Search Results (100)

Background and Objectives: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease caused by IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 and/or desmoglein 1, leading to flaccid blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. The course of PV during pregnancy represents a special clinical challenge due to immunological changes accompanying physiological immunosuppression and the need to protect the developing fetus. Materials and Methods: To analyze the current state of knowledge, a literature review was performed covering the years 2015–2025. Publications describing PV diagnosed during pregnancy or in neonates were screened, and nine case reports discussing ten patients meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for detailed analysis. In this study, we also present our own clinical case of PV in pregnancy to complement the literature review and provide practical insight into disease management. Results: In most cases, the disease was diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy, and the most common symptoms were flaccid blisters and erosions of the oral mucosa. The diagnosis was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and ELISA testing. The first-line treatment remained systemic glucocorticosteroids (GCS), mainly prednisolone, which is considered the safest. In resistant cases, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) were used, which were considered effective and safe, though their use may limit the transplacental transfer of autoantibodies to the fetus. In newborns, the symptoms rarely occurred, were mild, and resolved spontaneously. Drugs with proven teratogenic effects, such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil, are contraindicated during pregnancy. In the case of rituximab therapy, it is recommended to postpone pregnancy for at least 12 months after the completion of treatment to minimize the potential risk of immunosuppression in the newborn. Conclusions: The treatment of PV during pregnancy requires close interdisciplinary cooperation. Therapy should be carefully individualized, taking into account both therapeutic efficacy and fetal safety. Perhaps then, pregnancy-related pemphigus diseases, given their peculiarities, should be classified as a distinct variety within the desmosomal type of autoimmune blistering diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic pain in women arises from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Despite its impact, validated screens for these bio-psycho-social risk factors are lacking. This study aimed to develop and validate a new screening and assessment tool to prevent chronic pain onset and detect hidden experiences of violence or trauma in women, also supporting individualized treatment. Methods: Conducted from December 2023 to June 2024 as part of a larger project, the original instrument comprised 36 bio-psycho-social risk factors. Rasch analysis was used for validation, assessing Infit, Outfit, DIF, ROC curves, and reliability indexes. Results: The sample included 239 women (100 victims), with 103 experiencing chronic pain, and 136 pain-free. Seven items were excluded due to poor fit, resulting in a 29-item version that met Rasch model criteria. Conclusions: The validated 29-item checklist, available in Italian, supports the bio-psycho-social model by identifying risk factors for chronic pain onset and detecting violence-related variables in diagnosed individuals. It offers clinicians and operators a practical tool to guide prevention and tailor personalized treatments. In addition, the RFCP-CK holds forensic relevance by offering measurable indicators that can support medico-legal evaluations, especially in cases where chronic pain is claimed to be a consequence of violence. Full article

Nonverbal tests assess cognitive ability in multicultural and multilingual children, but language-based instructions disadvantage non-proficient children. This is a growing concern worldwide due to the increasing number of multilingual classrooms. The tablet-based FLUX (Fluid Intelligence Luxembourg) test was developed within a highly multicultural and multilingual educational context to offer not only nonverbal test content but also language-fair animated video instructions. A total of 703 third graders (M_age = 8.85, SD = 0.66; 48.8% females, 51.1% males, 0.1% with no gender specified) were included in the standardisation sample and were assessed with tasks measuring figural fluid intelligence, quantitative fluid intelligence, visual processing and short-term memory. The test proved sufficiently reliable (FLUX Full-scale: McDonald’s Omega = 0.94; split-half = 0.95). Test fairness was ensured by analysing each item for Differential Item Functioning (DIF) on children’s background characteristics (language spoken at home, socioeconomic status, gender). Its factorial structure was confirmed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Further validity evidence was provided by determining its concurrent and criterion-related validity (correlations with a test of cognitive ability and educational achievement scores). Research implications and future prospects in promoting equal opportunities in a heterogeneous multilingual educational context are discussed. Full article

