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Phosphorus application, nutrient absorption, and endophytic root bacterial communities in maize grown in phosphorus-deficient rocky arid soils, China
Herpes simplex virus 1 harboring poly(T) DNA sequences as a key ligand for AIM2 inflammasome activation and host defense
Abstract Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection remains a major global health challenge, yet the mechanisms underlying strain-specific innate immune responses are poorly understood. Here, we show that distinct HSV-1 strains differentially activate the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome. The HF strain robustly induces AIM2-dependent inflammasome activation, whereas the F and KOS strains elicit minimal responses despite comparable infection efficiency. We demonstrate that this difference is driven by viral genomic features rather than replication capacity. Genomic analyses identify a poly(T) DNA sequence within the UL25-UL26 intergenic region that is enriched in the HF strain. Deletion of a 14-mer poly(T) sequence markedly impairs inflammasome activation, cytokine release, and host protection in vivo, whereas introduction of a poly(T) tract into the F strain is sufficient to confer AIM2 activation and enhanced host defense. Furthermore, poly(T)-mediated AIM2 activation is length-dependent, conserved in human macrophages, and requires a cGAS-STING-IRF1 licensing axis. Together, these findings identify viral poly(T) DNA as a key determinant of strain-specific AIM2 inflammasome activation and reveal how viral genomic variation shapes innate immune recognition.
Impact of SETD8/KMT5A overexpression on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and prognosis
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma has poor prognosis due to its high recurrence rate, even after curative surgery. Epigenetic regulators are known to play a critical role in cancer progression, and the histone methyltransferase SETD8/KMT5A has been reported to be overexpressed in various malignancies. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of SETD8/KMT5A in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods We investigated SETD8/KMT5A expression in 345 primary hepatocellular carcinoma resection specimens through immunohistochemical staining. For functional analyses, we conducted a loss-of-function study of SETD8/KMT5A using hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, including in vitro assays for proliferation, cell cycle, invasion, and RNA sequencing with gene ontology analysis. Additionally, we performed xenograft experiments in mice and performed similar experiments using the SETD8/KMT5A inhibitor UNC0379. Results All cases were divided into either the SETD8 high-expression (n = 197) or low-expression (n = 148) groups. The high-expression group exhibited significantly poorer 5-year overall survival and 2- and 5-year disease-free survival compared with the low-expression group (both p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that high SETD8 expression was an independent poor prognosis factor in overall ( p = 0.0255) and disease-free ( p = 0.0051) survival. SETD8/KMT5A knockdown suppressed proliferation by inhibition of G1 to S phase transition ( p < 0.001). Gene ontology terms were related to cancer progression, including cell adhesion, MAPK-related signaling and chromatin remodeling. SETD8/KMT5A knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 inhibited tumor growth ( p < 0.01) in vivo . Conclusions SETD8/KMT5A overexpression was associated with poor prognosis and was an independent prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma. In vitro and in vivo analysis, the inhibition of SETD8 could repress hepatocellular carcinoma progression through the regulation of cell activity and cell cycle transition.
Transformation-based median estimation under skewed–symmetric distributions with long-memory data applications
Layer-specific attentional modulation in the human primary somatosensory cortex
Effect of different velocity loss thresholds during a resistance training program on jump and sprint performances in trained female athletes
This study aimed to explore the effects of velocity-based resistance training (VBT) using different velocity loss (VL) thresholds on jump and sprint performance in trained female athletes. Fifteen college-level female basketball players completed an 8-week VBT program (2 sessions/week), involving parallel back squats performed at a target mean propulsive velocity of 0.7 m/s. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: VL10% (n = 8) and VL20% (n = 7), where training sets were terminated when the target velocity-loss threshold was exceeded for the second time within the same set. Performance tests, including one-repetition maximum (1RM), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 20-m sprint (SP20) with split times recorded at 5 m (SP5) and 10 m (SP10), were conducted pre- and post-intervention. The VL10% group showed significant improvements in SJ (p = 0.048, d = 1.30), SP10 (p = 0.004, d = 0.62), SP20 (p = 0.002, d = 0.67), and 1RM (p = 0.002, d = 0.29). The VL20% group also showed improvements in SP10 (p = 0.004, d = 0.42), SP20 (p = 0.002, d = 0.56), and 1RM (p = 0.002, d = 0.62), although SJ did not significantly improve. Despite no significant interaction effects, effect sizes suggest possible differences that require verification in adequately powered trials. VBT using low VL thresholds may be useful for maintaining movement velocity with lower training volume; however, between-group differences were not statistically significant and CMJ did not show clear improvement. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these trends.
