The study provides a summary of the main provisions of the Fundamental Scientific Research Program of the Russian Federation for the long-term period (2021-2030), provides its general quantitative characteristics, highlighting the leading areas of knowledge and areas of science. For the field of scientific knowledge «Medical Sciences», a detailed statistical and substantive analysis is provided, as a result of which leaders and anti-leaders are identified in the context of areas and sections of fundamental and exploratory scientific research. В исследовании представлена сводная информация по основным положениям Программы фундаментальных научных исследований Российской Федерации на долгосрочный период (2021—2030 гг.), дана её общая количественная характеристика с выделением лидирующих областей знаний и направлений науки. Для области научных знаний «Медицинские науки» приведён подробный статистический и содержательный анализ, в результате которого определены лидеры и антилидеры в разрезе направлений и разделов фундаментальных и поисковых научных исследований.
BACKGROUND The coexistence of cardiac myxoma and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is exceedingly rare and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. While atrial myxomas may cause acute hemodynamic compromise, concomitant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can remain clinically underestimated, raising uncertainty regarding the optimal timing of septal reduction therapy. CASE REPORT A 38-year-old man was admitted with acute dyspnea and hypoxemia. Imaging revealed pulmonary congestion and a large left atrial mass causing functional mitral stenosis. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated asymmetric septal hypertrophy (maximum thickness 25 mm) with dynamic LVOTO and a mobile left atrial mass consistent with myxoma. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor with concomitant septal myectomy. Histopathology confirmed atrial myxoma and myocardial hyperplasia. Postoperatively, complete atrioventricular block required permanent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. At short-term follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with mild residual LVOTO. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the importance of comprehensive structural and functional assessment in patients with intracardiac tumors. In young patients with favorable prognostic features and significant left atrial dilatation, early septal myectomy performed concomitantly with tumor resection may be justified, even when resting LVOT gradients are below conventional thresholds. This strategy aligns with the latest American and European guidelines on cardiomyopathies and may prevent delayed intervention and disease progression. The case also highlights atrioventricular block as a relevant complication of surgical myectomy, reinforcing the need for careful perioperative planning. Overall, this report provides an instructive example of individualized surgical decision-making in complex cardiomyopathy presentations.
The rapid expansion of environmental DNA (eDNA)-based biodiversity monitoring has heightened the need for accurate and well-curated taxonomic reference databases. Although mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) is widely used, the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene (12S rRNA) has increasingly demonstrated strong taxonomic assignment success in chondrichthyan metabarcoding applications. The South African coastline supports one of the most diverse chondrichthyan faunas globally. However, as in many regions, coverage of 12S rRNA reference databases has remained limited. Well-represented reference libraries are critical for improving the accuracy of eDNA-based species detection. Here, we aimed to expand the regional 12S rRNA reference database for South African chondrichthyans, thereby supporting both local and global eDNA applications for widely distributed species. A total of 36 chondrichthyan species, represented by 69 individuals, were sequenced to expand the 12S rRNA reference library for sharks, rays and chimaeras from South Africa's Indian and Atlantic Ocean coastlines. A newly developed primer set (V05F_898E / teleoR_Elas), designed to overlap with the commonly used Elas02 region, achieved consistent amplification across diverse lineages. The new data increased regional reference coverage from 50.3% to 69.1% and added 18 species globally. Sequence authenticity was confirmed through comparison with GenBank, and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses showed that 97.2% of sequences clustered within their expected family-level lineages, although some uncertainties remained in groups with low mitochondrial divergence or complex taxonomic histories. Percent identity analyses revealed high intraspecific similarity and clear interspecific separation across taxa. However, comparative in silico analyses of the shorter Elas02 fragment demonstrated reduced phylogenetic resolution and less consistent clustering among closely related taxa. While the Elas02 region is suitable for accurate amplicon sequence variant (ASV) matching in eDNA metabarcoding, the longer 12S rRNA fragment generated here provides improved phylogenetic resolution and may aid in the identification of unknown or ambiguous ASVs. The expanded 12S rRNA reference library and associated phylogenetic analyses expanded genetic resources for South African chondrichthyans and support global applications. The newly developed marker can be incorporated in future eDNA studies dealing with elasmobranchs, since it can have the added benefit of providing more phylogenetic resolution than the short Elas02 fragment.
