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Unveiling bast fiber production in Upper Paleolithic North China: Microfibers and usewear traces on stone tools from Shizitan
Fiber technology—including the making of cordages, mats, baskets, and textiles—holds a crucial place in human history. However, uncovering archaeological evidence of early fiber products proves challenging due to their rapid decay. To address preservation hurdles, we employ a multi-disciplinary approach to interpret microfiber remains, drawing on microfossil remains, usewear traces, ethnographic observation, and experimental archaeology, to study artifacts from two Upper Paleolithic Shizitan (SZT) site localities on the North China Loess Plateau, dating 28,000–18,000 cal BP, encompassing the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), on which we identify microremains of hemp and flax. Analyses of microfossil remains (microfibers, phytoliths, and fungi) and usewear traces on stone tools potentially reveal stages of bast fiber production, such as cutting stalks, retting, pounding fiber ribbons, and scraping to remove impurities. Such pounding and scraping are commonly associated with textile production in ethnographic accounts, and parallel evidence has also been observed on Neolithic stone tools in North China. Observations of colored fibers suggest SZT people may have extracted plant-based dyes and hematite pigment to color fibers. The cold-dry conditions of the LGM, which likely led to the depopulation of regions north of SZT, also may have driven increased fiber production, aligning with previously recognized shifts toward microblade production, broader interregional interactions, ritual activities, and broad-spectrum subsistence, including early wild millet use. This research provides new evidence for the deep history of fiber production in Upper Paleolithic China and demonstrates the value of usewear and microfossil analyses for studying ancient fiber technology.
Manganese sulfide nanoparticles (MnS NPs) enhance morpho-physiological traits, productivity and oil yield in linseed under field trial
A pore-forming toxin initiates ABI1 complex switching to promote bacterial cell-to-cell spread
Abstract Listeria monocytogenes ( Lm ), a prototypical intracellular bacterial pathogen, expresses ActA to initiate ARP2/3-mediated actin-based motility in the cytosol of host cells. Motile bacteria generate Lm -containing protrusions at the cell surface, facilitating direct cell-to-cell spread and dissemination within the host. Protrusion formation is an active, spatially regulated process, yet how Lm coordinates bacterial and host factors to orchestrate this process remains unclear. Here, we identify Abelson-interactor 1 (ABI1) as a host factor required for efficient Lm protrusion formation and cell-to-cell spread. Conditional knockout of Abi1 in mice significantly reduces susceptibility to Lm infection, while deletion of actA abrogates the protective effect of Abi1 knockout. During Lm infection, ABI1 is uncoupled from spectrin at the cell cortex and binds to EPS8 within protrusions. This ABI1 “complex switching” is initiated by the pore-forming toxin LLO, which perforates the host plasma membrane and triggers Ca 2+ influx, leading to calpain-mediated cleavage of the spectrin cytoskeleton. Spectrin cleavage mobilizes ABI1, allowing ABI1 to bind EPS8 and activate EPS8’s actin capping activity to facilitate local actin recycling necessary for efficient protrusion elongation and cell-to-cell spread. These findings reveal an unrecognized host-pathogen interaction, in which a bacterial pore-forming toxin induces spatially confined cytoskeletal remodeling to promote cell-to-cell spread.
Retraction: Tramadol-induced hepato- and nephrotoxicity in rats: Role of Curcumin and Gallic acid as antioxidants
A model free cascade control for backlash compensation in multi drive systems
Author Correction: Engineering anti-BCMA CAR T cells for enhancing myeloma killing efficacy via apoptosis regulation
Development and validation of the sedentary behavior regulation scale in Korean Adults Population
Sedentary behavior is a well-established independent risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. However, validated tools to assess the psychological and behavioral regulation of sedentary time remain limited. This study aimed to develop and validate a self-report scale for assessing sedentary behavior regulation in Korean adults. This scale was developed using a comprehensive multiphase process. First, items were generated based on a comprehensive literature review and expert consultation, followed by a content validity assessment. In total, 600 Korean adults were recruited. Construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Criterion validity was evaluated by assessing the correlation between the new scale and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Finally, reliability was assessed through internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The final instrument, the Sedentary Behavior Regulation Scale (SBRS), consisted of 12 items across two distinct sub-factors: sedentary behavior management and environmental support and active movement in sedentary contexts. Criterion-related validity was supported by a small but significant positive correlation with physical activity (r = .19, p < .001) and a small to moderate negative correlation with sedentary time (r = −.33, p < .001). The scale also exhibited excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .87, McDonald’s omega = .87) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .85). Overall, the SBRS demonstrated preliminary evidence of reliability and validity for assessing behavioral and environmental strategies to reduce sedentary time. This study advances our understanding of sedentary behavior beyond simple activity measurements and provides a valuable foundation for developing targeted public health interventions to mitigate sedentary time.