Bovine adipose-derived neural crest stem cells (baNCSCs) are an ideal model for studying the mechanism of adipogenesis. Lipidomics provides a powerful technical means to comprehensively analyze the dynamic changes in lipid metabolism during cell differentiation. However, the lipidomic remodeling throughout the adipogenic differentiation of baNCSCs is still lacking in-depth research. This study used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to perform non-targeted lipidomic analysis on baNCSCs on day 0 (CON0) and day 9 (DIF9) of adipogenic induction and differentiation. Differential lipid metabolites were screened through multivariate statistical analysis and univariate analysis. A total of 1639 lipid molecules were identified. Compared with the CON0 group, 568 lipids were significantly altered in the DIF9 group, involving 6 major categories and 20 subclasses. The relative content and types of triacylglycerols (TAG) and diacylglycerols (DAG) increased significantly, becoming the most important markers of successful differentiation. Glycerophospholipids (GP) underwent complex remodeling, with subclasses such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), and cardiolipin (CL) significantly increased, indicating extensive restructuring of the cell and organelle membranes to adapt to lipid storage and energy metabolism. Sphingolipids (SP) such as ceramides (Cer) and sphingomyelins (SM) were generally downregulated. The content of acylcarnitines (ACar) and hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA) increased, suggesting enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation and metabolic health. This study systematically reveals the comprehensive lipidome reprogramming during the adipogenic differentiation of baNCSCs, which involves not only the accumulation of storage lipids but also the precise coordination of membrane lipid remodeling, signaling lipid regulation, and metabolic adaptation. These findings provide a valuable lipidomic perspective for understanding the molecular mechanism of bovine adipogenesis. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the short version of the Token Test (SVTT) and the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) using an item response theory (IRT) framework and to establish normative data for Colombian children and adolescents based on ability scores. Methods: A total of 668 healthy participants aged 6–17 years took part in this study. Factorial structure was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Item parameters were estimated using a two-parameter logistic (2PL) model for the SVTT, which accounts for both item difficulty and discrimination in dichotomous responses, and a graded response model (GRM) for the ROCF, suitable for items scored on ordered categories reflecting increasing levels of performance accuracy and Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis was conducted to assess potential bias related to sex. Reliability was examined using the Test Information Function (TIF), internal consistency throughout Cronbach’s alpha, and the influence of sociodemographic variables was analyzed through regression models. Results: CFA confirmed unidimensionality for all measures. For most items, moderate-to-low ability was sufficient to achieve the highest scores in the ROCF, and low ability in the SVTT. DIF analysis indicated no meaningful sex-related bias in any of the subtests. Both tests showed excellent reliability and internal consistency. Copy scores were influenced by polynomial age and parents’ mean years of education (MPE), while both immediate recall in the ROCF and SVTT were affected by MPE and the interaction of logarithmic age. Conclusions: This study provides strong psychometric evidence and, together with the integration of digital tools for generating normative data, represents a meaningful advancement in neuropsychological assessment. Full article

Digital inclusive finance (DIF) serves as a critical mechanism for sustainable economic development among marginalized populations. However, DIF’s impact on China’s 376 million migrants remains understudied, despite their significance for inclusive growth. This study provides the first comprehensive empirical analysis of DIF–migrant entrepreneurship relationships using nationally representative data and multiple analytical approaches. Three key findings emerge: First, DIF significantly reduces entrepreneurship likelihood among migrant populations (marginal effect: −0.449, p < 0.01). Second, heterogeneity analysis reveals differential impacts across entrepreneurial motivations—specifically, inhibiting necessity-driven entrepreneurship (marginal effect: −0.426) while showing no significant impact on opportunity-driven entrepreneurship. Third, while DIF reduces overall entrepreneurial participation, it substantially enhances income levels and the employment scale of existing migrant entrepreneurs. Mechanism analysis reveals that DIF operates through expanding urban employment demand and raising wage levels, thereby increasing entrepreneurship’s opportunity cost for migrants. These findings provide evidence for leveraging digital finance to achieve SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) while ensuring equitable access to digital dividends for vulnerable populations. Full article

This study investigates urban–remote disparities in the science performance of Taiwanese eighth-grade students, particularly in matter-related domains, using an explanatory–sequential mixed-methods design. For the quantitative phase, we applied differential item functioning (DIF) analysis with Mantel–Haenszel statistics and logistic regression to the TIMSS 2019 science assessment, while in the qualitative phase, we employed think-aloud interviews and the repertory grid technique (RGT) with 12 students (6 urban, 6 remote) to explore cognitive structures. The quantitative phase identified 26 items (12.3% of 211) disadvantaging remote students, with DIF most pronounced in constructed-response formats and matter-related domains: “Composition of Matter”, “Physical States and Changes in Matter”, and “Properties of Matter”. The follow-up qualitative analyses revealed fragmented, associative cognitive structures in remote learners, marked by reliance on observable (macroscopic) properties rather than microscopic explanations, terminological confusion, microscopic gaps, and misconceptions, contrasting with urban students’ hierarchical integration. Triangulation suggests that the observed disparities are linked to experiential constraints, potentially accounted for by hindered micro–macro connections. Our findings suggest that resource inequities may play a role in sustaining certain biases, indicating that targeted measures could help to make science education more inclusive. Based on these results, we tentatively outline possible educational interventions to improve equity in science education. Full article

