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Macrophytes and their sedimentary phosphorus niche in lowland rivers

Macrophytes in lowland rivers have traditionally been studied with a focus on surface water chemistry, particularly nutrients. However, unlike in lakes, the relationship between macrophytes and surface water nutrients in rivers is generally weaker, especially in highly alkaline lowland rivers, which are often found more downstreams. In these systems, elevated sediment nutrient levels may better explain macrophyte community compositions than surface water nutrients alone. This study investigates the associations between macrophytes and sediment pore water nutrients, particularly Total Phosphorus (TP), while also considering hydromorphological factors such as flow velocity and water depth. Sampling was conducted at 76 locations in wadable lowland rivers in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, where macrophyte species, surface water chemistry, and sediment pore water chemistry were recorded. Relationships were analysed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis, absolute niche quantification, and a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM). Despite the potential role of pore water chemistry in macrophyte nutrient uptake, our results indicate that species niches along pore water TP did not strongly differ. Species niches extended to at least 3,000 μg L-1, although they preferred lower concentrations. Instead, hydromorphological variables, particularly water depth and flow velocity, exerted a stronger influence on macrophyte distribution than either surface or pore water nutrients. Tolerant species such as Ceratophyllum demersum and Potamogeton crispus were more prevalent in deeper waters with higher pH levels, while more sensitive species like Glyceria fluitans were found in shallower areas with lower pH levels. The GLMM estimated that the surface water TP concentrations increase by approximately 0.37% for every 1% rise in pore water TP concentrations, suggesting a notable but complex link between sediment and surface water nutrients. These findings highlight the challenges of using macrophytes as indicators of water column and pore water nutrients levels in lowland rivers. The results suggest that either these rivers are nutrient-saturated and dominated by eutrophic species, limiting their bioindication potential, or that macrophyte communities are completely impoverished. Additionally, hydromorphological alterations, such as river straightening and embankments, constrain ecotone habitats and should also be considered in successful river management strategies.

Ingroup solidarity drives social media engagement after political crises

Social media are often said to exacerbate polarization by platforming hostility between groups. However, positive social emotions like ingroup solidarity may also drive social media engagement, particularly after major threats such as military invasions or terror attacks. In this preregistered study, we examine the socioemotional drivers of engagement following group threats in the context of the US 2024 presidential campaign trail, where both major political parties faced crises in July of 2024. We test how ingroup solidarity and outgroup hostility predicted social media users’ engagement with 62,118 posts by 484 US partisan accounts before and after the first Trump assassination attempt (July 13) and Biden’s re-election campaign suspension (July 21). We find that, while outgroup hostility is typically the dominant predictor of engagement, interactions with ingroup solidarity surged among Republicans after the Trump shooting and among Democrats after Biden’s withdrawal. We show that negativity toward other groups is not always key to going viral. Rather, positive ingroup emotions appear to play a leading role in times of crisis.

Development and validation of a deep learning–based assessment tool for teacher leadership: A case study from Xinjiang, China

Teacher leadership is widely regarded as a critical driver of school reform and educational quality improvement. Although the field has been extensively studied, empirical research remains limited in Xinjiang, China—a region characterized by its multiethnic and multilingual context. To address this gap, the present study developed and validated a culturally sensitive assessment tool based on a sample of 371 primary and secondary school teachers from Xinjiang. A structured questionnaire was designed encompassing four dimensions: professional guidance, educational collaboration, cross-cultural ICT-based teaching competence, and leadership cognition. In addition, we introduced an interpretable deep learning model—ITL-LSTM (Interpretable Teacher Leadership LSTM)—which employs a Diagonal BiLSTM structure for dynamic classification of teacher leadership profiles, achieving a prediction accuracy of 90.10%. The findings indicate that the proposed tool demonstrates strong applicability and scalability within the Xinjiang context, providing effective support for dynamic evaluation, personalized development, and evidence-based decision-making in multicultural educational settings.

Correction for An et al., Impact of women’s political empowerment through gender quotas on improved drinking water access in Africa

Journal data-sharing policies and its impact in publications: A cross-sectional study protocol

Responsible data sharing in clinical research can enhance the transparency and reproducibility of research evidence, thereby increasing the overall value of research. Since 2024, more than 5,000 journals have adhered to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Data Sharing Statement (DSS) to promote data sharing. However, due to the significant effort required for data sharing and the scarcity of academic rewards, data availability in clinical research remains suboptimal. This study aims to explore the impact of biomedical journal policies and available supporting information on the implementation of data availability in clinical research publications This cross-sectional study will select 303 journals and their latest publications as samples from the biomedical journals listed in the Web of Science Journal Citation Reports based on stratified random sampling according to the 2023 Journal Impact Factor (JIF). Two researchers will independently extract journal data-sharing policies from the submission guidelines of eligible journals and data-sharing details from publications using a pre-designed form from Apr 2025 to Dec 2025. The data sharing levels of publications will be based on the openness of the data-sharing mechanism. Binomial logistic regression analyses will be used to identify potential journal factors that affect publication data-sharing levels. This protocol has been registered in Open Science Framework (OSF) Registries: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EX6DV.

