Browse Articles

Biomechanical analysis of porous and dense dental implant-supported bridges in healthy and osteoporotic bones

Despite the high success rate of crown bridge dental implants, peri-implant bone resorption remains a persistent major biomechanical issue. This study examines the impact of the implant’s Young’s modulus, implantation technique, and loading conditions on bone remodeling in the region of interest (ROI) for varying bone qualities. Three-dimensional finite element models of three-unit bridge crowns (TUB), implants, and cancellous and cortical bones were constructed using SolidWorks software. Four implantation scenarios, two bone health conditions (healthy and weak bone), and dense and effective porous implants were simulated under two loading conditions (200 N and gradually decreasing 100 N, 80 N, and 40 N), employing Abaqus software, for 16 cases (n = 16). A user’s subroutine was programmed using Python to estimate the iterative changes (46 simulations of each case) in bone density at peri-implant bone. The simulated results demonstrated that effective porous implants outperformed and showed higher Young’s moduli in the ROI compared to the dense implants when a single implant was implanted. However, when two implants were inserted simultaneously, the effective porous implant outperformed in the case of healthy bone only.

Life without sex: Large-scale study links sexlessness to physical, cognitive, and personality traits, socioecological factors, and DNA

Romantic (typically sexual) relationships are important to personal, physical, mental, social, and economic well-being, and to human evolution. Yet little is known about factors contributing to long-term lack of intimate relationships. We investigated phenotypic and genetic correlates of never having had sex in ~400,000 UK residents aged 39 to 73 and ~13,500 Australian residents aged 18 to 89. The strongest associations revealed that sexless individuals were more educated, less likely to use alcohol and smoke, more nervous, lonelier, and unhappier. Sexlessness was more strongly associated with physical characteristics (e.g., upper body strength) in men than in women. Sexless men tended to live in regions with fewer women, and sexlessness was more prevalent in regions with more income inequality. Common genetic variants explained 17% (SE = 4%) and 14% (SE = 3%) of variation in sexlessness in men and women, with a genetic correlation between sexes of 0.56 (SE = 0.17). Polygenic scores predicted a range of related outcomes in the Australian dataset. Our findings uncover multifaceted correlates of human intimacy and raise important lines of enquiry in the evolutionary and social sciences.

Infection and telomere length: A systematic review

Background Infections may increase the risk of age-related diseases such as dementia. Accelerated immunological ageing, measurable by telomere length (TL), may be a potential mechanism. However, the relationship between different infections and TL or telomere attrition remains unclear. This systematic review synthesises existing evidence on whether infections contribute to TL or telomere attrition and highlights research gaps to inform future studies. Objective To summarise the literature on associations between infections and telomere length or attrition. Methods We conducted comprehensive searches across six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health, Cochrane Library) from inception to 22 May 2025, using concepts of infections, TL, and study type. Two researchers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (ROB) using the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis was unfeasible due to heterogeneity, so a narrative synthesis was conducted. Studies were grouped by infection type, telomere measurement assay, cell type, and statistical approach. A GRADE assessment was performed to evaluate evidence quality. Results Our searches identified 10,349 studies, of which 73 met eligibility criteria. Most (59) were cross-sectional and most were published after 2000, with the earliest from 1996. Most studies were from the USA (17). HIV was the most frequently studied infection (35 studies), with 79% (excluding overlapping samples) reporting an association between HIV and reduced TL or increased telomere attrition. Findings for other infections, including herpesviruses and Human Papillomavirus were more variable. Variation in infection type, measurement assay, cell type, and statistical approach made cross-study comparisons challenging. Most studies had a high ROB, mainly due to unmeasured confounding. The GRADE assessment rated evidence quality as very low. Conclusions Our review highlights a potential link between HIV and TL and telomere attrition. More robust longitudinal studies with standardised measurements and better confounder control are needed, particularly for non-HIV infections. PROSPERO (ID:CRD42023444854)

