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Burden of and Trends in urticaria from 1990 to 2021 in China: A time-trend analysis and comparison with the United States and United Kingdom based on the GBD 2021

Background As the world’s largest developing country, China is facing a huge burden of urticaria. Studying the variations in urticaria management strategies between China and developed nations could offer valuable insights for policy development and enhance urticaria control efforts. Methods We used the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) to acquire a detailed comprehension of the rates and trends of urticaria incidence and prevalence, DALYs burden, and control strategies in China and compared them with those in the United States and the United Kingdom. Results In global both sexes, from 1990 to 2021, the all ages incidence of urticaria, age-standardized percent prevalence, and all ages DALYs cases increased from 84.8 (106, 95% UI: 74.5–96.2) to 117.0 (106, 95% UI: 104.1–131.0), 0.89% (95% UI: 0.79%−1.00%) to 0.90% (95% UI: 0.80%−1.02%), and 2.9 (106, 95% UI: 1.9–4.1) to 4.0 (106, 95% UI: 2.6–5.7), respectively. Meanwhile, the age-standardized incidence rate increased from 1529.2 (95% UI: 1355.9–1720.36) in 1990 to 1533.71 (95% UI:1358.4–1726.1) in 2021. The incidence counts and prevalence peaked in individuals aged 5–9 years for both males and females, and it shows a gradually decreasing trend in subsequent age groups. The number of incidences has shown a gradually increasing trend and the incidence was higher in female than male. In China, from 1990 to 2021, the all ages incidence of urticaria, age-standardized percent prevalence, and all ages DALYs cases increased from 16.06 (106, 95% UI: 13.97–18.23) to 17.30 (106, 95% UI: 15.37–19.25), 0.81% (95% UI: 0.71%−0.92%) to 0.79% (95% UI: 0.69%−0.90%), and 551.3 (103, 95% UI: 362.6–792.7) to 591.8 (103, 95% UI: 391.4–830.1), respectively. In general, over the past 30 years, urticaria has shown a slow growth trend in China. In the same period, age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) decreased from 1342.4 (95% UI: 1176.0–1520.5) in 1990 to 1337.6 (95% UI: 1172.3–1514.7) in 2021. Conclusion Clinical data for special populations such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women need to be further expanded and strengthened in China. High quality randomized controlled trial research is still needed for keeping pace with advancements.

Human-induced changes in extreme cold surges across the Northern Hemisphere

Investigating the prevalence of class 1, 2, and 3 integrons in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from burn wound infections

Back-translation effects on static and contextual word embeddings for topic classification embedding in classification tasks

This study investigates the impact of back-translation on topic classification, comparing its effects on static word vector representations (FastText) and contextual word embeddings (RoBERTa). Our objective was to determine whether back-translation improves classification performance across both types of embeddings. In experiments involving Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest, and RNN-LSTM classifiers, we evaluated original datasets against those augmented with back-translated data in six languages. The results demonstrated that back-translation consistently enhanced the performance of classifiers using static word embeddings, with the F1-score increasing by up to 1.36% for Logistic Regression and 1.58% for SVM. Random Forest saw improvements of up to 2.80%, and RNN-LSTM by up to 1.46%; however, these gains were smaller in most languages and did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, the effect of back-translation on contextual embeddings from the RoBERTa model was negligible: no language showed a statistically significant F1-score improvement. Despite this, RoBERTa still delivered the highest absolute performance, suggesting that advanced contextual models are less reliant on external data augmentation techniques. These findings indicate that back-translation is especially beneficial for classification tasks in low-resource languages when using static word embeddings, but its utility is limited for modern context-aware models.

