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The lack of appropriate antimicrobials to tackle multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria poses an escalating threat to modern medicine. Addressing this urgent issue, we have recently developed synthetic nanoengineered antimicrobial polymers (SNAPs), inspired by the physicochemical properties of antimicrobial peptides. Our findings have demonstrated that SNAPs are potent antimicrobial agents characterized by low toxicity and cost-effective large-scale production. In this study, we elucidate the mechanism of action of two distinct SNAPs, which vary in length and charge distribution. Focusing on the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa LESB58, a hypervirulent strain prevalent in cystic fibrosis patients, we employ advanced high-resolution imaging techniques and neutron reflectometry to uncover the precise interactions between SNAPs and the bacterial cell envelope. Our research identifies lipopolysaccharide as a critical target, detailing architecture-specific envelope disruptions, such as asymmetry loss, pore formation, and membrane dissolution. These insights into the structure-function relationships of SNAPs pave the way for the rational design of tailored antimicrobial polymers with specific targeted mechanisms of action.

Snapping shrimp (Alpheidae) produce loud, broadband snaps during intraspecific and interspecific interactions. These sounds produced from snapping shrimp are known to serve as environmental cues for a range of marine organisms. However, the noise from anthropogenic activities brings serious concerns about its impact on sound production as well as hearing in the snapping shrimp. In this study, we collected specimens from the field to record their snaps and investigate their auditory sensitivity up to 3500 Hz using auditory evoked potential measurements. The snap amplitudes exceeded their hearing thresholds within the tested frequency range, indicating that snapping shrimp can likely perceive their conspecific sounds. To assess the impact of anthropogenic noise, we modeled their acoustic sensing range and evaluated the impact of boat noise. Results showed boat noise reduced their sensing range across the frequency range from 80 to 400 Hz with the maximum reduction of 91.20% at 100 Hz. This study suggests that chronic exposure to vessel noise may affect snapping shrimps' acoustic sensing, highlighting the need for further attention to address the impacts of noise on sound-producing invertebrates.

Parnassius smintheus is an alpine butterfly that overwinters as a first-instar caterpillar within its egg and often beneath the snow. While extreme temperatures in early winter appear pivotal to year-to-year population change of P. smintheus in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, the sources of mortality for these eggs are unclear. Here we tested three hypotheses about the vulnerability of eggs to warming and extreme weather in early winter (i.e. upper quartile of daily maximum and minimum microclimate temperatures in November): (1) warming disrupts the acquisition of cold tolerance, making eggs susceptible to subsequent cold snaps; (2) warming drives premature development and hatch, such that precocious hatchlings either starve or freeze; and (3) warming depletes the energy stores of dormant eggs. We then used these hypotheses to guide a simulation of the risk of winter mortality for eggs over the last half-century (1971 - 2020) in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Early winter warming did not interrupt the acquisition of cold tolerance by freeze-avoidant eggs. Eggs did risk lethal freezing in simulated winters when extreme low temperatures coincided with an absence of snow cover. Early winter warming increased the risk of subsequent hatching, and precocious larvae were less cold-tolerant than eggs. Our simulation found that precocious larvae risked freezing during snow-free cold snaps in spring. Early winter warming did not appreciably drawdown energy stores, and we found that P. smintheus could not only fuel overwintering but tolerate several days of starvation after hatch. We conclude that eggs risk precocious development after early winter warming and are likely vulnerable in winters that lack persistent snow cover. Together, these sources of winter mortality may explain year-to-year change in P. smintheus populations. Identifying unidirectional thresholds, such as hatching and freezing, may be important for predicting the susceptibility of some alpine insects to future winter warming.

The Berrettini anastomosis (BA) is a sensory communication between the ulnar and median nerves in the palm. Although well described in anatomical studies, it has been less frequently evaluated electrophysiologically. We aimed to determine the frequency and electrophysiological characteristics of BA in healthy Japanese adults. Bilateral sensory nerve conduction studies were performed in 32 healthy volunteers (64 hands). Sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) were recorded from median-innervated digits during ulnar nerve stimulation and from ulnar-innervated digits during median nerve stimulation. BA was classified as Type 1 (ulnar-to-median) or Type 2 (median-to-ulnar). To exclude unintended median nerve activation due to current spread, thumb recordings were obtained during screening for Type 1. The BA index was calculated as the ratio of the SNAP amplitude recorded from the middle finger (D3) to that recorded from the ring finger (D4) during ulnar stimulation. BA was identified in 5 participants (15.6%) and 7 hands (10.9%), all classified as Type 1. BA-related SNAPs were recorded exclusively from D3 and not from the index finger (D2). The BA index ranged from 3.6% to 77.2% (median 5.7%). BA-related amplitudes were small relative to the corresponding ulnar SNAP amplitudes at D4. BA can be electrophysiologically detected in a subset of healthy individuals, typically as a small ulnar-to-median crossover to D3. Although amplitudes are generally limited, awareness of this normal anatomical variant may assist in careful interpretation of sensory nerve conduction findings, particularly in borderline or asymmetric cases.

The sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) of the superficial fibular nerve (SFN) is occasionally small and difficult to obtain using conventional surface recording (SR) or near-nerve needle recording. This study aimed to demonstrate a novel method of sensory conduction study of the SFN using ultrasound-guided near-nerve needle recording (US-NNNR) to obtain larger amplitude recordings. Twenty healthy volunteers (40 legs) were analyzed. In the conventional sensory conduction study using SR, we stimulated the nerve on the lateral aspect of the mid lower leg. The SNAPs of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve (MDCN) and intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve (IDCN) of the SFN were recorded at the ankle. In the US-NNNR, the SFN was scanned on the lateral aspect of the mid lower leg and a needle electrode was inserted with an out-of-plane approach <&#x2009;1&#x2009;mm from the SFN. Through the needle electrode, we recorded the SNAPs evoked by the stimulation of the MDCN or IDCN at the ankle. The SNAP amplitudes were compared between the SR and US-NNNR using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The SNAP amplitude was significantly larger with US-NNNR than with SR for both the MDCN (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and the IDCN (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). US-NNNR in sensory conduction study of the SFN produced a larger SNAP amplitude than SR. The larger SNAP observed using US-NNNR may aid in the diagnosis of disorders involving the SFN.

Wearable textile electromyography (EMG) armbands hold immense potential for applications in healthcare, fitness, and assistive technologies. However, their wide adoption is hindered by challenges related to durability and signal quality. These concerns arise from washing and wearing the armband which can degrade the electrical connections. Snap fasteners are commonly used connections in e-textiles but pose significant challenges due to their limitations in maintaining consistent electrical and mechanical performance compromising the signal quality. The rigidity of the snap fasteners create mismatch with the stretchy textile causing misalignment, therefore, amplifying motion artifacts. This necessitates the need for a low form factor and durable interconnect for wearable EMG armbands. This work presents a novel approach to fabricating a wearable EMG armband using rivets and comparing it to the commonly used snaps. Both armbands were subjected to three washes and the EMG signal was recorded before and after each wash test in stationary (sitting) and dynamic (walking) conditions. The rivets showed a lower and gradual increase in resistance as compared to the snaps before and after every wash. After the third wash, the snaps became unstable whereas the rivet armband monitored EMG in both stationary as well as dynamic conditions highlighting the durability of rivets. Rivets also exhibited higher signal to noise ratio (SNR) in both stationary as well as dynamic conditions indicating higher signal quality as compared to snaps. This work addresses one of the critical challenges in wearable devices, which is reliable and durable interconnects, by demonstrating superior durability and signal quality of rivet connections in wearable EMG armbands.Clinical Relevance- A durable wearable EMG armband can offer practicing clinicians a reliable tool for continuous muscle activity monitoring. Its washable and comfortable design can enable patient compliance by making it ideal for rehabilitation, prosthetic control, and managing neuromuscular disorders not only in a static state but also in dynamic motion. By providing real-time, actionable data in both clinical and remote settings, it can enhance diagnostics, therapy personalization, and long-term care outcomes.

Early sport specialization during adolescence has been linked to overuse injuries in several sports, yet its long-term impact in American football remains underexplored. The purpose of this study is to examine whether early specialization in football during high school is associated with higher injury rates and shorter careers than multi-sport participation. This is a retrospective cohort study with level of evidence 3. We analyzed all NFL players drafted from 2011 to 2023 (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;2556) who played &#x2265; 16 career games. Athletes were classified as multisport or single-sport based on high school varsity participation using public records. Injury data were obtained from validated online databases. The primary outcome was injury incidence, measured as injuries per 1000 snaps (defined as individual plays participated in). Secondary outcomes included career length, total games played, and weighted career approximate value (AV). Injury rates were compared with position-stratified incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Multisport athletes (63.6%) sustained fewer total injuries (IRR, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.76-0.85, and p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001) and major injuries (IRR, 0.77, 95% CI, 0.71-0.82, and p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001) compared to single-sport athletes. Multisport athletes also played 12.2 more NFL games (95% CI, 9.2-15.1, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001, and d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.32) and had 0.7 additional career years (95% CI, 0.5-0.9, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01 and d&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.28). NFL players who participated in multiple sports during high school had significantly lower injury rates and greater career durability. These findings support the body of evidence discouraging early sport specialization.

