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Correction to “Corrosion-Resistant MoO <sub>3</sub> /Fe <sub>2</sub> O <sub>3</sub> /MoS <sub>2</sub> Heterojunctions Stabilize OH <sup>–</sup> Adsorption for Efficient Light-Assisted Seawater Electrooxidation”
‘Wish you were here’: Managers’ experiences of hybrid work in higher education
The prevalence of telework increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, and today it is not uncommon to refer to hybrid work as “the new normal” in work life. Leadership plays a pivotal role in hybrid work transitions, underscoring the need for research on post-pandemic managerial practices. This qualitative interview study with 15 professional service managers at a Swedish medical university, working in either central administration or a research department, provides a nuanced understanding of the experiences of implementing hybrid work in a higher education setting. The qualitative content analysis resulted in three main themes and six sub-themes: New ways of organising work (sub-themes: Hybrid work brings new opportunities and needs, and Hybrid work as an ongoing process of change); Changes for employees (sub-themes: Social interaction and sense of community, and Increased work-life balance); and Changes in leadership (sub-themes: Communication with employees and New expectations on managers). The findings of this study provide a more fine-grained understanding of how managers experienced both challenges and opportunities in implementing and managing hybrid working arrangements. Challenges included managing employee expectations and relations, while opportunities included potential improvements in work-life balance. A key conclusion of this study is that managers in hybrid work environments adjust their leadership, especially when communicating and managing relationships within teams and across the organization. Despite the identified challenges and despite managers’ wish to see their employees in person and on site, the interviewed managers are generally optimistic about hybrid work and see it as the future. To address the identified challenges, managers may benefit from networking and exchanging information with other managers in similar situations, as well as support from their organisation.
Toward an integrated model of dietary behavior: Social determinants and adherence to the mediterranean diet
Background Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is widely recognized as a protective factor for health, yet its determinants remain complex and multidimensional. This study investigates the social, economic, cultural, familial, and perceptual factors associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet within the Italian population. Methods Using a stepwise approach based on four linear multiple regression models, we analyzed nationally representative survey data to assess how different sets of variables influence adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The analysis was informed by the theoretical framework of the social determinants of health, the nutrition transition theory, and Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital. Results Initial models identified younger age and higher educational attainment as significant predictors of greater adherence. With the inclusion of socioeconomic variables, household income emerged as a more robust predictor, while the effect of education diminished. Subsequent models showed that family cultural capital and individual awareness of diet-health relationships significantly increased explanatory power. In the final model, perceptual and cognitive variables—especially the recognition of the role of nutrition and body weight in health—were among the strongest predictors (adjusted R² = 0.25; Durbin-Watson = 1.98). Conclusions Adherence to the Mediterranean diet reflects not only economic or educational resources, but also deeper cultural and cognitive dimensions. The findings suggest that effective public health interventions should integrate nutritional education, cultural engagement, and targeted support for socially and geographically disadvantaged groups. Rather than a purely behavioral choice, dietary adherence should be understood as a socially structured practice embedded in broader patterns of inequality.
π-Conjugated Dipolar Structures: Synergistic Dipole Superposition for Cathode Modification toward Ohmic Contact and Defect Passivation in Solar Cells
New infant formulas for healthy term infants: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter, non-inferiority design safety study
Objectives Two infant formulas with unique combinations of 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycerol sn2 palmitate, galactooligosaccharide, polydextrose, fructooligosaccharide, β-carotene, lutein, α-lactalbumin, osteopontin, and lactoferrin were evaluated for non-inferiority compared to a commercially available formula. Methods In a randomized, controlled, parallel-arm, double-blind, multicenter, non-inferiority study, eligible infants were enrolled to receive an experimental (BBN-001 [Part 1; N = 129], BBN-102 [Part 2; N = 117]) formula or commercial formula (Brand; N = 143) for 120 days (Clinical Trials.gov NCT03331276). Infants were considered eligible if they were healthy, term (≥ 37 and ≤ 42 weeks of gestation), singleton newborns, with a birth weight of at least 2,500 g, and no more than 14 postnatal days-of-age. Anthropometric growth, formula intake, gastrointestinal tolerance, and adverse events were measured throughout the study, and fecal soap fatty acids were measured at the end. The primary endpoint was weight gain at the end of the trial, with treatment groups to be considered non-inferior if their weight gain was > −3 g/d compared to the control group. Results Both experimental formulas were non-inferior to the Brand formula according to anthropometric outcomes. Formula intake, total adverse events, and stool frequency and consistency were similar to Brand formulas. Some measures of gassiness and fussiness improved in the experimental formulas ( P < 0.05). Fecal calcium increased and fecal palmitic acid soaps decreased in both experimental formulas (all P ≤ 0.045), and total soap fatty acids were decreased in the BBN-102 group compared to the Brand group ( P = 0.020). Conclusions The experimental formulas were well tolerated and deemed non-inferior to those of a Brand formula. The experimental formulas improved some measures of gastrointestinal tolerance compared to standard commercially available infant formulas. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03331276
