159370 research outputs found
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Theranostic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Controlled Oxaliplatin Release Under Simulated Circulation and Cytotoxicity Evaluation in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines
Full text linkOxaliplatin (OXA) is a chemotherapeutic agent that suffers from poor pharmacokinetics and off-target toxicity. To enable controlled OXA release, we engineered a multi-functional iron oxide nanoparticle (IONPs) drug delivery system, based on pH-responsive mesoporous Fe3O4 (Fe3O4@MSN-NH2) nanoparticles (NPs), conjugated with folic acid (FA) for receptor-mediated targeting and guided by a magnetic robot platform (MRP) under simulated physiologically relevant dynamic circulation/flow system. For FA-conjugated NPs (Fe3O4@MSN-NH2/FA), ~29.73% OXA loading was achieved compared to ~10.3% in controls (Fe3O4@MSN-NH2/OXA), quantified by ICP-OES. Under dynamic circulation flow over 48 h, MRP enhanced pH-responsive OXA release (quantified by HPLC-UV), reaching ~92% and 88% (Fe3O4@MSN-NH2/OXA and Fe3O4@MSN-NH2/FA, respectively) at pH 5, versus 47% and 40% (Fe3O4@MSN-NH2/OXA and Fe3O4@MSN-NH2/FA, respectively) without MRP, demonstrating precise control in acidic tumor-mimicking conditions. MRI relaxometry exhibited strong T2-weighted contrast (T2 = 0.015 s at 50 μg/mL for Fe3O4@MSN-NH2/FA/OXA), confirming theranostic potential. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) studies revealed variable Folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) expression among colorectal cancer cell lines (Caco2, SW620, SW48, and T84), with Caco2 demonstrating high levels. MTT assays indicated selective targeting of FOLR1-positive cells by FA-functionalized NPs (Fe3O4@MSN-NH2/FA). This multi-functional drug delivery system integrates targeted delivery, MRP release, and real-time imaging, offering a promising technique for precision oncology
Trust in Color: Supporting the Digital Transformation of Textile Printing for Fashion and Apparel Industries
No full textThis responsive R&D Future Fashion Factory funded project supported a collaboration between Burberry and the University of Leeds to explore digital-color and data-driven design workflows, evaluating their effectiveness within contemporary Fashion and Textiles supply-chains. In principle, data-driven approaches prioritize decisions based on technical processes and data analysis over individual experience or personal intuition with the aim being to produce the right product. The study incorporates perspectives from the design and technology interface to assess the reliability of technical color-judgments. It considers how trust in measured color-decisions impacts on the Digital Transformation objectives of streamlining processes, improving business efficiency, and delivering on sustainability goals through digitally driven manufacturing processes. Reliable color accuracy and consistency can be fundamental in the assessment and successful integration of digital design workflows. The implications of this innovative research are positioned within the broader context of industry transformation and the urgent need to make sustainable progress in the reform of traditional Fashion & Textile manufacturing. The opportunities it presents are closely aligned with the growing demand for compliance in meeting international legislation, the mandate for transparent reductions in CO2 emissions, material waste, and the adoption of low-impact manufacturing practices. Color, although recognized as integral to the creative design process, is seldom mentioned as a factor influencing successful Digital Transformation. This is perhaps reasonable considering the maturity of color-measurement technologies and their integration with established CAD-software, both analogue and digital manufacturing. A systematic evolution of the scientific instruments and routines used to measure color, spectrophotometry and calibration routines, has been conducted assessing reliability for absolute, quantitative, and reproducible color measurement. Experimental results raise questions regarding the complexities of technical-protocols revealing both scope for human-error and potential drifts in machine accuracy. At this initial scoping stage, the primary objective is to deepen our understanding of the complexities and challenges inherent in digital color workflows. This includes identifying existing skill gaps and exploring opportunities for upskilling that can be effectively addressed through targeted education and training initiatives. It is widely recognized that embedding industry-relevant skills into fashion and textiles education promotes positive change through broader sustainable development. Analysis of Future Fashion Factory success stories helps to evidence how utilizing Industry 4.0 digital textile innovations are enhancing the design and creation of fashion and textile products. In the longer term, this investigation holds significant potential to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and material waste. By enabling accurate, first-time-right color decisions, it can reduce the need for costly sampling and fabric batch approval processes, thereby supporting more efficient, data-informed digital manufacturing practices
Raising outcomes for racially minoritised women on doctoral degrees in England
Full text linkRacially minoritised women remain significantly underrepresented and unevenly supported across doctoral education in England. Doctoral education plays a critical gatekeeping role in shaping the future workforce in academia and beyond. Strengthening doctoral pathways for racially minoritised women is central to research excellence, talent sustainability, institutional credibility and economic growth.
