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Distributed control circuits across a brain-and-cord connectome

Targeting cancer-specific mutations with RNA-triggered chromatin shredding

Bots are scraping open data — how should researchers respond?

Let There be Light! Light as an Engine and Regulator in Synthetic Cells

ABSTRACT Synthetic cells, assembled from defined molecular components, are designed to mimic the features, form, and function of living cells. Light has emerged as a uniquely precise, biorthogonal, and non‐invasive stimulus for regulating and energizing these systems, enabling chemical inhomogeneity and an out‐of‐equilibrium state central to many cellular processes. This review highlights the biological behaviors and functions that light has helped recreate in synthetic cells, including compartmentalization, energy supply and metabolism, protein synthesis, communication, growth, shape change and division, and motility. We survey the breadth of light‐responsive components incorporated into synthetic cells, spanning photoswitchable and photocleavable small molecules, photoswitchable proteins, photocatalysts, nanoparticles, and photosynthetic organelles or organisms. Finally, we offer a perspective on key design considerations such as wavelength, reversibility, integration, biocompatibility, multicolor regulation, and biohybrid strategies. Together, these advances chart promising routes toward more dynamic, energy‐autonomous, and programmable synthetic cells that will deepen our understanding of cellular functions and enable emerging biotechnological applications.

Detection and genetic characterization of Tembusu virus and other flaviviruses from mosquitoes in Lao PDR

Background Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), located in Southeast Asia and known for its rich biodiversity, is part of a region recognized as a hotspot for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Among flaviviruses, dengue virus (DENV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are recognized public health threats. However, other reemerging mosquito-borne flaviviruses may also infect humans and cause diseases. Despite that, their distribution and public health impact in Lao PDR are not well understood due to limited past surveillance. Methodology Mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps from 2021 to 2024, as part of vector and pathogen surveillance studies conducted across six provinces. A total of 2,548 female mosquitoes, representing 100 species from 11 genera, were collected and morphologically identified. Of these, 1,622 mosquitoes were pooled into 1,008 “mini pools” according to species and collection site. The pools were screened for flaviviruses by nested RT-PCR. Positive samples were further analysed by metagenomic sequencing, and coding-complete genomes were recovered and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Primary results We recovered thirteen coding-complete genomes through metagenomic sequencing, which included one Tembusu virus (TMUV) strain (TMUV/Mos_L010) from Culex vishnui mosquitoes and 12 other insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFVs). Phylogenetic analysis placed TMUV/Mos_L010 in cluster 3, closely related to a TMUV strain known to be pathogenic to dolphins in Thailand, with more than >99% bootstrap support for amino acid homogeneity. The detected ISFVs were part of the classical insect-specific flavivirus (cISFV) lineage and were further classified into five subgroups according to their associated mosquito genera: Aedes (1), Anopheles (1), Culex (2), and Uranotaenia (1). Conclusions This study documents the first detection of TMUV in Laotian mosquitoes and extends the known distribution of cluster 3 TMUV strains. The discovery of diverse ISFVs shows the rich and underexplored virome among Laotian mosquito populations. These findings highlight the need for enhanced arbovirus surveillance and ecological research to assess zoonotic risks of spillover infections in Southeast Asia.

Using the task-technology fit model to examine the use of telemedicine applications by general practitioners in Indonesia: A qualitative study

