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Abstract To investigate the biomechanical factors associated with patellofemoral pain in children and adolescents. A cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in Brazil from 2019 to 2023, involving students from public schools. Adjusted prevalence ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals for the outcome in relation to independent variables were calculated for association analysis, adopting a significance level of 5%. Out of the total of 283 students, 152 were female and 182 were aged between 16 and 18 years old. A positive association was observed between the presence of patellofemoral pain and a poor movement quality in both lower limbs (right side: p = 0.04 and left side: p = 0.04) as well as with dynamic valgus of the left lower limb (p

Play behavior is common in a range of mammalian species and can have important influences on early development. We evaluated possible influences of social play on the development of behavior along the caution/boldness continuum in juvenile Belding’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi). We disrupted juvenile squirrels engaged in play by walking toward them until their play interactions stopped. We used undisrupted juveniles and juveniles disrupted while not engaged in play as controls. Caution was measured with behavioral tests during which a human intruder walked toward a squirrel and recorded the distances at which the squirrel first noticed and then fled from the intruder. Rates of social play were lower and play bouts were shorter in play-disrupted juveniles than in undisrupted and nonplay-disrupted juveniles. The distances at which juveniles noticed and fled from an intruder increased across the developmental period in which play primarily occurs, suggesting increases in caution across this interval. Increases in the distances to notice and flee from an intruder did not differ between undisrupted and nonplay-disrupted juveniles, but were greater in these groups than in play-disrupted juveniles. These results are consistent with social play behavior contributing to the development of cautious responses in juvenile U. beldingi.

We investigate the topological phase transitions driven by band warping, λ, and a transverse magnetic field, B, for three-dimensional Weyl semimetals. First, we use the Chern number as a mathematical tool to derive the topological λ×B phase diagram. Next, we associate each of the topological sectors to a given angular momentum state of a rotating wave packet. Then we show how the position of the Weyl nodes can be manipulated by a transverse external magnetic field that ultimately quenches the wave packet rotation, first partially and then completely, thus resulting in a sequence of field-induced topological phase transitions. Finally, we calculate the current-induced magnetization and the anomalous Hall conductivity of a prototypical warped Weyl material. Both observables reflect the topological transitions associated with the wave packet rotation and can help to identify the elusive 3D quantum anomalous Hall effect in three-dimensional, warped Weyl materials.

Elemental tellurium is a natural p-type semiconductor with a chiral structure and spin-polarized Fermi surface. Here, the authors show that the pressure-induced topological change of the Fermi surface at 17 kbar triggers an Anderson-Mott insulator-to-metal transition.

Because of its sensitivity to the instantaneous structure factor, S(Q,t = 0), Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) is a powerful tool for probing the dynamic structure of condensed matter systems in which the charge and lattice dynamics are coupled. When applied to hole-doped cuprate superconductors, EXAFS has revealed the presence of internal quantum tunneling polarons (IQTPs). An IQTP arises in EXAFS as a two-site distribution for certain Cu–O pairs, which is also duplicated in inelastic scattering but not observed in standard diffraction measurements. The Cu–Sr pair distribution has been found to be highly anharmonic and strongly correlated to both the IQTPs and to superconductivity, as, for example, in YSr2Cu2.75Mo0.25O7.54(Tc=84 K). In order to describe such nontrivial, anharmonic charge-lattice dynamics, we have proposed a model Hamiltonian for a prototype six-atom cluster, in which two Cu-apical-O IQTPs are charge-transfer bridged through Cu atoms by an O atom in the CuO2 plane and are anharmonically coupled via a Sr atom. By applying an exact diagonalization procedure to this cluster, we have verified that our model indeed produces an intricate interplay between charge and lattice dynamics. Then, by using the Kuramoto model for the synchronization of coupled quantum oscillators, we have found a first-order phase transition for the IQTPs into a synchronized, phase-locked phase. Most importantly, we have shown that this transition results specifically from the anharmonicity. Finally, we have provided a phase diagram showing the onset of the phase-locking of IQTPs as a function of the charge-lattice and anharmonic couplings in our model. We have found that the charge, initially confined to the apical oxygens, is partially pumped into the CuO2 plane in the synchronized phase, which suggests a possible connection between the synchronized dynamic structure and high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC) in doped cuprates.

