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Development and validation of a domain-specific scale of founder characteristics associated with startup success
Early differentiation of startup founders with high success potential remains a central challenge for entrepreneurship research, innovation policy, and capital allocation in high-uncertainty environments. Existing approaches rely largely on broad personality models or intention-based instruments developed primarily to explain entry into entrepreneurship rather than differentiation of founders associated with realized venture success. In this study, we introduce a domain-specific model of founder success characteristics and develop a 31-item Startup Founder Success Scale (SFSS) to differentiate realized success from entrepreneurial intent. The sample (N = 10,007) included startup founders recruited from predefined pools meeting objective funding, revenue, or acquisition benchmarks, as well as corporate managers and aspiring entrepreneurs. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported six distinct dimensions—Relentless Resilience, Value-Creating Opportunism, Intrinsic Curiosity, Courageous Decision-Making, Strategic Innovativeness, and Transformational Leadership—which together accounted for 71% of the common variance in founder-specific latent trait measures within the scale, indicating strong internal coherence. Group comparisons showed that these dimensions reliably distinguished Successful Startup Founders from Corporate Managers and Aspiring Entrepreneurs, with large effect-size separations (Cohen’s d = 0.83–1.77) exceeding the small-to-moderate effects (d ≈ 0.2–0.5) typically reported for broad personality traits in entrepreneurship research. Conceptually, these findings are consistent with a multi-level framework in which founder-specific characteristics are closely aligned with decision-making under uncertainty and resource orchestration during early venture execution, helping explain why intent-based and general personality models, while valuable for understanding entrepreneurial entry, may be less closely aligned with realized startup success. Practically, the SFSS provides a validated psychometric tool that may support more structured evaluation of founder-related characteristics, targeted training, and resource allocation across venture capital, angel investing, public investment bodies, accelerators, and entrepreneurial education programs. Prospective longitudinal research is required to establish predictive validity for real-world outcomes.
Regenerative Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase via Dynamic Cross‐Linking for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes
ABSTRACT Artificial solid electrolyte interphases (ASEIs) are widely used to stabilize lithium metal anodes, yet their protection inevitably degrades because polymer coatings crack under repeated volume fluctuation and inorganic SEI components detach during cycling. Herein, we present a dynamic crosslinked fluoropolymer (DCF) artificial interphase that simultaneously enables autonomous polymer crack healing and continuous replenishment of inorganic SEI components. The dynamic interphase is constructed from a layer of poly (2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl acrylate) cross‐linked by ureido‐pyrimidinone, whose reversible quadruple hydrogen bonds enable rapid self‐healing of the polymer network and effective closure of interfacial cracks. Additionally, the fluorine‐rich polymer matrix serves as a persistent source for LiF formation, continuously replenishing the inorganic inner layer to compensate for detachment during cycling. Benefiting from this dual regenerative mechanism of polymer self‐healing and inorganic component self‐replenishment, lithium metal anodes protected by the dynamic interphase exhibit highly stable plating and stripping for over 4000 h in symmetric cells. In full cells, a LiFePO 4 ||Li cell retained 90.67% of its capacity after 1000 cycles, while a high‐loading LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 (NCM622) pouch cell maintained 70% capacity after 700 cycles at 1C.
Personality traits and the managerial capacity of community-based facilities providing HIV services to key populations in Kenya and Malawi
Community-based facilities delivering HIV services to key populations often face significant operational and financial challenges, making the quality of management in these organizations particularly important. A growing body of evidence links management quality to health facility performance. However, research on management in health facilities has focused largely on structural characteristics and formal qualifications, with less attention to the non-cognitive characteristics of managers themselves, particularly personality traits. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative analysis of 45 facilities providing HIV services to key populations in Kenya and Malawi. The analysis includes two stages. We first use k-means cluster analysis on management practice data to identify sub-groups of facilities that share similar management profiles. We then use non-linear logit regression models to predict the probability of facilities belonging to each sub-group as a function of manager personality traits, controlling for manager education, experience, and facility location characteristics. We used the Big Five Inventory to measure personality traits. We found two clusters of facilities with statistically different levels of managerial capacity. The higher-capacity cluster shows stronger financial and people management, more developed performance monitoring and target setting, better operations management, and greater community involvement in financial decisions. In the non-linear logit models, educational achievement was not statistically significant. Manager experience working with HIV key populations and higher scores on the Stability meta-trait were positively and significantly associated with the probability of belonging to the high-managerial capacity cluster. The personality traits of managers, together with their technical and cognitive skills, are relevant to the selection and support of managers in these organizations.