Telemedicine has been recognized for improving healthcare accessibility and cost efficiency. However, telemedicine applications still face several limitations that must be addressed to better support users and their tasks. This study adopted the task-technology fit (TTF) model, encompassing task, technology, TTF, utilization, and performance impact aspects, to qualitatively explore general practitioners’ (GPs) perspectives and experiences regarding the use of telemedicine applications for remote healthcare services. Unlike prior telemedicine and TTF studies that predominantly employ quantitative approaches, this study provides an integrated qualitative examination of physicians’ clinical tasks, corresponding technology requirements, perceived TTF, utilization patterns, and performance impact of telemedicine applications, offering richer insights into real-world telemedicine use from physicians’ perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 GPs experienced in remote consultations. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings show that GPs engage in a wide range of clinical tasks during telemedicine consultations. From a technological perspective, telemedicine applications must meet specific requirements to effectively support each of these tasks. Several critical application requirements were identified, particularly those related to clinical communication, data and service integration, and clinical task support. While telemedicine applications generally support physicians’ clinical tasks and contribute to improved efficiency, effectiveness, service quality, and physician–patient communication, significant gaps remain. This study offers valuable insights for telemedicine providers in designing strategies to optimize telemedicine applications in supporting physicians’ tasks, which in turn may enhance physicians’ utilization of telemedicine and improve their performance. In addition, policymakers and regulators may use the results to establish regulatory guidelines regarding the scope of services and standards for safe and standardized telemedicine practice.

Inequalities in referrals to social prescribing from primary care in England: A retrospective observational study

Background Social prescribing is a growing community health intervention and has been associated with improved patient outcomes. However, the evidence around inequalities in referrals shows varying patterns. We aim to examine referrals to social prescribing link workers funded by the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme in England. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational population-based study, using primary care data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum from 1st July 2019–31st March 2024. Participants included over 12 million patients aged 16 years or older. We examined the likelihood of offers and subsequent referrals to social prescribing by patient- and area-level characteristics using logistic regression and report odds ratios (ORs). Results Since July 2019, approximately 4% of the CPRD population have been offered a referral to social prescribing. 77·7% of those were referred. Patients who are: female, older, living in less deprived areas and have multiple long-term conditions have higher odds of being offered social prescribing (Female OR = 1·35, 95% CI [1·32 to 1·38] p < 0.001). Factors such as region, rurality, and ethnicity do not result in inequalities in offers compared to the general population. Of those offered, we find that those who are female, those from non-white ethnicities (Black, Asian and Mixed), and have multiple long-term conditions had higher odds of accepting offers of referrals (being referred). Conclusion Referrals to social prescribing have increased following the national rollout of link workers. However, inequalities in offers and referrals to social prescribing have been identified by patient and area-level factors. Our findings indicate that policies should improve awareness of social prescribing in deprived areas and direct certain patient groups, such as ethnic minorities, males and those older to the benefits of being referred to social prescribing.

Activation of HIF2 in Cardiac Vasculature Leads to Arterial Remodeling, Dilation, Thrombosis, and Inflammation, Recapitulating Cardiac Involvement in Kawasaki Disease

BACKGROUND: Global Vhl knockout results in vascular defects and early lethality, limiting our knowledge of von Hippel–Lindau/HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) signaling in coronary vessel formation and homeostasis. The hypoxia pathway has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases characterized by inflammation and vascular remodeling, such as atherosclerosis, but its involvement in Kawasaki disease (KD) remains unknown. Coronary artery dilation and vessel rupture are the most serious complications of KD. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these cardiac events are not fully understood. We investigated the role of the von Hippel–Lindau/HIF pathway in cardiovascular pathology and its relevance to KD. METHODS: We generated a novel mouse model with genetic hyperactivation of the hypoxia pathway in progenitors contributing to coronary vessels and cardiac fibroblasts. We characterized the model using echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, histology, and molecular profiling. In parallel, we examined cardiac tissues from patients with KD with fatal coronary aneurysms for evidence of HIF signaling and inflammation using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Mice with conditional deletion of Vhl in Wt1 (Wilms tumor 1)–expressing cells developed normally but exhibited cardiomegaly, vascular abnormalities, progressive coronary artery dilation, pericardial hemorrhage, and systemic inflammation shortly after birth. Histologic analysis revealed coronary arteritis, elastin breaks, vascular remodeling, smooth muscle cell loss, perivascular fibrosis, and frequent intracoronary thrombus formation. In addition, vascular calcification, severe cardiac inflammation, and interstitial hemorrhages were observed, culminating in sudden death between 15 and 20 weeks of age, likely due to vessel rupture. Cardiac transcriptomic profiling identified dysregulated expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix organization, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, inflammation, coagulation, and calcification, indicating compromised vascular stability and increased remodeling in Vhl conditional knockout mice. Simultaneous deletion of Hif2a rescued both the cardiovascular abnormalities and transcriptomic profile observed in Vhl conditional knockout mice, implicating Hif2 (hypoxia-inducible factor 2) as a key mediator. Human KD cardiac samples showed expression of HIF2 in coronary lesions and surrounding inflammatory infiltrates, confirming hypoxia pathway activation in severe KD. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings establish HIF2 as a central driver of coronary inflammation, vascular remodeling, and thrombotic complications resembling those observed in severe KD. The Vhl /Wt1 conditional knockout mouse model recapitulates key cardiovascular features of KD and offers a valuable platform for mechanistic studies and therapeutic exploration.

