bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforced pain catastrophizing during menstrual phase among women with primary dysmenorrhea is mediated by cerebral blood flow in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Shang Meiling , Liu Huiping , Ma Ling , Fan Tongtong , Bai Weixian , Yang Jing , Quan Lu , Zhang Yuchen , Dun Wanghuan
Published: October 2024

Pain catastrophizing is a prominent psychological factor that is strongly correlated with pain. Although the complex properties of pain catastrophizing vary across different pain phases, the contribution of chronic pain to its progression from a general trait to a higher state remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the neural mechanisms and degree to which pain catastrophizing is reinforced in the context of primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), one of the most prevalent gynaecological complaints experienced by women of reproductive age. Altogether, 29 women with moderate‐to‐severe PDM were included in this study. Arterial spin labelling was used to quantify the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in each participant in both the pain‐free and painful phases. The pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) was completed in two phases, and the Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire was completed in the painful phase. Compared with pain catastrophizing in the pain‐free phase (PCSpf), pain catastrophizing in the painful phase (PCSp) is higher and positively correlated with the composite factor of menstrual pain. CBF analysis indicated that the PCSp is positively associated with CBF in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. The reinforcement of pain catastrophizing correlates with CBF in the prefrontal cortex. Specifically, the medial prefrontal cortex, which correlates with pain state, plays a crucial role in mediating the reinforcing effect of pain in the PCSp. These results promote the mechanical comprehension of pain catastrophizing management in individuals with chronic pain.
Advancing healthcare systems: A tri‐tier architecture by using data communication, AI data generative and regulation and compliance standards
Authors: Qureshi Kashif Naseer , Nafea Hanaa , Kim Pyoungwon
Published: October 2024

Traditional healthcare systems have suffered from different data communication, security, data processing, and compliance issues. The traditional systems are also not well equipped to handle the new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) by enabling more accurate diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes. The existing data communication and security protocols and compliance are also not fully implemented to tackle the system's challenges. This article proposes a Tri‐Tier architecture by using data communication, AI data generative, and regulation and compliance tiers. The data communication tier is based on advanced sensing and monitoring technologies like cloud and edge‐based systems integrated with security detection mechanisms. The edge and cloud layer provides the all functions of the perception layer like smart sensing, visual sensing, and monitoring services, and can control the device's perception and behaviour. The second tier provides the AI data generative functionalities to handle real‐time synthetic medical images for predictive analytics to enhance patient care. This tier also automates routine tasks, such as administrative work and data analysis, which can free up healthcare professionals to focus on more complex tasks. The last regulation and compliance tier is responsible for handling the standards and compliance for healthcare systems. Experiments are conducted to test the data communication and security level of the proposed architecture. The results showed the suitability of existing solutions and synchronization with the proposed architecture.
Substrate preference, RNA binding and active site versatility of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia nuclease SmNuc1, explained by a structural study
Authors: Adámková Kristýna , Trundová Mária , Kovaľ Tomáš , Husťáková Blanka , Kolenko Petr , Dušková Jarmila , Skálová Tereza , Dohnálek Jan
Published: October 2024

Nucleases of the S1/P1 family have important applications in biotechnology and molecular biology. We have performed structural analyses of SmNuc1 nuclease from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, including RNA cleavage product binding and mutagenesis in a newly discovered flexible Arg74‐motif, involved in substrate binding and product release and likely contributing to the high catalytic rate. The Arg74Gln mutation shifts substrate preference towards RNA. Purine nucleotide binding differs compared to pyrimidines, confirming the plasticity of the active site. The enzyme–product interactions indicate a gradual, stepwise product release. The activity of SmNuc1 towards c‐di‐GMP in crystal resulted in a distinguished complex with the emerging product 5′‐GMP. This enzyme from an opportunistic pathogen relies on specific architecture enabling high performance under broad conditions, attractive for biotechnologies.
High levels of seed dispersal by a declining wintering population of migratory geese
Authors: Jiménez‐Martín Iciar , Monreal Adrián , Martín‐Vélez Víctor , Navarro‐Ramos María J. , Fox Anthony D. , Lovas‐Kiss Ádám , Green Andy J.
Published: October 2024

Ducks are known to be important seed dispersers, but the role of geese in plant dispersal is less clear. Wintering populations of migratory geese are undergoing rapid changes in distribution and habitat use in response to climate change and changes in land use, and the implications for seed dispersal have not previously been studied. At the southern end of Eurasian goose flyways, numbers are declining through short‐stopping.

