Search Results (591)

The innate immune response is an important defense against invading pathogens. Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) plays an important role in the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-mediated activation of type I IFN responses. However, some viruses have evolved the ability to inhibit the function of STING and evade the host antiviral defenses. Understanding both the mechanism of action and the viruses targets of STING effector is important because of their importance to evade the host antiviral defenses. In this study, the STING (IpSTING) of Ictalurus punctatus was first identified and characterized. Subsequently, the yeast two-hybrid system (Y2HS) was used to screen for proteins from channel catfish virus (CCV, Ictalurid herpesvirus 1) that interact with IpSTING. The ORFs of the CCV were cloned into the pGBKT7 vector and expressed in the AH109 yeast strain. The bait protein expression was validated by autoactivation, and toxicity investigation compared with control (AH109 yeast strain transformed with empty pGBKT7 and pGADT7 vector). Two positive candidate proteins, ORF41 and ORF65, were identified through Y2HS screening as interacting with IpSTING. Their interactions were further validated using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). This represented the first identification of interactions between IpSTING and the CCV proteins ORF41 and ORF65. The data advanced our understanding of the functions of ORF41 and ORF65 and suggested that they might contribute to the evasion of host antiviral defenses. However, the interaction mechanism between IpSTING, and CCV proteins ORF41 and ORF65 still needs to be further explored. Full article

Modern microgrids face critical challenges in maintaining stability and efficiency due to renewable energy intermittency and dynamic load demands. This paper proposes a novel real-time energy management framework that synergizes a bio-inspired T-Cell optimization algorithm with decentralized voltage-based droop control to address these challenges. A JADE-based multi-agent system (MAS) orchestrates coordination between the T-Cell optimizer and edge-level controllers, enabling scalable and fault-tolerant decision-making. The T-Cell algorithm, inspired by adaptive immune system dynamics, optimizes global power distribution through the MAS platform, while droop control ensures local voltage stability via autonomous adjustments by distributed energy resources (DERs). The framework is rigorously validated through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing using OPAL-RT, which interfaces MATLAB/Simulink models with Raspberry Pi for real-time communication (MQTT/Modbus protocols). Experimental results demonstrate a 91% reduction in grid dependency, 70% mitigation of voltage fluctuations, and a 93% self-consumption rate, significantly enhancing power quality and resilience. By integrating centralized optimization with decentralized control through MAS coordination, the hybrid approach achieves scalable, self-organizing microgrid operation under variable generation and load conditions. This work advances the practical deployment of adaptive energy management systems, offering a robust solution for sustainable and resilient microgrids. Full article

Hydrogels have emerged as multifunctional biomaterials in cardiac surgery, offering promising solutions for myocardial regeneration, adhesion prevention, valve engineering, and localized drug and gene delivery. Their high water content, biocompatibility, and mechanical tunability enable close emulation of the cardiac extracellular matrix, supporting cellular viability and integration under dynamic physiological conditions. In myocardial repair, injectable and patch-forming hydrogels have been shown to be effective in reducing infarct size, promoting angiogenesis, and preserving contractile function. Hydrogel coatings and films have been designed as adhesion barriers to minimize pericardial adhesions after cardiotomy and improve reoperative safety. In heart valve and patch engineering, hydrogels contribute to scaffold design by providing bio-instructive, mechanically resilient, and printable matrices that are compatible with 3D fabrication. Furthermore, hydrogels serve as localized delivery platforms for small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids, enabling sustained or stimuli-responsive release while minimizing systemic toxicity. Despite these advances, challenges such as mechanical durability, immune compatibility, and translational scalability persist. Ongoing innovations in smart polymer chemistry, hybrid composite design, and patient-specific manufacturing are addressing these limitations. This review aims to provide an integrated perspective on the application of hydrogels in cardiac surgery. The relevant literature was identified through a narrative search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Taken together, hydrogels offer a uniquely versatile and clinically translatable platform for addressing the multifaceted challenges of cardiac surgery. Hydrogels are poised to redefine clinical strategies in cardiac surgery by enabling tailored, bioresponsive, and functionally integrated therapies. Full article

