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Affinity maturation endows potent activity onto class 6 SARS-CoV-2 broadly neutralizing antibodies

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) has greatly diminished the neutralizing activity of previously FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including that of antibody cocktails and of first-generation broadly neutralizing antibodies such as S309 (Sotrovimab). In contrast, antibodies targeting cryptic conformational epitopes of the receptor binding domain (RBD) have demonstrated broad activity against emerging variants, but exert only moderate neutralizing activity, which has so far hindered clinical development. Here, we utilize in vitro display technology to identify and affinity-mature antibodies targeting the cryptic class 6 epitope, accessible only in the “up” conformation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer. Increasing antibody affinity into the low picomolar range endowed potent neutralization of VOCs and protection of hACE2 mice from viral challenge. Cryoelectron microscopy and crystal structures of two affinity-matured antibodies (4C12-B12 and 4G1-C2) in complex with RBD highlighted binding modes and epitopes distal from mutational hotspots commonly overserved in VOCs, providing direct structural insights into the observed mutational resistance. Moreover, we further demonstrate that antibodies targeting the class 6 epitope, rather than being an artifact of in vitro selection, are common in the IgG1 + memory B cell repertoire of convalescent patients and can be induced in human antibody V-gene transgenic mice through immunization. Our results highlight the importance of very high (picomolar) affinity in the development of neutralizing antibodies and vaccines and suggest an affinity threshold in the provision of broad and long-lasting immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

Association between self-reported and proxy informant Health Quality of life of older adults with the use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes. A cross-sectional study

Introduction Antipsychotic prescriptions are frequent in nursing homes due to the challenging management of symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. This study aimed to assess the association between Health-related Quality Of Life (HrQOL) and antipsychotic use in nursing homes. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of the KASEHPAD (Karukera Study of Ageing in Nursing Homes) study conducted in six nursing homes in Guadeloupe and Martinique (French West Indies). The EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) was used to measure HRQoL. Clinical characteristics and use of antipsychotic drugs of 194 older adults with both self-reported and proxy informant HrQOL index were extracted. Other outcomes measures included the frequency and severity of delusions, hallucinations and agitation using the reduced Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home (NPI-R) score, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Results The mean age of participants was 81.3 years and 63.6% had major cognitive impairment (MMSE score ≤18). The prevalence of delusions (39.7%), hallucinations (27.8%) and agitation (40.7%) was high. Antipsychotic medication was prescribed to 37.1% of the participants. The self-reported HrQOL Index of older adults was higher than the proxy HrQOL Index (0.54 ± 0.43 versus 0.40 ± 0.43) with a correlation coefficient of 0.63 (p<0.001). The use of antipsychotic medication was associated with a higher self-reported HrQOL index, after controlling for the frequency (β = 0.144, p = 0.024) or severity (β = 0.159, p = 0.009) of delusions, hallucinations and agitation symptoms. Conversely, antipsychotic use was not associated with proxy HrQOL Index. Conclusion Despite the adverse effects of long-term use of antipsychotic drugs in older adults, it is associated with better-perceived HrQOL among nursing home residents. However, this association was not observed when HrQOL was assessed by proxy informants. This finding may explain the challenges in reducing the use of this therapeutic class in nursing homes.

Effect of short inter-pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcomes among pregnant women in SSA 2023: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background After a live birth, the recommended interval before attempting the next pregnancy is at least 24 months (birth to pregnancy interval) in order to reduce the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes. Short inter pregnancy interval associated with adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. Objective The objective of this review was to determine the effect of short inter pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa 2023. Methods A systematic and a comprehensive literature searching mechanism were used without any restriction, through Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Grey literature databases for reporting the effect of short inter pregnancy interval. The JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction, and data synthesis was used for this review. All statistical analyses were done using STATA version17 software for windows, and meta-analysis was used with a random-effects method. The results are presented using texts, tables and forest plots with measures of effect and 95% confidence interval. Results Thirteen studies were included in this review and most of the studies level of heterogeneity across the study was considerable, mainly due to methodological variations, Statistical heterogeneity, and population and intervention variations of included studies. The effect of short inter pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcome were low birth weight(RR (RR (95% CI) 1.98 (1.48, 2.47); I2:62.97%, preterm birth (RR (95% CI) 1.67 (1.31, 2.03); I2:51%, intra uterine growth retardation(RR (95% CI) 3.78 (2.07, 5.49); I2: 8.52%, low APGAR score(RR (95% CI) 3.49 (1.41, 5.57)); I2: 71.11%, premature rapture of membrane(RR (95% CI) 2.87 (1.22, 4.51)); I2: 49.22%, perinatal mortality(RR (95% CI) 2.95 (1.10, 4.81)); I2: 54.37% and maternal anemia(RR (95% CI) 3.06 (2.12, 3.99)); I2: 74.74%. Conclusions As per our review the main effect of short inter pregnancy interval is low birth weight, preterm birth, intra uterine growth retardation, low APGAR score, premature rapture of membrane, perinatal mortality and maternal anemia. This might be very useful for healthcare policymakers and NGOs to emphasize on it.

