Biology and Life Sciences

Abstract: First-trimester prediction of preeclampsia (PE) remains a major clinical challenge, particularly outside specialized fetal medicine centers. This study aimed to identify and validate serum protein biomarkers for early PE prediction using an integrated proteomic approach. A prospective cohort of 64 first-trimester singleton pregnancies (32 future PE cas-es, 32 matched controls) was analyzed. Untargeted proteomics was performed using DIA-PASEF-MS, followed by targeted validation with MRM-MS. Machine learning classifiers (support vector machines, SVM, and random forest) were trained on differentially abundant proteins (FDR < 0.01, VIP > 1.5). DIA-MS identified 33 protein markers associated with complement activation, IGF transport regulation, and platelet degranulation. An SVM model with a linear kernel achieved 95% accuracy (AUC = 0.95, sensitivity = 95%, specificity = 97%). Four markers (AFM, AHSG, C8A, IGHG1) were validated across platforms, confirming the discovery findings. Cross-platform correlation was high: 71% of overlapping proteins showed r > 0.5 (p < 0.001), with the highest concordance observed for potential PE marker AHSG (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). PRSS1 correlated negatively with proteinuria (r = −0.74), and IGHV1-46 correlated positively with gestational age at delivery (r = 0.72), linking the proteomic signature to clinical severity. Integrated DIA-MS and MRM-MS proteomics yields a reproducible, high-performance serum signature for first-trimester PE prediction. The identified markers reflect core pathophysiological pathways and offer potential to augment current FMF-based screening algorithms.

Abstract:

The bacterial proteome is a highly dynamic landscape rather than a static reflection of the genome. Recent research revealed that proteome complexity extends far beyond canonical gene annotation, with N-terminal (Nt-)proteoforms emerging as an important underexplored additional regulatory layer. These molecular variants originate from a single genetic locus through alternative translation initiation at internal or external in-frame start sites, thereby generating N-terminal heterogeneity that can influence protein stability, subcellular localization, interaction networks, and the stoichiometric assembly of multiprotein complexes. While recent advances in riboproteogenomics, N-terminomics, and computational annotation strategies have enabled proteoform mapping at single-amino acid resolution, rapid high-throughput discovery currently outpaces downstream functional characterization. This review discusses the technological advances driving Nt-proteoform discovery, including emerging ribosome profiling and proteogenomic approaches, and further evaluates strategies for the functional characterization of Nt-proteoform. Particular emphasis is placed on the transition from conventional plasmid-based heterologous expression systems toward precise genome-engineering approaches that enable selective manipulation of alternative translation initiation events within their native genomic context. Such targeted strategies are essential to bridge the gap between Nt-proteoform identification and functional understanding, ultimately uncovering how individual bacterial genomic loci can encode proteoforms with distinct and potentially polarized roles in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis.

Abstract: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a natural death of cardiac origin and accounts for millions of deaths worldwide each year, representing a major public health issue. Despite its significance, scientific investigation into SCD is often limited. Not all laboratories collect biological samples, such as blood or tissue, for genetic testing, and even when such analyses are performed, pathogenic or clinically relevant genetic variants are not always detected or fully informative. This review aims to highlight biological specimens that are frequently overlooked and underutilized in genetic analyses due to their complex nature: formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Although FFPE samples are suboptimal for traditional genetic investigations, they often represent the only available material when fresh or properly frozen tissue has not been collected. The main limitation in using FFPE tissues arises from formalin-induced modifications that can compromise DNA quality. Recent research, however, has identified novel biomarkers of interest, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding RNAs that remain stable in their expression even under suboptimal environmental conditions. The focus of this review is to emphasize the potential of FFPE tissues, historically used for histological studies, as valuable sources for innovative molecular analyses employing these novel biomarkers. By leveraging miRNAs and other emerging molecular targets, FFPE specimens could provide insights previously inaccessible through conventional DNA-based testing, thereby expanding the toolbox for postmortem investigations in SCD. This review underlines the importance of reconsidering archived FFPE tissues not merely as historical or morphological resources, but as promising matrices for cutting-edge molecular and forensic research.

