bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Constructions of Target Groups and Their Political Implications: The Case of Immigrant (Il)Legality
Authors: Zhirkov Kirill , Van De Hey Lauren
Published: February 2025

Social construction theory postulates that policy outcomes depend on whether target groups are imagined by the public as deserving or undeserving. However, recent evidence demonstrates that the constructions in question are contentious rather than uniformly shared. This article applies the conjoint-experimental method to measure the social construction of immigrant (il)legality and to assess its political implications. We demonstrate that it is multidimensional because the absence of legal status is associated with receipt of government benefits, Hispanic origin, police record, poor English fluency, and less education. We also show that whereas the receipt of government benefits is not associated with the absence of legal status among most respondents, individuals who hold this association support stricter immigration-enforcement policies. Our findings corroborate the social construction approach but also indicate that researchers may want to measure multiple dimensions of target-group constructions in addition to deservingness.
Feasibility of utilizing the Modified Centor Criteria in adult virtual care
Authors: Allabban Ahmed , Shah Samay , Sikka Neal , Hood Colton
Published: February 2025

The Modified Centor criteria (MCC) is a validated clinical decision tool determining the need for testing in suspected Streptococcal pharyngitis. This study aims to understand the use of this tool to guide testing during remote evaluation. Patients with sore throats and no more than 3 days of symptoms were recruited from the emergency department and urgent care at an urban academic centre in 2019–2022. All patients enrolled were 18 years or older. Each participant had three MCC recorded, once in person and again by two different blinded telemedicine providers (TP). A total of 172 patients were screened and 40 were enrolled, they had a mean age 32 and were 43% male. We calculated inter-rater reliability between in-person and telemedicine providers, using a threshold score of strep testing (≥2) and non-testing scores (<2). Cohen’s kappa between in-person and telemedicine providers was 0.68 while the TP were in complete agreement.
Person-centred integrated primary care for refugees: a mixed-methods, stepped wedge design study to assess the impact
Authors: Çinar Rabia , de Klein Mieke , Renkens José , Akkermans Reinier , Latify Mursal , Walewijn Bart , van den Muijsenbergh Maria , van Loenen Tessa
Published: February 2025

Aim:

To assess the impact of a person-centred culturally sensitive approach in primary care on the recognition and discussion of mental distress in refugee youth.

Background:

Refugee minors are at risk for mental health problems. Timely recognition and treatment prevent deterioration. Primary care is the first point of contact where these problems could be discussed. However, primary care staff struggle to discuss mental health with refugees.

Guided by the needs of refugees and professionals we developed and implemented the Empowerment intervention, consisting of a training, guidance and interprofessional collaboration in four general practices in the Netherlands.

Methods:

This mixed-method study consisted of a quantitative cohort study and semi-structured interviews. The intervention was implemented in a stepped wedge design. Patient records of refugee youth and controls were analysed descriptively regarding number of contacts, mental health conversations, and diagnosis, before and after the start of the intervention.

Semi-structured interviews on experiences were held with refugee parents, general practitioners, primary care mental health nurses, and other participants in the local collaboration groups.

Findings:

A total of 152 refugees were included. Discussions about mental health were significantly less often held with refugees than with controls (16 versus 38 discussions/1000 patient-years) but increased substantially, and relatively more than in the control group, to 47 discussions/1000 patient-years (compared to 71 in the controls) after the implementation of the programme.

The intervention was much appreciated by all involved, and professionals in GP felt more able to provide person-centred culturally sensitive care.

Conclusion:

Person-centred culturally sensitive care in general practice, including an introductory meeting with refugees, in combination with interprofessional collaboration, indeed results in more discussions of mental health problems with refugee minors in general practice. Such an approach is assessed positively by all involved and is therefore recommended for broader implementation and assessment.
Validation of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score and development of a country-specific diabetes prediction model for Turkey
Authors: Ture Neslisah , Emecen Ahmet Naci , Unal Belgin
Published: February 2025

Aims:

Diabetes is a global health concern, and early identification of high-risk individuals is crucial for preventive interventions. Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) is a widely accepted non-invasive tool that estimates the 10-year diabetes risk. This study aims to validate the FINDRISC in the Turkish population and develop a specific model using data from a nationwide cohort.

Method:

The study used data of 12249 participants from the Türkiye Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors Survey. Data included sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, and anthropometric measurements. Multivariable logistic regression was employed using FINDRISC variables to predict incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two country-specific models, one incorporating the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR model) and the other waist circumference (WC model), were developed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used for variable selection in the final models, and model discrimination indexes were compared.

Results:

The optimal FINDRISC cut-off was 8.5, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76, demonstrating good predictive performance in identifying T2DM cases in the Turkish population. Both WHR and WC models showed similar predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.77). Marital status and education were associated with increased diabetes risk in both country-specific models.

