Browse Articles

Mechanical behavior of single concrete frame strengthened with externally prestressed cables

Due to the long-term service of building structure in life, the functional degradation of components leads to the reduction of the bearing capacity of the structure, which, however, results in potential safety hazards. External prestressing reinforcement technology can make the existing structure more capable of supporting potential future loads and seismic actions by applying a reaction force to the structure. For the frame structure, the current research results mainly focuses on the external prestressing reinforcement of the beam, but the research on the full reinforcement on the beam and column of the frame structure is less attentively scrutinized up to now. Therefore, the method of full reinforcement of the beam and the column in frame structure is put forward herein, and the deflection-load curve of single concrete frame under vertical load was studied. The stress variation law of stirrup in the middle of frame beam and the internal force variation law of cable and hoop stirrup were analyzed. The results show that the plastic zone can be transferred from the end of the frame beam to the joint position of frame, and that the maximum plastic strain of the structure decrease by 70.65% with the increasing cable sag. Besides, the bearing capacity and yield load increase with the increase in cable sag and stirrup area, the yield load of the stirrup increased by 64.03%., and the cable prestress decreases with the increase in cable sag and cross-sectional area. Unlike previous studies that mainly focused on externally prestressed strengthening of beam-type members, this study proposes an integrated full reinforcement method for both beams and columns in RC frame structures. The novelty lies in combining beam external prestressing and column external hoop-stirrup confinement within one unified frame system and in clarifying the influences of cable sag, cable area, and hoop-stirrup area on the mechanical behavior of the reinforced frame.

Fluorite material sources and magmatic–tectonic controls in hydrothermal fluorite deposits

A fundamental yet unresolved issue in hydrothermal fluorite deposits is that initial 143 Nd/ 144 Nd ratios vary significantly among different veins, even among those with similar mineralization ages within the same region. This discrepancy likely reflects variations in the material sources of hydrothermal fluids, although the specific controlling factors and mechanisms remain unclear. To address this issue, this study analyses two types of fluorite veins on the southern margin of the North China Craton—both controlled by the same fault system and the same pluton—using Sm-Nd and C-O isotopes. The Baimiaogou fluorite veinlets represent conduit structures for hydrothermal migration, whereas the Yangshan fluorite veins represent host structures for ore precipitation. The results show that the Baimiaogou veinlets, which acted as fluid conduits, display highly variable isotopic compositions, with initial 143 Nd/ 144 Nd ratios of 0.511379 to 0.511757, ε Nd ( t ) values of –21.55 to –14.17, and T DM2 ages of 1.64 to 1.93 Ga. Associated calcite exhibits a pronounced oxygen isotope shift, with δ 18 O V-SMOW ‰ values between 1.6‰ and 7.0‰. In contrast, the Yangshan veins, which served as host structures, show isotopic consistency, with tightly clustered initial 143 Nd/ 144 Nd ratios (0.511751–0.511799), ε Nd ( t ) values (–14.29 to –13.36), T DM2 ages (1.58–1.60 Ga), and associated calcite δ 18 O V-SMOW ‰ values (7.5–8.5‰). Neodymium isotope mass balance calculations indicate that the variations in Nd isotope values reflect mixing between initial magmatic-hydrothermal fluids and the ancient Taihua Group metamorphic basement during fluid migration. Macro- and microstructural analyses reveal that the Baimiaogou veinlets experienced multiple tectonic pulses within an open system characterised by dynamically changing fluid flow paths, whereas the Yangshan veins formed during a single phase of large-scale extensional faulting, with fluid precipitation occurring in a relatively closed space. Thus, the nature and pulsatory behaviour of fault structures also control the variations in Nd isotope values. This model highlights the coupled control of magmatism and structural processes on the material sources of fluorite in hydrothermal deposits, providing new constraints for understanding the metallogenic mechanisms of hydrothermal fluorite systems.

