Browse Articles

Synergic effect of dielectric barrier discharge plasma and hydrodynamic cavitation on decolorization of methylene blue

The growing demand for efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies has driven the development of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that combine multiple physical and chemical mechanisms. In this study, we introduce a novel hybrid system that integrates Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma with Hydrodynamic Cavitation (HDC) to achieve rapid decolorization of Methylene Blue (MB) in both distilled and tap water. Experimental conditions included applied AC voltages ranging from 7 to 12 kV and initial MB concentrations of 10–40 mg/L, with samples collected over treatment times up to 15 minutes. Complete decolorization was consistently achieved within 15 minutes, with ~80% removal typically occurring in less than 5 minutes. Notably, the energy utilization efficiency for the most concentrated solution (40 mg/L) at full decolorization reached 4.6 g/kWh, surpassing previously reported values (<4 g/kWh). Direct plasma–cavitation coupling (direct DBD-HDC mode) outperformed the indirect configuration, highlighting the synergistic effects of simultaneous microbubble cavitation and plasma-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) confirmed the presence of key oxidants such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which play a dominant role in dye degradation. These findings establish DBD-HDC hybridization as a powerful and energy-efficient AOP, with strong potential for scalable application in wastewater treatment and other environmental remediation processes.

Enhanced piezoelectric performance of textured ceramics based on AC polarization technology for ultrasonic transducer

Piezoelectric materials serve as the core component of ultrasonic transducers, where advancing system capabilities necessitates continuously improved performance. To this end, alternating current polarization (ACP) was employed to enhance the piezoelectric properties of [001]c-textured Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) ceramics. Compared to samples prepared via direct current polarization, ACP-textured ceramics achieved superior performance: a piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of ∼1200 pC/N, a relative permittivity (ε∼) of ∼2953, and an electromechanical coupling factor (kt) of ∼0.67. This enhancement is attributed to a more uniform domain structure and a higher density of domain walls induced by the ACP process. Furthermore, a 1–3 composite 5 MHz transducer fabricated from these ACP-textured ceramics demonstrated a broad bandwidth of ∼141% and a low insertion loss of −12 dB, representing leading performance for ceramic-based transducers operating in the 2–5 MHz range. This work highlights the potential of ACP for developing high-performance piezoelectric materials essential for future broadband ultrasonic transducers.

A murine proof-of-concept study of polatuzumab vedotin in combination with venetoclax in experimental therapy of BCL2-positive aggressive lymphomas

HIV-relevant policies in European countries: A comprehensive landscape of policies hindering or facilitating access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care of key populations

Background In Europe, there are variations in epidemic patterns, trends, and progress toward achieving the UNAIDS target of ending the AIDS epidemic. Complex social, economic, cultural, and behavioral dynamics make key population groups more vulnerable to HIV, and health and health-related policies play a significant role in ensuring progress towards eliminating HIV. This study aims to characterize and compare how HIV-relevant policies may directly or indirectly hinder or facilitate HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care of key populations within selected European countries. Methods This study consists of a targeted search of policies that may impact the HIV continuum of care for priority populations and a literature review to contextualize findings and explore policy implementation barriers. Analysis was conducted on a sample of 15 countries and six subregions. Data collection and analysis were done according to pre-defined policy areas (n = 57) identified through a review of international frameworks. Findings A total of 445 policies and 69 studies met the eligibility criteria. In the broader analysis, 438 policies were identified across 57 policy areas, of which 248 policies across 27 policy areas were considered relevant to this manuscript. These policy areas address HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care, and structural support for key populations. In most countries, policies were identified covering 40 or more policy areas, highlighting substantial variation in policy scope across settings. Interpretation Not all key and priority populations are equitably or adequately prioritized, with some policies leading to their needs and vulnerabilities being overlooked. Despite the presence of well-structured policies, misalignment between decision-makers’ attitudes and evidence-based recommendations, political constraints, and structural, cultural, and stigma-related factors persist. Health systems must address barriers faced by key and priority populations to achieve the UNAIDS targets.