Plausible global emissions scenario for 2 °C aligned with China’s net-zero pathway

Multidimensional social signature de-anonymizes low-sensitivity data

Personalized MRI-based characterization of subcortical anomalies in Ataxia-Telangiectasia using deep-learning

Background Cerebellar atrophy is a known feature of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). However, basal ganglia dysfunction contributing to extrapyramidal movement disorders in A-T remains understudied. Objectives To characterize basal ganglia abnormalities in A-T using a normative self-supervised deep autoencoder trained on MRI-based diffusion and perfusion features from healthy children. Methods Mean values of apparent diffusion coefficient and cerebral blood flow perfusion maps were extracted from seven regions-of-interest: caudate, hippocampus, pallidum, putamen, thalamus, cerebellar gray matter and cerebellar white matter. A normative deep autoencoder that reconstructs these features was trained on healthy subjects. Reconstruction errors for healthy and A-T participants were computed. We used Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) to identify the most influential features contributing to the features’ reconstruction predictions. Correlations between reconstruction errors and clinical scores in A-T patients were evaluated. Results Features were correctly reconstructed in controls but not A-T participants, who showed significantly higher reconstruction errors. Hippocampus, caudate and putamen diffusion, and caudate and putamen perfusion were overestimated, and cerebellar diffusion and pallidum perfusion underestimated, in participants with A-T. SHAP scores revealed that caudate, putamen, and hippocampus perfusion had the greatest influence on the reconstruction of perfusion features. In contrast, cerebellar diffusion and caudate perfusion had the greatest influence on the reconstruction of diffusion features. Exploratory analysis showed that extrapyramidal movement sub-scores from A-T participants correlated with perfusion and diffusion reconstruction errors from cerebellar and subcortical structures. Conclusion Our findings suggest that pallidum, caudate, and cerebellar gray matter are potential targets for novel treatment approaches for A-T. The approach enables identification of subtle tissue anomalies at an individual level, allowing tailored approaches.

Dynamic pathways in energy landscapes guiding supramolecular Janus dendrimer self-assemblies between lamellar and cubic architectures

Abstract Elaborate kinetic control enables supramolecular self-assemblies to deviate from equilibrium, depicting profound energy landscapes with remarkable structural and functional diversity. Despite this potential, achieving an energy landscape that encompasses lamellar and inverse cubic structures remains a significant challenge, contrasting with the sophisticated structural transformations naturally orchestrated by cellular systems. Here, we present a dynamic and minimalistic Janus dendrimer self-assembly system capable of reversibly transitioning between lamellar vesicles and inverse cubic structures. By exploiting temperature-triggered non-covalent interactions, including OEG interdigitation and hydrogen bonding, conformational flexibility, and molecular packing, we reveal a rich energy landscape featuring diverse assembly pathways spanning lamellar vesicles and inverse cubosomes. Our study not only enriches the structural versatility of Janus dendrimer assemblies but also provides a foundation for advancing supramolecular systems toward applications in biomedicine, catalysis, and beyond.

Elucidation and valorization of the potent activity of Commiphora myrrha gum resin extract: antimicrobial and fibroblast wound healing activities

Abstract This study investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties of Commiphora myrrha (C. myrrha) resin extract and its solvent fractions. Using ethanol, methanol, hexane, and water as extraction solvents, the ethanolic extract exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, which was attributed to its ability to solubilize a broad range of bioactive compounds. Further fractionation revealed that the ethyl acetate sub-fraction had the highest antimicrobial efficacy, including a 23 mm inhibition zone against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis provided novel insights into microbial cell disruption, showing significant morphological alterations in Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans, while Staphylococcus aureus exhibited minimal structural damage. The DPPH assay demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in the ethyl acetate fraction (IC₅₀: 0.92 mg/mL), indicating a strong radical-scavenging capacity. Solvent polarity was found to influence both antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, with ethyl acetate emerging as the optimal extraction solvent. The crude ethanolic extract showed moderate cytotoxicity toward human dermal fibroblasts (IC₅₀: 24.53 µg/mL) but promoted wound closure by 98.4% in vitro, suggesting its biocompatibility and regenerative potential. GC-MS profiling of the ethyl acetate fraction identified 70 compounds, including Benzofuran, Elemene, and Germacra-related sesquiterpenes, providing a chemical basis for the observed biological effects. This is the first study to comprehensively link the ethyl acetate fraction of C. myrrha to both antimicrobial and wound-healing activity, supporting its development as a multifunctional therapeutic agent. The results validate its traditional use and highlight its potential in modern pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Motivation, barriers, and willingness to participate in clinical trials for novel cancer treatments among the Vietnamese population

