Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the humoral response to and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a multicenter cohort design. Methods: Data for this analysis were obtained from the Study of Safety, Effectiveness and Duration of Immunity after Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (SAFER), a prospective, multicenter, phase IV, real-world study conducted across different regions of Brazil. Patients aged >18 years with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who received any one of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines approved by the Brazilian health regulatory agency (CoronaVac [Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine], ChAdOx-1 [AstraZeneca], or BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech]) were included. Immunogenicity was assessed in pre- and post-vaccination blood samples, and patients were monitored in person and remotely for incident COVID-19 cases and their severity. Results: Two hundred and thirty-five patients with SLE who had completed their vaccination schedules (2 doses + booster dose) were included in this study. Most patients were female (89.3%) and had low disease activity or were in remission (72.4%); the majority were also on some form of immunosuppressive therapy (58.1%). One hundred and sixteen patients received 2 doses of CoronaVac followed by 1 dose of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine, 87 received 2 doses of ChAdOx1-S (AstraZeneca) followed by 1 dose of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine, and 32 received 3 doses of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine. Twenty-eight incident cases of COVID-19, none meeting severity criteria, were recorded in patients with respiratory symptoms after the second dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Regarding immunogenicity, an increase in seroconversion rate was observed, with no difference between vaccination schedules, reaching 97.57% seropositivity after a booster dose. The increases in geometric mean IgG titers differed between the different vaccination schedules, being lowest for the CoronaVac-based schedule, but titers were similar after administration of a booster dose. Conclusion: In patients with SLE, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are immunogenic and effective in reducing severe disease and hospitalization. Complete vaccination schedules including a booster dose were associated with induction of a greater humoral response, especially in patients initially immunized with an inactivated virus vaccine schedule and those with a suboptimal humoral response.

Abstract: This pioneering article offers a sweeping, paradigm-shifting exploration of the revolutionary emergence of "Mode 4" knowledge production - a fundamental reconceptualization of the epistemological, organizational, and methodological foundations of research and innovation. Drawing on cutting-edge theoretical frameworks and a vast corpus of rigorous empirical evidence, this work argues that Mode 4 represents a transformative leap towards a more collaborative, transdisciplinary, and adaptive approach to knowledge creation - one that holds the potential to catalyze a profound and lasting transformation in the way we conceive of, organize, and mobilize research to address the complex, interconnected challenges facing our world. At the heart of this paradigm shift lies the groundbreaking "decuple helix" framework, which expands the scope of stakeholder engagement and knowledge co-creation to incorporate a comprehensive range of actors, from academia and industry to marginalized communities, the natural environment, and international organizations. By situating this revolutionary approach within the context of African missiology, the article delves deeply into the multifaceted roles and invaluable contributions of this diverse array of stakeholders, demonstrating how their active integration can unlock the transformative power of collaborative, values-oriented research and innovation for decolonizing and reimagining missionary praxis. The work examines the profound implications of Mode 4 for the epistemology, ontology, methodology, ethics, and praxis of African missiology, charting a course towards a more inclusive, emancipatory, and holistically integrated future for the missionary enterprise.

Abstract: Photo-thermo-electric conversion devices represent a promising technology for converting solar energy into electrical energy. Photothermal materials, as a critical component, play a significant role in efficient conversion from solar energy to thermal energy and subsequently to electrical energy, thereby directly influencing the overall system's solar energy utilization efficiency. However, the application of single-component photothermal materials in photo-thermo-electric conversion systems remains limited. The exploration of novel photothermal materials with broad-spectrum absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE), and robust output power density is highly desired. In this study, we investigated a black cuprous halide compound, [Cu2Cl2PA]n (1, PA = phenazine), which exhibits broad-spectrum absorption extending into the near-infrared (NIR) region. Compound 1 demonstrated a high NIR-I PCE of 50% under irradia-tion of an 808 nm laser, attributed to metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) from Cu(I) to PA ligands and strong intermolecular π–π interactions among PA ligands. Furthermore, the pho-to-thermo-electric conversion device constructed using compound 1 achieved a notable output voltage of 261 mV and an output power density of 0.92 W/m² under the 1 Sun (1000 W/m²) xenon lamp.