It was previously demonstrated that timolol (TIM), naphazoline (NAPH), and diflunisal (DIF) are susceptible to degradation when exposed to extreme pH conditions and UV/Vis light. However, their stability in the presence of pharmaceutical excipients remains largely unexplored. Thus, their binary mixtures (1:1 ratio, w/w) with five excipients, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HCA), mannitol (MAN), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), and Tris HCl (TRIS), were subjected to forced degradation (70 °C/80% RH and UV/Vis light in the dose 94.510 kJ/m²). Forced degradation was designed to accelerate potential interactions between these compounds, allowing the earlier identification of degradation risk compared to formal stability studies. FT-IR/ATR and NIR spectroscopy, along with chemometric evaluation using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), was applied to assess changes in the spectra, compared to individual compounds and the non-stressed mixtures. A hybrid approach, combining visual assessment with chemometric evaluation of the spectral data, enabled the detection of changes that were not clearly observable using a single analytical method. In particular, interactions of TIM, NAPH, and DIF with MAN and TRIS were clearly identified, while the mixtures of NAPH with excipients proved to be the least sensitive to forced degradation. Full article

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of related genes during the differentiation process of baNCSCs into adipocytes using transcriptomics technique, thereby clarifying the potential mechanism underlying baNCSCs differentiation into adipocytes and providing insights into lipid metabolism and regulation of lipid deposition in ruminants. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted on the adipocytes of baNCSCs on days 0 (CON0), 3 (DIF3), and 9 (DIF9) of differentiation. The results showed that in the early stage of adipocyte differentiation of baNCSCs, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are mainly involved in metabolic pathways such as chromosome modification, cell cycle progression, and regulation of stem cell pluripotency. In the middle and late stages of differentiation, DEGs are mainly involved in metabolic pathways such as changes in cell morphology and synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides. Predicting the top 10 core hub genes (CHGs) in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network that regulate various differentiation stages of adipocytes reveals that ERBB2, EGFR, and MYC are upregulated during the early differentiation stage. In contrast, ITGB1, KRAS, CCND1, ACTB, VEGFA, MET, and HRAS are downregulated. During the middle and late stages of differentiation, the expressions of TP53, CASP3, STAT3, CTNNB1, JUN, EGFR, and MYC are upregulated, while IGF1R, PTEN, and HRAS are downregulated. In conclusion, the primary enrichment pathways of DEGs vary at distinct stages of adipocyte induction and differentiation in baNCSCs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anti-p200 pemphigoid is a rare and likely underdiagnosed autoimmune blistering disorder. Laminin γ1 and laminin β4 have been implicated as potential target antigens in its pathogenesis. Recently, a novel indirect immunofluorescence assay targeting anti-laminin β4 antibodies has been developed, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity, and offering a valuable tool for improved diagnosis. Methods: Of the 451 patients, 21 were selected for further laboratory analysis based on medical records. Sera from 10 patients, which showed a positive direct immunofluorescence (DIF) result and negative results in multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and/or mosaic six-parameter indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for various autoimmune bullous diseases, were tested for the presence of anti-laminin β4 antibodies. Additionally, sera from 11 patients with positive DIF and positive ELISA for antibodies against BP180 and/or BP230 were analyzed. Results: Among the 10 patients with positive DIF and negative ELISA and/or mosaic six-parameter IIF, 6 sera were positive for anti-laminin β4 antibodies. These patients presented with atypical clinical features. In contrast, all 11 sera from patients with both positive DIF and positive ELISA for BP180 and/or BP230 were negative for anti-laminin β4 antibodies. Conclusions: In patients with a positive DIF result but negative ELISA and/or mosaic six-parameter IIF findings, testing for anti-laminin β4 antibodies should be considered. Furthermore, in cases presenting with atypical clinical features—such as acral distribution of lesions, intense pruritus, or erythematous–edematous plaques—the possibility of anti-p200 pemphigoid should be included in the differential diagnosis. Full article

This study investigates the impact and mechanisms of digital inclusive finance (DIF) on high-quality economic development in China. Drawing on panel data from 281 prefecture-level cities between 2011 and 2021, we employ a Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to analyze both the direct effects and spatial spillovers of DIF. The results indicate that (1) DIF has a significantly positive effect on high-quality development, which remains robust after conducting various stability and endogeneity tests; (2) DIF strongly contributes to economic upgrading in eastern regions, while its impact is weaker or even negative in central and western regions, revealing notable regional disparities exist; (3) a key finding is the identification of a double-threshold effect, suggesting that the positive influence of DIF only emerges when financial and industrial development surpass certain thresholds; (4) results from the two-regime SDM further show that spillover effects are more prominent in non-central cities than in central ones; and (5) mechanism analysis reveals that DIF facilitates high-quality growth primarily by promoting industrial structure upgrading. These findings underscore the importance of region-specific policy strategies to enhance the role of DIF and reduce spatial disparities in development across China. Full article

