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Transmission electron microscopy ultrastructural characteristics of the distal middle cerebral artery in moyamoya disease

Scientific Reports Liming Zhao, Ruiyu Wu, Tao Gao et al. Aug 05, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-09012-z

Beyond Conventional Doping: Sulfur‐Induced Electronic and Interfacial Dynamics for Advanced Nitrate Reduction

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Qinghao Zhang, Weilan Ye, Wenda Chen et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202504815

Abstract Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO 3 − RR) to ammonia (NH 3 ) offers a sustainable route for NH₃ synthesis and environmental remediation, yet it is hindered by sluggish kinetics due to inefficient proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) processes and inadequate electrocatalyst design. Conventional approaches primarily focus on the bulk electronic modulation of the electrocatalyst while neglecting interfacial water dynamics. Here, we propose a dual‐functional sulfur‐doping strategy in Co 3 O 4 (S‐Co 3 O 4 ) to simultaneously enhance bulk conductivity and optimize interfacial proton transfer. Through innovative benzene sulfonyl chloride blocking experiment, in situ spectroscopic analyses, and kinetic isotope effect studies, we reveal that sulfur doping narrows the bandgap of Co 3 O 4 to enhance bulk charge transport while disrupting rigid hydrogen‐bond network of water in the electric double layer; the weakly hydrogen‐bonded H 2 O reduces the dissociation barrier and facilitates proton supply for nitrate hydrogenation. The proposed “electronic‐interfacial synergy” strategy establishes a transformative paradigm for designing electrocatalysts in PCET‐driven reactions, advancing sustainable energy conversion and environmental applications.

Pull motivation and well-being as drivers of entrepreneurial success: The moderating role of social capital

PLoS ONE Shibo Li, Edwin Setiawan Sanusi Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327894

This study examines the interplay between entrepreneurial motivation, mental well-being (MWB), and business performance, with a focus on the moderating role of bridging social capital among female entrepreneurs in China. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) and Social Capital theories, the research highlights the critical role of pull motivation in fostering MWB, which subsequently enhances business performance. The findings, based on moderated mediation analysis, reveal that MWB mediates the relationship between pull motivation and business performance, and this mediation effect is amplified in contexts with higher levels of bridging social capital. The study makes several contributions. Theoretically, it extends COR theory by illustrating how resource gain spirals initiated by intrinsic motivation led to psychological and business success. It also enriches Social Capital theory by demonstrating how expansive social networks facilitate entrepreneurial outcomes. Practically, the findings underscore the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation and building diverse social networks to support female entrepreneurs. The results hold implications for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance women’s entrepreneurial well-being and performance, particularly in socio-cultural contexts that impose unique challenges. Despite its contributions, the study has limitations. The cross-sectional design restricts causal inference, and the findings are contextualized within the Chinese entrepreneurial ecosystem, which may limit generalizability. Future research should explore longitudinal designs and expand the scope to other cultural and economic settings. By addressing these areas, scholars can further unravel the complex dynamics of motivation, well-being, and social capital in entrepreneurship.

Synthesis of Bicyclo[1.1.1]Pentane Z‐Substituted Enamides, Enol Ethers, and Vinyl Sulfides Using Iodine (III) Reagents

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Najung Lee, Jonas Dechent, Elija Grinhagena et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202508404

Abstract Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are well‐studied bioisosteres for para ‐substituted benzene rings, and numerous methods for synthesizing 1,3‐difunctionalized BCPs have been developed. However, synthetic approaches to access vinyl BCP motifs remain limited, with only few reports on the synthesis of BCP‐olefins bearing heteroatom substituents. Herein, we present the synthesis of BCP‐substituted enamides, enol ethers, and vinyl sulfides through the sequential functionalization of ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents containing a BCP scaffold. Stereoselective addition of a nucleophile generates heteroatomic Z‐vinylbenziodoxolone (VBX) reagents. The hypervalent iodine substituent of the VBX reagents serves then as a versatile platform for further arylation, vinylation, and trifluoromethylation. This method provides a modular synthesis of previously inaccessible heteroatom‐substituted vinyl BCPs.