Abstract: (1) Background: NGC 3516 is an active Seyfert galaxy, which has become a focal point of astronomical studies due to its variable luminosity and emission lines, linked to the activity of its central supermassive black hole (SMBH). This paper presents an analysis of long-term observations from 2014 to 2024, including photometric and spectroscopic data collected at the Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute (FAI, Kazakhstan) and the Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory (SHAO, Azerbaijan). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the changes in luminosity and spectral characteristics of NGC 3516, providing insights into the dynamics of the galaxy’s activity and its evolving chemical composition. (2) Methods: The research utilized photometric data in the B, V, R filters, along with spectroscopic observations in the wavelength range of λ4000 Å–λ7000 ÅThe spectroscopic data were normalized to analyze the profiles of emission lines and their variations over time. Broad emission line profiles (Hα and Hβ) were also analyzed to estimate radial velocities. A three-component model was applied, demonstrating a better statistical fit to the observed data, indicating a complex structure and dynamics within the galaxy’s Broad Line Region (BLR).; (3) Results: The main results of the study show that from 2018 to 2024, the brightness of NGC 3516 varied with amplitudes of ΔB=0.35 mag, ΔV=0.18 mag, ΔR=0.20 mag. An increase in brightness was observed in April 2020, likely associated with an X-ray flare detected simultaneously. Spectroscopic observations revealed a gradual weakening of the Hγλ4340 Å emission line starting from mid-2023. Narrow emission lines of [FeII] λ4814.53 Å and [FeVII] λ6087 Å were detected, indicating an active phase of the galaxy in May 2020. Photometric observations also revealed an increase in the object’s brightness in 2020. These observations suggest intriguing changes in the object’s activity, potentially indicating luminosity and chemical composition dynamics over the observed period. For the broad Hα line profile in the spectrum of NGC 3516, obtained with the AZT-8 on April 20, 2020, the radial velocity v=981−20+19 km/s. The radial velocity for the Hβ profile was 937−576+584 km/s; (4) Conclusions: Long-term observations of NGC 3516 have revealed significant changes in its luminosity and spectral characteristics, suggesting dynamic processes within the active nucleus of the galaxy. The observed variability in the broad emission line profiles could be linked to processes within the Broad Line Region (BLR) interacting with the SMBH and surrounding matter. These results may help in a more accurate estimation of the SMBH mass and provide deeper insights into the dynamics and evolution of active Seyfert galaxies.

Abstract: Coupling superconducting (SC) contacts to light-emitting layers can lead to remarkable effects, as seen in inorganic quantum-well LEDs with superconducting contacts, where an enhancement in radiative recombination was observed. Additional dramatic effects were theorized if both electrodes are SC, such as correlated emission and 2-photon entanglement. Motivated by this and by the question if proximity induced SC is possible in organic light emitting materials, we studied the electronic properties of stacked SC-organic-SC devices. Our structures consisted of Nb (bottom) and NbN (top) SC electrodes and a spin-coated light emitting semiconductor polymer, MEH-PPV. Sputtering the SC directly on the polymer causes pinhole, which we prevent by ultra-slow deposition of a 5 nm aluminum film, before depositing the top SC in-situ. The Al protects the organic film from damage and pinhole formation, while preserving SC in the top electrodes due to proximity effect between Al and NbN. Electrical transport measurements of the completed junctions indicate that indeed, the top and bottom contacts are superconducting and the protected MEH-PPV layer is pinhole-free, as supported by HR-TEM and EDS. Most important, we find that as the temperature is decreased below the critical temperature of the SCs, the device shows evidence for proximity effect in the MEH-PPV and for a Josephson effect in the device.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at higher risk for pregnancy complications. The PCOS population is heterogeneous, with different phenotypes linked to varying risks of adverse outcomes. However, literature on pre-conceptional hyperandrogenism is limited and based on small sample sizes. Methods: This multi-institutional retrospective cohort study included pregnant patients diagnosed with PCOS with or without pre-conceptional hyperandrogenism. Utilizing the TriNetX platform, one-to-one propensity score matching was conducted to adjust for factors such as age at pregnancy, race, chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes and hypertension), and body mass index. Exclusion criteria included multiple pregnancies and patients who received assisted reproductive technology, oral contraceptives, or spironolactone. 571 patients with PCOS and pre-conceptional hyperandrogenism and 13,465 patients with PCOS without hyperandrogenism were identified. Post-propensity matching, each cohort consisted of 564 patients. Results: Pregnant women diagnosed with PCOS and pre-conceptional hyperandrogenism showed a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to those diagnosed with PCOS but without hyperandrogenism. There was a higher incidence of large for gestational age (6.6% vs. 3.9%, OR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.007-2.972], p-value = 0.045) and preterm birth (10.3% vs. 5.9%, OR = 1.844, 95% CI [1.183-2.876], p-value = 0.006), but had no significant increase in the risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia, gestational diabetes, missed abortion, intrauterine growth restriction, placenta abruption, or cesarean section. Conclusions: Women with PCOS and pre-conceptional hyperandrogenism face a greater risk of pregnancy complications. Further studies are needed to clarify the results and mechanisms and determine whether treatment improves outcomes.

