bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’influence du système de justice sur le rétablissement d’enfants victimes d’agression sexuelle et suivis dans un centre d’appui aux enfants
Authors: Daignault1 Isabelle V. , Hébert Martine , Pelletier Marilou
Published: May 2017

L’agression sexuelle pendant l’enfance peut être un événement traumatique pour l’enfant et les membres de sa famille. Il s’agit d’un acte criminel qui nécessite des mesures d’évaluation, d’intervention et souvent de protection immédiate. Dans certains cas, ces mesures donneront lieu à des procédures légales. Bien que nous ayons une connaissance de plus en plus approfondie des conséquences associées à l’agression sexuelle et des interventions thérapeutiques efficaces, nous en savons peu sur l’influence des procédures judiciaires sur le rétablissement des enfants. Cette étude analyse les différentes trajectoires judiciaires d’enfants victimes d’agression sexuelle et leur influence sur la santé mentale des enfants ayant bénéficié d’une psychothérapie dans un centre d’appui aux enfants (CAE). Les résultats indiquent que pour près du tiers des enfants (28 %), des procédures légales allant jusqu’au témoignage à la cour ont été entreprises, le plus souvent, avant la psychothérapie. Les résultats révèlent que dans certaines circonstances, les implications judiciaires ont un effet bénéfique sur le bien-être des enfants. On observe des gains thérapeutiques plus importants chez les enfants qui ont témoigné à la cour et chez ceux pour qui il y a eu des procédures judiciaires, que pour ceux pour qui il n’y a pas eu d’implication légale. Ces résultats initiaux soulignent l’importance de mieux documenter le volet judiciaire et contribuent à définir les conditions favorisant un meilleur rétablissement chez les enfants victimes d’agression sexuelle.
Préjugé dans la détermination des peines accordées aux jeunes doublement insérés dans le système public de protection et de justice
Authors: Sader1 Josette , Leclerc Chloé , Guay Stéphane , Lafortune Denis , Dubois Florence
Published: May 2017

Les jeunes à double statut ou sous double autorité (crossover youth) sont des adolescents ayant été victimes de maltraitance et qui sont aussi auteurs d’une infraction criminelle. Une étude a montré que ces jeunes reçoivent généralement des peines plus sévères que les contrevenants n’ayant jamais été en contact avec le système de protection de la jeunesse, ce qui indiquerait la présence d’un préjugé dans la détermination des peines à leur égard. L’objectif de la présente étude est de contribuer à cette seule analyse réalisée sur le sujet en abordant la question de l’effet du double statut du jeune dans la détermination de sa peine, après le contrôle des principales covariables et l’analyse des différences de genre. À l’aide des dossiers officiels d’adolescents québécois ayant plaidé coupables ou ayant été condamnés pour un délit, de 2005 à 2010, un modèle de régression logistique prédisant les peines d’emprisonnement a été établi. Il semblerait que les incidents passés de maltraitance d’un jeune prédiraient l’infliction d’une peine d’emprisonnement dans le cas des jeunes à double statut de sexe masculin, et ce, même en tenant compte de l’âge, de l’origine ethnique, du type et de la gravité de l’infraction. En s’appuyant sur les résultats de cette analyse, des études plus approfondies devraient se pencher sur l’efficacité de ces peines dans la modification du comportement des contrevenants et la sécurité au sein de la famille.
Culpabilité chez les enfants victimes d’agression sexuelle
Authors: Gauthier-Duchesne2 Amélie , Hébert Martine , Daspe Marie-Ève
Published: May 2017

Des études antérieures relèvent que le sentiment de culpabilité est un facteur associé aux répercussions de l’agression sexuelle (AS) chez les survivants adultes (Cantón-Cortés, Cantón, Justicia et Cortés, 2011). Toutefois, très peu d’études ont exploré le rôle potentiel du sentiment de culpabilité sur les symptômes chez les enfants victimes. L’objectif de cette recherche est d’étudier le rôle médiateur de l’évitement dans la relation entre le sentiment de culpabilité et les symptômes associés à l’AS (anxiété et estime de soi). L’échantillon est composé de 447 enfants victimes d'AS (319 filles et 128 garçons), âgés de 6 à 12 ans. Les résultats des analyses acheminatoires indiquent que les enfants révélant davantage de culpabilité par rapport à la situation d’AS présentent un niveau plus élevé d’anxiété et une plus faible estime d’eux-mêmes. Un effet indirect a également été observé et montre que le sentiment de culpabilité est lié à l’utilisation de stratégies d’évitement, qui en retour exacerbent les symptômes d’anxiété et contribuent à une plus faible estime de soi. Le modèle, qui s’ajuste aux données de manière équivalente pour les filles et les garçons, permet d’expliquer 24,4 % de la variance des symptômes d’anxiété et 11,2 % de la variance de l’estime de soi. Ces résultats laissent entendre que le sentiment de culpabilité pourrait constituer une cible d’intervention pertinente pour les enfants victimes d’AS.
Liens drogue-délinquance lucrative chez les adolescents
Authors: Lacharité-Young1 Elisabeth , Brunelle2 Natacha , Rousseau Michel , Bourgault Bouthillier Iris , Leclerc Danielle , Cousineau Marie-Marthe , Tremblay Joël , Dufour Magali
Published: May 2017