What we can and cannot see from the surveillance for drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa—Findings from the evaluation of a surveillance system for multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections in Japan

PLoS ONE Shogo Otake, Takuya Yamagishi, Takayuki Shiomoto et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329635

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the global health concerns. Like many countries, Japan monitors multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa (MDRP) infections through a national sentinel surveillance system, which has shown a recent decline in MDRP reports. We evaluated this surveillance system to verify the validity of this trend and explore future directions. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-method study based mainly on the guidelines published by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001. As a quantitative method, we analyzed characteristics of reports on MDRP infections from designated sentinel sites (DSSs) between 2013–2022. A questionnaire was sent to identifiable DSSs (target DSSs) requesting data on accurate numbers of MDRP infections between 2018–2022 to assess attributes such as geographical representativeness. Additionally, we conducted as a qualitative method face-to-face, semi-structured key informant interviews with surveillance system stakeholders to assess its usefulness and challenges. Results From 2013 to 2022, 1,666 cases of MDRP infections were reported by 463 target DSSs, which were scattered across the county. We obtained valid responses to the questionnaire survey from 231 target DSSs (49.9%). From 2018 to 2022, these sites reported 277 cases as MDRP infections, while 184 cases were accurate cases of MDRP infection, with both numbers declining over time. False reporting and underreporting of MDRP infections were common, resulting in a positive predictive value of 0.45 and a sensitivity of 0.65 for the reports of MDRP infections to the surveillance system. The interviews highlighted the difficulties in timely detection, accurate reporting, and international data comparison. Conclusion Our evaluation indicated that the current sentinel surveillance system for MDRP infections partially captured the true decreasing trend in Japan. However, as the epidemiology of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa is changing, national policy and surveillance strategies would need to address changing public health needs.

Pyrogeographic zonation: Implications for fire management at the local level

PLoS ONE Christoph Neger, Camila Toledo-Jaime, Leopoldo Galicia et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328233

Fire management needs to consider the concept of pyrogeography, which highlights the coincidence of different human and natural factors that result in the fire incidence patterns found in a landscape. Recently, several studies have taken this concept further to define regions at the continental, macro-regional or national levels. However, our understanding of this concept is limited at the landscape scale. The present paper aims to adapt this approach at the local level via the hierarchical clustering of fire-related data applied to the La Sepultura biosphere reserve, the protected area with the highest wildfire incidence in Southern Mexico. The resulting clusters were not wholly contiguous yet show a specific spatial distribution. The paper relates these clusters to the spatial configuration of fire management activities in the area. It discusses the usefulness of pyrogeographic zones regarding the strategic planning of fire management activities.

Relation of changes in productivity and remuneration of the labor factor in agriculture in EU Member States

PLoS ONE Zbigniew Jerzy Floriańczyk, Włodzimierz Rembisz, Aleksandra Pawłowska Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328984

The article investigates whether labor productivity serves as a source for financing remuneration and whether productivity growth is adequate to support the corresponding increase in compensation within the agricultural sector. The analysis is grounded in the producer’s equilibrium, Clark’s marginal productivity theory, and the Lewis model. We utilized constant price data from the Economic Accounts for Agriculture across all EU Member States for the 2010–2022 period, encompassing the entire agricultural sector. The research methodology consisted of two stages: first, a comparative analysis of the examined categories was conducted; second, the conclusions were verified using the results of a panel regression analysis. The study reveals that, in many concerned countries, the rise in labor productivity primarily resulted from decreased agricultural employment. In specific countries, including the Czech Republic, France, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Slovenia, the growth in remuneration outpaced productivity growth, suggesting potential management inefficiencies. The results of the panel regression models confirmed that labor productivity growth is strongly associated with a reduction in labor input and an increase in labor remuneration.

High‐Specificity Spatiotemporal Cholesterol Detection by Quadrature Phase‐Shifted Polarization Stimulated Raman Imaging

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Yongqing Zhang, Xinyu Deng, Siming Wang et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202505038

Abstract Visualizing cholesterol dynamics in living systems in situ remains a fundamental challenge in biomedical imaging. Although fluorescence microscopy requires bulky tags that perturb small molecule behavior, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy enables label‐free detection of CH‐rich molecules. However, conventional SRS probes only polarized Raman components, limiting molecular specificity by seemingly overlapped peaks. Here, we extend SRS microscopy to achieve rapid, comprehensive detection of Raman tensor through quadrature phase‐shifted polarization SRS (QP 2 ‐SRS) microscopy. This technique exploits the underlying molecular signatures by detecting both polarized and depolarized components of third‐order nonlinear susceptibility χ (3) that originates from molecular structural features. We adopt a specialized optical delay line that rapidly alternates between parallel‐ and perpendicular‐polarization states. QP 2 ‐SRS enables unprecedented distinction of similar molecular species in complex mixtures, demonstrating approximately 10× enhancement in chemical specificity and 5× improvement in analytical accuracy. This enhanced sensitivity enables real‐time monitoring of lipid dynamics in living C. elegans and reveals component heterogeneity and morphological changes of LD in NAFLD livers. QP 2 ‐SRS creates new opportunities for investigating cholesterol‐dependent biological processes in their native environment, with broad potential for chemical imaging with enhanced molecular specificity.

