Browse Articles

Efficient cellular transformation via protein delivery through the protrusion-derived extracellular vesicles

Design and optimization scheme of sinter vertical cooler waste heat power generation plant based on EBSILON

Frontispiece: Finding the Key: Binding of Metal‐Oxo Clusters to the Enzyme Active Site Enabled by “Click” (Bio)Conjugation

Structural and catalytic diversity of coronavirus proofreading exoribonuclease

Abstract The coronavirus proofreading exoribonuclease (ExoN) is essential for genome fidelity and immune evasion of the viruses. Despite its critical roles in the viral life cycle, it is unclear how ExoNs across different coronaviruses diverge in their structures and catalytic properties, which may lead to differences in viral genome mutation rates and, consequently, viral fitness, immune evasion, and resistance to antiviral drugs. Here, we present comparative structural and biochemical analyses of ExoNs between two most representative human coronaviruses, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from the merbecovirus subgenus and SARS-CoV-2 from the sarbecovirus subgenus. Our results reveal a markedly lower catalytic activity of ExoN from MERS-CoV than that from SARS-CoV-2. The molecular basis of such a divergence across the two coronaviruses is unveiled by the cryo-EM structures of MERS-CoV ExoN in complex with RNA substrates bearing different 3′-end base pairs or mismatch, which represent the first set of ExoN structures from a coronavirus outside the sarbecovirus subgenus. Our findings also identify two highly conserved structural determinants that dictate efficient excision of different nucleotides at the 3′ terminus of RNA substrates by coronavirus ExoNs, a property that is pivotal for their roles in both viral RNA proofreading and immune evasion.

Gut–ovary axis and multiomic insights into PCOS in a DHEA-induced rat model

Quantitative Reactivity Profiling of Functional Arginine Residues in Human Cancer Cell Line Proteomes

Abstract Arginine, a critical amino acid for protein structure and function, is involved in enzyme catalysis and macromolecular interactions. However, selectively targeting its reactive guanidine group has been challenging. Here, we utilized a probe, AP‐1 , based on phenylglyoxal, which demonstrated remarkable chemical selectivity and reactivity toward arginine residues. Using activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP), we explored the human proteome across four cancer cell lines, obtaining quantitative data for approximately 3500 arginine residues. This analysis led to the identification of several previously unreported hyperreactive arginine residues, including R43 of PKM, R171 of LDHA, R172 of LDHB, R341 of CKB, R168 of EIF4A1, and R118 of FUBP1, which are crucial for protein function. Notably, the mutation of CKB's R341 inhibited cell proliferation and migration by downregulating energy supply. We also introduced ArGO‐LDHA‐1 , a covalent inhibitor targeting LDHA's hyperreactive arginine residues, showing potential to enhance chemotherapy efficacy. This work highlights the biological significance of arginine residues and provides a platform for large‐scale profiling of arginine reactivity.

A coarse-to-fine registration method for multimodal retinal images

Lightweight semantic compression visual cryptography for secure medical image transmission in IoT systems

Gastrectomy promoted diabetes remission involves the molecular clock and epigenetic mechanisms in a rat model of lean type 2 diabetes

Abstract Bariatric surgery results in type 2 diabetes (T2D) improvement. To identify mechanisms associated with gastrectomy-promoted T2D remission in lean individuals, we performed pathophysiological, behavioural and molecular (liver transcriptome, metabolome and lipidome) investigations in the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) model of spontaneously-occurring non-obese T2D following vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) or sham operation. VSG resulted in sustained reduction in hyperglycemia and changes in nycthemeral feeding patterns and activity. Liver transcriptome and lipidome profiling pointed to changes in the expression of genes involved in inflammation, PPAR signalling and fatty acid metabolism, and in the regulation of phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine classes. Deeper analysis revealed altered expression of genes involved in histone methylation and co-ordinately differential transcription of key regulators of the molecular clock ( Clock , Arntl/Bmal1 , Per1 , Per2 , Per3 ). In addition to previously reported changes in bile acid metabolism and gut microbiome in this model of VSG, our findings underline the multiple biological mechanisms associated with diabetes remission following VSG and suggest a contribution of chronobiology and epigenetic processes in the long-term therapeutic consequences of VSG in the context of polygenic non-obese T2D.

