Innovative Pathways Research Articles

Targeted valorization of waste polycarbonate into bisphenol A dimethyl ether

The chemical recycling of waste polycarbonate (PC) plastic to produce high value-added chemicals represents a sustainable and economical approach to its management. Facile methods that utilize the unique structure of the bisphenol A (BPA) unit are expected to be more low-carbon and cost-effective. However, there are few established routes for converting BPA into valuable derivatives while preserving its structure. In this work, we developed a new pathway for the targeted valorization of PC waste into a multifunctional value-added chemical, bisphenol A dimethyl ether (BPAME). Using ionic liquids as catalysts, low-toxicity and environmentally friendly dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a methyl source, and N-methylpyrrolidone as a co-solvent, we successfully achieved 100 % depolymerization of PC and an impressive 99 % yield of BPAME under mild conditions (150 °C, 6 h). Kinetic studies indicated that the methylation of BPA is the rate-determining step. Moreover, this innovative pathway not only transformed commercial PC waste into BPAME with exceptional selectivity (99 %) and high yield (≥92 %), but also facilitated the efficient methylation of aromatic phenols and amines. This valorization strategy for PC waste disposal offers a promising option for industrial applications.

Flotation separation of ilmenite and titanaugite modified by Fe2+-assisted peroxymonosulfate oxidation: Performance and activation mechanism

Efficient separation of ilmenite and titanaugite has always been recognized challenge in modern mineral processing. The use of a heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation process composed of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and Fe2+ is promising to address this issue. Flotation findings indicated that effective recovery of ilmenite could be achieved under weak acidic conditions, and a TiO2 recovery of 81.56 % and a grade of 32.16 % concentrate was collected. A series of characterization analyses confirmed that the PMS-Fe2+-mediated Fenton-like reaction in the ilmenite system generated more •OH and SO4•- radicals, which oxidized Fe2+ to Fe3+ on its surface, thus improving the active sites on ilmenite surface. Moreover, PMS-Fe2+ promoted the positive shift of surface charge on ilmenite, facilitating NaOL adsorption and making the surface more hydrophobic. NaOL primarily interacted with Fe active sites on the ilmenite surface and Mg2+ and Ca2+ active sites on the titanaugite surface in the formation as chemisorption. Thus, PMS-Fe2+ activated ilmenite mainly via augmenting the quantity and reactivity of Fe active sites on the surface. In summary, these findings provide the innovative pathways to implement the advanced oxidation processes in mineral flotation.

Using Neuropsychological Profiling to Tailor Mental Health Care for Children and Youth: a Quality Improvement Project to Measure Feasibility.

Precision child and youth mental healthcare has great potential to improve treatment success by tailoring interventions to individual needs. An innovative care pathway in a pediatric mental health outpatient clinic was designed to allow for neuropsychology data to be integrated in psychotherapeutic care. This paper describes the feasibility of this new pathway, including implementation outcomes, acceptability, and potential for future integration. The target population was outpatients 6-17years old referred for individual treatment to a tertiary outpatient mental health (OPMH) clinic. The new care pathway was co-developed by neuropsychologists and mental health practitioners. A logic model was created to guide the evaluation, which was informed by the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance framework. As part of the logic model, a stepped assessment protocol was implemented, and reports on neuropsychological function were shared with patients, caregivers, and care providers. Evaluation data were collected from phone surveys, questionnaires, a focus group, and administrative records. Forty-two patients scheduled to receive therapy over a 6-month period were offered the opportunity to participate in the new care pathway and 39 (93%) agreed. Self-reported outcome data showed that 83% of patients and 94% of caregivers valued neuropsychology-informed care, with some describing it as transformative. Almost all practitioners (91%) reported that the project added value to their clinical care. There were no adverse effects on participants nor the flow of patients through the system. Neuropsychology-informed pediatric OPMH care was feasible and well-received. Clinical effectiveness should be studied in an experimental trial.

