Gaining insight into the early stages of the electrochemical dissolution of metal nanoparticles (NPs) provides crucial insights into mechanisms that control this important process. Being able to do this under conditions where atom loss from individual NPs can be quantified is especially challenging. Here, we use identical-location, annular dark field, scanning transmission electron microscopy (IL-ADF-STEM) to provide "time-stamped" snapshots of the dissolution of gold NPs on electron-transparent carbon electrodes. Dissolution is carried out in aqueous chloride (mM) solutions, at anodic potentials, over millisecond timescales. IL-ADF-STEM analysis of the integrated image intensities is employed to estimate the number of atoms within each NP, allowing atom loss (and gain) to be tracked for the same NP, over time, on a particle-by-particle basis. 3D reconstruction of NPs enables changes in 3D morphology to be visualized. Hemispherical-shaped gold NPs ≤4nm in diameter are interrogated, with the smallest showing the largest atom loss. NPs are revealed to flatten during dissolution, as opposed to a gradual reduction in diameter, and the number of isolated gold atoms on the surface increases. Considerable interactions between NPs also occur, including the formation of single atom bridges and coalescence events. The vertical growth of NPs is also observed.

Two polynuclear cadmium(II)-based metal-organic framework complexes, [CdL1bpy]n·nH2L1(1) (H2L1 = 4-hydroxy-7-(trifluoromethyl)quinoline-3-carboxylic acid, bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) and [CdL2ClH2O]n(2) (HL2 = 3-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)propanoic acid), were successfully synthesized, and their structures and properties were thoroughly characterized by single crystal elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) studies. The metal centers are found to be six-coordinated with a distorted octahedral geometry around them. Both the complexes show few significant hydrogen bonding interactions to produce supramolecular networks. Complexes 1 and 2 are observed to produce three-dimensional and two-dimensional polymeric network architectures, respectively. Furthermore, a computational analysis was performed using DFT to quantitatively and qualitatively gain insight into the role of the noncovalent interactions (NCIs) that stabilize the three-dimensional architecture of complex 1. Specifically, molecular electrostatic potential surfaces, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, and NCI plot index analysis were employed to characterize H-bonding, π-stacking, and weak CH···π interactions involving the discrete H2L1 cocrystallized units. Energy calculations were utilized to compare the strength of the H-bonding and π-stacking motifs and to assess cooperativity effects in the overall supramolecular assembly. Moreover, complex 1 exhibited higher catalytic efficacy for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction at room temperature, reflecting the structural advantages of its three-dimensional architecture. It also showed high stability and could be recycled for up to four catalytic cycles with comparable catalytic activity.

The role of HIF-1α in innate immune mechanisms and autoimmunity: A double-edged sword.

Structured self-assembly of like-charged bridging nanoparticles driven by varying separation between two interfaces.

In mammalian cells, lipid monolayers support the integrity of lipid droplets (LDs), organelles that function as storage for neutral lipids. Liver-targeting illnesses such as liver cancer interrupt normal LD metabolism and prompt changes in the chemical content of these organelles, which can have effects on structural and organizational behavior of the lipids. In LDs, liver cancer induces concentric crystalline phases of cholesteryl esters (CEs) and triglycerides near the NL-monolayer interface, which become more pronounced as CE concentration increases. Yet, there is little known about how this phenomenon may link to persistence of undigested LDs in liver cancer patients. To shed light on this, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations were used to model LD micropipette aspiration experiments and gain insight into the effect of CE concentration on partitioning, structural, and mechanical properties of LDs. We successfully model micropipette aspiration by application of constant surface tension laterally, which stretches lipid bilayers and monolayers as the magnitude increased. The results show increased phospholipid packing due to insertion of CE fatty tails into the monolayer. Increasing CE concentration induces a non-linear change in surface packing defects on the LDs, notable rigidification, and stiffness. Taken together, these insights improve our understanding of the physical properties at the LD monolayer-core interface during liver cancer progression.