Abstract: We outline a novel, reproducible methodology for evaluating and comparing large-scale musical catalogs by merging human curatorial expertise with artificial intelligence (AI). Historically, comparative musicology between monumental artists has relied on qualitative, subjective narrative. By establishing a structured scoring matrix and utilizing AI to execute consistent data processing, this study introduces the "Musical Duel"—a quantitative framework designed to analyze the respective oeuvres of iconic 20th-century Greek composers Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis. Through a curated head-to-head comparison of 50 essential tracks of the same genre for each musician, we demonstrate how algorithmic normalization and AI-driven data synthesis can complement traditional music criticism, offering objective insights into cultural impact and stylistic variance without stripping the art of its inherent emotional value. Finally, we demonstrate that in addition to musical and cultural qualities, the outcome of such comparisons can be affected by strategic decisions related to the pairing of the comparative tracks. Two strategies are introduced and explained for the first time: “The Achilles First” and “The Leonidas Pass”.

Abstract: Timely identification of recurring malignancies is fundamental to establishing appropriate therapeutic strategies, with objectives ranging from curative intent to prolonging disease-free intervals and optimizing patients’ quality of life.This article discusses the use of AI methods and technologies for detecting various types of cancers such as lung, breast, colorectal, head, neck, etc. Along with discussing how accurate these methods are such as deep learning, natural language processing, support vector machines and computer aided diagnosis. Furthermore, the ethical implications of using these AI methods in oncology and the different legal challenges such as patient privacy, data ownership, and informed consent, are discussed. The article also reviews the pros and cons of the use of AI in healthcare especially in the field of cancer. Furthermore, the potential of AI in this domain remains largely untapped and substantial advancements are still required to develop a more robust and efficient AI driven model for cancer detection.

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance demands intensive research on new nonantibiotics and drug repurposing to expand the arsenal of antimicrobial agents. The present work analysed the combination of Diclofenac (DFNAC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) and evaluated its potentiation and its biocompatibility. The formulation's potency has been tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The DFNAC-CBD formulation showed an evident synergistic effect, a significant decrease in the minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus epidermidis, and an additive effect against Staphylococcus aureus, indicating the levels of cooperation between the two compounds. The formulation exhibited no antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative strains such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, explicable by their innate resistance and the formulation's ineffectiveness against the bacterial outer membrane. The results suggested that DFNAC may interfere with bacterial metabolic processes and CBD may disrupt bacterial membrane integrity. MTT and LDH assays demonstrated that the antibacterial concentration (3.906 µg/mL) preserves cell viability and membrane integrity. Live/Dead staining confirms cell viability and normal morphology. The results indicate that the DFNAC-CBD combination functions within a therapeutic window, achieving antimicrobial efficacy through complementary MOA and without inducing significant cytotoxicity. Therefore, the proposed combination has significant potential as a nonantibiotic formula to control the use and dosage of common antibiotics.

Abstract: Background: Despite decline in lung cancer in the U.S., lung cancer among never-smoking Asian American (AsA) women is rising, and subgroup aggregation obscures heterogeneity. We compared primary lung cancer prevalence across disaggregated AsA subgroups and examined associations with risk factors such as personal- and family-cancer histories versus non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed electronic health records of AsA women (≥18) in a large Northern California health system (2010–2022). Lung cancer cases were obtained from the hospital registry and categorized by smoking status and self-reported ethnicity. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated using targeted maximum likelihood estimation, accounting for sociodemographic, smoking, and clinical covariates. Results: Among 1,843,119 AsA women, 8,651 had primary lung cancer; 2,429 were never-smokers. In never-smokers, aPRs and 95% confidence intervals versus age-matched NHW were: Chinese (3.36, [3.20–3.53]), Filipino (2.68, [2.55–2.82]), Vietnamese (2.07, [1.96–2.18]), Japanese (1.99, [1.89–2.10]), Korean (1.90, [1.80–2.00]); Other Asian (0.35, [0.33–0.37]). Personal cancer-history reflected an increase in prevalence among Korean patients (2.91, [2.76–3.06]) while family cancer-history demonstrated increased prevalence among Chinese patients (1.51, [1.42–1.60]). Among women with uterine cancer, Chinese patients had higher lung-cancer prevalence than NHW (1.91, [1.58–2.31]). Conclusions: Never-smoking disaggregated AsA women show heterogeneous lung cancer prevalence, with higher prevalence in Korean women with personal cancer-history and in Chinese women with family cancer-history compared with NHW, supporting history-informed and ethnic-specific lung cancer screenings.