Implementation Of A Novel And Integrated Community Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation Of Swallowing (FEES) Service Model For Older Persons

Abstract Background FEES is a gold standard Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) led diagnostic instrument that facilitates evidence-based dysphagia care. A novel community-based FEES service for older persons’ services was recently established in Ireland's Mid-West. New pathways, integrated across divisions, were designed and implemented to complement existing dysphagia pathways within Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP), inpatient rehabilitation for older persons and primary care. An integrated pathway was also established with acute services (Otolaryngology). The aim of this abstract is to describe the implementation process for this novel community FEES service. Methods An SLT-led FEES team engaged with a range of community- and acute-based stakeholders across policy and practice: SLTs, Otolaryngologists, management teams, ICPOP teams, Gerontology Consultants, General Practitioners, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) teams. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT), an empirically tested and theoretically-sound implementation science framework, scaffolded discussion across a range of implementation and consultation activities including co-design workshops and educational presentations and training, using Health Service Executive (HSE) Change Management tools. Results Stakeholders co-developed a shared understanding of current and new pathways to identify and enact implementation strategies at individual, discipline and system-levels. The project involved stakeholder mapping, communication/engagement planning, risk management, resource planning, and large-scale targeted education/training across settings and disciplines. A FEES working group was formed to coordinate, sustain, monitor, and futureproof implementation activities. Conclusion This collaborative project generated interdisciplinary vision and action to enact an innovative dysphagia care pathway for older people in the community. Articulated through an NPT lens, the project provides insights into the collaboration needed to implement truly integrated care and to identify enablers at individual, disciplinary, and organisational levels. Such knowledge is essential for enhancing integrated care and enacting change and innovation in the Irish health service.

A Camel-Fur-Inspired Micro-Extrusion Foaming Porous Elastic Fiber for All-Weather Dual-Mode Human Thermal Regulation.

Maintaining the stability of human body temperature is the basis of ensuring the normal life activities of witness, and the emergence of various functional clothing is committed to assisting the human body temperature in thermal comfort range in the changeable environment. However, achieve dual-mode thermal regulation for cooling and insulation on an integrated material without energy input and addition of functional particles has thus far been a huge challenge. Herein, a biomimetic camel-fur designed micro-extruded physically foamed porous elastic fiber (MEPF) using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer as raw material is reported, and its dual-layered fabric (MEPFT-d) for effective personal thermal comfortable management at extreme temperature differences. Benefit from its micro-nano-pores structure, MEPFT-d represents radiate cooling capacity by high solar reflectance and emissivity, behaves low thermal conductivity delaying heat scattering, and promotes evaporative cooling by unidirectional water transport. These excellent properties ensure that MEPFT-d reduces heat loss in cold weather (7.2 °C higher than cotton) and blocks outside heat in hot weather (10.2 °C lower than cotton), which is suitable for various complex outdoor scenes. The cost-effectiveness and superior wearing comfort of this work provide innovative pathways for sustainable energy, smart textiles, and personal thermal comfort applications.

Fast and Efficient Fabrication of Functional Electronic Devices through Grayscale Digital Light Processing 3D Printing.

Fabricating polymeric composites with desirable characteristics for electronic applications is a complex and costly process. Digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing emerges as a promising technique for manufacturing intricate structures. In this study, polymeric samples are fabricated with a conductivity difference exceeding three orders of magnitude in various portions of a part by employing grayscale DLP (g-DLP) single-vat single-cure 3D printing deliberate resin design. This is realized through the manipulation of light intensity during the curing process. Specifically, the rational resin design with added lithium ions results in the polymer cured under the maximum UV-light intensity exhibiting higher electrical resistance. Conversely, sections that are only partially cured retains uncured monomers, serving as a medium that facilitates ion mobility, consequently leading to higher conductivity. The versatility of g-DLP allows precise control of light intensity in different regions during the printing process. This characteristic opens up possibilities for applications, notably the low-cost, facile, and rapid production of complex electrical circuits and sensors. The utilization of this technique makes it feasible to fabricate materials with tailored conductivity and functionality, providing an innovative pathway to advance the accelerated and facile creation of sophisticated electronic devices.