Conclusion:

The study found that the FINDRISC tool is effective in predicting the risk of type 2 diabetes in the Turkish population. Models using WHR and WC showed similar predictive performance to FINDRISC. Sociodemographic factors may play a role in diabetes risk. These findings highlight the need to consider population-specific characteristics when evaluating diabetes risk.
Toward a Qualitative Study of the American Voter
Authors: Berg Anna , Ternullo Stephanie
Published: February 2025

The contemporary field of American political behavior lacks a methodological tradition of in-depth interviews and ethnographic fieldwork. In this article, we illustrate the causes and consequences of this gap and argue for a renewal of methodological pluralism. First, we situate the current dearth of qualitative approaches within two key methodological debates during the behavioral turn in political science, showing that scholars initially embraced open-ended interviews and fieldwork but that these methods were ultimately sidelined. Although qualitative approaches persisted in historical and institutional research on American politics, their marginalization within the field of American political behavior has come at significant conceptual cost. Second, to redress this loss, we draw on existing discussions of the comparative advantages of qualitative methods to propose a framework for reintegrating interviews and ethnography into the study of American political behavior. We identify four “modes of inquiry” that should inform qualitative and mixed-methods research design in the subfield: innovating theoretically through the discovery of surprising findings, innovating theoretically through research design and case selection, identifying how contexts shape meaning-making, and tracking dynamic processes of change.
Design and evaluation of AE4W: An active and flexible shaft-driven shoulder exoskeleton for workers
Authors: Rossini Marco , De Bock Sander , Ducastel Vincent , Van De Velde Gabriël , De Pauw Kevin , Verstraten Tom , Lefeber Dirk , Geeroms Joost , Rodriguez-Guerrero Carlos
Published: February 2025

The wide adoption of occupational shoulder exoskeletons in industrial settings remains limited. Passive exoskeletons were proved effective in a limited amount of application scenarios, such as (quasi-)static overhead handling tasks. Quasi-active devices, albeit representing an improved version of their passive predecessors, do not allow full modulation of the amount of assistance delivered to the user, lacking versatility and adaptability in assisting various dynamic tasks. Active occupational shoulder exoskeletons could overcome these limitations by controlling the shape of the delivered torque profile according to the task they aim to assist. However, most existing active devices lack compactness and wearability. This prevents their implementation in working environments. In this work, we present a new active shoulder exoskeleton, named Active Exo4Work (AE4W). It features a new flexible shaft-driven remote actuation unit that allows the positioning of the motors close to the wearer’s center of mass while it maintains a kinematic structure that is compatible with the biological motion of the shoulder joint. in vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted to investigate the performance of AE4W. Experimental results show that the exoskeleton is kinematically compatible with the user’s workspace since it does not constrain the natural range of motion of the shoulder joint. Moreover, this device can effectively provide different types of assistance while the user executes various dynamic tasks, without altering perceived comfort.
The Short Form Cultural Intelligence Scale (SFCQ)
Authors: Darici Dogus , Zimmermann Julia , Jonkmann Kathrin
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Managing intercultural encounters is a key success factor in multicultural communities. The construct of cultural intelligence has been developed to examine individuals’ capabilities to effectively deal with cultural heterogeneity. The present study provides the validation of a German translation of the revised short scale for the assessment of cultural intelligence (SFCQ) based on a diverse sample of distance education students ( N = 526). The analyses confirmed the fit of a second-order factor model comprising one second-order factor (cultural intelligence) and three first-order factors (knowledge, metacognition, and skills). The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties and meaningful correlations with related constructs such as personality traits and emotional intelligence. Furthermore, the scale showed incremental validity as it predicted intercultural friendships and international mobility experiences above and beyond age, gender, personality trait, and emotional intelligence. These results support the validity of the German SFCQ and advocate for its application.
Accuracy of semi-quantitative gold nanoparticle-based quick cortisol assay with and without adrenocorticotropic hormone infusion during adrenal vein sampling
Authors: Stringer Felicity , Franco Pamela , Wu Landy M. , Preston Christopher A. , Derbyshire Maresa M. , MacIsaac Richard J. , Yong Eric X. Z. , Marginson Benjamin , Sachithanandan Nirupa
Published: February 2025

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the gold standard for diagnosing unilateral primary aldosteronism. Point-of-care rapid cortisol assays such as the gold nanoparticle based quick cortisol assay (QCA) are used to confirm accurate cannulation of the adrenal veins during the procedure and have improved AVS success rates. In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the results of consecutive AVS procedures (n = 37) performed with and without ACTH (synacthen) infusion between October 2020 and December 2022 at our institution. We compared (1) the accuracy of point-of-care QCA at semi-quantitatively assessing successful adrenal vein cannulation before and after ACTH infusion when compared with selectivity index based on laboratory cortisol measurements, (2) accuracy of QCA based on peripheral and adrenal vein cortisol levels and (3) the impact of time of day on the accuracy of QCA. We found the accuracy of QCA compared with formal laboratory cortisol measurements was 71% pre-ACTH and 100% post-ACTH (p-value < 0.001). Pre-ACTH, the accuracy of QCA was higher in the lowest (28–257 nmol/L) and highest (466–25130 nmol/L) adrenal vein cortisol tertiles compared to the mid-tertile. Post-ACTH, the accuracy of QCA remained high regardless of adrenal vein cortisol levels. Time of day did not affect the accuracy of the QCA. We conclude that during basal AVS subjective, visual estimates of adrenal vein cortisol levels using the QCA semi-quantitively should not be solely relied upon to guide catheter placement. These results will help guide clinicians in the appropriate clinical situations in which QCA should be used during AVS.
Chromosomal 3p loss and 8q gain drive vasculogenic mimicry via HIF-2α and VE-cadherin activation in uveal melanoma
Authors: Delgado-Bellido Daniel , Chacon-Barrado Antonio , Olmedo-Pelayo Joaquin , Jordán Perez Carmen , Gilabert-Prieto Paula , Díaz-Martin Juan , Garcia-Diaz Angel , Oliver F. J. , de Álava Enrique
Published: February 2025