Factorial structure, validity, and gender invariance of the UCLA-R loneliness scale in ecuadorian adolescents

PLoS ONE Wilson Guillermo Siguenza Campoverde, Katy Maricela Chamba Leiva Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328163

Background Loneliness has a significant impact on mental and physical health across different stages of development, with particularly evident effects during adolescence. During this period, young individuals undergo substantial social and emotional transformations, making loneliness a global concern. Objective This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the UCLA-R Loneliness Scale in Ecuadorian adolescents through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, assess its internal consistency, and examine factorial invariance across genders. Method The sample consisted of 718 school-aged adolescents (288 males and 430 females) aged 14–17 years (M = 15.72, SD = 0.747), selected through probabilistic sampling. A sociodemographic ad hoc questionnaire and the Spanish version of the 20-item UCLA-R Loneliness Scale were administered. The sample was randomly divided into two equivalent subsamples (n = 359) to separately perform an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The EFA was conducted using principal axis factoring, oblique rotation, and polychoric correlations. The CFA evaluated one-factor, two-factor, and three-factor models, employing fit indices such as CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR. Internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients. Additionally, factorial invariance analyses by gender were performed, along with a univariate ANOVA to examine potential gender differences. Results The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results indicated the presence of two factors, whose structure explains 40.8% of the total variance, with 19 items. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed that the bifactor model with 19 items exhibited a superior fit compared to the unidimensional and three-factor models with 20 items, with fit indices falling within acceptable to excellent ranges (CFI = .936, TLI = .927, RMSEA = .050, SRMR = .048). Additionally, the bifactor model demonstrated measurement invariance across genders. Regarding internal consistency, the scale demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha of.876 and an omega coefficient of.83, confirming its reliability. Conclusion It is concluded that the 19-item UCLA-R Loneliness Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing perceived loneliness in Ecuadorian adolescents, regardless of gender. Future research could replicate these findings in other regions and cultural contexts to validate its use on a larger scale.

Smoking knowledge and decision in an era of widespread awareness: Persistent disparities and policy implications

PLoS ONE Miguel Antonio Garcia Estrada, Rutcher Madera Lacaza, Kent Jason Go Cheng Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329691

Years of anti-smoking campaigns to promote public awareness about smoking’s negative health effects have resulted in increased awareness across a large segment of the population. Amid gains in smoking-related knowledge, important but unexplored questions remain about population-level trends and the continuing importance of knowledge-based anti-smoking policies. Using the Philippine case, this paper is the first to examine persistent disparities in knowledge on smoking’s health risks and the continued importance of knowledge-based interventions in discouraging smoking. We also investigated whether knowledge moderates the effect of price on smoking decisions. For this cross-sectional study, we conducted ANOVA, Tukey HSD tests, and a two-part multivariate regression model on the 2009, 2015, and 2021 waves of the Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey. We used daily cigarette sticks smoked as the dependent variable and (a) a binary and discrete variable measuring smoking health risk, (b) a categorical variable for wealth quintile, and (c) an interaction term as the main independent variables. We found that knowledge on smoking’s ill health effects, by itself, continues to be negatively associated with smoking, even as 9 out of 10 individuals already possess knowledge about smoking’s health risks. Individuals who view smoking as addictive and as having ill health effects smoke 1 stick (10.8% of average sticks) less. Persistent disparities in knowledge between the lowest and highest wealth groups were observed. Despite significant gains in population-wide smoking-related knowledge, disparities across socioeconomic groups persist. Closing knowledge-based disparities calls for approaches that are tailored to the needs of different groups, particularly less affluent individuals.