Limited research exists on the effects of OsteoStrong on physical function in older women. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of OsteoStrong (OS) and dynamic multicomponent exercise (DME) on functional outcomes in older women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. A total of 194 women aged 65-79 years with a T-score of ≤-1.0 at the hip and/or spine were randomized to nine months of either OS (once weekly, 20 min) or DME (twice weekly, 60 min). Outcomes included measures of muscle strength (hand grip and back strength), back and trunk endurance, mobility (sit-to-stand tests, gait speed, Timed Up and Go), and balance (one-leg standing time, tandem standing, tandem walking). Measurements were conducted at baseline and again at nine months. Both OS and DME showed significant improvements in grip strength, back strength, isometric trunk flexion endurance, gait speed 30 m (m/sec), 5 sit-to-stand (sec) and 50 sit-to-stand speed (n/sec) with no significant between-group differences. DME resulted in greater improvements in gait speed 30 m (+ 7.1% vs. +3.2%, p = 0.001), isometric trunk extension (+ 27.6% vs. +4.4%, p = 0.007), and one-leg standing balance (right leg: +13.1% vs. -2.1%, p = 0.001; left leg: +13.3% vs. -2.4%, p = 0.001) compared to OS. These findings suggest that while both OS and DME improve physical function in older women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, DME provides superior benefits in gait speed, back muscle endurance, and balance. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as they are based on secondary outcomes.
Viral arthritis accounts for approximately 1% of acute arthritis cases and may be caused by several viruses, particularly parvovirus B19 (B19V). Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, B19V immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositivity, and the exclusion of other infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Following a European outbreak of B19V between March and May 2024, we conducted a multicenter retrospective study. The primary outcomes were the clinical and laboratory manifestations of B19V-associated arthritis; secondary outcomes included progression to chronic inflammatory disease and the need for escalation to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). A total of 28 patients (25 women and 3 men) were included, with a mean age of 44±11.4 years; 16 patients (57.1%) reported epidemiological risk factors. Acute, additive, symmetrical inflammatory polyarthralgia was the predominant clinical feature (26 patients, 92.9%), while axial inflammatory pain was reported by four patients (14.3%). Laboratory evaluation revealed positivity for antinuclear antibody (ANA) in 32.1%, rheumatoid factor (RF) in 19.7%, and HLA-B27 in 7.1% of patients. Anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) were negative in all cases. Complement consumption was observed in a minority of patients, with low C3 levels in four (14.3%) and low C4 levels in three patients (10.7%). Regarding treatment, 39.3% of patients received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while 60.7% were treated with systemic corticosteroids (prednisolone 10-40 mg/day); one patient required intravenous methylprednisolone (125 mg). Clinical remission was achieved in 24 patients (85.7%) after a mean duration of 34±47.0 days. However, four patients experienced relapse during corticosteroid tapering, suggesting potential progression to a chronic inflammatory condition. Among these, one patient achieved adequate symptom control with intermittent courses of NSAID alone, whereas the remaining three required initiation of DMARD therapy. This study provides one of the most comprehensive characterizations of B19V-associated arthritis in immunocompetent adults. Our findings emphasizes B19V infection as a significant viral mimic of early inflammatory rheumatic diseases and suggests considering it in the differential diagnosis of acute polyarthritis. Moreover, our study highlights the uncommon but notable potential of B19V infection to induce persistent inflammatory responses requiring immunosuppressive therapy.