Photogenerated Oxetanes as a Gateway to Uphill Cyclopropanation
ABSTRACT Despite their privileged status in pharmaceutical chemistry, the sustainable synthesis of cyclopropanes remains a fundamental challenge. Conventional methods rely on hazardous diazo precursors or pre‐functionalized substrates that generate stoichiometric byproducts. Here, we report an overall endergonic, catalytic route to cyclopropanes from abundant, renewable starting materials. Furan oxetanes, readily formed by photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition of aldehydes and furan, undergo an intramolecular S N ‐type rearrangement under Lewis acid catalysis, producing cyclopropanes with ideal atom economy. The strategy enables access to meso ‐cyclopropane dicarbaldehydes, which are versatile intermediates that streamline the preparation of otherwise challenging bioactive motifs. By harnessing photogenerated oxetanes as cyclopropane precursors, this work offers a sustainable way to densely functionalized cyclopropanes from simple feedstocks under mild conditions.
Information aggregation based trend prediction of energy structure via an improved compositional data time series forecasting model and its application
To improve the prediction accuracy of compositional data time series (CDTSs), the aggregation of compositional data was considered and applied to construct a combination forecasting model. Different from current arithmetic mean based aggregation of compositional data, the aggregation method of compositional data from the induced ordered weighted averaging (IOWA) operator was put forward. Properties of such aggregation methods are discussed. Since prediction accuracies of different individual forecasting models are diverse over time, forecasting error between the aggregated CDTSs and the original CDTS is minimized and set as an objective function of the aggregated weights. To derive the optimal weights associated to individual forecasting models, the genetic algorithm was utilized. Correspondingly, an improved time-varying combination mode and an IOWA operator based combination mode are developed. Finally, a numerical study on China’s primary energy production structure is presented. The results show that the developed varying weight combination model is superior to the benchmark model in terms of prediction accuracy comparison, illustrating the feasibility and validity of the developed combination forecasting model.
Polymerization Kinetics‐Mediated Topological Entanglement Enables High‐Contrast 3D Self‐Morphing in Hydrogels
ABSTRACT Creating anisotropic networks with spatially programmed, pronounced swelling gradients to advance the morphological complexity and functionality of self‐morphing hydrogels is crucial, yet remains a formidable challenge. Here, we present a polymerization kinetics‐mediated strategy to spatially modulate both topological entanglement and interchain interactions, generating localized domains with vastly different swelling ratios for high‐contrast 3D shape transformation. This approach leverages the kinetic competition between chain growth and mass transport during polymerization. Unlike rapid polymerization, slow polymerization allows substantial inward diffusion of unreacted monomers and formation of interpenetrating polymer networks, resulting in densely entangled chain architectures across multiple polymerization stages. Critically, such entanglements not only act as physical crosslinks but also enhance interchain hydrogen bonding, weakening polymer‐water interactions and reducing osmotic pressure. By introducing hydrogen‐bonding or polyelectrolyte effects, we significantly amplify differences in interchain interactions and equilibrium swelling ratio between rapidly and slowly polymerized hydrogels. Consequently, by spatially modulating ultraviolet light intensity, a pronounced disparity in entanglement density and interchain interactions is achieved between adjacent regions, yielding a striking 23‐fold difference in swelling ratio. This sharp local swelling contrast enables intricate, high‐cavity 3D morphologies unattainable with conventional self‐morphing hydrogels, broadening the architectural versatility and application potential of hydrogel‐based adaptive materials.