Challenges and opportunities for plastic versus mixed waste enterprises in Greater Accra and Kisumu: A qualitative study

Consumption of products packaged in plastics is growing in Sub-Saharan African cities, whose populations often lack solid waste management (SWM) services. The informal sector often fills gaps in plastic waste collection and recovery that are not met by formal SWM. To reduce plastic waste mismanagement and its associated health risks, SWM systems are needed that separate plastic waste for reuse or recycling. However, little is known about the contributions and challenges facing the mixed formal-informal enterprises in such cities’ SWM chains. This multi-country qualitative study therefore aimed to contrast the specific challenges of plastic waste collectors with those facing general waste collectors. Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs), 6–12 participants per FGD (n = 87 in total), were held with plastic main collectors and sub-collectors (4 FGDs), and general waste collectors (2 FGDs)in Greater Accra, Ghana, and waste sub-collectors (2FGDs), waste intermediaries (2FGDs) and apex plastic traders (1FGD) in Kisumu, Kenya, differentiating business types and plastic from mixed waste enterprises. Barriers, enablers, and solutions were identified through thematic coding and analysis of transcripts. We find differing SWM trajectories in Accra versus Kisumu. Domestic waste separation remains low in Kisumu, whilst Accra’s SWM system evolved from flexible to rigid plastic separation. Mixed and plastic waste collectors reported shared challenges, such as lack of crushing or transport equipment, harassment, greater hazardous faecal matter in waste streams, and lack of societal recognition. Additionally, specialist plastic waste workers in Greater Accra reported business-specific challenges, notably price volatility from seasonally variable plastic waste generation and from bulk international waste plastic imports, alongside theft of separated plastics. Accra’s informal plastic waste sub-collectors were mostly elderly women who reported occupational health challenges from bending and lifting waste. Our findings highlight the need for context-sensitive plastic SWM programmes, including fair bargaining and price regulation measures, occupational health programmes and safer diaper SWM.

Retinal microvascular alterations in children with amblyopia

Purpose To investigate and compare retinal vascular changes, including superficial macular vessel density, foveal avascular zone, and the macular perfusion densities, in amblyopic, fellow, and control eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional study, we recruited 78 participants, including 36 with amblyopia and 42 controls, to investigate retinal parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) by comparing amblyopic eyes to both controls and fellow eyes. Results A total of 78 patients were enrolled, including 36 with amblyopia (mean age: 9.8 ± 4.6 years) and 42 controls (mean age: 10.0 ± 2.9 years). Among the amblyopic cohort, 18 (50%) had strabismic and 18 (50%) had anisometropic amblyopia. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex distribution, and spherical equivalent, were comparable across groups. Macular OCTA demonstrated higher outer and full macular vessel densities, as well as elevated outer and full regions perfusion densities, in amblyopic eyes relative to control. Optic disc OCTA parameters were comparable between amblyopic eyes and controls. Comparison between amblyopic and fellow eyes showed a significantly smaller macular foveal avascular zone area, with no other significant interocular differences in macular or optic disc OCTA findings. Fellow eyes and control eyes differed only in optic disc perfusion density in the outer region, which was decreased in fellow eyes. Conclusion Amblyopic eyes showed increased outer and full macular vessel and perfusion densities compared with control eyes, and a smaller foveal avascular zone area relative to fellow eyes. No significant microvascular differences were found in the optic disc OCTA among groups. These exploratory findings raise the possibility that amblyopia may be associated with subtle macular microvascular alterations, however, confirmatory studies with larger cohorts are needed.

