Browse Articles

Structural basis and regulation of GSDME pore formation

Changes in infant head shape: Developmental trends during the first year of life and secular changes observed in recent years

The cephalic index (CI), defined as the percentage of head width to length, has been used in multiple studies. However, CI only provides 2D information, and comprehensive methods to assess the 3D cranial shape are yet to be established. Currently the typical pattern of changes in the head shape in healthy infants remains to be determined. There are only a few studies that followed the changes during the first year of life at frequent intervals or investigated differences between the subpopulations. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify the morphological changes in the head that occur during the first year of life in healthy Japanese infants and capture differences in relation to background characteristics including age and birth year. We used 1,980 records of measurement data including over the head distances from the left tragion to the right tragion and from the glabella to the occipital protuberance, and head circumference. Complete data across three measurements were available for 909 records. From these measurements, head length, width, and height were estimated to determine CI, volume and a head roundness measure, Globularity Index (GI), by ellipsoid approximation. During the first year, the estimated marginal mean of CI reached the highest level 100.57 (95% CI [97.64, 103.50]) at 6 months (Cohen’s d : 0.88–1.07, p  < 0.001), displaying front-to-back flattening before declining to 90.12 (95% CI [85.22, 95.02]) at 12 months following the effect of age, controlling for sex and birth year. We also observed secular changes during the period from 2010 to 2019, with recent birth years presenting more elongated head shape at 3 months of age. These indicated that distinct morphological changes in the head which may result from different growth rates in specific regions occur and secular changes can be observed during the early periods of infancy.

Study on the adaptability and stability of MICP improved vegetation slope protection

Embryonic zeolite-mediated suture synthesis of thin and scalable zeolite membranes for tailored gas separation

Burden, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of pediatric malaria in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Background Nigeria ranks number one globally in malaria burden, with the exact burden, especially for hospitalization, unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis will pool laboratory-confirmed pediatric malaria data across Nigeria using standardized World Health Organization (WHO) case definitions and random-effects modeling to generate precise national and subgroup-specific estimates of prevalence, associated factors, and outcomes, thereby addressing a critical evidence gap. Methods and analysis A comprehensive search strategy using MeSH terms, text words, and entry terms will be applied across six databases: PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligible studies will be observational and interventional studies, without language restriction, from inception through June 30, 2025. Non-English studies will be translated using professional translation tools [Google Translate (academic mode) and Microsoft Translator] and verified by native speakers. The primary outcome is the pooled prevalence of pediatric malaria [overall, severe malaria vs. uncomplicated]. Secondary outcomes include factors influencing clinical presentation and outcomes, as well as the effects of moderators such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Data extraction will capture study characteristics, participant demographics, and outcome measures. Methodological, clinical, and statistical heterogeneity will be assessed. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for observational studies, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) for interventional studies. Publication bias will be examined using funnel plots and Egger’s regression. Pooled estimates will be reported with 95% confidence intervals. This will summarize the data on pediatric malaria in Nigeria. Using the random-effects models, the pooled prevalence, along with the 95% CI and the I 2 for the test of heterogeneity, will be reported. We will report the meta-regression analysis of factors influencing pediatric malaria in Nigeria. Conclusions This study will provide robust data on pediatric malaria and associated factors in Nigeria. The findings from this study will inform the country’s policy and public health approach as the nation strives to eliminate malaria in line with the WHO’s goals. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD420251163322.

Assessment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dodecin scaffold as a multimerization platform on the immunogenicity of HPV L2 antigens