A produção de bens e serviços públicos é um processo que pode ser organizado de diferentes formas na sociedade, sendo necessário determinar formas que satisfaçam não apenas interesses individuais, mas também coletivos. A coprodução é uma estratégia em que a definição dos bens e serviços a serem produzidos pela administração pública exige um processo democrático e participativo que envolva os cidadãos. Uma revisão histórica do conceito de coprodução é feita, visando definir suas características e seu funcionamento, destacando-se o caráter procedimental do mesmo. Nesse sentido, a organização dos esforços dos cidadãos deve obedecer a regras morais, e este artigo tem por objetivo buscar um fundamento ético para a coprodução. Como tal, a ética discursiva de Habermas é debatida como uma forma de nortear os procedimentos de coprodução. O caráter democrático da ética discursiva e da coprodução é discutido no sentido de demonstrar a congruência entre as duas teorias. O artigo, elaborado na forma de um ensaio teórico, conclui que, embora existam aspectos na teoria de Habermas que não sejam inteiramente adequados ao conceito de coprodução, as possibilidades de sua aplicação são elevadas, justificando discussão mais ampla sobre o tema.

This paper reports the CO2 electroreduction properties of three bis-bromo Co(iii) salen metal complexes and their Porous Organic Polymers (POPs) as a platform for using the salen core as a multi-electron reducing agent. Although Co(iii) salen metal complexes have been studied extensively for their chemical catalysis with CO2, their electrochemical behaviour, particularly their reduction, in the presence of CO2 is much less explored. The discrete Co(iii) complexes enabled the reduction of CO2 to CO in faradaic efficiencies of up to 20%. The reductive electrochemical processes of Co(iii) salen complexes are relatively unknown; therefore, the mechanism of reduction for the complexes was investigated using IR and UV-Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical (SEC) techniques. The discrete bis-bromo salen complexes were incorporated into POPs with tris-(p-ethynyl)-triphenylamine as a co-ligand and were characterised using solid state NMR, IR, UV-Vis-NIR and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). The POP materials were electrophoretically deposited onto glassy carbon under milder conditions than those previously reported in the literature. Direct attachment of the POP materials to glassy carbon enabled improved solid state electrochemical analysis of the samples. The POP materials were also analysed via SEC techniques, where a Co(ii/i) process could be observed, but further reductions associated with the imine reduction compromised the stability of the POPs.

To investigate the biomechanical factors associated with patellofemoral pain in children and adolescents. A cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in Brazil from 2019 to 2023, involving students from public schools. Adjusted prevalence ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals for the outcome in relation to independent variables were calculated for association analysis, adopting a significance level of 5%. Out of the total of 283 students, 152 were female and 182 were aged between 16 and 18 years old. A positive association was observed between the presence of patellofemoral pain and a poor movement quality in both lower limbs (right side: p = 0.04 and left side: p = 0.04) as well as with dynamic valgus of the left lower limb (p < 0.01). Patellofemoral pain in children and adolescents is associated with poor movement quality in the lower limbs and dynamic valgus of the left lower limb. Actions targeting these biomechanical factors may be crucial for early diagnosis and clinical treatment of this disfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Play behavior is common in a range of mammalian species and can have important influences on early development. We evaluated possible influences of social play on the development of behavior along the caution/boldness continuum in juvenile Belding's ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi). We disrupted juvenile squirrels engaged in play by walking toward them until their play interactions stopped. We used undisrupted juveniles and juveniles disrupted while not engaged in play as controls. Caution was measured with behavioral tests during which a human intruder walked toward a squirrel and recorded the distances at which the squirrel first noticed and then fled from the intruder. Rates of social play were lower and play bouts were shorter in play-disrupted juveniles than in undisrupted and nonplay-disrupted juveniles. The distances at which juveniles noticed and fled from an intruder increased across the developmental period in which play primarily occurs, suggesting increases in caution across this interval. Increases in the distances to notice and flee from an intruder did not differ between undisrupted and nonplay-disrupted juveniles, but were greater in these groups than in play-disrupted juveniles. These results are consistent with social play behavior contributing to the development of cautious responses in juvenile U. beldingi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Social prescribing inherently embodies a co-productive nature, particularly within the ‘holistic’ model facilitated by the pivotal role of Link Workers. Most attention is focused on collecting evidence about the micro-level relationship between Link Workers and their clients. However, little is known about how this co-productive relationship influences or is influenced by value co-creation at different levels, given the involvement of multiple actors in delivering the intervention. To advance research on the operational processes underlying social prescribing, we propose a conceptual framework utilizing the Service Ecosystems perspective to investigate the application of social prescribing with young people in NEET situations in Italy. Methods A single case study was conducted as part of the European C.O.P.E. (Capabilities, Opportunities, Places, and Engagement) initiative, examining the implementation of social prescribing targeting young NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in Italy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants, including six members of the C.O.P.E. coordination team, six Link Workers, and 15 young people aged 15–34 years. Results Findings are presented showing the ecosystem dynamics at each intervention phase: the referral process, co-production of an individualized action plan, and connection with and activation of community assets. Discussion This research illustrates how social prescribing is not a linear path but rather a complex intervention with multiple interacting elements across ecosystem layers. The dyadic relationship between Link Workers and clients operates within broader care services, fostering continuity of care. The service ecosystem perspective offers a valuable framework for examining the dynamic interactions between actors and understanding how their resource integration processes and institutional arrangements foster the emergence of opportunities to support an invisible and hard-to-reach target group, such as young people in NEET situations.