Amyloid β–dependent neuronal silencing through synaptic decoupling

Amyloid β (Aβ)-dependent circuit dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is determined by a puzzling mix of hyperactive and inactive (“silent”) brain neurons. Recent studies identified excessive glutamate accumulation as a key Aβ-dependent determinant of hyperactivity. The cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal silence depend on both Aβ and tau protein pathologies, with an unknown role of Aβ. Here, by using single-cell-initiated rabies virus (RV) tracing in mouse models of β-amyloidosis, we demonstrate that the presynaptic connectivity of silent, but not that of hyperactive, neurons is severely disrupted. Furthermore, silent neurons display a major spine loss and strongly suppressed synaptic activity. Thus, we suggest that synaptic decoupling is an Aβ-dependent cellular mechanism underlying progressive neuronal silencing and a critical factor for the cognitive impairments encountered in AD.

An integrated genetic algorithm-machine learning approach for morphological optimization of high-rise residential districts in Yulin

The pursuit of global carbon neutrality necessitates addressing the dual challenge of enhancing solar energy utilization while improving thermal comfort in high-rise residential areas, particularly in Yulin, northern Shaanxi, China, where abundant solar resources exist but maximizing solar acquisition often compromises summer thermal environment quality. This resource-comfort contradiction highlights the need for balanced architectural strategies in regions with pronounced seasonal variations. Building morphological parameter optimization is crucial for balancing annual solar energy capture against summer overheating risks, yet research remains insufficient. This study developed parametric layout models using Rhino-Grasshopper, considering key parameters including building length, width, height, density, floor area ratio, and south-facing angle deviation. Multi-objective optimization was conducted using NSGA-II genetic algorithm under regulatory constraints, while combining traditional regression analysis with convolutional neural networks (CNN) to investigate the influence mechanisms of these morphological parameters. Results indicate that the optimized building morphology can increase annual solar radiation acquisition (SRA) by 2.57% while maintaining comfortable summer Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) values, effectively balancing solar energy capture and outdoor thermal comfort. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between building length and summer UTCI (r = 0.73), whereas CNN identified a negative correlation (−0.45). Both methods identified similar parameter combinations affecting SRA, with CNN demonstrating superior capability in capturing complex non-linear relationships. These findings provide evidence-based design guidelines specific to Yulin while offering implications for sustainable residential development in similar climates, advancing the integration of climate-adaptive design strategies.

Organoid-based neutralization assays reveal a distinctive profile of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and recapitulate the real-world efficacy

The efficacy of VIR-7831, a class 3 anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), was demonstrated repeatedly in clinical trials; yet, reduced neutralization against Omicron variants in cell-line-based neutralization assays led to its withdrawal from clinical use. We developed organoid-based neutralization assays to measure mAb potency. We found that most class 3 mAbs, especially those not blocking receptor-binding domain-ACE2 binding, including VIR-7831, were substantially underestimated in cell-line-based assays. Nasal organoids adequately recapitulated the real-world effectiveness of VIR-7831 because of biologically relevant low ACE2 expression, and exclusively reproduced the in vivo protection of S2 mAbs due to the high TMPRSS2 expression, reminiscent of native human respiratory epithelial cells. Collectively, the robust organoid culture system and biologically relevant expression profiles of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 make nasal organoids present a correlate of in vivo protection of neutralizing mAbs exclusively. The organoid-based neutralization assays, superior to conventional cell-line-based assays, can recapitulate and predict the real-world efficacy of mAbs.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon oclusion of the aorta (REBOA) in non-traumatic cardiac arrest in a pig-model: Influence on Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with short-term survival, gas exchange and hemodynamics