Study on the releasing regularity of asphalt fume and its suppression technology

PLoS ONE Guang Yang, Yongli Xu, Xiaolei Jiao et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329225

To reduce the unorganized release of asphalt fume during construction, a smoke suppressing and deodorizing (SSD) asphalt was prepared by adding smoke suppressants, which were styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) whisker, and deodorant. The effect of smoke suppressants on the release amount of asphalt fume was investigated by mass method, and the effect of deodorant on the odor level of asphalt fume was evaluated by the odor intensity grading method. The results show that when the mass fractions of SBS, MOS and deodorant are 3%, 3% and 0.15%, respectively, 53% of asphalt fume can be effectively reduced, and the odor intensity grade can be significantly lowered. Based on FTIR and SEM analysis, the structural composition of modified asphalt was studied. It shows that SBS can break the dynamic balance of asphalt and produce an uneven network system, and whiskers interspersed in the asphalt play a role in regulating the thermal properties. Besides that, according to the results of thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS), the SSD asphalt can reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter during the high-temperature asphalt production process, with a significant inhibitory effect on small molecules.

Bypassing In Situ CO Poisoning in Furfural Conversion: Electron‐Deficient Pd Single‐Atom Alloys Enable One‐Step Selective Synthesis of Tetrahydrofuran

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Wuyu Zhao, Song Song, Maofeng Ding et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202507984

Abstract The one‐step conversion of biomass‐derived furfural (FUR) to tetrahydrofuran (THF) via combining decarbonylation and hydrogenation offers a sustainable alternative to the industrial Reppe process, while the selectivity control remains a significant challenge. Herein, we identify carbon monoxide (CO), in situ generated during FUR decarbonylation, as a major hindrance, significantly inhibiting subsequent furan hydrogenation. To overcome this limitation, a zeolite‐encapsulated Pt 1 Pd single‐atom alloy (SAA) catalyst, namely Pt 10 Pd 90 @S‐1, is designed, which effectively mitigates CO poisoning and enables efficient FUR conversion to THF, achieving 100% FUR conversion and >93% THF selectivity with good long‐term stability (∼100 h)—among the highest values reported to date. Mechanistic studies reveal that electron‐deficient Pd species adjacent to single Pt atoms in Pt 10 Pd 90 @S‐1 significantly enhance H 2 activation and furan adsorption, enabling efficient hydrogenation at both the C α and C β positions of furan despite CO poisoning. Furthermore, the one‐step process is economically viable with a minimum selling price (MSP) of USD 1701 per tonne of THF, and a life cycle assessment shows a CO 2 equivalent emission of 1.29 tonnes per tonne of THF—less than 25% of that of the traditional Reppe process. This work represents a transformative advancement in sustainable THF production, with the potential to revolutionize industrial THF production.

Correction: Detection through the use of RT-MqPCR of asymptomatic reservoirs of malaria in samples of patients from the indigenous Comarca of Guna Yala, Panama: Essential method to achieve the elimination of malaria

PLoS ONE Lorenzo Cáceres Carrera, Ana María Santamaría, Anakena Margarita Castillo et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329753

Identification of Isomerically Diverse Ginsenosides Using Engineered Aerolysin Nanopore via Non‐Translocation Blockade Sensing

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Jing Wang, Minmin Li, Chen Zhang et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202506741

Abstract Typical nanopore sensing depends on slowed translocation through the pore to acquire effective blockade signals. However, this paradigm often suffers from low signal precision and poor resolution, making it challenging to resolve pools of analytes with diverse, similar structures. Here, we present a non‐translocation blockade sensing based on an engineered aerolysin S278K that enables the identification of isomerically diverse ginsenosides—a class of glycoconjugates whose structural characterization has been a persistent challenge in glycoscience. By introducing the S278K mutation, the aerolysin acquires a highly positively charged interior and generates intense electro‐osmotic flow and enhanced steric/enthalpic barriers, effectively trapping ginsenoside molecules in the K278‐R220 region and preventing their further translocation. This distinct blockade sensing mode significantly improves the detection capability of aerolysin by prolonging residence time (e.g., 43‐fold longer), enabling detailed molecular characterization. As a result, we demonstrate the unambiguous identification of 30 ginsenosides differing in glycosyl composition, isomerism, modification, and aglycone, as well as the quantitative analysis of complex ginsenosides in real samples by integrating deep learning. This work underscores the promise of non‐translocation nanopore sensing for deciphering structurally complex and diverse small molecule analytes.