Five Metal–Organic Frameworks ({[M2(tdc)2(L)2]·2DMF}, tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate, M = ZnII (1–Zn), CuII (1–Cu), MnII (1–Mn), {[Zn(oba)(L)]·DMF·H2O} (2–Zn), oba = 4,4′-oxybisbenzoate, and {[Zn2(bpdc)2(L)2]·L}, (3–Zn) bpdc = 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylate) that incorporate the redox-active 2,5-dipyridylthiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (DPTzTz) ligand (L) have been synthesised and their electronic properties elucidated. The ligand-based organic radicals were generated using in situ techniques and monitored using a suite of solid-state spectroelectrochemistry techniques. The absence of a near infra-red band (NIR), indicating through-space intervalence charge transfer (IVCT), in all analysed materials suggests that both the inter-ligand distance between cofacial TzTz moieties and the flexibility of the TzTz moiety affect the through-space IVCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA, 4,4'-(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol) is a common plasticizer that is very widespread in the environment and is also found at significant concentrations in the global oceans, due to contamination by plastics. Here we show that triplet sensitization is an important degradation pathway for BPA in natural surface waters, which could prevail if the water dissolved organic carbon is above 2–3 mgC L−1. Bromide levels as per seawater conditions have the potential to slow down BPA photodegradation, a phenomenon that could not be offset by reaction of BPA with Br2 •− (second-order reaction rate constant of (2.54 ± 0.09) × 108 M−1 s−1). Ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry revealed that the presence of inorganic salts (NaCl and NaBr) markedly increased the complexity of the observed CHO product compounds formed upon photosensitized degradation of BPA. The obtained results suggest that bisphenols can be efficiently removed by photosensitized reactions and generate higher number of oligomers and polyaromatic compounds in the sea surface and liquid water of marine aerosols compared to freshwaters and/or dilute cloud-water. Considering that polyaromatic compounds absorb solar actinic radiation, these results suggest that inorganic salts could significantly affect the photosensitized degradation of bisphenols and consequently influence the light-absorbing properties of marine aerosols and, ultimately, the Earth’s radiative balance.

Defense wounds generally occur when a victim attempts to protect vital organs and blood vessels during an assault, and are therefore typically located on the forearms or hands. Gunshot-induced defense wounds are less frequent compared to stab wounds, which have been extensively described in the literature. We present three cases where victims unsuccessfully attempted to defend themselves from gunshots, and where the detailed description of injuries played a key role in the reconstruction of the crime scenes. In the first case, a man was shot with a smooth-bore shotgun, presenting a “through-and-through” gunshot wound on the lateral surface of the left forearm and a large gaping wound on the posterior surface of the same forearm. The second and third cases involved two men who were shot with handguns. The first displayed an entrance wound on the dorsal surface of the right hand, with burned edges and smoke soiling, and an exit wound on the palmar surface. The second case involved two wounds on the left hand: one on the dorsum and the other on the palm. To the best of our knowledge, few studies in the literature emphasize the role of gunshot defense wounds in aiding the reconstruction of crime dynamics. The cases presented in this study highlight the importance of precisely defining the pathological and morphological features of the wounds, as well as the bullet trajectories, to accurately identify defense wounds. These findings are valuable for reconstructing the dynamics of the assault and providing critical information to the public prosecutor.