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults and is where Vasculogenic Mimicry (VM) was first described. VM enables aggressive cancer cells to independently form blood networks, complicating treatment for patients exhibiting VM. Previous studies linked VE-Cadherin phosphorylation at Y658 to gene expression via Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), enhancing the Kaiso/β-catenin/TCF-4 complex associated with VE-Cadherin and thereby promoting VM. Recently, an allosteric HIF-2α inhibitor (Belzutifan) was FDA-approved for VHL-associated ccRCCs. In this research, we elucidate the primary causes of VM formation in UM patients with chromosome 3p loss and chromosome 8q gain, identifying VHL, BAP1, and FAK as important factors driving VM and worsening prognosis. These factors promote abnormal activation of HIF-2α and VE-Cadherin under basal hypoxic conditions, leading to VM formation. Cytoscan 750k experiments on the MUM 2B cell line reveal a loss of chromosome 3p, where the VHL, BAP1, and CTNNB1 genes are located, and a gain of chromosome 8q (FAK), whereas the MUM 2C cell line shows a gain of chromosome 3p. This provides an outstanding cross-sectional model from patient samples to established cell lines for VM studies. LC-MS experiments demonstrate that VE-Cad/ENG expression is related to FAK activity in UM cell lines. Finally, using a combination of Belzutifan (HIF-2α inhibitor) and FAK inhibitor (FAKi), we observed a significant reduction in UM xenografts. Our results lead us to propose combining Belzutifan and FAKi as a personalized treatment strategy for UM patients. This approach inhibits VM formation and counters the initial hypoxic conditions resulting from chromosome 3p loss and chromosome 8q gain in UM patients, instilling confidence in the potential of this treatment strategy.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells alleviate neurological dysfunction by reducing autophagy damage via downregulation of SYNPO2 in neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy rats
Authors: Xue Lu- Lu , Cheng Jie , Du Ruo-Lan , Luo Bo-Yan , Chen Li , Xiao Qiu-Xia , Zhou Hong-Su , She Hong-Qing , Wang Shi-Feng , Chen Ting-Bao , Hu Chang-Yan , He Yu-Qi , Wang Ting-Hua , Xiong Liu-Lin
Published: February 2025

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is worsened by autophagy-induced neuronal damage, with SYNPO2 playing a key role in this process. This study investigates the involvement of SYNPO2 in neuronal autophagy and explores the potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to alleviate HIE-induced dysfunction by inhibiting SYNPO2-mediated autophagy. Using in vitro and in vivo neonatal HIE models, we observed an upregulation of SYNPO2 expression, accompanied by increased neuronal injury and aggregation of autophagy-related proteins. Intervention with BMSCs effectively reduced SYNPO2 expression, and SYNPO2 depression mitigated neuroautophagic damage and improved neurological dysfunctions. Moreover, SYNPO2 overexpression exacerbated neuroautophagy despite BMSC treatment, while SYNPO2 depletion notably reduced neuroautophagic damage and alleviated cognitive impairments, retaining the neuroprotective efficacy of BMSC treatment. These findings confirm the role of BMSCs in attenuating HIE injury by suppressing neuroautophagy and provide insights into the mechanistic involvement of SYNPO2. Ultimately, this study identifies SYNPO2 as a novel therapeutic target for neonatal HIE and supports the clinical potential of BMSCs in HIE management.
Can we rely on delaying the uptake of sugar consumption in the prevention of early childhood caries?
Authors: O’Brien Orion , Taylor Greig D.
Published: February 2025

A Commentary on

Feldens C A, de Barros Coelho E M R, Vítolo M R, Rogrigues P H, Kramer P F, Peres K G

Effectiveness of a sugar consumption prevention programme in the first year of life on the occurrence of early childhood caries: a multicentric randomized trial in Brazil. Caries Res 2024; https://doi.org/10.1159/000541028.

Study design

A multi-centre randomised controlled trial was carried out in Brazil. The intervention group received nutritional counselling based on dietary guidelines produced by UNICEF. The control group received standard dietary and maternal counselling provided by the hospital provider. Randomisation of participants was completed through a computer-based system with an investigator blinded to the recruitment process. Patients were followed up monthly using a combination of phone calls and home visits.

Sample

Pregnant women were recruited from four hospitals, across three state capitals, participating in the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Mothers were to be at least 18 years of age, testing negative for HIV/HTLV1, and had an uncomplicated pregnancy. Their newborns had to have a gestational age of more than 37 weeks and weigh more than 2.5 kg. A newborn with increased hospital stays due to infection or neonatal conditions which affected breastfeeding were not included. Sample size calculation was undertaken.

Data analysis

Baseline data was collected. At 6- and 12-month intervals, a combination of validated questionnaires, including 24-hour recalls, and interviews were used to assess the diet. Oral health assessments were carried out by a blinded, trained and calibrated paediatric dentist. The primary outcome was a reduction in ECC. Effect measures (relative risk [RR]) were calculated to determine the effect of the intervention on not consuming sugar at 6 months and on the mean number of sugary items consumed at 12 months.

Results

Baseline demographic data were similar, with no significant differences noted, between the intervention and control groups. The probability of not consuming sugar in the first 6-months was 2.4 times less in the intervention group relative to the control group (p = 0.016). ECC was diagnosed in 17.4% of the whole sample; however, no significant difference was noted between groups at any time point (p = 0.281).