Background Survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains poor even when bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with chest compression is initiated. Chest compressions provide only reduced cardiac output with limited perfusion of heart and brain and therfore may not avoid both death or poor neurological outcome in prolonged CPR. We investigated the impact of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) on hemodynamics, gas exchange and return of spontanous circulation (ROSC) with short-term survival during mechanical CPR (mCPR) with chest compression synchronized-ventilation (CCSV) in an atraumatic pig model. Methods The study was performed on 20 pigs under general anaesthesia. REBOA catheter was placed in the thoracic aorta at the level of diaphragm beforecardiac arrest (CA) with ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced. After 3 minutes of CA mCPR was started, CCSV was initiated at t = 5 min. Radomization to REBOA or control group, at t = 7 min inflation of REBOA ballon. CPR was continued until t = 18 min including defibrillation and intravenous epinephrine. Primary endpoint was ROSC with short-term survival, secondary endpoints mean arterial pressures (MAP) and arterial bloodgas analyses. Results ROSC was observed in n = 5 (REBOA) versus n = 1 (control) out of 10 animals, p = 0.141. All these animals remained stable for over an hour and thus also met the criteria for short-term survival. In the REBOA group, MAP was significantly increased following blockage of the ballon. Arterial blood gas analyses (ABG) showed a trend to higher PaO2 (REBOA 375 ± 147 mmHg vs control 277 ± 129 p = 0,220), higher pH-value (REBOA 7,37 ± 0,06 vs control 7,24 ± 0,12 p = 0,052) and less increased PaCO2 (REBOA 38 ± 7 mmHg vs control 59 ± 21 mmHg p = 0,056) at t = 14 min. Conclusion In our animal resuscitation model of non-traumatic CA, REBOA showed a significant increase in MAP and a favourable influence on gasexchange, associated with a trend towards higher ROSC rates and short-term survival. It remains to be seen whether these effects can be replicated in larger experimental and clinical studies.

Correction for Kalakonda et al., Monoallelic loss of tumor suppressor GRIM-19 promotes tumorigenesis in mice

Physical child abuse and self-reported health concerns: A case-control study including police-reported cases and unreported controls

Background Child abuse continues to pose a significant threat to children’s health. The repercussions of abuse are profound, impacting the child’s physical, social, and emotional well-being, with potential long-term effects that may extend into adulthood. To assist in identifying health concerns in children associated with exposure to physical abuse, a health questionnaire was developed to be used in the setting of a forensic examination. Objective This study examines whether children suspected of being exposed to physical violence report more health-related concerns compared to unexposed controls. Participants and setting The case group consists of children suspected of being exposed to physical violence, with reports to the Copenhagen police. Cases were examined from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, at the Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) in Copenhagen, totaling 374 examinations. A control group of children aged 4–14 years with no suspicion of abuse was established through recruitment via social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn), posters, and word of mouth. Controls were examined from November 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, totaling 122 examinations. Methods Children underwent a standardized forensic examination, which included a health interview reviewing health behaviors (e.g., diet, toothbrushing, and sleep patterns) and well-being (liking school/preschool, having friends, and trusted adults). Results Overall, cases reported significantly more concerns than controls on several assessed items. With multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for all significant covariates and stratified by age, two concerns remained significant. Cases aged 8–14 years, had significantly higher odds of brushing their teeth once daily or less (OR: 3.85; CI: 1.47–10.12) and reported low enjoyment of school (OR: 3.74; CI: 1.03–13.53). Conclusions Health interviews may support the identification of children at risk. However, the statistical power was limited, and the findings require validation in larger populations.

Magnetic decoupling as a proofreading strategy for high-yield, time-efficient microscale self-assembly

Life thrives due to its remarkable ability to create complex structures through the self-assembly of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Achieving such complex assemblies with the same level of fidelity, reproducibility, and advanced functionality in synthetic systems, however, has remained a grand challenge. One outstanding problem is the presence of parasitic products and long-lived intermediate states that slow the reaction process and limit the yield of the final product. Biology overcomes this challenge by proofreading to recognize and disassemble parasitic products. Such local checks, however, are currently difficult to implement in available self-assembly platforms. Here, we overcome this challenge by implementing a proofreading mechanism in a self-assembly platform. Specifically, we design intermediate states that strongly couple to an external force but a final product that is decoupled and thus highly stable to external driving, such that application of external forces selectively dissociates parasitic products. To implement this idea, we introduce lithographically patterned magnetic dipoles and an applied magnetic field to drive an assembly process similar to thermal self-assembly, but with additional controls. By applying patterns of magnetic driving that selectively destabilize parasitic states, we effectively implement a proofreading strategy to enable high-yield, time-efficient self-assembly. This realization of a general proofreading mechanism bridges the gap between artificial and biological self-assembly, paving the way for advanced self-assembled materials, with applications in next generation responsive materials, biomimetic devices, and microscale machines.

