Browse Articles

Mating suppresses sperm-dependent male avoidance in C. elegans hermaphrodites

In many sexually reproducing animals, females incur higher reproductive costs and therefore tend to be more selective in accepting mates. In Caenorhabditis elegans , self-fertilizing hermaphrodites produce a limited number of self-sperm, and previous studies have suggested that hermaphrodites avoid males. However, the behavioral dynamics of this male-avoidance behavior remain largely unexplored and its underlying mechanisms are not well-understood. Here, I quantitatively analyzed male-avoidance behavior in C. elegans hermaphrodites by measuring locomotor speed in the presence of males. Automated image analysis revealed that wildtype hermaphrodites increased speed when in contact with males, indicating active avoidance behavior. In contrast, avoidance was significantly reduced in sperm-deficient mutant hermaphrodites and aged hermaphrodites that had exhausted self-sperm. Similarly, females of gonochoristic Caenorhabditis species, which lack self-sperm, also showed no avoidance of males. These results suggest that the presence of self-sperm promotes male avoidance, likely to favor self-fertilization. Interestingly, hermaphrodites that had previously mated with males showed reduced male avoidance. Given that male-derived sperm outcompete self-sperm for fertilization, continued avoidance after mating may be no longer advantageous for reproduction. These findings highlight the adaptive nature of sperm-dependent male avoidance in C. elegans hermaphrodites.

Engineered VPg saRNA achieves cap-independent, low-immunogenic and precise encoding of therapeutic proteins in vivo

Psychological and religious predictors of help seeking attitudes among university students under perceived stress

Abstract This study aimed to examine how perceived stress, religious coping (both positive and negative), and resilience relate to Vietnamese university students’ attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. It also investigated the mediating roles of religious coping and resilience in these relationships. Cross-sectional quantitative design using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected online between November and December 2024 from students at multiple universities across Vietnam, coordinated by the Faculty of Psychology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. A total of 416 undergraduate students (263 females, 153 males; aged 18–25 years) completed the online survey. The sample included diverse academic majors, religious affiliations, and sexual orientations. Data were collected using the Socio-demographic Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Brief Religious Coping Scale (Brief RCOPE), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale – Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Perceived stress was positively associated with both positive and negative religious coping, and with greater openness toward professional help-seeking, but negatively related to resilience. Positive religious coping was a significant predictor of more favorable help-seeking attitudes and partially mediated the link between perceived stress and these attitudes. However, negative religious coping and resilience were not significantly associated with help-seeking attitudes and did not function as mediators. Subgroup analyses showed that LGBTQ + students were characterized by elevated stress and greater use of both positive and negative religious coping, whereas students with self-harm histories displayed higher stress and positive religious coping but lower resilience and help-seeking openness. Findings emphasize the dual role of religious coping as both a protective and maladaptive strategy in stressful situations. While positive coping enhances openness to help-seeking, resilience may act more as an internal resource than a motivator for external support. These results underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions in universities that address not only psychological factors but also religious and social norms influencing mental health behavior.

Nightingale: A multimodal approach combining EEG signals and audio features to enhance music therapy

Music therapy has emerged as a promising, yet underutilized, treatment modality in various clinical settings. This paper presents Nightingale, a novel multimodal approach that integrates audio features with electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to predict a subject’s emotional response to music. The accuracy of emotional response predictions is enhanced using audio features coupled with EEG data extracted from the Dataset for Emotion Analysis using Physiological and Audiovisual Signals (DEAP). These combined modalities are used to develop a Multilayer Perceptron and Convolutional Neural Network architecture, achieving a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values of 19.52 for valence, 22.16 for arousal, and an R squared of 0.67 for the two domains. This approach offers superior performance to the most recent state-of-the-art in the field. Additionally, it requires significantly less computational resources and a simple network structure, providing an evidence-based prediction technique that could make music therapy more effective and accessible.

Unlocking enzymatic deracemization of structurally diverse allenes by designed photoenzymes

SIRT1 activation by SRT2104 enhances mitophagy and reduces senescence in auditory cells

Modeling method for refraction error compensation in ground object detection

The refraction error compensation model for ground object detection is established. Firstly, based on a 100-meter interval, the area between the aircraft and the ground objects is stratified, and the Hopfield model of the atmospheric refractive index is combined with the e-index model to achieve an accurate simulation of the atmospheric refractive index profile. Then, based on the information such as the line-of-sight direction, flight altitude, and observation wavelength of the ground object observation target by the aircraft, combined with Snell’s law, the distance from the projection of the aircraft on the Earth’s surface to the true position of the ground object is given, and the true elevation angle is derived. Finally, by calculating the difference between the apparent elevation angle and the true elevation angle of the aircraft, the elevation angle error model of the aircraft is established to correct the elevation angle error of the aircraft caused by atmospheric refraction and is applied to the precise identification and positioning of the observed target.