Prospective Analysis and Innovative Path Research on Silver Sports Economy in the Context of Aging Society

This study focuses on the prospects and innovative pathways for the development of the silver-haired sports economy in the context of an ageing society. The proportion of the global population over 65 years old is expected to increase from 9% in 2019 to 16% in 2050, highlighting the huge potential of the silver-hair economy. This paper adopts a mixed research methodology, combining spatial econometric modelling and rootedness theory, to explore in depth the current development status, trend forecasts and innovation paths of the silver-haired sports economy. The study constructs a silver-hair sports economy assessment system containing 22 indicators, and uses panel data to analyse the development level of 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China from 2010 to 2023, and the results show that the average annual growth rate of silver-hair sports economy reaches 15.7%, but the gap between Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Guangdong and the central and western regions reaches 1.8 times. Analyses based on the Spatial Durbin Model show that every 1 percentage point increase in silver-haired sports consumption can drive 0.3 percentage points of GDP growth in neighbouring regions. Through a Delphi method research of 150 industry experts, it is predicted that the size of China's silver-haired sports market will exceed RMB 3 trillion in 2030, increasing its share of GDP to 2%. The qualitative study reveals three innovative paths: intelligent transformation, ecosystem construction, and cross-border integration, and proposes specific strategies such as "integration of sports and medicine" and "social platform for silver sports". The results of the study provide data support and theoretical basis for the formulation of policies for the development of the silver sports economy, and provide important insights into the industrial transformation of an aging society.

Low-altitude intelligent transportation: System architecture, infrastructure, and key technologies

In the context of the burgeoning low-altitude economy, low-altitude intelligent transportation (LAIT) has emerged as the focal point of research. This study comprehensively explores the current state, challenges, and future development prospects of LAIT from three key aspects: system architecture, infrastructure, and critical technologies. First, we propose a future LAIT system framework based on a cyber-physical system (CPS) layered architecture to provide a potential solution for urban air transport. Second, we introduce a framework for the entire lifecycle and management chain of the LAIT system, offering an in-depth analysis of each stage from design, construction, and operation to management, with the aim of realizing intelligent management and operation of low-altitude transportation. Finally, this study discusses the technical, security, and social challenges that future LAIT will face in the context of Industry 4.0, while envisioning the pathways of technological innovation. It summarizes the need for advanced infrastructure and breakthroughs in key technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), and low-altitude geographic information system. This study provides a systematic framework and technical guidelines for the future development of low-altitude intelligent transportation, supporting continuous innovation, and upgrading the low-altitude economy.

Implementation and Preliminary Evaluation of an Entrepreneurship, Biomedical Innovation, and Design Pathway in a School of Medicine Curriculum.

New educational curricula are emerging to train physicians to practice healthcare in the 21st century. The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School T.H. Chan School of Medicine (UMass Chan) implemented an MD curriculum redesign in the fall of 2022 that included seven educational pathways, including Entrepreneurship, Biomedical Innovation and Design. This pathway is modeled after the I-Corps curriculum with added material regarding engineering design. This manuscript describes this pathway curriculum and provides preliminary evaluation data and learning outcomes. First-year (Class of 2027) and second-year (Class of 2026) pathway students were invited to participate in online surveys evaluating course material and their knowledge of course content. Course evaluations and self-assessments were performed on a 4 or 5 point Likert scale. The material assessment comprised of multiple-choice questions; some had four options while others had five. Simple means were calculated for each question of the self-assessment, and as an aggregate. A two-sample t-test was performed using those means to assess statistical significance. A distribution of correct and incorrect answers was generated between the pre and post survey results, and a chi-squared analysis was used to determine whether the two correct/incorrect distributions were significantly different. Initial results show that the program was well received, with 15/20 (75%) of first year students rating the experience as good or excellent and 8/10 (80%) of second year students rating the experience as good or excellent. Three lectures were provided during the Fall 2023 semester to 11 second-year students. Results of self-assessment of student comfort and understanding of engineering content significantly improved after delivery of these lectures. Objective student knowledge also significantly improved. This new pathway curriculum at UMass Chan is designed to introduce students to the principles of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. An element of this pathway focused on basic engineering principles provided students with baseline understandings of biomedical design, human factors, and risk/hazard analysis. Despite small sample sizes, the results show improvements in student comfort with the material and knowledge. Novel curricula have the potential to transform medical education and prepare future physicians to practice healthcare in the 21st Century.

From bench to clinic: the development of VLA1553/IXCHIQ, a live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine.