Understanding and Enhancing Stereoselective Polymerization Using a Data Science Approach
Frequency and perceived influence of menopausal symptoms on training and performance in female endurance athletes
Menopause is associated with several negative health concerns and common menopausal symptoms. Physical activity is essential to mitigate these negative effects, but menopausal symptoms may interfere with participation in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and the perceived negative effect of menopausal symptoms among female endurance athletes. Female runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes 40–60 years of age were recruited ( N = 187). Participants completed an online, anonymous survey that included self-reported menopausal status; the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), a validated measure for assessing menopausal symptoms; and the perceived effect of menopausal symptoms on training and performance. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine differences in total MRS scores among participants reporting no, slight, moderate, and strong negative effects of symptoms on training and performance. The most commonly reported menopausal symptoms were sleep problems (88%), physical and mental exhaustion (83%), sexual problems (74%), anxiety (72%), irritability (68%), depressive mood (67%), weight gain (67%), hot flushes (65%), and joint and muscular discomfort (63%). The symptoms that were perceived to most negatively affect training and performance were joint and muscular discomfort, weight gain, sleep problems, and physical and mental exhaustion. Participants with a perceived strong negative effect of symptoms on training and performance demonstrated higher total MRS scores compared to participants reporting no negative effect or slight negative effect of symptoms on training and performance (p’s ≤ .001), suggesting women with more severe menopausal symptoms had a greater perceived negative effect of symptoms on training and performance. In summary, frequency of menopausal symptoms among female endurance athletes is high and severity of menopausal symptoms is similar to that reported in the general population. Despite high physical activity levels in this population, clinicians should address these symptoms to promote continued participation in physical activity.
The Biosynthetic Pathway to the Pyrroloiminoquinone Marine Natural Product Ammosamide C
Efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of Lassa fever vaccines: A living systematic review and landscape analysis of vaccine candidates
Background Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic in West Africa, representing significant public health challenges, particularly for pregnant persons and children who experience higher morbidity and mortality. Although several vaccine candidates are being developed, no LF vaccine has been licensed yet. Methods We conducted a living systematic review (LSR) of the literature to evaluate the safety, efficacy, effectiveness, and immunogenicity of LF vaccines. We performed biweekly searches in major biomedical databases, trial registries, preprint servers, and other sources. Eligible studies included preclinical studies, clinical trials, and observational studies published from January 2014 to April 2025. Reviewer pairs screened studies extracted data (REDCap), and assessed risk of bias independently. Data synthesis involved random-effects pairwise and proportion meta-analyses (R software), with GRADE assessment of evidence certainty. PROSPERO registries: (CRD42024514513; CRD42024516754). Results Searches retrieved 1423 records, including 51 studies, 2 clinical trials in adults involving 88 vaccinated persons, and 49 preclinical studies of 30 vaccine candidates. Trials evaluated Recombinant Measles-Vectored (MV-LASV) and Recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-based (rVSVΔG-LASV-GPC) LF vaccine candidates. No published clinical trials were found to evaluate LF vaccines in special populations such as pregnant persons, infants, children, or adolescents. Although injection site reactogenicity was reported, no vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in study participants. Immunogenicity was robust in adults, with vaccines achieving around 95% seroconversion at 30 days. Preclinical data evaluated nine different platforms. Findings are disseminated via an interactive online dashboard ( https://safeinpregnancy.org/living-systematic-review-lassa/ ). Conclusion Currently, two LF vaccine candidates that have advanced to clinical trials exhibit high immunogenicity, but the safety profile in healthy adults is still limited. Clinical evidence in pregnant persons, infants, children, and adolescents is absent. Vaccine platforms of interest have been identified in preclinical studies, providing information on those that could advance to clinical studies.