Holothuria scabra has long been acknowledged in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily is crucial in regulating cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and immune responses. This study marks the first exploration of the gene expression localization, sequence conservation, and functional roles of H. scabra TGF-β proteins, specifically activin (HolscActivin), inhibin (HolscInhibin), and the TGF-β receptor (HolscTGFBR), across various organs. In situ hybridization indicated that HolscActivin and HolscInhibin are expressed in the intestine, respiratory tree, ovary, testis, and inner body wall. This suggests their roles in nutrient absorption, gas exchange, reproduction, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Notably, HolscTGFBR demonstrated a similar tissue-specific expression pattern, except for its absence in the respiratory tree. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that HolscTGFBR shares significant sequence similarity with HomsaTGFBR, especially in regions essential for signal transduction and inhibition. Molecular docking results indicate that HolscActivin may promote receptor activation, while HolscInhibin functions as a natural antagonist, reflecting the signaling mechanisms of human TGF-β proteins. Interestingly, cross-species ternary complex docking with human TGF-β receptors further supports these findings, showing that HolscActivin moderately engages the receptors, whereas HolscInhibin exhibits strong binding, suggestive of competitive inhibition. These results indicate that H. scabra TGF-β proteins retain the structural and functional features of vertebrate TGF-β ligands, supporting their potential applications as natural modulators in therapeutic and functional food development. Full article

Outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs), naturally secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, have gained recognition as a versatile platform for the development of next-generation vaccines. OMVs are essential contributors to bacterial pathogenesis, horizontal gene transfer, cellular communication, the maintenance of bacterial fitness, and quorum sensing. Their intrinsic immunogenicity, adjuvant properties, and scalability establish OMVs as potent tools for combating infectious diseases and cancer. Recent advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology have further expanded the utility of OMVs, enabling the incorporation of multiple epitopes and antigens from diverse pathogens. These developments address critical challenges such as antigenic variability and co-infections, offering broader immune coverage and cost-effective solutions. This review explores the unique structural and immunological properties of OMVs, emphasizing their capacity to elicit robust immune responses. It critically examines established and emerging engineering strategies, including the genetic engineering of surface-displayed antigens, surface conjugation, glycoengineering, nanoparticle-based OMV engineering, hybrid OMVs, and in situ OMV production, among others. Furthermore, recent advancements in preclinical research on OMV-based vaccines, including synthetic OMVs, OMV-based nanorobots, and nanodiscs, as well as emerging isolation and purification methods, are discussed. Lastly, future directions are proposed, highlighting the potential integration of synthetic biology techniques to accelerate research on OMV engineering. Full article

As a pivotal model organism in Lepidoptera research, the silkworm (Bombyx mori) holds significant importance in life science due to its economic value and biotechnological applications. Advancements in proteomics and bioinformatics have enabled substantial progress in characterizing the B. mori proteome. Systematic screening and identification of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) have progressively elucidated the molecular mechanisms governing key biological processes, including viral infection, immune regulation, and growth development. This review comprehensively summarizes traditional PPI detection techniques, such as yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and immunoprecipitation (IP), alongside emerging methodologies such as mass spectrometry-based interactomics and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven PPI prediction. We critically analyze the strengths, limitations, and technological integration strategies for each approach, highlighting current field challenges. Furthermore, we elaborate on the molecular regulatory networks of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) from multiple perspectives: apoptosis and cell cycle regulation; viral protein invasion and trafficking; non-coding RNA-mediated modulation; metabolic reprogramming; and host immune evasion. These insights reveal the dynamic interplay between viral replication and host defense mechanisms. Collectively, this synthesis aims to provide a robust theoretical foundation and technical guidance for silkworm genetic improvement, infectious disease management, and the advancement of related biotechnological applications. Full article