Conclusions

Increased intervention to the mother in the first 6-months of life was effective at reducing the amount of sugar intake. However, this did not lead to a statistically significant reduction in ECC.
Prevalence of pediatric and adult optic neuritis in the United States from 2016 to 2023
Authors: Abbass Nadia J. , Shaia Jacqueline K. , Shukla Priya , Cohen Devon , Kaelber David C. , Talcott Katherine E. , Singh Rishi P.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives

Data on the prevalence of optic neuritis (ON) is limited with reported rates between 5.5 and 115.3 per 100,000. The US data is even more limited with the largest study performed in a single county, finding a prevalence of 115.3. This study aims to fill the gap in US data on ON.

Methods

This (2016–2023) cross-sectional study included patients with ICD-10 codes of retrobulbar neuritis, other ON, unspecified ON, and excluded those with optic papillitis, nutritional optic neuropathy, toxic optic neuropathy. Data was collected through a series of queries in a large platform (TriNetX, LLC) containing EHR data from over 113 million patients.

Results

In 2023, the prevalence of ON was 51.6 per 100,000 people in the overall population. Females had a 1.31 (95% CI, 1.27–1.36) increased odds of disease compared to males. Investigating racial and ethnic breakdown, the highest prevalence was found in the Black population (57.8/100,000) (OR 1.06 (1.01–1.10)), followed by the White (54.7/100,000) (REF) and then Hispanic or Latino populations (45.8/100,000) (OR 0.84 (0.79–0.89)) in 2023. Stratified by age, those ages 45–54 had the highest prevalence (71.3/100,000). The prevalence of ON increased 1.08 (1.05–1.10) times from 2016–2023, with the greatest increase seen in the Hispanic population. Significant increases in prevalence were also seen in the 0–14, 15–24, and 25–34 age groups.

Discussion

Racial, ethnic and sex disparities are apparent in the distribution of ON, with Black individuals and females affected most often, and an increasing prevalence seen in the Hispanic population. Younger subpopulations also demonstrated significant increases, warranting additional investigation.
Broad-spectrum capture of hundreds of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from fluorochemical wastewater
Authors: Liang Yiyang , Yang Lihui , Tang Caiming , Yang Ying , Liang Shangtao , Wang Anqi , Xu Jiale , Huang Qingguo , Lin Hui
Published: February 2025

Hundreds of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in fluorochemical production effluents, and existing adsorption devices are inadequate to address this PFAS challenge given their extreme structural diversity. Here, we achieve the broad-spectrum capture of 107 PFAS from fluorochemical effluents using a treatment-train strategy that combines Zn-based electrocoagulation (EC) with anion-exchange resin (AER) beds. The “zero-carbon” adsorbent, zinc hydroxide flocs generated insitu by Zn-based EC, bulk removes PFAS with log K
ow > 4 through a semi-micellar adsorption mechanism similar to mineral flotation and achieves adsorption capacities at the optimal level of all reported adsorbents. Technical-economic analysis and life-cycle environmental impact show that coupling Zn-based EC reduces the cost by an order-of-magnitude and the carbon-footprint by 70% compared to AER beds alone. It is also observed that iodinated PFAS, with some fluorine atoms are replaced by iodine atoms, exhibit significantly improved adsorption selectivity, which may shed light on designing environmentally-friendly fluorochemicals.
Brain-wide presynaptic networks of functionally distinct cortical neurons
Authors: Inácio Ana R. , Lam Ka Chun , Zhao Yuan , Pereira Francisco , Gerfen Charles R. , Lee Soohyun
Published: February 2025

Revealing the connectivity of functionally identified individual neurons is necessary to understand how activity patterns emerge and support behaviour. Yet the brain-wide presynaptic wiring rules that lay the foundation for the functional selectivity of individual neurons remain largely unexplored. Cortical neurons, even in primary sensory cortex, are heterogeneous in their selectivity, not only to sensory stimuli but also to multiple aspects of behaviour. Here, to investigate presynaptic connectivity rules underlying the selectivity of pyramidal neurons to behavioural state1–10 in primary somatosensory cortex (S1), we used two-photon calcium imaging, neuropharmacology, single-cell-based monosynaptic input tracing and optogenetics. We show that behavioural state-dependent activity patterns are stable over time. These are minimally affected by direct neuromodulatory inputs and are driven primarily by glutamatergic inputs. Analysis of brain-wide presynaptic networks of individual neurons with distinct behavioural state-dependent activity profiles revealed that although behavioural state-related and behavioural state-unrelated neurons shared a similar pattern of local inputs within S1, their long-range glutamatergic inputs differed. Individual cortical neurons, irrespective of their functional properties, received converging inputs from the main S1-projecting areas. Yet neurons that tracked behavioural state received a smaller proportion of motor cortical inputs and a larger proportion of thalamic inputs. Optogenetic suppression of thalamic inputs reduced behavioural state-dependent activity in S1, but this activity was not externally driven. Our results reveal distinct long-range glutamatergic inputs as a substrate for preconfigured network dynamics associated with behavioural state.
The development of media truth discernment and fake news detection is related to the development of reasoning during adolescence
Authors: Lemaire Marine , Ye Steeven , Le Stanc Lorna , Borst Grégoire , Cassotti Mathieu
Published: February 2025