Correction: The relationship between fear of COVID-19 and food choice motives in the Iranian population

Aberrant neuronal hyperactivation causes an age-dependent behavioral decline in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>

Age-dependent sensory impairment, memory loss, and cognitive decline are generally attributed to neuron loss, synaptic dysfunction, and decreased neuronal activities over time. Concurrently, increased neuronal activity is reported in humans and other organisms during aging. However, it is unclear whether neuronal hyperactivity is the cause of cognitive impairment or a compensatory mechanism of circuit dysfunction. The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits age-dependent declines in an associative learning behavior called thermotaxis, in which its temperature preference on a thermal gradient is contingent on food availability during its cultivation. Cell ablation and calcium imaging demonstrate that the major thermosensory circuit consisting of AFD thermosensory neuron and AIY interneuron is relatively intact in aged animals. On the other hand, ablation of either AWC sensory neurons or AIA interneurons ameliorates the age-dependent thermotaxis decline. Both neurons showed spontaneous and stochastic hyperactivity in aged animals, enhanced by reciprocal communication between AWC and AIA via neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Our findings suggest that AWC and AIA hyperactivity mediates thermotaxis decline in aged animals. Furthermore, dietary modulation could ameliorate age-dependent thermotaxis decline by suppressing neuronal hyperactivity. We propose that aberrantly enhanced, not diminished, neuronal activities can impair the behavior of aged animals.

The Bimanual Observation of The Hands (BOTH): Development, reliability, and validity for stroke rehabilitation

Importance To efficiently perform bimanual daily tasks, bimanual coordination is needed. Bimanual coordination is the interaction between an individual’s hands, which may be impaired post-stroke, however clinical and functional assessments are lacking and research is limited. Objectives To develop a valid and reliable observation tool to assess bimanual coordination of individuals post-stroke. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting Rehabilitation settings. Participants Occupational therapists (OTs) with stroke rehabilitation experience and individuals post stroke. Outcomes and measures The development and content validity of BOTH included a literature review, review of existing tools and followed a 10-step process. The conceptual and operational definitions of bimanual coordination were defined as well as scoring criteria. Then multiple rounds of feedback from expert OTs were performed. OTs reviewed BOTH using the ‘Template for assessing content validity through expert judgement’ questionnaire. Then, BOTH was administered to 51 participants post-stroke. Cronbach’s alpha was used to verify internal reliability of BOTH and construct validity of BOTH was assessed by correlating it to the bimanual subtests of The Purdue Pegboard Test. Results Expert validity was established in two-rounds with 11 OTs. Cronbach’s alpha was α = 0.923 for the asymmetrical items, 0.897 for the symmetrical items and 0.949 for all eight items. The item-total correlations of BOTH were also strong and significant. The total score of BOTH was strongly significantly correlated with The Purdue–Both hands placement (r = .787, p &lt; .001) and Assembly (r = .730, p &lt; .001) subtests. Conclusions and relevance BOTH is a new observation tool to assess bimanual coordination post-stroke. Expert validity of BOTH was established, excellent internal reliability and construct validity were demonstrated. Further research is needed, so in the future, BOTH can be used for clinical and research purposes to address bimanual coordination post-stroke.

Molecular basis of hemoglobin binding and heme removal in <i>Corynebacterium diphtheriae</i>

To successfully mount infections, nearly all bacterial pathogens must acquire iron, a key metal cofactor that primarily resides within human hemoglobin. Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes the life-threatening respiratory disease diphtheria and captures hemoglobin for iron scavenging using the surface-displayed receptor HbpA. Here, we show using X-ray crystallography, NMR, and in situ binding measurements that C. diphtheriae selectively captures iron-loaded hemoglobin by partially ensconcing the heme molecules of its α subunits. Quantitative growth and heme release measurements are compatible with C. diphtheriae acquiring heme passively released from hemoglobin’s β subunits. We propose a model in which HbpA and heme-binding receptors collectively function on the C. diphtheriae surface to capture hemoglobin and its spontaneously released heme. Acquisition mechanisms that exploit the propensity of hemoglobin’s β subunit to release heme likely represent a common strategy used by bacterial pathogens to obtain iron during infections.

