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Petrogenesis and tectonic significance of the Baipu granite porphyry in the Huangtian uranium deposit, northeastern Guangdong, South China
The genetic link between Late Yanshanian granitic magmatism and uranium mineralization in South China remains a subject of active investigation, with the petrogenesis and tectonic drivers of many uranium-hosting plutons being poorly constrained. To address this knowledge gap, we present an integrated study of the Baipu granitic porphyry in the Huangtian deposit, Northeast Guangdong, incorporating petrographic observations, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and whole-rock geochemistry. Our results show that the pluton was emplaced at 159.4 ± 1.4 Ma and is classified as a high-silica, potassic, strongly peraluminous S-type granite. It exhibits significant enrichment in LREEs and incompatible elements (e.g., Rb, Th, U), coupled with pronounced negative Eu and Sr anomalies. These geochemical signatures indicate derivation from the partial melting of psammitic crustal sources, with limited fractional crystallization, in a post-collisional setting triggered by Late Jurassic lithospheric delamination. We conclude that the Baipu porphyry is not merely spatially associated but is genetically linked to uranium mineralization, serving as both a metal source and a heat engine for ore-forming hydrothermal systems. This model underscores the high exploration potential for uranium deposits associated with S-type granites in similar extensional tectonic settings across South China.
Multiscale mitochondrial cristae remodeling links Opa1 downregulation to reduced OXPHOS capacity in aged hearts
Aging is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of cardiovascular aging. Most of the heart’s ATP is produced at the cristae, specialized subcompartments where oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) takes place. In this study, we used multiple-scale electron microscopy approaches to evaluate age-related mitochondrial and ultrastructural alterations of cristae in human and mouse hearts. We found that aged patients’ hearts displayed reduced cristae density as seen by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), even before any significant decline in the expression of cristae-shaping proteins. Similarly, a multiscale approach that included TEM and serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) showed that in aged mice’s hearts, cristae undergo ultrastructural remodeling processes, resulting in a decrease in cristae density and width. Electron tomography suggests an apparent decline in cristae connectivity and an increase in fenestration size. These changes were linked to Opa1 downregulation, accompanied by reduced maximal OXPHOS respiration, but unrelated to alterations in the abundance of OXPHOS core subunits and ATP synthase assembly. Altogether, this indicates that alterations in cristae structure alone are sufficient to impair oxidative metabolism, which highlights its potential as an early signal of cardiac aging, even before noticeable changes in mitochondrial morphology occur.
The association between rural/urban residence status and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction Rural residency is associated with a disproportionate burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and poorer COPD health outcomes. While increasing focus has been placed on the influence of rural/urban residence on clinical outcomes, little is known about the impact of rural versus urban residency status on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in individuals with COPD, despite the use of PROMs to tailor interventions and treatments to individual patient needs. Objective The objective of this review is to synthesize evidence of a relation between rural/urban residency status and PROMs in individuals with COPD. Methods Beginning May 2025, we will search EBSCO, Elsevier, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and relevant websites to identify research published between January 1, 2012, and November 1, 2024. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full texts, with a third reviewer to resolve any discrepancies. All data sources and selection management will be fulfilled and housed in the Covidence systematic review software. The primary outcome of this review is the association between rural/urban residency and PROMs in individuals with COPD. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Sub-group analysis will be performed by sex. Sensitivity analysis will be performed by excluding studies with “low quality” based on risk of bias assessment. Ethics and dissemination This study is exempt from institutional review as it will be a secondary analysis of published data. Results of this study are expected by September 2025 and will be disseminated in a relevant peer-reviewed journal. Trial registration Prospero registration number: CRD42024627343.
Detoxification of conifer antimicrobial defenses promotes entomopathogenic fungus infection of bark beetles
After consumption by herbivores, plant antimicrobial defense compounds may enhance herbivore immunity to pathogenic microbes. In conifer-bark beetle interactions, beetles ingest large quantities of phloem tissue containing high concentrations of antimicrobial phenolic glucosides, such as stilbenes and flavonoids. It is not known, however, if these compounds increase bark beetle resistance to pathogens. We showed that Eurasian spruce bark beetles ( Ips typographus ) attacking Norway spruce ( Picea abies ) hydrolyze phenolic glucosides to their corresponding aglucones increasing their antifungal activity. However, the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana , a natural fungal parasite of these beetles, detoxifies stilbene and flavonoid aglucones by forming methylglucoside derivatives. A two-step pathway involving a UDP-glycosyltransferase and an O -methyltransferase produces phenolic O -methylglucosides that are no longer toxic to B. bassiana and are stable to β-glucosidase action. Compared to wild-type strains of B. bassiana , mutant strains knocked out in the genes of this pathway exhibited decreased methylglucoside formation, slower growth on medium containing phenolic compounds, and reduced virulence toward bark beetles. Hence, methylglucosylation of plant-derived phenolics is a detoxification process that significantly increases the ability of B. bassiana to parasitize host insects consuming plant tissue high in phenolics, such as conifer phloem. This is one of the few examples of an entomopathogen that is able to resist the plant-derived defenses of an insect host.