This study examines the effects of blast furnace slag (BFS) incorporation on the pore structure of blended cement pastes. Four formulations containing 0%, 30%, 50% and 80% BFS were investigated at a constant water-to-binder ratio of 0.5. Capillary porosity for each formulation was obtained from a recent hydration model, while intra-hydrate porosity (C-S-H and C-A-S-H) was determined from the difference between total porosity (obtained experimentally) and modelled capillary porosity. The results highlight a clear evolution of intra-hydrate porosity with increasing slag content: porosity within the C-S-H/C-A-S-H gel decreases up to 50% BFS substitution and increases again at 80%. To further interpret these trends and gain insight into hydrate morphology, the partitioning between capillary and intra-hydrate porosity was used as input for an existing pore network model designed to predict water vapour sorption and desorption isotherms, originally validated for ordinary Portland cement-based systems. Simulated isotherms showed good agreement with experimental measurements, and cumulative mercury intrusion curves obtained from mercury intrusion porosimetry tests were also well reproduced by the model. Although additional qualitative investigation is needed to fully clarify the evolution of intra-hydrate porosity, the findings align with broader trends reported in the literature, even if existing studies do not explicitly address this specific aspect.

Background Delirium affects one-in-four hospitalized individuals aged 65-years or older, and is associated with serious complications, including post-traumatic stress disorder, prolonged hospitalization, and increased mortality. Healthcare professionals often lack insight into the distress that patients experience; this is known to undermine empathic care and timely detection. Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a promising tool to enhance empathy and understanding of the patient experience due to its inherent immersive, embodied, and experience-based characteristics. Objective To pilot and obtain preliminary subjective evidence on the usability, empathic impact, and educational value of a VR simulation grounded in qualitative evidence of patients’ delirium experiences. Methods 23 university students completed a 7-minute VR delirium simulation and an immediate 42-item survey. This included usability items adapted from the System Usability Scale, items conceptually informed by different validated questionnaires, and study-specific items. Full instruments were not administered to minimize respondent burden and target context-specific elements. Spearman correlations explored response patterns. Open-ended items were summarized descriptively. Results Twelve of 22 Likert items differed from neutrality (3) after correction. Participants found the simulation intuitive (M=4.30, SD=0.70, d=1.86) and its immersive nature engaging (M=4.22, SD=0.74, d=1.65), reporting increased empathy (M=4.39, SD=0.58, d= 2.39), improved understanding of delirium-related emotional distress (M=4.13, SD=0.81, d=1.48) and cognitive distortions (M=4.22, SD=0.60, d=1.81). They endorsed the integration of VR into health education and expressed interest in potential additional features. Qualitative responses highlighted VR’s value for empathy training and to improve doctor-patient communication, while calling for even greater realism and personalization. Conclusion This pilot study suggests that VR simulations are perceived as effective, engaging tools for enhancing empathy and insight in delirium-related education and care training.

Before developing programs to enhance nursing students' communication skills, this study aims to provide foundational data for the development of practical and systematic communication education programs by understanding their experiences and identifying related difficulties. A qualitative descriptive study was used. Two focus groups with nursing students were conducted on 13-14 February 2020. Two focus group interviews involved 16 participants. The participants consisted of four freshmen, four sophomores, four juniors and four seniors and were analysed using content analysis methods. The COREQ Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research were used to report this study. The analysis of the in-depth interviews conducted through focus group interviews identified 104 significant statements, which formed the basis for 13 themes, four theme clusters and two categories. The theme clusters identified were: 'Experiencing difficulties in communication', 'Yearning for learning', 'Gaining insights through positive experiences' and 'Applying realized strategies'. The results of this study will be used as a basis for developing a communication education program to improve the communication skills of nursing students. This study demonstrates that nursing students not only experience communication difficulties but also learn independently through positive experiences, apply realized strategies, and express a desire to learn more about communication. Understanding these experiences can help identify positive experiences and coping strategies in nursing student communication. It is necessary to revisit the factors influencing nursing students' communication to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of communication education programs that reflect these findings. No patient or public contribution.

