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Development status of young new farmers from the perspective of vocational ability: A research analysis based on 21 cities in Guangdong Province

Professional competence refers to the comprehensive qualities that an individual needs to possess in order to continuously develop and achieve excellent performance in their professional activities. As more and more young people enter the agricultural sector, the professional competence of young new farmers not only affects their personal growth but also directly influences the transformation of agriculture and the development of rural areas. Based on data obtained from in-depth interviews and questionnaires, this paper examines the career development of young new farmers from three aspects: entering agriculture, rooting in agriculture, and developing agriculture, with a focus on their identity formation, influencing factors, and development paths. Research shows that the professional abilities of young new farmers mainly include three levels: professional skills, general abilities, and core literacy. The improvement of abilities at different levels requires corresponding cultivation methods. The research conclusions can provide references for the training of young agricultural talents and the improvement of rural talent revitalization policies.

Stacking Fault Energy Engineering as the Pathway to Materials With Exceptional Performance

ABSTRACT Stacking fault energy (SFE) is a core thermodynamic parameter governing defect evolution, offering a critical pathway to circumvent the strength‐ductility trade‐off in advanced materials. However, its precise prediction faces a profound physical discrepancy: the ideal intrinsic SFE ( γ isf ) predicted by first‐principles calculations often deviates significantly from experimentally measured apparent SFE ( γ app ), which is intensely modulated by microstructural constraints and local chemistry. Furthermore, SFE tailoring paradigms differ fundamentally across material systems. In complex metallic solid solutions, such as high and medium entropy alloys, SFE engineering relies predominantly on macroscopic alloying and reshaping the dynamic generalized stacking fault energy (GSFE) landscape via chemical ordering. Conversely, in non‐metallic materials like structural oxides and advanced ceramics, compositional tuning is generally insufficient. Overcoming their intrinsic brittleness requires transforming the SFE into a defect‐conditioned dynamic energy landscape, manipulating planar fault nucleation and thermodynamic stability via defect chemistry, interfacial templating, and non‐equilibrium processing. This review summarizes the fundamental physical frameworks of SFE engineering, comparing cutting‐edge tailoring strategies and their mechanical impacts across metallic and non‐metallic systems to guide the design of next‐generation structural materials.

Socioeconomic and biophysical drivers of cocoa yield variability in smallholder farms in Côte d’Ivoire

Structural insights into Arabidopsis thaliana CTS-mediated fatty acid and hormone metabolism

A randomised crossover trial comparing photobiomodulation therapy with other recovery strategies in CrossFit athletes

Background This study compared the effects of different therapeutic modalities on recovery following the workout of the day (WOD) in CrossFit athletes, focusing on reducing muscle damage and improving functional performance. Methods In a randomised, controlled, crossover design, twelve CrossFit athletes underwent four post-WOD recovery interventions across four weeks: passive recovery (PR), intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and photobiomodulation therapy combined with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF). Assessments were conducted at baseline, and at 1, 24, and 48 hours post-WOD. The primary outcome was vertical jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ] height) at 1-hour post-WOD; secondary outcomes included lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonylated proteins, perceived exertion, and intervention satisfaction. Results There was no significant difference between interventions in CMJ height at 1-hour post-WOD. In contrast, PBMT-sMF outperformed the other interventions in the secondary outcomes. PBMT-sMF significantly improved CMJ height at 24 and 48 hours compared with PR (p < 0.05) and led to greater reductions in LDH at both time points (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). PBMT-sMF also produced lower TBARS and carbonylated protein levels, with higher CAT and SOD activities at 24 and 48 hours (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, respectively). CAT and SOD activities were also significantly elevated at 1 hour post-WOD compared with PR (p < 0.05). Conclusions PBMT-sMF may be an effective recovery strategy for CrossFit athletes, with its benefits possibly related to the modulation of oxidative stress as an underlying mechanism. Trial registration Trial registration number: NCT06628609 .

