Browse Articles

Research on the early warning indicator system for red tide disasters in the nearshore sea area in Qinhuangdao

Abstract In order to construct an early warning indicator system for red tide disasters in the nearshore sea area of Haigang District in Qinhuangdao, this study analyzes data collected from online buoy monitoring from April to October 2024, including temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, pH, turbidity, nitrate, and dissolved oxygen (DO) data, along with red tide information from monitoring based on satellite remote sensing. The results indicated that during the monitoring period, red tides occurred 16 times, with a cumulative duration of 55 days and a total affected area of 10,047 km 2 . The typical duration and affected area of a single red tide ranged from 1 to 2 days and 195 to 850 km 2 , respectively. The occurrence of red tides in the nearshore sea area of Haigang District is associated with environmental factors such as chlorophyll-a, nitrate, DO and its range, among others. Taking each environmental factor as an early warning indicator for red tides, both chlorophyll-a and nitrate showed an increasing trend in missing alarm rate (MAR) with the increase in the red tide incidence. The study results showed that red tides in the nearshore sea area of Haigang District present the characteristics of high frequency, long durations, and large average areas from late summer to early autumn (August to October). The DO range and nitrate are reliable early warning factors of red tide occurrence in the sea area.

Optimized wheat seed classification using YOLO with morphological image feature enhancement

Formation tracking control of multiple USVs using ADRC with prescribed performance

MAGUK p55 subfamily member 7 attenuates allergic airway inflammation by modulating lung dendritic cells functions

Abstract Asthma remains the most prevalent chronic respiratory condition affecting pediatric populations, with no curative therapy currently available. Dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal in initiating Th2 polarization during asthmatic responses, though molecular mechanisms governing DC activation remain incompletely elucidated. As a constituent of the membrane palmitoylated protein family, membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) p55 subfamily member 7 (MPP7) has potential therapeutic implications for respiratory disorders, yet its specific involvement in asthma pathogenesis requires further investigation. This study aimed to elucidate MPP7’s protective effects against allergic airway inflammation by analyzing its impact on Th2 immune responses and DC functionality. Clinical data revealed notably reduced MPP7 levels in asthmatic patients’ peripheral blood samples. Experimental models using house-dust-mite (HDM)-exposed mice demonstrated that MPP7 deficiency intensified airway inflammatory responses, with pathological manifestations including amplified leukocyte infiltration, heightened Th2 cytokine production, and elevated serum levels of HDM-specific IgE. Notably, MPP7 caused a marked reduction in pulmonary CD11b + CD103 − DCs populations while inhibiting DC activation via interference with NF-κB pathway signaling. These results collectively suggest that MPP7 exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through dual mechanisms involving both cellular subset modulation and intracellular signaling pathway inhibition in DCs, positioning it as a promising candidate for managing allergic respiratory disorders and associated immune-mediated conditions.

Epitope dynamics and antigenic shifts in dengue virus serotype 2 cosmopolitan genotype with structural changes in Bangladesh from 2017 to 2023

Enhancing groundwater recharge mapping in arid regions with geospatial multi-criteria analysis in the Eastern desert of Egypt

A modified Yoong ultrasound guided injection for hydrodilation of subacromial subdeltoid bursa at the rotator interval for frozen phase of adhesive capsulitis

Temperature-dependent microstructure, ferroelectric, and energy storage performance of sol-gel Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films

In recent years, hafnium–zirconium oxide systems have drawn intensive attention as energy storage capacitors owing to their excellent electrical properties and complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor compatibility. In this work, we fabricated Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films on p-type silicon substrates using a sol-gel method. Through investigating the influence of annealing temperature on the phase structure and energy storage performance, it is found that the structural evolution from orthorhombic/tetragonal phase to the predominant monoclinic phase driven by increasing the annealing temperature will correspondingly induce state-phase transition from ferroelectric to linear-like dielectric accompanied by an enhanced breakdown strength (∼7.94 MV/cm), a large energy density (∼54.8 J/cm3), and a high efficiency (∼81.6%) for Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films annealed at 850 °C. Meanwhile, a good thermal stability (20–200 °C) and superior fatigue endurance (106 cycles) have also been achieved, revealing that regulating the monoclinic-phase fraction in the orthorhombic/tetragonal matrix is effective in improving the energy storage properties.