Abstract New electrolytes are necessary for the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective solid-state magnesium batteries. Methylamine borane-magnesium borohydride Mg(BH4)2-CH3NH2BH3 combined with MgO is suggested as a novel solid state electrolyte. In fact, Mg(BH4)2-CH3NH2BH3 0.33–0.67 (molar fraction) is a viscous liquid at room temperature, but it can be stabilized in the solid state after the incorporation of 75 wt% of MgO. The obtained composite exhibits remarkable Mg2+ conductivity, achieving approximately 10–5 S cm-1 at 25 °C and 10–4 S cm–1 at 65 °C. Graphical abstract

Abstract The success of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their biosimilars, highlights the challenge to control their purity, identity, and stability. For this purpose, among several orthogonal methodologies, imaged capillary Iso Electric Focusing (icIEF) is one of the leading techniques. Despite the isoelectric point (pI) being a univocal parameter relying on the protein’s primary sequence and its post-translational modifications (PTMs), the current Charge Variants Profile Assessment (CVPA) carried out by cIEF relies on relative comparisons with corresponding reference standards, this is because the inconsistent outputs for the same sample across different instruments preclude the uniqueness of the measured parameters. We demonstrate that refining the current calibration approach in the iciEF method allows for obtaining more reliable and objective pIs, and a deeper understanding of the pH gradients along the capillaries. We are confident our advancements will enhance CVPA, by exploring the concept of univocal charge identity. This is crucial for constructing biobanks and developing algorithms to quickly identify divergences from the originators, thus ensuring drug quality, efficacy, and safety. Moreover, our method allows an experimental design optimized to minimize bias (“Unbiased” Experimental Design—UED) to study resolution as a multivariate function of different input variables. This endeavor aims to develop optimal methods tailored to specific pH ranges.

Abstract It has been shown recently, without an explanation of the possible molecular mechanisms involved, that 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinepropanesulphonic (EPPS) acid effectively protects from the neurotoxicity induced by oligomers and plaques formed by the protein amyloid-β protein. Here we report the same protective effect, obtained in vitro (HT22-diff cell line) and ex vivo (hippocampal slices) models, against amyloid neurotoxicity induced by oligomers of salmon Calcitonin (sCT), which has been shown to be a good model for the study of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on biophysical studies focusing on the protein aggregation kinetic and the interaction of the aggregates with model membranes, we propose a possible molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects. Taken together, our results indicate that EPPS is able to counteract the direct association (primary aggregation) of harmless low-molecular weight aggregates (dimers and trimers) or their aggregation catalysed by surfaces present in the solution (secondary aggregation). Thus, EPPS stabilizes harmless aggregates and hinders the formation of toxic and metastable prefibrillar oligomers. Overall, our data demonstrate that EPPS is an excellent drug candidate for the treatment of neurodegeneration due to misfolded proteins, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Abstract Sore throat represents one of the main causes of antibiotic overprescription in children. Its management is still a matter of debate, with countries considering streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis a benign and self-limiting condition and others advocating for its antibiotic treatment to prevent suppurative complications and acute rheumatic fever. Italian paediatricians frequently prescribe antibiotics on a clinical basis regardless of microbiological results. Moreover, broad-spectrum antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed for this condition. In this regard, an intersociety consensus conference was issued to promote the judicious use of antibiotic therapy in paediatric outpatient settings. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and updated recommendations were developed according to the GRADE methodology. Antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin (50 mg/kg/day) for 10 days is recommended in all children with proven streptococcal pharyngitis. Benzathine-penicillin could be prescribed in children with impaired intestinal absorption or inability to tolerate enteral intake and in those at high risk of suppurative complications with low compliance to oral therapy. In children with suspected amoxicillin allergy, third-generation cefalosporins for five days are recommended in low-risk patients, and macrolides are recommended in high-risk ones. Candidates for tonsillectomy due to recurrent pharyngitis could be treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, clindamycin, or combined therapy with amoxicillin plus rifampicin for four days, in an attempt to avoid surgery.