Anomaly detection in virtual machine logs against irrelevant attribute interference

Virtual machine logs are generated in large quantities. Virtual machine logs may contain some abnormal logs that indicate security risks or system failures of the virtual machine platform. Therefore, using unsupervised anomaly detection methods to identify abnormal logs is a meaningful task. However, collecting accurate anomaly logs in the real world is often challenging, and there is inherent noise in the log information. Parsing logs and anomaly alerts can be time-consuming, making it important to improve their effectiveness and accuracy. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a method called LADSVM(Long Short-Term Memory + Autoencoder-Decoder + SVM). Firstly, the log parsing algorithm is used to parse the logs. Then, the feature extraction algorithm, which combines Long Short-Term Memory and Autoencoder-Decoder, is applied to extract features. Autoencoder-Decoder reduces the dimensionality of the data by mapping the high-dimensional input to a low-dimensional latent space. This helps eliminate redundant information and noise, extract key features, and increase robustness. Finally, the Support Vector Machine is utilized to detect different feature vector signals. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to traditional methods, this approach is capable of learning better features without any prior knowledge, while also exhibiting superior noise robustness and performance. The LADSVM approach excels at detecting anomalies in virtual machine logs characterized by strong sequential patterns and noise. However, its performance may vary when applied to disordered log data. This highlights the necessity of carefully selecting detection methods that align with the specific characteristics of different log data types.

Tsg101 mimicry of canonical E2 enzymes underlies its role in ubiquitin signaling

Tsg101 is a highly conserved protein best known as an early-functioning component of cellular ESCRT machinery participating in recognition, sorting, and trafficking of cellular cargo to various intracellular destinations. It shares sequence and structural homology to canonical ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) enzymes and is linked to diverse events regulated by Ub signaling. How it might fulfill these roles is unclear. Here, we show that Tsg101 E2 mimicry permits interactions with diverse ubiquitin ligating (E3) enzymes and underlies its multifunctional capabilities. Coexpression of Tsg101 with the E3 ligase NNedd4-2s protected the enzyme from degradation and, remarkably, other widely divergent ligases as well. Structural alignment with UbcH5, a canonical E2 enzyme, revealed that recognition at the E2-E3 interface, a region broadly conserved despite sequence and structural differences in both E2 and E3 enzymes, was critical for protection. Nevertheless, UbcH5 failed to protect NNedd4-2s, indicating that the UEV chaperone function is unique to the variant. Studies using Cy5-Ub-VME showed that Tsg101-mediated protection reduced accessibility to Cys residues in the ligase. Access to Tsg101 Ub-binding sites was critical: Rabeprazole, which interferes with Tsg101 Ub-binding, diminished E3 ligase protection. Thus, E2 mimicry permitting control of E3 ligase ubiquitin signaling underlies Tsg101’s broad ability to participate in multiple cellular functions. The study provides mechanistic insight into how Tsg101, by partnering with diverse E3 ligases, can contribute to a broad range of cellular activities.

Designing a prototype trauma registry framework for a tertiary health institution in a low- and middle-income country: A qualitative study

Introduction Low- and middle-income countries experience high injury-related mortality rates, with road traffic crashes being a significant contributor in Nigeria. Data from trauma registries are crucial for designing and advocating for trauma intervention programmes. However, there is limited research to inform the development of trauma registries in a Nigerian setting. The aim of this study was to design a feasible prototype trauma registry (TR) including, scope of activities and registry components for University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with eight purposively selected trauma registry stakeholders in UCH to obtain context-specific information for a prototype registry. An expert meeting was conducted with four purposively selected experts within the hospital to assess and validate the suitability of the prototype TR scope and TR components, confirming their applicability and potential efficacy in UCH. Information obtained from the interviews and expert meeting were analysed deductively using thematic analysis. Results Stakeholders identified the most feasible scope for the trauma registry (TR) as daily data collection on all trauma patients from their initial presentation to discharge or death. This data would be gathered primarily at two critical points: the accident/emergency department and the wards where trauma patients are admitted. Stakeholders believed that comprehensive information about trauma patients could be achieved through these collection points. Following this scope, the analysis led to the identification of 21 essential components and activities for the TR, which were then organised into six categories: registry personnel, computers and other materials, trainings, technology infrastructure, administrative services, and monitoring and evaluation. Conclusion The scope and components identified are relevant to our context and have the potential to contribute to trauma prevention programmes, improve patient care and outcomes, and contribute to trauma-related policies and programmes if successfully implemented.