Evidence from Generation Delta highlights structural challenges: how opaque admissions processes, mystification of the doctoral journey, inconsistent supervisory practices, and limited culturally competent support cumulatively disadvantage racially minoritised women throughout doctoral study.
We identify five priority areas for action to address this challenge
Clinical outcomes of patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome from EUMDS registry eligible for transplantation: Implications for transplantation strategies
Full text linkSelecting eligible allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) candidates with low-risk and intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) remains controversial. The International Working Group (IWG) for MDS prognosis identified a Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) score >3.5 for benefits from early transplantation; the MDS-RIGHT group uses a broader set of poor risk features. We analysed 1145 lower risk MDS (lower risk and intermediate-risk IPSS-R) patients aged <75 years, using real-world European Myelodysplastic Syndromes registry data and identifying those meeting IWG or MDS-RIGHT criteria for allo-HSCT at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Fit patients were characterised by Karnofsky score ≥70 and Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index <3. We evaluated clinical outcomes of transplant candidates, including survival, disease progression risk, new comorbidity risk and performance status decline. The IWG criterion, and not MDS-RIGHT criteria, identified patients with lower risk and intermediate-risk MDS with poorer baseline survival. Fit lower risk patients showed 2-year cumulative risks of incident comorbidity and performance status deterioration of 20% and 5% respectively. In summary, IWG and MDS-RIGHT features identify patients with lower or intermediate-risk MDS as candidates for early transplantation. Lower risk patients fit for transplantation have a cumulative incidence of adverse outcomes possibly jeopardising transplantation eligibility and should be carefully selected when planning delayed transplantation strategies
Multiscale geometric analysis of dynamic wettability on complex, fractal-like, anisotropic surfaces
Full text linkThis study introduces novel insights into the development of procedures for identifying the most relevant scales for observing the interactions of dynamic wettability and surface complexities. The experimental procedures presented for measuring dynamic contact angle hysteresis in multiscale correlation with the geometric characteristics of anisotropic surfaces contribute to a new perspective on measurement practice. In this study, microtexturing with a pyramidal structured abrasive belt is applied for precisely forming area- and length-scale anisotropic surface complexities, and consequently, topographically dependent functional features. The significant role of anisotropic topographies in modeling dynamic wettability behavior is highlighted through multiscale measurement-based analysis. These studies verify the relationship between dynamic wettability and the finest surface microgeometry (microroughness) and also the coarsest texture components (waviness). The size of topographic features, ranging from microroughness to waviness, significantly influences droplet pinning and liquid entrapment. Furthermore, the influence of material hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity on the calculated multiscale relationships is assessed. The results indicated specific scales that best correlate with dynamic wettability, with length- and area-scale complexities of 6.9 µm and 28 µm2, respectively. A novel measurement-based approach to scale-dependent surface–functionality interactions offers new insights for designing dynamic wettability on anisotropic surfaces
The effect of television advertising on gambling behaviour: a quasi-experimental study during the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup
Full text linkIntroduction
Gambling is a recognised public health problem, and population-level advertising restrictions may be an effective way to reduce gambling-related harm. This study fills an important evidence gap by employing a quasi-experiment to estimate the impact of television gambling advertising on gambling behaviour during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. It exploits the variation in gambling advertising between two broadcasters to evaluate its impact on gambling behaviour in a real-world setting.
Methods
Poisson and Logistic panel data regression models using the broadcaster in place of gambling advertising are employed with individual fixed effects and match-level controls. Betting data is from a purposive sample of 365 men aged 18 to 45 who bet on football in England.
Results
Frequency of betting on football was 16 % to 24 % higher during games televised on a channel with gambling advertising compared to one without [IRR: 1.16 – 1.24,p < 0.01]. Furthermore, participants were 22 % to 33 % more likely to place a football bet during games that contained television gambling advertising [OR: 1.22 – 1.33, p < 0.01].
Conclusions
Using a pseudo-randomised quasi-experiment, this study found that television advertising significantly increased both the likelihood and frequency of betting during live football games in the sample studied. This raises concerns about the adequacy of current advertising restrictions in the UK and suggests that a policy which restricts television gambling advertising around live football might be an effective part of a wider public health strategy to tackle gambling-related harms. Future studies should replicate this design, using larger, more representative samples, to inform policy
Anxiolytic medication use in low‐ middle‐ and high‐income countries: a world mental health surveys report
Full text link© 2025 The Author(s). Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made
Using co-design to identify healthcare priorities for patients with incurable head and neck cancer
Full text linkBackground
Patients with incurable head and neck cancer (HNC) face complex care pathways, significant symptom burdens and psychosocial challenges. The complexity of symptoms, disease trajectory and the centralised, but often inequitable, services frequently lead to the patients’ and caregivers’ needs for support and care not being fully met. To address this gap, this study adopts a co-design approach, where patients, caregivers, and professionals collaborate to develop solutions that address service issues, aligning with the needs and priorities of both patients and caregivers.