Objective quantification of chemotherapy-induced madarosis: a pilot study of an automated computer vision pipeline for eyebrow density assessment
Abstract Chemotherapy-induced madarosis significantly impacts patient quality of life, yet current assessment methods rely heavily on subjective grading, limiting the evaluation of preventive strategies. This study presents a novel automated computer vision pipeline for objective longitudinal quantification of periocular hair density change and assesses its intra-session repeatability in a pilot clinical setting. The methodology integrates facial landmark detection, multi-temporal registration, and trimap deep learning-based hair segmentation with custom morphological filtering to isolate eyebrow hair structures from noise. The framework was applied to breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline and taxane-based chemotherapy with localized cryotherapy. To evaluate the measurement repeatability, four standardized photographs (two with eyes open and two with eyes closed) were acquired and processed independently at each time point. Results confirmed the system’s sensitivity in tracking individual evolution, accurately capturing the contrasting density changes observed between subjects from baseline to follow-up. Although the longitudinal trajectories are presented as proof of concept of temporal tracking capability, the method exhibited relatively high precision, with intra-session standard deviations consistently remaining below 12% regardless of hair density, with slightly higher values observed at baseline in some cases. We conclude that this automated computer vision pipeline provides a robust, operator-independent metric for monitoring madarosis. By overcoming the limitations of manual grading, this tool represents a promising step toward establishing a reliable primary endpoint for future multicentre clinical trials once validated in larger cohorts.
Author Correction: Prenatal Zika virus exposure disrupts social-emotional development and cortical visual function in infant macaques
Discrete element method parameter calibration and validation of wheat based on the Tavares model
Existing discrete element studies on wheat predominantly utilize simplified models, which fail to accurately characterize differences in fracture behavior resulting from the anisotropic structure of wheat grains. Furthermore, there is a lack of systematic calibration for the core parameters of the crushing model employed in these studies. To address these issues, this study systematically calibrated and validated the contact parameters and crushing parameters of wheat grains using the Tavares crushing model. Employing a combined approach of physical experiments and simulation, contact parameters between wheat grains and the grinding roller surface material (white cast iron), as well as between wheat grains, were first determined. The accuracy of these parameters was validated via angle of repose tests. Subsequently, uniaxial compression tests and drop hammer impact tests were conducted to systematically calibrate the fracture energy distribution characteristics and cumulative damage coefficient for the Tavares model. Results indicate that: the elastic restitution coefficient, static friction coefficient, and rolling friction coefficient between wheat grains and white cast iron are 0.399, 0.426, and 0.179, respectively; the corresponding coefficients for wheat grain-wheat grain contact are 0.405, 0.322, and 0.039. The deviation between the simulated and experimental values of the angle of repose obtained using these parameters is only 1.05%. The fracture energy of wheat grains follows a log-normal distribution, with a median value of 2069.78 J/kg and a cumulative damage coefficient of 5. Substituting the calibrated parameters into the Tavares model enabled the establishment of a wheat compression-fracture simulation model that accounts for grain anisotropy. Quantitative comparison between the simulated and experimental compression force-displacement curves shows that the relative errors of the ensemble-averaged fracture force and fracture energy are 4.47% and 1.27%, respectively, providing objective quantitative validation for the calibrated model parameters. This study provides a theoretical foundation and practical tool for numerical simulation and process optimization in wheat roller milling, and offers significant reference value for improving wheat processing quality and efficiency.