Postmortem computed tomography and histopathology of distal limb lesions in giraffe (Giraffa spp.) under managed care
Foot structure and function are essential to the health and mobility of giraffe ( Giraffa spp.), yet comprehensive evaluations of distal limb pathology remain limited. This retrospective necropsy-based study used postmortem computed tomography (CT) of frozen distal limbs with targeted histopathology to characterize osseous and soft-tissue changes in a historical cohort of giraffe under managed care. Seventy-three distal limbs from 21 giraffe housed at 12 North American zoos (necropsies performed between 2004–2023) were evaluated. Lesions were graded on a scale of 0–3, and localized to either the medial or lateral digits. Findings were summarized at both the animal level (presence in ≥1 digit) and digit level. CT frequently identified multiple distal limb lesions within this necropsy cohort, including pedal osteitis, joint osteophytes, navicular apparatus changes, subchondral bone cyst-like lesions, laminar abnormalities, and flexor tendon mineralization. Navicular bone lesions were commonly identified, particularly in forelimbs, and frequently occurred in conjunction with abnormalities of the podotrochlear (navicular apparatus) region. These findings suggest that remodeling of the navicular bone and associated podotrochlear (navicular apparatus) structures may represent an important component of chronic distal limb disease and lameness in some affected giraffe. Laminar abnormalities consistent with chronic laminitis were common but were predominantly grade 1 on CT scoring, with grade 2 or 3 changes uncommon at both the digit and animal levels. Juvenile giraffe (<3 years) exhibited minimal CT-detectable orthopedic change, whereas lesions were more common and more extensive in older animals. Forelimbs more frequently exhibited navicular changes, and laminar abnormalities were more common in adult males than females. Distal phalanx fractures were identified in a subset of digits and occurred only in digits with pedal osteitis; fracture presence and severity were positively associated with greater pedal osteitis severity. Histopathology corroborated CT findings, demonstrating chronic laminar disruption, bone remodeling, and degenerative tendinopathy. Overall, these findings characterize historical patterns of distal limb pathology within a necropsy-based cohort of giraffe under managed care and provide context for continued refinement of preventive hoof-care strategies, husbandry practices, and early diagnostic monitoring aimed at promoting long-term orthopedic health.
Potentials, barriers, and strategies for integrating tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension case management: A scoping review
Background The coexistence of tuberculosis (TB) with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, presents a growing challenge for efforts to end TB due to the complex interactions of coordinated care among relevant care providers and increased risk of adverse outcomes. The comorbidities between TB and DM underscore the necessity of integrated care approaches that span screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Although integrated care models have the potential to improve patient outcomes by supporting people to complete treatment, improving retention in care, and streamlining service delivery, the understanding of low integration within existing health systems is also limited. This scoping review aims to map existing models of integrated TB, DM, and hypertension case management, identify potential benefits and examine barriers to integration, and define strategies for effective implementation. Methods This scoping review examined original research papers on the integrated management of TB, DM, and hypertension, published from January 2005 to January 2025. Studies of various designs were included and sourced from databases such as MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and EMERALD using targeted search terms. Four reviewers independently screened and extracted data using a standardized form. Findings were synthesized qualitatively and discussed with experts for additional insights. Discussion From 7,983 studies screened, 126 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings reveal that integrated management of TB, DM, and hypertension can improve access to care, program retention, and early detection of comorbidities. Integration of services—including screening, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and support for patients’ self-management—was generally well-received, practical to implement, and contributed to improved patient outcomes. Nevertheless, several barriers remain, such as fragmented health systems, lack of standardized protocols, inadequate provider training, limited health information systems, and insufficient financing mechanisms. Addressing these challenges requires systemic interventions, including strengthened policy and regulatory frameworks, capacity-building through structured training, robust and interoperable information systems, inter-program coordination, task-shifting strategies, and patient-centered care approaches. While the evidence highlights the potential of integrated care, gaps remain in demonstrating long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness, underscoring the need for further research and evaluation to support the scale-up of successful models across diverse health system contexts.
Unlocking Anode‐Free Zinc Metal Batteries via Data‐Science‐Guided Dual‐Interphase Separator Engineering
ABSTRACT Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) employing halogen‐ or manganese‐based cathodes and anode‐free design possess the highest energy density among the aqueous battery families. However, their performance is severely limited by interfacial side reactions and anode‐cathode cross‐talk, which undermine energy density and cycle life. Conventional strategies focusing on a single interface are inadequate to address these systemic issues. The optimal strategy cluster from literature data mining guided the material system creation via a data‐driven process of molecular descriptor screening. This guided the creation of an asymmetric dual‐interphase separator, featuring a Zn 2+ ‐supplying interphase (ZSI) on the anode side that suppresses polyhalide shuttling and accelerates desolvation, and a composite conductive interphase (CCI) on the cathode side that enhances multi‐electron reaction kinetics and active species utilization. Enabled by the asymmetric dual‐interphase engineering, the constructed anode‐free Zn||MnO 2 full cell achieves a high voltage efficiency of 90% and stable cycling over 1000 cycles. Concurrently, a state‐of‐the‐art anode‐free Zn||I 2 battery delivers an energy efficiency exceeding 90% at high areal loading of 38.14 mg cm −2 . Furthermore, a universal zinc metal anode/electrolyte interphase descriptor (ZMAEID) was proposed, mechanistically linking interfacial electrochemical behavior with mechanical stability. This systematic, data‐driven, and theory‐guided strategy establishes a new paradigm for next‐generation anode‐free AZMBs.
