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Macrophage INSIG1 deficiency drives psoriasiform dermatitis via the SREBP2-STAT1 axis

Insomnia and poor sleep quality in refugee and asylum-seeking populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Refugees and asylum seekers face significant mental health challenges, yet sleep disturbances remain underrecognized despite their critical impact on well-being. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed sleep quality and insomnia severity across 66 studies (n = 42,956). Pooled analyses of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) based on studies identified in Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed from database inception to December 2024 revealed clinically significant sleep disturbances. The pooled mean ISI score (13.76, 95% CI 10.39–17.13) falls within the upper end of the subthreshold range, bordering on moderate clinical insomnia, while PSQI scores (8.59, 95% CI 2.11–15.07) exceeded clinical thresholds for poor sleep. The pooled prevalence of sleep adversities was 43.2% in adults and 36.4% in children. Secondary findings highlighted prolonged sleep latency and frequent nightmares. Although subgroup analyses suggested trends across populations and assessment methods, statistical significance was limited by sample heterogeneity. Standardized sleep assessments must be integrated into refugee health protocols, with targeted interventions addressing insomnia risk factors.

Sustainable recovery of lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt from NMC811 cathodes using propionic and ascorbic acids through optimization and kinetic analysis

Glass-like anomalies and unconventional thermoelectric transport in chimney ladder crystals

Evaluation of anemia in non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT using electron density imaging

Electron density (ED) imaging derived from dual-energy CT (DECT) quantifies tissue composition and may reflect changes in red blood cell (RBC) mass associated with anemia. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of ED from DECT in assessing anemia severity using both non-enhanced CT (NECT) and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), and to investigate its correlation with hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and RBC count. In this retrospective study, 2,558 patients who underwent NECT and 2,545 who underwent CECT using a dual-layer spectral detector CT (Philips IQon) were included. Mean ED and mean CT attenuation (HU) were measured at five cardiac blood pool sites. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed between CT measurements and hematologic parameters. Partial correlation analysis adjusting for age and sex and non-parametric bootstrap internal validation were also conducted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine diagnostic cutoff values for anemia detection. Mean ED significantly decreased with increasing anemia severity in both NECT and CECT cohorts (all p  < 0.001). With NECT, mean ED showed positive correlations with Hb, Hct, and RBC count (r s  = 0.726–0.770), with AUCs of 0.825–0.956 for anemia detection. With CECT, mean ED retained positive correlations with hematologic parameters (r s  = 0.447–0.583), with AUCs of 0.727–0.895, while mean HU showed no meaningful correlation. After adjustment for age and sex, partial correlation coefficients remained substantial (NECT: r s  = 0.694; CECT: r s  = 0.509 for Hb), and bootstrap internal validation confirmed negligible overfitting bias. ED derived from DECT demonstrated diagnostic utility for anemia detection on NECT, unlike conventional HU, retained clinically relevant associations with hematologic parameters on CECT. ED-based anemia detection on CECT is best conceptualized as opportunistic detection, particularly for severe anemia, supplementary to laboratory testing. These findings require external validation across diverse DECT platforms before broader clinical implementation.

Integrated soil fertility assessment system for tobacco cultivation: A case study in Honghe prefecture

Abstract This study developed an integrated soil fertility evaluation framework for flue-cured tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) cultivation by combining indicator screening, weighting, and quality assessment methods. A three-stage analytical procedure was applied to 6,349 soil samples collected from 2011 to 2021 across seven counties in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (Honghe Prefecture). This procedure included indicator optimization based on Total Dataset and Minimum Data Set (MDS) approaches, weight determination using entropy weight (EW) and correlation coefficient methods, and fertility assessment using the Soil Basic Niche-Fitness model and Soil Fertility Index (SFI). Validation by regression analysis (R 2  = 0.72), Kappa consistency testing (0.458), and correlation analysis ( r  = 0.85) identified the MDS–EW–SFI system (MESFI) as the most suitable evaluation framework. The optimized MDS included six indicators with corresponding weights: soil pH (0.071), soil organic matter (0.085), available potassium (0.169), available boron (0.141), water-soluble chlorine (0.292), and exchangeable magnesium (0.242). Soil fertility indices (0.393–0.565) showed stable spatial patterns, with 54.72% of soils classified as good and 32.43% as medium. The average fertility levels followed the order Gejiu (0.489) > Jianshui (0.467) > Mile (0.463) > Mengzi (0.457) > Kaiyuan (0.457) > Luxi (0.448) > Shiping (0.445). Structural equation modeling showed that soil properties exerted the strongest direct positive influence on MESFI, with available potassium and boron having the highest path coefficients (0.608 and 0.558, respectively). Geographic factors, including longitude and altitude, and environmental variables indirectly increased MESFI by improving soil properties. However, they indirectly reduced MESFI through their influence on annual temperature, which negatively affected soil properties and explained 37% of the variance. These results suggest that careful selection of indicators, weighting schemes, and evaluation methods can improve soil fertility assessments in tobacco-growing regions. Future studies should further examine the natural and anthropogenic factors contributing to the spatial and temporal variabilities in soil fertility.