Dopamine (DA) is a crucial neurotransmitter involved in various brain functions, including the regulation of mood, management of reward pathways, and control of movement. Homovanillic acid (HVA), which is a major metabolite of dopamine serves as an indicator of dopamine metabolism in the body. Simultaneous detection of DA and HVA together can help researchers gain insights into DA dynamics and their impact on neuropsychological disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. In this study, we designed a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on the quenching of red quantum dots for the quantification and discrimination of DA and HVA in urine samples. The ratiometric technique employs blue carbon dots as a reference, and machine learning techniques, pattern recognition, and regression were used to statistically assess the collected data. Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis were utilized to classify the dataset into several groups. Partial least-squares regression was employed to assess the analytes quantitatively. The results demonstrated a linear relationship between the gathered responses and concentrations throughout broad ranges of 2.76–20 μg mL -1 for DA and 3.09–20 μg mL -1 for HVA, with detection limits of 0.92 and 1.03 μg mL -1 for DA and HVA, respectively. Through successful validation in intricate urine matrices, the practical application of this ratiometric fluorescent probe was confirmed. Our ratiometric fluorescent probe enables accurate quantification and effective visual detection, assisting in the early diagnosis of neurological diseases. Several neurological and mental problems may be identified simultaneously by combining machine learning techniques with the proposed fluorometric sensor. • A fluorescent probe has been developed to detect schizophrenia and Parkinson’s biomarkers. • The ratiometric probe is based on oxidation of DA and HVA under alkaline conditions. • The oxidizing of DA and HVA results in a quenching of quantum dots fluorescence peak. • Color variations of probe emission from pink to blue provide a visual tracing of biomarkers. • Machine learning models were used for reliable qualitative and quantitative evaluations.

A forum theatre-based intervention was delivered to medical students undertaking their psychiatry rotation. A professionally written and acted play titled Revolving Door was adapted for undergraduate education to illuminate the lived experience of a young man with psychosis and his family. A mixed-methods evaluation, comprising a post-intervention survey and focus group, was undertaken to assess to what extent forum theatre can support medical student learning and to identify the aspects that contribute to its pedagogical value. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed that forum theatre is an effective pedagogical method that helps medical students to improve their intellectual understanding of a condition or clinical skill and gain insight into the lived experience of patients, empowering them to make meaningful change as future clinicians. The study highlights an innovative intervention that champions transformative learning, an aspect that is often overlooked in traditional medical education.

Chirality is the property of an object that cannot be superimposed with its mirror image by any translation or rotation. This property plays a crucial role in the biological activities of molecules and in the optical and magnetic properties of materials. This review will show recent advances in the study of ultrafast chiral processes occurring in molecular systems and materials investigated by high-order harmonic generation (HHG) spectroscopy, both from a theoretical and experimental point of view. HHG is a highly nonlinear optical process providing coherent XUV radiation with attosecond duration. The chemical physics community, in its broadest sense, has developed an interest in HHG spectroscopy, given the increasing number of studies of complex molecules, including those of biological relevance, chemical reactions, and characterization of the structure of solids by means of an ultrafast probe. Indeed, HHG is a powerful tool to capture the photoinduced electron dynamics in their natural timescale, also enabling the investigation of transient chirality, which is so far mostly unexplored. The study of chirality on the ultrafast timescale represents an opportunity to bridge the gap between atomic physics, chemical physics, and materials science in their traditional definitions and gain insight into fundamental chiral processes at the electron level.