Abstract Human papillomavirus infection, the primary cause of cervical cancer (the fourth most common cancer in women), is preventable through prophylactic HPV vaccines. As an alternative to current HPV vaccines, all based on a cocktail of L1 virus-like particles (VLPs) from multiple HPV types, the L2 capsid protein offers cross-protection via a conserved epitope residing at the N-terminus between residues 20–38. The Trx-L2 (20−38) -8mer (Trx-8mer) is an L2-based antigen composed of a polytope of L2 (20−38) epitopes from eight HPV types inserted into thioredoxin from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus as a scaffold. We designed multivalent nanoparticle forms of Trx-8mer by using a dodecin protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mtDod) assembling into dodecameric nanoparticles as a multimerization platform. Here, we explored two approaches to form dodecameric Trx-8mer nanoparticles: (i) direct fusion of the Trx-8mer to mtDod at the DNA level and (ii) decoration of mtDod nanoparticles after assembly with the Trx-8mer via the protein glue DogTag/DogCatcher. The reaction between Tag and Catcher results in isopeptide bond formation; thus, the covalent decoration of mtDod particles with the cargo (Trx-8mer) occurs. Despite the formation of nanoparticles by direct genetic fusion, this approach did not offer superior immunogenicity compared with the reference antigen, a heptameric form of the Trx-8mer. However, we showed that the decoration of assembled DogTag-mtDod nanoparticles with the cargo yielded the final antigen with a significant increase in immunogenicity with the induction of high neutralizing and cross-neutralizing antibody titers upon injection to BALB/c mice. We think that the lower immunogenicity observed with the direct genetic fusion of Trx-8mer to mtDod may be attributed to structural constraints affecting the accessibility of L2 epitopes to B cell receptors. Taken together, our final antigen obtained by decoration of DogTag-mtDod with DogCatcher-Trx-8mer holds potential as a multivalent L2-based antigen candidate for next-generation prophylactic HPV vaccines.

Shear properties and stable wrinkle resistance in 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene monolayers

Mechanisms of action of bile acids in pediatric gastroesophageal reflux: Exploration through non-targeted and targeted metabolomics methods

Purpose To investigate the pathogenesis of pediatric bile reflux gastritis (BRG) using non-targeted and targeted metabolomics analyses of the changes and content differences of bile acids (BAs) in gastric juice. Methods Data from 25 pediatric BRG patients treated at Jinhua Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between May 2022 and August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-five patients with gastritis without bile reflux and 25 healthy controls were selected for the comparison of total bile acids (TBA) levels of gastric juice and peripheral blood and the identification of differential metabolites. The correlations of gastric juice and peripheral blood TBA levels with the clinical characteristics of the pediatric BRG patients were analyzed. ROC curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of TBA in identifying BRG, as indicated by the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. Results Identification and quantitative metabolomics Studies have identified the top 10 differential metabolites in gastric juice between the BRG and healthy control groups, which include fatty acids, phospholipids, 23-carbon compounds, amines, vitamins, steroids, peptide hormones, monosaccharides, polyketides, and non-ribosomal peptides. This indicated that glycerophospholipid metabolism, prodigiosin biosynthesis, lysine degradation, glycerolipid metabolism, and primary BA biosynthesis were the most relevant pathways. Differential metabolites were primarily concentrated in the T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation pathway (P < 0.05, effect value>0.1). Conclusion The metabolites and metabolic pathways identified in different groups will aid in elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms underlying pediatric BRG. Gastric juice and peripheral blood TBA levels showed a trend of aberrant expression in pediatric BRG patients, potentially guiding clinical diagnosis.

Adaptable, quantitative CRISPR/Cas12a-based assay for cytomegalovirus DNA in infant saliva

Templated perpendicular ferroelectricity in textured Aurivillius oxide-based thin films

Socioeconomic, physical and mental health impacts of climate change among informal outdoor workers in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol

The informal economy plays a critical role in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet informal outdoor workers are disproportionately exposed to climate-related hazards. Existing reviews often merge formal and informal workers, limiting insight into the distinct vulnerabilities and outcomes experienced in informal outdoor work. This proposed scoping review seeks to synthesise evidence on the socioeconomic, physical, and mental health impacts and coping strategies of climate change among informal outdoor workers in SSA. We will search Medline, Global Health, Embase, Scopus, Lens, PsycINFO, Business Source Complete, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Africa Index Medicus, alongside grey literature searching and citation tracking. We will include primary studies published in English (2015–2025) reporting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method findings. Screening and extraction will be conducted in duplicate, with discrepancies resolved by team members. Findings will be reported following PRISMA-ScR and synthesised narratively and thematically. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and webinars.