Over the past 20 years, over 5 million cases of chikungunya, a mosquito-transmitted viral disease, have been reported in over 110 countries. Until recently, preventative strategies for chikungunya were largely ineffective, relying on vector control and individual avoidance of mosquito bites. This review outlines the preclinical and clinical efficacy and safety data that led to the approval of VLA1553 (IXCHIQ®), a live-attenuated vaccine against chikungunya disease. It also describes the innovative development pathway of VLA1553, based on an immunological surrogate of protection, and discusses ongoing and future post-licensure studies. In mice and non-human primate models, VLA1553 elicited high titres of neutralizing antibodies, conferred protection against wild-type chikungunya virus challenge and raised no safety concerns. A Phase 1 clinical trial of VLA1553 demonstrated 100% seroconversion among 120 healthy participants, with sustained neutralizing antibody titres after 12 months. These results and determination of a surrogate marker of protection led to advancement of VLA1553 directly into Phase 3 clinical development, as agreed with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency. The pivotal Phase 3 trial met its primary immunogenicity endpoint, achieving seroprotective levels based on immuno-bridging in baseline seronegative participants 28 days post-vaccination. These findings enabled submission of a Biologics License Application to the FDA for accelerated approval of VLA1553 in the US for adults aged ≥18 years. Ongoing and planned studies will confirm the clinical efficacy/effectiveness and safety of VLA1553 in adults and younger individuals, and will generate data in chikungunya endemic countries that have the highest unmet need. VLA1553 is the first vaccine approved for the prevention of chikungunya disease in adults, following accelerated development based on a serological surrogate marker of protection. VLA1553 adds to strategies to reduce the spread and burden of chikungunya in endemic populations and travellers.

Nanostructured aramid fiber/Cu/BN composite Janus films with broadband electromagnetic interference shielding and superior thermally conductive/electrically insulating performance

Modern electronic technology necessitates the development of composite materials with effective electromagnetic protection. This work presents a novel strategy constructing an aramid nanofiber (ANF)-based Janus film (ANF@Cu-ANF/BN) using an electroless plating-vacuum assisted filtration-pressing technique. The film exhibits an unique asymmetric property profile, with one side being electrically conductive and thermally conductive/electrically insulating on the other. Exceptional EMI shielding effectiveness of 105.22 and 106.96 dB is obtained in the 8.2–12.4 GHz and 26.5–40 GHz ranges, respectively. In addition, the film demonstrates an impressive out-of-plane thermal conductivity of 2.703 W/(m·K). suggesting superior thermal management capabilities when integrated into heat sinks for high-power light-emitting diode modules. In terms of mechanical robustness, the film possesses a tensile strength of 14.31 MPa. The ANF@Cu-ANF/BN Janus composite films effectively harmonize electromagnetic shielding, thermal conductivity, and mechanical integrity, offering an innovative pathway of developing advanced materials that fulfill the stringent requirements of modern electronic devices.

Exploring Carbon Nanotubes as Antimicrobial Agents: Efficacy, Toxicity, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), including single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), have been integrated into pharmaceutical and medical domains as drug delivery systems since the turn of the twenty-first century. Their capacity to effectively transport diverse therapeutics across membranes and into living cells has sparked interest in medicinal applications encompassing enhanced imaging, antimicrobial solutions, tissue regeneration, and targeted medication or gene delivery. Amidst the wealth of evidence showcasing the advantages of CNTs, such as heightened efficacy and reduced side effects, recent studies have unveiled unforeseen toxicities linked to their usage. Notably, the antimicrobial potential of CNTs has garnered significant attention, promising novel strategies for combating microbial infections. This mini review presents a synthesis and discussion of both the antimicrobial attributes and potential toxicity associated with carbon nanotubes. Despite their promising potential, several challenges stand as important considerations, deciphering the precise mechanisms through which CNTs exert their antibacterial effects remains a complex puzzle and ensuring the biocompatibility and safety of CNTs, both in terms of host cells and the environment, is paramount for clinical translation. Lastly, navigating regulatory pathways and standardization efforts will be integral for realizing the scope of CNTs as antimicrobial agents. The multifaceted nature of CNTs' antibacterial attributes underscores the complexity of their interactions within various systems. Addressing challenges through surface functionalization to enhance hydrophilicity and biocompatibility underscores a strategic approach for future exploration. As research progresses, carbon nanotubes hold the potential to emerge as a pivotal tool in the fight against microbial infections while offering innovative pathways for therapeutic advancements.