The spread of online fake news is emerging as a major threat to human society and democracy. Previous studies have investigated media truth discernment among adults but not among adolescents. Adolescents might face a greater risk of believing fake news, particularly fake news that is shared via social media, because of their vulnerabilities in terms of reasoning. In the present study, we investigated (1) the development of media truth discernment and the illusory truth effect from adolescence to adulthood and (2) whether the development of media truth discernment and the illusory truth effect are related to the development of reasoning ability. To accomplish this task, we recruited 432 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years as well as 132 adults. Participants were asked to rate the perceived accuracy of both real and fake news headlines. Participants were exposed to half of the news items before entering the rating phase. Finally, participants completed the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT). Media truth discernment (i.e., the difference between participants’ ratings of fake and real news) developed linearly with increasing age, and participants rated familiarized headlines as more accurate than novel headlines at all ages (i.e., the illusory truth effect). Finally, media truth development (but not the illusory truth effect) was related to the development of reasoning abilities with increasing age. Our findings highlight the urgent need to improve logical thinking among adolescents to help them detect fake news online.
Comparison of cryogenic and non-cryogenic droplet impact dynamics at low Weber numbers
Authors: Tretola Giovanni , Vogiatzaki Konstantina
Published: February 2025

Cryogenic fluids are crucial in applications such as rockets, cryosurgery and energy storage, where they can come in contact with surfaces. Thus, their impact dynamics are of interest. Experiments under cryogenic conditions are very expensive and not always accurate, mainly due to limitations of equipment operating in very low temperatures. Although simulation tools can provide useful insights, currently very few commercial and open-source software tailored for ultra low temperature conditions exist. In this work we present a novel numerical framework used to provide insight into the impact dynamics of cryogenic droplets with solid surfaces. Our aim is to explore whatever conclusions for droplet spreading dynamics from the current literature for droplets at non-cryogenic conditions can be applied to cryogenic droplets as well. We explore different impacting conditions, varying the initial impact velocity, of cryogenic and non-cryogenic cases, while maintaining the same Weber, Ohnesorge and Reynolds numbers between cryogenic and non-cryogenic cases. The impact on a solid surface is investigated first for a water droplet and then for a liquid oxygen droplet moving into gaseous nitrogen. For the latter, the ambient temperature and pressure are below the oxygen critical point, limiting the investigation at a sub-critical regime. The algebraic volume of fluid method with adaptive mesh refinement is employed. Numerical treatments to improve the interface description are also implemented. The simulations have been performed in OpenFOAM with a newly developed code. The results obtained are analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively, comparing the droplet morphology evolution for the two fluids. Differences are observed mainly in the receding stage, once the droplet has reached the maximum spreading, with the receding stage of the cryogenic case characterised by a faster dynamic.
Multi-material 3D printed composites inspired by nacre: a hard/soft mechanical interplay
Authors: Curto Marco , Dowsett Jack , Kao Alexander P. , Tozzi Gianluca , Barber Asa H.
Published: February 2025

Structural materials are used extensively in nature where mechanical function is required. These structures are composites consisting of soft and, in some cases, hard phases precisely distributed over different length scales. Bio-inspiration aims at producing materials with structure, design and/or mechanical properties adopted from biological tissues. To reproduce complex structures found in nature, additive manufacturing (AM) using three-dimensional printing (3DP) is an attractive method to assemble complex topologies with resolutions approaching the micro and nano-composition. Specifically, high-resolution MultiJetPrinting (MJP) 3D printing allows the simultaneous deposition of soft and hard photo curable plastic resins. Nacre is a prevalent example of a complex biological composite material organization that can test the ability of MJP to manufacture a bio-inspired engineering structure, where the organization of materials in nacre is optimized to avoid catastrophic failure. The ability to generate complex 3D organizations required to mimic the structure of nacre by controlled organization of soft and hard materials is achieved here using a generative design approach. Such a generative design is further enhanced by incorporating two differing MJP directions that provide relatively strong and weak interfaces between the soft and hard material phases. Consideration of classical stress transfer theory between at a hard material reinforcement interface was shown to correlate with experimental observations of mechanical performance and failure in 3D printed nacre inspired composites. Thus, the ability to distribute materials with a range of mechanical properties and incorporate further interfacial design is demonstrated. The approach presented is flexible and allows complex bio-inspired composites to be 3D printed that incorporate different interfacial quality through changing printing direction.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Patient Self-Advocacy Scale using classical test theory and item response theory
Authors: Cui Jialu , Wang Jing , Yue Ailin , Cao Jiayan , Zhang Zhijie , Shi Baoxin
Published: February 2025