Background Novel therapeutic approaches are actively explored and evaluated, but applying these innovations to practice depends critically on the recruitment of volunteers for clinical trials. This study aimed to assess the motivations, barriers, and willingness of the general population in Vietnam to participate in clinical trials for novel cancer treatments. Methods This analytical cross-sectional research involved the distribution of self-administered online and printed questionnaires to residents across central and southern Vietnam in December 2024. A structured 23-item questionnaire was developed based on a literature review of studies from the UK, US, and Germany. Items were culturally adapted for Vietnam and translated using a WHO-adapted four-step process, including forward translation, expert panel review, cognitive interviews with 25 participants, and final revision. Face and content validity were assessed during this process. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with the respondents’ willingness to participate in the aforementioned clinical trials. Results The questionnaires were completed by 851 participants, with the majority aged 40–50 years (30.3%). The respondents also indicated a preference for treatments with prior clinical use and coverage by health insurance (65.6%). The primary motivation for participation was intensive monitoring of conditions (83.7%). The most frequently cited barrier were concerns regarding the high risk associated with less-tested treatments (74.1%). A total of 33.6% expressed a willingness to participate in clinical trials, but fewer (18.9%) were willing to allow such involvement for their children or other family members. Finally, Kinh ethnicity, good health, and positive attitudes toward novel cancer treatments were significantly associated with an increased willingness to participate in clinical trials (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study provides critical insights into the motivation of and barriers to participation in clinical trials for novel cancer treatments. Addressing barriers and promoting motivations can contribute to supporting cancer clinical trial conductions and then improving cancer treatment effectiveness in Vietnam.

Enhanced enzyme stability at the interphase of water-oil for continuous-flow olefin epoxidation

Correction: Neural network assisted annotation and analysis tool to study in-vivo foveolar cone photoreceptor topography

Mg²⁺-modified corncob biochar and natural zeolite significantly enhanced simultaneous N and P recovery from livestock wastewater

Livestock and poultry farming effluents (LPFE) have become a significant source of pollution in the agricultural water environment, with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) being the major pollutants. The use of inexpensive Mg2+ -modified materials as crystallization carriers can enhance the struvite crystallization and precipitation reaction, enabling efficient recovery of N and P nutrients from LPFE. In this study, Mg2+ -modified corncob biochar (CCBC-Mg) and Mg2+ -modified natural zeolite (NZ-Mg) were assessed for their simultaneous recovery of N and P from LPFE. BET, SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD and adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics modelling were used to study the N and P adsorption properties and mechanisms. The results showed that Mg2+ modification significantly enhanced the simultaneous ammonia nitrogen (AN) and total phosphorus (TP) recovery of the two materials. After modification, corncob biochar (CCBC-Mg) showed the best P recovery performance, while natural zeolite (NZ-Mg) showed the best AN recovery, with adsorption quantities reaching 116.99 mg/g and 47.50 mg/g, respectively. The findings demonstrated that the adsorption processes for both AN and phosphate across all materials adhered to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, collectively indicating that monolayer adsorption governed by chemical interactions was the predominant mechanism. CCBC and NZ mainly adsorbed AN and TP by electrostatic attraction and ion exchange, whereas CCBC-Mg and NZ-Mg, mainly relied on struvite precipitation on the material surface. The Mg2+ - modification increased the solution pH and formed Mg-P precipitates on the material surface, providing a favourable alkaline environment and nucleation conditions for the struvite reaction, thereby promoting the simultaneous recovery of AN and TP by the materials. This study could provide a theoretical basis for the design of struvite carrier for the simultaneous recovery of AN and TP from LPFE by the struvite precipitation method, and promote the application of this process in livestock and poultry farming effluent treatments.