Tissue engineering is a growing field with multidisciplinary players in cell biology, engineering, and medicine, aiming to maintain, restore, or enhance functions of tissues and organs. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays fundamental roles in tissue development, maintenance, and repair, providing not only structural support, but also critical biochemical and biomechanical cues that regulate cell behavior and signaling. Although its specific composition varies across different tissue types and developmental stages, matrix molecules influence various cell functional properties in every tissue. Given the importance of ECM in morphogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and regeneration, ECM-based bioscaffolds, developed through tissue engineering approaches, have emerged as pivotal tools for recreating the native cellular microenvironment. The aim of this study is to present the main categories of these scaffolds (i.e., natural, synthetic, and hybrid), major fabrication techniques (i.e., tissue decellularization and multidimensional bioprinting), while highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each category, focusing on biological activity and mechanical performance. Scaffold properties, such as mechanical strength, elasticity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability are essential to their function and integration into host tissues. Applications of ECM-based bioscaffolds span a range of engineering and regenerative strategies, including cartilage, bone, cardiac tissue engineering, and skin wound healing. Despite promising advances, challenges remain in standardization, scalability, and immune response modulation, with future directions directed towards improving ECM-mimetic platforms. Full article

Emerging evidence highlights the role of the tumor microbiome, including Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), in a wide range of gastrointestinal cancers. Fn purportedly contributes to tumorigenesis by activating oncogenic pathways and modulating immune responses. Although the prevalence and impact of Fn has been extensively studied in colorectal cancer, no previous systematic or in situ studies have been performed in appendiceal cancer (AC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and association of Fn density in AC with clinical factors and oncologic outcomes. Archival tissue from 54 patients with AC was assessed for Fn density using RNA in situ hybridization. Clinicopathological variables were obtained for each case through electronic medical record review, and the immune microenvironment was characterized in each case using immunohistochemistry to quantify CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and M1-/M2-like tumor-associated macrophages. In AC, Fn density was associated with patient age, tumor grade, and histologic subtype. Fn was negatively associated with CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and positively associated with M2-like TAMs in low-grade AC. Interestingly, tumor Fn content was associated with better overall and progression-free survival, even when controlling for tumor grade. In this exploratory study, we found that Fn is prevalent in AC. Fn is associated with a number of clinical, pathologic, immunologic, and prognostic variables in AC that are distinct from the corresponding observed associations in colorectal cancer. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanistic contributions of Fn to AC pathogenesis or immune response. Full article

Background: Aquaculture increasingly seeks sustainable alternatives to fishmeal, a key protein source in fish diets. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) meal is a promising substitute, but its effects on fish growth, immunity, and gut health need further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying BSFL inclusion levels on juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂), a widely farmed species in tropical aquaculture. Methods: Juvenile hybrid grouper were fed diets with four levels of BSFL substitution (0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%) over 56 days. Key metrics such as growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and gut transcriptome were analyzed. Results: Replacing fish meal with BSFL meal had no significant effect on the survival rate of hybrid grouper (p > 0.05) but significantly affected growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). BSFL10 and BSFL30 groups showed good growth and elevated immune enzyme activity, with significantly higher HIS levels (p < 0.05); the Wf of the BSFL10 group was comparable to the control. However, excessive replacement (BSFL50) led to reduced growth (Wf significantly lower, p < 0.05) and increased oxidative stress, as indicated by higher CAT activity (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of immune- and metabolism-related genes with increasing BSFL levels, with immune pathways notably activated in the BSFL50 group. Conclusions: BSFL meal is a promising alternative to fishmeal in juvenile hybrid grouper diets, with moderate inclusion (10–30%) being most beneficial. Excessive BSFL substitution (50%) may impair fish health, highlighting the need for careful formulation in aquaculture diets. Full article

Bioactive materials have recently shown potential in nerve repair and regeneration by promoting the growth of new cells, tissue repair, and restoring nerve function. These natural, synthetic, and hybrid materials offer a biomimetic structure, enhance cell attachment, and release bioactive molecules that promote the axonal extension of severed nerves. Scaffold-based preclinical studies have shown promising results on enhancing nerve repair; however, they are limited by the immune response and fabrication, scalability, and cost. Nevertheless, advances in manufacturing, including 3D bioprinting, and other strategies, such as gene editing by CRISPR, will overcome these shortcomings. The opportunity for the development of individualized approaches and specific treatment plans for each patient will also increase the effectiveness of bioactive materials for the treatment of nerve injuries. Combining bioactive materials with the neural interface can develop new reliable therapeutic solutions, particularly for neuroprosthetics. Finally, it is essential to stress a multidisciplinary focus, and future studies are needed to enhance the potential of bioactive materials for patients with nerve injuries and the field of regenerative medicine. Full article