Bidirectional fusion heterogeneous graph networks for semi-supervised Bitcoin transaction anomaly detection in dynamic transaction graphs

Detecting anomalies in the Bitcoin transaction network is critical for ensuring blockchain security and stability. The network’s heterogeneous structure and dynamic nature, coupled with scarce labeled anomalies, pose significant challenges for traditional graph-based methods. To address these, we propose Bidirectional Fusion Heterogeneous Graph Network (BF-HGN), a semi- dynamic supervised model for Bitcoin transaction anomaly detection task. BF-HGN designs multi-type feature embedding and alignment strategies to effectively unify features across heterogeneous transaction–address nodes. A bidirectional temporal fusion mechanism is proposed to capture long-range temporal dependencies that unidirectional models often miss. To alleviate class imbalance and limited annotations, a Class-balanced Classifier (CBC) combined with Adjacency Adaptation (AA) and Adaptive Feature Space Regulation (AFSR) losses is proposed to generate pseudo-anomalous nodes closely resembling real anomalies, improving discrimination boundaries. Experiments on the Elliptic++ dataset demonstrate that BF-HGN outperforms existing methods, achieving F1 scores of 0.6301 and 0.5784 for transaction and address nodes, respectively, establishing a new benchmark for Bitcoin transaction anomaly detection.

Oxidation State Determines Solvent Structure Around a Manganese–Vanadium Polyoxometalate Water‐Oxidation Catalyst

ABSTRACT Understanding how microsolvation influences the reactivity and stability of molecular water‐oxidation catalysts remains a central challenge in artificial photosynthesis. Here, we combine molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with spectroscopic and electrochemical experiments to elucidate how acetonitrile/water mixtures organize around the mixed‐valence polyoxometalate [(Mn 4 O 4 ) (V 4 O 13 ) (OAc) 3 ] n− across catalytically relevant redox states. Our results reveal a pronounced oxidation‐state dependence: the reduced species is surrounded by a dense, highly structured hydration shell even at low water contents, preferentially engaging terminal vanadate oxygen sites and partially displacing acetonitrile from the first solvation shell. By contrast, the oxidized and species show substantially weaker water structuring and largely oxidation state–insensitive acetonitrile organization. These microscopic solvation motifs are directly reflected experimentally: spectroscopic titrations reveal the emergence of hydrogen‐bond formation at V═O groups and Jahn–Teller–driven asymmetric solvent accumulation accompanied by ligand exchange, while electrochemical measurements indicate reduced diffusion coefficients and diminished redox features at higher water contents, consistent with ion pair–mediated aggregation observed in MD simulations. Together, these results establish oxidation state as a key control parameter for solvent organization around polyoxometallate water‐oxidation catalysts and provide a molecular rationale for the enhanced activity yet limited stability window of species in acetonitrile/water mixtures.