UBE3A promotes foam cell formation and counters remyelination by targeting ABCA1 for proteasomal degradation

Comprehensive multiomics profiling reveals the protective function of gypenosides against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

How does public digital procurement enhance corporate total factor productivity? The role of industry–university–research collaboration

This study innovatively employs large language model (LLM) technology to construct a public digital procurement (PDP) index and, by utilizing microlevel data from Chinese A-share listed companies (2015–2023), systematically examines the impact of PDP on corporate total factor productivity (TFP) and its underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrate that PDP has a significantly positive effect on corporate TFP, and this conclusion remains robust after endogeneity concerns are addressed and multiple robustness tests are conducted. Mechanism analysis reveals that PDP significantly increases corporate TFP primarily through three pathways: enhancing digital technology innovation, alleviating financial constraints, and improving corporate information disclosure. Furthermore, in the context of industry–university–research (IUR) collaboration, PDP has a more pronounced positive effect on corporate TFP. Additional analysis indicates a synergistic effect between PDP and corporate digital transformation, meaning that firms with a higher level of digital transformation can more effectively leverage PDP to achieve TFP growth. This study provides critical theoretical and empirical evidence for leveraging PDP to improve corporate TFP and offers important references for government departments in optimizing the design of PDP policies and enhancing their implementation effectiveness.

Prefoldin complex promotes interferon-stimulated gene expression and is inhibited by rotavirus VP3

Abstract Timely induction of interferons and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) is critical for successful host defense against viral infections. VP3 encoded by rotavirus is implicated in interferon antagonism. However, the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood. By conducting tandem-affinity purification coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, we identify the prefoldin complex as the top cellular binding partner of VP3. Rotavirus infection is significantly enhanced in prefoldin subunit knockout cells. Using proteome-wide label-free quantification, we find that prefoldin assists in folding ubiquitin-like-modifier-activating-enzyme-3 (UBA3), both of which positively regulate ISG expression. Through direct and competitive binding, VP3 interferes with the chaperone activity of prefoldin, leading to unstable UBA3, reduces IRF9, and suppresses ISG transcription. Our findings report a novel function of a prefoldin-UBA3-IRF9-ISG axis in antiviral immunity and uncover new aspects of virus-host interactions that could be exploited for broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutic development.

Comparative effects of focused ultrasound and microbubbles on healthy and tumor bearing rat spinal cord

Association between AST/ALT ratio and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in Korean pregnant women

Background The aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes mellitus, but its association with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been less well-studied. Objective Our study aimed to investigate whether the AST/ALT ratio is associated with GDM in a population of pregnant Korean women. Methods The study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. It included 623 pregnant women who were at 10–14 weeks of gestation between November 2014 and September 2016. We downloaded and analyzed the data in October 2024. A total of 575 singleton pregnant women were included after excluding missing variables. All participants were followed up until the birth of their children. AST/ALT ratio was obtained by dividing AST by ALT. AST/ALT ratio was used as a continuous variable, and a quartile categorical variable was used for analysis. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between AST/ALT ratio and GDM. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the stability of this relationship. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve fitting was employed to investigate potential non-linear associations. Results Pregnant women were stratified into quartiles based on their AST/ALT ratios, with the following cutoff values: Q1 (<1.167), Q2 (1.167–1.499), Q3 (1.5–1.818), and Q4 (>1.818). The overall mean AST/ALT ratio across all participants was 1.6 ± 1.0. After adjusting for confounders, the AST/ALT ratio was negatively associated with GDM (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.2–0.99), with results confirmed by sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Conclusion This study demonstrated that a lower AST/ALT ratio in early pregnancy was independently and negatively associated with the risk of GDM. The AST/ALT ratio may serve as a potential early biomarker to identify pregnant women at higher risk of GDM, contributing to targeted preventive strategies.

Volcanoes stunt nearby glaciers

Abstract Glacierised volcanoes pose significant hazards to societies. Monitoring these volcanoes is therefore essential, though challenging, as traditional geophysical and geochemical methods for tracking volcanic activity can be hindered by glacier cover or remoteness. In this study, we analyse to what extent 307 active volcanoes worldwide impact the mass balance of glaciers within a 40 km radius, a total of 40667 glaciers, by comparing their relative median elevations. We show that glaciers near volcanoes are progressively confined to higher elevations closer to volcanoes, indicating that volcanic processes have a negative impact on nearby glacier mass balance. The influence of noneruptive and eruptive volcanic activity on glacier mass balance is primarily confined to glaciers within 5 km of volcanoes, a similar footprint to detected anomalies in thermal and deformation studies. Our results present a global assessment of volcanic effects on glacier mass balance, and could serve as a baseline for future monitoring efforts of how volcanic activity affects glaciers.