Abstract: The CPNE5 rs3213537 polymorphism is a candidate genetic marker for sprint and power phenotypes, yet its distribution across football playing positions remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the genotype and allele frequencies of CPNE5 rs3213537 in professional male football players and examine potential differences by playing position. Ninety-five professional male football players from Balkan leagues participated. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal swabs, and genotyping was performed using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Genotype distribution across positions (goalkeeper, defense, midfield, and forward) was evaluated using Monte Carlo–simulated chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Exploratory analyses of physical performance (sprint, jump, Yo-Yo IRT2) were conducted in a sub-cohort. Observed genotypes were CC (71.6%) and CT (28.4%); we detected no TT genotype. Allele frequencies were C=0.858 and T=0.142, consistent with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No significant associations were observed between CPNE5 rs3213537 genotype and position. Similarly, sub-cohort analyses showed no significant genotype-related differences in sprint performance, jump height, aerobic capacity, or body fat percentage after adjusting for anthropometric variables and position. CPNE5 rs3213537 genotype distribution does not differ by playing position in professional male football players. Furthermore, no association was found between this polymorphism and physical performance traits. These results suggest that the influence of CPNE5 rs3213537 on football-specific performance may be limited or masked by the multifactorial nature of team sports.

Abstract: Modulating the physical crosslink architecture of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydro-gels without altering total polymer concentration or introducing exogenous components remains a central challenge in biomaterial design. Here we report a source blending strategy in which porcine skin gelatin (PG) and salmon skin gelatin (SG), two gelatins with markedly different proline and hydroxyproline contents, are combined across seven compositional ratios (PG weight fractions 0–1.0) and functionalized to GelMA under standardized conditions (8% v/v methacrylic anhydride, 60 °C, 3 h). Near-complete de-grees of substitution (95–98%) were achieved across all formulations, confirmed by both TNBS and ¹H-NMR. In the parent gelatin mixtures, increasing PG fraction progressively increased viscosity, elastic modulus (G′), gelation temperature (Tgel), and compression modulus at 4 °C, with DSC revealing independent SG (0–15 °C) and PG (20–40 °C) en-dothermic transitions that suggest partial hindrance of PG triple-helix formation by high SG fractions. These composition-dependent trends were preserved after functionalization to GelMA, albeit with attenuated physical crosslinking due to steric impairment by the methacrylate groups. Photocrosslinked GelMA hydrogels fabricated after pre-incubation at 4 °C exhibited systematically higher compression moduli and lower swelling degrees with increasing PG content, demonstrating that the PG/SG ratio is an effective lever for independently tuning hydrogel mechanics and mesh architecture. In vitro release assays using Rhodamine 6G confirmed that pre-incubation at 4°C prior photocrosslinking serves as a effective way to modulate transport kinetics in SG-PG GelMA hydrogels. This strategy delayed characteristic release times and constrained Weibull shape parameters to the anomalous-transport regime (0.75< β< 1), where diffusion is governed by network chain relaxation. This thermally induced structural restriction was most pronounced in the 0.4SG:0.6PG formulation, where lower SG content permitted unhindered triple-helix formation as corroborated by DSC and compression studies. Ultimately, adjusting the pre-incubation temperature and gelatin source combination provides a straightforward, processing additive free strategy to achieve programmable release profiles via controlled matrix tortuosity.