To analyse the correlation between non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies (non-criteria aPLs) and clinical symptoms (recurrent miscarriage) in patients with seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome (SNAPS). Ninety-four SNAPS patients who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from May 2022 to May 2024 were included. Chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect anti-&#x3b2;2 glycoprotein I antibody, anti-cardiolipin antibody, and lupus anticoagulant. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of anti-annexin A5 (ANXA5), anti-phosphatidylethanolamine antibody (aPE), anti-prothrombin Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (aPT IgG), anti-prothrombin Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody (aPT IgM), anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin IgG antibody, and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin IgM antibody. The correlation between non-criteria aPLs and clinical events was analysed. Compared with the non-criteria antibody-negative group, the positive group had a higher rate of positive antinuclear antibodies (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.05). The proportion of recurrent miscarriage in the positive non-criteria antibody group was significantly higher than in the negative group (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.002). Compared with the negative group, patients with positive ANXA5 antibody and aPT IgM were more likely to have recurrent miscarriage (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.05). Compared with the aPE-negative group, those with aPE-positive were more likely to experience early miscarriage (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.039). Both aPT IgM subtype (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.004) and ANXA5 (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.013) antibodies were the risk factors for recurrent miscarriage. Patients with positive ANXA5, anti-prothrombin IgG, and aPT/PS IgM antibodies showed a significant decrease in antibody titers after treatment (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.05). Detection of non-criteria aPLs contributes to improving the diagnosis of SNAPS, assessing its development trends, and intervening promptly to prevent recurrent miscarriage.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation, as used for rehabilitation of impaired motor function after spinal cord injury, often involves a 10-kHz waveform modulated to produce repetitive bursts of stimulation. Kilohertz-frequency waveforms may facilitate the summation of subthreshold depolarisations, but the optimal burst duration for nerve stimulation has not been systematically investigated. In 11 adults, the ulnar nerve was stimulated transcutaneously with a 10-kHz waveform that contained 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 pulses, in random order. Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) and sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) were measured from motor threshold up to the maximal CMAP (Mmax). The efficacy of each waveform was determined at Mmax as CMAP amplitude divided by total phase charge. For CMAPs and SNAPs, increasing the number of pulses shifted the stimulus-response curves to the left for current and to the right for total charge. Accordingly, an increase in the number of pulses decreased the current but increased the total charge at sensory and motor thresholds and Mmax. Efficacy decreased as the number of pulses increased. Onset latencies were delayed for waveforms with six or more pulses compared to a single pulse. These findings provide evidence of the summation of subthreshold depolarisations in sensory and motor axons in humans. However, the optimal number of pulses for summation remains unclear due to the opposing changes in current and total charge. It is clear, though, that more than six pulses is suboptimal, as there were no further decreases in threshold current while total charge continued to increase.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired coagulation disorder with an unclear pathogenesis, diagnosed in the presence of thrombotic events, obstetric complications, or non-thrombotic manifestations, alongside persistently detectable antiphospholipid antibodies. aPLs seroconversion, defined as the transition from persistent antibody positivity to sustained antibody negativity, is typically confirmed by at least two negative tests &#x2265;12&#xa0;weeks apart and maintained for over one year. This phenomenon is distinct from seronegative APS (SNAPS), in which patients present with APS-like clinical features but never fulfill laboratory criteria. Thrombotic risk remains significant in APS, particularly in patients with prior events or persistently elevated aPLs titers. Immunomodulatory therapies, such as hydroxychloroquine, rituximab, eculizumab, sirolimus, or other agents, may reduce antibody levels and contribute to improved outcomes, though evidence is limited. Among these, hydroxychloroquine is the most established agent, particularly in refractory or recurrent thrombotic cases, and is recommended as adjunctive therapy alongside anticoagulation in high-risk thrombotic and obstetric APS. While these therapies may allow cautious adjustments in anticoagulation for low-risk patients, anticoagulants should not be discontinued solely based on seroconversion or adjunctive treatment. Overall, immunomodulatory drugs should be considered strictly as adjuncts, with patient selection guided by clinical phenotype, thrombotic risk, and available evidence.