Background: Patient self-advocacy plays a crucial role in improving cancer patients’ quality of life, but there is no validated instrument to assess this concept among Chinese head and neck cancer patients. This study aimed to cross-culturally translate the Patient Self-Advocacy Scale (PSAS) and evaluate its psychometric properties using classical test theory and item response theory. Methods: The PSAS underwent cross-cultural adaptation based on Brislin’s translation model and a cross-sectional survey of 302 head and neck cancer patients at a tertiary hospital in Tianjin was conducted from November 2023 to August 2024. Classical test theory was used for item analysis and validation of reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability) and validity (content validity, construct validity). Item response theory was applied to evaluate model fit, reliability, item difficulty, and measurement invariance. Results: Classical test theory analysis demonstrated good item discrimination with item-total correlations ranging from 0.776 to 0.942 and critical ratios from 13.269 to 33.170 (p < 0.05), as well as good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.942 for the total scale) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.840 for the total scale, p < 0.001). I-CVI values ranged from 0.80 to 1.00, with an S-CVI of 0.95. The three-factor model demonstrated good fit (χ2/df = 2.595, RMSEA = 0.090, SRMR = 0.072, CFI = 0.966, IFI = 0.966, TLI = 0.956). Rasch analysis indicated a good model fit and reliability (person/item separation index > 1.5, person/item reliability coefficient > 0.9). The Wright map showed good matching between item difficulty and person ability. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis revealed no significant differences across gender. Conclusion: The Chinese version of PSAS demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties among head and neck cancer patients and provides healthcare providers with a tool to assess patients’ self-advocacy, potentially facilitating patient-centered care and self-management in clinical practice and improving patients’ health and quality of life outcomes.
Factors associated with reduction in quality of life after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Neumann Christian , Hartung Tim J. , Boje Klara , Bahmer Thomas , Keil Julian , Lieb Wolfgang , Franzpoetter Katrin , Welzel Julius , Chaplinskaya-Sobol Irina , Endres Matthias , Geritz Johanna , Haeusler Karl Georg , Heuschmann Peter , Hinz Andreas , Hopff Sina , Horn Anna , Nuernberger Carolin , Schmidbauer Lena , Krawczak Michael , Ruß Anne-Kathrin , Krist Lilian , Keil Thomas , Kudelka Jennifer , Maetzler Corina , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Montellano Felipe A. , Morbach Caroline , Schmidt Sein , Heyckendorf Jan , Steigerwald Flo , Stoerk Stefan , Lemhoefer Christina , Schreiber Stefan , Finke Carsten , Maetzler Walter
Published: February 2025

Long-term changes in health-related quality of life (HrQoL) after SARS-CoV-2 infection are common, but their causes and consequences are poorly understood. This prospective, population-based study examined associations between HrQoL and 49 demographic and clinical variables. HrQoL was assessed using the European Quality-of-Life-5-Dimensions-5-Level-Version in 3,475 participants (56% female; aged 18–88 years) approximately 9 months (baseline) and 26 months (follow-up) after their initial infection. Results were compared with the demographic and clinical variables using recursive feature elimination and random forest regression analyses. A statistically significant improvement in HrQoL was observed during the observation period. At baseline, 39% of the variance in HrQoL was explained by fatigue, muscle pain, number of remaining symptoms (RS), perceived stress, and age. At follow-up, fatigue, RS, perceived stress, muscle and joint pain, and age explained 54% of the variance in HrQoL. Changes in HrQoL were associated with changes in fatigue, RS, and perceived stress, meaning that if these decreased from baseline to follow-up, then HrQoL was improved. However, it was not possible to predict whether an individual’s HrQoL would improve or worsen 1 year later based on baseline variable scores. The aforementioned symptoms are specifically associated with impairment in the population’s usual activities.
Candida albicans aspartyl protease (Sap6) inhibits neutrophil function via a “Trojan horse” mechanism
Authors: Zawrotniak Marcin , Satala Dorota , Juszczak Magdalena , Bras Grażyna , Rapala-Kozik Maria
Published: February 2025

Candida albicans, a prevalent fungal pathogen, employs aspartyl proteases such as Sap6 to evade immune defenses, challenging our understanding of host‒pathogen interactions. This research examined the impact of Sap6 on neutrophil responses, which are crucial for innate immunity. Employing flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, we explored how Sap6 affects neutrophil functions, particularly by focusing on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, neutrophil extracellular traps release (NETosis), and apoptosis. Our findings revealed Sap6’s unique ability to bind and internalize in neutrophils, significantly attenuating ROS production through proteolytic damage to NADPH oxidase, resulting in blocking the ROS-dependent NETosis pathway. This disruption in neutrophil functions by Sap6 suggested the presence of a ‘Trojan horse’ mechanism by C. albicans. This mechanism reveals a sophisticated immune evasion strategy, shedding light on fungal pathogenicity and host immune interactions. Understanding fungal proteases in immune modulation could inspire new therapeutic approaches for fungal infections.
High crystal quality and purity Cu2O by consecutive in-situ annealing and thermal oxidation of Cu under H2 and O2 at elevated temperatures
Authors: Zervos Matthew , PASCHOS Giannis G. , Savvidis Pavlos , Florini Nikoletta , Koutsokostas Konstantinos , Komninou Philomela , Lathiotakis Nektarios , Levendis Petros , Marinakis Sarantos
Published: February 2025

Cu2O has been obtained via the thermal oxidation of Cu foils with a maximum thickness of 120 μm under Ar and O2 at 1020°C for 30 min. Care was taken...
Multiple spin reorientation transitions in Ga3+ substituted DyCrO3
Authors: Liu Xiong-Han , Ye Meng-Qi , Xiao Haibo , Liang Shi-Heng , Xia Zheng-Cai , Wang Ruilong
Published: February 2025