L’adolescence est souvent le berceau de plusieurs conduites déviantes cooccurrentes. La consommation de substances psychoactives (SPA) et la délinquance figurent parmi ces conduites et entretiennent des liens multiples et parfois complexes. Cette étude vise à explorer le modèle drogue-délinquance économico-compulsif auprès des jeunes. Plus précisément, elle a pour but de : 1) dresser un portrait des habitudes de consommation de SPA et de la délinquance lucrative des jeunes de l’échantillon ; 2) documenter la relation entre la gravité de la consommation de SPA et la commission de délits lucratifs ; ainsi que 3) celle entre le type de SPA consommées et la commission de délits lucratifs ; et de 4) vérifier l’interaction entre le type de SPA consommées et le genre dans la prédiction de la commission de délits lucratifs. Un instrument de mesure sur la gravité des habitudes de consommation de SPA (DEP-ADO) et un autre sur la délinquance (MASPAQ) des adolescents ont été administrés à 1447 jeunes âgés de 15 à 18 ans. Les résultats permettent d’observer en partie le modèle explicatif économico-compulsif chez les jeunes tout en lui apportant certaines nuances.
Prédiction de la revictimisation et de la récidive en violence conjugale
Authors: Ouellet1 Frédéric , Blondin Odrée , Leclerc Chloé , Boivin Rémi
Published: May 2017

En violence conjugale on ne peut négliger l’impact des circonstances immédiates et les caractéristiques individuelles des protagonistes dans la modulation du cours des évènements. Toutefois, peu d’études ont analysé simultanément les effets des circonstances immédiates, des caractéristiques de la victime et de l’agresseur sur la séquence des violences conjugales. L’objectif de cette étude est de mieux comprendre ce qui prédit la revictimisation ainsi que la récidive. Les résultats se fondent sur 52 149 évènements violents commis entre conjoints actuels ou passés enregistrés par les policiers sur le territoire d’une grande ville du Québec, de 2000 à 2009. Nos résultats montrent l’importance du sens de la violence, des expériences de victimisation et des antécédents criminels dans l’explication de la répétition de la violence, tout en nuançant leur effet en fonction de la récidive ou de la revictimisation. Cette étude peut permettre d’orienter les interventions sur plusieurs plans, en améliorant l’efficacité des mesures préventives et en permettant, par exemple, de déterminer des indicateurs facilement observables sur lesquels on peut baser l’intervention afin de mieux répondre au cours des évènements.
Invasive lionfish had no measurable effect on prey fish community structure across the Belizean Barrier Reef
Authors: Hackerott Serena , Valdivia Abel , Cox Courtney E. , Silbiger Nyssa J. , Bruno John F.
Published: May 2017

Invasive lionfish are assumed to significantly affect Caribbean reef fish communities. However, evidence of lionfish effects on native reef fishes is based on uncontrolled observational studies or small-scale, unrepresentative experiments, with findings ranging from no effect to large effects on prey density and richness. Moreover, whether lionfish affect populations and communities of native reef fishes at larger, management-relevant scales is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of lionfish on coral reef prey fish communities in a natural complex reef system. We quantified lionfish and the density, richness, and composition of native prey fishes (0–10 cm total length) at sixteen reefs along ∼250 km of the Belize Barrier Reef from 2009 to 2013. Lionfish invaded our study sites during this four-year longitudinal study, thus our sampling included fish community structure before and after our sites were invaded, i.e., we employed a modified BACI design. We found no evidence that lionfish measurably affected the density, richness, or composition of prey fishes. It is possible that higher lionfish densities are necessary to detect an effect of lionfish on prey populations at this relatively large spatial scale. Alternatively, negative effects of lionfish on prey could be small, essentially undetectable, and ecologically insignificant at our study sites. Other factors that influence the dynamics of reef fish populations including reef complexity, resource availability, recruitment, predation, and fishing could swamp any effects of lionfish on prey populations.
A molecular phylogeny of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus highlights a separately evolving lineage from the Southwest Indian Ocean
Authors: Singh Sohana P. , Groeneveld Johan C. , Al-Marzouqi Abdulaziz , Willows-Munro Sandi
Published: May 2017

Accurate species description in the marine environment is critical for estimating biodiversity and identifying genetically distinct stocks. Analysis of molecular data can potentially improve species delimitations because they are easily generated and independent, and yield consistent results with high statistical power. We used classical phylogenetic (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) and coalescent-based methods (divergence dating with fossil calibrations and coalescent-based species delimitation) to resolve the phylogeny of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus subspecies complex in the Indo-West Pacific. Analyses of mitochondrial data and combined nuclear and mitochondrial data recovered Panulirus homarus homarus and Panulirus homarus rubellus as separately evolving lineages, while the nuclear data trees were unresolved. Divergence dating analysis also identified Panulirus homarus homarus and Panulirus homarus rubellus as two distinct clades which diverged from a common ancestor during the Oligocene, approximately 26 million years ago. Species delimitation using coalescent-based methods corroborated these findings. A long pelagic larval life stage and the influence of ocean currents on post-larval settlement patterns suggest that a parapatric mode of speciation drives evolution in this subspecies complex. In combination, the results indicate that Panulirus homarus rubellus from the Southwest Indian Ocean is a separately evolving lineage and possibly a separate species.
Infrared thermography applied to lower limb muscles in elite soccer players with functional ankle equinus and non-equinus condition
Authors: Rodríguez-Sanz David , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , López-López Daniel , Calvo-Lobo César , Palomo-López Patricia , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo
Published: May 2017