Shaping innovation pathways: Metaverse application configurations in high-technology small- and medium-sized enterprises

The emergence of Industry 4.0, characterized by rapid technological change and fierce competition, challenges technology firms to make strategic innovation decisions. Central to this is the metaverse, a hybrid virtual space combining virtual reality, augmented reality, and the internet. Recognizing that the implications of metaverse applications extend beyond individual organizations, this research examines its adoption configurations. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, we analyze survey data from 116 high-technology small and medium-sized enterprises in China using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Our research reveals that no isolated factor within the TAM-TOE framework solely affects innovation decision-making. Instead, we identify three configurations that enhance decision-making quality and three that increase its speed, leading to improved innovation performance. In this way, this research advances the understanding of technology adoption configurations in the innovation processes of young tech firms.

Photo-induced decarboxylative C-S bond formation to access sterically hindered unsymmetric S-alkyl thiosulfonates and SS-alkyl thiosulfonates

Due to the high reactivity and versatility of benzenesulfonothioates, significant advancements have been made in constructing C-S bonds. However, there are certain limitations in the synthesis of S-thiosulfonates and SS-thiosulfonates, especially when dealing with substantial steric hindrance, which poses a significant challenge. Herein, we present an innovative approach for assembling unsymmetric S-thiosulfonates and unsymmetric SS-thiosulfonates through the integration of dual copper/photoredox catalysis. Moreover, we also realized the one-pot strategy by directly using carboxylic acids as raw materials by in-situ activation of them to access S-thiosulfonates and SS-thiosulfonates without further purification and presynthesis of NHPI esters. The envisaged synthesis and utilization of these reagents are poised to pioneer an innovative pathway for fabricating a versatile spectrum of mono-, di-, and polysulfide compounds. Furthermore, they introduce a class of potent sulfenylating reagents, empowering the synthesis of intricate unsymmetrical disulfides that were previously challenging to access.

Fashioning the Future: Green chemistry and engineering innovations in biofashion

The fashion industry stands as a significant contributor to environmental degradation due to its massive production volumes and subsequent waste generation. In response to this pressing concern, this review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol, aiming to comprehensively address the environmental challenges inherent in the fashion sector. Focusing on the integration of green chemistry principles and engineering innovations within bio fashion, the study endeavors to explore viable solutions that mitigate the industry’s detrimental environmental impact. Central to this exploration is the pursuit of material sustainability and the creation of eco-friendly, biodegradable clothing alternatives that not only diminish environmental harm but also satisfy aesthetic and functional requisites. By delving into various facets, including biomaterial development, environmentally conscious production processes, biodegradable fashion products, customization, consumer awareness, industry collaboration, and standards, this review elucidates crucial pathways for innovation, pivotal for propelling sustainable practices in the fashion realm. This comprehensive analysis incorporates a rigorous examination highlighting the vast potential of innovation to reshape the fashion landscape, steering it towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Research on the "2+1" Talent Training Model in Higher Vocational Railway Colleges under the "Four Platforms and One Meeting" Linkage Mechanism

This study aims to explore the construction and implementation of the "2+1" talent training model in higher vocational railway colleges under the "Four Platforms and One Meeting" linkage mechanism. Through theories of school-enterprise cooperation, Internet+ education, and talent training models, the study analyzes the construction methods of school-enterprise teaching platforms, online resource platforms, enterprise practice platforms, and school-enterprise joint "2+1" teaching feedback platforms. The research finds that the "Four Platforms and One Meeting" linkage mechanism can effectively integrate school and enterprise resources, leverage the advantages of Internet+, improve the quality of talent training, and provide innovative pathways for the reform of higher vocational education.

Research on the Aesthetics of Traditional Jingchu Cuisine under the Perspective of the Grand Food View

Under the perspective of the Grand Food View, the aesthetics of traditional Jingchu cuisine showcase rich cultural connotations and unique aesthetic value. This paper systematically reviews the theoretical foundation of the Grand Food View and culinary aesthetics, deeply analyzes the aesthetic characteristics of traditional Jingchu cuisine, and explores its inheritance and innovation in modern society. The study shows that the visual and morphological beauty, gustatory and olfactory beauty, and the artistic and cultural beauty of Jingchu cuisine reflect the diversity of local culinary culture and demonstrate its profound historical and artistic value. Furthermore, this paper proposes innovative pathways and promotion strategies for Jingchu cuisine in modern society, providing new ideas for the protection and development of traditional culinary culture.