The Doñana wetlands, or ‘marismas del Guadalquivir’, in south‐west Spain were formerly Europe's most important wintering grounds for the greylag goose Anser anser. There, we collected 151 faecal samples to compare seed dispersal by endozoochory in early and late winter in natural marshes and ricefields. We also tested seed germinability and simulated potential seed dispersal distances to assess the importance of this decreasing wintering population for dispersal of dry‐fruited plants previously assumed to rely on abiotic seed dispersal over short distances.

We retrieved 1196 intact seeds belonging to 24 different taxa, including eight species not previously reported from waterfowl (Anatidae) vectors. Seeds were present in 47% of samples, with a peak of 90% in natural marshes in November, compared to only 27% in ricefields at the same time, or in the same marsh site in February. Seed abundance and richness per sample were significantly higher in early than late winter, and in natural compared to in artificial wetlands. Major differences in plant species composition between sampling sites were partly related to habitat differences and moisture requirements of individual species. Germinability in aquatic plants was higher when gut passage was followed by cold storage for 2 months prior to germination tests.

We simulated seed dispersal events to and from our sampling sites using GPS tracking of three geese. This suggested that seeds can be dispersed up to 25 km during daily movements, with a median of 0.2–5 km, depending on the sampling site. The most frequent dispersal syndrome assigned to the plant species dispersed by geese was barochory (gravity), and geese disperse plants much farther than the mechanisms predicted by their syndromes.

Geese likely have an important role in the dispersal and connectivity of plant populations within and beyond Mediterranean wetlands, providing an ecosystem service which is threatened by changes in migratory behaviour. Our results highlight the importance of studying seed dispersal interactions involving migratory waterbirds in the current context of species loss and distribution shifts, as many crucial interactions may be disappearing even before they are discovered.
Recovery of Soil Microbial Metabolism After Rewetting Depends on Interacting Environmental Conditions and Changes in Functional Groups and Life History Strategies
Authors: Li Xiankun , Leizeaga Ainara , Rousk Johannes , Zhou Siyuan , Hugelius Gustaf , Manzoni Stefano
Published: October 2024

Climate change is causing an intensification of soil drying and rewetting events, altering microbial functioning and potentially destabilizing soil organic carbon. After rewetting, changes in microbial community carbon use efficiency (CUE), investment in life history strategies, and fungal to bacterial dominance co‐occur. Still, we have yet to generalize what drives these dynamic responses. Here, we collated 123 time series of microbial community growth (G, sum of fungal and bacterial growth, evaluated by leucine and acetate incorporation, respectively) and respiration (R) after rewetting and calculated CUE = G/(G + R). First, we characterized CUE recovery by two metrics: maximum CUE and time to maximum CUE. Second, we translated microbial growth and respiration data into microbial investments in life history strategies (high yield (Y), resource acquisition (A), and stress tolerance (S)). Third, we characterized the temporal change in fungal to bacterial dominance. Finally, the metrics describing the CUE recovery, investment in life history strategies, and fungal to bacterial dominance after rewetting were explained by environmental factors and microbial properties. CUE increased after rewetting as fungal dominance declined, but the maximum CUE was explained by the CUE under moist conditions, rather than specific environmental factors. In contrast, higher soil pH and carbon availability accelerated the decline of microbial investment in stress tolerance and fungal dominance. We conclude that microbial CUE recovery is mostly driven by the shifting microbial community composition and the metabolic capacity of the community, whereas changes in microbial investment in life history strategies and fungal versus bacterial dominance depend on soil pH and carbon availability.
Pathways for Strengthening Lived Experience Leadership for Transformative Systems Change: Reflections on Research and Collective Change Strategies
Authors: Loughhead Mark , Hodges Ellie , McIntyre Heather , Procter Nicholas , Barbara Anne , Bickley Brooke , Martinez Lee , Albrecht Leticia , Huber Lisa
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The Activating Lived Experience Leadership (ALEL) project was a South Australian participatory action research project that aimed to improve the ways lived experience is recognised, valued and integrated across mental health and social sector systems. ALEL was completed during 2019–2021, where it engaged 182 participants in generating community action and research knowledge.

Objective

Our paper discusses the project's processes of building a collective partnership among lived experience leaders and other leaders from within the sector, so that the actions and strategies identified through research could be implemented by systems‐level impact. We describe the collaborative process and key learnings that resulted in eight key action areas for transformative systems change in South Australia.

Methods

The project invited a diverse range of self‐identified lived experience and other leaders to be involved in a PAR process featuring formal qualitative research (focus groups, surveys and interviews) as well as community development activities (leaders' summit meetings, consultations, training and community of practice meetings). These processes were used to help us describe the purpose, achievements and potential of lived experience leadership. Project priorities and systems‐level analysis was also undertaken with lived experience sector leaders and project advisors across two leaders' summit meetings, integrating research outcomes with sector planning to define high‐level actions and a vision for transformational change.