Topological robustness of classical and quantum optical skyrmions in atmospheric turbulence

Optimization of ultrafast laser ablation of stainless steel in burst mode based on experimentally validated simulations and analytical modelling

Nutrient gaps are prevalent among women experiencing infertility, a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2013–2020

Background Adequate nutrient intake is important for supporting reproductive health. Few studies have examined the role of nutrients for fertility among women, resulting in a critical evidence gap. The aim of this study was to explore the usual intake and prevalence of nutrient inadequacies from foods only and foods plus dietary supplements among women of child bearing age with and without infertility. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a national survey in the United States. Participants included women aged 18–44 years from 2013–2020 with or without infertility (difficulty trying to conceive for at least one-year). The mean usual intakes and prevalence of inadequacy (% < EAR/AI) of key nutrients- vitamins A, B1, B2, niacin, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, lycopene, lutein + zeaxanthin, folate, choline, zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, magnesium, EPA and DHA were determined from 24-hr dietary recalls. Results Women aged 18–44 years who reported infertility had significantly lower intakes of vitamin A, E and K and lutein and zeaxanthin from foods and foods + supplements compared to women without infertility. Lower intakes of selenium (foods only, 96.6 ug/d vs 100 ug/d), vitamin C (foods only, 66.9 mg/d vs. 74.2 mg/d) and calcium (foods + dietary supplements, 941 mg/d vs. 974 mg/d) were also observed in women reporting infertility. Fewer women with infertility met nutrient requirements. For example, 21.5% of women with infertility were below the EAR for vitamin B6 versus 14.6% of women without infertility and over 50% of those with infertility were below the EAR/AI for vitamins A, C, E, and magnesium and potassium. Differences in nutrient intakes by fertility status were particularly pronounced for women aged 35–44 years. Conclusions These findings suggest lower intake of key nutrients among women with infertility, especially those aged 35–44. Future studies are needed to understand the implications of nutrient gaps for conception. Across all age groups, and fertility status, gaps in nutrients that are important for overall health were evident, underscoring the need for public health strategies to address broad dietary improvements.

The Drosophila proventriculus lacks stem cells but compensates for age-related cell loss via endoreplication-mediated cell growth

Abstract The Drosophila proventriculus is a bulb-shaped structure at the juncture of the foregut and the midgut, which plays important roles in ingestion, peritrophic membrane synthesis, and the immune response to oral pathogens. A previous study identified a population of cells in the proventriculus which incorporate bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), a marker of DNA synthesis, and proposed that these cycling cells are multipotent stem cells that replace dying cells elsewhere in the tissue. Here, we re-investigate these cycling cells and find that they do not undergo mitosis, do not generate clonal lineages, and do not proliferate in response to tissue damage, and are therefore not stem cells. Instead, we find that these cells continually endocycle throughout the fly’s life, increasing their ploidy and size, while at the same time cells in this tissue are lost into the gut lumen as the fly ages. Functionally, these cells play a critical role in the synthesis of peritrophic membrane components, and we show that when their endocycling is experimentally increased or decreased, there is a concomitant change in ploidy, tissue size, and peritrophic membrane synthesis. Further, we show that inhibition of endocycling makes flies more susceptible to orally infectious bacteria. Altogether, we show that continual endocycling of these cells is critical for maintaining tissue size and function in the face of cell loss due to aging or tissue damage.

AE-LFOG-YOLO: robust safety helmet detection via adaptive anchors and illumination invariant learning

Illness explanatory models of depression among young people in low-resource settings: A qualitative study in Ghana and Zimbabwe

Background Depression among young people is a global public health issue, particularly common in low-resource settings like Ghana and Zimbabwe. Affecting around 10% of young people, depression often emerges between ages 15 and 24 and remains largely untreated due to stigma, limited resources, and cultural beliefs. This study explored the explanatory models of depression among Ghanaian and Zimbabwean young people, from the perspectives of young people, caregivers, healthcare workers, teachers, and community leaders, including policymakers, traditional and faith-based healers, to inform culturally relevant interventions. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted in Ghana and Zimbabwe. Using purposive sampling, 133 semi-structured interviews and six focus group discussions were conducted with 53 participants, including young people aged 15–24 with lived experience of depression, high school students, caregivers, community leaders, teachers, and healthcare workers. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo 14 software to identify key patterns and themes. Findings Young people’s understanding and help-seeking behaviours reflected both emic and etic influences. Emic aspects included culturally shaped explanatory models shared by families, teachers, peers, and communities, including local idioms of distress and spiritual beliefs. Socio-economic stressors like poverty, family conflict, and academic pressure, though universally experienced, were often interpreted through culturally embedded narratives like spiritual causation, thus reflecting emic framing in participants’ accounts and influencing help-seeking in both countries. Etic aspects were evident in symptom descriptions aligning with behavioural (social withdrawal), emotional (sadness), cognitive (suicidal thoughts), and physical (fatigue) categories. Initial support was often sought from spiritual leaders, peers, and school-based resources. Conclusion This study provides a culturally grounded understanding of how young people in Ghana and Zimbabwe conceptualise depression, shaped by both emic and etic influences. Participants described depression using local idioms and spiritual explanations, while also recognising biomedical symptoms and socio-economic stressors. These findings underscore the need for interventions that integrate traditional beliefs with evidence-based approaches. Implementing multi-stakeholder approaches that engage families, schools, and spiritual leaders may be critical in reducing stigma, improving care access, and enhancing depression outcomes for young people.