Trojan horse peptide conjugates remodel the activity spectrum of clinical antibiotics

Infections caused by gram-negative pathogens continue to be a major risk to human health because of the innate antibiotic resistance endowed by their unique cell membrane architecture. Nature has developed an elegant solution to target gram-negative strains, namely by conjugating toxic antibiotic warheads to a suitable carrier to facilitate the active import of the drug to a specific target organism. Microcin C7 (McC) is a Trojan horse peptide–conjugated antibiotic that specifically targets enterobacteria by exploiting active import through oligopeptide transport systems. Here, we characterize the molecular mechanism of McC recognition by YejA, the solute binding protein of the Escherichia coli oligopeptide transporter. Structure-guided mutational and functional analysis elucidates the determinants of substrate recognition. We demonstrate that the peptide carrier can serve as a passport for the entry of molecules that are otherwise not taken into E. coli cells. We show that peptide conjugation can remodel the antibiotic spectrum of clinically relevant parent compounds. Bioinformatics analysis reveals a broad distribution of YejA-like transporters in only the Proteobacteria, underscoring the potential for the development of Trojan horse antibiotics that are actively imported into such gram-negative bacteria.

A study of the impact of urban business credit environment on environmental pollution

Environmental pollution has become a global concern, so it is critical to find out the elements that influence it. Is the urban business credit environment influencing urban environmental conditions? The study takes the entropy method for calculating the environmental pollution index of 276 prefecture-level cities across China from 2010 to 2021, the CE1 index to describe the urban business credit environment, and a spatial Durbin model to empirically analyze the mechanism and transmission path of the urban business credit environment on environmental pollution. The findings demonstrate that: (1) there is an important positive spatial association between China’s urban pollution index and urban business credit index, and that the level of spatial clustering of the two is increasing over time. (2) the urban business credit environment and environmental pollution have an inverted "U" shape relationship and a significant spatial spillover effect, which means that once a certain threshold is reached, improving the urban business credit environment reduces environmental pollution in local and neighboring areas. (3) The influence of the urban business credit environment on environmental deterioration varies by region. The extra heterogeneity test results for the different regions show that the relationship between business credit level and environmental pollution is consistent with the overall situation in the eastern and western regions, the opposite effect was observed in the central region. (4) Changes in the urban business credit environment have an indirect impact on environmental conditions due to the amount of regional financial development and technological innovation potential. To reduce pollution in the region, prefectural-level cities must strengthen the construction of urban business credit systems, strive to create a favorable business credit environment, strengthen the spatial spillover effect, and guide the resource elements of business credit planning to flow into the central and western parts of China reasonably. The study’s findings have significant practical implications for modifying the government’s development strategy and improving the urban environment.

Dynamic binding of the bacterial chaperone Trigger factor to translating ribosomes in <i>Escherichia coli</i>

The bacterial chaperone Trigger factor (TF) binds to ribosome-nascent chain complexes (RNCs) and cotranslationally aids the folding of proteins in bacteria. Decades of studies have given a broad, but often conflicting, description of the substrate specificity of TF, its RNC-binding dynamics, and competition with other RNC-binding factors, such as the Signal Recognition Particle (SRP). Previous RNC-binding kinetics experiments were commonly conducted on stalled RNCs in reconstituted systems, and consequently, may not be representative of the interaction of TF with ribosomes translating mRNA in the cytoplasm of the cell. Here, we used single-particle tracking (SPT) to measure TF binding to actively translating ribosomes inside living Escherichia coli . In cells, TF displays distinct binding modes—longer (ca 1 s) and shorter (ca 50 ms) RNC bindings. Consequently, we conclude that TF, on average, stays bound to the RNC for only a fraction of the translation cycle. Further, binding events are interrupted only by transient excursions to a freely diffusing state (ca 40 ms), suggesting a highly dynamic binding and unbinding cycle of TF in vivo. We also show that TF competes with SRP for RNC binding, and in doing so, tunes the binding selectivity of SRP.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis among adolescents in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria: Insights and recommendations for effective control

