Establishing the Cross‐Cultural Validity of the Immune Status Questionnaire Using Rasch Analysis

ABSTRACT Reliable assessment of self‐reported immune function is essential for identifying at‐risk populations, monitoring public health interventions and informing global health strategies. Yet, current instruments are imprecise and lack cross‐cultural validity. This study aimed to assess the cross‐cultural validity of the 7‐item Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ). The Partial Credit Rasch model was applied to analyse responses to the ISQ ( N  = 1250) from five nations, including India ( n  = 250), the Netherlands ( n  = 250), New Zealand ( n  = 250), Saudi Arabia ( n  = 250) and the United States ( n  = 250). Initial analysis revealed a poor fit to the Rasch model. Using sub‐test methodology, ISQ items were combined into sub‐tests, resulting in an acceptable fit to the Rasch model, evidence of strict unidimensionality and measurement invariance across nations. Acceptable fit permitted the production of an ordinal‐to‐interval conversion table included here. While physiological assessments of immune functioning provide accurate and objective evaluations of immune functioning, self‐report measures remain a practical method for their ease of administration and lower cost. Findings support the reliability and cross‐cultural validity of the ISQ. By applying interval conversion, physicians and researchers can improve the measurement accuracy of self‐reported immune status and conduct valid comparisons across nations and to interval‐level data.

In situ formation of pseudohalide anions induced by humid air and light passivates formamidinium‐based halide perovskites

Abstract Metal halide perovskites based on formamidinium (FA), or FA‐rich compositions have shown great promise for high‐performance photovoltaics. A deeper understanding of the impact of ambient conditions (e.g., moisture, oxygen, and illumination) on the possible reactions of FA‐based perovskite films and their processing sensitivities has become critical for further advances toward commercialization. Herein, we investigate reactions that take place on the surface of the FA 0.7 Cs 0.3 , mixed Br/I wide bandgap perovskite thin films in the presence of humid air and ambient illumination. The treatment forms a surface layer containing O, OH, and N‐based anions. We propose the latter originates from formamidine trapped at the perovskite/oxide interface reacting further to cyanide and/or formamidinate—an understudied class of pseudohalides that bind to Pb. Optimized treatment conditions improve photoluminescence quantum yield owing to both reduced surface recombination velocity and increased bulk carrier lifetime. The corresponding perovskite solar cells also exhibit improved performance. Identifying these reactions opens possibilities for better utilizing cyanide and amidinate ligands, species that may be expected during vapor processing of FA‐based perovskites. Our work also provides new insights into the self‐healing or self‐passivating of MA‐free perovskite compositions where FA and iodide damage could be partially offset by advantageous reaction byproducts.

Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Positive Contrast Agents in Low‐Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ABSTRACT Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (usSPIONs) are promising alternatives to gadolinium‐based contrast agents for positive contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Unlike larger SPIONs that primarily function as T2/T2* negative contrast agents, usSPIONs with core diameters below 5 nm can effectively shorten T1 relaxation times, producing bright signals in T1‐weighted images. This distinct behavior stems from their unique magnetic properties, including single‐domain configurations, surface spin canting, and rapid Néel relaxation dynamics, which are particularly enhanced at low magnetic field strengths. The biocompatibility of iron oxide, efficient renal clearance pathways, and versatility for surface functionalization offer potential advantages over gadolinium‐based agents, especially regarding safety concerns related to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and gadolinium deposition. These nanoparticles show particular promise for applications in low‐field MRI, vascular imaging, targeted molecular imaging, and theranostic platforms. Although challenges remain in optimizing synthesis methods for consistent production of monodisperse usSPIONs with tailored surface chemistry, ongoing research continues to advance their potential for clinical translation. This review explores the mechanisms, synthesis approaches, applications, and future perspectives of usSPIONs as positive contrast agents in MRI.