Developing effective antiviral strategies is urgently needed during global viral pandemics. Traditional approaches, including small-molecule inhibitors, neutralizing antibodies, and RNA interference (RNAi), often face challenges such as drug resistance, limited specificity, and inefficient delivery. These limitations highlight the pressing need for innovative strategies focused on the targeted degradation of viral proteins. We developed an optimized Trim-Away system employing a receptor-Fc fusion protein strategy. This system integrates the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 with engineered receptor-Fc proteins to ensure highly specific recognition and intracellular degradation. A key innovation is the use of the Semliki Forest virus (SFV) self-amplifying replicon (pSFV). This platform enables sustained and robust expression of the Trim-Away components. Furthermore, this plasmid-based delivery eliminates the need for protein purification, thereby streamlining the process and improving delivery efficiency. The system effectively degrades diverse viral targets. Specifically, it successfully degraded the spike proteins of both wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and its Omicron variant. It also targeted adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid proteins. In vivo assays further confirmed that the self-amplifying replicon markedly reduces AAV-encoded luciferase expression. These data demonstrate that the system maintains high potency even at low dosages. Our findings demonstrate that the pSFV-driven Trim-Away system is a powerful tool for viral protein degradation. The receptor-Fc strategy provides a significant advantage against rapidly mutating viruses. This study establishes a versatile and adaptable platform for future antiviral intervention.
Conventional exogenous modification strategies fail to fundamentally resolve the inherent conflict between rapid carrier recombination and severe photocorrosion in cadmium sulfide (CdS) photocatalysts. To address this issue, a solvent coordination strategy was developed for synergistic phase, facet, and defect engineering of CdS. Four CdS samples were successfully synthesized, including CdS cubic phase, nanospheres, nanowires, and nanorods. Systematic experimental characterizations combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that ethylenediamine (EDA) selectively adsorbs on the (002) facet, inducing oriented growth along [101] and in situ sulfur vacancy (Vs) enrichment on the highly active (101) facet. The optimized CdS nanorods deliver a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) rate 11.17 times higher than that of the CdS cubic phase and maintain high activity following 30 h of continuous illumination. This work provides new insights into the rational design of highly efficient and stable sulfide-based photocatalysts.
This study investigated the effects of a fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine (FCHM) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and gastrointestinal microbiota in suckling lambs. FCHM consisted of 10 herbs fermented with Candida utilis and Bacillus subtilis. Sixty twin Hu lambs (15 days) were randomly fed a basal diet (CON) or the diet supplemented with 0.6% FCHM (Treat) for 45 days. The results indicated that the Treat group exhibited a significant increase in average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05). Serum analyses revealed elevated levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glucose (GLU), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) were reduced (P < 0.05). In the duodenal mucosa, SOD and GSH-Px activities and T-AOC levels were significantly elevated, while MDA content was notably decreased (P < 0.05). Ruminal fermentation profiles showed increased concentrations of propionate and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) in the Treat group (P < 0.05). Microbiome analysis revealed that FCHM supplementation selectively modulated the ruminal microbial community, enriching beneficial genera such as Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 and Butyrivibrio, while reducing the abundance of potentially harmful genera like Streptococcus, despite no significant changes in the overall community diversity. Metagenomic sequencing further demonstrated the enrichment of KEGG enzymes and carbohydrate-active enzyme genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and propionate biosynthesis. Correlation network analyses revealed significant associations among specific microbial taxa, serum antioxidant, immune biomarkers, and growth performance. In conclusion, dietary FCHM supplementation improves growth performance in suckling lambs by optimizing ruminal fermentation patterns, selectively regulating gastrointestinal microbiota, and enhancing systemic antioxidant capacity. These findings support the potential of FCHM as a functional feed additive in lamb production systems. Enhancing growth performance and ensuring gastrointestinal health during the suckling period are critical for lamb productivity and welfare. In the context of the antibiotic-free mandate in animal feed, we evaluated the effects of a fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine (FCHM) on growth, antioxidant status, immune parameters, and gastrointestinal microbiota in lambs. Our findings demonstrate that FCHM improves average daily gain, enhances systemic and mucosal antioxidant capacity, and modulates ruminal and hindgut microbiota by enriching beneficial taxa and suppressing potentially harmful bacteria. These effects are linked to upregulated microbial functions in carbohydrate metabolism and propionate biosynthesis. This study provides a microbial-based mechanism for FCHM as a natural feed additive to promote lamb growth and gastrointestinal resilience, offering a sustainable strategy to support early-life development in ruminant production systems.