First evidence of microplastic contamination in surface waters of Loktak Lake, a Ramsar site in the Eastern Himalayas

GABAergic projections from the suprachiasmatic nucleus to the preoptic area regulate the timing of torpor in mice

A cross-border seroprevalence study on HBV, HCV, HDV and HIV in remote Amazonian communities on the border between French Guiana and Suriname

Background National epidemiological data are essential to achieve viral hepatitis elimination goals. However, viral hepatitis and HIV epidemiology in French Guiana (FG) and Suriname is mainly limited to urban areas. We therefore assessed the prevalence, associated determinants, and knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs (KAP-B) regarding hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis D (HDV), and HIV in the isolated area of the Maroni River, bordering FG and Suriname. Methods Between January 2018 and February 2019, adults (≥18 years) living along the Maroni were enrolled in this cross-sectional study and completed a risk factor and KAP-B questionnaire. Participants were tested for viral hepatitis and HIV using serological and molecular analyses: HBV (HBsAg, anti-HBcore antibodies, anti-HBs, HBV DNA), HCV (HCV-antibodies, HCV RNA), HDV (HDV-antibodies), and HIV (HIV-antibodies/antigen, HIV RNA). Age- and sex-adjusted HBV, HCV, and HIV prevalences were estimated using post-stratification weighting. Findings Among 2286 participants, adjusted prevalences were respectively 2.08% (95%CI: 1.49–2.66; n = 46) for HBsAg, 25.6%, (95%CI: 20.89–29.24, n = 646) for resolved HBV infection (negative HBsAg and positive anti-HBcore antibodies), 0.13% (95%CI: 0.0–0.27; n = 5) for HCV-antibodies, and 0.65% (95%CI: 0.0–1.40; n = 12) for HIV-antibodies. There were no HDV infections. HBV exposure (acute or resolved) was independently associated with age (per 10-year increase aOR:1.27, 95%CI: 1.18–1.37, p < 0.0001), males (aOR:1.34, 95%CI: 1.10–1.65, p = 0.006), Maroon (aOR:2.22, 95%CI: 1.27–4.06) or other ethnic groups (aOR:2.94, 95%CI: 1.61–5.59) versus Amerindians, (p = 0.002), and higher education (aOR:0.71, 95%CI: 0.56–0.90, p = 0.005). Older age (per 10-years increase aOR:1.64, 95%CI: 1.11–2.44), p = 0.01) and non-autochthonous origin (aOR:3.81, 95%CI: 1.14–12.26, p = 0.02) were associated with HIV. Less than one in six participants correctly identified viral hepatitis transmission modes. Conclusion HBV, HCV and HIV prevalences along the Maroni River were comparable to urban areas and remain concerning. Knowledge about viral hepatitis was low. Achieving viral hepatitis elimination goals requires awareness campaigns and test-and-treat strategies tailored to hard-to-serve populations.

Next-generation intelligent framework for pan evaporation prediction: introducing Chebyshev polynomial-based Kolmogorov-Arnold networks

Manganese enhances macrophage bactericidal activity in mice with Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis via Sirt3-mitophagy axis

Views, barriers, and facilitators of people living with human immunodeficiency virus and healthcare professionals regarding the use of a mobile health application to improve HIV self-care in Malaysia

Aim The views, barriers, and facilitators of people living with HIV (PLWH) and healthcare professionals (HCPs), regarding the use of a mobile health application (m-HA) to improve HIV self-care were explored. Subject and Methods Seventeen PLWH, nine doctors and two nurses who owned a smartphone and understood English or Malay were recruited from the infectious disease clinic of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face using a topic guide, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two researchers independently coded transcripts and met to resolve discrepancies and develop themes. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was achieved. Results Three themes emerged: (1) Perceived benefits and concerns regarding m-HA usage: participants perceived m-HA could improve knowledge, but expressed concerns regarding information overload. Participants viewed m-HA as a means to enhance access to hospital services like clinic visits, medication refills, communication with HCPs, and medical records documentation. However, concerns regarding misuse, data confidentiality and security remained. (2) Perceived motivators of m-HA: participants perceived that high utilitarian and hedonic motivators increase m-HA usage. (3) Perceived influences to use m-HA: participants believed PLWH would use m-HA if introduced by their peers or HCPs. Conclusion These findings provided information for developing a patient-centred m-HA to improve HIV self-care in Malaysia.

Complete Phase Transformation of Ir Nanowire Network into Defect‐Rich Oxide Catalyst for High‐Performance PEM Water Electrolysis

ABSTRACT Iridium‐based catalysts remain the most reliable option for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). However, their high cost and limited performance represent critical barriers to the commercialization of this green hydrogen production technology. Herein, we report the creation of a metallic Ir nanowire network (IrNWN), which exhibits superior OER performance through its in situ transition into an oxide structure with high intrinsic activity. At a low loading of 0.25 mg Ir /cm 2 in PEMWEs, IrNWN achieved a current density of 3.13 A/cm 2 at a cell voltage of 1.8 V, outperforming the commercial Ir‐based catalyst and surpassing the Department of Energy (DOE) 2026 technical target. Moreover, the high activity of IrNWN was maintained for 900 h in a durability test at 2 A/cm 2 , showing a low degradation rate of 0.042 mV/hour. Structural analysis of the electrochemically oxidized IrNWN revealed the presence of mixed Ir oxidation states and a high density of surface terminal oxygen groups (µ1‐O), which contributed to a reduced energy barrier for the rate‐determining O‐O coupling step.