Influence of emotions on clinical performance in acute care: A scoping review

PLoS ONE Cheng En Xi, Sylvain Boet, Alexandre Assi et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329445

Acute care is a high stake, emotionally charged environment. Although emotions are increasingly recognized as integral to various aspects of healthcare, research examining how they influence and interact with clinical performance in acute care settings remains relatively limited. This scoping review aims to summarize relevant empirical research on the influence of emotions on clinical performance in acute care settings. The following databases were searched by a health sciences librarian: Medline and Medline in Process, Embase Classic and Embase, Cochrane’s CENTRAL, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ERIC, from inception to June 2024. Empirical research in English related to the effect of emotions on clinical performance in acute care settings were included. The screening was conducted in duplicate independently, and data extraction was done by the lead author and reviewed by a second author. Among 6430 references assessed, 22 studies were analyzed. Three themes were identified based on the research setting: simulated/educational acute care settings, real-world acute care settings, and end-of-life care settings. Overall, negative emotions, most commonly stress, were inversely correlated with clinical performance in some simulated or educational settings and discouraged patient contact in real clinical settings, while positive emotions encouraged more comprehensive care. Experiencing fear and uncertainty led to more cautious care decisions, and negative emotions associated with patient’s families were prevalent in end-of-life care. Emotions had varying effects on clinical performance and decision-making in acute care settings, depending on the types of emotions and the clinical contexts. More research is needed to find strategies to help clinicians manage those emotions.

Ionic Polarization‐Driven Defect Engineering in Na <sub>4</sub> Fe <sub>3</sub> (PO <sub>4</sub> ) <sub>2</sub> (P <sub>2</sub> O <sub>7</sub> ) Cathode: Fast Charging and Ultra‐Long Cycle Life of Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Yu‐Jie Wang, Zhen‐Yi Gu, Dong‐Sheng Bai et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202507573

Abstract The Na 4 Fe 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (P 2 O 7 ) (NFPP) cathode material faces the challenge of coordinating the improvement of high‐rate performance and long‐cycle stability for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). This study proposes an ionic polarization‐driven defect engineering strategy, which regulates the electronic structure and Na + transmission dynamics of NFPP through Bi 3+ doping. Experimental results and theoretical calculations show that Bi 3+ with (18 + 2) electron configuration significantly enhances the crystal structure stability of NFPP by strengthening the covalency of Bi─O bonds. Meanwhile, the heterovalent Bi 3+ doping optimizes the bandgap of the material (from 3.29 to 0.16 eV) and promotes Na + diffusion, while introducing lattice defects to provide additional sodium storage sites. The optimized 0.02Bi‐NFPP cathode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance as the half‐cell only takes 31.6 min to charge to 80% at a rate of 1 C, and the capacity decay is only 0.000495 mA h g −1 per cycle (86.9% capacity retention) over 20,000 cycles at 20 C. The full battery based on hard carbon anode maintains 95.5% capacity retention after 200 cycles at 1 C. This study reveals the synergistic mechanism between ion polarization effect and lattice defects, and provides a new strategy for designing SIBs cathode materials with both fast charging/discharging capabilities and ultra‐long life.

Prevalence and factors associated with puerperal sepsis among postnatal women at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Western Uganda

PLoS ONE Brenda Nabawanuka, Moses Asiimwe, Pauline Irumba et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311708

Background Puerperal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in Uganda. Aim This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at Fort portal Regional Referral Hospital located in western Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional design was employed in the study. We conducted a records review of the patient files of 180 postnatal mothers who were admitted at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital from 20 February, 2024 to 01 April, 2024. A data abstraction checklist was used to collect data from participant files based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA17 for data analysis. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the prevalence of puerperal sepsis and determinants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted for significant factors presented as Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) at p ≤ 0.05. Results The median age of participants was 25.5 years (1QR = 20−30) and the majority (77%) had primary education. The prevalence of postnatal sepsis was 24%. Duration of hospital stay [aOR=2.30; 95%CI (1.552–3.398); p=&lt;0.001], history of antepartum hemorrhage [aOR=29.09; 95% CI (1.182–716.38); p = 0.039] and Anemia [aOR=0.01; 95% CI (0.001–0.218); p = 0.004] were identified as factors associated with puerperal sepsis among postnatal women upon multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion Puerperal sepsis was common in our setting. This study found that mode of delivery, duration of hospital stay, anemia, and Antepartum hemorrhage, were the determining factors contributing to puerperal sepsis, infection prevention measures during cesarean sections, and reducing the length of hospital stay would prove to be beneficial in the prevention of sepsis.