Gastrocnemius-soleus equinus (GSE) is a foot-ankle complaint in which the extensibility of the gastrocnemius (G) and soleus muscles (triceps surae) and ankle are limited to a dorsiflexion beyond a neutral ankle position. The asymmetric forces of leg muscles and the associated asymmetric loading forces might promote major activation of the triceps surae, tibialis anterior, transverses abdominal and multifidus muscles. Here, we made infrared recordings of 21 sportsmen (elite professional soccer players) before activity and after 30 min of running. These recordings were used to assess temperature modifications on the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and Achilles tendon in GSE and non-GSE participants. We identified significant temperature modifications among GSE and non-GSE participants for the tibialis anterior muscle (mean, minimum, and maximum temperature values). The cutaneous temperature increased as a direct consequence of muscle activity in GSE participants. IR imaging capture was reliable to muscle pattern activation for lower limb. Based on our findings, we propose that non-invasive IR evaluation is suitable for clinical evaluation of the status of these muscles.
PRMT1‐mediated arginine methylation promotes YAP activation and hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation
Authors: Yu Jian , Yu Beibei , Peng Zushun , Zhang Jianfeng , Sun Juhui , Yang Bo , Xu Liushiyang , Luo De
Published: October 2024

The activity of Hippo signaling is commonly dysregulated in various human malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). YAP, the key effector of Hippo pathway, is regulated through several posttranslational modifications. However, the mechanism by which YAP is regulated by arginine methylation remains unknown. In this study, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were used to identify the arginine methylation site of YAP in HCC cells. The transcriptional activity of YAP and TEAD were further characterized by real‐time qPCR and immunofluorescence assay, and a subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor mouse model was used to assess the effect of PRMT1‐knockdown on HCC tumor growth. The result of mass spectrometry analysis identified that YAP was methylated at arginine 124. Moreover, we found that arginine methyltransferase PRMT1 interacted with YAP to mediate its arginine methylation, thus inhibited YAP phosphorylation and promoted YAP activity in the nucleus. PRMT1 was up‐regulated in HCC tissues and positively associated with the expressions of YAP target genes. Silencing PRMT1 in HCC cells inhibited cell proliferation and tumor growth, while PRMT1‐overexpression promoted HCC growth through YAP methylation. Our study reveals that PRMT1‐mediated arginine methylation at R124 is mutually exclusive with YAP S127 phosphorylation, thereby facilitating YAP activity in the nucleus and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC.
Maillard Type Reaction for Electroless Copper Plating onto Ceramic Nanoparticles
Authors: Mielewczyk Lukas , Grothe Julia , Kaskel Stefan , von Lintel Heinrich , Eichmann Katja , Jahns Katrin , Hariharan Avinash , Elsayed Abdelrahman , Krupp Ulrich
Published: October 2024

A high demand for oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) materials arose in wide fields of application. The electroless plating method has been presented as an elegant way to overcome different surface energies and obtain metal‐plated ceramics. However, copper electroless plating is still performed under harsh conditions with toxic and expensive reagents, including noble metals and harsh reducing agents like formaldehyde and hydrazine. To create a pure copper metal matrix in an environmentally friendly and efficient way a previously reported method is advanced in a way that naturally occurring amino acids are utilized. A screening of several amino acids leads to an improvement in phase purity and atomic efficiency. Therefore, a Maillard type reaction with lysine as amino compound is reported to show the best results in the particle coating for all ceramic nanoparticles evaluated. The metal plating results in uniform round micro particles showing a homogeneous coating. In order to obtain copper matrix composites, the prepared particles are successfully implemented in a PBF‐LB/M process after mixing with a highly conductive copper alloy. The resulting products were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, and optical density measurements.
Multiscale Defective Interfaces for Realizing Na‐CO2 Batteries With Ultralong Lifespan
Authors: Xu Changfan , Hong Ping , Dong Yulian , Li Yueliang , Shen Yonglong , Biskupek Johannes , Zhao Huaping , Kaiser Ute , Shao Guosheng , Lei Yong
Published: October 2024

Despite their favorable high energy density and potential for CO2 recycling, Na‐CO2 batteries have been held back by limitations in cycling capability, stemming from the sluggish CO2 reduction/evolution reaction (CO2RR/CO2ER) kinetics at CO2 cathode and unmanageable deposition/stripping of metallic Na at the anode upon cycling. Herein, a “two‐in‐one” electrode with multiscale defective FeCu interfaces (CP@FeCu) is presented, which is capable of improving the CO2RR/CO2ER kinetics of CO2‐breathing cathode, while modulating sodium deposition behavior. Experimental and theoretical investigations reveal multiscale defective FeCu interfaces are responsible for the enhancement of sodiophilicity and catalytic properties. The defect and valence oscillation effects originate in multiscale defective FeCu interfaces, effectively facilitating the adsorption of reactants and decomposition of Na2CO3 during CO2RR/CO2ER processes, along with exceptional cycling stability of 2400 cycles (4800 h) at 5 µA cm−2. Meanwhile, the CP@FeCu with sodium affinity creates a uniform electric field and robust adsorption for Na, making initial nucleation sites more conducive to Na deposition and achieving dendrite‐resistant and durable anodes. This work offers a scientific insight into the functionalization design of “two‐in‐one” electrodes, which is essential for a unified solution to the challenges in sodium anodes and CO2 cathodes.
Transformable Gel‐to‐Nanovaccine Enhances Cancer Immunotherapy via Metronomic‐Like Immunomodulation and Collagen‐Mediated Paracortex Delivery
Authors: Jin Seung Mo , Cho Ju Hee , Gwak Yejin , Park Sei Hyun , Choi Kyungmin , Choi Jin‐Ho , Shin Hong Sik , Hong JungHyub , Bae Yong‐Soo , Ju Jaewon , Shin Mikyung , Lim Yong Taik
Published: October 2024