Catalytic Enantioselective [6π] Photocyclization Reactions by Chromophore Activation with a Chiral Lewis Acid
Targeted knockdown of DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) unlocks dedifferentiation and neurogenic potential in mouse retinal Müller glia
The regenerative response of retinal cells to injury and aging depends on the epigenomic plasticity that enables the dedifferentiation and neuronal differentiation capacities of Müller glial cells (MG). In mammals, this regenerative ability is extremely limited, and disruptions in epigenetic mechanisms, particularly those involving DNA methylation and demethylation, may underlie this restricted potential. To explore this possibility, we aimed to develop DNA methylation-targeting molecular tools to enhance the dedifferentiation and neurogenic capacity of primary MG cultures derived from mouse retina. Using CRISPR/dCas9-based gene regulation technology, we selectively and transiently inhibited Dnmt3a , a de novo DNA methyltransferase previously implicated in maintaining transcriptional repression, for approximately 3–5 days. Our results show that Dnmt3a knockdown leads to sustained upregulation of pluripotency-associated genes, including Ascl1 , Lin28 , and Nestin , as measured by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. This epigenetic modulation also promoted increased cell proliferation and migration, both hallmarks of a regenerative response. Furthermore, Dnmt3a knockdown, either alone or in combination with neurogenic stimuli, induced MG to acquire neuronal-like morphologies and express the early neuronal marker βIII-tubulin. These findings suggest that Dnmt3a acts as a repressive regulator of MG plasticity, likely serving as an epigenetic barrier that counteracts injury-induced demethylation events. Overall, our study identifies Dnmt3a as a critical modulator of MG fate and highlights the potential of its targeted downregulation to facilitate reprogramming. By prolonging the transient progenitor-like state of MG, DNMT3a inhibition may serve as a complementary approach to unlock the neurogenic and regenerative potential of the mammalian retina, offering promising avenues for future therapeutic strategies.
Electrostatic Potential Gradient Modulation by Organic Cations in Zeolite for Efficient C <sub>2</sub> H <sub>2</sub> /CO <sub>2</sub> Separation
Understanding the mechanisms of infodemics: Equation-based vs. agent-based models
In an era where digital communication accelerates the global spread of false narratives, understanding how misinformation and disinformation propagate, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is vital to public health and policy. To delve into the diffusion mechanisms of misinformation (unintentionally false information) and disinformation (intentionally false information), we introduce a novel enhanced agent-based model (ABM) that integrates psycho-social factors and communication networks, which are elements often overlooked in traditional equation-based models (EBMs). We assess the two distinct techniques (ABMs and EBMs) through the lens of six classical SEIRS-class models (S susceptible, E exposed, I infected, R recovered). Beside the enhanced ABM, we also develop a simple ABM to emulate the EBM structure. We compare the ABMs with the EBMs over their entire parameter ranges in a total of 11110 experiments. Results show an overall weak equivalence between the two types of models, even if, under certain conditions, the outcomes of the EBMs and ABMs are similar. Furthermore, we evaluate the two model types by fitting them to real-world infodemic data on vaccine acceptance over 36 weeks using a multi-objective optimization procedure. The enhanced ABM shows an exceptionally better fit to real-world data (Pearson’s correlation coefficient ρ = 0.872 and normalized root mean of square error NRMSE = 0.055) than the EBM ( ρ = − 0.067 , NRMSE = 0.418) and the simple ABM ( ρ = 0.391 , NRMSE = 0.103). These findings underscore the critical role of model structure in capturing infodemic dynamics, and advocate for the use of ABMs when psycho-social influences and network interactions are central to the phenomenon.