High sea ice algal primary production near marine-terminating glaciers linked to turbulence-driven nutrient fluxes across the ice–ocean interface

Iron overload in the tumor microenvironment induces CD8+ T cell ferroptosis and dysfunction

Abstract While iron homeostasis in cancer cells is well-established, its role in mediating crosstalk between tumors and CD8 + T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains largely elusive. In this study, we compare iron levels across primary tissues populated by CD8 + T cells. Contrary to the systemic iron deficiency commonly found in cancer patients, the TME exhibits marked iron enrichment compared to lymphatic fluid and peripheral blood, a phenomenon primarily attributed to tumor necrosis. However, this iron-overloaded TME is detrimental to CD8 + T cells, triggering their ferroptosis and dysfunction. Mechanistically, tumoral T cell receptor (TCR) hyperactivation and tumor-derived hepcidin cooperatively downregulate the iron exporter SLC40A1 in CD8 + T cells, leading to intracellular iron accumulation and ferroptosis. Both genetic restoration of SLC40A1 and iron chelation inhibit CD8 + T cell ferroptosis and restore their cytotoxic activity, thereby suppressing tumor growth. Finally, to enhance chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell adaptability to the iron-overloaded TME, we engineer SLC40A1-overexpressing CAR-T cells. These engineered cells resist ferroptosis induced by the TME and elicit potent anti-tumor immunity.

S-palmitoylation regulates the function of the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane to alleviate the senescence of nucleus pulposus cells

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the primary cause of spinal degenerative diseases. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell senescence is a significant pathological manifestation of IVDD. Here, we constructed a hypoxia-induced NP cell model to clarify the mechanisms by which S-palmitoylation is involved in NPC senescence. The IP3R S-palmitoylation of NP cells was significantly reduced under hypoxic conditions, contributing to abnormalities in mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs). The study found that cellular expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Cleaved-Caspase8, Cleaved-Caspase3, MMP3, and MMP13 was promoted, while COL2 and AGG expression was inhibited. The up-regulated palmitoylation-modifying enzyme DHHC6 can promote IP3R S-palmitoylation modification and regulate GRP75, VDAC1, Drp1, and Mfn2 expression. It can inhibit apoptosis in NP cells, reduce intracellular calcium and ROS levels, elevate mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduce γ-H2AX expression levels. It also inhibited the protein expression levels of hypoxia-induced apoptosis molecules, matrix-degrading enzymes, and up-regulated extracellular matrix protein expression. These results suggested that hypoxia-induced IP3R depalmitoylation might play a role in structural and functional abnormalities in MAMs, which trigger senescence in NP cells.

Changes in gut microbiota composition following water kefir consumption in healthy adults

Abstract Fermented foods have gained increasing scientific interest for their potential to modulate gut microbiota and provide probiotic microorganisms with possible health benefits. This intervention trial examined the impact of daily consumption of water kefir, a sustainable plant-based fermented beverage, on gut microbiota composition in 40 healthy adults. Participants consumed 200 mL of homemade water kefir daily for 14 days, with fecal samples collected before and after the intervention. Some participants reported mild, transient gastrointestinal effects such as flatulence (32%) and bloating (24%), which are common when introducing live microorganisms, while others experienced reduced abdominal pain (28%), and most (66%) reported no noticeable change in symptoms. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant shifts in microbial composition, including a 6.5% decrease in Firmicutes and increases in Bacteroidetes (+ 21.6%) and Actinobacteria (+ 14.8%). At the species level, beneficial taxa such as Blautia spp. and Roseburia faecis increased, along with commensals including Bacteroides fragilis , Bacteroides uniformis , Gemmiger formicilis , Prevotella copri , and Parabacteroides distasonis ( p  < 0.01). Although α- diversity remained unchanged, β -diversity differed significantly between pre- and post-intervention samples ( p  = 0.025). By comparing the relative abundance of dominant genera in participants’ gut microbiota and in water kefir, overlapping genera such as Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium , Prevotella , Coprococcus , and Faecalibacterium were identified. Among these, Bifidobacterium and Prevotella increased, Coprococcus decreased, and Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium remained stable. Genera exclusive to the gut microbiota also exhibited differential changes. These findings suggest that water kefir consumption is associated with modulation of the gut microbiota, including increases in saccharolytic and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing taxa, potentially influenced by its exopolysaccharides and microbial community. Some genera from water kefir may transiently affect the gut microbiome, and the concurrent increase in Bifidobacterium and Prevotella may suggest a potential probiotic-like effect. However, causality cannot be established, and further studies are needed to assess the persistence of these changes and their long-term clinical relevance.