The generation of non‐exhausted effector T‐cells depends on vaccine's spatiotemporal profile, and untimely delivery and low targeting to lymph node (LN) paracortex by standard bolus immunization show limited efficacy. By recapitulating the dynamic processes of acute infection, a bioadhesive immune niche domain (BIND) is developed that facilitates the delivery of timely‐activating conjugated nanovaccine (t‐CNV) in a metronomic‐like manner and increased the accumulation and retention of TANNylated t‐CNV (tannic acid coated t‐CNV) in LN by specifically binding to collagen in subcapsular sinus where they gradually transformed into TANNylated antigen–adjuvant conjugate by proteolysis, inducing their penetration into paracortex through the collagen‐binding in LN conduit and evoking durable antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses. The BIND combined with t‐CNV, mRNA vaccine, IL‐2, and anti‐PD‐1 antibody also significantly enhanced cancer immunotherapy by the dynamic modulation of immunological landscape of tumor microenvironment. The results provide material design strategy for dynamic immunomodulation that can potentiate non‐exhausted T‐cell‐based immunotherapy.
Excellent Low‐Frequency Microwave Absorption and High Thermal Conductivity in Polydimethylsiloxane Composites Endowed by Hydrangea‐Like CoNi@BN Heterostructure Fillers
Authors: He Mukun , Zhong Xiao , Lu Xinghan , Hu Jinwen , Ruan Kunpeng , Guo Hua , Zhang Yali , Guo Yongqiang , Gu Junwei
Published: October 2024

The advancement of thin, lightweight, and high‐power electronic devices has increasingly exacerbated issues related to electromagnetic interference and heat accumulation. To address these challenges, a spray‐drying‐sintering process is employed to assemble chain‐like CoNi and flake boron nitride (BN) into hydrangea‐like CoNi@BN heterostructure fillers. These fillers are then composited with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to develop CoNi@BN/PDMS composites, which integrate low‐frequency microwave absorption and thermal conductivity. When the volume fraction of CoNi@BN is 44 vol% and the mass ratio of CoNi to BN is 3:1, the CoNi@BN/PDMS composites exhibit optimal performance in both low‐frequency microwave absorption and thermal conductivity. These composites achieve a minimum reflection loss of −49.9 dB and a low‐frequency effective absorption bandwidth of 2.40 GHz (3.92–6.32 GHz) at a thickness of 4.4 mm, fully covering the n79 band (4.4–5.0 GHz) for 5G communications. Meanwhile, the in‐plane thermal conductivity (λ∥) of the CoNi@BN/PDMS composites is 7.31 W m−1 K−1, which is ≈11.4 times of the λ∥ (0.64 W m−1 K−1) for pure PDMS, and 32% higher than that of the (CoNi/BN)/PDMS composites (5.52 W m−1 K−1) with the same volume fraction of CoNi and BN obtained through direct mixing.
Efficient Blue Emission in Organic–Inorganic Metal Halide (TEA)2InCl5 Triggered by Bi3+‐Doping
Authors: Zhou Hailin , Liu Zexiang , Yun Xiangyan , Hu Hanlin , Zhong Haizhe , Li Henan , Shi Yumeng
Published: October 2024

Lead‐free 0D In‐based organic–inorganic metal halides (OIMHs) have attracted tremendous attention because of their nontoxicity, environmental stability, and excellent photoluminescence properties. However, it remains controversial and unclear whether the luminous division exists in ns2 doping In‐based materials, as the majority of In‐based materials are considered non‐luminous. Herein, a series of Bi3+‐doped (TEA)2InCl5 (TEA = tetraethylammonium) crystals are synthesized and it is determined that the blue emission stemmed from Bi ions. Remarkably, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of the blue emission at 469 nm reached 69.69% under 371 nm excitation, exceeding those of previously reported Bi3+‐doped OIMHs. In addition, pristine and Bi3+‐doped compounds exhibited excellent structure and optical stability under humid conditions. This study provides new insights into the photoluminescence properties of In‐based OIMHs, especially regarding the high‐efficiency emission of Bi3+‐doped materials.
Tropone Hydrazides in [10+2]‐Hetero‐Higher‐Order Cycloaddition for the Synthesis of Tetrahydropyridazine Derivatives
Authors: Cieśliński Adam , Przydacz Artur , Sieroń Lesław , Skrzyńska Anna , Albrecht Łukasz
Published: October 2024