Metallurgical equipment foundations exposed to prolonged 300–500 °C environments are subject to explosion risks, necessitating materials that are resistant to thermo-shock-coupled loads. This study investigated the real-time dynamic compressive behavior of high-performance concrete (HPC) reinforced with steel fibers (SFs), polypropylene fibers (PPFs), polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PVAFs), and their hybrid systems under thermo-shock coupling using real-time high-temperature (200–500 °C) SHPB tests. The results revealed temperature-dependent dynamic responses: SFs exhibited a V-shaped trend in compressive strength evolution (minimum at 400 °C), while PPFs/PVAFs showed inverted V-shaped trends (peaking at 300 °C). Hybrid systems demonstrated superior performance: SF-PVAF achieved stable dynamic strength at 200–400 °C (dynamic increase factor, DIF ≈ 1.65) due to synergistic toughening via SF bridging and PVAF melt-induced pore energy absorption. Microstructural analysis confirmed that organic fiber pores and SF crack-bridging collaboratively optimized failure modes, reducing brittle fracture. A temperature-adaptive design strategy is proposed: SF-PVAF hybrids are prioritized for temperatures of 200–400 °C, while SF-PPF combinations are recommended for 400–500 °C environments, providing critical guidance for explosion-resistant HPC in extreme thermal–industrial settings. Full article

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential for capturing the lived experiences of individuals managing chronic diseases. However, few PROMs have been culturally adapted and validated for Arabic-speaking populations. Aim: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Long-Term Conditions Questionnaire (LTCQ) for use among Arabic-speaking adults living with chronic diseases in Jordan. Methods: Following forward–backward translation and an expert review, a cross-sectional survey of 1057 adults with chronic illnesses was conducted. The psychometric evaluation involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) and Rasch modelling. While the original LTCQ assumed a unidimensional structure, EFA and CFA supported a two-factor solution: Empowerment and Functional Wellbeing, and Health-Related Psychosocial Distress. Results: The Rasch analysis confirmed that the item response thresholds were ordered, with good item targeting, and no differential item functioning (DIF) by gender. The removal of one poorly performing item resulted in a refined 19-item scale with strong reliability and validity. Conclusions: The Arabic LTCQ demonstrated robust psychometric properties and cultural relevance, supporting its use in clinical care, research, and policy initiatives. Future work should examine longitudinal responsiveness and further validate the tool across diverse Arabic-speaking populations. Full article

Fly ash and slag powder, as two of the most widely utilized industrial solid waste-based mineral admixtures, have demonstrated through extensive validation that their combined incorporation technology effectively enhances the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of concrete. Systematic investigations remain imperative regarding material response mechanisms under dynamic loading conditions. This study conducted microstructural analysis, static compression tests, and dynamic Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) impact compression tests on concrete specimens, complemented by dynamic impact simulations employing an established three-dimensional mesoscale concrete aggregate model. Through integrated analysis of macroscopic mechanical test results, mesoscale numerical simulations, and microstructural characterization data, the research systematically elucidated the influence mechanisms of different mineral admixture combinations on concrete’s dynamic mechanical behavior, energy dissipation characteristics, and fracture mechanisms. The results showed that all specimens exhibited strain rate enhancement characteristics as the strain rate increased. As the admixture approach transitioned from non-admixture to single admixture and subsequently to binary admixture, the dynamic strength, elastic modulus, and DIF of concrete increased progressively. Both the energy dissipation capacity and its proportion relative to total energy absorption showed continuous enhancement. The simulated stress–strain curves, failure modes, and fracture processes show good agreement with experimental results, this effectively verifies both the scientific validity of the mesoscale concrete model’s multiscale modeling approach and the reliability of the numerical simulations. Compared to FHC1, FMHC1’s mesoscale structure can more effectively convert externally applied energy into stored internal energy, thereby achieving superior dynamic compressive energy dissipation capacity. Full article

In alignment with China’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality commitments, digital inclusive finance (DIF) has emerged as a strategic instrument for carbon emission mitigation, facilitated by coordinated policy interventions and market-driven innovations. This study conducted an original multi-dimensional investigation into DIF’s carbon intensity reduction effects through an integrated analytical framework. Employing two-way fixed effects and mediation analysis models, we systematically evaluated both direct impacts and green-credit-mediated pathways using panel data across 247 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2020. A dynamic Spatial Durbin model further elucidated the spatiotemporal evolution of DIF’s spatial spillover effects. It was found that DIF development can reduce the carbon intensity of cities, and in particular, this phenomenon shows different effects in different types of cities. Green credit mechanisms effectively mediate their effects in the decarbonization process of DIF, confirming their key role in financial intermediation. In addition, DIF has a strong cross-regional spatial spillover effect, and its carbon emission reduction impact transcends local administrative jurisdictions. The results of this study will provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective carbon reduction strategies that contribute to sustainable development in China and globally. Full article