Early DNA methylation at the NGFI-A binding site of the NR3C1 1F promoter predicts cognitive functions at age five: Evidence from the Parents as Teachers intervention in the ZEPPELIN study

Background The present study examines the link between DNA methylation at the nerve growth factor-induced protein A (NGFI-A) binding domain of the NR3C1 1F promoter and later cognitive functions in children from families living in disadvantaged psychosocial conditions. Methods Participants were 132 children who took part in a Swiss Parents as Teachers (PAT) randomized controlled trial (72 in the intervention group, 60 in the control group). DNA methylation was quantified from saliva samples collected at age three using sodium bisulfite next-generation sequencing (NGS). Cognitive functions were assessed at age five using the SON-R 2.5–7 Intelligence Test. Results (a) DNA methylation at age three was associated with lower IQ at age five through increased concentration problems (indirect effect = −0.083, p = .012); (b) parental disagreement was associated with concentration difficulties through DNA methylation (indirect effect = 0.064, p = .023); and (c) participation in the three-year PAT program was associated with lower methylation levels (β = −0.375, p = .041). The serial pathway from parental disagreement to IQ via methylation and concentration was not significant. Conclusions These findings provide preliminary evidence for an association between early DNA methylation at the NGFI-A binding site of the NR3C1 1F promoter and later cognitive functions in children and highlight the potential role of early life stressors and the PAT intervention in shaping these associations. However, given the exploratory nature of this study, replication in larger independent samples is warranted.

Drivers of international convergence in digital two-sided platform markets: The case of dominant business model components in online lending

Online lending marketplaces have emerged as potentially disruptive players in the financial industry by digitally connecting borrowers and lenders. However, little is known about the emergence of dominant business model patterns in this regulated, platform-based service industry. Drawing on dominant design theory, this study examines the international convergence of business model components in online lending since 2005. Using a comparative, longitudinal case study of the market leaders Funding Circle (the UK), LendingClub (the USA), and auxmoney (Germany), we analyze the Business Model Canvas components “customer segments” and “value propositions.” Our findings reveal a convergence toward peer-to-institution models, shaped by regulatory pressures, technological advances, and institutional capital. All marketplaces now address underserved borrower segments such as SMEs, the self-employed, and founders, while excluding retail investors. This indicates the emergence of internationally dominant business model components in potentially disruptive two-sided platform markets. We synthesize these findings into a generic, process-oriented model explaining how platform convergence unfolds across national contexts. This study extends dominant design theory to business models in regulated service industries and highlights external forces as key drivers of standardization. It offers practical insights for policymakers, institutional investors, and marketplace operators navigating scalability, regulation, and financial integration.

Impact of different hysterectomy techniques on postoperative clinical and sexual outcomes: A retrospective analysis in a tertiary center

Background Hysterectomy is a commonly performed gynecologic procedure; however, evidence regarding how different surgical techniques affect postoperative vaginal anatomy and sexual function remains inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative vaginal length, female sexual function, male partner sexual function, and perioperative outcomes following total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), and total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) performed for benign gynecological indications. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 466 women who underwent total hysterectomy between January 2020 and June 2023 at a tertiary referral center were included. Patients were grouped according to surgical technique: TAH, TLH, or TVH. Vaginal length measurements, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores, perioperative laboratory values, blood transfusion requirement, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Male partner sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) in a subset of patients. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with postoperative outcomes. Estimated intraoperative blood loss was not consistently available in the retrospective database and could not be included in the transfusion model. Findings Of the 466 patients, 124 underwent TAH, 177 TLH, and 165 TVH. Preoperative vaginal length and FSFI scores were comparable across groups. Postoperative vaginal length differed significantly according to surgical technique, with the greatest reduction observed in the TLH group (p < 0.001). Postoperative female FSFI scores did not differ significantly among groups (p > 0.05). Among male partners with available data, IIEF-5 scores showed a statistically significant postoperative decline (mean ± SD: 14.87 ± 3.31 preoperatively vs. 14.10 ± 2.23 postoperatively; p < 0.001); however, this partner-related finding was exploratory. Blood transfusion was required in 12.0% of patients (95% CI, 9.4–15.3), and postoperative complications occurred in 8.2% (95% CI, 6.0–11.0). In multivariable analyses, lower preoperative hemoglobin levels were associated with a higher likelihood of blood transfusion. Longer operative time was associated with postoperative complications (OR per minute = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.03; p < 0.001), likely reflecting surgical complexity rather than a direct causal effect. Conclusions Hysterectomy technique was associated with differences in postoperative vaginal length, but these anatomical differences did not translate into significant differences in early postoperative female sexual function. Lower preoperative hemoglobin was associated with blood transfusion requirement, although the lack of estimated intraoperative blood loss data limits interpretation of transfusion-related findings. Longer operative time was associated with postoperative complications and may reflect greater surgical complexity. The observed decline in male partner IIEF-5 scores should be interpreted cautiously as an exploratory finding, and future prospective studies incorporating both patient- and partner-reported outcomes with longer follow-up are warranted.