Chalcogen Bonding Activates [1.1.1]Propellane: Constructing Spiro[3.3]heptanes via Cyclobutyl Insertion into Cyclopropenones
Far-infrared irradiation attenuates vessel contraction by activating SERCA2 through disruption of SERCA2 and PLN interaction
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an important role in maintaining vascular function by responding to various vasoactive stimuli within blood vessels. Far-infrared (FIR) rays has been shown to possess a variety of physiological effects including vasodilation, while the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we explored the molecular mechanism by which FIR irradiation suppresses vascular contraction using rat VSMCs and aortas. FIR irradiation enhanced the transport of intracellular Ca 2+ from the cytosol to the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SER) via activation of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA), which accompanied a decrease in intracellular ATP levels. Pretreatment with thapsigargin (TG), a specific SERCA inhibitor, or knockdown of SERCA2 gene expression reversed FIR irradiation-induced translocation of Ca 2+ into the SER. Notably, FIR irradiation promoted the dissociation of SERCA2 and phospholamban (PLN), an endogenous SERCA inhibitor, without altering their total protein expression levels. The array of effects elicited by FIR irradiation was not observed under hyperthermic conditions (39°C). Moreover, FIR irradiation, but not hyperthermal condition, decreased the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) at Ser19, which was restored by pretreatment with TG or the knockdown of SERCA2 gene expression. FIR irradiation attenuated phenylephrine-induced vessel contraction in endothelium-deprived rat aortas. Consistent with the in vitro results, the reduction in MLC phosphorylation caused by FIR irradiation was reversed following pretreatment with TG in isolated aortas. Additionally, FIR irradiation increased blood flow in the carotid arteries of mice. Collectively, these results suggest that FIR irradiation activates SERCA2 by promoting its dissociation from PLN, independent of hyperthermic effects. This activation lowers cytosolic Ca²⁺ and ATP levels, reducing MLC phosphorylation and vascular smooth muscle contraction. These findings provide scientific evidence for the therapeutic potential of FIR therapy in the treatment and prevention of arterial narrowing conditions such as pathological vasospasm, and peripheral artery disease.
The Prototypal Diamondoid Topology Hybrid Ultramicroporous Materials and Their Water Vapor Sorption Properties
Novel adomaviruses associated with blotchy bass syndrome in black basses (Micropterus spp.)
Black bass ( Micropterus spp. ) are the most important warmwater game fishes in the United States. They have high socioeconomic and recreational value and support an important aquaculture industry. Since 2008, fisheries managers have been reporting the observation of hyperpigmented melanistic lesions (HPMLs) on smallmouth bass ( M. dolomieu ) in different ecoregions of the United States. Similar HPMLs have been observed in largemouth bass ( M. nigricans ) since the 1980’s. Here, we report the association between novel adomaviruses and the hallmark blotchy clinical presentation of hyperpigmented lesions on the skin of smallmouth and largemouth black bass. The two adomaviruses are structurally and phylogenetically similar but share only 68.0% identity at aligned nucleotide sites and each has been found in only one host species to date. The manifestation of this skin disease appears to be seasonal (observed between the fall and spring) in both species, primarily affects adults and is of unknown health consequence. Although the significance of infection to fish health remains unclear, understanding the disease ecology of these viruses can inform biosecurity and the interjurisdictional movement of individuals. Moreover, as hyperpigmentation in other fish species is often idiopathic, our findings reframe perspectives for future investigations into this clinical presentation in other species.
Origins of the Hydrothermal Stability of Cu-Chabazite Zeolites for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO <sub> <i>x</i> </sub>
Moderation by weight status of the associations between positive and negative weight commentary and body image-related indicators in young adults
Objectives To assess whether associations between positive or negative weight commentary and body-related emotions, internalized weight bias, and weight worry differ by weight status among young adult males and females. Methods Participants were from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study, initiated in 1999–2000. For this cross-sectional analysis, self-report data collected online in 2023 were available for 687 young adults (57% female; Mean age = 35.3 years). Sex-stratified analyses compared mean scores for eight body image-related indicators by frequent positive or negative weight commentary (yes/no) and weight status (lower weight vs. higher weight). Moderation was tested using product terms in multivariable linear regression. Results Among females, 44% reported frequent positive commentary (47% lower weight; 41% higher weight) and 13% reported frequent negative commentary (10% lower weight; 16% higher weight). Positive commentary was associated with lower shame, guilt, embarrassment, and internalized weight bias, with stronger protective effects among females with higher weight. Negative commentary was associated with greater body-related distress and weight-related worry, also with stronger effects among females with higher weight. Among males, positive and negative commentary showed modest associations with body image–related indicators, and there was little evidence that weight status modified these associations. Conclusions Associations between weight commentary and body image-related indicators were moderated by weight status in females but not in males. For women with higher weight, positive remarks were somewhat protective, while negative remarks appeared to have disproportionately adverse effects. Findings suggest the need for weight-neutral, sensitive approaches to weight discussions in clinical and social settings.