Single phase DyCr1-xGaxO3 (0≤x≤0.5) samples were synthesized successfully by sol-gel method. Magnetic measurements results indicate the Ga3+ substituted samples exhibit multiple spin reorientation transitions Γ2→Γ4→Γ2→Γ1 though the pure DyCrO3 sample...
Characterization of Indoor Amino Compounds in Poultry Farms: A Brief View of Chemical Exposures to Chickens and Farmers
Authors: Guo Xinyang , Afroz Rowshon , Wu Shuang , Wong Kimberly , Carney Valerie , Zuidhof M. J. , Saharchuk Joey , Osthoff Hans Dieter , Zhao Ran
Published: February 2025

Indoor air pollution is a common problem in poultry and many livestock facilities. Small airborne amino chemicals (AACs), such as ammonia and short-chain amines, are common air pollutants in poultry...
Microfluidic loading of verteporfin into extracellular vesicles for neuroblastoma therapy
Authors: Piunti Caterina , Micheli Sara , Giancaterino Sara , Fusco Pina , Boi Cristiana , Cimetta Elisa
Published: February 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) could serve as drug delivery systems in cancer treatment. We here develop a microfluidic device to efficiently load EVs with verteporfin, a drug for neuroblastoma treatment to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness.
Highly Facilitated Permeation and Oxygen Enrichment from Air through Polyvinylimidazole Membrane Ligated with Kinetically Oxygen Interacting Cobaltporphyrin
Authors: Shinohara Hiromi , Araihara Hirotsugu , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

A dense and tough membrane of cobalt tetraphenylporphyrin (CoTPP) and poly(1-vinylimidazole-co-octyl methacrylate) (OIm) is prepared on a porous support. The oxygen permeability coefficient and oxygen/nitrogen permselectivity reach 10 Barrer and...
Unraveling the Role of Pressure, Oxidation State, and Morphology in CO2 Electroreduction to C2+ Products over Copper Oxides
Authors: Ali Asghar , Alnaser Ali S
Published: February 2025

This study presents compelling experimental evidence on the synergistic effects of reaction pressure, oxidation state, and catalyst morphology on C2+ selectivity of copper (Cu) oxide electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction...
Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Enhance Lung-Delivery of Gold Nanocluster for Improving Acute Lung Injury Alleviation
Authors: Bian Yongning , Li Yanggege , Xia Dongfang , Huang Yuanyu , Gao Xueyun , Su Dongdong , Yuan Qing
Published: February 2025

Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common respiratory system diseases with high prevalence. However, there is still lacking of effective specialized medicines for the treatment of ALI....
A pinch of silver salt to enable rac-lactide ring-opening polymerisation at room temperature using Ti-salen complexes
Authors: Koh Justin , Baker Chloe , Diamantakis Marianna , Long Nicholas J , Romain Charles
Published: February 2025

Exploiting non-covalent interactions (NCIs) has become a powerful tool in catalyst design, including those for polymer reactions. Herein we report a simple strategy relying on the addition of silver salt...
Efficient and Simplified Strategy to Access Novel Polysulfamate Materials: from Laboratory Research to Industrial Production
Authors: Zhu Weiwei , Ma Xingyu , Liang Pengqiang , Zhao Zhongqiang , Chen Jinwei , Wang Xueqing , Zhou Yunbin , Jiang Xianxing
Published: February 2025

The development of materials from laboratory research to industrial production is a complex, challenging, but significant process. Polysulfamates are not industrial available to date because of the absence of efficient...
Oxidation of Phenols by the Excited State of an Osmium(VI) Nitrido Complex
Authors: lu yuzhong , Wang Li-Xin , Qi Rui-Yue , Xiang Jing , Liu Jiyan , Lau Tai-Chu
Published: February 2025

The photoreaction of an osmium(VI) nitrido complex, [OsVI(N)(L)(CN)3]‒ (OsN), with various phenols has been investigated. Upon irradiation of OsN with visible light, the excited state (OsN*) is generated which reacts...
Rational design of superalkali-based novel calix[4]pyridine alkalides as high performance nonlinear optical materials
Authors: Bano Rehana , Ayub Khurshid , Mahmood Tariq , Arshad Muhammad , Sharif Ahsan , Khan Asim Laeeq , AlMohamadi Hamad , Yasin Muhammad , Gilani Mazhar Amjad
Published: February 2025

Doping superalkali clusters and Li atoms on opposite sides of calix[4]pyridine can generate novel alkalide materials with exceptional NLO properties, as indicated by their high static first hyperpolarizability of 2.5 × 106 au.
Enhancing light harvesting in bilayered dye-sensitized solar cells by tailoring light scattering with electrospun TiO2 nanofibers
Authors: M. Manikandan , J. Anooja , K. N. Narayanan Unni , Soman Suraj , P. Sujatha Devi
Published: February 2025

Application of a scattering layer with anatase TiO2 fibers on a DSSC device enhanced the power conversion by 60% (8.67 ± 0.58%), primarily due to the combined effects of improved light harvesting through light scattering and enhanced dye anchoring.
Doxorubicin-loaded pH-responsive porphyrin-derived carbon dots as a promising biocompatible drug delivery system for effective chemotherapy of breast cancer
Authors: Ansary Abeer , Osman Ahmed , El-Khouly Mohamed E.
Published: February 2025

Enhancing the chemotherapeutic effect of doxorubicin against breast cancer via loading into pH-sensitive porphyrin-based carbon dots.
Chemical degradation and recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET): a review.
Authors: Guo Zhiqiang , Wu Jin , Wang Jun-Hong
Published: February 2025