Association between autoimmune thyroiditis and BRAFV600E/TERT promoter mutations in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma from Central Asia, Kazakhstan

Background Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD), frequently coexists with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Chronic inflammation may influence thyroid carcinogenesis; however, the relationship between AIT and aggressive molecular alterations in PTC, particularly BRAFV600E and TERT promoter mutations, remains unclear. Data from iodine-deficient regions such as Kazakhstan are limited. Methods We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of 231 patients with PTC from Kazakhstan treated between 2016 and 2020. Tumors were reclassified according to the World Health Organization 5th edition (2022). Clinicopathological characteristics, AIT status (HT and GD), BRAFV600E and TERT promoter mutation profiles, and proliferative activity (Ki-67) were analyzed. Associations between AIT, molecular alterations, and clinicopathological features were evaluated. Results Most patients were female (83.1%) and <55 years (68.4%). AIT disease was present in 55.3% of cases, predominantly HT, while GD was uncommon (3.3%). BRAFV600E mutation alone was detected in 64.0% of patients, BRAF/TERT promoter co-mutation in 5.2%, TERT promoter mutation alone in 1.9%, and no mutations in 28.9%. TERT promoter-related mutations, particularly BRAF/TERT promoter co-mutations, were significantly more frequent in patients without AIT (p = 0.029) and were associated with lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage, older age, and larger tumor size. Patients with AIT had fewer aggressive molecular alterations. Patients with GD had higher Ki-67 labeling index and more aggressive clinicopathological features. Conclusions Different AIT subtypes showed distinct molecular and clinicopathological patterns in PTC. HT tended to demonstrate fewer aggressive molecular features, whereas GD showed features suggestive of increased proliferative activity. A lower prevalence of TERT promoter-related mutations was observed in AIT-positive patients, suggesting possible differences in molecular aggressiveness. However, these findings require validation in larger cohorts with broader molecular profiling.

Correction: Potential airborne transmission of SARS-COV-2 through bathroom ventilation ducts associated with an outbreak in a residential building in Santander, Spain, 2020

Multi-characterization-assisted construction of the molecular structure of high-volatile bituminous coal

Elucidating coal molecular structures is critical for studying its structure–property relationships and advancing efficient coal resource utilization. In this study, a bituminous coal (JSM_C) was selected from the coal-rich Inner Mongolia region of China as the research object. Multi-characterization technologies, including elemental analysis, 13 C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 13 C NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were integrated to characterize the elemental composition, carbon skeleton, functional groups, and nitrogen species in JSM_C. The results showed that the molecular formula of JSM_C is C 176 H 128 O 19 N 2 . The carbon skeleton is centered on mono-/bi-/tricyclic aromatics connected by aliphatic or oxygen-linked chains. The oxygen-containing functional groups are mainly phenols and ethers, while nitrogen species exist in the form of pyridine and pyrrole heterocycles. The simulated spectra of NMR and FTIR are consistent with the experimental data, confirming the reliability of the constructed structure. This study achieved the construction of complex coal macromolecules from the specific mine through “characterization analysis-model construction-simulation verification,” providing a feasible paradigm for coal molecular structure research. It also lays a molecular foundation for investigating structure-performance relationships and introducing related algorithmic models in coal research.

