Browse Articles

A Multi-site, longitudinal investigation of emerging adult mental health across multiple stages of the COVID-19 pandemic

Forecasting urban fire severity for enhanced emergency response and resource allocation

Enabling ambient stability and quantum integration of organometallic magnonic ferrimagnets via atomic layer encapsulation

Evaluating the strategic role of stringent environmental policies and innovative technologies in China’s green energy transitions

The preliminary assessment of using the artificial neural networks to diagnose ketosis in Polish Red cattle based on β-hydroxybutyric acid and haematological parameters

Directly observing the magnetic rope contraction and expansion in space

Safety precaution knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors among medical waste cleaners in governmental hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia

See through metallic sensor implemented using proximity resonant coupling

Investigating the neuronal role of the proteasomal ATPase subunit gene PSMC5 in neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies

Abstract Neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies are a group of disorders caused by variants in proteasome subunit genes, that disrupt protein homeostasis and brain development through poorly characterized mechanisms. Here, we report 26 distinct variants in PSMC5 , encoding the AAA⁺ ATPase subunit PSMC5/RPT6, in individuals with syndromic neurodevelopmental conditions. Combining genetic, multi-omics and biochemical approaches across cellular models and Drosophila , we unveil the essential role of proteasomes in sustaining key cellular processes. Loss of PSMC5/RPT6 function impairs proteasome activity, leading to protein aggregation, disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis, and dysregulation of lipid metabolism and immune signaling. It also compromises synaptic balance, neuritogenesis, and neural progenitor cell stemness, causing deficits in higher-order functions, including learning and locomotion. Pharmacological targeting of integrated stress response kinases reveals a mechanistic link between proteotoxic stress and spontaneous type I interferon activation. These findings expand our understanding of proteasome-dependent quality control in neurodevelopment and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies.

Persistence of motor-cognitive inhibition deficits in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): a longitudinal perspective

Abstract The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate how double-jump reaching task (DJRT) performance varies as a function of inhibitory load in children (6–12 years) with severe and moderate forms of developmental coordination disorder (s-DCD and m-DCD, respectively), compared with typically developing children (TDC). We tested 20 s-DCD, 43 m-DCD, and 192 TDC children, divided into younger (6–8 years) and older (9–12 years) age bands within each motor group. Children were tested twice, the second time after a 1-year follow-up, on two DJRT versions: standard (DJRT) and anti-jump (AJRT). Stimuli for each task appeared on a 42-inch touchscreen with a central home base and three target locations at − 20°, 0°, and 20°, 40 cm above the home base. For the DJRT, children lifted their index finger from the home base to the displayed target; 80% of trials were non-jump (to the central target) and 20% were jump where the target shifted left or right at lift-off. For the AJRT, they instead pointed to the contralateral location on anti-jump trials. Movement time difference measured the time difference between jump/anti-jump and no-jump trials. For the DJRT, there was no motor group effect, while older children made faster adjustments to jump targets. For the AJRT, the s-DCD group was consistently slower and had a significantly larger MTdiff score than both the m-DCD and TDC groups, regardless of age. The findings indicate that while cognitive-motor coupling improves with age in children with DCD, those with s-DCD have persistent difficulties.

Spatio-temporal evolution and multi-scenario simulation of land use landscape pattern in northern Guangxi

Abstract In this study, the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics and driving mechanism of land use and landscape pattern in northern Guangxi from 1980 to 2020 were systematically analyzed by using ArcGIS 10.8, Fragstats 4.2 and PLUS models, and the land use structure and landscape pattern under different development scenarios in 2030 were simulated and predicted. The results show that: (1) Between 1980 and 2020, the areas of cropland, forest, and grassland in the northern Guangxi decreased by 307, 140, and 68 km 2 , respectively. While the area of built-up land increased by about 444 km 2 . The land use structure is characterized by ‘bidirectional succession and increased artificialization’. (2) The overall landscape pattern showed a trend of ‘increased fragmentation and decreased connectivity’, and the self-regulation ability of ecological landscape was weakened. (3) The driving analysis shows that land use change is driven by both socio-economic and natural environmental factors, among which population driving factors are dominant. (4) The results of multi-scenario simulation show that the ecological protection scenario can achieve the most compact landscape structure, the highest connectivity and aggregation, which is the optimal path for regional sustainable development. The results of this study can provide scientific basis and theoretical support for the optimal allocation of landscape space and the restoration and reconstruction of ecosystem in northern Guangxi.

Global, regional, and national burden of endometriosis among women of reproductive age, 1990–2021: Insights from the global burden of disease study 2021

Background Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder among women of reproductive age worldwide. This study aims to examine global patterns of endometriosis disease burden among reproductive-aged women and to evaluate its correlation with socioeconomic development indices. Methods This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of endometriosis disease burden using epidemiological parameters from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, including incidence rates, prevalence rates, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), and corresponding age-standardized rates. Through stratified analyses at global, regional, and national levels, we systematically evaluated the disease burden patterns among reproductive-aged women and performed correlation analysis with socioeconomic development indices. Results We found that the highest incidence of endometriosis among women of reproductive age globally occurs in the 20–24 age group, with an incidence rate of 399.49 per 100,000 in 1990 and 304.31 per 100,000 in 2021. The results show that the global disease burden of endometriosis is mainly influenced by population size, followed by epidemiological changes. Compared to countries with a medium Social Development Index (SDI), the disease burden of endometriosis in low and high SDI regions fluctuated significantly from 1990 to 2021. In most countries with SDI values between 0.2 and 0.6, the burden of endometriosis showed a gradual decline. Conclusion Endometriosis remains a significant public health issue for women of reproductive age globally. Although the global disease burden of endometriosis among women of reproductive age showed a slight decline from 1990 to 2021, the disease burden continues to fluctuate in certain regions and countries. In light of the differences in the disease burden of endometriosis across regions and countries, regionalized disease management strategies are expected to be developed in the future.