Abstract: Within mammalian cells, diverse endocytic mechanisms, including phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis, serve as gateways exploited by many bacterial pathogens and toxins. Among these, caveolae-mediated endocytosis is characterized by lipid-rich caveolae and dimeric caveolin proteins. Caveolae are specialized microdomains on cell surfaces that impact cell signaling. Caveolin proteins facilitate the creation of caveolae and have three members in vertebrates: caveolin-1, caveolin-2, and caveolin-3. Many bacterial pathogens hijack caveolin machinery to invade host cells. For example, the Gram-positive facultative model intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes exploits caveolin-mediated endocytosis for efficient cellular entry, translocation across the intestinal barrier, and cell-cell spread. Caveolin facilitates the internalization of group A Streptococci by promoting the formation of invaginations in the plasma membrane and avoiding fusion with lysosomes, thereby aiding intracellular survival. Caveolin plays a crucial role in internalizing and modulation of host immune responses by Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli K1, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium. Here, we summarize how bacterial pathogens manipulate the host's caveolin system to facilitate bacterial entry and movement within and between host cells, support intracellular survival, evade immune responses, and trigger inflammation. The knowledge enhances the intervention of new therapeutic targets against caveolin in microbial invasion and immune evasion processes.

Abstract: HLA homozygosity of specific alleles at a single locus is associated with increased risk for autoimmunity. However, the contribution of the overall limitation of HLA allele diversity to autoimmunity risk remains to be determined. We conducted a proof-of-concept case-control study of 413 subjects (279 cases, 134 matched controls) examining the “Limitation of HLA Diversity” (LoHLAD) across multiple loci as an allele-independent risk factor for pediatric-onset autoimmune rheumatic disease. The association of LoHLAD with pediatric-onset autoimmune rheumatic diseases was examined at 5 HLA loci (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DQB1, HLA- DRB1, HLA- DRB3/4/5). For the purpose of this study, we introduced a novel metric of LoHLAD defined as 1) homozygosity at any of the examined loci, and/or 2) the presence of a single allele or the complete lack of an allele at the HLA-DRB3/4/5 locus. The frequency of LoHLAD at any locus was significantly higher in cases compared to controls (65.95% vs 30.60%, OR 4.39 [2.82-6.84], P

Abstract: Nowadays PSMA ligands are widely used for radiotheragnostic purposes of prostate cancer. The goal of this study was to synthesize and estimate stability in vitro of copper complex with diacetate bispidine ligand (Bisp1), its bifunctional derivative (Bisp-alkyne) and its conjugate – bispidine-PSMA ligand (PSMA-Bisp) to evaluate the possibility of applying one as radiotheragnostic agent. The synthesis for PSMA-Bisp conjugate was developed and realized with good yields. All newly synthesized compounds were characterized by a set of physicochemical methods: 1H and 13C NMR, HRMS and LCMS (for final molecules). Subsequently, Bisp1 and Bisp-alkyne and its derivative PSMA-Bisp were labelled by 64Cu at mild conditions. In vitro studies of the labelled conjugate [64Cu]Cu-PSMA-Bisp have shown the great stability in model solutions. Finally, [64Cu]Cu-PSMA-Bisp was compared to well-known PSMA-617 conjugate labelled with 64Cu and they have showed similar stability in excess of bovine serum (BVS), and at the same time labelling PSMA-Bisp with 64Cu is characterized by extremely high kinetics at mild conditions, while labeling PSMA-617 with 64Cu requires heating (90 °C) [PMCID: PMC5435610]. Thus, the conjugate PSMA-Bisp could be promising candidate for further investigations expanded in vitro and in vivo investigations.

Abstract: Metal hydride hydrogen compressors have attracted great attention due to their reliable safety, environmental friendliness, and the absence of vibration and noise. Herein, the effects of Ti substitution for Zr on the crystal structure and hydrogen comprehensive performance of Ti0.92+xZr0.1-xCr1.0Mn0.6Fe0.4 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) are investigated systematically. Among the investigated alloys, the Ti0.94Zr0.08Cr1.0Mn0.6Fe0.4 alloy can be considered as a promising candidate for application with a hydrogen capacity of 1.82 wt.% under 9 MPa at -10 °C. Meanwhile, it exhibits excellent hydrogen absorption kinetic performance, reaching 1.655 wt.% in 5 min. The desorption pressure at 83.9 °C is determined to be 25 MPa by Van't Hoff fitting plots, which fulfills the requirement of producing over 25 MPa hydrogen pressure in water-bath environments with a high compression ratio of 3.08. The Ti0.94Zr0.08Cr1.0Mn0.6Fe0.4 alloy is very promising for hydrogen refueling applications in long tube trailers and low-pressure gas cylinders.