Gaining insights into acute and critical care electroencephalogram (EEG) practice patterns can enable more efficient resource utilization without compromising care quality. We aimed to identify factors associated with the timing of EEG initiation during acute care hospitalizations, the duration of EEG monitoring, and hospital readmissions with EEG monitoring. This is a retrospective cohort study of inpatient admissions to three academic medical centers between 2009 and 2024. Patients were included if older than 18 years and underwent EEG monitoring (routine or long-term) during the hospitalization. Demographic and clinical variables were extracted, along with admission information, primary diagnosis defined by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), 9th Edition and 10th Edition codes, drug administration, and characteristics of EEG use: timing of EEG initiation during hospitalization, duration of monitoring, presence of seizures, and rhythmic and periodic patterns (RPPs). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed. Our outcome measures were: 1) time to EEG monitoring relative to the day of admission (hr), 2) duration of monitoring (hr), and 3) readmissions with EEG monitoring within 12 months of the first admission. A total of 34,773 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most frequent primary neurologic admission diagnosis based on ICD codes were seizures/status epilepticus (n = 3219, 9.26%), traumatic brain injury (n = 1825, 5.25%), and ischemic stroke (n = 1787, 5.14%). The most frequent nonneurologic primary diagnostic category was toxic-metabolic disease and altered mental status (n = 6798, 19.55%). Key covariates associated with earlier EEG monitoring during the index admission were primary diagnostic categories of cardiac arrest/anoxic brain injury and seizures/status epilepticus. A diagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, electrographic seizures, and lateralized periodic discharges were associated with longer durations of monitoring. Patients with a diagnosis of sepsis had later and shorter duration of monitoring. Factors associated with readmissions with EEG monitoring included a primary index admission diagnosis of seizures/status epilepticus and brain tumors. Presence of electrographic seizures, RPPs was associated with longer monitoring duration (29.03 hr; interquartile range [IQR], 3.43-73.80 hr). However, even among patients without seizures or RPPs, the median duration of monitoring was 16.78 hours (IQR, 0.82-37.34 hr). Characterizing EEG utilization patterns in critically ill patients allows identification of potential areas for practice optimization. Patients admitted with primary nonneurologic diagnoses underwent EEG monitoring later and for shorter durations compared with those admitted with primary neurologic conditions. These findings suggest opportunities to refine EEG triage and resource allocation, including earlier initiation of monitoring in nonneurologic patients at elevated seizure risk (e.g., sepsis) and timely discontinuation of EEG in patients without seizures or RPPs.

The present work investigates the composition and the thermochemical properties of multi-component organic adhesives, aiming to gain insights into the interactions among the adhesive components, the degradation and the technologies behind their use. To achieve that, both a series of model mixtures and archaeological samples were studied. Model mixtures were prepared using raw materials (pine resins, beeswax and vegetable oil) that simulated those available in antiquity and were then subjected to degradation processes for 2 months in environmental conditions. The samples were characterised using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Evolved Gas Analysis-Mass Spectrometry (EGA-MS). ATR-FTIR highlighted compositional differences between samples and, thanks to its rapidity, was employed for monitoring the aging process in these materials over time. Due to the large amount of data generated from ATR-FTIR, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was subsequently applied to facilitate interpretation. Through thermo-analytical techniques, it was possible to elucidate how individual components influence the overall system under varying thermal conditions. In addition, a Design of Experiments (DoE) was employed to identify which variables most strongly affect the thermal stability of the systems.

Cell therapies have demonstrated great potential for treating a broad range of diseases where conventional treatments have failed. However, long development times and sub-optimal processing conditions often hinder their clinical translation. To efficiently develop optimal bioprocesses, a large number of experiments are required, making the screening process lengthy, costly, and resource-intensive. To address these challenges, we present a modular and 3D-printed scaled-down mini-bioreactor that enables parallelization of stirred cell cultures. In addition, the bioreactor system is coupled to real-time monitoring of critical parameters within the cell culture environment, offering the ability to generate multiple time-series data required for artificial intelligence-driven bioprocess development. In this study, a sequential screening design was employed, enabling the efficient evaluation of different combinations of bioprocess parameters (initial cell inoculum, cell-to-microcarriers surface area ratio, and rotation speed). This strategy facilitated rapid, cost-effective, and efficient convergence toward the optimal process conditions. Furthermore, the integrated sensor system demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a soft-sensing framework using metabolic indicators (dissolved oxygen, pH, glucose, and lactate) to non-invasively and non-destructively estimate cell number and gain insights into culture dynamics. Following dynamic expansion in the mini-bioreactor, several analyses were performed to confirm and assess the stemness and multipotency of the cells, which successfully underwent osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation.