Alcohol use as a modifiable risk factor in cardiology: A qualitative study of patient perspectives in Sweden

PLoS ONE Paul Welfordsson, Anna-Karin Danielsson, Caroline Björck et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328990

Background Alcohol use is an important cardiovascular risk factor and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Successful implementation of alcohol interventions in cardiology depends on patient acceptability. Objective To understand patient perspectives on the feasibility of implementing alcohol interventions in cardiology services. Methods Multi-site qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a heterogenous-purposive sample of 15 adult cardiology patients with hazardous alcohol use. Participants were recruited from three geographically diverse regions in Sweden (Dalarna, Gävleborg, Stockholm) and were varied in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, cardiovascular diagnosis, risk factor profile, and level of alcohol use. We applied the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) system during coding and conducted a reflexive thematic analysis. Results We identified 56 feasibility factors: 15 related to capability, 10 to opportunity, and 31 to motivation. Four themes emerged: 1. Alcohol use as relevant to cardiology, where participants recognized cardiovascular risk factors, expressed motivation for change, and identified a need to address alcohol use sensitively; 2. Aligning interventions with expectations and goals, where participants linked acceptability of alcohol interventions to personal goals and social norms; 3. Morbidity and shifting priorities, where participants prioritized quality of life and respect for autonomy; 4. Addressing barriers to alcohol dependence treatments, where participants saw a need to improve access to care. Conclusions Findings suggest that alcohol interventions are acceptable to cardiology patients with hazardous alcohol use. Implementation strategies that prioritize quality of life, respect autonomy, and align with individual expectations and goals may be among the most acceptable. We also identified an opportunity to improve access to treatments for alcohol dependence within multidisciplinary heart teams or hospital-based addiction care services.

Secure and efficient graduate employment: A consortium blockchain framework with InterPlanetary file system for privacy-preserving resume management and efficient talent-employer matching

PLoS ONE Chin-Ling Chen, Kuang-Wei Zeng, Hsing-Chung Chen et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315277

In recent years, the unemployment situation of teenagers has become increasingly serious, and many college students face the problem of unemployment upon graduation. Concurrently, Companies need more support in their talent acquisition processes, including high costs, security concerns, inefficiencies, and time-consuming sourcing procedures. Moreover, job applicants frequently confront risks associated with potentially compromising their personal information during the application process. Since blockchain technology has the characteristics of non-tampering, traceability, and non-repudiation, it has outstanding significance for solving the trust problem between organizations. Blockchain has emerged as a powerful tool for tackling talent acquisition campaigns. This study proposes a novel approach utilizing consortium chain technology in conjunction with the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) to develop a decentralized talent recruitment system. This approach enables students, educational institutions, and potential employers to encrypt and upload data to the blockchain through consortium chain technology, with strict access controls requiring student authorization for resume data retrieval. The proposed system facilitates a symbiotic relationship between educational institutions and industry partners, allowing students to identify suitable employment opportunities while enabling companies to source candidates with requisite expertise efficiently. Finally, the system could meet the characteristic requirements of various blockchains, perform well in terms of communication cost, computing cost, throughput, and transaction delay in the blockchain, and contribute to solving talent recruitment.

LBH589 reduces oxidized mitochondrial DNA and suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation to relieve pulmonary inflammation

PLoS ONE Changwen Ning, Fenghua Gao, Zhe Wang et al. Aug 04, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328522

The NOD-like receptor protein (NLRP)3 inflammasome plays a critical role in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by activating caspase-1, which cleaves the precursor forms of IL-1β and IL-18 into active cytokines and induces pyroptosis by cleaving gasdermin D (GSDMD). LBH589, a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor, exhibits promising anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. However, the protective effect and underlying mechanism of LBH589 against ARDS is still unclear. In this study, we aim to determine whether and how LBH589 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation while exerting its anti-inflammatory effect. Our data demonstrated that LBH589 effectively suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-primed and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-stimulated J774A.1 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), evidenced by attenuated cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β, IL-18, IL-16 release, as along with reduced GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and ASC speck formation. Additionally, LBH589 significantly decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and oxidized mitochondrial DNA (Ox-mtDNA), key triggers of inflammasome activation. Importantly, both prophylactic and therapeutic administration of LBH589 inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion in lung tissue and ameliorated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS in mice. These findings suggest that LBH589 may provide therapeutic benefits in ARDS by attenuating NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.