Development of High Performance Pyrolized Polyimide‐based Carbon Molecular Sieves for Enhanced Selectivity of Propylene/Propane Gas Separation

Abstract The replacement or de‐bottlenecking of the highly energy‐intensive distillation unit operation process for propylene/propane separation has long posed a formidable challenge. Although membrane technology can potentially offer a more energy‐efficient alternative, existing materials lack the requisite mixed‐gas selectivity for industrial use. Achieving effective separation for propylene and propane with only 0.13Å difference in molecular size requires membranes with superb molecular sieving properties. Here, we report extremely selective carbon molecular sieve (CMS) materials fabricated by utilizing a triptycene‐based intrinsically microporous 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride‐2,6(7)‐diamino triptycene (6FDA‐DAT1) polyimide precursor and adjusting its microstructure through finely tuned high‐temperature pyrolysis. A freshly prepared isotropic CMS membrane pyrolyzed at 800 °C for 2 h displayed a mixed‐gas propylene permeability of 56 Barrer combined with a C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 selectivity of 66. Notably, after an extended period of continuous mixed‐gas testing and aging at 4 bar over 147 days, the CMS membrane exhibited a remarkable increase in mixed‐gas propylene/propane selectivity to 152—an unmatched value to date for a CMS material—because of selective tightening of the CMS microstructure by physical aging.

An event based analysis of extreme rainfall and historical trend in southern Tamil Nadu

Abstract Floods are a recurring natural hazard in India, and their frequency and severity are escalating due to the compounded effects of climate change and anthropogenic pressures. This study investigates the catastrophic flooding that occurred in the southern Tamil Nadu districts of Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi in December 2023, triggered by extreme rainfall associated with Cyclone Michaung. Analysis of long-term rainfall data from 1901 to 2023 reveals a significant increase in rainfall variability, seasonality, and the frequency of extreme events, particularly during the October–December northeast monsoon period. The rainfall recorded on December 17, 2023, exceeded the 100-year return period in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, and the 50-year return period in Kanyakumari and Tenkasi indicating a statistically rare and hydrologically severe event. Seasonality indices (PCI, PCD, SI) and onset–withdrawal trends further highlight a shift toward concentrated, high-intensity rainfall episodes and longer monsoon durations. HAND-based flood inundation modeling, validated using ground truth points, delineated over 150 km 2 of affected area, particularly along the Thamirabarani basin. The research emphasizes the need for proactive flood management in the coastal districts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari. Key strategies include creating flood inundation maps through dynamic hydrological–hydraulic modeling, establishing early warning systems, implementing sustainable land-use practices, and developing green infrastructure. Long-term climate adaptation measures are also crucial, such as climate modelling for future rainfall predictions, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and educating communities about flood preparedness.

Development of machine learning-based models for predicting sarcopenia risk in stroke patients and analysis of associated factors

Whole mastic resin ameliorates halitosis and gingivitis in dogs and cats infected with Porphyromonas gulae

Abstract Mastic, a natural resin, has long been used to prevent periodontal disease, but most studies focus on mastic extracts rather than the resin itself. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of whole mastic resin against Porphyromonas gulae -associated halitosis and inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. Mastic (0.06%–1%) was evaluated for bactericidal, anti-halitosis, and anti-inflammatory effects using P. gulae and macrophage cell lines. Oral mastic gel (5%) was applied daily in dogs and cats with P. gulae -positive periodontal disease. Mastic reduced P. gulae viability in a dose-dependent manner and rapidly inhibited hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, the main halitosis factors, within five minutes. It also significantly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. In clinical trials, daily mastic treatment for one month decreased halitosis, gingivitis, plaque accumulation, and P. gulae activity in both dogs and cats. The effect on plaque was more pronounced in cats, suggesting species-specific responses. No cytotoxicity was observed. These findings demonstrate that oral administration of whole mastic resin provides rapid antibacterial, anti-halitosis, and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its potential as a therapeutic option for managing periodontal disease in companion animals.