Functionalization of Polyvinyl pyrrolidone/Polyvinyl alcohol blends doped with zinc sulfate and irradiated with electron beam
Abstract Nanocomposite films of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) doped with Zn 2+ ions are prepared using in situ chemical method. The as-prepared samples are irradiated with an electron beam at doses of 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 kGy. As demonstrated by the measured X-ray diffraction spectra, the films exhibited a polycrystalline nature with substantial enhancement of crystallinity from 6.2% to 27.5% with increasing irradiation dose. This finding is indicative of enhanced polymer chain ordering. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform dispersion of Zn 2+ nanoparticles accompanied by an increase in particle size from 3.58 to 4.25 μm against applied radiation doses. The measured infrared spectra demonstrated an interaction between hydroxyl group in PVA and Carbonyl group in PVP accompanied by an increase in the number of free ions with increasing irradiation dose. Thermal spectrum measurements conducted using differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric techniques demonstrated an enhancement in chemical stability as evidenced by an increase in glass transition temperature from 33.2 °C to 35.6 °C. Kinetic spectrum analysis using Coats–Redfern method revealed an increase in activation energy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy against irradiation dose. The impedance and dielectric measurements exhibited non-Debye relaxation, with Nyquist plots showing reduced semicircle diameters at elevated temperatures. The highest dielectric constant was observed at a dose of 40 kGy. This find establishes a correlation between irradiation induced crystallinity and nanoparticle polymer interaction and demonstrated an enhancement in electrical performance.
Author Correction: Weak mantle wedge causes mantle exhumation punctuated with discrete oceanic crust in the Tyrrhenian basin
“It Feels Like My Spine is About to Break”: Experience and support needs of family caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Ethiopia
Background Due to the complex and long-term care needs of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), caregivers often face an overwhelming caregiving burden, and they experience physical and psychological strain. Few studies in Sub-Saharan Africa have indicated that caregivers face financial difficulties and limited access to formal support services. However, evidence is scarce in Ethiopia. Objectives This study aimed to explore the caregiving experiences and support needs of family caregivers of children with CP in Ethiopia. Method An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used in this study. A purposeful sampling method was employed to identify and select 13 family caregivers of children with CP. Face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth individual interview was used to collect data. The interview was conducted in the local language, Amharic. The audio data were transcribed verbatim manually and imported to NVivo version 14 software for analysis. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Four themes were identified: the emotional journey of caregivers, daily caregiving demands, impact of caregiving, and support systems and support needs. Caregiving for children with CP negatively affected the emotional, physical and social well-being of caregivers. Caregivers indicated a need for financial support, psychological support, adequate healthcare service, access to assistive devices, and education for their children with CP. Conclusion The findings emphasize the urgent need for interventions that address the financial vulnerabilities of caregivers, provide targeted psychosocial support, and enhance access to healthcare, assistive devices and education for children with CP.
Chaotic and dynamic vibration analysis of a time-delayed nonlinear mathieu oscillator via non-perturbative approach
Abstract The study compares van der Pol and Rayleigh oscillators with time-delayed effects, providing insights into stability, bifurcations, and organization in nonlinear systems. It emphasizes unique dynamical properties and resonance conditions, strengthening the theoretical basis of the design of delay-controlled oscillatory systems. The aim is to adopt the non-perturbative approach, which transforms a weakly nonlinear oscillator of an ordinary differential equation into a linear one. Computed through a refined series approximation, the response manages both small and large oscillatory amplitudes without constraining assumptions, avoiding reliance on small parameter expansions. Validation outcomes reveal a strong agreement between parametric clarifications and the original nonlinear model, confirming the credibility of the proposed framework. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of the system’s stability is conducted in diverse situations. Two different instances of nonlinear Mathieu oscillators are inspected. A comprehensive stability analysis is performed for two nonlinear Mathieu-type oscillators with van der Pol and Rayleigh damping. Numerical simulations are carried out employing time histories, phase portraits, Poincaré maps, bifurcation diagrams, and Lyapunov exponents. These simulations ensure the accuracy and reliability of the analytical predictions. The outcomes expound distinct and contrasting stability performances for the van der Pol and Rayleigh oscillators. They demonstrate that nonlinear damping, excitation amplitude, natural frequency, and time delay play vital roles in governing the system’s dynamic response. It is observed that stability generally decreases with increasing natural and excitation frequencies, while it enhances with higher damping and excitation amplitudes. Moreover, the van der Pol and Rayleigh oscillators exhibit opposite impacts of nonlinear damping and natural frequency on stability. The novelty of this study lies in employing a non-perturbative approach to time-delayed Mathieu-type oscillators. The obtained findings provide valuable physical insight and practical guidance for the analysis and design of delay-controlled oscillatory systems in mechanical, structural, and engineering implementations.