Association between occupational sedentary behavior and metabolic syndrome and related diseases in males: A cross-sectional study
Background Prolonged occupational sedentary behavior has become a prevalent norm in workplaces, posing significant health risks. However, there is a scarcity of studies on the association between occupational sedentary behavior with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related diseases among workers. Methods From June 2023 to November 2024, 2,055 male bus drivers (occupational sedentary group) and sanitation workers (non-sedentary group) were enrolled by cluster sampling. Questionnaire surveys and clinical examinations were collected retrospectively. MetS was diagnosed according to the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in China (2024 Edition) . Logistic regressions and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the associations between occupational sedentary behavior with MetS and related diseases. Results The occupational sedentary group (1,158 participants) had higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (24.61% vs. 22.63%), hypertriglyceridemia (51.81% vs. 36.34%), hypoalphalipoproteinemia (12.35% vs. 9.03%), and central obesity (36.62% vs. 29.43%), compared to the non-sedentary group (897 participants). In the logistic regression model, no significant correlations were observed between occupational sedentary behavior and MetS ( P > 0.05). Compared with non-sedentary group, the sedentary group showed an increased risks of hypertriglyceridemia [OR (95% CI) = 1.77 (1.41, 2.22)], hypoalphalipoproteinemia [OR (95% CI) = 1.44 (1.01, 2.06)], and central obesity [OR (95% CI) = 1.37 (1.09, 1.74)]. Subgroup logistic regression analysis showed that among subjects aged >55 years, the associations between occupational sedentary behavior with hypertriglyceridemia and central obesity were significantly stronger (all P for interaction < 0.05). Conclusion Occupational sedentary behavior in males is associated with higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, and central obesity. Interventions to reduce sedentary behavior are needed to mitigate these risks, such as lifestyle, and organizational management strategies.
Catalytic Hydrosilylation Deoxygenation: Synthesizing Polysiloxanes While Upcycling Polymers to Alkanes
ABSTRACT Developing new approaches to fabricate polysiloxane with versatile structures is a challenging project. Meanwhile, sustainable plastic upcycling is an essential issue that needs to be solved urgently. We reported herein a new strategy for synthesizing polysiloxanes by B(C 6 F 5 ) 3 ‐catalyzed hydrosilylation deoxygenation polymerization, which simultaneously degraded the oxygenated polymers like polyethers and polyesters to alkanes. Steric hindrance around the C–O/C = O bonds of these polymers and their solubility, as well as the reaction conditions affected the efficiency of Si‐O bond construction and the degree of C–O/C = O bond cleavage. This synthon exhibited generality, enabling the synthesis of various polysiloxanes with adjustable M n (up to 79.6 kDa) and broad T g values (−19.9 to −133.9°C), which are difficult to access with the current methods. Moreover, it is tolerant to functional groups that vinyl‐modified polysiloxanes have been obtained via the tandem hydrosilylation/deoxygenation and Piers–Rubinsztajn reaction. These vinyl‐modified polymers can further transform into re‐processable materials with excellent mechanical properties through constructing a dynamically crosslinking bond of borate ester. Density functional theory (DFT) studies revealed that the deoxygenation polymerization proceeds via alkoxysilane intermediates to generate siloxanes, which was confirmed by NMR spectrum monitoring of the model reactions. This work establishes an unprecedented polymer‐to‐polymer upcycling and provides a platform for fabricating polysiloxanes, bypassing tedious monomer synthesis and purification.