Frontispiece: Carbonothioate‐Triggered Cascade Cyclization Enables High‐Specificity Fluorescence Imaging of Hydrogen Polysulfides

Combined experimental and in silico elucidation of KP27 endolysin reveals a phage derived antibacterial with pH and thermal robustness

Visible light photocatalytic degradation of tamoxifen using covalent organic triazine polymer

Cyclometalated Gold(III)‐Mediated Cysteine Arylation: A Bioorthogonal Platform for Covalent Targeting of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

Abstract Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) remain largely inaccessible to covalent chemical tools due to their structural plasticity and lack of defined pockets. We introduce a bioorthogonal cyclometalated gold(III) platform of monodentate phosphine‐supported AuP1‐8 complexes that selectively and irreversibly arylate cysteine residues via enhanced Lewis acidity. This platform enables targeting of low‐reactivity, buried, or dynamically disordered cysteines across the human proteome. Chemoproteomic, structural, and computational analyses establish an expanded ligandable cysteinome, including transiently helical LLCLL motifs in intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Our findings establish a new class of metal‐mediated bioorthogonal reagents for proteome‐wide cysteine labeling, functional interrogation of disordered proteins, and future therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Mechanochemically Induced Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Polymers

Abstract Achieving diversified optical signals in polymer mechanochemistry remains a significant challenge, particularly within the area of light polarization. This work pioneers the development of mechanochemically induced circularly polarized luminescence (MICPL) in polymers. We have designed crosslinked polymer networks by photopolymerizing achiral mechanophores (Diels–Alder adducts of maleimide and anthracene derivatives) with the chiral monomer L (‐)‐bornyl acrylate (LBA). Mechanical compression triggers the retro‐Diels–Alder reaction of the mechanophores, releasing fluorophores. Crucially, the applied force simultaneously promotes the aggregation of these released fluorophores and transfers the nonreciprocal chirality inherent in the compressed chiral polymer matrix (PLBA) to these aggregates, resulting in bright, force‐dependent CPL emission with a high luminescence dissymmetry factor of up to 10 −2 . The versatility of this strategy was demonstrated with a series of mechanophores with varying electronic structures and copolymer matrix, enabling tunable CPL colors spanning from blue‐violet to green to yellow–orange, and a ternary system achieving white CPL. The MICPL property was retained in copolymer systems (e.g., copolymers with achiral monomer methyl acrylate), demonstrating its potential as a macromolecular chiral optical probe for multimodal stress reporting. These findings resolve questions about mechanical force‐regulated chirality and offer a platform for on‐demand CPL materials.

Dracorhodin perchlorate alleviates sciatic nerve pain in CCI rats by modulating inflammation and promoting nerve repair

Precise Kinetic Separation of Hexane Isomers via Morphology Engineering of Metal–Organic Frameworks with Diffusion‐Selective Pore Structure

Abstract Hexane isomer separation is critical to advancing sustainable and high‐value refining in the petrochemical industry. However, precise separation of multi‐component hexane mixtures with similar molecular structures remains a bottleneck. Herein, we report a novel metal–organic framework (Cu‐3,3‐bipyridine‐SIFSIX, termed as ZU‐621) featuring a tailored diffusion‐selective pore structure, synergistically integrated with crystal size engineering, that enables precise and efficient separation of hexane isomers. Owing to the uniquely engineered dumbbell‐shaped, misaligned electronegative pore environment, ZU‐621 exhibits intrinsic kinetic discrimination among hexane isomers based on the alkyl spatial distribution. Complementary crystal morphology engineering further fine‐tunes the adsorption–diffusion behavior, affording precise kinetic separation across linear, mono‐branched, and di‐branched isomer pairs. As a result, this kinetic‐morphology synergistic approach achieved benchmark separation performance as evidenced by record gasoline productivity (research octane numbers, RON > 95, 49.8 L kg −1 ) along with precise, multi‐objective separation across five hexane isomers.