SLC39A8-mediated zinc dyshomeostasis potentiates kidney disease

While numerous genetic risk loci are linked to kidney disease, a unifying therapeutic target for diverse renal pathologies remains elusive. Here, through large-cohort polymorphic locus screening, we identify the SLC39A8 A391T variant (rs13107325) as a shared modifier of multiple kidney diseases. Functional characterization using Slc39a8 A391T knock-in mice and kidney-specific Slc39a8 knockout mice reveals that loss of SLC39A8 function reduces renal zinc accumulation, thereby mitigating susceptibility to kidney injury and disease progression. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that perturbed zinc homeostasis drives renal damage, and limiting zinc levels—whether via impaired SLC39A8 activity or direct chelation—activates the zinc–AKT–FOXO1–G6PC axis to confer protection. Critically, zinc chelation with EDTA recapitulates this benefit, significantly preventing and ameliorating experimental acute and chronic kidney disease. These findings establish renal zinc homeostasis as a key therapeutic node, with SLC39A8 and zinc-modulating strategies representing promising avenues for treating a broad range of kidney diseases.

A variable sampling interval run sum chart for monitoring multivariate coefficient of variation

The coefficient of variation (CV) is employed to develop control charts to measure the relative dispersion of the data. The multivariate coefficient of variation (MCV) chart is used to monitor the CV in Phase-II in a multivariate framework. In this paper, the upward and downward variable sampling interval run sum multivariate coefficient of variation (VSI RS MCV) charts are developed to detect MCV shifts. The developed VSI RS MCV charts are evaluated and compared with their existing MCV and RS MCV counterparts using the average time to signal (ATS), standard deviation of the time to signal (SDTS) and expected average time to signal (EATS) criteria. Optimization programs incorporating the Markov chain methodology are developed in MATLAB to compute the optimal parameters and scores of the developed VSI RS MCV charts that minimize the charts’ out-of-control ATS or EATS value. The findings show that the developed VSI RS MCV charts outperform both the existing RS MCV and MCV charts, for all shift sizes, in terms of the out-of-control ATS, SDTS and EATS criteria. An example is provided to elucidate the implementation of the proposed VSI RS MCV charts.

Amplification of particle collision through contact electrification in isotropic turbulence

Recent discovery of “extreme clustering” of inertial particles in isotropic turbulent flow suggests a hidden mechanism of particle–particle interaction at sub-Kolmogorov separations unexplained by hydrodynamic interaction. The near-contact radial distribution function (RDF) reaches O ( 10 4 ) , resulting in a collision kernel four orders larger than direct numerical simulation predictions. Statistical stationarity is lost in the particle-laden turbulence, suggesting the particles experience a nonequilibrium process. We hypothesize dielectric particles in isotropic turbulence experience contact electrification through interparticle collisions, creating inhomogeneous mosaic surface charge. These mosaic charges lead to attractive forces and thereby extreme clustering and collision amplification, forming a positive feedback loop. To explore this potential mechanism, we investigated hollow glass spheres dispersed in a high-Reynolds-number homogeneous isotropic air turbulence chamber using high-resolution 3D particle tracking velocimetry and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM). We measured RDF, particle-pair mean-inward radial relative velocity, and mean radial relative acceleration (RA) with time up to 10 min. We sampled particles from the flow chamber through time and evaluated their nanoscopic charge distribution using KPFM. We found that both RDF and mosaic surface charge increase with time; RA at close separations is attractive, intensifies as particles approach, and grows in time; and the turbulence-exposed RA curves collapse when nondimensionalized by the dipole–dipole acceleration calculated from mosaic charge distributions. These results support the proposed mechanism—Inhomogeneous Mosaic Potential Amplified Collisions in Turbulence (IMPACT). Better understanding and modeling of these effects could improve predictions for air pollution, weather patterns, and drug manufacturing—where particle interactions have big impacts.