Liberalization of animal genetic resources trade and local animal productivity outcomes: A natural experiment

Direct‐to‐consumer pharmaceutical advertising: Potential societal impact and recommendations

Abstract The 2024 Public and Professional Relations Committee of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) was charged by the Board of Regents to summarize the potential impact of direct‐to‐consumer pharmaceutical advertising (DTCPA) on patient education, quality of care, clinical decision‐making, and medication cost and access. Despite its ubiquitous use in all forms of popular and social media in the United States, the full societal benefits and unintended consequences of DTCPA remain unknown. Although the primary purpose of DTCPA is to generate revenue for pharmaceutical manufacturers by boosting sales of prescription drugs, patients may directly or indirectly benefit from improved quality of care through increased access to and engagement with the health care team. Conversely, DTCPA may foster suboptimal medication use by promoting less appropriate prescribing or increasing drug‐related costs. Patients may also be misled or confused by the ads, and the messages may contradict those conveyed by the health care team. In late 2024, the FDA implemented new regulations aimed at improving DTCPA. The Public and Professional Relations Committee offers several DTCPA‐related recommendations that are directed at patients, health care teams, health educators, and researchers.

Comprehensive Medication Reviews for Adults With Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

ABSTRACT Introduction People with intellectual or developmental disabilities face an elevated risk of adverse medication and health outcomes due to polypharmacy, medication interactions, and adherence issues. This study's objective was to assess the feasibility of virtual and in‐home comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) to identify and, when necessary, intervene on medication‐related problems (MRPs) among patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) residing in community group homes and to assess the caregivers' satisfaction with the CMRs. Methods Patients with IDD taking 5 or more medications were detected by using the health system's data warehouse. CMR steps included meeting with the patient and caregiver, assessing for MRP using the American Pharmacist Association/National Association of Chain Drug Stores framework, and providing a summary report for the patient/caregiver/prescriber. The report was reviewed with the caregiver 2 weeks after the initial CMR visit and sent to the prescriber. Outcomes measured included changes in the number of medications in patients' regimens, the number of MRPs identified, and a description of the MRPs. Results Twenty‐nine patients with IDD received the CMR intervention. A median and interquartile range (IQR) of 4 (3.0, 4.0) MRPs were identified for each patient. The most common MRPs were inaccurate medication list in the medical record ( n  = 21), duplication of therapy ( n  = 13), no indication for medication use documented ( n  = 8), and a potential problem present but not treated ( n  = 7). There was a statistically significant difference in the median number of medications prior to and after CMR ( p  = 0.046), which decreased from 16 (12, 19) to 14.5 (10.8, 18.3). Caregivers were highly satisfied with the CMR process. Conclusion These results support the feasibility of conducting CMR both virtually and in‐home. Implementation of a CMR program on a larger scale and conducting outcomes assessment are the next steps, with the goal to ensure safe and effective use of their medications by patients who have IDD.

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: Evidence, Challenges, and Best Practices: An Opinion of the Drug Information Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy

ABSTRACT As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly reshape health care, there is a critical need for clear frameworks for clinicians to ensure ethical, equitable, and effective integration and use of AI in patient care. Key integrations of AI include enhancing health communications, patient engagement, clinicians' training, pharmaceutical advertising, clinical decision‐making, and automation of clinical operations and workflow. However, there are growing concerns related to regulatory gaps, the spread of misinformation, security threats, patient and data privacy leaks, and widening health disparities gaps. These concerns are exacerbated by limited institutional infrastructure and limited AI literacy of clinicians and patients. Recent policy developments reflect efforts to guide responsible AI development and use. While progress has been made, the lack of standardized human oversight remains a critical gap, particularly as policies may not fully consider the challenges and complexities at institutional, societal, technical, and individual levels. Thus, herein, the Drug Information Practice and Research Network (DI PRN) of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) : (1) explores current and emerging multifaceted challenges, a call to action, and opportunities of AI integration in health care including examination of the regulatory, ethical, operational, and health equity implications; and (2) provides practical recommendations for responsible use of AI through DI PRN‐developed example case‐based approaches and best practices infographics to enhance AI literacy for diverse learners including clinicians, trainees, and patients. This DI PRN opinion paper highlights the importance of proactive governance frameworks and equips and empowers diverse learners with practical AI literacy tools to confidently engage with AI technologies in patient care.