Representativeness of a German AI-enabled data network for secondary epidemiological analysis based on electronic health records
Introduction The ongoing digitalization of medicine, increased computing power and low-cost storage capacities enable the use of AI-based algorithms for epidemiological big data analysis of electronic patient records. The aim of this study was to evaluate the representativeness of a data network with infrastructure for federated machine learning (ML) across numerous German hospitals. This was done by comparing basic data from the ML data network with publicly available data from the Federal Statistical Office (DESTATIS) to test the scientific validity for future epidemiological analyses. Methods In a retrospective epidemiological secondary analysis, 8,106,105 case files from the ML network were examined and compared to DESTATIS data regarding age, gender, length of hospital stay, ICD-10 diagnoses, and OPS codes. In addition, ICD-10 codes for substance abuse and the regional distribution were compared to examine socioeconomic confounders. Results The variables age, gender and length of stay, as well as the most common general ICD-10 and OPS codes and ENT-specific OPS codes, showed a high level of concordance based on clinical relevance. For the ENT-specific ICD-10 codes, 2 out of 11 of the most frequent codes showed a maximum deviation of 3.71%. The analysis of socioeconomic factors and regional distribution showed no evidence for deviations. Discussion The high level of agreement for the variables examined indicates the representativeness of the ML dataset in comparison to the DESTATIS data. This finding paves the way for future epidemiological studies based on big data, which were previously unavailable in research.
Strategies reimagined: SDG-driven solutions for combating global desertification
Desertification threatens 24% of the world’s land area across 126 countries and affects 35% of the global population. However, mainstream global efforts to combat desertification prioritize short-term vegetation greening over addressing resource constraints and local livelihoods, posing hidden challenges to long-term Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) attainment. Here, we evaluated the socioeconomic trade-offs of China’s long-standing desertification reversal strategies and explored the potential benefits of innovative agricultural practices using high-resolution suitability models for major crops and cultivated pasture. Compared with a no-intervention baseline, continuing the Grain-for-Green Program and grazing exclusion under projected 2023–2050 warming and wetting trends would lead to reductions of up to 54 to 55% in grain output, 81% in livestock production, and 61% in agricultural income. Conversely, strategies emphasizing pasture cultivation and crop switching could substantially lower national expenditures on combating desertification while restoring ecosystems, enhancing agricultural productivity and incomes, and conserving water resources. These benefits would contribute 0.7%, 9.8%, and 3.8% toward global progress on SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), and SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), respectively, while exhibiting trade-offs across multiple SDGs. This study provides a reimagined strategy framework for combating global desertification and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable arid regions worldwide.
An integrated multi-criteria decision-making model for long-term planning of UAVs in disaster management
With their superior capabilities, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play a crucial role in search, rescue, and surveillance operations in disaster management. It is of great importance in the long run to optimally designate the base locations and deployment plans of the UAVs needing a base for their operations. In this study, we develop an integrated multi-criteria decision-making model to select bases and plan missions of UAVs using a combination of multi-attribute and multi-objective optimization techniques, with the decision maker having an interactive role. We formulate a goal programming model in which the number of bases, flight distance, unairworthy days, and cost are jointly minimized. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to designate the associated goal weights. We develop Algorithm 1 to identify the target level for each goal and Algorithm 2 to refine the model for better solutions. We apply the process in a problem setting where designated disaster activity zones (DAZs) need to be covered by some candidate bases, among which an optimal selection is made. The model’s validation and refinement were evaluated across multiple scenarios. The illustrative example yields improvements of 8.57% in cost in the first scenario and 7.54% in distance in the second. The third scenario achieves 7.66% and 6.58% improvements in distance and cost, respectively. A real-world earthquake scenario from Türkiye further demonstrates the model’s practical applicability, with 5% improvement in distance and 14.8% in cost. The results of the proposed decision-making process guarantee satisfactory solutions for long-term base and operational planning of UAVs.