Spin and Orbital Angular Momentum Lasing from Phase-gradient Plasmonic Lattices

EZH2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and its relationship with circadian rhythm-related genes

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent liver malignancy, with increasing incidence and high mortality, primarily associated with hepatitis virus infection and cirrhosis. Herein, we explored the association between enhancer of zeste homolog 2 ( EZH2 ) expression and HCC progression, prognosis, and circadian rhythm-related genes. Differentially expressed mRNAs in HCC were identified from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases and intersected with circadian rhythm-related genes. Core genes were screened using protein–protein interaction networks, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and Cox regression analysis. Functional enrichment and immune infiltration analyses were conducted using gene set variation analysis, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, and MethSurv. Experimental validation included western blotting, small interfering RNA knockdown, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and functional assays. EZH2 was overexpressed in HCC and was associated with advanced tumor stage, poor prognosis, Th2 and dendritic cell infiltration, and promoter hypermethylation. EZH2 knockdown inhibited proliferation, induced DNA damage, and downregulated CLOCK and CRY1 expression. A prognostic nomogram integrating EZH2 expression with clinicopathological parameters demonstrated strong predictive performance. Methylation analysis identified six CpG sites significantly associated with survival. In conclusion, EZH2 is a key regulator of HCC progression and potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Mass decomposition dynamics and soil microbial community changes during the photodegradation process of leaf litter from three plant species in hyper-arid deserts

Urban-rural consumption differences among the elderly in developed regions: Evidence from Zhejiang, China

This study examines the consumption patterns of older adults and the urban-rural disparities in Zhejiang Province, a highly developed yet rapidly aging region of China. A total of 276 valid samples were obtained from Ningbo, Hangzhou, and Wenzhou through a mixed approach combining online snowball sampling with offline random sampling. A LASSO regression model was employed to assess the effect of residence while controlling for socioeconomic variables. The results indicate that urban older adults spend significantly more than their rural counterparts, with average monthly consumption reaching 3,980 RMB compared to 2,502 RMB. Urban residence was associated with an increase of 995 RMB in total expenditure, with higher spending observed on housing, food, daily necessities, leisure and education, and health rehabilitation. Although rural respondents expressed strong interest in leisure, education, and health services, their actual expenditures in these categories were much lower, revealing a gap between intentions and behavior. Offline consumption remains dominant, but online consumption is expanding slowly. Digital exclusion persists, particularly in rural areas, due to limited literacy, complex interfaces, and unstable internet access. These findings suggest that elderly consumption is influenced not only by income but also by structural inequalities, health constraints, and digital inclusion. Policy measures should therefore strengthen rural healthcare, expand cultural and recreational opportunities, and promote elder-friendly digital platforms. Programs such as healthcare vouchers and targeted subsidies could help narrow the gap between intention and capability. This study provides preliminary exploratory insights into inclusive policies that may foster the sustainable development of China’s silver economy.

Carbon defects enhanced TEMPO redox cycles for high-efficiency urotropine electrosynthesis

Adaptive energy management in smart homes through fuzzy reinforcement learning and metaheuristic optimization algorithms to minimize costs

Dietary Azolla meal enhances growth, immune status, and liver health in thin-lip grey mullet (Liza ramada) fingerlings: a sustainable approach to Aquafeed optimization

Incidence and predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected individuals on anti-tuberculosis and anti-retroviral dual therapy in Northwest Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study

Background Co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) is a primary cause of death and morbidity. The rate of morbidity and death from TB-HIV is still Ethiopia’s top health issue. Objective This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected individuals on anti-TB and anti-retroviral dual Therapy at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital among 436 TB-HIV co-infected individuals. A computer-generated random sampling technique was used to select patient charts registered from September 1st, 2011, and August 31st, 2020. Epi-Data version 3.1 was used for data entry, and STATA version 13 was used for the analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was applied to estimate the cumulative survival time of the TB-HIV patients. Log-rank tests were utilized to compare the survival time across various categories of explanatory variables. Bi-variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to find predictors of TB-HIV mortality. Results The mortality rate of TB-HIV co-infected individuals was 15.6%, with a median survival time of 42 months. Being male (Adjusted hazard Ratio (AHR)1.914;95%CI: 1.022–3.584), having CD4 count < 50 cells/mm3 (AHR 2.699; 95%CI: 1.220–5.973), being ambulatory (HR 2.794;95%CI: 1.459–5.352) and bedridden (AHR 5.514; 95%CI: 2.148–14.156), having low baseline weight (AHR 0.949;95%CI: 0.911–0.989), and having low hemoglobin level (AHR 0.927; 95%CI: 0.441–1.948) were important predictors for mortality. Conclusion and recommendation The mortality rate among TB-HIV co-infected patients at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was high. Being male gender, having a CD4 count below 50 cells/mm³, being ambulatory and bedridden, having low baseline weight, and having low hemoglobin were the important predictors of mortality. To reduce mortality, it is crucial to focus on the early identification and management of high-risk patients, particularly those with low CD4 counts, poor functional status, and low hemoglobin. Strengthening integrated TB and HIV care services is recommended to improve patient survival outcomes.