Field angle-independent high magnetoresistance and field angle-dependent coercivity in Fe3GaTe2/Phosphorus all-van der Waals spin valves at room temperature

Imaging of cervicothoracic junction anatomical variation in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: A scoping review protocol

Objective The objective of this scoping review is to systematically map the extent and nature of the literature on the use of imaging for assessing cervicothoracic junction anatomical variation in patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Introduction Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is a complex, disputed diagnosis that lacks a definitive gold-standard test, despite being the most common thoracic outlet syndrome subtype. Imaging is essential for identifying anatomical variations, such as cervical ribs, and excluding competing diagnoses. This review aims to clarify how imaging modalities are utilized to describe, classify, and assess these anatomical variations, and how these findings are explicitly linked to diagnosis or management. Selection criteria This review will consider studies that include patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and evaluate the role of imaging in assessing anatomical variations at the cervicothoracic junction. All study designs, including reviews, quantitative, and descriptive studies, will be considered. This review will exclude studies where the primary focus is the diagnosis of arterial or venous thoracic outlet syndrome using vascular imaging modalities. Methods The search strategy will employ a three-step process, developed in consultation with a medical librarian, utilizing a final comprehensive search across multiple major databases (e.g., MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus) and gray literature sources. Studies published in the English language and from database inception will be included. Following screening by two independent reviewers, data will be extracted, synthesized descriptively, and presented in tabular and narrative format to map the identified evidence. Review Registration Open Science Framework https://osf.io/hybg2

Lifelong learning enabled GAN framework for brain MRI FLAIR synthesis and tumor segmentation

Continuous nonthermal slab gap formed by progressive tearing beneath Northeast Asia

ICG fluorescence imaging-guided bile leak detection to reduce clinically relevant bile leakage after hepatectomy: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Bile leakage remains a clinically relevant complication after hepatectomy and contributes to morbidity, prolonged drainage, extended hospital stay, and the need for reintervention. Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging can be used to visualize bile leaks from the transection plane or biliary stump, enabling targeted repair. However, evidence for the effect of this technique on clinically relevant bile leakage is heterogeneous and has not been systematically synthesized. Methods and analysis This protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and comparative nonrandomised studies evaluating indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided intraoperative bile leak detection during hepatectomy. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the Web of Science Core Collection will be searched from inception, along with trial registries and citation tracking. The primary outcome is clinically relevant postoperative bile leakage, defined as International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) grade B or C. Secondary outcomes include any bile leakage, bile leak-related interventions, major postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, and mortality. Randomised and nonrandomised studies will be synthesized separately. A meta-analysis will be performed when the studies are sufficiently comparable; otherwise, the findings will be summarized narratively. Planned analyses include random-effects models, subgroup analyses stratified according to the route of indocyanine green administration, sensitivity analyses, and an assessment of the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. This protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261291065). This manuscript describes the planned methods only; study selection, data extraction, and evidence synthesis results will be reported in the completed systematic review. Ethics and dissemination This study will use data from published studies and does not require ethics approval. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Molecular and cellular characterization of Plasmodium berghei PPM9 phosphatase, an enzyme dispensable during both asexual and sexual life cycle stages

Can you actually do a nine-to-five PhD? Nature readers weigh in

Catalytic Promiscuity and Cascade Reaction Mechanism of Ketosteroid Isomerases for Addition Reactions of Cyclic Enones

Growth monitoring and promotion uptake and its associated factors among mothers/ caregivers of children aged under two years in Wondo District, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional Study