Gendered male and high-income country authors dominate publication at a One Health research organization
Authorship on academic publications is consequential for researchers in science fields. One’s position in a list of authors is typically used to signal information about author contributions and status, with the first and last author positions regarded as the most prestigious and important for career advancement. Therefore, any inequities that exist in the allocation of authorship (e.g., associated with gender or geography) could affect researchers’ career progression. We assessed patterns in authorship at EcoHealth Alliance, a non-profit organization that conducted One Health and conservation research. We compiled a corpus of 451 peer-reviewed journal articles published from 2011–2022, each of which had at least one EcoHealth Alliance-affiliated author, and gathered information on the gender and country affiliation of authors in first and last author positions. Within the corpus, we found that gendered male researchers and researchers with high-income country (HIC) affiliations were often in prestigious author positions. Specifically, we found that gendered male authors represented 60% of first and last authors, 65% of first and last authorships (FLAs), and 91% of highly productive authors (those with ≥ 10 FLAs). Last authorships were particularly male-dominated, with 2.7 times as many last authorships by gendered male authors as by gendered female authors. Our network analysis revealed that gendered male authors were more structurally important to the author network on average and comprised 65% of highly “powerful” authors in the network. HICs were also overrepresented in the corpus, with 72% of FLAs listing an HIC affiliation. Though our analysis was based on articles with at least one EcoHealth Alliance-affiliated author, authorship affiliations in the corpus extended to nearly 250 institutions across 43 countries, suggesting broader applicability of our findings. We conclude by offering recommendations—informed by the patterns observed in our data and based on our personal experiences as researchers—that we believe would help address the gender and geography disparities in authorship patterns we observed.
Defect‐Guided Assembly of Aperiodic and Flexible Metal–Organic Frameworks From Pre‐Formed Cages
ABSTRACT Controlling the spatial distribution of defects in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) remains a fundamental challenge in defect engineering. Here, we report a cage‐directed assembly strategy that enables the programmed introduction of topologically correlated defects and induces aperiodicity in HKUST‐1‐type frameworks. Pre‐synthesised Rh(II) metal–organic cages or polyhedra (MOPs) act as persistent cavities that template the formation of HKUST‐1‐based networks containing linker‐induced Cu‐vacancy domains confined within discrete cuboctahedral cavities. The use of dicarboxylate linkers, in which one carboxylate group is missing compared to the original 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate linker, gives rise to nine distinct local defect configurations that are independently distributed throughout the lattice. This results in an aperiodic framework with preserved long‐range crystallinity. The resulting materials exhibit hierarchical micro–mesoporosity, reversible loss and recovery of crystallinity, and a pronounced solvent‐induced breathing response. This work demonstrates that combining pre‐formed cages with linkers with reduced connectivity can be a new strategy to localise defects and access aperiodic MOFs with emergent structural adaptability.
Validation of the Bangla PHQ-4 in rural and urban community samples from Bangladesh
Background Shortage of qualified mental health professionals and limited access to specialized care, coupled with a high burden of mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, is a growing public health concern in Bangladesh. A possible solution being tested is the utilization of existing community resources. Availability of a psychometrically valid and reliable screening tool for early detection of mental health problems is of paramount importance. The present study aimed at testing the psychometric properties of the Bangla version of the ultra-brief PHQ-4. Methods Employing practicing mental health professionals as data collectors, this cross-sectional study used data from 357 adults from an urban and two rural communities of Bangladesh. Results Confirmatory factor analysis indicated excellent model fit for the two-factor structure of the Bangla PHQ-4 ( χ 2 = 0.103 at p > .01, RMSEA = 0.000, CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.007, and SRMR = .006) for the total sample. The model demonstrated factorial invariance for sex, age, and mental health state. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (McDonald’s ω = .869) and strong construct validity, evidenced by high correlation with the SRQ-20 (r = .747), K-6 (r = .820), self-rated mental health state (r = −.677), and interviewer-rated mental health state (r = −.680). The scale also demonstrates excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = .906), and acceptable sensitivity (82%) and specificity (83%) using a cutoff score ≥ 6. Conclusion This study provided evidence of satisfactory psychometric properties of the Bangla PHQ-4 in terms of factor structure, group level invariance, internal consistency, and construct validity in Bangladeshi rural and urban community samples.