The impact of different exercise modes on prostate cancer: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

Topological properties of Au-based superconducting A15 compounds: Unveiling Dirac surface states and spin Hall effects

Interest in exploring the topological properties of superconducting compounds is growing, as this can provide valuable insights into the realization of topological superconductivity. In this study, we employed first-principles calculations to explore the topological and superconducting properties of X3Au (X=V,Nb,Ta) A15 compounds. Nb3Au is identified as a non-trivial topological metal with a Dirac-like surface state along its (001) surfaces. Furthermore, we calculated the spin Hall conductivity (SHC) for the non-magnetic compounds Nb3Au and Ta3Au, as well as the anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC) for the ferromagnetic V3Au. Their significant SHC and AHC values highlight their potential for spintronic applications. Furthermore, we show multifold topological phonon band features in these compounds, resulting from their nonsymmorphic symmetries. Finally, our calculation of the Eliashberg function of Nb3Au reveals a strong electron–phonon coupling constant (λ=1.74), primarily driven by Nb-based modes, resulting in a critical temperature for superconductivity of 21.8 K. Taken together, our finding of a distinctive Dirac-like surface state coexisting with strong electron–phonon coupling in Nb3Au suggests that this compound is a candidate for hosting topological superconductivity.

A fine-grained transformer combined with multimodal data for predicting hospital length of stay in acute coronary syndrome

Low-energy ion beam sputtering of polycrystalline diamond

Ion beam milling is a highly versatile and precise technique for the microfabrication of diamond films, enabling controlled material removal at both micrometer and sub-micrometer scales while accommodating complex geometries and surface features. Comprehensive sputtering yield data are essential for process optimization. In this work, we systematically measure the sputter yield of polycrystalline diamond bombarded with N2+, Ne+, Ar+, Kr+, and Xe+ ions over an energy range of 300–900 eV and beam incidence angles of 0°−80°, providing data critical for precision machining applications. Results show that the sputter yield increases with both ion energy and the incidence angle and decreases with increasing ion mass. For N2+ ions, the sputter yield is largely insensitive to ion energy and exceeds values expected for pure physical sputtering. The concurrent formation of volatile C2N2 molecules during N2+ ion bombardment suggests that the process is dominated by chemical sputtering. The absence of a peak in the dependence of the sputter yield on the beam incidence angle expected at oblique incidence angles is attributed to the effects of surface roughness.

Subcellular localization and differential expression provide insights into the putative function of the nematode resistance gene Hs4

Abstract Plant-parasitic nematodes are economically important threats to global crop production. The beet cyst nematode ( Heterodera schachtii ) is a crucial pest in sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris ). While all species of the genus Beta are highly susceptible, the three species of the beet wild relative genus Patellifolia are entirely resistant. Recently, we cloned the Hs4 gene from P. procumbens, which confers complete resistance. In this study, we aimed to determine whether putative Hs4 orthologs exist in Beta and Patellifolia species. The Hs4 gene consisted of 4999 bp, with six exons and five introns. Patellifolia species contain highly similar Hs4 homologs. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions/deletions between accessions and species could be detected. We found an exonic integration of three bases, resulting in the addition of one amino acid. Interestingly, this variant was present in single accessions of all three Patellifolia species. Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris contains an Hs4 homolog ( BvHs4 ) with 60 % protein identity to Hs4. BvHs4 homologs were present in all Beta species analyzed. Further, we examined the expression patterns of Hs4 and BvHs4 homologs. While Hs4 homologs from Patellifolia species are strongly expressed in roots, BvHs4 homologs are expressed mainly in leaves. When the spatio-temporal expression of Hs4 was examined, no response to nematode inoculation was observed. These results are highly relevant for searching for functional Hs4 alleles and breeding nematode-resistant varieties.