Vesicle fusion events are crucial for the survival of Giardia lamblia as they drive nutrient uptake and morphological stage transitions. Unlike most eukaryotes, Giardia has a minimal vesicular trafficking machinery. We report a rare exception to this minimalism wherein two paralogues of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) are present in this parasite. Localization studies indicate that these highly homologous paralogues-GlNSF112681 and GlNSF114776-likely function independently under various stress conditions, as GlNSF112681 remains at peripheral vesicles, while the major pool of GlNSF114776 redistributes to anterior flagella-associated structures. These paralogues also exhibit selective affinity for the &#x3b1;-soluble NSF attachment proteins (Gl&#x3b1;-SNAPs). This selectivity stems from sequence divergences near their N termini. The two GlNSFs colocalize and coimmunoprecipitate, indicating the presence of a heterohexameric 20S complex in trophozoites. This study is the first to report the presence of a heterohexameric 20S complex and reveals adaptive specialization of vesicle trafficking machinery within a reduced eukaryotic system. Impact statement Here we report that a unicellular parasitic protist, Giardia lamblia, has two NSF paralogues, which is a rarity in eukaryotes. Although they share a high degree of homology, they are likely to discharge independent functions, especially under stress conditions.

This review examines the multifaceted implications of global climate change on mammalian hibernators, emphasizing physiological, ecological and phenological impacts. While high-latitude habitats are experiencing faster overall warming, tropical and southern hemisphere regions face more unpredictable and variable climate alterations. Increasing temperature can directly affect hibernators by elevating hibernacula temperatures, shortening torpor bouts, increasing arousal frequency, and depleting energy reserves crucial for survival and reproductive success. Conversely, cold anomalies due to climate change may cause disruptive late-season cold snaps, affecting post-hibernation recovery and reproduction. The phenological timing of hibernation, emergence and reproduction is becoming increasingly decoupled from environmental cues, creating potential mismatches that threaten fitness and survival. Habitat modifications, including urbanisation, further modify microclimates, introducing new risks and opportunities influencing hibernation behaviour, resource availability and susceptibility to disturbances and diseases. Despite anticipated physiological resilience owing to broad thermal tolerances, many hibernating species already inhabit extreme environments and operate near their physiological limits, thus are even more at risk through ecological disruptions as climate variability intensifies. Ultimately, the capacity for adaptive phenotypic plasticity combined with ecological resilience will determine species' future persistence, with high-latitude species potentially more vulnerable to ecological disruptions like habitat loss, predation and disrupted food webs, while tropical species face greater physiological risk.

Sensory ganglionopathy (SG) is a rare and specific subgroup of the peripheral nervous system diseases. Electrophysiology shows a widespread amplitude decrease in sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) or absence of SNAPs in SG. SG diagnosis has a special importance in the context of etiology. We aimed to contribute to diagnosing SG as early as possible with the help of other supportive diagnostic work-up without the need for invasive methods by reviewing data of patients with electrophysiologically diagnosed SG. The medical records of 56 patients with SG diagnosed by electrodiagnostic (EDx) tests were reviewed. EDx findings were compared with our laboratory normal values. Also EDx findings of patients with 23 pure SG patients and 9 SG with motor axonal involvement were analyzed. Etiology was determined in 35 (62.5%) of all patients besides a considerable idiopathic preponderance (n=14; 25%). Comparison of ulnar nerve DMLs of 23 pure SG patients and 9 SG with motor axonal involvement patients, was not statistically significant (p=0.064). Needle EMG findings of lower extremity were grade 1 in 52.9% and grade 3 in 5.8%. Of the patients who underwent upper extremity needle EMG, grade 1 was detected in 53.8% and grade 3 was detected in 7.6%. In order to diagnose SG as early as possible without the need for invasive methods and to elucidate its etiology, a thorough electrophysiological screening should be performed with the help of other supportive diagnostic tools.