The article explores the current issue of medical support for merchant ship crews working in conditions of prolonged professional isolation, limited access to qualified medical care, and specific risk factors of the maritime environment. The author conducts a systematic analysis of modern digital healthcare technologies, such as wearable biometric devices, telemedicine platforms, mobile medical applications, and cloud-based data storage systems, in terms of their applicability for continuous monitoring of seafarers health during voyages. The paper presents an original methodology for assessing the comprehensive effectiveness of the implementation of digital monitoring systems, based on a multi-criteria weighted matrix, where the components correspond to medical, technical, ergonomic (household), economic, and compliance with standards. A target efficiency threshold of 0.85 has been established, which provides for a 15% reserve for possible technical failures, human factors, and unforeseen circumstances. Based on the analysis, a set of practical recommendations has been formulated for shipping companies and regulatory authorities. The results of the study allow for the optimization of health-saving strategies in the maritime industry, reducing occupational risks, improving the availability of medical care, and minimizing economic losses associated with crew illnesses during voyages. The proposed methodology can be adapted for other industries with similar working conditions. В статье исследуется актуальная проблема медицинского обеспечения экипажей судов торгового флота, работающих в условиях длительной профессиональной изоляции, ограниченного доступа к квалифицированной медицинской помощи и специфических факторов риска морской среды. Автор проводит системный анализ современных цифровых технологий здравоохранения — носимых биометрических устройств, платформ телемедицины, мобильных медицинских приложений и облачных систем хранения данных — с точки зрения их применимости для непрерывного мониторинга состояния здоровья моряков в рейсовых условиях. В работе представлена оригинальная методология оценки комплексной эффективности внедрения цифровых систем мониторинга, основанная на многокритериальной взвешенной матрице, где компоненты соответствуют медицинской, технической, эргономической (бытовой), экономической эффективности и соответствию стандартам. Установлен целевой пороговый показатель эффективности 0,85, что предусматривает 15% резерв на возможные технические сбои, человеческий фактор и непредвиденные обстоятельства. На основе проведённого анализа сформулирован комплекс практических рекомендаций для судоходных компаний и регуляторных органов. Результаты исследования позволяют оптимизировать стратегии здоровьесбережения в морской отрасли, снижая профессиональные риски, улучшая доступность медицинской помощи и минимизируя экономические потери, связанные с заболеваниями экипажей в рейсах. Предложенная методология может быть адаптирована для других отраслей с аналогичными условиями труда.
Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, presenting significant clinical challenges due to tumor heterogeneity, multidrug resistance (MDR), and the severe systemic toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy. In the rapidly evolving field of nanomedicine, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a superior class of porous nanomaterials with exceptional potential for oncology applications. Distinguished by their ultra-high surface area, tunable porosity, and biodegradable nature, MOFs offer a versatile platform for encapsulating chemotherapeutic agents, genetic materials, and photosensitizers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in MOF-based nanoplatforms for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. We critically analyze the synthesis and functionalization strategies that enhance the stability and targeting capability of MOFs in the physiological environment. Furthermore, we highlight the development of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems that utilize the unique tumor microenvironment (pH, redox, and ATP) for controlled release. Finally, the review discusses the dual role of MOFs as theranostic agents integrating bioimaging (MRI, CT, and optical imaging) with therapeutic modalities (chemotherapy, photothermal, and photodynamic therapy) and outlines the future perspectives for their clinical translation.