An optimized three-laser 27-color spectral flow cytometry panel for multi-organ profiling in mice

While high-dimensional flow cytometry plays critical roles in resolving complex cellular networks, there remains a scarcity of comprehensive panels for the simultaneous profiling of diverse mouse cell types, primarily due to the technical challenges of spectral overlap and the limited availability of mouse-validated reagents. To address this technical gap and resolve diverse cell populations in murine models, we designed a 27-color flow cytometry panel optimized for 3-laser spectral flow cytometers. This optimized panel enables broad and simultaneous detection of 16 distinct cell subsets from both lymphoid and myeloid lineages—including T cells, B cells, plasma cells, NK cells, innate lymphoid cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells—along with non-immune cells, such as epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, and neuronal-associated cells. The panel has been successfully applied to various tissues, including spleen, thymus, bone marrow, peripheral blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, peritoneal lavage fluid, gut epithelium, and lamina propria. Applying this panel to a poly(I:C) model, we successfully tracked systemic shifts in monocyte and neutrophil populations and identified a previously unrecognized, Cyp11b1 -expressing immune cell subset via reporter expression. This panel will facilitate high-dimensional immune profiling on standard 3-laser cytometers, providing a robust tool for dissecting cellular landscapes across diverse contexts.

Herpes simplex virus type-1 ocular infection in thrombospondin-1 deficient C57BL/6J mice

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) corneal infection triggers an immunopathological response and corneal neovascularization leading to vision impairment. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matricellular protein shown to regulate inflammatory processes and vascularization in the cornea. The purpose of this study was to determine if loss of TSP-1 alters the pathology of HSV-1 keratitis. The recombinant virus INV-2C or the low passage orolabial HSV-1 isolate, Ikey, were administered to scarified corneas of 8-week-old Thbs1 -/- and control C57BL/6J mice. Blepharitis, corneal neovascularization, corneal clouding, weight loss, viral titers, and mortality were determined on multiple days post infection. Corneal nerve loss was evaluated on day 2 and day 7. Neutralizing antibody, T-cell responses, and infiltrating cells in the aqueous and vitreous humors were quantified. There was no significant difference between Thbs1 -/- and C57BL/6J control mice when comparing any corneal disease outcome with either virus. Severe pan-uveitis developed in both C57BL/6J and Thbs1 -/- mice infected with the Ikey strain of virus. There were no significant differences in antibodies to HSV or in the number of HSV-1 specific IFN-g secreting T-cells in the spleen between C57BL/6 or TSP-1 -/- mice. The lack of TSP-1 did not affect the severity of corneal disease, immune responses to HSV-1, or sensory nerve loss suggesting either TSP-1 functions are not involved in HSV-1 pathogenesis or that other members of the TSP family can substitute for the loss of TSP-1.

Perinatal mental health among South Asian immigrant women in Canada: A scoping review protocol

Perinatal mental health concerns are common and may be heightened among immigrant populations because of migration-related stressors, social isolation, stigma, language barriers, and limited access to culturally safe care. Although previous reviews have examined perinatal mental health among immigrants broadly, evidence focused specifically on South Asian immigrant women in Canada across pregnancy and the postpartum period has not been comprehensively mapped. South Asian women represent one of the largest and fastest-growing immigrant populations in Canada and may experience unique cultural, familial, linguistic, and migration-related factors that shape perinatal mental health experiences and access to care. This scoping review will map the extent, range, and nature of evidence on perinatal mental health among South Asian immigrant women in Canada by examining reported mental health outcomes, associated risk and protective factors, help-seeking experiences, and barriers and facilitators to accessing support services, and identify gaps to inform future research, practice, and policy. This protocol was developed in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping review protocols and reported using the PRISMA-P checklist, where applicable (see S2 Checklist). The completed scoping review will be reported according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus will be searched for literature published from January 2000 to the date of the final search. Grey literature will be identified through targeted searches of government, public health, professional, and community organization websites. Eligible sources will include qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and relevant grey literature addressing perinatal mental health during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum among South Asian immigrant women residing in Canada. Inclusion criteria are immigrant women of South Asian origin from counties such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives residing in Canada during the perinatal period. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts with disagreements resolved through discussion or third-reviewer adjudication. Data will be extracted using a standardized charting form and summarized using descriptive mapping and narrative synthesis. Protocols and planned studies will be charted separately from completed studies. Consistent with scoping review methodology, formal exclusion of studies based on methodological quality will not be undertaken; however, study characteristics and reported methodological limitations will be charted to support interpretation of the evidence base. Ethics approval is not required because the review will use publicly available sources only. Findings will be disseminated through a dissertation, peer-reviewed publication, and conference presentations. The review will provide a comprehensive overview of existing evidence and knowledge gaps to support culturally responsive perinatal mental health research, policy development, and healthcare practice for South Asian immigrant women in Canada. This protocol has been preregistered on the Open Science Framework:10.17605/OSF.IO/FZN4S.