[10+2]‐Hetero‐higher‐order cycloaddition between tropone hydrazides (acting as 10π‐components) and 3‐alkylidene oxindoles (acting as 2π‐components) has been established. Under Brønsted base catalysis the reaction proceeded in a fully peri‐ and diastereoselective manner with the stereochemical outcome governed mainly by electronic interactions. Following such a strategy, a series of structurally diverse tetrahydropyridazines were prepared in 30–70% yields. Furthermore, the potential of the obtained cycloadducts has been confirmed in selected chemoselective transformations.
Spatially Informed Graph Structure Learning Extracts Insights from Spatial Transcriptomics
Authors: Nie Wan , Yu Yingying , Wang Xueying , Wang Ruohan , Li Shuai Cheng
Published: October 2024

Embeddings derived from cell graphs hold significant potential for exploring spatial transcriptomics (ST) datasets. Nevertheless, existing methodologies rely on a graph structure defined by spatial proximity, which inadequately represents the diversity inherent in cell‐cell interactions (CCIs). This study introduces STAGUE, an innovative framework that concurrently learns a cell graph structure and a low‐dimensional embedding from ST data. STAGUE employs graph structure learning to parameterize and refine a cell graph adjacency matrix, enabling the generation of learnable graph views for effective contrastive learning. The derived embeddings and cell graph improve spatial clustering accuracy and facilitate the discovery of novel CCIs. Experimental benchmarks across 86 real and simulated ST datasets show that STAGUE outperforms 15 comparison methods in clustering performance. Additionally, STAGUE delineates the heterogeneity in human breast cancer tissues, revealing the activation of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and PI3K/AKT signaling in specific sub‐regions. Furthermore, STAGUE identifies CCIs with greater alignment to established biological knowledge than those ascertained by existing graph autoencoder‐based methods. STAGUE also reveals the regulatory genes that participate in these CCIs, including those enriched in neuropeptide signaling and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways, thereby providing insights into the underlying biological processes.
Solution‐Crystalized AgBiS2 Films for Solar Cells Generating a Photo‐Current Density Over 31 mA cm−2
Authors: Cojocaru Ludmila , Jena Ajay Kumar , Yamamiya Miwako , Numata Youhei , Ikegami Masashi , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: October 2024

In response to the toxic heavy metal absorbers in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), this work focuses on the development of an environmentally friendly simple solution‐processed infrared (IR) absorber. In this work, a simple solution‐crystallized IR‐absorbing AgBiS2 film is reported by spin‐coating silver, bismuth nitrates, and thiourea dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) to produce thick AgBiS2 film. Extensive optimization of the precursor concentrations thicknesses and conductive substrates used allow for obtaining 250 nm AgBiS2 film with different crystal sizes. When applied as an absorber in solar cells, solution‐crystalized AgBiS2 thick film delivers an extraordinarily high current density of over 31 mA cm−2. The devices show high stability under continuous 100 mW cm−2 illumination and when stored in the dark for more than six months. When the AgBiS2 layer is fabricated in a gradient fashion combining one layer of 0.25 m and three layers of 0.5 m precursor concentrations, the efficiency of 5.15% is registered which is the highest reported for the simple solution‐crystallized AgBiS2 films.
Multi‐Enzyme Nanoparticles as Efficient Pyroptosis and Immunogenic Cell Death Inducers for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Hekai , Xu Guangzhao , Li Fahui , Guo Guanhong , Yan Ping , Chen Yuxi , Chen Yongkang , Sun Wen , Song Weiguo , Zhong Wenda
Published: October 2024

Immunotherapy represents a widely employed modality in clinical oncology, leveraging the activation of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells and tumor tissues via endogenous immune mechanisms. However, its efficacy remains constrained by inadequate immune responses within “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, a multifunctional nanoscale pyroptosis inducer with cascade enzymatic activity (IMZF), comprising superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione oxidase (GSHOx), is dissociated within the acidic and glutathione‐rich TME. The vigorous enzymatic activity not only generates oxygen (O2) to alleviate hypoxia and promote M2 to M1 macrophage polarization but also yields reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletes glutathione (GSH) within the TME. Functioning as an immunogenic cell death (ICD) activator and pyroptosis inducer, IMZF synergistically triggers dendritic cell maturation and inflammatory lymphocyte infiltration via ICD‐associated pyroptosis, thereby reversing immune suppression within the TMEs. Consequently, it exerts inhibitory effects on both primary and distal tumors. This cascade enzymatic platform‐based pyroptosis inducer offers an intelligent strategy for effectively overcoming immune suppression within “cold” tumors, thereby providing a promising avenue for advanced immunotherapeutic interventions.
Occupational and industry prevalence of new long‐term symptoms within American Red Cross blood donors with and without history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Edwards Deja L. , Shah Melisa M. , Shi Dallas S. , Ford Nicole D. , Rinsky Jessica L. , Jones Jefferson M. , Spencer Bryan , Haynes James , Saydah Sharon H.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Limited information is known about the burden of Long COVID by occupation and industry. This study compares the occurrence of self‐reported new long‐term symptoms lasting 4 weeks or longer among blood donors with and without prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by occupation and industry.

Methods

The American Red Cross invited blood donors 18 years and older who donated during May 4–December 31, 2021 to participate in online surveys. New long‐term symptoms lasting 4 weeks or longer were assessed by self‐reported occurrence of any of 35 symptoms since March 2020. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status was determined by serological testing and self‐report. We describe the prevalence of new long‐term symptoms by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status. We calculate the difference in reported new long‐term symptoms by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status within occupation and industry categories.