Abstract: Transferosomes have emerged as one of the most extensively investigated ultradeformable vesicular systems for drug delivery, particularly for non-invasive administration across biological barriers. Their distinctive architecture, typically composed of phospholipids and edge activators, confers enhanced membrane flexibility compared with conventional liposomes, enabling improved adaptation to restrictive biological environments. Despite the growing body of literature, the field remains characterized by inconsistent terminology, heterogeneity in formulation strategies, and significant variability in characterization methods, which hinder meaningful comparison across studies and limit translational progress. This review provides a critical and integrated analysis of transferosomes, focusing on the relationship between formulation design, vesicle properties, deformability, and biological performance. The structural basis of transferosomes is examined with emphasis on the role of phospholipids, edge activators, and auxiliary components in modulating membrane organization, encapsulation behavior, colloidal stability, and drug release. Key quality attributes, including vesicle size, size distribution, surface charge, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and physical stability, are discussed together with the main analytical approaches used for their evaluation. Deformability is addressed as the central functional feature of transferosomes, highlighting current experimental methods, sources of variability, and limitations affecting reproducibility and inter-study comparability. The interaction of transferosomes with biological barriers is critically examined, including the ongoing debate regarding intact vesicle penetration versus drug release prior to permeation. Major therapeutic applications are summarized, and transferosomes are positioned in comparison with conventional liposomes, ethosomes, and transethosomes within a context-dependent framework. Finally, key translational challenges are analyzed, including limited standardization, scalability constraints, storage instability, and regulatory uncertainty. In this context, this review establishes a structured framework linking formulation design, deformability, and biological performance, and identifies the critical parameters that must be controlled to enable reproducible, scalable, and clinically relevant transferosome-based drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Enhancing the soluble expression of heterologous proteins in chassis microorganisms is critical for fundamental biological research and synthetic biology-driven industrial ap-plications. Current methods for designing DNA sequences to ensure high soluble expres-sion often rely excessively on high-frequency codons while overlooking optimal codon context, leading to suboptimal outcomes. To address these limitations, we developed an integrated deep learning framework combining a synonymous codon generation (SCG) model and a gene expression level prediction (GELP) model. The SCG model captures co-don usage patterns in Escherichia coli using large-scale genomic data, whereas the GELP model leverages gene expression data to prioritize sequences with high soluble expression potential. We validated our approach by optimizing the DNA sequences of two industrial enzymes, α-glucan phosphorylase (αGP) and isoamylase (IA), achieving 20.52-fold and 3.05-fold increases in soluble expression, respectively, relative to the wild type. This study provides a powerful tool for designing DNA sequences that confer high soluble expression and for understanding the relationship between DNA sequence and protein expression. Notably, SCG-GELP reveals a protein surface-targeted codon optimization strategy that substantially enhances soluble protein yield. The framework is publicly accessible at https://scg-gelp.biodesign.ac.cn, and its open-source code and trained models are availa-ble on GitHub at https://github.com/yuddecho/SCG-GELP.