Comparative study of ACO, dijkstra, and NN for routing efficiency in waste collection networks

Astronomical calibration of the middle Cambrian in Baltica: global carbon cycle synchronization and climate dynamics

Abstract The Alum Shale Formation of Baltica preserves one of the most continuous and fossil-rich records for the Cambrian Period. Thus, the Alum Shale is a key sedimentary archive for refining global chronostratigraphy, reconstructing carbon cycle perturbations, and assessing astronomical forcing of high-latitude systems during an early Palaeozoic greenhouse world. Here we present a high-resolution cyclostratigraphic and multiproxy study of the middle Cambrian succession from the Albjära-1 drill core (southern Sweden), anchored by a high-precision U–Pb age. Integration of our astronomical time scale with carbon isotope data and refined biostratigraphy places the Albjära-1 core as a global reference record. This framework provides numerically constrained ages and durations for the Drumian Carbon Isotope Excursion (DICE), enabling worldwide synchronization of biostratigraphy and carbon cycle events. Coupled elemental geochemistry and time calibration reveal that obliquity- and orbital eccentricity-driven climate oscillations modulated sea-level and dust fluxes, highlighting the sensitivity of Earth’s early Paleozoic greenhouse systems to astronomical forcing.

Validating the AIM–N: An AI-motivation and needs scale with multi-group invariance and MIMIC-DIF evidence in higher education

The rapid adoption of generative AI in higher education raises critical questions about its impact on student motivation and basic psychological needs. This study introduces and validates the AI-Motivation and Needs (AIM-N) scale, a new instrument assessing how AI integration influences students’ motivational orientations and need satisfaction in learning. Survey data were collected from N = 904 university students. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a multi-factor structure for the AIM-N, comprising two subscales of AI-related redundancy beliefs (task-level and motivational-level) and three subscales of AI-related motivational orientations (intrinsic, identified, controlled), with acceptable model fit (CFI ≈ 0.96, TLI ≈ 0.95, RMSEA ≈ 0.05) and strong factor loadings. Internal consistency was good for most subscales (Cronbach’s α = 0.70–0.90; McDonald’s ω in similar range), except a single-item amotivation indicator. Multi-group CFA indicated that the AIM-N achieved configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender, study level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), academic field, and frequency of AI use (ΔCFI < 0.01), after minor modifications for the AI-use groups. A MIMIC model (Multiple Indicators, Multiple Causes) revealed that higher AI tool usage was associated with stronger beliefs that AI renders learning tasks redundant and slightly more controlled motivation (β ≈ 0.30 and 0.21, p <.001), while gender showed no significant effects. Field of study had significant impacts: STEM students reported higher redundancy beliefs and controlled motivation than humanities students (p <.01). The MIMIC analysis also identified differential item functioning (DIF) for certain items; for example, students in competitive fields endorsed the “pressure to use AI” item more than expected from their latent trait levels. These results demonstrate that the AIM-N is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the nuanced ways AI influences student motivation and needs. The discussion addresses theoretical implications for Self-Determination Theory in the age of AI, practical implications for educators, and recommendations for future research on sustaining meaningful student engagement when AI tools are pervasive.

Gaze perception under vertical asymmetries in illumination

Cellulose-based sensors for decentralized monitoring in precision agriculture

Abstract Modern agriculture requires rapid, affordable tools to monitor crops and soils directly in the field. Cellulose, the structural polymer of plants, is emerging as a versatile foundation for lightweight, biodegradable sensors that measure nutrients, moisture, stress, and disease without laboratory infrastructure. Spanning simple paper assays to flexible wearables, these platforms enable distributed, real-time insight into plant and soil health. As materials engineering converges with digital connectivity, cellulose-based sensors could accelerate the transition toward more data-driven, adaptive, and sustainable agricultural systems.