Negative electrode degradation induced by two-stage zinc plating and its recovery in zinc batteries

An economic, environmental and energy study of six innovative roofing solutions through life cycle assessment methodology

Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality and exercise on clinical, clinimetric and biomarker variables in rotator cuff-related shoulder pain patients: A study protocol for a multicentre randomized clinical trial (IVR- RCRSP-Rehab)

Introduction Shoulder pain is a common reason for physiotherapy consultations, and the high prevalence of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) calls for novel approaches. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) offers an innovative treatment option to reduce pain, improve mobility and function in RCRSP. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of combining IVR with standard treatment versus standard treatment alone on clinical variables, clinimetric measures, and biomarkers in individuals with chronic RCRSP. Materials and methods A single-blind, multicentre randomized clinical trial will be conducted. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the control group will undergo a three-month exercise program, while the intervention group will receive an IVR program for the first month, followed by the same exercise program for the control group during second and third months. Clinical, clinimetric, and biomarker variables will be assessed at baseline and at follow-ups at 1, 2, and 3 months. Results This study will shed light on the effectiveness of the combined program of immersive virtual reality with exercise and exercise program alone in chronic RCRSP patients. Measurements of clinical, clinimetric, and biomarker variables will help to explore how these interventions may influence this clinical population within a comprehensive perspective. Conclusions This study protocol outlines a novel approach to managing chronic rotator cuff-related shoulder pain by integrating IVR with exercise-based physiotherapy. The results will provide valuable insights into the additive effects of IVR on variables such as pain, function, psychosocial factors and biological markers, potentially informing future rehabilitation strategies and enhancing patient outcomes in musculoskeletal care.

Facet-modulated ferroelectric polymers

Fishing-focused marine conservation planning underestimates losses of other ecosystem benefits to local communities

Interdisciplinary collaborative teaching in vascular surgery training: A randomized trial of radiologist-surgeon partnership in China

This randomized controlled trial evaluates an innovative interdisciplinary teaching model co-led by radiologists and vascular surgeons within China’s standardized residency training program. Forty trainees were randomized into two groups: one receiving collaborative teaching, which included joint lectures, radiologist-attended ward rounds, and interdisciplinary case conferences; and the other undergoing traditional vascular single-discipline training. The experimental group exhibited superior performance in CT interpretation accuracy (92.0% vs. 71.0%, P < 0.01), diagnostic accuracy (87.0% vs. 67.0%, P < 0.01), treatment plan rationality (mean 4.40 ± 0.75 vs. 3.65 ± 0.88, P < 0.01), and communication skills (median 43.00 vs. 33.00, P < 0.0001). These findings validate that structured interdisciplinary collaboration effectively bridges the gap between radiology and clinical practice, suggesting a paradigm shift in vascular surgical education.

Mobility-driven synthetic contact matrices as a scalable solution for real-time pandemic response modeling

Abstract Accurately capturing time-varying human behavior remains a major challenge for real-time epidemic modeling and response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, synthetic contact matrices derived from mobility and behavioral data emerged as a scalable alternative to empirical contact surveys, yet their comparative performance remained unclear. Here, we systematically evaluate synthetic and empirical age-stratified contact matrices in France from March 2020 to May 2022, comparing contact patterns and their ability to reproduce observed epidemic dynamics. While both sources captured similar temporal trends in contacts, empirical matrices recorded 3.4 times more contacts for individuals under 19 than synthetic matrices during school-open periods. The model parameterized with synthetic matrices provided the best fit to hospital admissions and best captured hospitalization patterns for adolescents, adults, and seniors, whereas deviations remained for children across both models. Neither matrix allowed models to fully reproduce serological trends in children, highlighting the challenges both approaches face in capturing their disease-relevant contacts. The weekly update of synthetic matrices enabled smoother reconstructions of hospitalization trends during transitional phases, while empirical matrices required strong assumptions between survey waves. These findings support synthetic matrices as a reliable, flexible, cost-effective operational tool for real-time epidemic modeling, and highlight the need for routine collection of age-stratified mobility data to improve pandemic response.