LeafDet: A lightweight and interpretable deep learning framework for tomato leaf disease detection

Ensuring global food security depends on timely and reliable plant disease identification. Traditional disease detection methods often prove inefficient because of the lack of necessary precision. Furthermore, public datasets typically suffer from the class imbalance issue, which can obstruct reliable model testing and lead to biased performance evaluations. This paper introduces LeafDet, an object detection model based on the YOLOv8 architecture, specifically designed for the effective detection of tomato leaf diseases. Moreover, a revised, balanced dataset, named PlantTom, is developed by combining images from various public sources to reduce the existing dataset limitations. PlantTom has 7836 images with 8 distinct classes, each representing a tomato leaf disease. The proposed LeafDet model includes CBM, C2f, SPPF, and ECA attention modules in the backbone section; BiFPN, GSConv, VoVGSCSP, and Shuffle Attention in the neck section. Efficient attention methods like ECA and Shuffle Attention are used to improve both accuracy and speed. LeafDet model achieves 91.6% mAP@0.5 on the PlantTom dataset, which is a 2.2% improvement over the original YOLOv8n with 2.69M parameters and an inference time of 2.4ms. The proposed model also outperforms several other state-of-the-art object detection models, including the latest YOLOv11n and YOLOv12n. Ablation studies show that each part of the model helps to improve its performance, and the PIoUv2 loss function is found to be the optimal choice for this use. The model predictions are then validated using Eigen-CAM, which provides a visualization of the decision-making process. These results demonstrate that LeafDet provides a deployable and interpretable framework for plant disease detection in smart agriculture.

The power of “thank you”: gratitude, recognition, and employee well-being

Correction: Phytochemical profiling of Vitex negundo seeds via UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analyses with antimicrobial evaluation and in silico targeting of DNA Gyrase B and Secreted Aspartic Proteinase 2 (SAP2)

Changes in hepatic L-carnitine levels in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) assessed by magnetic resonance techniques

Abstract L-carnitine is critical for metabolism of some fatty acids therefore different carnitine species may play a role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) pathogenesis. Until recently, hepatic acetylcarnitine could not be quantified non-invasively. Now new technical developments in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) enable quantification of hepatic acetylcarnitine content in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential metabolic changes in healthy volunteers and patients with different stages of MASLD before and after a single injection of L-carnitine. This prospective study recruited 10 healthy volunteers and 17 patients (11 with low-risk MASLD, 6 with high-risk MASLD) who underwent cardiac and hepatic MRI and MRS for hepatic acetylcarnitine quantification at baseline and 2 h after injecting 50 mg/kg body weight L-carnitine. Serum samples were obtained for biomarker measurement. A single injection of L-carnitine significantly elevated hepatic acetylcarnitine levels in healthy volunteers (Δ ACC  = 0.172, p  = 0.038) and low-risk MASLD (Δ ACC  = 1.677, p  = 0.043), but not in high-risk MASLD (Δ ACC =-0.144, p  = 0.397). However, high-risk MASLD showed elevated hepatic acetylcarnitine at baseline (Δ ACC  = 0.58, p  = 0.007), whereas variability in low-risk MASLD masked differences vs. healthy volunteers. At baseline, serum medium-chain carnitine species were higher in the high-risk MASLD group (0.88 ± 0.28µmol/L, p  = 0.002) and low-risk MASLD group (0.77 ± 0.49µmol/L, p  = 0.03) compared to healthy volunteers (0.36 ± 0.23µmol/L). We showed for the first time that acetylcarnitine can be evaluated in vivo in patients with different stages of MASLD. The divergent hepatic responses to L-carnitine suggest stage-dependent differences in hepatic metabolic response that may reflect disease severity, potentially arising from differences in metabolic flexibility, carnitine transport, mitochondrial function, or baseline saturation of hepatic acetylcarnitine. Further studies are needed to confirm whether hepatic or circulating acetylcarnitine levels could serve as early biomarkers of MASLD progression.