Communicative patterns in online health communities: A comparative study of Italian and Polish

This paper explores how online health platforms influence communication between patients and healthcare professionals, focusing on anxiety-related interactions in Italy and Poland. The study examines pairs of questions and answers, selected from Q&A services, within MioDottore and ZnanyLekarz, two medical platforms operating in these countries, with the main aim of identifying cross-cultural similarities and differences in communication strategies. Anxiety was chosen as a case study because it is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, as revealed by research and national statistics, and because it is a prominent topic of discussion within online medical communities. Italy and Poland were chosen for comparison because of their different linguistic and socio-cultural contexts. Data were collected through an automated process based on a web-scraping algorithm and analysed using a mixed methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. The results show some clear differences in communicative patterns: Italian patients tend to use more indirect and polite forms, while Polish patients use a more direct style. Among practitioners, gender-related differences were found in the Polish responses: Polish women tend to adopt a more emphatic style. By contrast, Italian responses seem to be more influenced by professional specialisation: while psychiatrists tend to adopt a more pragmatic style (focusing more on the informational and request-oriented aspects of users’ posts), psychologists typically adopt a more empathic approach (paying more attention to the emotional dimension, often linked to the suffering experiences disclosed by users). These findings highlight how digital health communication reflects broader cultural and professional norms, although further research is needed to confirm these patterns across different conditions and clinical settings.

Sizing the largest ocean waves using the SWOT mission

Winds generate waves over the oceans with a wide range of properties. The largest wave heights and periods are important parameters in the design of marine structures. Extreme waves also play an outsize role in air–sea fluxes and coastal dynamics, and leave imprints on seismic and sediment records. Rare events have so far escaped measurements, with few wave heights from satellite altimeters exceeding 16 m, and no associated measurement of wave periods. Here, we use swells radiated from storms to reveal long wave periods within the storms, and their generation mechanism. Swells are resolved in the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite sea level measurements. Patterns of increasing swell wavelength and decreasing swell height away from storms are consistent with a nonlinear transfer of energy from short to long period waves. We propose an updated parametric shape for wave spectra in storms that aligns with SWOT swell measurements. It reduces energy levels by a factor of 20 at 1.2 to 1.4 times the peak period compared to commonly used spectral shapes and allows estimation of storm wave periods from swell heights. Consistent with less extreme conditions, the peak period generally increases with wave height. This was particularly verified for the largest storm peak period of 20.2 ± 0.6 s, obtained for the event with the largest significant wave height 19.7 ± 0.3 m measured by altimeters. These observations of long period swells should have a wide range of applications from coastal dynamics to seismology.

A novel risk score model for predicting mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Insights from the CURE-HF Registry–ApHAC score

Aims To create a simple risk score model to predict post-discharge mortality in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) after treatment for acute decompensated heart failure (HF). Methods and results This was a post-hoc analysis from the CURE-HF registry, which was a prospective multi-center cohort study conducted in Japan between July 2014 and March 2019. We included 378 consecutive patients with HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%) who were followed for two years. The total cohort was randomly divided into two cohorts: the derivation (n = 278) and the validation (n = 100) cohort. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality within two years. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between covariates and the primary endpoint, and to produce the risk score model. C-statistics were calculated to assess the discriminative ability of the derived model. The median age was 83 years, and 52% of the patients were female. In total, 97 patients died within two years. No significant differences were observed between the derivation and validation cohorts in baseline characteristics. On multivariable logistic regression analysis with backward stepwise variable selection, the following variables were selected as the components of the risk score model: age, prior HF admission, serum albumin, and creatinine. The model enabled stratification of mortality rates across thirds, and the average predicted versus observed probabilities of death for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 8% vs. 9%, 23% vs. 21%, and 46% vs. 49%, respectively. The c-statistic of the derived model in the validation cohorts was 0.764, indicating a good discrimination of the primary endpoint. Conclusions We developed a simple risk score model for predicting two-year mortality in patients with HFpEF. This score model may be useful in guiding decisions regarding close follow-up, advanced therapies, or palliative care for these patients.