Effect of gas exposure on GaN surface quantum wells

Some HEMT transistors and a variety of gas, pH, and molecular sensors use thin GaN capping layers that behave as surface quantum wells (SuQWs), such as those formed by a thin GaN layer with vacuum or gas on one side and a higher bandgap (Al0.2Ga0.8N) layer on the other. Their performance is highly sensitive to surface treatments and gas exposure, and the extent to which surface adsorbates alter the crystal polarization and non-radiative surface recombination velocity may be monitored using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Here, we examine how room temperature PL intensity and emission energy from a GaN SuQW changes when excited by a pulsed laser and exposed to vacuum, inert gases, or hydrogen- or oxygen-containing gas environments. Ambient water vapor readily adsorbs onto SuQW surfaces but may be desorbed by exposure to the gases studied, causing the number of available surface states to increase and SuQW PL efficiency to suffer. However, exposure to hydrogen-containing forming gas leads to hydrogen adsorption that replaces the desorbed water, passivates the newly available surface states, and enhances PL efficiency. These behaviors are confirmed by the observed blue or red shifts in SuQW PL emission energy, which correlate with the electronegativity of the adsorbing/desorbing species. Changes in radiative efficiency evolve over time as gas pressure equilibrates with the surface adsorbates. This study uses practical, non-idealized SuQWs to assess real-world sensitivities to ambient exposure and provides a path toward practical mitigation strategies.

Development of human resources in malaria microscopy during and after the malaria elimination phase in China

EP300 promotes bladder cancer cell migration through SNAI2

EP300, a frequently mutated transcriptional coactivator in bladder cancer, has been demonstrated to positively correlate with malignancy in various cancers. Highly aggressive bladder cancers are often associated with muscle-invasive progression, a process closely linked to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) capability of bladder cancer. Here, we performed immunohistochemical staining on bladder cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues obtained from radical cystectomy to validate the positive association between EP300 and bladder cancer malignancy. We observed that A485, a small-molecule inhibitor of EP300, significantly inhibited cell migration in multiple bladder cancer cell lines (SW780, T24, RT4 and 5637) both in scratch wound healing and Transwell assays. Additionally, take the advantage of organoid-3D culture system, A485 disrupted the formation of inter-organoids connecting tubular structures in T24 cell line, while A485 also disrupted the organoid migration from matrix out-toward the non-matrix region both in SW780 and 5637 cell lines. In in vivo experiment, A485 showed a trend toward inhibiting BBN-induced bladder cancer invasion in mice. Bulk RNAseq analysis revealed that A485 commonly downregulated SNAI2-related signaling pathways across multiple bladder cancer cell lines. Furthermore, western blotting confirmed that A485 significantly reduced the global level of acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27ac) as well as SNAI2 expression in T24 and SW780 cell lines. Indeed, overexpression of SNAI2 enhanced the migratory capacity of bladder cancer cells via Transwell assay. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that EP300 promoted bladder cancer cell migration via up-regulating SNAI2, targeting EP300 could be a potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit the process of bladder cancer invasion.

Hierarchical spectral inhomogeneity in photoluminescence of a twisted MoSe2/WSe2 heterobilayer moiré superlattice revealed by hyperspectral mapping

Low-temperature photoluminescence from a MoSe2/WSe2 moiré superlattice often consists of a broad interlayer emission background with dense, narrow peaks, making microscopic line-by-line assignment difficult. Here, we use hyperspectral photoluminescence mapping and peak-decomposition-free spectral analyses to determine how this spectral complexity is organized in space. A 20 × 20 map acquired with a 400 nm pitch reveals three dominant spectral families that form contiguous real-space domains. Feature-wise spatial correlation analysis and whole-spectrum similarity yield characteristic micrometer-scale lengths of 1.27–2.05 μm, all exceeding the 0.85 μm optical spot size. At the same time, individual pixels retain a dense, multi-peak structure, implying an unresolved local spectral manifold below optical resolution. Correlations among centroid, dominant energy, asymmetry, width, entropy, sharp fraction, and roughness indicate that the micrometer-scale energy landscape and local manifold complexity can be statistically separated, while remaining correlated across the map, consistent with a hierarchical organization of the emission spectrum. These results establish hierarchical inhomogeneity as an organizing principle of MoSe2/WSe2 moiré superlattice photoluminescence.

Comparison of ocular biometrics between diabetic and non-diabetic adults: a population-based study

Abstract This study aimed to compare ocular biometrics between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Understanding these biometric differences may inform cataract surgery planning and glaucoma risk assessment in diabetic patients. Participants were drawn from the second phase of the Shahroud Eye Cohort Study. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed based on fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels of ≥ 6.99 mmol/L, HbA1c levels of ≥ 6.5%, or the use of hypoglycemic medications. Ocular biometrics were recorded using a Lenstar optical biometer. Differences in ocular biometrics between participants with and without diabetes were analyzed using t-tests and linear regression models. Among the 4452 participants, aged 45–69 years. Axial Length (AL) (Mean Difference (MD) = − 0.09 mm, 95% CI − 0.16 to -0.03), Corneal Diameter (CD) (MD = − 0.10 mm, 95% CI − 0.13 to − 0.07), Aqueous depth (AD) (MD = − 0.03 mm, 95% CI − 0.06 to − 0.01), were higher in non-diabetics, while central corneal thickness (CCT) (MD = 5.90 μm, 95% CI 3.70 to 8.10), and lens thickness (LT) (MD = 0.06 mm, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.08) were thicker in diabetics. In the multiple linear regression model, AL, AD, and CD were negatively associated with diabetes, while LT and CCT was positively associated with diabetes. In conclusion, among ocular biometrics, diabetic individuals had thicker lens and central corneas, while AL, AD, and CD were lower. Other ocular biometrics did not differ significantly in diabetics than non-diabetics. While the observed differences are statistically significant, their clinical relevance is minimal due to small effect sizes.