Partisan differences in healthcare decision-making: Evidence from a vaccine experiment

Policymakers use information campaigns to alter health behaviors, but their effectiveness depends on how the information compares to viewers’ initial beliefs and their perceptions of its value. In August 2024, we experimentally tested whether political identity influenced how individuals responded to information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Our sample included 288 self-identified Democrats and 291 self-identified Republicans. We found that Democrats and Republicans similarly overestimated the frequency and severity of COVID-19 infections, as well as the vaccination rate. Participants were not better at predicting the COVID-19 experiences of their concordant party. However, participants who learned they underestimated the discordant party vaccination rate were more likely to report an intent to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Face validity of a dyslexia screening instrument for secondary students

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty marked by persistent challenges in reading accuracy, fluency, and word recognition despite adequate intelligence and instruction. In secondary schools, many cases remain unidentified due to the absence of screening instruments designed for older students. Early identification is essential for timely intervention, which requires valid and reliable tools. This study evaluated the face validity of a newly developed dyslexia screening instrument for secondary students through expert and test-taker assessments. The 28-item instrument, which focused on cognitive manifestations of dyslexia, was reviewed by ten experts and ten students. Items were rated on a 4-point Likert scale assessing clarity and comprehensibility, with analyses conducted using the Item-Level Face Validity Index (I-FVI), Scale-Level Face Validity Index by Average Agreement (S-FVI/AVE), and Scale-Level Face Validity Index by Universal Agreement (S-FVI/UA). Expert evaluation demonstrated that 85.7% of items achieved full agreement (I-FVI = 1.00), while scale-level indices exceeded recommended benchmarks (S-FVI/AVE = 0.96; S-FVI/UA = 0.86). Student evaluation also yielded high scale-level agreement (S-FVI/AVE = 0.92; S-FVI/UA = 0.82). A small number of items required linguistic refinement. Consequently, the findings indicate high agreement on the instrument’s clarity, comprehensibility, and acceptability, supporting face validity as a preliminary validation step for subsequent psychometric validation.

Adjuvants MPLA and SMNP induce antiviral immunity and indirectly revert HIV-1 latency

Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and the saponin-MPLA nanoparticle adjuvant (SMNP) are known immunostimulants used as adjuvants in vaccines to boost immunity. These adjuvants are under investigation for use in prophylactic and therapeutic HIV-1 vaccines. However, their effects in ART-treated people with HIV-1 (PWH) remain unclear, as chronic immune activation may reduce responses and potentially reactivate latent virus reservoirs. Here we observed that both adjuvants, MPLA and SMNP, triggered TLR4‑dependent cytokine production in monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs), but SMNP elicited a stronger response than MPLA based on costimulatory receptor expression and cytokine production. Cytokines produced by adjuvant stimulated dendritic cells were able to induce HIV-1 transcription in a J-Lat cell model. Notably, SMNP, but not MPLA, also induced a cytokine response in PBMC from PWH, albeit lower as compared to in healthy donor PBMC. Importantly, SMNP substantially reduced the size of the inducible HIV‑1 reservoir in PWH ex vivo . The effect on the viral reservoir was likely caused by the cytokine production induced by SMNP, as supernatants from SMNP stimulated DCs showed a similar viral reservoir reduction. Our findings demonstrate that TLR4-targeted adjuvants, especially SMNP, can effectively induce immune activation, supporting their potential use in therapeutic vaccination.