Probing the connection between chirality and spin through time-resolved EPR spectroscopy

Characterisation of a novel chicken-derived H3N3 avian influenza virus detected in China in 2023: Pathogenicity and immunogenicity

The poultry industry faces a constant threat from the mutation and transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). While waterfowl and wild birds are natural hosts of H3N3 AIV, reports of H3N3 infections in chickens are limited. However, in 2023, a decline in egg production among laying hens in the Yancheng Region of Jiangsu Province prompted a study. This research aimed to diagnose the aetiology in laying hens through molecular virological methods and characterise the biological properties of the causative pathogens. An H3N3 AIV subtype strain, A/chicken/China/YC01/2023(H3N3), was isolated from chickens exhibiting lesions. Genome sequencing and analysis revealed a novel genetic makeup: the HA gene originated from an H3N8 AIV, the NA gene from an H10N3 AIV, and the internal genes from an H9N2 AIV, all circulating in China. Chickens experimentally infected with the isolate showed signs of Harderian gland haemorrhage, nasal mucus, tracheal circumferential bleeding, and lung bleeding and localised necrosis. Histopathological examination confirmed nasal mucosal and tracheal inflammation, lung capillary congestion, liver cell damage, and sparse splenic lymphocytes. Viral shedding was significantly higher in the oropharyngeal cavity, peaking 2–6 days post-infection, compared to the cloaca. For the first time, the immunogenicity of a novel chicken-derived H3N3 subtype AIV was assessed in specific pathogen-free chickens. An inactivated vaccine, prepared from the isolated strain, resulted in antibody titres peaking at 9.6 log2 four weeks after immunization. Furthermore, challenges with either the isolated strain or a duck-origin BZ01/2023(H3N3) strain after immunisation did not cause clinical signs or viral shedding on day 4. In conclusion, the isolate H3N3 AIV can replicate in chickens, leading to organ damage and pathogenicity. Crucially, the inactivated vaccine derived from this isolate is highly immunogenic and provides cross-protection against the duck-derived strain.

Optimal transitions between nonequilibrium steady states

The optimal control of finite-time processes on the microscale is of significant theoretical and practical interest, particularly for the energy-efficient operation of nanomachines. While previous studies have primarily focused on transitions between equilibrium states, many biologically and technologically relevant processes occur far from equilibrium. In such nonequilibrium settings, memory, a ubiquitous feature in realistic systems, plays an intricate role, as any driving necessarily excites internal memory modes. This motivates a deeper exploration of optimal control strategies in nonequilibrium regimes. Here, we combine experiments, theory, and computational methods to investigate the transition of a colloidal particle confined in an optical trap between two nonequilibrium steady states (NESS). We identify optimal control protocols that minimize the thermodynamic work during the finite-time transition between two NESS. We compare optimal protocols in viscous and viscoelastic fluid environments, which are common in realistic technical and biological processes and introduce memory due to a delayed response. Regardless of the presence of memory effects, optimal protocols consistently balance energy extraction with dissipation minimization. In the presence of memory, optimal control is achieved if the protocol matches the time response of the environment. These findings offer key insights for designing optimal control strategies for finite-time, nonequilibrium processes in complex environments.

Relationships between markers of emotional and social cognition and acoustic-verbal hallucinations in children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Introduction Acoustic-verbal hallucinations (AVH) occur in children and adolescents without psychotic disorders. They are often associated with anxiety, thymic and behavioral disorders and a history of trauma, notably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AVH may be transient, but their persistence increases the risk of progression to a psychotic disorder. The aim of this study was to observe the links between markers of emotional and social cognition and the presence of AVH in children with PTSD, as well as the evolution of post-traumatic and psychotic symptoms. Methods This was a prospective 6-month study, including children aged 8–16 with PTSD and without psychotic disorder (DSM-5). Participants were divided into two groups, with and without AVH. Emotional cognition markers were measured using the DES IV and BAVQ-R, while social cognition markers were assessed via the NEPSY II test. Results 31 patients were included: 16 with AVH and 15 without. Results showed that at inclusion, markers of emotional and social cognition were not associated with AVH. At 6 months, markers of emotional cognition were significantly associated with the persistence of AVH, PTSD and psychotic disorders, unlike those of social cognition. Conclusion Emotional cognition markers play a central role in the evolution of hallucinatory, post-traumatic and psychotic symptoms, and could become a target for prevention and targeted therapy. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03356028

Circadian-informed modeling predicts regional variation in obesity and stroke outcomes under different permanent US time policies

