into the environment as a result of human activities. They are produced when PAHs undergo oxidation and are highly resistant to degradation, resulting in prolonged exposure and significant health risks for wildlife and humans. Nitro-PAHs' potential to induce cancer and mutations has raised concerns about their harmful effects. Furthermore, their ability to accumulate in the food chain seriously threatens the ecosystem and human health. Moreover, nitro-PAHs can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to reproductive and developmental problems in humans and other organisms. Reducing nitro-PAHs in the environment through source management, physical removal, and chemical treatment is essential to mitigate the associated environmental and human health risks. Recent studies have focused on improving nitro-PAHs' phytoremediation by incorporating microorganisms and biostimulants. Microbes can break down nitro-PAHs into less harmful substances, while biostimulants can enhance plant growth and metabolic activity. By combining these elements, the effectiveness of phytoremediation for nitro-PAHs can be increased. This study aimed to investigate the impact of introducing microbial and biostimulant agents on the phytoremediation process for nitro-PAHs and identify potential solutions for addressing the environmental risks associated with these pollutants.

Immunometabolic features of natural killer cells are associated with infection outcomes in critical illness.

Immunosuppression increases the risk of nosocomial infection in patients with chronic critical illness. This exploratory study aimed to determine the immunometabolic signature associated with nosocomial infection during chronic critical illness. We prospectively recruited patients who were admitted to the respiratory care center and who had received mechanical ventilator support for more than 10 days in the intensive care unit. The study subjects were followed for the occurrence of nosocomial infection until 6 weeks after admission, hospital discharge, or death. The cytokine levels in the plasma samples were measured. Single-cell immunometabolic regulome profiling by mass cytometry, which analyzed 16 metabolic regulators in 21 immune subsets, was performed to identify immunometabolic features associated with the risk of nosocomial infection. During the study period, 37 patients were enrolled, and 16 patients (43.2%) developed nosocomial infection. Unsupervised immunologic clustering using multidimensional scaling and logistic regression analyses revealed that expression of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a), key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid transport, respectively, in natural killer (NK) cells was significantly associated with nosocomial infection. Downregulated NRF1 and upregulated CPT1a were found in all subsets of NK cells from patients who developed a nosocomial infection. The risk of nosocomial infection is significantly correlated with the predictive score developed by selecting NK cell-specific features using an elastic net algorithm. Findings were further examined in an independent cohort of COVID-19-infected patients, and the results confirm that COVID-19-related mortality is significantly associated with mitochondria biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation pathways in NK cells. In conclusion, this study uncovers that NK cell-specific immunometabolic features are significantly associated with the occurrence and fatal outcomes of infection in critically ill population, and provides mechanistic insights into NK cell-specific immunity against microbial invasion in critical illness.