Snapping hip syndrome (SHS), particularly its external type, is a condition in which a tight iliotibial band (ITB) or gluteus maximus (G.Max) tendon mechanically "snaps" over the greater trochanter during dynamic hip movements. While often managed conservatively, persistent and painful cases may require surgical intervention. This report presents a case of refractory external SHS in a young female patient treated successfully using an open Z-plasty lengthening of the ITB. A 24-year-old physically active female presented with a 6-month history of audible snapping in the left hip, accompanied by pain for the preceding month. Examination revealed a positive Ober's test and reproducible snapping with hip flexion. Conservative measures failed. An open Z-plasty release of the ITB and partial G.Max release was performed, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. Open Z-plasty is a safe and effective treatment for external SHS unresponsive to conservative management, offering direct visualization and reliable symptom relief.

Early spring sowing of maize in semi-arid, wind-eroded regions is increasingly threatened by cold snaps due to climate change.These events, often coupled with uneven soil moisture distribution,compromise seedling emergence and early development. Identifying critical temperature and moisture thresholds is essential to ensure successful germination in these vulnerable environments.A factorial experiment was conducted in a controlled environment using maize seeds (Zea mays L.) exposed to diurnal temperature cycles.Treatments included five minimum temperatures (0,2,4,6,8&#xb0;C), three chilling durations (2,4,6 hours),and four soil moisture levels (60,70,80,90% field capacity). Key germination metrics,including final germination rate, weighted germination time,synchrony,delay days,and seedling dry matter at day 30,were measured and analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Pearson correlations. Temperatures below 6&#xb0;C significantly delayed germination and reduced final germination rates,particularly under low moisture conditions.Moisture levels &#x2265;80% effectively mitigated chilling effects at moderate temperatures(4&#x2009;~&#x2009;6&#xb0;C).Extended chilling durations further suppressed germination.The strongest interaction was observed between minimum temperature and soil moisture.Seedling dry matter accumulation was also significantly affected by all three factors and their interactions.Soil moisture serves as a critical buffer against chilling stress during maize germination. This study provides quantitative benchmarks for temperature and moisture combinations that optimize early maize emergence under extreme spring weather, offering practical insights for precision moisture management in semi-arid agriculture.

Autoimmune diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent and can cause multi-organ damage through dysregulated immune responses to self-antigens. This review aims to summarize the roles of annexin family proteins and annexin autoantibodies in the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, as well as their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. A targeted PubMed search conducted on August 31, 2025, utilized annexin- and disease-related terms without year restrictions, focusing on English-language, peer-reviewed studies involving humans or recognized animal models.&#xa0;Evidence suggests that Annexin A1 (ANXA1) and formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) signaling can influence inflammatory and T-cell responses. Additionally, Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is associated with organ-targeted injury, such as lupus nephritis (LN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), through its interactions with anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA). Annexin A5 (ANXA5) serves as an anticoagulant phospholipid "shield," which can be compromised by antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), contributing to thrombosis and obstetric complications in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and increasing vascular risk in SLE. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ANXA1 exhibits context-dependent effects, while ANXA2 promotes synovial proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis.&#xa0;Dysregulation of annexins has also been observed in primary Sj&#xf6;gren's syndrome (pSS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Additionally, the emerging utility of anti-ANXA1, anti-ANXA2, and anti-ANXA5 autoantibodies for phenotyping and risk stratification, including in seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome (SNAPS), highlights their clinical relevance. Overall, annexins and their autoantibodies represent promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets; however, the heterogeneity of assays and the limited availability of prospective multicenter data currently hinder clinical translation.

Snapping shrimps produce snap sounds used for predation, defense, and reproduction. Despite their ecological importance, only a few studies have described the acoustic properties of these sounds. This study aimed to characterize the acoustic properties of snaps produced by Alpheus angulosus, A. carlae, and A. estuariensis. It also evaluated their correlation with morphometric measurements under laboratory conditions. A total of 45 individuals across all species were recorded, and 90 snaps were analyzed for each species. The snaps exhibited short durations under 1 ms with peak frequencies predominantly ranging from 2 to 5 kHz. Peak-to-peak (SPLpk-pk) sound pressure level values reached up to 180 dB re 1 &#x3bc;Pa. The power spectral density (PSD) values for snap sounds were more consistent between 95 and 110 dB re 1 &#x3bc;Pa2/Hz. Analyses revealed interspecific differences in sound parameters, with A. angulosus showing the highest degree of differentiation. Although linear regressions indicated significant relationships between morphometric measurements and sound parameters, their predictive power was limited. The findings of this study are consistent with previous research on the characterization of acoustic properties, while also highlighting variations in sound parameters among snapping shrimp species.