Background: SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination remains essential to prevent severe COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable populations such as older adults. This study evaluated the durability and dynamics of immune responses following booster vaccination(s) in >65-year-old individuals and examined their association with protection against new infections. Methods: Immune responses were evaluated at 3, 9, and 15 months post-booster, measuring SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies against spike [IgG(S)] and nucleocapsid [IgG(N)] proteins, neutralizing activity against the Omicron BA.2 variant, and cellular immunity. A subset of participants was tested before booster administration. Regression analyses examined the influence of clinical and immunological factors—including a bivalent fourth dose—on infection risk over time. Results: Booster vaccination significantly enhanced IgG(S) and neutralizing capacity, peaking at 3 months. Although a decline was observed by 9 months, responses remained above baseline. Individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited higher IgG(S) levels and neutralizing titers, and significantly lower reinfection rates (15%), compared to uninfected individuals. A fourth vaccine dose further increased IgG(S) levels. While neutralizing capacity was not consistently enhanced by the fourth dose, recipients experienced a lower rate of new infections. Immune trajectory analyses revealed that breakthrough infections elicited strong humoral responses comparable to those seen in previously infected individuals, highlighting the role of hybrid immunity. Conclusions: In older adults, booster vaccination induces durable immune responses, with hybrid immunity offering enhanced protection. A fourth dose boosts antibody levels and reduces infection risk, supporting its use in this high-risk group. Continued monitoring is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of boosters, particularly against emerging variants. Full article

This study presents a systematic literature review on the mathematical modeling of resilient and viable supply chains, grounded in the PRISMA methodology and applied to a curated corpus of 235 peer-reviewed scientific articles published between 2011 and 2025. The search strategy was implemented across four major academic databases (Scopus and Web of Science) using Boolean operators to capture intersections among the core concepts of supply chains, resilience, viability, and advanced optimization techniques. The screening process involved a double manual assessment of titles, abstracts, and full texts, based on inclusion criteria centered on the presence of formal mathematical models, computational approaches, and thematic relevance. As a result of the selection process, six thematic categories were identified, clustering the literature according to their analytical objectives and methodological approaches: viability-oriented modeling, resilient supply chain optimization, agile and digitally enabled supply chains, logistics optimization and network configuration, uncertainty modeling, and immune system-inspired approaches. These categories were validated through a bibliometric analysis and a thematic map that visually represents the density and centrality of core research topics. Descriptive analysis revealed a significant increase in scientific output starting in 2020, driven by post-pandemic concerns and the accelerated digitalization of logistics operations. At the methodological level, a high degree of diversity in modeling techniques was observed, with an emphasis on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), robust optimization, multi-objective modeling, and the increasing use of bio-inspired algorithms, artificial intelligence, and simulation frameworks. The results confirm a paradigm shift toward integrative frameworks that combine robustness, adaptability, and Industry 4.0 technologies, as well as a growing interest in biological metaphors applied to resilient system design. Finally, the review identifies research gaps related to the formal integration of viability under disruptive scenarios, the operationalization of immune-inspired models in logistics environments, and the need for hybrid approaches that jointly address resilience, agility, and sustainability. Full article

Carbon emission estimation for power systems is essential for identifying emission responsibilities and formulating effective mitigation measures. Current carbon emission prediction methods for power systems exhibit limited computational efficiency and inadequate noise immunity under complex operating conditions. In this study, we address these limitations by improving population initialization, search mechanisms, and iteration strategies and developing a hybrid strategy Modified Dung Beetle Optimization (MDBO) algorithm. This led to the development of an MDBO-enhanced Convolutional Neural Network–Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) network hybrid prediction model for carbon emission prediction. Firstly, the theoretical calculation mechanism of carbon emission flow in power systems is analyzed. Subsequently, an MDBO-CNN-LSTM deep network architecture is constructed, with detailed explanations of its fundamental structure and operational principles. Then, the proposed MDBO-CNN-LSTM model is utilized to predict the nodal carbon emission factor of power systems with the integration of renewable energy sources. Comparative experiments with conventional CNN-LSTM models are conducted on modified IEEE 30-, 118-, and 300-bus test systems. The results show that the maximum mean squared error of the proposed method does not exceed 0.5734% in the strong-noise scenario for the 300-bus system, which is reduced by half compared with the traditional method. The proposed method exhibits enhanced robustness under strong noise interference, providing a novel technical approach for precise carbon accounting in power systems. Full article