ABSTARCTStarch-based delivery systems (SBDSs) have emerged as promising carriers for bioactive compounds (BCs) due to their biodegradability, low cost, and biocompatibility. However, the limited emulsifying capacity, poor physicochemical stability, and rapid digestibility of native starches restrict their applications. Yet critical gaps persist in understanding how starch modifications impact digestibility, release kinetics, and functional performance. This review critically evaluates how the modifications induce changes in molecular structure and supramolecular structure, which influence the encapsulation efficiency (EE), gastrointestinal (GI) release, and stability of BCs. A unified structure-property-function framework is provided by integrating parameters such as crystallinity, cross-link density, amphiphilicity, and digestibility fractions, including rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), and resistant starch (RS), with digestion behavior, release mechanisms, and bioaccessibility. The review further highlights emerging concepts such as digestion-tailored carrier engineering and synergistic dual-modification approaches. Additionally, it addresses key translation challenges, including clean-label requirements, regulatory constraints, scalability, process complexity, and inconsistencies between in vitro and in vivo performance. Overall, this review provides mechanistic and translation insights for designing advanced starch-based carriers with improved controlled-release performance and practical applicability.
Streptococcus mutans strains expressing the collagen-binding protein Cnm are strongly associated with severe and recurrent dental caries, yet the mechanistic basis for their clinical enrichment alongside Candida albicans remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether Cnm contributes to early cross-kingdom interactions that promote dual-species biofilm development. Using purified proteins, we found that C. albicans binds robustly to Cnm at levels comparable to those of glucosyltransferase B (GtfB) and higher than those of other S. mutans adhesins tested. Preincubation of collagen with Cnm inhibited fungal binding, indicating that Cnm cannot simultaneously engage collagen and C. albicans, and suggesting competition for the same or adjacent binding regions. Cnm expression significantly enhanced coaggregation with C. albicans in both collagen-free and collagen-rich environments. In early attachment assays, Cnm increased S. mutans adherence to collagen-coated surfaces and promoted C. albicans recruitment on uncoated surfaces, consistent with ligand-dependent binding specificity. Pre-coaggregation in saliva further enhanced the ability of Cnm+ S. mutans to attach to C. albicans. At 24 h, Cnm expression increased biomass and S. mutans CFUs exclusively on collagen-coated surfaces, regardless of sucrose availability. Together, these findings identify Cnm as a dual-binding adhesin that associates with either collagen or C. albicans, depending on environmental context, thereby accelerating coaggregation, early colonization, and biofilm maturation. This mechanism provides a biological explanation for the co-enrichment of Cbp+ S. mutans and C. albicans seen in dental caries and highlights Cnm as a key mediator of cross-kingdom synergy in early biofilm formation.IMPORTANCEDental caries is a multifactorial and polymicrobial disease in which the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates favors acidogenic and aciduric microorganisms at the expense of beneficial commensal bacteria, creating a dysbiotic environment. Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans establish a synergistic relationship that exacerbates dysbiosis, thereby promoting caries development and progression. The current paradigm of this cross-kingdom synergism centers on increased extracellular polysaccharide production and enhanced biofilm biomass in the presence of sucrose. Here, we show that the collagen-binding protein Cnm, produced by approximately 20% of S. mutans isolates, promotes interspecies co-aggregation with C. albicans, facilitating interspecies attachment and early biofilm formation. Our findings expand the current paradigm by demonstrating that Cnm recruits C. albicans to the developing biofilm. This interaction may play a crucial role in the stability and virulence of early biofilm communities, particularly under low-sucrose conditions.
The synergistic coupling of nonthermal plasma (NTP) with catalysts offers a promising route for converting CO2/H2O into high-value-added chemicals, but its efficiency is hindered by low-activity catalysts and electron quenching by gaseous H2O. Herein, we propose a "surface electron-enriched microenvironment" strategy to construct a UiO-66(SH)2 catalyst to boost NPT CO2 conversion. Under dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma conditions, the UiO-66(SH)2 catalytic system achieves a CO2 conversion rate of 42.19%, which is 1.88 and 38.87 times higher than that of the unmodified UiO-66 system and plasma-only system, respectively. CO was identified as the dominant carbon-containing product with a selectivity of 82.39%, along with CH4 and trace C2-C3 hydrocarbons. Theoretical calculations and experimental results confirm that the thiol groups in UiO-66(SH)2 create an electron-enriched microenvironment, which significantly enhances the adsorption and activation of CO2 while effectively suppressing the electron quenching effect of gaseous H2O on a plasma-induced CO2 dissociation process. Furthermore, thiol functional groups create an electron-rich microenvironment, effectively reducing the free-energy barrier for the formation of the key intermediate *COOH and thereby accelerating CO2 conversion kinetics. This research provides a rational strategy for achieving efficient and highly selective plasma catalytic CO2 conversion through the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) functionalization.