Exploration of comorbidity mechanisms between chronic pain and depression: Machine learning prediction models and SHAP interpretability analysis based on the CHARLS cohort

Introduction With rapid population aging in China, depression among middle-aged and older adults has become a major public health concern. Chronic pain and sociodemographic factors are closely associated with depressive symptoms, yet their combined and heterogeneous effects are difficult to capture using traditional analytical approaches. Interpretable machine learning provides a framework to explore depression-related risk patterns within a biopsychosocial perspective. Methods Data were obtained from seven waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011–2020), including 38,970 adults aged 45 years and older. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Predictors covering sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and pain at specific anatomical sites were selected using LASSO regression and recursive feature elimination. Seven machine learning models—logistic regression, Bernoulli and Gaussian Naive Bayes, support vector machine (SVM), random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and k-nearest neighbors—were developed and evaluated using accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), precision, recall, and F1-score. Model interpretability was assessed using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Results Chronic pain, particularly involving the lower limbs and spine, showed a strong association with depressive status. Model accuracy ranged from 61.6% to 71.9%, with AUC values between 0.61 and 0.72. SVM and Gaussian Naive Bayes demonstrated relatively better overall discrimination, though sensitivity for depressive cases remained limited. SHAP analysis identified lower limb pain and a nonlinear association with body mass index as key contributors to depression risk prediction. Discussion Integrating interpretable machine learning with a biopsychosocial framework highlights the dominant role of pain-related features in depression risk patterns among older adults. Given limited sensitivity for depressive case identification, these models are more suitable for population-level risk exploration than direct clinical screening.

Strategy to step on obstacle during cross-country race to minimize overuse injury risk

Background Overuse injuries are a major concern in high school endurance sports such as cross-country running. Methods This study explores how joint laxity, foot placement, and surface friction affect ligament strain during obstacle interaction, using an in-silico computer model simulating a “stepping on obstacle” scenario. Incorporating ground reaction forces and muscle activation, the model evaluates soft tissue responses across 27 cases—varying three levels each of joint laxity (none, medium, high), foot placement (central, medial, lateral), and surface friction (low, medium, high). Ligament strain was recorded at every millisecond and analyzed statistically. Results Foot placement is the dominant factor in minimizing ligament strain, with medial foot strikes yielding the lowest anterior tibiotalar ligament strain (11.5%), which increased by 1.75× and 1.73× in central and lateral strikes, respectively. Friction level showed a negative correlation with strain, reducing anterior tibiotalar stress from low to high friction. Joint laxity positively correlated with plantar fascia strain, with the medium laxity group experiencing more strain than the no-laxity group. Conclusion These findings suggest that medial foot placement and higher surface friction significantly reduce injury risk, providing biomechanical insight and practical guidance for safer running techniques in young endurance athletes.

Elevated high sensitivity cardiac troponin T among men with HIV who use stimulants: A cross-sectional study of subclinical cardiovascular injury

People with HIV (PWH) experience elevated cardiovascular disease risk compared to people without HIV. Stimulant use may further increase subclinical myocardial injury among PWH, but data on cardiovascular biomarkers, including serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in this population is limited. This cross-sectional secondary analysis included 72 cisgender men with and without HIV enrolled in a South Florida cohort. Stimulant exposure was defined as any non-prescribed stimulant use in the past 3 months and/or a reactive urine toxicology screen, creating four HIV-by-stimulant use groups (i.e., HIV+Stim + , HIV+Stim-, HIV-Stim + , and HIV-Stim-). hs-cTnT was measured using a Roche high-sensitivity assay, with values below the limit of detection treated as undetectable. We used a two-part model (logistic for detectability; log-normal among participants with detectable hs-cTnT), adjusted for age and recent tobacco use, with sensitivity analyses adding renal function and cardiometabolic factors. After adjusting for age and recent tobacco use, HIV+Stim+ participants had higher odds of detectable hs-cTnT (aOR = 7.48, 95% CI: 1.25, 44.62) and higher estimated mean concentration of hs-cTnT (β = 0.51, p  = 0.031, mean  = 12) than the HIV-Stim- group. Exploratory analyses suggested a positive dose-response association between amphetamine metabolite levels and hs-cTnT ( r (11) = 0.86, p  < 0.0001). Co-occurring HIV and stimulant use were associated with higher hs-cTnT in this sample. However, given that hs-cTnT may reflect a range of acute, subacute, and chronic processes, and the small sample size and restricted generalizability, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in larger studies.