Results

Data were collected from 27,907 employed adults – 9763 were previously infected and 18,234 were never infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. New long‐term symptoms were more prevalent among those previously infected compared to the never‐infected respondents (45% vs 24%, p < 0.05). Among all respondents, new long‐term symptoms by occupation ranged from 26% (installation, maintenance, and repair) to 41% (healthcare support) and by industry ranged from 26% (mining) to 55% (accommodation and food services). New long‐term neurological and other symptoms were commonly reported by those previously infected with SARS‐CoV‐2.

Discussion

New long‐term symptoms are more prevalent among certain occupation and industry groups, which likely reflects differential exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2. These findings highlight potential need for workplace accommodations in a variety of occupational settings to address new long‐term symptoms.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Apple Peel‐Derived Selenium Nanoparticles for Anti‐Fungal Activity and Effects of MexA Gene Expression on Efflux Pumps in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ahmed Mais E. , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Hasoon Buthenia A. , Khan Riaz A. , Mohammed Hamdoon A.
Published: October 2024

Selenium nanoparticles (Se‐NPs) were produced adopting an environmentally benign green synthetic approach from the waste biomaterial obtained from the apple peel extract (APE). The produced NPs were characterized through UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV–Visible spectra exhibited the absorption peak λmax at 295 nm, confirming the formation of Se‐NPs. The AFM examination revealed the roughness and distribution of the nanoparticles, and FT‐IR ascertained the surface‐contained functional groups presence. The XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the sample, and FE‐SEM validated the surface morphology and the size range of 52 to 84 nm. The TEM demonstrated the spherical shapes of the Se‐NPs with a face‐centered cubic crystal nature, whereas the size distribution analysis showed mean size of 70 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 500 μg mL−1 against Candida spp., namely, C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, and C. ciferrii, confirmed their anti‐fungal activity with the in control and minor statistical difference (p < 0.05) in the dissemination mean zones of inhibition for the Se‐NPs treatment against these fungi. The Se‐NPs effects on MexA gene expression demonstrated the efflux pump role in the anti‐fungal activity and gene's down regulation for the treated fungal strains. The Se‐NPs exhibited their anti‐fungal activity against the multi‐drug resistant microbes.
Longitudinal change in symptom severity in children with ASD: Results from the ELENA cohort
Authors: Dellapiazza Florine , Rattaz Cécile , Michelon Cécile , Peyre Hugo , Picot Marie‐Christine , Baghdadli Amaria
Published: October 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition and understanding the changes in autism symptoms over time is crucial for tailoring support and interventions. This study therefore aimed to investigate the changes in symptom severity in a large cohort of children with ASD over a three‐year follow‐up period and identify factors that influence these changes. The study included 575 children diagnosed with ASD, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years, who were assessed at baseline and again 3 years later using the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule‐2 (ADOS‐2). ASD severity changes were investigated using the ADOS calibrated severity score (CSS) scores for total, social affect (SA) and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB). Results highlight four distinct patterns: stable high, stable low, increased, and decreased severity. The ADOS CSS total score changed for half of the sample, reflecting an increase in ASD severity for 21.9% and a decrease for 29.1% of children. For the other half, the ADOS CSS score remained stable, either high (34.4%) or low (14.6%). While the majority of previous studies reported stability in ASD severity, our findings revealed significant variability with frequent improvements in SA symptoms whereas RRBs remained stable or worsened. Our findings also showed that an improvement in SA was associated with the youngest group and early diagnosis. However, no clinical or sociodemographic factors were linked to changes in RRB, emphasizing the necessity for RRB‐specific therapies. The third six‐year follow‐up point of the ongoing ELENA cohort study will map the long‐term trajectories of the severity of ASD symptoms and their potential risk factors.
Single‐Batch Expression of an Experimental Recombinant Snakebite Antivenom Based on an Oligoclonal Mixture of Human Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Adams Anna C. , Grav Lise M. , Ahmadi Shirin , Holst Dahl Camilla , Ljungars Anne , Laustsen Andreas H. , Nielsen Lars K.
Published: October 2024

Oligoclonal antibodies, which are carefully defined mixtures of monoclonal antibodies, are valuable for the treatment of complex diseases, such as infectionss and cancer. In addition to these areas of medicine, they could be utilized for the treatment of snakebite envenoming, where recombinantly produced monoclonal human antibodies could overcome many of the drawbacks accompanying traditional antivenoms. However, producing multiple individual batches of monoclonal antibodies in an industrial setting is associated with significant costs. Therefore, it is attractive to produce oligoclonal antibodies by mixing multiple antibody‐producing cell lines in a single batch to have only one upstream and downstream process. In this study, we selected four antibodies that target different toxins found in the venoms of various elapid snake species, such as mambas and cobras, and generated stable antibody‐producing cell lines. Upon co‐cultivation, we found the cell line ratios to be stable over 7 days. The purified oligoclonal antibody cocktail contained the anticipated antibody concentrations and bound to the target toxins as expected. These results thus provide a proof of concept for the strategy of mixing multiple cell lines in a single batch to manufacture tailored antivenoms recombinantly, which could be utilized for the treatment of snakebite envenoming and in other fields where oligoclonal antibody mixtures could find utility.
Development of HEMA‐Succinic Acid‐PEG Bio‐Based Monomers for High‐Performance Hydrogels in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Rayat Pisheh Hossein , Sabzevari Alireza , Ansari Mojtaba , Kabiri Kourosh
Published: October 2024