Abstract: Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulated host immune response to microbial infection, resulting in excessive inflammation, oxidative stress, and progressive multi-organ failure. Innate immune pathways are hyperactivated, resulting in overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), amplification of cytokine signaling, and widespread tissue injury. Despite early administration of antibiotics, fluids, and vasopressors, treatment outcomes remain suboptimal due to infection-overwhelming defenses, delayed pathogen identification, and the growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Such limitations emphasize the need for antibiotic-independent therapeutic strategies which directly target immune dysregulation. The unique architecture and tunable physicochemical properties of hollow nanoparticles make them a promising class of immunomodulatory therapies for septic shock. Early-generation empty lipid nanoparticles caused excessive immune activation and cytotoxicity, but advances in nanomaterial engineering now allow precise control of size, surface charge, and composition, enabling anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. Rationally designed hollow nanoparticles are now known to exhibit intrinsic antimicrobial activity, scavenge RONS, suppress oxidative stress responses, reprogram macrophage polarization toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes, and neutralize immunogenic bacterial toxins and antigens. Lipid-based and biomimetic hollow nanoparticles show promise as immunomodulatory therapies through distinct mechanisms of immune modulation. Currently, VBI-S, a phospholipid-based nanoparticle colloid, is undergoing Phase III clinical evaluation for the management of hypotension in patients with septic shock. More broadly, hollow nanoparticle platforms can represent adaptable, antibiotic-independent therapeutic strategies with the potential to improve outcomes in complex inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: Water deficit is one of the main limiting factors in agricultural production, affecting the growth and photosynthetic performance of plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar applications of melatonin, A. nodosum and L. calcareum on black pepper, ‘Bragantina’, subjected to three cycles of water deficit, on physiological per-formance, carbohydrate allocation and vegetative growth. The results showed that the applied solutions contributed to the recovery of damage caused by water stress. The first cycle of water deficit affected the electron transfer quantum yield, resulting in the re-duction of φP0 and PIABS. However, the damage to the photosynthetic apparatus was recovered in subsequent cycles. Water stress reduced chlorophyll indices, possibly as a strategy to minimize photo-oxidative damage. Plants treated with melatonin and L. calcareum maintained a stable leaf expansion rate and showed greater water recovery, standing out in the second and third cycles of water deficit.

Abstract: In vitro-transcribed modified mRNA is a promising platform for transient protein replacement in regenerative medicine, including cardiomyocyte regeneration, but repeated dosing is limited by variable innate immune activation and ISR-mediated translation shutdown across individuals. We propose a Human-specific PRR/ISR Immunogenicity Atlas: a focused, genotype-aware computational framework linking patient genetic variation in pattern recognition receptors and ISR components to predict immune and translation responses for IVT modRNA. The Atlas generates individualized “genetic passports” that stratify responder risk, estimate cytokine and PKR/eIF2α activation, and prioritize clinically feasible temporary knockdown strategies (LNP-siRNA/ASO or small molecules). We outline a six-stage roadmap covering data integration, feature engineering, multi-modal modeling, uncertainty quantification, a knockdown prioritization module, and open deployment. Ethical, privacy, ancestry-representation, and regulatory considerations are discussed, along with a staged validation strategy. This Atlas provides a conceptual and practical framework to support safer, more consistent protein replacement in regenerative medicine by moving from one-size-fits-all to genotype-guided approaches.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Niclosamide, an established anthelmintic drug, has shown promise in overcoming various types of drug-resistant cancers. However, despite its potent anti-proliferative effects, niclosamide suffers from low aqueous solubility, which can certainly limit oral bioavailability. To address these limitations and improve its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, cocrystallization was employed as a strategic approach. Methods: In this study, we developed a niclosamide–nafamostat pharmaceutical cocrystal using a conventional solvent evaporation technique. The newly formed cocrystal was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which collectively indicated that hydrogen bonds between the drug and co-former were the primary stabilizing interaction. Results: The NNC cocrystal was structurally confirmed by NMR, indicating the presence of hydrogen bonding, which was further supported by FTIR and XRD analyses. The antiproliferative activity of the cocrystal was evaluated across multiple cancer cell lines, where it exhibited approximately tenfold higher cytotoxicity compared to the parent compounds. Additionally, antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2–infected cells demonstrated a potency of 0.17 µM, representing more than a twentyfold improvement over the standard drug. In vivo studies revealed that the cocrystal achieved a twofold enhancement in tumor growth suppression and a tenfold reduction in tumor burden relative to the control treatment, with high statistical significance (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This cocrystallization approach a promising strategy to enhance drug solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy, potentially enabling optimized dosing for future clinical applications.