A Fluoroether Co‐Solvent Engineering Interfacial and Solvation Dynamics for Durable Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
ABSTRACT Lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs) represent a promising next‐generation energy storage technology due to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, their practical application is hindered by critical challenges including electrolyte volatility and decomposition, lithium anode degradation, and the incomplete reversibility of Li 2 O 2 discharge products. Herein, we design a novel fluorinated ether co‐solvent, 1,1′‐[oxybis[(1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoro‐2,1‐ethanediyl)‐oxy(2,2‐difluoro‐2,1‐etha‐nediyl)]]bis(1,1,1‐trifluoromethanesulfonate) (FTE), which features a high boiling point that effectively suppresses electrolyte evaporation. More importantly, its incorporation promotes the formation of a fluorine‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the lithium metal anode, significantly enhancing interfacial stability. Simultaneously, FTE modulates the Li + solvation structure, steering the growth of Li 2 O 2 away from the conventional toroidal morphology toward a highly decomposable three‐dimensional porous network. These synergistic effects collectively contribute to a substantial improved cycling performance, enabling LOBs with FTE‐modified tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether based (FTE/TEG‐based) electrolyte to deliver high discharge specific capacities, excellent rate capabilities, and remarkable cycling stability. This study highlights a multifunctional electrolyte design strategy that prioritizes long‐term reversibility, paving the way for practical high‐energy‐density LOBs.
Rifampicin resistance and associated factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among pulmonary tuberculosis-suspected patients in the Amhara National Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia
Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge globally, with drug-resistant strains, particularly rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR-MTB), which poses serious challenges for treatment and control. Rifampicin resistance is widely recognized as a key surrogate marker for multidrug-resistant MTB and is associated with poor treatment outcomes and increased transmission risk. Ethiopia is among the high-TB-burden countries, and the Amhara National Regional State continues to report significant tuberculosis morbidity and mortality. Objective To assess the prevalence, rifampicin resistance patterns, and associated factors of M. tuberculosis among pulmonary tuberculosis-suspected patients at the Amhara National Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among pulmonary tuberculosis-suspected patients attending the Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals from April 2023, to May 2025. Socio-demographic and associated factors data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Sputum was collected and tested using GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay to detect M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance. Data were entered into SPSS version 28 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between predictors and the prevalence of M. tuberculosis, and rifampicin resistance. Variables with a p -value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval in multivariable logistic regression were considered statistically significant. Results Among 2548 pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB)-suspected participants, the overall prevalence of M. tuberculosis (MTB) was 150/2548 (5.9%). Rifampicin resistance was detected in 19/150 (12.7%) of MTB-positive cases, urban residents 7/70 (18.6%), and low education (grades 1−4), 3/15 (20.0%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, rural residence was associated with reduced PTB infection compared with urban residence (AOR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06–0.79; p = 0.020). Previous antibiotic use (AOR: 9.17; 95% CI: 2.01–28.14; p = 0.001), HIV-positivity (AOR: 3.73; 95% CI: 2.40–7.78; p = 0.001) and alcohol consumption (AOR: 7.10; 95% CI: 4.99–20.86; p = 0.001) were independently associated with increased MTB infection. Rural residents showed significantly lower odds of rifampicin-resistant MTB compared to urban counterparts (AOR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12–0.99, p = 0.048). Conclusion The prevalence of M. tuberculosis infection and rifampicin resistance remains significant in the study area. The strong association between prior antibiotic use, HIV-positivity and alcohol consumption with M. tuberculosis highlights the need for targeted case-finding, improved diagnosis, rational antibiotic use, and focused health education interventions.
Spin‐Dominated Electroreduction of Oxygen to Hydrogen Peroxide: A Case Study With Molecular Model Catalysts
ABSTRACT Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) represents a critical process in advanced electrochemical energy technologies. Yet, the fundamental mechanism of ORR selectivity has remained largely elusive. Herein, electron spin state is identified as the underlying factor governing ORR selectivity for hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production using model‐definite and site‐identical molecular catalysts as testing platforms. Experimentally, a series of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) derivatives are synthesized, and an explicit correlation is found between the Co spin state and ORR selectivity, where H 2 O 2 production increases with elevated spin states. Combined theoretical orbital analysis and in situ spectroscopy investigations unveil that the spin state transition and subtle d ‐orbital rearrangements optimize multiple orbital hybridization with key intermediates and facilitate the selective two‐electron ORR. Among the series, tetra‐hydroxyl modified CoPc with a high spin state achieves a two‐electron ORR performance in neutral media superior to those of low‐spin state CoPc and previously reported catalysts, with H 2 O 2 selectivity over 95% within the potential range of +0.1 to +0.42 V and a remarkable H 2 O 2 yield of 191.22 mg cm −2 h −1 at −350 mA cm −2 . These findings advance the fundamental understanding of the electronic structure effect on catalytic behaviors.