Prevalence and factors associated with microvascular and macrovascular diabetes complications in adult Ugandans: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction The rising prevalence of diabetes in Uganda has led to a disproportionate increase in the burden of diabetes complications. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to document the prevalence and factors associated with five chronic diabetes complications in adult Ugandans with diabetes. Methods We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Africa Journal Online databases from 25 th May 2024–29 th May 2024. We included studies reporting information on the prevalence and factors associated with the five chronic diabetes complications. We conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to determine the pooled prevalence of each diabetes complication. Using narrative synthesis, we described the factors significantly associated with each diabetes complication. Results A total of twenty studies reporting information on 11,400 participants were considered. The pooled mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 54.8 (3.6) years. For the microvascular diabetes complications, the pooled prevalence of diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy was 56.8% (95% CI 44.9–68.7, I 2  = 98.56%, p < 0.001), 19.5% (95% CI 3.9–35.2, I 2  = 99.60%, p < 0.001), and 17.7% (95% CI 7.3–28.0, I 2  = 99.36%, p < 0.001), respectively. For the macrovascular diabetes complications, the pooled prevalence of peripheral arterial disease and diabetic foot disease was 32.2% (95% CI 15.8–48.7, I 2  = 97.67%, p < 0.001) and 5.5% (95% CI 1.7–9.2, I 2  = 90.22%, p < 0.001), respectively. Hypertension comorbidity, physical inactivity, family history of diabetes, body mass index ≤30 kg/m 2 , and pregnancy were associated with diabetic nephropathy in three studies. In two studies, a history of a foot ulcer and age > 60 years were associated with diabetic neuropathy, while female sex, hypertension comorbidity, and use of glibenclamide were associated with peripheral arterial disease. Conclusions This study demonstrates a high prevalence of chronic diabetes complications in adult Ugandans with diabetes. Timely screening and optimal management of chronic diabetes complications should be encouraged in Uganda.

All-optical switching in CoFeB-based artificial ferrimagnets

We demonstrate deterministic all-optical switching (AOS) triggered by single femtosecond laser pulses in CoFeB-based artificial ferrimagnets consisting of Co/Gd/CoFeB trilayers. We show that AOS in this trilayer system is primarily governed by the energetics of nonequilibrium demagnetization, rather than by the magnetic anisotropy barrier in equilibrium. Unlike existing AOS multilayer systems in which CoFeB layers are coupled indirectly through a nonmagnetic layer, each layer in our system, including the CoFeB layer, is directly antiferromagnetically exchange-coupled by a strong interfacial proximity effect. This direct coupling enables a purely thermal toggle switching process across the entire stack, facilitating ultrafast optical writing. Moreover, these thin film structures are fully compatible with the high-magnetoresistance CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB tunnel junction architecture, making this system a promising building block for the development of all-optically driven magnetic tunnel junctions, which are a key component for future high-speed, low-power logic and memory applications.

Genomic and phylogenomic analyses reveal extensive diversity among soil-derived Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Nigeria

Abstract This study reports the genomic characterization of 24 representative Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from soil across ecologically distinct sites in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. From the 43 soil samples analyzed, 101 Acinetobacter spp. were recovered, predominantly A. baumannii (39/101; 38.61%). Analysis of the 24 A. baumannii isolates revealed extensive genetic diversity, including 20 distinct Pasteur and 19 Oxford sequence types (STs), of which 15 and 13, respectively, were novel. Additionally, we detected 20 capsular (KL) and seven outer core lipooligosaccharide (OCL) locus types. In silico prediction revealed that most isolates did not harbour clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes and were unrelated to known international clonal complexes. However, one isolate (A23-4) belonged to the international clone 8 (IC8) lineage and harboured a class 1 integron-associated MDR cassette containing ant(3 ″ ) -Ia, dfrA1 , and sul2 , flanked by insertion sequences ISAIw4 , ISVsa3 , and IS1006 . Further analyses identified 4,975 pangenome gene clusters and a polyphyletic distribution of the A. baumannii isolates across multiple distinct evolutionary lineages. The studied soil samples harbour a highly diverse and largely antimicrobial-susceptible population of A. baumannii rich in novel lineages. However, the detection of a MDR ST10/IC8 clone highlights the value of genomic surveillance in identifying potentially high-risk strains within environmental reservoirs.