An effective stent for ureteral obstruction requires controlled swelling behaviour, sustained drug delivery, inhibition of bacterial adhesion, and performance characteristics that conventional stents frequently fail to attain. Two bi-layer bioresorbable stents (Carr/Alg and Ch/PVA) were developed using carrageenan (Carr) and chitosan (Ch) as the inner layer for drug diffusion and integrated with alginate (Alg) and PVA as the outer layer that provides controlled degradation and structural stabilization. Drugs, including aspirin (Asp) and dexamethasone (Dex), were incorporated facilitating drug delivery. Swelling analysis and degradation study of the stent in artificial urine over 18 days indicated the carrageenan/alginate (Carr/Alg) stent showed high fluid retention of 715.8%, compared to the chitosan/PVA (Ch/PVA) stent with 238.8% maintaining stable shape without excessive swelling. The cumulative drug release for Carr/Alg stent had the highest initial burst of 25% over 48 h, whereas Ch/PVA showed 23%, consistent with non-Fickian model. Surface morphology was analysed, confirming bi-layered structure and porous networks for structural stability. Bacterial adhesion was assessed using gram-negative Escherichia coli, demonstrating anti-adhesion behaviour, while bulging analysis demonstrated dimensional stability, indicating suitability under dynamic urinary tract conditions.
In vivo verification for the development of cardiac MRI and CFD simulations is limited by scan time and motion artifacts. We developed a subject-specific, MRI-compatible left ventricle (LV) phantom within a closed-loop circulation system driven by an MRI-safe pump to reproduce cardiac motion and provide robust data for high-fidelity model validation. The LV was fabricated from a PVA-based hydrogel to ensure MRI contrast, mechanical stability, and reusability. The complete setup fulfills key requirements for long-term leakage-free operation, close coil placement, and resembles in vivo soft-tissue contrasts. The setup reproduces healthy end-diastolic and end-systolic geometries, including physiologic contraction and papillary muscles. Integrated aortic and mitral valves approximate physiological opening and closing. High image contrast enabled time-resolved segmentation of the LV geometry. The LV shape matched the target anatomy well, despite minor deviations at the basal transition and in valve orifice, with mild aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. 4D flow MRI confirmed physiological flow patterns, including diastolic vortex ring formation and realistic systolic outflow. Velocity estimates confirmed the phantom's applicability in an in vitro setting without scan time limitations. The acquired time-resolved MRI data enabled CFD simulations incorporating LV and valve motion, although segmentation accuracy remains a primary source of uncertainty. This LV phantom provides a stable, MRI-compatible platform for generating reproducible data to validate modeling of intracardiac hemodynamics. Its realistic anatomy, motion, and flow patterns support both simulation validation and MRI sequence development. Future work will focus on improving valve kinematics and LV motion fidelity.