Seasonal changes in time policy, such as switching between Standard Time (SDT) and Daylight Saving Time (DST), have been adopted by many countries, including the United States. While transitioning between SDT and DST has notable acute negative population health impacts, the chronic impact of these time policies on health has not been well evaluated. To estimate the impact of permanent SDT or DST on health, we modeled the circadian impact of SDT, DST, and Biannual Shifting (BAS) across a year in the contiguous, continental United States. We find that BAS produces a greater burden on the circadian system as compared to either permanent SDT or DST. Chronotype as well as location (latitude and location within time zones) impact this burden. Analyzing these data relative to county-level health data (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Places dataset), we find that, under idealized light exposure conditions and after controlling for health and socioeconomic factors, there would be a decrease in the prevalence of both obesity [ − 0.78% ( − 0.06% to − 1.49%)] and stroke [ − 0.09% ( − 0.04% to − 0.14%)] under SDT compared with the current policy. The prevalence of both obesity [ − 0.51% ( − 0.09% to − 0.93%)] and stroke [ − 0.07% ( − 0.04% to − 0.09%)] would also decrease under permanent DST, though to a lesser degree. Our data, reflecting the impact of time policy on circadian burden and subsequent health benefits, support the cessation of BAS.

Prevalence and predictors of Biker’s hand syndrome among the professional bike riders in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Background The use of motorbikes for the rapid growth of ride-sharing platforms in Bangladesh and the increasing economic reliance on this occupation are significant sources of non-traumatic injuries, particularly those affecting the wrist and hand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors that contribute to the occurrence of biker’s hand syndrome among bike riders in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among professional bike riders using the Cornell hand discomfort questionnaire. This study includes 630 male bike riders from the cities of Dhaka and Sylhet in Bangladesh, selected through two-stage cluster sampling using a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factor that predicts biker’s hand syndrome. Results The prevalence of pain, ache, or discomfort was reported as 58.3% in the right hand (RH) and 51.3% in the left hand (LH). Participants who ride bikes with an engine capacity of less than 150cc (aOR 2.218, CI 1.192–4.128, p = 0.012 in RH and aOR 1.210, CI 0.672–2.157, p = 0.525 in LH), and uncomfortable handlebar (aOR 2.110, CI 1.171–3.801, p = 0.013 in RH and aOR 1.519, CI 0.888–2.598, p = 0.127 in LH) reported higher likelihood of hand syndrome. Individuals whose motorcycle does not fit their body physique have over five times higher odds of hand discomfort (aOR 5.136, CI 2.939–8.974, p < 0.001 in RH and aOR 3.676, CI 2.210–6.113, p < 0.001 in LH). Conclusion This study highlights a considerably greater occurrence of hand syndrome among professional bikers in Bangladesh. Implementing regular stretching exercises, the use of a comfortable hand gripper, and improving motorcycle-to-body fit could reduce hand syndrome risk by over fivefold. Policymakers and organizations involved in occupational health and safety should priorities taking appropriate measures to address this issue.

An uphill struggle for tropical forest trees

Identification of coexisting Mfrprd6 and Pde6brd10 mutations causing spontaneous retinal detachment in commercially available rd6 mice

Purpose The rd6 mouse model, characterized by retinal degeneration due to an Mfrp mutation, has been widely studied. However, we identified a subset of rd6 mice that developed severe non-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (rd6-RD), suggesting the presence of additional genetic factors. This study aimed to characterize the retinal phenotype of rd6-RD mice and identify potential causative genetic mutations. Methods We performed optical coherence tomography, fundus imaging, electroretinography, and histological analysis to compare retinal structures and functions between rd6, rd6-RD, and C57BL/6J mice. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted to identify potential mutations associated with the retinal detachment phenotype. Results Optical coherence tomography revealed retinal detachment in rd6-RD mice as early as 4 weeks old, with complete loss of the outer nuclear layer by 6 weeks. Fundus examination at 11 weeks showed pale fundi and narrowed, whitened retinal vessels in rd6-RD mice, distinct from rd6 mice. On electroretinography, rd6-RD mice displayed significantly diminished a- and b-wave amplitudes, with no detectable responses by 10 weeks. Histological analysis confirmed severe outer retinal degeneration and disappearance of the outer layers in rd6-RD mice. Whole-genome sequencing identified a missense R560C mutation in Pde6b, corresponding to the Pde6brd10 mutation, in rd6-RD mice. Conclusions A subset of rd6 mice exhibited severe retinal detachment and outer retinal degeneration, distinct from the previously characterized Mfrp-related phenotype. The identification of the Pde6brd10 mutation suggests that these mice possess a dual-mutant genotype (Mfrprd6 and Pde6brd10), exacerbating retinal degeneration. These findings highlight the importance of genetic verification in commercially available mouse models and provide new insights into the genetic complexity of inherited retinal degenerations.