Nationwide population based epidemiological characteristics of complex regional pain syndrome in South Korea
Abstract Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and disabling pain disorder with limited nationwide epidemiological data. We conducted a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study using Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data from 2013 to 2022. CRPS cases were identified using Korean Classification of Diseases codes. Annual incidence and prevalence per 100,000 population were calculated and stratified by subtype, sex, and age. Crude rates showed a consistent decline in CRPS type I incidence and prevalence during the study period. Temporal trends were evaluated using negative binomial regression. Model 1 estimated overall temporal trends while adjusting for age and sex. CRPS type I demonstrated significant annual declines in incidence (20.5 to 6.5; IRR = 0.91, p < 0.001) and prevalence (30.6 to 16.8; PR = 0.93, p < 0.001), whereas type II showed no significant changes. Model 2 incorporated interaction terms between calendar year and demographic variables to assess subgroup differences. Although the overall decreasing trend for type I remained significant, age–year interactions were identified, with individuals aged ≥ 80 years demonstrating stable or modestly increasing patterns. These findings reveal subtype-specific temporal patterns and demographic heterogeneity in nationwide CRPS trends, offering updated epidemiological data to support future CRPS healthcare planning.
Thermal-stress enhanced pyroelectricity in piezoelectric bimorphs
PoPI: A machine learning-based consensus mechanism for blockchain-enabled IoT systems
Internet of Things (IoT) enables seamless connectivity and intelligent automation across diverse domains, from healthcare and agriculture to smart cities and industrial systems. However, conventional IoT architectures often rely on centralized servers for data processing and coordination, resulting in poor scalability and decreased system reliability. The integration of blockchain with IoT offers a promising approach to address these limitations of centralized IoT architectures. In practice, however, existing blockchain consensus mechanisms are often unsuitable for resource-constrained IoT devices and dynamic network conditions. To overcome this limitation, we propose Proof of Periodic Inference (PoPI), a machine learning model-based consensus mechanism tailored for blockchain-based IoT systems. PoPI uses a supervised machine learning model to periodically select a group of block producers and maintains security through random block generation within the group. It incorporates both static and dynamically changing device features, such as battery level and resource usage, to select capable nodes with high reliability, and implements fair participation mechanisms to balance network involvement over time. Theoretical analysis and experimental evaluation demonstrate that PoPI achieves high scalability, low latency and improved applicability compared to the state-of-the-art consensus protocols in dynamic IoT environments.
Dispersive lensing and shadows in RN-AdS spacetimes with dark energy and plasma: theory and observational constraints
Room-temperature electrochemical hydroxyalkylation of pyridines
Virologic suppression among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women receiving antiretroviral therapy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a key global public health priority. In Africa, virologic failure among people living with HIV continues to pose a significant public health challenge, affecting both individual well-being and community health. Maintaining viral load suppression is crucial to prevent vertical transmission of HIV and to minimize maternal morbidity and mortality. To stop the vertical transmission of HIV and lower the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, it is important to achieve viral load suppression. Although many African countries have adopted the global 95-95-95 targets, comprehensive data on virologic suppression among pregnant and lactating mothers across the continent remains limited. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled estimate of virologic suppression and to examine the factors associated with it among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women on antiretroviral therapy in Africa. Methods This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD420251186121). We carried out a thorough systematic review by examining PubMed, ScienceDirect, Hinari, and Google Scholar for relevant studies. Data from the studies were retrieved using an Excel sheet and analyzed with STATA version 17. The Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of studies. A random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood (REML) was applied to determine the pooled prevalence of virologic suppression (viral load threshold ≤1000 copies/ml) among pregnant and lactating mothers in Africa. A funnel plot and the Egger’s test were used to investigate publication bias. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic and Cochrane’s Q test. Results A total of 55 eligible studies, comprising 304,883 participants, were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Accordingly, the overall prevalence of virologic suppression among HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women in Africa was 80.86% (95% CI: 77.63%, 84.09%, I 2 = 99.84%). In contrast, the pooled estimate for achieving an undetectable viral load was substantially lower, at 60.92% (95% CI: 52.46%, 69.39%; I 2 = 99.91%). Virologic suppression was significantly associated with women’s age (15–24 years) (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32–0.77), disclosure of HIV status to a partner (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.31–2.11), first-line antiretroviral therapy regimen (AOR = 6.53; 95% CI: 1.93–22.06), and good antiretroviral drug adherence (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.18–11.02). In addition, other socio-demographic variables, higher educational level, being married/cohabitant, urban residency, healthcare utilization (time of ANC booking, time of ART initiation, duration of ART), fear of stigma, distance to health facility, shortage of health professionals, ART drug stock-out, and lack of HIV care commodities were significantly associated with virologic suppression among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women in Africa. Conclusion The pooled estimate of virologic suppression among HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women in Africa was approximately 81%, below the global target of 95% virological suppression. This emphasizes the necessity of targeted strategies for younger HIV-positive women, disclosing HIV status, initiating first-line antiretroviral regimens, and promoting antiretroviral treatment adherence. Upgrading health care systems to enable regular viral load monitoring, as well as addressing socio-demographic and antiretroviral therapy-related variables, are vital steps towards attaining and sustaining VS in these groups of population, ultimately assisting in achieving elimination of MTCT of HIV.
Smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies among coffee farming household heads in the Kafa biosphere reserve, Ethiopia
A thousand-state optoelectronic memory for high-precision spatiotemporal encoding
Use of administrative data for evaluating trends in medically-attended Lyme disease, Manitoba, Canada, 2010–2021
While Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne disease reported to public health surveillance in North America and is increasingly recognized as a public health threat in Canada, it’s incidence may be underreported. Our study aims to estimate medically-attended LD incidence in Manitoba, Canada, using administrative health data. We identified medically-attended LD cases in Manitoba from 2010 − 2021 in a claims database (Manitoba Population Research Data Repository), which contains the health records of >95% of the residents of Manitoba, using diagnostic codes, antibiotic dispensations, and laboratory results. The incidence of claims-based LD cases ranged from 8.4 to 28.5 per 100,000 population per year, 5.1 to 11.0 times higher than the incidence of surveillance-reported LD cases. The incidence of claims-based LD cases was particularly higher than the incidence of surveillance-reported LD cases in females and health regions with a low surveillance-reported incidence. Our study suggests that medically attended LD is more common than reported in surveillance. Further study is required to identify barriers to reporting. Interventions are needed to reduce the substantial burden of LD in Manitoba.
The chain mediating effects of psychological resilience and social adaptability on the relationship between physical activity and mental health in Chinese university students
Spin-polarized light-emitting diodes based on CrI₃ operating without external spin injection
Genetic, clinical, and biochemical profiling of Gilbert syndrome in a Nepali cohort: High prevalence of the UGT1A1 c.-3279T>G polymorphism and correlation with hematological parameters
Introduction Gilbert Syndrome (GS) is a common hereditary disorder characterized by intermittent jaundice. The pathogenesis is unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to reduced hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) activity. Its genetic basis relies on c.-3279T > G polymorphism (UGT1A1*60), which reduces gene transcription by approximately 40%, and is highly prevalent in Asian populations. Aims This study aimed to profile the genetic, biochemical, and clinical characteristics of individuals with clinical features of GS in Nepal and examine correlations between UGT1A1 genotypes and hematological parameters. Methods This study utilized a prospective descriptive design supplemented by a retrospective review of medical records, including 75 patients with isolated unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Prospective recruitment and data collection were conducted from July 18, 2025, to November 30, 2025. Medical records from outside facilities were accessed for research purposes from July 18, 2025, to November 30, 2025, covering records dating back to January 1, 2021. Patients underwent ARMS-PCR genetic testing for the UGT1A1 c.-3279T > G variant.Patients with hemolysis or hepatobiliary disease were excluded. Genetic confirmation of GS was based on the presence of the G allele. Results Mean age of cohort was 28.9 ± 10.4 years (range: 14–55), with a male predominance (69.3%). Genotype distribution revealed 66.7% homozygous mutant (G/G), 29.3% heterozygous (G/T), and 4% wild-type (T/T), yielding a G allele frequency of 81.3%. Mean bilirubin levels showed a genotype-phenotype correlation: G/G (4.3 ± 1.1 mg/dL), G/T (3.2 ± 0.9 mg/dL), and T/T (2.4 ± 0.3 mg/dL). Hematological parameters were within normal reference ranges across all genotypes, confirming the non-hemolytic nature of the condition. No hepatosplenomegaly was detected on ultrasonography. Conclusion This study demonstrates an exceptionally high prevalence of the UGT1A1*60 G allele among individuals with clinical features of GS in Nepal. These findings reaffirm the benign, non-hemolytic character of GS and underscore the diagnostic and pharmacogenetic utility of UGT1A1 genotyping in the Nepali population.