Introduction Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) can be used to address developmental halting before a child’s health deteriorates. However, there hasn’t been much research done on the GMP uptake in the Wondo district. Objective The study aimed to evaluate GMP uptake and its associated factors among children aged under two years old in the Wondo District in 2024. Methods A cross-sectional design was conducted using random sampling. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression with a p-value of less than 0.05 were used. Results GMP uptake was 14.2%. Household income above $32 monthly [AOR = 4.857, 95% CI: (2.009–11.744), read and write [AOR = 10.625, 95% CI: (2.667–42.334)], primary education [AOR = 9.067, 95% CI: (3.218–25.546)], secondary and above[AOR = 8.060, 95% CI: (2.952–22.007)], ANC follow up, [AOR = 2.871, 95% CI: (1.158–7.120)], health facility delivery [AOR = 4.037, 95% CI: (1.706–9.554)], PNC follow up [AOR = 4.110, 95% CI: (1.898–8.900)], maternal community conversation [AOR = 4.162, 95% CI: (1.974–8.775)], and family health cards utilization [AOR = 6.825, 95% CI: (2.935–15.867)] were significant variables. Conclusion The GMP uptake was 14.2%. ANC follow-up, institutional delivery, PNC follow-up, family/child health card utilization, maternal community discussions, mother’s educational status, and household income were associated factors. Community conversations, family health cards, ANC, institutional delivery, and PNC follow-up can improve GMP services.

Predicting the cross-continental spread of the cassava brown streak disease epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a major threat to smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where cassava is a staple crop. Caused by cassava brown streak ipomoviruses (CBSIs), CBSD has spread extensively since its detection in Uganda in 2004, raising concerns about ongoing spread through Southern and Central Africa and potential expansion to West Africa, home to the world’s largest cassava producer, Nigeria. Building on a stochastic epidemiological model that predicts CBSD spread at the scale of Uganda, we incorporate extensive field surveillance records to extend the model to all thirty-two major cassava-producing countries in SSA. We then deploy the model to address key strategic questions such as estimating the present day CBSD distribution and predicting rates of ongoing spread towards West Africa. We also evaluate the risk of direct introductions resulting from extreme cases of long-range movement of infected planting material by air, sea or land, which could trigger outbreaks far beyond normal dispersal limits. Our model predicts the likely arrival of CBSD in Nigeria via cross-continental spread within 25 years, and if directly introduced anywhere in West Africa, spreading to most West African nations within 10 years of introduction. The risks of ongoing and future CBSD spread highlighted in this study underscore the need for proactive phytosanitation measures, including clean seed programs, vector control, and quarantine policies to curb CBSD spread. Moreover, the model described in this study not only provides estimates for arrival times across SSA, but also lays the foundations for a continental-scale quantitative framework wherein both surveillance and management options can be explored and optimised.

Daily briefing: ‘Cyborg’ cockroaches breathe underwater with printed suit

Fluid-mediated nuclearity control in heterogeneous polyolefin catalysis

Protocol for the SACLA trial: Efficacy and safety of subretinal monteplase for submacular hemorrhage in a phase II single-arm multicenter decentralized clinical trial

Submacular hemorrhage (SMH), which may arise from age-related macular degeneration, retinal arterial macroaneurysm, and other causes, can result in severe vision loss and central visual field impairment. Although tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is used off-label to treat SMH in many countries, no formulation has been approved for this indication. Because early intervention is critical when tPA is used for SMH, limited access to centers that can provide this treatment may delay care and reduce treatment opportunities. Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) reduce or eliminate the need for participants to travel to trial sites. We therefore designed the investigator-initiated SACLA trial to evaluate subretinal tPA for SMH. The DCT framework is intended to reduce logistical barriers related to the disease severity and rarity. The SACLA trial is a phase II multicenter, open-label, single-arm surgical study with a pre-post comparison design (jRCT2071250003). Twenty eligible participants will undergo pars plana vitrectomy followed by subretinal injection of 0.1 mL (8,000 IU) of tPA. Participants will remain hospitalized at the trial site until the primary outcome, change in central foveal thickness (CFT) from baseline at Week 1, is assessed. Thereafter, follow-up visits will be conducted at either the trial site or partner sites within the DCT framework. Secondary efficacy outcomes include change in CFT from baseline, presence of a foveal hemorrhage measuring at least 1 disc diameter, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and change in BCVA from baseline at Weeks 4 and 12. Adverse events will be collected throughout the 12-week observation period to assess safety. The protocol and related study documents were reviewed and approved by the Saga University Hospital Institutional Review Board. This study is designed to generate prospective evidence on the feasibility, short-term anatomical response, and safety of subretinal tPA for SMH.

Dynamic topology-aware multimodal hypergraph fusion network for load forecasting in novel power systems