A high-efficiency, ultra-wideband absorber with wide-angle stability

In this work, we propose a high-efficiency, ultra-wideband absorber with wide-angle stability in the microwave regime. The designed absorber consists of copper octagonal split-rings with chip resistors and an air spacer. Benefiting from good impedance matching, the absorption exceeds 90% in the ultra-wide waveband from 10.1 to 29.2 GHz under the wide incident angle of 45°. The equivalent circuit model (ECM) of the proposed absorber is developed to explain the mechanism of ultra-wideband absorption. Furthermore, the absorption strength and bandwidth of the proposed absorber could be tuned by adjusting the resistances of the chip resistors. Finally, the absorber samples are fabricated in experiments, and the measured absorption spectra agree well with the simulated ones, which validates the effective design of an absorber. The proposed absorber has the advantages of high efficiency, ultra-wide bandwidth, and wide-angle stability, which are highly desirable for dynamic radar cross section reduction.

Machine learning algorithm reveals neurodevelopmental signatures of combined family income and neighborhood disadvantage in adolescents

Comprehensive profiling of circRNAs reveals stimulus-specific networks and core regulators of cellular senescence

Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging and age-related disorders, is characterized by irreversible cell cycle arrest and profound molecular alterations. Although previous transcriptomic studies have largely focused on protein-coding genes, the expression landscape of circular RNAs (circRNAs) during senescence remains poorly defined. Here, we systematically profiled circRNA expression across multiple senescence models using two human fibroblast lines (WI38 and IMR90) subjected to four distinct senescence-inducing stimuli: replicative senescence (RS), oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), doxorubicin-induced senescence (DOX), and ionizing radiation (IR). Through rigorous analysis, we identified 39,187 high-confidence circRNAs, classifying them into stimulus-specific (SS-circRNAs) and general senescence-associated circRNAs (GS-circRNAs). Among them, 24 GS-circRNAs exhibited conserved expression trends across different senescence models, and eight core circRNAs displayed consistent expression changes in both fibroblast lines, suggesting their potential as universal senescence biomarkers. Functional enrichment and co-expression network analyses revealed that SS-circRNAs participated in pathway-specific processes such as ribosome biogenesis, mitochondrial regulation, ubiquitin-mediated signaling, and RNA metabolism. Collectively, our findings provide a comprehensive atlas of circRNA dynamics across diverse senescence programs and identify candidate circRNAs that may serve as novel diagnostic or therapeutic targets for age-related diseases.

Distinct mutational landscapes and phylogenomic insights of the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in Pakistan and India: Regional evolution, novel mutations, and epidemiological implications

Delta SARS-CoV-2 triggered a devastating wave of COVID-19 in India, infecting approximately 26% of the population (~357 million people) within four months, with ~0.4 million new cases per day, and around 250,000 reported deaths. In contrast, Pakistan experienced a much milder Delta wave, recording only 320,333 infections and 6,287 deaths. Against this epidemiological background, the current study aimed to identify genomic mutations in the delta-variant isolates reported from India and Pakistan and to compare their mutational profiles and phylogenomic patterns, without inferring direct clinical causality, in these neighboring countries. We analyzed 1,312 Pakistani and 3,140 Indian delta-variant genomes from the GISAID database to characterize their mutational spectrum and phylogenomic relationships in a global context. A total of 3,412 mutations were identified in Pakistani isolates compared with 6,856 mutations in Indian samples, reflecting differences in sample size, with NSP3 and spike protein emerging as the most frequently mutated regions. After normalization on a per-genome basis, Pakistani Delta genomes showed a slightly higher mutation density across most ORFs. Several globally common mutations, including ORF8: S84L, ORF1b: P1000L, and S: D157–158 deletions, were absent in both countries. Indian delta-genomes exhibited distinctive variants such as an M1M mutation in ORF7a and multiple stop-gain mutations in ORF3a, ORF7a, ORF8, ORF10, and NSP4, which may reflect population-specific evolutionary patterns rather than definitive effects on pathogenicity or transmissibility. In contrast, Pakistani isolates carried three novel missense mutations, NSP12b: Q348H, ORF6: K42E, and ORF3a: Y211H, at low prevalence. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that Pakistani isolates clustered primarily with Middle Eastern lineages, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Oman, suggesting international travel–linked introductions, rather than implying exclusive transmission routes. These findings highlight distinct regional evolutionary trajectories of delta-variant and demonstrate that differences in total mutation counts do not directly translate into per-genome mutational burden or disease severity. Our results emphasize the need for continued genomic surveillance to monitor region-specific viral adaptations and inform public health strategies.