Abstract: Time-domain dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography (D-FFOCT) is a powerful label-free imaging modality that enables functional visualization of cellular activity in living tissues with subcellular resolution. However, its sensitivity remains a major limitation for imaging highly scattering three-dimensional (3D) biological models such as retinal organoids, where incoherent background and inefficient optical flux distribution reduce dynamic contrast and limit imaging depth. In this work, we introduce a ratio-free optical configuration for time-domain D-FFOCT that enables continuous tuning of the sample-to-reference field ratio while minimizing photon losses and suppressing parasitic reflections. This polarization-based architecture allows optimal redistribution of optical flux according to sample scattering conditions and improves sensitivity under both power-limited and dose-limited conditions. Compared with conventional non-polarizing beam splitter configurations, the proposed approach provides a √ 2-fold (3 dB) sensitivity improvement through optical optimization alone. In addition, we investigate for the first time the use of partial field illumination (PFI) in time-domain D-FFOCT to reduce incoherent background arising from multiple scattering. In retinal organoids imaged at 120 µm depth, PFI yields up to a 14.5-fold (23.2 dB) increase in dynamic signal sensitivity, while preserving functional contrast. When combined, ratio-free detection and PFI provide a cumulative sensitivity improvement of 20.5-fold (26.2 dB). These gains enable improved visualization of photoreceptor precursor organization, rosette structures, and Müller glial cell dynamics in both 3D retinal organoids and 2D cell cultures. This work establishes a practical framework for sensitivity optimization in D-FFOCT and expands its potential for functional imaging, disease modeling, and live-cell monitoring in complex biological systems.

Abstract: Introduction: Survival at high altitudes depends on efficient energy resource management, where hypobaric hypoxia acts as a metabolic accelerator, altering thermodynamic efficiency and increasing basal caloric cost. This study compared variations in resting energy expenditure (REE) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in permanent residents of an altitudinal gradient that includes the cities of Lima (154 m), Arequipa (2,335 m), Puno (3,827 m), and La Rinconada (5,100 m). Methodology: One hundred and forty-one healthy subjects aged 18 to 38 years were evaluated using photoplethysmography (PPG) to estimate REE and PAEE, the latter after a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were also analyzed as indicators of physiological status and acclimatization. Results: A progressive and significant increase in REE and PAEE was observed proportional to altitude, with the highest values ​​recorded in La Rinconada. It was determined that for every 1% decrease in SpO2, REE increased by approximately 1,286 kcal. Despite the high metabolic cost at altitude, the distance covered in the 6MWT did not vary significantly between cities, demonstrating a greater biological effort for the same mechanical workload. At extreme altitudes, men exhibited a significantly higher PAEE than women (50.60 ± 10.17 kcal vs. 40.78 ± 5.21 kcal). Furthermore, hemoglobin levels above 18 g/dL were associated with an exponential increase in caloric expenditure due to blood hyperviscosity. Conclusions: Living at critical altitudes induces a state of systemic hypermetabolism primarily regulated by SpO2 deficit. The findings suggest a metabolic threshold near 2,500 m, above which energy efficiency declines sharply. The observed sexual dimorphism suggests a possible hormonal effect on total energy expenditure (TEE) behavior.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Elastin-derived peptides (EPs) from food sources may be multifunctional dietary components that support metabolic and vascular health. However, their in vivo physiological actions remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the effects of bonito bulbus arteriosus-derived EPs on glucose metabolism, GLP‑1 elevation and enhanced early-phase insulin secretion, and renal vascular integrity in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) with glucose intolerance. Methods: Male SHRSP were administered EPs orally as a single dose (1,000 mg/kg) or 4-week regimen (600 mg/kg/day). Glucose tolerance, plasma GLP‑1 and insulin levels, and blood glucose levels were measured following glucose loading. Renal morphology was assessed histologically. Dpp4, Icam‑1, and Agtr1 expression was quantified in glomerular and leukocyte fractions. Leukocyte oxidative signaling was evaluated by quantifying reactive oxygen species production associated with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Age‑matched Wistar-Kyoto rats were included as normotensive controls. Results: A single dose increased plasma GLP‑1 and insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance compared with controls. The 4‑week regimen resulted in sustained improvements in glucose tolerance, without changes in blood pressure, a lower nephrosclerosis incidence, and reduced renal and leukocytic inflammatory marker expression. Dpp4, Icam‑1, and Agtr1 expression was downregulated and leukocyte iNOS‑driven oxidative signaling was reduced. These effects occurred despite the modest DPP‑IV inhibitory activity of EPs. Conclusions: Food-derived EPs exert multi-target physiological actions, including GLP‑1 elevation with enhanced early-phase insulin secretion and leukocyte oxidative and inflammatory response suppression, that improve metabolic and renal vascular outcomes. EPs warrant further investigation as candidate functional food ingredients for metabolic and vascular health.