Currently, the first-line treatment for the most common form of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is surgical resection, followed by risk-adapted treatments, such as chemoradiotherapy.However, with the current standard of care and even the emergence of new treatments, such as checkpoint blockade, the overall survival for advanced, recurrent disease remains high, and the prevalence of head and neck cancer is projected to continue to increase in the coming years. Thus, deeper investigation into current standard-of-care modalities, in addition to novel therapeutics, is necessary to translate potential and promising treatment options to patients with HNSCC. Preclinical models are utilized to evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential treatment interventions. Unfortunately, current preclinicalmodels fail to fully embody the surgical procedure many patients receive, as they primarily involve non-surgical treatment modalities, like radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Furthermore, existing surgical models are limited by additional reagents needed to support the establishment of tumors in orthotopic sites and the requirement of microsurgery for tumor removal. This warrants the generation of improved and simplified preclinical models to investigate therapeutics and gain insight into locoregional tumor recurrence and treatment resistance. This article describes a novel syngeneic clinically relevant orthotopic murine subtotal resection model that recapitulates the standard of care in OSCC. This model simplifies existing models and results in measurable recurrence following surgical resection of buccal mucosal tumors. Use of this model may lead to valuable insights into tumor recurrence and treatment resistance in patients with OSCC. The establishment of this preclinical model paves the way for further work to investigate how OSCC responds to post-resection adjuvant therapies, capturing the tumor state at the clinically relevant window at which patients generally begin such subsequent treatments.

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — As college athletics undergoes significant transformation, it can seem challenging to keep up with it all.

In recent years, the evolving discourse surrounding Advanced Practice (AP) in radiography has highlighted potential need for a more harmonized educational approach across Europe. However, variations in healthcare systems, policies and curricula create challenges. This study aimed to explore the unique perspectives of European radiography educators on aspects of AP education at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Using a qualitative design, three focus groups were conducted with European radiography educators, as part of EFRS Research Hub at ECR 2023. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subsequently categorised and analysed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis method to identify patterns and gain insights into AP education in radiography across Europe. Twenty-two radiography educators from nine different European countries participated in the focus groups. Analysis resulted in three main themes: definitions of AP, post graduate education in AP and undergraduate education in AP. Key findings include a growing consensus for a master's-level education as a requirement for AP, though clinical experience and mentorship were deemed essential. Participants advocated for integrating AP culture and concepts at undergraduate level, promoting critical thinking, research engagement, and potential future development in areas like patient assessment and artificial intelligence. This study highlights differences in interpretation and implementation of AP among European radiography educators. A shared sentiment emerged that the promotion of AP culture should start at undergraduate level, however different national regulations and curricula will likely make a single European approach problematic. Thus, the need for clear frameworks and well-defined career paths is evident. Standardized AP frameworks, supportive work cultures, and integrated undergraduate AP education are essential to support the development of AP in radiography across Europe, fostering clear career pathways.

Spherical turbulent flame propagation limits of ammonia–hydrogen–oxygen–nitrogen pre-mixtures by intense near-isotropic turbulence in a constant volume vessel

Bullying in schools continues to be a serious concern that adversely impacts students’ psychological well-being, social relationships, and academic performance. Factors such as low empathy, inadequate social skills, and limited environmental control contribute significantly to this behavior. This study seeks to examine the implementation of group guidance as an approach to reducing bullying among students. A qualitative descriptive method was utilized, involving participants consisting of students identified as bullying perpetrators, school counselors, and victims. Data collection techniques included interviews, observations, and documentation, which were analyzed through processes of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results reveal that group guidance leads to positive behavioral changes in students, such as enhanced empathy, greater self-awareness, and improved communication and social interaction abilities. Furthermore, a reduction in both verbal and social bullying behaviors was observed. The group dynamics established during the sessions enabled students to better understand the consequences of their actions and gain insights from the experiences of others. These findings imply that group guidance can serve as an effective and sustainable strategy for preventing and managing bullying in school settings.

Here, in the first quarter of 2026, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights finds itself in an unusual position. It's facing a growing backlog of complaints and historically low public enforcement output. However, it's simultaneously recalling attorneys to stabilize its operations, despite President Donald Trump's stated goal of eliminating the department.