Ebola virus matrix protein VP40 triggers inflammatory responses linked to the ebolavirus virulence
Uncontrolled systemic inflammatory responses are a critical pathological feature of fatal Ebola virus (EBOV) infection. While some inflammatory responses may originate from mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs), nonimmune cells vastly outnumber MNPs and may be an important source of inflammation. Here, we demonstrated that highly virulent EBOV induced a high and sustained pro-inflammatory response compared to less virulent ebolaviruses in non-MNPs through TLR4-independent NF-κB activation. We identified the EBOV matrix protein VP40 as a potent activator of NF-κB in non-MNPs, whose intrinsic inflammatory activation ability is higher than VP40 proteins from less virulent ebolaviruses. This suggests that VP40 is a virulence determinant inducing distinct degrees of pro-inflammatory responses among ebolaviruses. Mechanistically, VP40 activated the NF-κB signaling pathway, primarily via TNFR1 using a ligand-independent mechanism. These findings reveal mechanisms that may drive systemic inflammation and promote EBOV pathogenesis, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate immune dysregulation in severe EBOV infections.
Aetiology and impact of bacterial bloodstream infections in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients: A prospective Swedish multicenter cohort study
Objectives Critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at an increased risk of acquiring bacterial bloodstream infections (BSI). We aimed to describe patient characteristics, risk factors, and the microbiological spectrum in blood cultures and evaluate the impact of ICU-acquired BSI on outcomes in a Nordic setting. Methods A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted on adult invasively mechanically ventilated (IMV) COVID-19 patients. The primary aim was to identify the proportion of ICU-acquired BSI and its aetiology. Secondary outcomes were duration of IMV, length of stay (LOS), and mortality for individuals with and without BSI, respectively. Logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors of ICU-acquired BSI. Predictors were assessed by calculating an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUROC) curve. Results Of 354 included patients, 17% had an ICU-acquired BSI. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. Patients with BSI had a longer duration of IMV (20 days versus 9 days, p < 0.001 ), longer ICU-LOS (24 days versus 11 days, p < 0.001 ), and hospital-LOS (38 days versus 24 days, p < 0.001 ). A BSI was associated with increased mortality; odds ratio (OR) 3.21, 95% CI: 1.61–6.38, p < 0.001 . Adjusted analyses showed that higher BMI; OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.014 , diabetes mellitus with organ complications; OR 2.66, 95% CI: 1.33–5.29, p = 0.005 , and number of symptomatic days before ICU admission; OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07, p = 0.008 , were associated with a BSI. The AUROC was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.58–0.74). Conclusion ICU-acquired BSIs were found in 17% of critically ill COVID-19 patients and were associated with a longer duration of IMV and LOS as well as increased mortality. Staphylococcus aureus was the dominating pathogen . We found several factors associated with ICU-acquired BSIs at ICU admission. However, their ability to predict BSIs was poor.
Structural and electrical properties of biopolymer blend electrolytes based on chitosan: dextran doped with lithium nitrate (LiNO3) salt
Stacking controlled altermagnetism and anomalous Hall conductivity in a two-dimensional bilayer VPS3
The anomalous Hall effect (AHE) governs low-dissipation lateral charge transport and serves as a key functional mechanism in spin electronics, including sensing, storage, and logic devices. The AHE is typically observed in ferromagnetic materials, while recent theoretical and experimental advances indicate that a significant AHE can be achieved in alternating collinear antiferromagnetic materials with zero net magnetization. Here, employing spin space group and magnetic layer group symmetry analysis, we demonstrate stacking-controlled AHE in two-dimensional altermagnets. Using bilayer VPS3 as a model system, we reveal how interlayer stacking reconstructs the spin degeneracy protection mechanism and induces unique i-wave and d-wave spin polarization textures in momentum space, even without spin–orbit coupling. Reorientation of the Néel vector induces a transformation of the magnetic layer group, selectively suppressing or activating the σxy component. These results provide a viable strategy for designing and realizing stacking-controlled AHE in two-dimensional altermagnetism, contributing to the potential applications of AHE in low-power, adaptively controlled spintronic devices and providing valuable insights for further exploration in the field of altermagnetism.
Design and synthesis of graphite/Ni/Cu/triptorelin peptide electrocatalyst for hydrogen production and storage
Pressure-induced evolution of the electronic structure and bandgap expansion in MgPbN2
The structural, electronic, and optical properties of MgPbN2 under pressure have been systematically studied using first-principles calculations combined with the CALYPSO crystal structure prediction method. Two ambient pressure phases (Pna21 and I4¯2d) and two high-pressure phases (R3¯m and Fd3¯m) were identified, all of which are dynamically, mechanically, and thermally stable, and exhibit semiconductor characteristics. Notably, their bandgaps increase with increasing pressure. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to two factors. First, the strengthened orbital coupling under pressure enhances electron cloud overlap, raising the energy of antibonding states (conduction band) and lowering the energy of bonding states (valence band). Second, high pressure alters the distribution of electron clouds, causing electrons to become more localized around the atoms. This localized electron distribution reduces electron transitions between energy bands, thereby increasing the bandgap. This analysis provides a unified view of the electronic structure evolution under compression, linking microscopic orbital interactions to macroscopic observable properties. The calculations and analysis of the optical absorption and reflectivity coefficient suggest that the two high-pressure phases of MgPbN2 have potential applications in transparent optics and ultraviolet detection. This study provides insights into the role of pressure in tuning optical properties.