Abstract: Communication regarding the mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Research Units Program (CRU) can take many forms, yet clear and concise messaging for various audiences is critical to highlight program accomplishments and increase visibility. Before the work described in this report, CRU did not have a communication strategy; therefore, CRU leadership supported a structured decision-making (SDM) workshop to develop a comprehensive strategy for multiple audiences. The workshop was conducted in November 2024, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The working group for this SDM process included CRU Program leadership, the CRU Communications Team lead, Unit scientists, a Unit administrative assistant, a representative of the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), a member of the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), Office of Communications and Publishing (OCAP) team, and the team lead for the CRU Program strategic planning process, as well as three facilitators who were also Unit scientists as well as experts in SDM. Over the course of a week, the SDM team followed the PrOACT framework which identified the problem, objectives, alternatives, consequences, and tradeoffs to guide us toward a strategy for implementation of a set of actions for CRU communications. Results of the SDM workshop included the development of a problem statement, an objectives hierarchy, a suite of alternatives that were evaluated using a consequences table and a clear process for assessing tradeoffs among alternative communication actions and strategies. Through the evaluation of consequences of each action or campaign, the team developed both the assessment tool (for the future) and an immediate plan for communication product development and distribution. The consequences table for this problem was meant to be flexible to accommodate changes in CRU thematic priorities and can be easily updated with new objectives, measures, and alternatives. In addition, the weight placed on objectives may change as the Team moves forward; the ranking and scoring system used in the workshop can be easily updated. Overall, the working group identified three different actions or campaigns—Fact Sheets, Who Are We Campaign, and Alumni Campaign—that scored high in the prototype decision framework. However, the tradeoffs analysis indicated that each action(s) performed better on some objectives than others. The working group identified a need to therefore develop an implementation plan that is composed of individual actions that each target different objectives to potentially create a holistic and feasible communications strategy that performs well for all objectives. In addition, the SDM prototype developed a scalable, objective-based framework for effective communication of the value and accomplishments of the CRU program.

Abstract: Background: Hair loss is a multifactorial condition influenced by aging, oxidative stress, hormonal regulation, and nutritional status. Nutraceutical supplementation has emerged as a potential strategy to support hair follicle function. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of a nutraceutical ingredient (Kyoh®) at two concentrations versus placebo in individuals with hair loss. Methods: A randomized, parallel-group study was conducted in 150 volunteers aged 30–60 years. Participants received a high-dose (Kyoh BB-01), low-dose (Kyoh BB-02), or placebo (Kyoh BB-03) for 84 days. Hair parameters were assessed by digital trichoscopy at baseline, day 56, and day 84. Endpoints included hair density, follicular unit density, hair diameter, and hairs per follicular unit. Hair shedding was evaluated by comb test, and subjective perception by questionnaires. Results: The high-dose group showed significant increases in hair density and follicular unit density at days 56 and 84, as well as higher hairs per follicular unit at day 84. The low-dose group also improved these parameters to a lesser extent. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Hair diameter and shedding remained unchanged. Subjective results supported instrumental findings. Conclusion: The nutraceutical improved key hair growth parameters, with greater efficacy at higher dose.