A widespread family of molecular chaperones promotes the intracellular stability of type VIIb secretion system–exported toxins

To survive in highly competitive environments, bacteria use specialized secretion systems to deliver antibacterial toxins into neighboring cells, thereby inhibiting their growth. In many Gram-positive bacteria, the export of such toxins requires a membrane-bound molecular apparatus known as the type VIIb secretion system (T7SSb). Recently, it was shown that toxin recruitment to the T7SSb requires a physical interaction between a toxin and two or more so-called targeting factors, which harbor key residues required for T7SS-dependent protein export. However, in addition to these targeting factors, some toxins additionally require a protein belonging to the DUF4176 protein family. Here, by examining two toxin–DUF4176 protein pairs, we demonstrate that DUF4176 constitutes a family of toxin-specific molecular chaperones. In addition to being required for toxin stability in producing cells, we find that DUF4176 proteins facilitate toxin export by specifically interacting with a previously uncharacterized intrinsically disordered region found in many T7SS toxins. Using X-ray crystallography, we determine structures of several DUF4176 chaperones in their unbound state, and of a DUF4176 chaperone in complex with the binding site of its cognate toxin. These structures reveal that this binding site consists of a disordered amphipathic α-helix that requires interaction with its cognate chaperone for proper folding. Overall, we have identified a family of secretion system associated molecular chaperones found throughout T7SSb-containing Gram-positive bacteria.

How University students in Bangladesh engage with ChatGPT: A qualitative study

This study examined university students’ perceptions and practices of using ChatGPT through a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 Khulna University students. Using thematic analysis, the research identified key themes, including both academic and non-academic motivations, with applications ranging from assignments and research to entertainment. Despite limitations such as false references and predetermined feedback, students found ChatGPT efficient and useful both inside and outside the classroom. However, concerns about academic integrity arose, as some students devised creative ways to bypass existing plagiarism detection systems. Ethical considerations emerged regarding responsible AI use, underscoring the need for clear guidelines and training to ensure proper referencing and the development of critical thinking skills. Future research should focus on continuous evaluation and the implementation of support services to encourage the responsible integration of ChatGPT in university settings.

Circular RNA lipid nanoparticle vaccine against SARS-CoV-2

With the advent and widespread use of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), RNA vaccines have emerged as an exciting class of vaccine offering low cost, rapid development, and high modularity and manufacturability. Protein-coding circular RNA (circRNA) is an emerging class of RNA cargo that offers increased stability compared to mRNA with potentially reduced immunogenicity, but delivery technologies for intracellular delivery of circRNA remain underexplored. Here, we develop an optimized lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform for circRNA delivery to immune cells, observing strong and durable transgene expression in vitro and in vivo. We employ a design-of-experiments (DoE) methodology to identify key formulation parameters for enhanced circRNA delivery and, upon intramuscular administration of our optimized circRNA LNPs to mice, observe substantial accumulation within draining lymph nodes and strong dendritic cell (DC) maturation at short time points. Applying this optimized circRNA LNP platform to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, we demonstrate robust antibody production and enhanced immune responses in mice compared to vaccination with mRNA LNPs, including strong T h 1-biased cellular responses and a 3.8-fold increase in antigen-specific reciprocal endpoint IgG titers. These results provide insights into design criteria for circRNA LNP formulations and support the use of circRNA LNPs for vaccination against infectious diseases.