Over the past decade, Anambra State, Nigeria, has implemented mass administration of medicines (MAMs) to combat soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), a significant public health challenge in low-income regions. Nevertheless, these efforts have predominantly focused on pre-school and school-aged children, leaving a notable gap in understanding STH infection rates and the efficacy of these campaigns among secondary school adolescents, who have been excluded from this initiative. Our study aimed to address this critical knowledge gap by assessing soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) prevalence and contextual factors hindering effective control among adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria. We actively engaged 443 adolescents with a mean age of 14 years in a school-based cross-sectional study in selected communities within the Anaocha Local Government Area from 8 February to 7 July 2023 following informed consent and assent procedures. Employing a stratified random sampling technique, we collected demographic data and assessed STH risk factors using a structured questionnaire hosted on the Kobo Toolbox platform. For quantitative analysis of STH infections, the Kato-Katz technique was used. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, incorporating descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05. Of the 443 (213 males (48.0%) and 230 females (52.0%) adolescents studied, the overall prevalence of STH observed was 35.2% (156/443). Ascaris lumbricoides was the prevalent STH species (16.9%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (1.4%) and hookworm (0.5%). Only light-intensity infection was observed. Mixed infections were observed in 16.5% of adolescents, involving A. lumbricoides and hookworm (10.8%), followed by A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (3.2%) and all three STH (2.5%). The observed overall prevalence was not statistically significant with respect to gender (OR: 0.961; 95% CI: 0.651–1.420; p &gt; 0.05) or age (OR: 0.686; 95% CI: 0.459–1.025; p&gt;0.05). Class (grade level) (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.25–2.45, p = 0.003), knowledge and transmission of STH infection (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42–0.86, p = 0.008), parental occupation (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.35–2.67, p &lt; 0.001), parents’ literacy level (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48–0.96, p = 0.027), and the type of toilet (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.54–3.00, p &lt; 0.001) were all significantly correlated with STH infection. These findings highlight the role of adolescents in sustaining soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) transmission. Coupled with school-based deworming expansion, innovative improvements in water, sanitation, hygiene, and awareness can provide a cost-effective, sustainable solution for combatting STH infections in Anambra State.

Multitude of glasses of water

Evidence of avian and human influenza A virus infection in farmed Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Thailand

Crocodilians are susceptible to a range of virus infection including influenza A virus (IAV). However, little is known about the ecology and epidemiology of IAV in crocodile species. This study aimed to investigate IAV infection in farmed Siamese crocodiles in central Thailand. We collected plasma samples and pharyngeal swab samples from Siamese crocodiles residing in 13 crocodile farms in 9 provinces of central Thailand during 2019. Additional archival plasma samples of Siamese crocodiles collected in 2012 and 2018 were also included in the study. Plasma samples were screened for influenza A antibodies by a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay and positive were evaluated by a cytopathic effect/hemagglutination based-microneutralization (MN) assay. Swab samples were tested for influenza viral RNA by a real-time RT-PCR assay targeting the influenza matrix (M) gene. Among 246 tested plasma samples, the overall seroprevalence of antibodies against IAV in farmed Siamese crocodiles was 17.5% (43/246). The most common hemagglutinin (HA) subtype was H2 (46.5%, 20/43) followed by H9 (39.5%, 17/43), human H1 (14%, 6/43) and H1 (7%, 3/43). Multiple HA subtypes were also detected in 7% (3/43) of infected crocodiles with combination of H1 and H2 subtypes. All 126 tested swab samples were negative for influenza viral RNA. In addition, we demonstrated the ability of wild-type IAV subtypes (H1, H2, H9 and human H1) to infect primary Siamese crocodile fibroblast cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report of serological evidences of avian and human IAV infection in Siamese crocodiles. Our findings highlighted the role of crocodile species in the ecology of IAV particularly the potential to serve as the reservoir or mixing vessel for the viruses that significantly threaten both human and animal health.

Deciphering the role of the MALT1–RC3H1 axis in regulating GPX4 protein stability

Ferroptosis, a unique form of iron-dependent cell death triggered by lipid peroxidation accumulation, holds great promise for cancer therapy. Despite the crucial role of GPX4 in regulating ferroptosis, our understanding of GPX4 protein regulation remains limited. Through FACS-based genome-wide CRISPR screening, we identified MALT1 as a regulator of GPX4 protein. Inhibition of MALT1 expression enhances GPX4 ubiquitination-mediated degradation by up-regulating the E3 ubiquitin ligase RC3H1. Using both rescue assays and functional genetic screening, we demonstrate that pharmacologically targeting MALT1 triggers ferroptosis in liver cancer cells. Moreover, we show that targeting MALT1 synergizes with sorafenib or regorafenib to induce ferroptosis across multiple cancer types. These findings elucidate the modulatory effects of the MALT1–RC3H1 axis on GPX4 stability, revealing a molecular mechanism that could be exploited to induce ferroptosis for cancer therapy.