Long-term clinical outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for pancreatic duct stone treatment in children with chronic pancreatitis

Background Evidence on long-term outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pancreatic duct stones (PDS) in children with chronic pancreatitis (CP) remains scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of ERCP in this population. Methods A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted on children with CP and PDS who underwent ERCP at our Hospital (2008.1.1–2024.12.31). Follow-up assessed stone clearance, complications, pain relief, pain type, growth, quality of life (QoL), and long-term complications. Results A total of 90 children with CP and PDS were enrolled in this single-center retrospective cohort study. ERCP achieved 72.1% complete stone clearance; overall complications were 9.6%. Among the 90 patients, 77 (85.6%) completed the full follow-up. Post-ERCP, all abdominal pain subtypes significantly decreased (P < 0.001), with 70.1% complete pain relief. Height and weight increased (P < 0.01); QoL (PedsQL™4.0) scores rose from 69 to 85 points (P < 0.001). Long-term complications included new diabetes (5.2%) and steatorrhea (5.2%); PDS recurrence was 7.8%. Conclusion ERCP is safe and effective for children with CP and PDS, significantly improving long-term pain, growth, and QoL, supporting its role as a first-line therapy.

Perceptions of assisted reproductive technologies in wildlife conservation: Public expectations and ethical implications across three EU countries

This paper examines public perceptions of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in wildlife conservation across three European countries: Czechia, Germany, and Italy. In the context of ongoing biodiversity decline, ART can support conservation efforts by promoting population growth, facilitating genetic exchange, and enhancing genetic diversity through genome resource banks. However, the application of ART in wildlife conservation may challenge conventional views on reproduction and extinction and raise ethical considerations, for example concerning animal welfare. To assess public views and ethical concerns, we conducted a survey in three EU countries involved in the BioRescue project, a conservation initiative employing ART to prevent the extinction of the Northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni). The survey explored respondents’ attitudes toward biodiversity loss, awareness of the rhinoceros crisis, support for ART in wildlife conservation, and their primary sources of environmental information. The findings inform recommendations for improving conservation communication and fostering public acceptance of ART in wildlife conservation, while emphasizing the need for rigorous ethical oversight to ensure their responsible application.

Analysis of the correlation between vaginal microbiota and high-risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the vaginal microbiota and biomarkers among high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-positive women, those with hrHPV accompanied by mucositis, and patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and to establish a novel predictive model. Vaginal samples from 102 women were categorized into four groups: control group (n = 26), hrHPV-positive group (n = 22), hrHPV-positive with mucositis group (n = 26), and CIN group (n = 28). Microbiota analysis was performed using the PacBio platform with full-length 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The vaginal microbiota in the hrHPV-positive, hrHPV-positive with mucositis, and CIN groups showed significant differences compared with the healthy control group. The microbial richness in the hrHPV-positive group was significantly different from both the CIN group and healthy controls. Compared with the control group, the hrHPV-positive group exhibited significantly increased relative abundances of Bifidobacterium , Escherichia-Shigella , Hoylesella and nominally increased abundances of Gardnerella , Prevotella , along with a significant decrease in Lactobacillus . No statistically significant differences were retained between the hrHPV-positive group and the hrHPV-positive with mucositis group after FDR correction for the top 10 genera. Compared with the hrHPV-positive with mucositis group, the CIN group demonstrated significantly reduced levels of Pseudomonas, nominally decreased levels of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium , whereas Glutamicibacter and Sporosarcina were nominally enriched. A random forest model was constructed to predict risk across groups and demonstrated good predictive performance, suggesting that vaginal microbiota may serve as valuable indicators for predicting cervical lesion risk. During hrHPV infection, significant alterations occur in the vaginal microecology, primarily characterized by an increase in pathogenic bacteria and a reduction in beneficial bacterial populations.