A space syntax approach to sustainable design for public spaces in historic cities

Historic cities, as carriers of urban culture and history, have spatial organizations and usage patterns that directly impact district vitality and sustainability.Addressing the common problems in historic cities of disconnection between public space functions and resident needs, along with insufficient spatial flexibility, this study takes Meizhou Ancient City in Guangdong, China, as an empirical case. It introduces space syntax theory to explore sustainable design pathways. This theory can effectively reveal the strengths and weaknesses of spatial structures. Combined with field research, it constructs data models to quantitatively analyze indicators such as integration, spatial symbiosis, and intelligibility, diagnosing core problems: single-function spaces, weak road network connectivity, and chaotic spatial cognition. Based on this, it proposes a strategy of “Inventory Integration–Functional Reconstruction Interface Optimization”. The results show that after the intervention, the spatial symbiosis and ecological resilience of the ancient city were simultaneously enhanced, contributing to the sustainable development of historic cities. The research validates the scientific supporting role of space syntax theory in the design of public spaces for historic cities. The proposed strategy can effectively buffer disturbances from evolving social demands during the development of historic cities, promoting their sustainable and positive development, and providing a reference paradigm for the renewal of similar commercial-residential mixed historic cities.

Data-driven analysis of heterogeneous gait subgroups and ground reaction forces based on integrated center of pressure–center of mass dynamics in poststroke hemiparesis

Introduction Hemiparetic gait is characterized by abnormal ground reaction forces (GRFs) with impaired control of the center of mass (CoM) relative to the center of pressure (CoP). Although both anteroposterior and mediolateral gait control have been examined separately, how their integrated stance-phase–derived CoP–CoM interactions and local CoP-based features relate to GRF characteristics remains unclear. Objective This exploratory study aimed to explore the relationships between CoP–CoM and CoP-based dynamics and GRFs and descriptively identify candidate gait subgroups of individuals with poststroke hemiparesis using a data-driven clustering approach. Methods Seventy-eight community-dwelling individuals with poststroke hemiparesis participated in a three-dimensional gait analysis. Stance-phase–derived CoP–CoM parameters of the transverse plane and local CoP-based loading metrics were extracted during the paretic stance phase. Relationships between these gait metrics and GRFs, particularly early braking force, propulsion, and late braking force, were examined using nonparametric correlation analyses. K-means clustering was performed to explore candidate gait subgroups, and inter-cluster differences were exploratorily examined. Results Across all participants, several CoP–CoM interaction metrics showed significant correlations with GRFs. In particular, insufficient forward progression of the CoM relative to the CoP during late stance showed a strong correlation with late braking force (r s  = 0.79). Clustering suggested the presence of four candidate gait subgroups characterized by differing combinations of anteroposterior and mediolateral CoP–CoM dynamics and local CoP loading features. However, the results of clusters with small sample sizes warrant cautious interpretation. Conclusions Integrated stance-phase–derived CoP–CoM dynamics and CoP-based parameters may highlight heterogeneity in hemiparetic gait and may have meaningful associations with GRF characteristics. The candidate gait subgroups should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and may offer a descriptive framework for understanding diverse gait disorders.

Views on mental health recovery in primary and community mental healthcare services in Thailand: A qualitative study

Introduction Strong community-based services and healthcare providers with a clear understanding and positive attitudes towards recovery, are central to delivering good quality mental health care in collaboration with service users. Although recovery has been explored in several Asian contexts, its interpretation remains diverse, and consensus on the definition and meaning of personal recovery in Thailand is limited. Further research is needed to explore how mental health service users, carers, and healthcare professionals understand and experience recovery and recovery support, in order to advance recovery-oriented practice within the local sociocultural context. Aim To explore thoughts, perceptions, and experiences of mental health service users, carers, and healthcare professionals on mental health recovery and recovery support in Thailand. Methods A qualitative descriptive study using reflexive thematic analysis, which forms the experience gathering phase of an Experience Based Co-Design (EBCD) study. Thirty semi-structured interviews and two feedback workshops with three service users and eight healthcare professionals were conducted. Results Four themes were identified: (i) conceptions of mental health recovery, (ii) attitudes towards recovery, (iii) characteristics of a successful recovery journey, and (iv) factors impeding recovery. Participants viewed recovery as beginning with clinical and functional improvement, progressing to personal recovery characterised by hope, meaning, and social connectedness. Family support, community acceptance, and supportive healthcare relationships were central to recovery, while barriers operated at individual, family, service, and community levels. Conclusion This study integrates the perspectives of mental health service users, carers, and healthcare professionals to generate new insights into personal recovery within Thai community mental health care. From these findings, we propose a culturally situated Recovery Support Model that foregrounds the interconnected roles of personal agency, family involvement, professional engagement, and community support as drivers of recovery-oriented practice within the Thai mental health system.