Chabazite-supported ZnO and CeO2 nanoparticles with structural stability and enhanced antibacterial action

Chabazite (CHA) was synthesized by the hydrothermal fusion method, and zinc oxide/cerium oxide nanoparticles (ZnO/CeO 2 -NPs) supported on CHA were subsequently synthesized by the sol-gel method. The incorporation of the ZnO/CeO 2 -NPs (up to 25 wt.%) on structural, morphological and optical properties has been studied, and the applications of the materials in antibacterial studies have also been evaluated. XRD analysis confirmed the preservation of the zeolitic structure with progressive reduction of relative crystallinity. FTIR results showed that the CHA framework bands were preserved, although with evidence of surface interaction with the metallic phases. SEM and TEM images revealed a progressive coverage of the support with well-dispersed ZnO/CeO 2 spherical NPs with average particle sizes between 8 and 9 nm, and EDX confirmed the homogeneous incorporation of ZnO/CeO 2 -NPs. UV-vis showed a shift of the absorption edge towards the visible range, attributed to Ce doping and modification of the electronic structure. BET analysis indicated an initial decrease in surface area due to pore blocking, followed by a recovery in samples with higher ZnO/CeO 2 -NPs loading, associated with a surface redistribution of the ZnO/CeO 2 -NPs and increased textural accessibility. Antimicrobial assays against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) , Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) showed concentration-dependent inhibition, being the gram-negative strains more sensitive. The synergistic antimicrobial effect was related to adsorption, generation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) and release of Zn 2+ . These multifunctional materials are promising for biomedical applications.

Clinical efficacy of Chaipu Decoction combined with Seretide in the treatment of bronchial asthma and its impact on TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+

Impact of solvent forces and broken symmetry on the assembly of designed proteins at a liquid-solid interface

Abstract The era of protein design has enabled the creation of hybrid protein-inorganic interfaces, leading to both surface-directed self-assembly of de novo protein architectures and protein-directed formation of inorganic materials. However, the resulting patterns of protein assembly are often unexpected, implying that essential interactions are not accounted for in current design platforms. Here, we use high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyzed through machine learning to follow the assembly of protein nanorods in aqueous electrolytes on two types of mica exhibiting disparate symmetry elements, which are imprinted on the overlying hydration structure. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we reproduce the observed phases and show that an observed smectic phase, previously thought to be unstable for non-interacting rods in two dimensions, emerges when crystal symmetry introduces a directional bias. The findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating solvent forces as modulated by the hydration structure inherent to interfacial systems when designing protein assemblies at liquid-crystal interfaces. Coupling physics-based simulations that can account for these factors to de novo protein design algorithms can lead to improved design platforms for bio-inspired, hybrid materials.

Comparative analysis of stress markers, metabolic health, and gut microbiota in healthy and disabled dogs in long-term shelters in Thailand

Regular welfare assessments are essential for identifying and addressing the physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of shelter dogs, thereby ensuring their well-being and improving chances for adoption or long-term stability within the shelter environment. This study compared biomarkers of physiological stress [fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM)], metabolic status [serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose, triglycerides, low- (LDL) and high- (HDL) density lipoproteins], and fecal microbiota composition over a 1-month period in healthy and spinal-injured disabled dogs housed in a large dog rescue shelter in Thailand for over 1 year. No significant differences in fGCM concentrations were observed between groups, indicating comparable levels of physiological stress in healthy and disabled dogs under long-term shelter conditions. In contrast, disabled dogs exhibited significant metabolic and oxidative alterations, including elevated MDA and glucose, along with lower triglyceride and HDL concentrations. Microbial analyses revealed comparable alpha diversity but differences in beta diversity between groups. Notably, disabled dogs exhibited a reduced Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and decreased relative abundances of beneficial taxa such as Peptostreptococcaceae . These findings suggest that, despite comparable hormonal stress indicators, disabled dogs may experience subclinical physiological shifts that warrant more nuanced welfare monitoring. A multifactorial assessment incorporating metabolic and microbial parameters is recommended to ensure comprehensive welfare evaluation for physically impaired shelter dogs.