Oleic acid alleviates the pathogenesis of lupus by suppressing the activation of TLR signaling pathways through the STAT3/IL-10 axis
High-performance optoelectronic devices based on p-type selenium-alloyed tellurium oxide semiconductors
P-type oxide semiconductors are vital for advancing complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology, yet their development lags behind n-type counterparts due to low hole mobilities and stability issues. This study focuses on p-type selenium-alloyed tellurium suboxide (Se-alloyed Te–TeOx) thin films, achieving a mobility of 15.6 cm2 V−1 s−1 in field-effect transistors with optimized 40 nm thickness. Comprehensive characterization confirms the films' amorphous structure and uniform elemental distribution. Temperature-dependent measurements (83–393 K) reveal nearly temperature-independent mobility from 83 to 293 K due to effective trap suppression by Se alloying, followed by a steep phonon-limited decline above room temperature. The films enable high-performance photodetectors and optical communication systems, with a responsivity of 31.2 mA W−1 at 405 nm and a communication rate of 0.48 Mbit/s at 542 nm. These advancements highlight Se-alloyed Te–TeOx as a promising material for next-generation optoelectronic devices, including CMOS-compatible circuits and high-speed photodetectors.
Multi-omics comparison of two emerging storage pests (Necrobia rufipes and Tribolium castaneum) of dried black soldier fly larvae product
Abstract The black soldier fly (BSF) larvae is a rich and promising source of alternative protein that continues to increasingly gain global traction as a functional ingredient for sustainable livestock and fish production. The key setback to postharvest processing of stored BSF larvae (BSFL) products is the significant damage caused by two notable storage pests ( Tribolium castaneum and Necrobia rufipes ). Here, we present a comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes and gut microbiome profiles of T. castaneum and N. rufipes . The study mitogenomes were similar in size and structure to other coleopteran mitogenomes. The gut microbiome profiles of the two pests showed a high abundance of bacteria in the Proteobacteria and Firmicutes phyla. However, T. castaneum had 78% more phyla represented within its microbiome than N. rufipes . The most abundant genera in T. castaneum were Staphylococcus and Streptococcus , while in N. rufipes , the dominant genera were Klebsiella and Synechococcus . We also identified the presence of potentially clinically harmful microbial genera ( Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ) in the gut of T. castaneum and N. rufipes in relatively high abundance. These results provide insight into potential harmful associations in the gut of the storage pest, picked from contaminated, poorly processed BSFL products.
A broadband electromagnetic circulator in magnetized plasma
We propose a broadband electromagnetic circulator based on an array of magnetized plasma rods arranged as a triangular lattice. Contrary to ferrite-based circulators, our design leverages the anisotropy of plasma's dielectric tensor to achieve non-reciprocity. By applying the inverse design technique, one can optimize the plasma frequencies of each rod, as well as the cyclotron frequency of the entire array, to achieve a broadband non-reciprocal response of the system. Furthermore, we show that configurations with compound symmetry naturally emerge in optimization without any symmetry constraints, and such compound symmetry can be incorporated into the optimization process to reduce the computational cost. Our design demonstrates the possibility of a broadband non-reciprocal response through the use of an array of plasma rods, taking advantage of the reconfigurability of each individual rod.
End-to-end Fusion3DGS: label-efficient multi-modal 3D instance segmentation based on Gaussian splatting
Enhanced superconductivity and vortex dynamics in quasi-1D TaS2 nanowires
We report the synthesis of high-quality 2H-TaS2 nanowires via a controlled two-step conversion process from TaS3 precursors, achieving robust superconductivity with a transition temperature Tc ≈ 3.6 K, which is significantly higher than bulk 2H-TaS2 (Tc ≈ 0.8 K). Structural and compositional analyses confirm phase purity and preserved one-dimensional morphology, while magnetotransport measurements reveal an enhanced upper critical field μ0Hc2 (2 K) ≈ 5 T, far exceeding the bulk value (μ0Hc2 (0) ≈ 1.17 T), attributed to dimensional confinement and suppression of charge-density wave order. Magnetic characterization demonstrates complex vortex dynamics, including flux jumps and a second magnetization peak, indicative of strong pinning and crossover from elastic to plastic vortex regimes. These findings establish TaS2 nanowires as a versatile platform for studying superconductivity in reduced dimensions and exploiting confinement-driven quantum phenomena for advanced applications.