Repetitive hypoxic preconditioning protects retinal ganglion cells against damage caused by exposure to blast

Visual system damage and dysfunction caused by exposure to a blast wave has been described in both clinical studies and in pre-clinical models. Within the retina, retinal ganglion cells (RGC) exhibit sensitivity to mild blast-mediated traumatic brain injury (bTBI), which can result in progressive neurodegeneration. The purpose of this study was to determine if repetitive hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) can prevent bTBI-mediated RGC damage and death. This study utilized clinically relevant outcomes of RGC structure and function, supported by histological analysis of the surviving RGCs. Mice were exposed to six sessions of HPC over a two-week period at an 11% oxygen concentration, and subsequently subjected to bTBI using a shock tube. Four-weeks following exposure to bTBI or sham, functional and structural analysis of RGCs was performed using the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). BRN3A antibody labeling was subsequently used to quantify the number of RGCs surviving at the termination of the study. Analysis of RGC outcomes showed significantly decreased PERG amplitude and RGC Complex + retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in mice with bTBI compared to sham. There was no significant difference in RGC outcomes between sham mice and HPC+ bTBI mice. Taken together, these results show that HPC can provide at least partial neuroprotection to RGCs prior to blast exposure.

Chiral (R/S‐MPz)Ge ₄ I ₁₀ With Unique 2D [Ge ₄ I ₁₀ ] Layered Structure and Large Chirality‐Induced Nonlinear Optical Effect

ABSTRACT Chiral organic–inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIMHs) with intrinsic non‐centrosymmetric structures have attracted considerable attention for their potential nonlinear optical (NLO) applications. However, compared to their achiral counterparts, the chirality‐induced mechanism underlying their NLO effects remains unclear. This study reports for the first time a pair of Ge‐based chiral OIMHs (R/S‐MPz)Ge 4 I 10 with a unique 2D [Ge 4 I 10 ] 2− layers, exhibiting a second‐harmonic effect approximately five times greater than that of benchmark K 2 HPO 4 (KDP). This represents the highest value achieved to date among reported chiral Ge‐based OIMHs and far exceeds those observed in the organic R/S‐MPz. First‐principles calculations reveal that the unique [Ge 4 I 10 ] 2− layer, constructed by edge‐shared [GeI 6 ] 4− octahedra induced by chirality, is crucial for the dominate NLO effect. By further enhancing the polarity of the organic component, this material achieves a gain record of ∼15×KDP. Our study not only expands the family of chiral Ge‐based OIMHs but also elucidates the relationship between chiral motif and NLO property, providing a rational design strategy for chiral NLO materials.

Turning etching by-products into active sites: <i>In situ</i> construction of MoB/ZnS heterostructures for high-rate sodium-ion capacitors

High-performance sodium-ion capacitor anodes require the simultaneous achievement of rapid kinetics and structural robustness. However, conventional MBene synthesis involves the wasteful removal of metallic etching by-products and hazardous acid washing, often compromising material quality. Herein, a “turning-waste-into-wealth” strategy is proposed to construct MBene/transition metal sulfide heterostructures. By directly sulfurizing the intermediate Zn retained from Lewis-acid molten-salt etching, MoBTx/ZnS heterostructures are synthesized via a solvent-free, in situ process. This approach effectively prevents MBene oxidation and converts the “waste” Zn into active ZnS nanoparticles firmly anchored on the conductive MoBTx framework. The MoBTx backbone ensures high-speed electron transport and stress relaxation, while ZnS introduces abundant active sites. Consequently, the anode exhibits exceptional rate capability (47% capacity retention from 0.05 to 1 A g−1) and superior durability (100% retention over 300 cycles). This work provides a scalable, low-damage route for upgrading MBenes into advanced heterostructures for high-rate energy storage.