Chaperonin 60 proteins plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as the response to abiotic stress. As part of the protein homeostasis system, molecular chaperones have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their involvement in the folding and assembly of key proteins in photosynthesis. However, little is known about the function of maize chaperonin 60 protein. In the study, a gene encoding the chaperonin 60 proteins was cloned from the maize inbred line B73, and named ZmCpn60-3. The gene was 1, 818 bp in length and encoded a protein consisting of 605 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ZmCpn60-3 had high similarity with OsCPN60-1, belonging to the β subunits of the chloroplast chaperonin 60 protein family, and it was predicted to be localized in chloroplasts. The ZmCpn60-3 was highly expressed in the stems and tassels of maize, and could be induced by exogenous plant hormones, mycotoxins, and pathogens; Overexpression of ZmCpn60-3 in Arabidopsis improved the resistance to Pst DC3000 by inducing the hypersensitive response and the expression of SA signaling-related genes, and the H₂O₂ and the SA contents of ZmCpn60-3-overexpressing Arabidopsis infected with Pst DC3000 accumulated significantly when compared to the wild-type controls. Experimental data demonstrate that flg22 treatment significantly upregulated transcriptional levels of the PR1 defense gene in ZmCpn60-3-transfected maize protoplasts. Notably, the enhanced resistance phenotype against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) in ZmCpn60-3-overexpressing transgenic lines was specifically abolished by pretreatment with ABT, a salicylic acid (SA) biosynthetic inhibitor. Our integrated findings reveal that this chaperonin protein orchestrates plant immune responses through a dual mechanism: triggering a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst while simultaneously activating SA-mediated signaling cascades, thereby synergistically enhancing host disease resistance. Additionally, yeast two-hybrid assay preliminary data indicated that ZmCpn60-3 might bind to ZmbHLH118 and ZmBURP7, indicating ZmCpn60-3 might be involved in plant abiotic responses. The results provided a reference for comprehensively understanding the resistance mechanism of ZmCpn60-3 in plant responses to abiotic or biotic stress. Full article

Background and objective: The approval of mRNA-based vaccines for children and adolescents has contributed to global efforts to control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. While hybrid immunity—combining prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination—may offer enhanced protection, data on its effectiveness versus vaccine-induced immunity in the pediatric population are limited. Methods: This retrospective matched cohort study used linked health data from Norwegian nationwide health registries and the Italian Pedianet network. The study included children and adolescents aged 5–14 years eligible for COVID-19 vaccination at the time of approval (May/September 2021 and November 2021/January 2022, respectively). Mono- and two-dose vaccination schedules were assessed, and hybrid immunity was defined as prior SARS-CoV-2 infection followed by vaccination within 12 months. Conditional Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, adjusting for sociodemographics, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization. Results: The study included 626,537 children and adolescents in Norway and 38,938 in Italy. A single dose of the vaccine did not reduce the risk of infection among SARS-CoV-2–naive individuals in Norway (HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04–1.07), whereas it was associated with an 8% risk reduction in Italy (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88–0.96). Among individuals with a recent prior infection (within 12 months), vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of reinfection in Norway (HR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05–0.13), but not in Italy (HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.83–1.80), compared to no vaccination. Among those with prior infection, vaccination was associated with a significantly reduced risk of reinfection in Norway (HR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05–0.20), but not in Italy (HR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.27–1.11). Hybrid immunity provided greater protection against (re-)infection compared to vaccine-induced immunity alone, with a 26% risk reduction observed in Norway (HR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.47–0.1.16) and an 86% reduction in Italy (HR = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.09–0.21). Conclusions: This analysis supports the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in children, with hybrid immunity offering enhanced protection against reinfection. Given the waning effectiveness of vaccines over time, continued research and booster strategies are essential to sustain protection and mitigate transmission. Full article