Multi-factor orthogonal optimization and experimental performance study of flow passages in a vertical mixed-flow pump unit

Flow passage optimization is an essential approach for enhancing the efficiency and operational stability of vertical mixed-flow pump units. To address the limitations of the traditional single-factor control variable method—which ignores parameter interaction effects and relies on empirical judgment for scheme screening, leading to low optimization efficiency and insufficient engineering adaptability—this study proposes a multi-factor interactive flow passage optimization methodology that deeply couples orthogonal experimental design with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. A multi-indicator quantitative evaluation system encompassing “hydraulic loss, velocity uniformity, and weighted average angle” was constructed. Taking a large-scale drainage pumping station as the research object, key parameter combinations were systematically covered through orthogonal experiments. The optimal intake flow passage scheme was screened via CFD simulation, which was verified to have a hydraulic loss of only 0.104 m, an outlet velocity uniformity of 97.06%, and a weighted average angle of 84.82°, approaching the ideal vertical inflow, thereby effectively reducing flow impact losses. The optimal discharge flow passage scheme demonstrated smooth flow patterns without significant flow separation and was fully compatible with the spatial layout of the pumping station. Model test validation showed that under the design head condition of 7.1 m, the pump unit efficiency reached 77.34% with a flow rate of 11.38 m 3 /s. The error between CFD simulation and experimental results was less than 5%, meeting the design requirements. This study provides a scientifically efficient and engineeringly feasible technical pathway for flow passage optimization in similar vertical mixed-flow pump units.

The quantile domain volatility shock transmission between carbon emission trading system and European emerging stock markets: Practical implications for portfolio optimization

This article explores the asymmetrical volatility shock spillovers between European Carbon Emission Trading System (EU-ETS) and European emerging economies’ stock markets by using the Quantile-based Vector Auto Regression (QVAR), “Extended Joint” connectivity framework. The QVAR approach suggested that a volatility shock in the EU-ETS transmitted higher conditional volatility shocks of 19.37%, 17.86%, 18.9%, 19.49% and 19.76% towards the equity markets of Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Hungary and Poland at the bullish quantiles ( τ = 0 . 9 5 ) as compared with bearish ( τ = 0 . 0 5 ) and moderate ( τ = 0 . 5 0 )   volatility conditions. The overall aggregated measure of the volatility shock spillovers between EU-ETS and equity markets is approximately 30.63% and 29.43% at bearish and moderate quantiles, respectively as compared with 88.01% at the bullish volatility conditions. The QVAR results also indicate that Greece, Poland, and Hungary (Slovakia) are structurally more (less) exposed to bearish and moderate EU-ETS volatility shocks. Therefore, Slovakia serves as a stabilizing asset within a multi-country portfolio, especially during bearish, bullish and moderate EU-ETS volatility conditions. Therefore, Slovakian equities remain least affected even in bullish EU-ETS volatility regime, functioning as an optimal low-beta hedge component and thereby help in reducing portfolio-wide shock amplification. Therefore, at the upper quantiles, where volatility transmission becomes uniformly elevated across all markets, fund managers take into account the volatility-convergence arbitrage, capitalizing on Slovakian equities persistent weaker sensitivity. However, stress testing frameworks should incorporate quantile-dependent country-specific volatility loadings, with higher coefficients for Greece, Poland, and Hungary across lower and moderate EU-ETS volatility shocks. In the terms of macro-prudential policy adjustments, equity market regulators and policy makers in Greece, Poland, and Hungary should strengthen transition-risk buffers during bearish and moderate ETS volatility shock diffusion. Finally, the DCC-GARCH- t copula findings suggested that portfolio managers can overweight Czech Republic and Slovakia equities during periods of rising EU-ETS volatility and use them as low-beta components in mixed carbon–equity portfolios.