In recent years, hydrogels have found a special place in regenerative medicine for tissue repair, rehabilitation, and drug delivery. To be used in regenerative medicine, hydrogels must have desirable physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this study, a new biomonomer based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐succinic acid‐polyethylene glycol 200 (HEMA‐Suc‐PEG) was synthesized and characterized. Then, using the synthesized monomers and different ratios of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as a crosslinker, biocompatible hydrogels were synthesized through thermal and UV curing methods. The mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological properties of the hydrogels and the behavior of endothelial cells, an essential component of the cardiovascular system, were evaluated. The results showed that the hydrogel synthesized with 0.2 g of PEGDA (UV curing) has desirable mechanical and physical properties. Biological tests showed that these hydrogels are not only nontoxic to cells but also enhance cell adhesion. Therefore, the hydrogel containing the synthesized monomer HEMA‐Suc‐PEG and 0.2 g of PEGDA has the potential to be used in the cardiovascular system.
A Jupyter Notebook for teaching mathematical modeling with experiments
Authors: González‐Sierra Jaime , Trujillo‐Franco Luis Gerardo , Abundis‐Fong Hugo Francisco
Published: October 2024

Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation have a considerable presence in the vast universe of engineering disciplines, given their usefulness in explaining, comprehending, and simulating phenomena and processes with which engineers are in contact in their daily creative and problem‐solving work. For this reason, engineering study programs have at least one course dedicated to dealing with the mathematical modeling of dynamic systems as an essential complement to subsequent courses such as automatic control, structural dynamics, and mechanical vibrations. Nowadays, many technological tools illustrate the applications of mathematical modeling interactively through experiments that offer an incomparable motivation to the students to corroborate with real‐world examples, the utility and veracity of the theory presented to them in the classroom and that in many occasions seems lacking utility and direct relation with the world in which they develop. Based on those mentioned above, this paper presents an example of applying the Laplace transform in modeling physical systems, using a second‐order circuit attached to an Arduino Due board in conjunction with the Jupyter Notebook environment. The numerical and experimental results can be obtained through three optional kernels: Python, Octave, or MATLAB®. For educational purposes, the resulting computer application was presented to undergraduate students of Mechatronics Engineering as an illustrative complement to two courses entitled Signals and Systems Analysis, part of the second semester, and Mathematical Modeling, part of the fifth semester.
Sensitization of Multidrug Resistant Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin Using Ebselen by Disturbing Cellular Redox Status
Authors: Baskar Sugumar , Bharathiraja Pradhapsingh , Rajendra Prasad N.
Published: October 2024

Multidrug resistance (MDR) poses a significant problem in cancer treatment, often causing adverse effects during chemotherapy. Ebselen (Ebs), a synthetic organoselenium compound, affects cellular redox status in cancer cells. In the study, we observed that Ebs disrupted cellular redox balance and sensitized drug‐resistant cells to doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. The combination of Ebs and DOX led to increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation while decreasing the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and cellular antioxidants in drug‐resistant cells. Furthermore, this combination treatment demonstrated notable chemosensitizing effects by reducing cell viability and proliferation in MDR cells compared to DOX treatment alone. Additionally, the combination of Ebs and DOX induced DNA fragmentation and exhibited G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Immunofluorescent analysis revealed that the Ebs and DOX combination upregulated the expression of p53 and p21, which activated the mitochondrial‐dependent apoptotic pathway. The combination treatment also enhanced the upregulation of proapoptotic markers such as Bax, Caspase‐3, ‐9, and cytochrome C, while downregulating the expression of the antiapoptotic marker Bcl‐2. Therefore, the current discoveries suggest that Ebs could be employed as a drug candidate for reversing MDR in cancer cells by regulating cellular redox homeostasis.
Selenium(II)‐Nitrogen Exchange (SeNEx) Chemistry: A Good Chemistry Suitable for Nanomole‐Scale Parallel Synthesis, DNA‐encoded Library Synthesis and Bioconjugation
Authors: Hou Wei , Hou Shaoneng , Gu Yuang , Zhang Shuning , Ma Peixiang , Hu Hai‐Yu , Xu Hongtao
Published: October 2024

The continuous development of click reactions with new connecting linkage is crucial for advancing the frontiers of click chemistry. Selenium‐nitrogen exchange (SeNEx) chemistry, a versatile chemistry in click chemistry, represents an all‐encompassing term for nucleophilic substitution events that replace nitrogen at an electrophilic selenium(II) center, enabling the flexible and efficient assembly of linkages around a Se(II) core. Several SeNEx chemistries have been developed inspired by the biochemical reaction between Ebselen and cysteine residue, and demonstrated significant potential in on‐plate nanomole‐scale parallel synthesis, selenium‐containing DNA‐encoded library (SeDEL) synthesis, as well as peptide and protein bioconjugation. This concept aims to present the origins, advancements, and applications of selenium(II)‐nitrogen exchange (SeNEx) chemistry while also outlining the potential directions for future research in this field.
Pushing boundaries in slurry microtunneling: Innovations in microtunnel boring machine design for hard rock conditions
Authors: Lehmann Gabriel
Published: October 2024