Penguins, as distinctive marine birds, play important roles in polar and sub-Antarctic ecosystems, yet the diversity and species-specific distribution of their gut viromes remain insufficiently understood. Here, we used viral metagenomics to characterize the cloacal viromes of four penguin species-Spheniscus humboldti (S. humboldti), Pygoscelis papua (P. papua), Pygoscelis adeliae (P. adeliae), and Aptenodytes forsteri (A. forsteri)-collected at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. A total of 219 viral sequences representing potentially novel lineages were identified, with more than 94% sharing <80% amino acid similarity with previously known viruses. These sequences were assigned to several viral families, including Parvoviridae, Caliciviridae, Anelloviridae, Circoviridae, and Microviridae, among others. Marked interspecies differences in virome composition were observed: Parvoviridae dominated in S. humboldti, Microviridae were enriched in P. papua, Caliciviridae accounted for a substantial proportion in A. forsteri, and P. adeliae displayed the greatest overall virome diversity. Multiple-virus co-detections, particularly involving Parvoviridae, were frequent in S. humboldti. Phylogenetic analyses showed that many penguin-associated viruses clustered with viruses infecting other avian and fish hosts, suggesting possible dietary or environmental origins of some detected viral sequences. These findings expand current knowledge of penguin gut virome diversity and host-associated differences and provide a valuable foundation for evaluating the ecological roles, health implications, and transmission risks of penguin-associated viruses.IMPORTANCEThis study uncovers significant diversity in the gut viromes of four penguin species, revealing over 219 viral sequences representing potentially novel lineages, many of which showed host-associated distribution patterns. Using viral metagenomics, we identified notable interspecies differences, with Parvoviridae predominating in Spheniscus humboldti and Microviridae being enriched in Pygoscelis papua. These findings highlight the complexity of viral community structures in penguins, including frequent viral co-detections, which could impact host health and ecological adaptation. Additionally, novel bacteriophage communities were identified, emphasizing their potential role in shaping the gut microbiome and influencing viral dynamics. This work provides new insights into viral diversity in wildlife and lays the groundwork for future studies on viral transmission risks and ecological conservation.
The article provides a comprehensive assessment of the psychological state of the Russian population in the face of multiple external challenges. According to the April 2024 survey conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center, nine out of ten Russians experience stress on a regular basis, with one in five experiencing stress on a regular basis. The index of need for psychological assistance reached 30 out of 100 in late 2024, marking the highest level in the past 15 years. The purpose of this study is to analyze the current state of attitudes towards stress in Russian society based on data from large-scale sociological and psychological studies conducted in 2024-2025. The study examines the factors that influence an environmentally friendly attitude towards stress and the ability to cope with it. The main objectives include systematizing scientific approaches to studying stress, analyzing methods for diagnosing stress conditions, summarizing data on the prevalence of stress among the Russian population, and identifying dominant coping strategies. В статье проведена комплексная оценка психологического состояния российского населения в условиях множественных внешних вызовов. По данным Всероссийского центра изучения общественного мнения за апрель 2024 г., с разной периодичностью со стрессом сталкиваются 9 из 10 россиян, при этом каждый пятый испытывает стресс на регулярной основе. Индекс потребности в психологической помощи в конце 2024 г. достиг 30 пунктов из 100 возможных, что является максимальным показателем за последние 15 лет. Целью настоящего исследования является анализ современного состояния отношения к стрессу в российском обществе на основе данных крупных социологических и психологических исследований 2024—2025 гг. В работе исследованы факторы, влияющие на экологичное отношение к стрессу и умению противостоять ему. Основные задачи включают систематизацию научных подходов к изучению стресса, анализ методов диагностики стрессовых состояний, обобщение данных о распространённости стресса среди населения России и выявление доминирующих копинг-стратегий.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), is an acute and highly contagious intestinal disease in pigs. The high variability of the PEDV S gene has rendered current commercial vaccines ineffective, indicating the need for safe, effective, and cost-effective antiviral agents to control PEDV. Here, we aimed to screen and identify compounds with anti-PEDV activity and elucidate the antiviral mechanisms of magnolol. A compound library was screened using an in-cell Western blotting assay to identify potential antiviral agents. The in vitro antiviral activity of magnolol was evaluated using viral titer assays, time-of-addition experiments, and Western blotting. The in vivo efficacy of magnolol against PEDV was assessed by monitoring body weight, rectal temperature, histopathological changes, and diarrhea scores. Cathepsin L (CTSL) expression and distribution were analyzed in vitro and in vivo using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and confocal immunofluorescence. A total of 25 potential antiviral candidates were identified, among which magnolol exhibited significant anti-PEDV activity. Magnolol effectively inhibited the entry of PEDV, porcine deltacoronavirus, and porcine enteric alphacoronavirus by suppressing CTSL expression. In vivo experiments showed that magnolol treatment alleviated PED-associated pathological damage and altered CTSL distribution in the intestinal epithelium of piglets, thereby reducing PEDV infection. Mechanistically, magnolol inhibited PEDV infection by downregulating CTSL expression and altering its distribution in intestinal epithelial cells. This study provides valuable experimental evidence and suggests potential therapeutic strategies for the clinical treatment of porcine enteric coronavirus infections.IMPORTANCEPorcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is an acute and highly contagious intestinal disease in pigs that causes severe intestinal damage and death, especially in piglets. Currently available treatments and vaccines for the disease have been unable to provide complete protection due to the high mutation/variability of the causative virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that magnolol, an extract from the roots and bark of Magnolia officinalis, inhibits PEDV infection by downregulating cathepsin L expression and altering its distribution in intestinal epithelial cells, thereby alleviating PED-associated pathological damage in the intestines of piglets. Our findings suggest that magnolol has potential applications in the treatment of PED.