Postural control and knee joint importance during quiet standing in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

There is obscurity about the role of the knee joint during quiet standing (QS) postural control. Examining the knee joint’s contribution during QS in individuals with damaged knee proprioception can help resolve the ambiguity. We investigated whether anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) changes the relative contribution of lower-limb joint motions and postural control during QS. This study included 12 individuals with ACLR and 12 able-bodied individuals. A motion capture system and two force plates were used. The acceleration of the joints, the acceleration of the body center of mass (COM), and the COP parameters were calculated during QS under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. In the control group under the EO condition, ankle, knee, and hip accelerations, and under the EC condition, ankle and hip accelerations were primary predictors of COM acceleration. In the ACLR group, under the EO condition, the knee and hip accelerations, and in the EC condition, the ankle, knee, and hip accelerations were prominent predictors. The ACLR group exhibited higher COP parameters than the control group in the closed-eyes condition. The knee plays a vital role in QS postural control. Improving knee proprioception modalities and lower-limb joint coordination is important in ACLR rehabilitation.

The spatiotemporal evolution of toponymic cultural landscapes in Hebei Province, China, and its influencing factors

Current research on toponymic cultural landscapes lacks systematic attention to geographical transition zones and often neglects the interpretation of long-term evolutionary processes and driving mechanisms. This study examines 1,854 township-level place names in Hebei Province, China, by integrating methods such as kernel density estimation, geographic detectors, and spatial autocorrelation analysis. Focusing on the transition zone along the Taihang Mountains–Great Wall corridor, patterns of spatiotemporal differentiation and the dual mechanisms shaping changes in place names are investigated. The findings reveal significant spatiotemporal variation in Hebei’s place names. Natural environment names have contracted toward northeastern mountainous and coastal regions, while cultural names have shifted northward. The transition zone exhibited a “military-to-civilian” transformation characteristic during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Slope gradient and vegetation coverage are identified as primary natural drivers, whereas ethnic integration and migration during the Ming Dynasty constitute the key social factors. This study enriches interdisciplinary research on human–land relationships and toponymic landscapes in transition zones, proposes region-specific conservation strategies, and provides a scientific basis for the protection of toponymic cultural heritage in similar transition zones across Hebei and North China.

PAC1 receptor agonist maxadilan alleviates corneal inflammation in a murine model of LPS-induced ocular inflammation

Ocular inflammation is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Systemic bacterial infections can spread hematogenously, resulting in endogenous endophthalmitis. These infections present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their systemic origin and involvement of multiple ocular structures such as the retina and cornea. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), acting through its selective receptor PAC1, exerts potent anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and regenerative effects in various ocular conditions. This study aimed to assess the protective role of maxadilan, a selective PAC1 receptor agonist, in reducing corneal inflammation in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced ocular inflammation. Mice received systemic LPS injections followed by intravitreal administration of maxadilan. Animals were monitored in vivo using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and tonometry. Post-mortem analyses included evaluation of cytokine expression profiles and routine corneal histological assessment. OCT revealed significantly reduced corneal edema and improved tissue structure with maxadilan administration. Additionally, maxadilan lowered intraocular pressure and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into the aqueous humor. Cytokine profiling showed decreased expression of critical pro-inflammatory mediators such as GM-CSF, IL-6, MIP-1a, TNF-a, and TREM-1 in the maxadilan-treated group. Histological analyses confirmed that maxadilan preserved normal corneal architecture and effectively prevented pathological keratinization compared to untreated controls. These findings suggest that PAC1 receptor activation has therapeutic potential for controlling inflammation and maintaining corneal health in ocular inflammation.