High-throughput DNA repair monitoring in Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggests SSB- and DSB-induced chromatin reconfiguration

Comparative electron microscopy analysis of internal limiting membrane and epiretinal membrane ultrastructure from vitrectomy surgery: A study protocol

The epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a fibrocellular layer that forms on the inner surface of the retina, often leading to visual impairment and significantly impacting visual function. Understanding the pathophysiology of ERM formation is crucial for advancing ophthalmic care and improving patient outcomes. This research aims to investigate the pathophysiology of ERM by comparing the internal limiting membrane (ILM) pathology in patients with and without ERM. The study involves a comprehensive protocol of ILM and ERM specimens collection during pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling procedures. Specimens are assessed using both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate morphological and ultrastructural changes. The study employs a standardized protocol for specimen collection and analysis, focusing on identifying differences in cell counts, extracellular matrix components, and ultrastructural alterations in the ILM. We also investigate the correlation between pathological findings and clinical biomarkers, including fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and baseline characteristics such as patient demographics and underlying diseases. These clinical assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of the ocular environment and its relationship to ERM formation. By examining both the ILM and ERM in patients with and without ERM, the study aims to identify distinct pathological features associated with ERM development. We also aimed to elucidate whether changes in the ILM, such as cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling, are significant contributors to ERM formation. Additionally, the study will explores how these pathological changes correlate with clinical features and biomarkers, offering insights into potential mechanisms driving ERM pathogenesis. Establishing these correlations would support the hypothesis that ILM changes contribute to ERM development, while the absence of significant differences may suggest alternative pathways. Ultimately, this research aims to enhance our understanding of ERM pathophysiology, paving the way for improved prognosis and therapeutic strategies.

Correction for Sun et al., DNA2 protein destruction dictates DNA hyperexcision, cGAS–STING activation, and innate immune response in CDK12-deregulated cancers

Pedestrian flux analysis in a confined university campus network using entropy and accessibility robustness metrics

Correction: Healthcare professionals’ perceptions about implementing accreditation as a strategy to improve healthcare quality and organisational performance: a cross-sectional survey study

CHP1 promotes lipid droplet growth and regulates the localization of key enzymes for triacylglycerol synthesis

The glycerol-3-phosphate (G-3-P) pathway is central to the synthesis of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and glycerophospholipids, essential for membrane biogenesis and lipid storage. The first and rate-limiting step in this pathway is catalyzed by glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs), with microsomal GPAT3 and GPAT4 being evolutionarily conserved and predominant in most tissues. While previous studies have implicated Calcineurin B homologous protein 1 (CHP1) as a cofactor for GPAT4, the broader role of CHP1 in regulating microsomal GPATs and TAG biosynthesis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that CHP1 is a critical regulator of both GPAT3 and GPAT4, essential for their stability, enzymatic activity, and lipid droplet (LD) localization. Structural modeling and mutational analyses identified key hydrophobic interfaces mediating the CHP1–GPAT interaction, which are required for optimal GPAT activity and LD growth. Loss of CHP1 impairs LD expansion and disrupts the localization of GPAT3/4 and downstream enzymes in the TAG synthesis pathway, including 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 3 (AGPAT3) and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2). Mechanistically, CHP1 helps circumvent seipin-mediated restriction of late LD-targeting enzymes, facilitating their access to mature LDs. Together, our findings reveal CHP1 as a dual-function regulator that stabilizes and activates microsomal GPATs while enabling the coordinated recruitment of TAG biosynthetic enzymes to LDs. This work uncovers a previously unrecognized mechanism for regulating LD growth and glycerolipid metabolism, with broad implications for lipid homeostasis and metabolic diseases.

Health literacy model integrating health education, health behaviors, self-rated health, and socioeconomic status in the Chinese population

Evaluation of shotgun metagenomics as a diagnostic tool for infectious gastroenteritis

Infectious gastroenteritis is a significant health issue globally. Identifying the causative pathogen is crucial for treatment, infection control and epidemiological surveillance. While PCR-based analyses are fast and sensitive, they only detect known pathogens. Clinical metagenomics can potentially identify novel or unexpected pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate shotgun metagenomics for detecting diarrhoeal pathogens in faecal samples from patients with infectious gastroenteritis and spiked samples from healthy donors, compared to PCR. DNA from clinical faecal samples (n = 12), spiked samples (n = 36), and control samples (n = 7) were analysed by PCR and shotgun metagenomics sequencing. Reads were taxonomically assigned, assembled, and binned into MAGs. MAGs were taxonomically assigned, and virulence genes were detected in bacterial assemblies and MAGs. Pathogens detected by PCR were also identified by taxonomic assignment of reads, though with lower sensitivity. Taxonomic assignment of MAGs identified 50% of bacterial pathogens and HAdV-F. Additional potential pathogens were observed in most samples. More bacterial virulence genes were detected in assemblies than in MAGs. In spiked samples, C. jejuni and HAdV-F were detected by both PCR and metagenomics, with significant correlation between Cq values and reads. Parasites were detected by few reads. Metagenomics has lower sensitivity compared to PCR but can provide supplementary information relevant for treatment. Challenges include additional potential pathogens, background microbiome, and introduced kitome, necessitating optimized extraction methods and strict quality controls.