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common plastics, which mainly used in food packaging and textiles. In recent years, the massive use of PET has led to the...
Perovskite Oxides as A New Family of Tunable CO2 Sorbents
Authors: Razavi Seyedamin , Rahmanian Vahid , Cai Runxia , Rukh Mahe , Khan Saad A. , Li Fanxing
Published: February 2025

CO2 adsorption by solid sorbents represents an attractive option for carbon capture due to its potential for low energy consumption, ease of operation, and higher stability. This study introduces perovskite...
Accelerating discovery of glass materials in electronic devices through topology-guided machine learning
Authors: Ming Huang , Yahao Li , Yongxing Hu , Haijun Mao , Zhuofeng Liu , Wei Li , Fenglin Wang , Yicong Ye , Weijun Zhang , Xingyu Chen
Published: February 2025

A multi-tasking framework with topology-informed descriptors and a confidence indicator was developed to efficiently design reliable glass compositions with tailored TEC values, enabling the cost-effective discovery of novel glasses for electronic materials.
Electrolyte additive strategy for uniform nucleation of Cu-Bi toward low-voltage self-powered dynamic windows
Authors: Wang Xi , Bai Yiming , Han Fei , Jiao Yichen , Guan Yuzhe , Bai Jinjing , Wang Fuzhi , Li Meicheng , Liu Guicheng
Published: February 2025

Reversible metal electrodeposition devices (RMEDs) powered by solar cells have shown promising prospects in energy-saving buildings, whereas the high driving-voltage and unclear nucleation/growth mechanism of metal particles have hindered their...
The Thermal Transport, Optical, and Mechanical Properties of 1T-Au6SSe: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Li Jialu , Luo Longji , Zhang Pan , Gan Siyu , Chen Xi-Hao , Wang Ning
Published: February 2025

Cluster substitution and constructing Janus materials can independently regulate the physicochemical properties of materials and have been applied in multiple fields. Would it be more effective if both methods are...
Dual-mode sensing platform for detection of multiple metal ions based on amine-functionalized MIL-101 (Fe) cascade Y-Shaped DNAzyme-assisted fluorescence and colorimetric analysis
Authors: Ayyanu Ravikumar , Aham Emmanuel Chigozie , Meng Hui , Aslam Sanwal , Amalraj Arunjegan , Tamil Selvan G. , Anand Babu Christus Augustine , Zhao Hongjun , Zhang Zhen
Published: February 2025

Our environment is being polluted by numerous sources of heavy metals by various industries and monitoring the heavy metals is very essential in environment and other field. Herein, amine-functionalized metal...
A Cascade Strategy for Vinyl Chloride-Substituted BODIPYs with Tunable Photophysical Properties
Authors: Lv Fan , Guo Xing , Zhu Shuangshuang , Huang Sen , Li Li , Wang Shaozhen , Jiao Lijuan , Hao Erhong
Published: February 2025

An efficient and transition-metal-free method for the synthesis of unprecedented vinyl chloride-substituted BODIPYs has been developed through tandem Friedel-Crafts, enolization and chlorination reactions. This transformation offers high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity,...
Halogen-bonded cocrystallization of racetam pharmaceuticals and perfluorinated iodobenzenes
Authors: Wei Lijie , Liu Chunling , Liu Yiwei , Lian Xiang , Song Lixing
Published: February 2025

In this work, four novel halogen-bonded cocrystals of three racetam-family pharmaceutical compounds, named etiracetam, aniracetam and nefiracetam, were prepared using perfluorinated iodobenzenes as halogen bond donors through both mechanochemical and...
Redox-active tin(ii) complexes with sterically demanding o-phenylenediamido ligands and their reactivity with organic azides
Authors: Sugimoto Hideki , Yoneda Akira , Yano Mayuka , Sato Kazunobu , Shiota Yoshihito , Miyanishi Mayuko , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Itoh Shinobu
Published: February 2025

A series of tin(ii) complexes R1 supported by phenylene-1,2-diamido ligands containing a bulky N-substituent TIPT and different aromatic substituents R at the 4,5-positions are synthesised and characterised.
The Family of tetranuclear Nb4OI12-x Clusters (x = 0, 1, 2): From the molecular Nb4OI12 cluster to extended chains and layers
Authors: Beitlberger Jan , Meyer Hans-Juergen , Martin Mario , Scheele Marcus , Ströbele Markus , Schmidt Patrick
Published: February 2025

Unconventional reduction reactions in the Nb-O-I system have produced a number of niobium oxyiodides containing the oxygen-centered [Nb4O] cluster. Crystalline Nb4OI12 and two modifications of Nb4OI11 were structurally characterized by...
Tuning Charge Transportation Balance in Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes by Decreasing the Mobility and Conductivity of In-DopedSnO2Nanocrystal Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Lin Chen , Liu Mengxin , Liu Yuhui , Shi Xinan , Pan Daocheng
Published: February 2025

The use of quantum sized SnO₂ nanocrystals as the electron transportation layer (ETL) in quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) has been demonstrated to be an effective method for improving device...
Tungsten Regulate Medium-Entropy Heterostructure as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yuan Jianliang , Qi Qianglong , Wan Qingwen , Gong Jiangli , Zhang Yue , Feng Yuebin , Zhang Chengxu , Hu Jue
Published: February 2025

Medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) as electrocatalysts have attracted considerable attention in the field of water splitting. However, effective modulation of MEAs to achieve highly efficient catalysis remains a challenge. Herein, we...