The hidden value of low-performers: ensemble design strategies for coupled ocean-circulation biogeochemical modelling

Abstract Ensemble approaches in weather forecasting and climate science combine the output of several differing models to overcome the limitations of singular models with the idea to exploit the “power of many”. Ensemble members are selected to reflect the full range of the best available knowledge. This often motivates replacing low-performing ensemble members with superior alternatives. Here we propose an alternative approach that benefits from extracting the hidden value of low-performing members in the context of coupled ocean-circulation biogeochemical modelling. We demonstrate for a Baltic Sea coastal test site that, when leveraged with machine learning, a perturbed parameter ensemble of models selected for their capabilities to reproduce extreme dynamics can outperform conventional selection approaches - despite individual rather weak model performance. Implications for assessing global marine biogeochemical projections and ocean geo-engineering options are discussed.

Leadership education to support person-centred health and social care: A scoping review of empirical literature

The purpose of this scoping review was to map evidence on leadership education to support person-centred care. Specifically, the review aimed to identify the key content of such education, the educational methods used, the reported results, and gaps in the existing literature. The review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Peer-reviewed empirical literature on leadership education for people with leadership roles in health and social were included, without restrictions on publication year or study design. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs were eligible. Educational methods were summarised descriptively, and education content and results were iteratively synthesised and categorised. Methodological quality was not formally assessed, consistent with scoping review methodology. Of 2548 identified records, 22 publications met the eligibility criteria. Leadership education interventions were predominantly conducted in Northern Europe and mainly targeted registered nurses in leadership roles. Educational content commonly addressed leadership theories and styles, person-centredness, and facilitation skills. Educational methods were largely based on longitudinal, work-based learning approaches, and reported results primarily reflected perceived improvements in leadership practices, workplace culture, and care practice outcomes. However, outcomes were largely self-reported, context-specific, and seldom assessed using standardised or comparative measures. Interpretation of the findings is limited by the small number of publications, the predominance of qualitative and non-comparative designs, and the narrow geographical and professional focus of the evidence. These limitations restrict conclusions regarding effectiveness, generalisability, scalability, and sustained system-level impact. Despite these limitations, the findings suggest that leadership education may support leadership practices and care improvement. The review identifies substantial gaps in the global evidence base, highlighting the need for more diverse, theory-informed, and rigorously evaluated leadership education that engages multiple professional groups, incorporates patient and relative perspectives, and examines implementation and transferability across varied health and social care contexts.

Electrically controlled tuning the nonlinearity and asymmetry of synaptic behaviors in a magnetoelectrically coupled memristor for high-performance neuromorphic computing

High-performance artificial synaptic devices capable of emulating biological synaptic functions are crucial for developing energy-efficient neuromorphic computing systems. Memristors, whose conductance can be modulated to mimic synaptic plasticity, offer a promising platform for such applications. In this work, we present an electric field-controlled memristor based on an FeGaB/PMN-PT multiferroic heterostructure, in which synaptic weights are continuously tuned by applied voltage pulses. The device was fabricated via magnetron sputtering and exhibits nonvolatile, multi-level resistance switching under pulsed electric field modulation, achieving 83 distinct and continuously adjustable resistance states. Key synaptic functionalities, including long-term potentiation/depression, paired-pulse facilitation, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity, are successfully demonstrated. When integrated into a recurrent neural network, the system achieves a recognition accuracy of 92.4% in a benchmark task. By quantifying the nonlinearity (NL) and asymmetry of weight updates and directly linking them to accuracy performance, we further reveal that device-level NL critically governs system-level computational accuracy. This insight provides a clear optimization pathway for future artificial spintronic synapses, underscoring their potential for high-speed, nonvolatile, and adaptive neuromorphic hardware.

Integrated five-stage cascade impactor with MIP-modified QCM sensor for real-time monitoring of airborne microorganisms

From defense to reconstruction: The hostility-meaning dual-path model of how observing others’ adversity influences distress disclosure

Objective This study explored the mechanism by which observing peers’ adverse experiences influences distress disclosure of negative information through two progressive studies. Methods Study 1constructed a moderated mediation model to analyze the relationships among stress, self-esteem, hostility, and disclosure. Study 2 employed a situational experiment to test a chain mediation model which supplemented by multi-group analysis. Results Study 1 showed that stress directly inhibited disclosure and indirectly inhibited it via reduced self-esteem, with hostility moderating the stress–self-esteem relationship. Study 2 confirmed a full chain mediation effect under adversity perception, with significant path coefficient differences across groups: participation willingness promoted disclosure in the adversity group but inhibited it in the prosperity group. Limitations This study did not examine the moderating effects of cultural values, nor did it control for potential confounding variables such as gender, age, social desirability, and self-selection bias. Conclusions This research reveals the dual-path mechanism of imperfect models: they can trigger either defensive hostility or meaning reconstruction depending on situational perception, expanding the application of the Meaning Maintenance Model in the study of role model effects and informing psychological interventions.