Author Correction: Boosting mechanical durability under high humidity by bioinspired multisite polymer for high-efficiency flexible perovskite solar cells
Retraction: Adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures and its associated factors among Gondar City residents: A community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia
Pixel-level understanding of a world in motion within a neural encoding framework
Host–microbiome archetypes differentiate infection from pathogen carriage in the human lower airway
Abstract Distinguishing lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) from incidental pathogen carriage (IPC) is clinically challenging. The immunologic and microbial factors defining the states of LRTI and IPC are poorly understood. Here, we perform host-microbe metatranscriptomic profiling of tracheal aspirates from 326 mechanically ventilated children with clinically adjudicated LRTI ( n = 207), IPC ( n = 70), or non-infectious respiratory failure ( n = 49). In the airway microbiome, LRTI shows reduced alpha diversity and taxonomic richness, while IPC displays greater bacterial abundance, enrichment in respiratory anaerobes, and increased metabolic activity. At the host level, patients with LRTI exhibit a distinct lower airway transcriptional signature of innate and adaptive immune activation compared to those with IPC, who have similar transcriptional profiles to uninfected controls. Mediation analyses suggest the airway microbiome influences the host response to pathogens. An integrated host-microbe metatranscriptomic classifier accurately discriminates LRTI from IPC and controls (AUC = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–0.92). The single gene FABP4 , encoding a macrophage-associated lipid chaperone and recently described pneumonia biomarker, performs similarly when combined with alpha diversity; FABP4 protein alone achieves an AUC = 0.88 (95% CI 0.82–0.93). Together, our findings reveal distinct ecological and immunologic archetypes defining LRTI and IPC, and support data-driven, biology-informed LRTI diagnostics incorporating host and microbial features.
Barriers and facilitators to condom use among People Who Inject Drugs in Georgia: A qualitative study guided by the COM-B model
People who inject drugs (PWID) are at a heightened risk of contracting and transmitting HIV due to shared needles and unsafe sexual practices. Evidence on what shapes condom use among PWID in Georgia is limited. We conducted qualitative study among PWID recruited from two harm-reduction organizations in Tbilisi and Samegrelo between June-August 2025. Interviews were guided by the COM-B framework and analyzed thematically. Reduced sexual pleasure emerged as a dominant capability-related barrier to condom use. Knowledge of risks, benefits, and where to obtain condoms supported condom use, although participants noted that some community members lacked such knowledge. Opportunity factors were mixed. The convenient access to condoms, whether purchased at pharmacies or available for free at harm-reduction centers, created opportunity for condom access, and facilitated condom use; the factors impeding the use included the cost of purchase as well as long distance to and restricted hours of outlets, and occasional stock-outs and concerns about quality of condoms at harm-reduction centers. Social dynamics emerged as essential factors. Partner pressure, coercion, and persuasion, often intensified by alcohol or drug use, limited condom negotiation, whereas partner support, preparedness, and peer information sharing facilitated condom use. Motivation-related barriers included being under the influence of alcohol or stimulants and “heat of the moment” impulsivity, alongside low perceived risk with regular partners. Motivators included a strong desire for self and partner protection, heightened risk perception with casual or commercial partners, fear of infection, and past negative experiences including infections or unintended pregnancy. Findings indicate that condom use among PWID in Georgia is shaped by interplay of capability, opportunity, and motivation factors. Culturally sensitive, locally adapted strategies addressing pleasure-related concerns through education, strengthening negotiation and refusal skills, including couple-focused approaches can improve consistent condom use in Georgia and may benefit other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.