For microtunneling in hard rock, as it is encountered very often in alpine tunneling, the continuous further development of technologies plays a key role to overcome the limitations in drive length and to improve performance. During the last decades, the application range of slurry microtunneling has been considerably extended and more demanding projects have been designed for underground utilities installations worldwide, including many sewage tunnels and hydropower plants. The prevailing ground conditions still play a key role and determine the limits for alignment design and the possible use of trenchless construction methods. In hard rock conditions with high rock strength and/or abrasivity, the applicability of slurry microtunneling has been especially limited in the non‐accessible diameter range in the past. With the new AVN 800 HR for hard rock microtunneling, Herrenknecht has developed a machine concept, enabling drives of up to 200 m, with precise steering of the MTBM. Longer drives, even through hard rock, make microtunneling a more economic, flexible, and more environmentally friendly construction method. New opportunities for clients and consultants in the planning of tunnel routes in alpine environments for different infrastructure installations can be considered, making trenchless installations even more cost‐effective, while improving public acceptance.
Biobased recyclable epoxy composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes for electromagnetic interference shielding and Joule heating
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Li , Li Yi‐Dong , Zeng Jian‐Bing
Published: October 2024

Current epoxy thermosets are facing various challenges such as resource scarcity, environmental concern, and limited functionalities. Here, we present a novel solvent free approach to fabricate multifunctional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced biobased and recyclable epoxy thermoset composites through precuring in an internal mixer followed by curing in an oven. The epoxy matrix, a covalent adaptable network (CAN) based on dynamic imine bonds, was synthesized from entirely biobased feedstocks, including glycerol triglycidyl ether, vanillin, and 1,10‐diaminodecane. The shear force during precuring facilitated dispersion of CNTs in CAN matrix, allowing for high CNTs loading (up to 20 wt%). The well‐dispersed CNTs not only reinforced mechanical properties of CAN but also introduced new functionalities like electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capacity, and Joule heating performance. The composite with 20% CNTs exhibited a tensile strength and Young's modulus of 78.1 MPa and 3.07 GPa, respectively, marking a 34.2% and 63.6% improvement over pristine CAN. It also demonstrated a high electrical conductivity of 35.3 S/m, resulting in a remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness (22.8 dB) and excellent Joule heating performance (reaching 131.7°C at 27 V input). Furthermore, these composites are thermally and chemically recyclable due to dynamic imine bonds, promoting sustainability and circular economy.
Microbial Degradation of Polyester Microfibers Using Indigenously Isolated Bacterial Strain Exiguobacterium Sp.
Authors: Mishra Sunanda , Dash Debasis , Das Alok Prasad
Published: October 2024

Synthetic microfibers are emerging environmental microplastic pollutants released from different industrial and domestic sources. The present investigation describes the isolation of potential bacterial strains from microplastic‐contaminated sites of Bhubaneswar city of Odisha, India. Four morphologically distinct bacterial strains were isolated using 2% polyethylene glycol (PEG) supplemented nutrient agar (NA) medium and were screened for their polymer tolerance ability by growing them on 2%–8% PEG. A single microorganism capable of growing on 8% PEG was selected for biodegradation experiment. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, the selected bacterial strain was identified as Exiguobacterium sp. with gene bank accession number ON318396. The microbial strain's microfiber biodegradation ability was assessed in a laboratory setting over a period of 28 ± 2 days, utilizing optimized conditions with an initial pH of 7, 2 mL inoculum volume, an incubation temperature of 30°C ± 2°C, and 150 rpm, using 2 g of polyester microfiber. In optimum conditions, the weight loss of the treated sample with the selected microbial strain was 19.2%. The polyester degradation was confirmed through scanning electron microscopic images viewing the degradation of the polyester microfiber surfaces. Variation in functional groups confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. Detection of carbonyl (C═O) group stretching band at 1711 cm−1 through ATR‐FTIR analysis in the treated sample confirmed the polymer biodegradation. The potential isolate can efficiently degrade polyester and, in the future, can be employed as a promising solution for the sustainable treatment of synthetic microfiber pollution.
Efficacy of Social Norm Interventions on Addictive Behaviours—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Lemmel Frederike Katharina , Morina Nexhmedin
Published: October 2024

Mental health‐related behaviours including addictive behaviours contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Social norm interventions appear to be a cost‐effective means of reducing addictive behaviour. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy of social norm interventions for addictive behaviours. We searched the databases Medline and PsycInfo from inception to April 2024 as well as reference lists of eligible studies and related systematic reviews for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of social norm interventions for addictive behaviours to control conditions. Out of the 11,515 potentially eligible RCTs, 52 trials with a total of 31,764 adult participants met inclusion criteria, with 45 trials targeting alcohol consumption, three trials targeting Marijuana use, two trials targeting other substance abuse and two trials targeting gambling. Overall, 37 trials were included in the random‐effects meta‐analysis. The comparison of social norm interventions to control conditions at posttreatment showed a small but statistically significant effect (g = −0.12; 95% CI = −0.22 to −0.02; p < 0.01). Risk of bias was rated low in 37 RCTs, 14 RCTs were rated as having some risk of bias concerns and one RCT was rated as having high risk of bias. Social norm interventions can be an effective intervention method for reducing substance abuse and gambling. Yet, data is largely derived from studies targeting alcohol consumption and current trials suffer from methodological and practical limitations. The small effect sizes need to be appraised in the context of cost‐effectiveness of these interventions.