Abstract Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an acute infection of the lung parenchyma acquired outside the hospital or other healthcare settings, typically affecting previously healthy individuals. This intersociety consensus aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for the antibiotic treatment of mild to moderate CAP in previously healthy children in Italy. A systematic review was conducted to identify the most recent and relevant evidence. Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were systematically screened, with a date restriction from 2012 to April 2024, but without language limitations. The review included studies conducted in high-income countries on antibiotic therapy in children over 3 months of age diagnosed with mild-moderate CAP. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methods. The final recommendations were obtained through a Delphi consensus of an expert panel. Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment if the child is at least immunized against Haemophilus influenzae type b (low/very low quality of evidence, strong recommendations), while amoxicillin-clavulanate or second- or third-generation cephalosporins should be prescribed for those unimmunized or with incomplete immunization coverage for both H. influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae (low/very low quality of evidence, strong recommendations). Macrolides should be considered in addition to amoxicillin in children over 5 years old, if symptoms persist and the clinical condition remains good after 48 h of therapy (low/very low quality of evidence, strong recommendations). The dosage of amoxicillin is 90 mg/kg/day divided in three doses, although two doses could be considered to improve compliance (moderate quality of evidence, weak recommendations). A five-day duration of therapy is recommended, with clinical monitoring and re-assessment approximately 72 h after the start of antibiotic treatment to evaluate symptom resolution (moderate quality of evidence, strong recommendations). To improve the management of CAP in pediatric patients, we have developed this consensus based on a thorough review of the best available evidence and extensive discussions with an expert panel. However, further efforts are needed. Future research should focus on enhancing diagnostic accuracy, optimizing antibiotic utilization, comparing the efficacy of different antibiotic regimens, and determining the optimal dosage and duration of treatment in different setting.

Abstract Social prescribing has become a global phenomenon. A Delphi study was recently conducted with 48 social prescribing experts from 26 countries to establish global agreement on the definition of social prescribing. We reflect on the use and utility of the outputs of this work, and where we go from here.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo é estimar os efeitos da implantação do Programa de Fomento às Empresas Prestadoras de Serviço de Comunicação Multimídia (PSCM) no crescimento das pequenas empresas prestadoras de Serviço de Comunicação Multimídia (SCM) no Estado de Santa Catarina (SC), no período entre janeiro de 2016 e dezembro de 2021, sendo esse programa implementado em janeiro de 2019. Para a estimativa da possível relação causal existente, explorou-se o crescimento das empresas, em número de acessos mensais, com as técnicas de Diferenças em Diferenças (DiD), adotando como contrafactuais as pequenas empresas do setor estabelecidas do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Ao realizar a conjectura dos escores de propensão e formação de conjuntos de dados, conforme o pareamento e o suporte comum, o estudo é reproduzido em amostras delimitadas pelo número de acessos das empresas, ou seja, busca-se compreender a variação do crescimento das empresas agrupadas em diferentes estratos de tamanho. A análise dos dados indica um possível impacto positivo no valor percentual de 35% no segundo quartil da amostra. De igual maneira, percebe-se uma correlação positiva no terceiro quartil, no valor percentual de 41%. Os resultados permitem sugerir que uma política voltada à progressão do regime de apuração tributária exerce efeito positivo no crescimento das empresas, ao mesmo tempo que procura prevenir o uso de suas táticas de elisão e evasão fiscal. O estudo busca colaborar, desse modo, na proposição de pesquisas que tratam da avaliação de políticas públicas tributárias.

Abstract Quantum Boltzmann machines (QBMs) are machine-learning models for both classical and quantum data. We give an operational definition of QBM learning in terms of the difference in expectation values between the model and target, taking into account the polynomial size of the data set. By using the relative entropy as a loss function, this problem can be solved without encountering barren plateaus. We prove that a solution can be obtained with stochastic gradient descent using at most a polynomial number of Gibbs states. We also prove that pre-training on a subset of the QBM parameters can only lower the sample complexity bounds. In particular, we give pre-training strategies based on mean-field, Gaussian Fermionic, and geometrically local Hamiltonians. We verify these models and our theoretical findings numerically on a quantum and a classical data set. Our results establish that QBMs are promising machine learning models.