Methods
This qualitative exploration of co-design processes involved patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) participating in one online and two in-person multi-stakeholder co-design workshops in Sheffield, UK. Patient vignettes were developed to illustrate typical care journeys and ‘stress points’ in service interactions. These vignettes were shared with 13 participants, including patients with lived experience of head and neck cancer, family caregivers, specialist nurses, and allied HCPs, to identify areas for improvement and co-develop potential solutions using prioritisation activities, group concept mapping, and facilitated group discussions.
Results
During the first in-person workshop, co-design participants (co-designers) identified and prioritised critical stress points in the care pathway, including a lack of support in caregivers’ preparedness and challenges navigating healthcare systems (specifically contacting the clinical team). Using these findings, the co-designers proposed various solutions, including introducing a single point of contact (care navigator) or a printed version of a personalised ‘roadmap’ of services, instituting a multidisciplinary discharge planning process to aid transitions to home care and implementing a dedicated 24-hour helpline staffed by knowledgeable personnel (HNC specialist staff) to provide patients with information.
Conclusion
The co-design workshops have developed practical, user-informed intervention solutions to address the specific navigation challenges faced by people with incurable HNC. While the interventions developed are relevant in many ways to the broader HNC care pathway, they are particularly relevant to the complex needs of this group and are now guiding the next phase of interventions for improving patient-centred services
Misty sunrise: The institutional logics of solar energy entrepreneurial ecosystems in Togo and Burkina Faso
No full textThis article explores the influence of institutional logics (ILs) within entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) on entrepreneurship in the renewable energy (RE) sector in West Africa, focusing on Togo and Burkina Faso. Given Africa's vulnerability to the consequences of climate change and the significant lack of access to electricity in subSaharan West Africa, the energy transition is crucial. Utilising an ILs perspective, this research investigates how the ILs linked to the RE sector shape EEs in this context, considering the institutional peculiarities of the two countries. Through a qualitative analysis of 65 semi-structured interviews conducted with entrepreneurs, energy experts, and NGO representatives, the study uncovers the dynamics at work. The findings highlight the prevalent influence of interinstitutional state and market orders in shaping the logics of RE entrepreneurship in these EEs. The study reveals enabling and limiting factors, such as government policies to support REs, local market dynamics dominated by low-cost imports, difficulties in accessing finance for small businesses, and sociocultural challenges. The article contributes to the literature on EEs by applying the perspective of ILs in an under-studied African context, providing theoretical implications for understanding ecosystem dynamics and practical and policy implications for promoting sustainable RE entrepreneurship in the region
Effects of solid viscoelasticity and loading rates on the squeeze film lubrication towards polymer-based materials: A numerical study
Full text linkThis study employs numerical simulations to investigate the effects of solid viscoelasticity and loading rates on the squeeze film lubrication performance. A novel generalized numerical lubrication model of point contact including a rigid sphere interacting with a viscoelastic semi-infinite plane is established. The Maxwell and Standard Linear Solid (SLS) models are adopted to describe the solid viscoelastic characteristics. By integrating the multigrid method (MG) with Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm, the viscoelastic squeeze film lubrication simulation was conducted. The proposed squeeze film lubrication model with SLS viscoelastic solid was applied to quantitatively analyze the time-dependent film thickness and pressure distributions in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) hip joints. Results indicate that the initial squeeze-film stage requires a higher number of time step divisions, while the influence of time step partitioning weakens as squeeze time increases. A distinct secondary pressure equilibrium of the SLS model was exhibited after the initial squeeze stage, with minimum film thickness becoming significantly larger (up to 52 % at 6τ) and central film thickness markedly greater (up to 51 % at 6τ) than those predicted by a purely elastic model. Under high loading rates, instantaneous elasticity dominates, yielding higher pressures and film thicknesses, while low rates promote residual deformation, leading to wider contact areas and flatter pressure distributions. The unloading phase demonstrated lower peak pressures and a broader contact area compared to loading at the same load. The numerical framework provides an effective tool for analyzing transient squeeze-film lubrication performance in viscoelastic materials, offering insights for designing polymer-based lubricated systems
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