A two-stage hybrid NSGA-III with BWO for path planning and task allocation in agricultural land preparation

Automated large-scale farmland preparation operations face significant challenges related to path planning efficiency and uniformity in resource allocation. To improve agricultural production efficiency and reduce operational costs, an enhanced method for planning land preparation paths is proposed. In the initial stage, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are employed to collect data from the field, which is then used to construct accurate farm models. For single-field operations, a path planning approach is developed that minimizes energy consumption. The approach combines the selection of optimal operational angles with the implementation of efficient turning strategies, aiming to achieve full coverage. In addressing the issue of scheduling multiple machines across multiple fields, a two-stage optimization method, referred to as the BNSGA-III algorithm, is introduced. This algorithm integrates the NSGA-III algorithm with Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO), adaptive parameter adjustment, and Adaptive Inversion Crossover (AIC). The proposed method tackles the inherent complexity of agricultural environments, balancing operational efficiency and resource allocation through multi-objective optimization. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to random operation directions, the proposed method reduces the path length by 1.9% to 3.1%, decreases the turning frequency by 19.5% to 24.0%, and improves coverage by 1.0% to 1.4%. In the context of multi-machine scheduling, the BNSGA-III algorithm outperforms the NSGA-II, NSGA-III, and MOEA/D algorithms, achieving improvements in total travel distance (12.3% to 34.4%), path balance (60.9% to 66.2%), and workload distribution (78.7% to 92.9%). Further evaluation shows that BNSGA-III excels in key metrics such as convergence (IGD), solution quality (HV), and diversity (Spread), thereby confirming its superiority in solution quality, convergence, and diversity. The findings of this study provide strong support for the advancement of intelligent agriculture.

CryoSeek II: Cryo-EM analysis of glycofibrils from freshwater reveals well-structured glycans coating linear tetrapeptide repeats

Despite the recent breakthrough in structure determination and prediction of proteins, the structural investigation of carbohydrates remains a challenge. Here, we report the cryo-EM analysis of a glycofibril found in the freshwater in the Tsinghua Lotus Pond. The fibril, which we name TLP-4, is made of a linear chain of tetrapeptide repeats coated with &gt;4 nm thick glycans. In each repeat, two glycans are O-linked to a 3,4-dihydroxyproline and another glycan attaches to the adjacent Ser or Thr. The fibril structure is entirely maintained through glycan packing. Bioinformatic analysis confirms the conservation of the TLP-4 repeats across species, suggesting the existence of a large number of glycofibrils to be discovered. Our findings not only provide valuable insights into the structural roles of glycans in bio-assemblies but also demonstrate the potential of our recently formulated research strategy of CryoSeek to find bioentities and establish prototypes for structural studies of carbohydrates.

The impact of achievement goals on college students’ English performance—A moderated mediation model

The study investigated the relationship between learning engagement and achievement goals, and English performance among college students. With the increasing popularity of online teaching methods, exploring how different teaching modes (online and classroom teaching) might influence students’ learning outcomes is important. The researcher sought to understand how adopting different achievement goals such as mastery and performance-avoidance approaches could impact English performance and learning engagement. By examining this factor, the study aimed to provide insights into effective teaching strategies and interventions that could enhance students’ academic success in English language learning. The survey included 953 college students assessed using the Achievement Goal Questionnaire and Learning Engagement Scale. Their IELTS English scores were also recorded to study the relationship between learning engagement and achievement goals, and English performance. Additionally, the researcher utilized statistical analysis tools such as SPSS and the PROCESS Marco programme to explore the moderated mediation model and to uncover the complex relationships among the variables in the study. The results revealed that adopting a mastery approach positively influenced English performance, while the performance-avoidance approach negatively influenced English performance. Additionally, learning engagement partially mediated the connection between the mastery approach, performance-avoidance approach, and English performance. Teaching mode influenced the initial phase of the mediating effect between the mastery approach and English performance. More importantly, compared to online teaching, classroom teaching with a focus on mastery approach had a stronger predictive effect on learning engagement. Lastly, there was a moderated mediating effect between English achievement and the mastery approach, whereas the performance-avoidance approach showed a simple mediating effect on English achievement. The findings from this research could potentially inform educators and policymakers on how to optimize teaching practices to promote student engagement and improve English language proficiency.