Integrative therapeutics for ocular surface disorders.

Integrative medicine techniques are increasingly accepted into the treatment paradigm for many chronic disorders including eye disease. Over 71% of patients, including 67% of those with eye disorders, use some form of Integrative therapy. Physicians should be well versed in evidence-based therapies to know how to refer patients for the best complimentary care. We highlight the most effective integrative therapeutics from different complementary treatment paradigms to offer a framework for approaching therapy in patients with ocular surface disorders (OSDs). Lifestyle and behavioral modifications help a proportion of people with OSDs like dry eye disease and allergic conjunctivitis, which are interrelated disorders. Nutrition and supplementation can also play a role in addressing underlying inflammation and improving OSD symptoms. Acupuncture and traditional herbal medicine may also benefit some patients. New technologies offer innovative treatment pathways in the treatment of OSD but require referral to Ocular Surface Treatment Centers. Integrative treatment approach for OSD incorporates allopathic medicine, traditional remedies and lifestyle behavioral interventions, Ayurveda and herbal medicine, Nutritional Supplements, Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. New cutting-edge technologies offer breakthroughs in difficult to treat ocular surface cases. Collaboration between allergy or otolaryngology offices, complementary practitioners, as well as optometrists and ophthalmologists in Ocular Surface Treatment Centers can offer patients new avenues of treatment.

Compatible metasurface for ultra-wideband radar and switchable infrared stealth

In response to the rapid advancements in radar detection technology and the widespread deployment of infrared sensors, single-function stealth materials are increasingly challenged to meet the sophisticated demands of concealment within complex electromagnetic environments. As a result, there is a pressing need for research into metamaterial structures that can simultaneously deliver ultra-wideband radar stealth and controllable infrared invisibility. Here, a novel metamaterial structure was proposed and realized, comprising vertically integrated infrared stealth and radar stealth layers, with the aim of accomplishing both ultra-wideband radar stealth and controlled infrared invisibility. Coded units were designed based on the geometric phase modulation mechanism and then arrayed through a random matrix strategy optimized by a genetic algorithm, yielding a radar stealth layer characterized by outstanding properties such as ultra-wideband radar stealth and insensitivity to polarization states. A temperature-adaptive infrared stealth switching function was successfully achieved by incorporating vanadium dioxide, a phase-change material, into the infrared stealth layer, exploiting its insulator-to-metal phase transition at a critical temperature. The fabrication and performance testing of the samples have further validated the practicality and rationality of the design scheme. This work can not only open up innovative pathways for the advancement of multi-band compatible stealth technology but is also of great significance for the application of electromagnetic shielding and stealth technologies in complex settings.

CYB561 is a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer and is associated with immune cell infiltration

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC), a common malignant tumor originating from the terminal ductal lobular unit of the breast, poses a substantial health risk to women. Previous studies have associated cytochrome b561 (CYB561) with a poor prognosis in BC; however, its underlying mechanism of this association remains unclear.MethodsWe investigated the expression of CYB561 mRNA in BC using databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Tumor–Normal–Metastatic plot, and Kaplan–Meier plotter databases. The prognostic value of CYB561 protein in BC was assessed in relation to its expression levels in tumor tissue samples from 158 patients with BC. The effect of CYB561 on BC progression was confirmed using in vivo and in vitro experiments. The biological functions and related signaling pathways of CYB561 in BC were explored using gene microarray, Innovative Pathway, Gene Ontology enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The correlation between CYB561 and the BC tumor immune microenvironment was evaluated using the CIBERSORT algorithm and single-cell analysis and further validated through immunohistochemistry of serial sections.ResultsOur study demonstrated that upregulation of CYB561 expression predicted poor prognosis in patients with BC and that CYB561 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasive ability of BC cells in vitro. CYB561 knockdown inhibited BC tumor formation in vivo.CYB561 was observed to modulate downstream tropomyosin 1 expression. Furthermore, CYB561 expression was associated with macrophage M2 polarization in the BC immune microenvironment.ConclusionsElevated CYB561 expression suggests a poor prognosis for patients with BC and is associated with macrophage M2 polarization in the BC microenvironment. Therefore, CYB561 could potentially serve as a therapeutic target for BC treatment.