Non‐Invasive Depth Profiling of Base Cosmetic Formulations in the Skin Using Handheld Confocal Raman Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Ceramide‐based and aqueous‐based moisturizers have distinct absorption and retention characteristics in skin. Conventional methods like Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and Corneometry are limited by environmental factors, and no current in vivo method measures ceramide content in skin. This research explores the use of a handheld Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRS) system to non‐invasively analyze the absorption kinetics of these moisturizers. Measurements were taken on 40 subjects, including healthy individuals ( n  = 20) and those with atopic dermatitis ( n  = 20). Results showed that ceramide‐based creams retained ceramide in the stratum corneum for longer periods, particularly 24 h post‐application, compared to aqueous‐based creams. Validation against Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) for ceramide NP in four healthy subjects showed a strong correlation ( r  = 0.96). These findings suggest that handheld CRS can improve the evaluation of skincare formulations, advancing the development of personalized skincare solutions.

Silver (I) and Silver ( II ) Oxide Films for Biomedical Implants: Synthesis, Stability, Ion Release, and Antibacterial Efficacy

ABSTRACT Coatings of silver compounds with higher dissolution rates than metallic silver offer a promising approach for delivering Ag + ions to prevent medical implant device‐associated infections. In this study, we investigate the synthesis and characterization of single‐phase, silver (I) oxide (Ag 2 O) and silver (II) oxide (AgO) for potential antimicrobial applications. The synthesis of these materials leverages the higher stability of Ag 2 O in comparison to AgO. The formation of AgO requires a low landing energy of the adatoms, achieved through gas phase scattering and rapid quenching when landing. Alternatively, higher landing energies cause re‐sputtering of oxygen, which favors the formation of Ag 2 O. Higher chamber pressures during deposition increase the number of inelastic collisions, thereby reducing the energy of the adatoms influencing phase formation. A combination of energy dispersive spectroscopy, microstructural imaging, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and high‐temperature XRD confirms this result. To evaluate antimicrobial potential, silver ion release (elution) was measured in water, Luria‐Bertani broth, and tryptic soy broth. Elution rates were highest in water, but in all media, both oxides elute significantly more Ag + ions than metallic silver coatings. Antimicrobial assays clearly show potent and broad‐spectrum activity of silver oxides against both clinical and multidrug‐resistant bacteria, confirming their potential as effective antimicrobial coatings for implanted devices.

Additively Manufactured Metastable‐β Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐Sn Exhibits Superior Corrosion, Semiconducting, and Cell Metabolic Properties Over Ti‐ 6Al ‐ 4V

ABSTRACT Manufacturers frequently use Ti‐6Al‐4V for permanently implanted medical devices. While clinically successful, Ti‐6Al‐4V corrodes at modular taper interfaces in both the hip and knee. Additionally, additive manufacturing (AM) can develop biomaterials with the potential to improve upon Ti‐6Al‐4V's properties. In this study, we used AM to generate Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐Sn, comparing the admixture to classically melted Ti‐Nb‐Zr and wrought‐annealed Ti‐6Al‐4V. We asked (1) how does manufacturing alter Ti‐Nb‐Zr biomaterial structure; (2) do resulting structural differences govern corrosion and semiconducting properties; and (3) does biomaterial chemistry and structure affect cell metabolic activity? To answer these questions, we first used scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction to characterize microstructure. Then, we elucidated the corrosion properties and semiconducting performance in 0.1 M H 2 O 2 and PBS solutions. Next, we measured the cell metabolic activity after 24 and 72 h. Manufacturing profoundly altered the Ti‐Nb‐Zr biomaterials, with AM processes generating a columnar microstructure consisting of elongated grains. This contrasted with the equiaxed β grains of the alloy produced by melting processes. However, these structural changes had little effect on the corrosion or semiconducting properties. Additionally, both Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐Sn and Ti‐Nb‐Zr exhibited increased corrosion resistance and decreased defect densities over Ti‐6Al‐4V in 0.1 M H 2 O 2 . Finally, we documented superior cell metabolic properties on polished and as‐built Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐Sn surfaces after 72 h. Combined, these results suggest an inhibitory effect of ZrO 2 oxides on reactive oxygen species and support the continued characterization of Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐Sn as a candidate biomaterial.