Bilateral localized Au coatings are of great importance for high-density interconnection and double-sided functionalization in microelectronic devices. Conventional bilateral electrochemical deposition (ECD) typically requires cathode reversal or masking, which makes the process cumbersome and limits precision. Herein, a maskless laser-assisted electrochemical deposition (LECD) technology is proposed to achieve simultaneous bilateral deposition under single-side laser irradiation. Comparative experiments were conducted to elucidate the bilateral deposition mechanism under the synergistic effects of thermomechanical enhancement and laser cleaning, and single-factor experiments were performed to investigate the influence of the effective accumulated energy density (Eeff) on surface morphology and thickness symmetry. The comparative results show that the local temperature rise induced by front-side laser irradiation is conducted to the back side through the substrate, thereby increasing the cathodic overpotential and reaction kinetics at both interfaces and inducing electrochemical deposition to form coatings. Compared with the back-side coating, the front-side coating benefits from the coupled cleaning-deposition process and exhibits a denser and more uniform structure. The single-factor experiments reveal that, with increasing Eeff, the coatings on both sides undergo a characteristic matte-gold-bright-gold-rematte-gold morphological evolution. Under the optimized parameters (single-pulse energy of 12-14 μJ and scanning speed of 100-140 mm/s), high-quality bilateral coatings with an interfacial symmetry index (ISI) of 0.7 were obtained. In addition, the LECD coatings were superior to or comparable to conventional ECD coatings in corrosion resistance, interfacial bonding strength, and electrical performance. This study provides an efficient strategy for fabricating high-precision bilateral functional coatings for microelectronic applications.
Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) demonstrate size-influenced antibacterial activity against Ralstonia solanacearum, with physical disruption mechanisms appearing to play a more prominent role than reactive oxygen species (ROS) effects under the tested conditions. While 30 nm particles generated maximum ROS levels, 20 nm MgONPs exhibited superior bactericidal efficacy, reducing survival to 36% at 300 mg/L versus 46% for 30 nm particles-a superiority consistently supported by motility, membrane, and transcriptomic assessments even at the complete-killing concentration (500 mg/L). This size-dependent efficacy was further validated in vivo. ROS scavenging tests and transcriptomics suggested that oxidative stress may not be the primary driver of antimicrobial action, though a potential synergistic role cannot be entirely excluded. The primary mechanisms involved size-specific physical membrane damage, DNA integrity changes, and metabolic interference. Smaller particles (20 nm) caused significant membrane destabilization and uniquely disrupted acetyl-CoA metabolism and oxidoreductase activity through downregulation of ribosome biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and amino acid degradation pathways. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that particle size modulates catabolic gene expression and redox-related processes, with 20 nm particles inducing distinct metabolic suppression patterns. This study provides insights into the ongoing debate regarding ROS versus physical mechanisms, suggesting that nanoscale precision combined with surface properties governs antibacterial efficiency. The findings position MgONPs as a tunable antimicrobial platform where optimized particle dimensions and formulation strategies enhance pathogen control through targeted physical disruption and metabolic interference. These mechanistic insights offer a basis for engineering nanomaterials with improved bactericidal performance via optimization of multiple physicochemical properties.