Toxicity analysis of food contaminants based on network toxicology and molecular docking: A case study of Zearalenone
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a non – steroid estrogen contaminant produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium. It is widely present in grains and seriously threatens global food safety. This study takes ZEA as an example to effectively evaluate the toxicity of food contaminants through network toxicology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation strategies, and analyzes the molecular mechanism of its hypothesized toxicity – nephrotoxicity. The study found that ZEA affects immunotoxicity, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and cytogenetic mutations by regulating core targets such as STAT3, ESR1, HSP90AA1, MMP9, and MTOR, and regulating pathways such as the cancer pathway and the PI3K - Akt signaling pathway, ultimately leading to nephrotoxicity. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation also showed good binding affinity between ZEA and core targets. This result provided a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of ZEA – nephrotoxicity and for preventing and treating cancers caused by the food contaminant ZEA. In addition, the methods of network toxicology and molecular docking also provided an effective way to rapidly evaluate the toxicity of food contaminants, effectively addressing the cost and ethical issues associated with the use of experimental animals.
Factors associated with multiple births in the United Kingdom during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey
Background Women with multiple births may encounter many challenges compared to those with singleton births, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first study aiming to investigate the factors associated with multiple births during COVID-19 in the United Kingdom. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was carried out between July and November 2021 with women who were up to 6 months postpartum. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and COVID-19-related factors, and infant feeding and support factors, were employed to assess the association with multiple births. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Results Of 858 eligible participants, 53 had multiple births. Bivariate analysis showed that although socioeconomic and COVID-19-related factors were not associated, preterm birth, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission, birthweight, mode of birth, postnatal depression, infant feeding practices, impact of COVID-19 on baby fed with expressed breast milk, no support for infant feeding, infant feeding support from online group were associated with multiple births. In the multiple logistic regression, multiple births were significantly associated with infant formula use (AOR 6.17, 95% CI 2.29–16.57), preterm birth (AOR 5.83, 95% CI 1.99–17.11), caesarean birth (AOR 2.97, 95% CI 1.27–6.97), and birthweight (<2.5 kg: AOR 13.16, 95% CI 4.31–40.20; > 3.5 kg: AOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.51). Conclusions Participants with multiple births experienced higher obstetric risks and were more likely to feed with infant formula. These findings underscore the need for routine integration of lactation specialists and the expansion of remote support strategies.
Deep‐Learning‐Enhanced Bioimaging Via Energy Traps Regulated Lanthanide Nanoparticles
ABSTRACT High‐resolution biological imaging in deep tissues holds substantial importance for advancing precision medicine. Currently, the lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles enable in vivo near‐infrared imaging but face a critical trade‐off: Er 3 + ‐based emission at around 1530 nm enables high optical resolution yet suffers from limited tissue penetration due to water absorption, whereas nanoprobes emitting at approximately 980/1060 nm offer deeper penetration with high brightness but compromised resolution due to higher tissue scattering at shorter wavelength. This fundamental contradiction between imaging depth and resolution remains a key challenge. Herein, we introduce the concept of energy traps to actively regulate energy distribution within lanthanide nanoparticles via excitation‐wavelength switching and directional energy transfer modulation. This strategy enables controlled access to either sensitizers (Yb 3+ , Nd 3+ ) self‐emission or efficient sensitization of activators (Er 3+ ), thereby allowing selective enhancement of emission channels. By integrating the deep‐tissue penetration capability of short‐wavelength sensitizers (980 and 1060 nm) with the high‐resolution emission of long‐wavelength activators (1530 nm) through a deep‐learning‐based network, we successfully achieved a 93% enhancement in imaging performance for short‐wavelength probes, offering a robust and adaptable platform for high‐contrast deep‐tissue bioimaging and future point‐of‐care diagnostics.