Tree species influence soil carbon quality but not total storage across horizons: European beech on Dystric Cambisol and Norway spruce on Entic Podzol

Tree species influence below-ground soil chemistry and microbial communities, both of which are key drivers of soil formation. The study compared soils under native European beech and first-generation non-native Norway spruce growing at the same site. Soil under beech was classified as Dystric Cambisol, whereas soil under spruce had developed into Entic Podzol. The objective was to link soil chemical processes with microbial community composition and the resulting quantity and quality of soil organic carbon (SOC) across soil horizons. Soil pH and concentrations of available cations and anions were measured together with dissolved organic carbon (DOC), represented by low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMMOA; ion-exchange chromatography). SOC quantity and functional group composition were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Microbial abundance and community composition were assessed by 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and droplet digital PCR. Total carbon contents did not differ between soils, but DOC showed horizon-specific differences, with quinate strongly enriched under spruce. More pronounced differences were observed in carbon quality and its vertical distribution. Elevated concentrations and specific forms of Si, Al, P, and S under spruce indicated progressing podzolization, a process absent under beech. Distinct soil conditions and carbon sources supported contrasting microbial communities. Higher pH and labile carbon availability under beech promoted Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota , distinguished particularly in the L horizon. In contrast, spruce soils, especially the H horizon were enriched in fungi and metabolically versatile Actinomycetota. Increased abundance of erm resistance genes under spruce also suggested a more competitive microbial environment. Tree species effects on soil properties were detectable throughout the soil profile but weakened with depth. Overall, differences in soil chemistry, microbial communities, and enzymatic activities reflect contrasting decomposition and carbon sequestration pathways, with implications for ecosystem resilience and microbial diversity.

Elevated ICAM5 as a promising predictor of poor prognosis in bladder cancer via EMT, immune microenvironment, and therapy resistance

Background Bladder cancer, the most common malignancy of the urinary system, is associated with poor prognosis due to its metastatic potential, invasive behavior, and immune evasion. Intercellular adhesion molecule 5 (ICAM5), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, regulates cell adhesion and has been implicated in tumor progression. However, its biological function in bladder cancer remains unclear. Methods In this study, we analyzed data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and UCSC Xena databases to investigate ICAM5 expression, prognostic significance, genetic mutations, methylation, immune profiles, and regulatory functions in bladder cancer. Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA) were employed to explore ICAM5-related pathways. Results Our findings demonstrated that ICAM5 expression was significantly upregulated in bladder cancer and associated with advanced disease features, including higher TNM stages, pathological grades, and aggressive molecular subtypes. Furthermore, ICAM5 influenced the immune microenvironment, regulated methylation, and modulated immune checkpoint expression, contributing to immunotherapy resistance. Mechanistically, ICAM5 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, and metastasis. Conclusions ICAM5 serves as a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in bladder cancer, orchestrating EMT progression, reshaping the immune microenvironment, and driving resistance to immunotherapy.

Large-area robust pure one-way bulk states in a square photonic reduced Haldane model

The coexistence of antichiral one-way edge states (AOWESs) and one-way bulk states (OWBSs) has recently been investigated in honeycomb photonic crystals, yet their realization in square photonic crystals, which is crucial for achieving a complete understanding and broader applicability of such topological phenomena, has not been reported. In this work, we propose a two-dimensional (2D) square photonic reduced Haldane model by applying opposing magnetic fields to yttrium iron garnet cylinders in adjacent rows to effectively analogize the horizontal hoppings in electronic systems. This model simultaneously supports both AOWESs and OWBSs. Remarkably, in both the theoretical analysis and experimental realizations of 2D air-loaded square gyromagnetic photonic crystals based on this model, we demonstrate that counter-propagating AOWESs above the light cone can be suppressed through appropriate scattering boundary conditions, resulting in a system that exclusively hosts pure OWBSs. These bulk states are further shown to enable robust, large-area one-way transport of electromagnetic waves. Our findings not only expand the understanding of topological states in square fermionic and bosonic systems, but also open new avenues for the development of robust, large-area energy transmission devices featuring unidirectional conduction.