Results

Participatory action research as informed by systems change and collective impact strategies assisted the project to generate detailed findings about the experiences and complexities of lived experience leadership, and collective responses of how systems could better support, be accountable to and leverage lived experience perspectives, experience and peer‐work approaches.

Conclusion

Systems change to define, value and embed lived experience leadership benefits from collective efforts in both formal research and sector development activities. These can be used to generate foundational understandings and guidance for working together in genuine ways for transforming mental health and social sector systems, experience and outcomes.

Public Contribution

Members of lived experience communities codesigned the project, and contributed to project governance and the development of all findings and project reports.
HMGA2‐positive salivary gland neoplasms with prominent trabecular/canalicular morphology: a focus on carcinomas arising within this phenotype
Authors: Dababneh Melad N , Azzato Elizabeth M , Nakitandwe Joy , Cracolici Vincent , Shah Akeesha A
Published: October 2024

Aims

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) with a prominent trabecular/canalicular morphology has consistent HMGA2 protein expression, and association with HMGA2 fusions. We report our experience with this subtype, with emphasis on the carcinomas that can arise in this context.

Methods and Results

A retro‐ and prospective review (2013–2024) of major salivary gland tumours with prominent trabecular/canalicular morphology was performed. Twenty‐one parotid tumours met the criteria: 14 benign (66.7%), six carcinomas (28.6%), and one of uncertain behaviour (4.7%). HMGA2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on all cases. Next‐generation sequencing was successfully performed on 18. Seven benign cases had a conventional PA component. In all cases, the tumour cells in these trabecular/canalicular areas demonstrated variable papillary thyroid carcinoma‐like nuclear changes, including chromatin clearing, overcrowding, membrane irregularities, and intranuclear pseudoinclusions. Benign tumours were well‐demarcated, whereas carcinomas demonstrated either a multinodular pattern of invasion or subtle infiltration. Two carcinomas showed increased cytologic atypia and architectural complexity and one had perineural invasion. By IHC, all were positive for HMGA2. In the trabecular/canalicular areas, there was consistent strong expression of CAM5.2, S‐100, and SOX‐10 and variable expression of p63 but negative p40. HMGA2 alterations were detected in 16 of 18 cases (89%). Follow‐up was available on two carcinomas, with one being locally recurrent.

Conclusion

While most HMGA2‐positive salivary gland neoplasms with a prominent trabecular/canalicular growth pattern are benign, they, like traditional PAs, may give rise to carcinomas that can locally recur. These carcinomas can be deceptively bland, subtly infiltrative, or have a multinodular pattern of invasion.
Synthesis of mullite ceramics from powdered mine tailings reinforced with Al2O3
Authors: Kamara Saidu , Ma Yukun , Foday Edward Hingha , Kallon Hadji Dauda Smaila
Published: October 2024

Mullite is an aluminosilicate compound that can be fabricated from various sources of raw materials. Mullite (α) was synthesized from six different mine tailings reinforced with alumina. The tailings were finely ground into powder to determine their chemical components using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopic technologies. Silica was discovered in all the tailings in significant quantities followed by alumina (high purity α‐alumina). 50 g of the first sample which composed 68.8 w(M)/10−2 of SiO2 and 13.2 w(M)/10−2 of Al2O3 was measured, reinforced with 81.1 g of Al2O3 and subjected to a high‐energy ball mill for 30 min to enhance the reaction between SiO2 and Al2O3. The process was repeated for all six powdered tailings. Each mixture was sintered at 1100°C and 1200°C in a muffle furnace for 4 hours at a heating rate of 10°C/min. The sintered materials were characterized using SEM, EDS, XRD, and FTIR techniques. Results and analysis show a significant amount of prismatic α‐mullite formed in all six sintered samples. The formation of mullite crystals was observed to increase with an increase in temperature from 1100°C to 1200°C. The phenomenal fabrication of mullite from mine tailings is significant in ceramic technology.
Ideas and the changing relationship between states and markets in social policy: A review essay
Authors: Béland Daniel , Mandelkern Ronen
Published: October 2024

This review essay takes stock of the recent literature about the role of ideas in social policy, with a particular focus on a key issue in social policy research: the changing interactions between states and markets over time. Specifically, our aim is to examine how the ideational literature discusses and explains prominent contemporary social policy evolutions: the rise of social investment and the financialization and technocratization of the welfare state. This is done based on the scholarship on state/market interactions and the role of ideas in social policy, and by utilizing key insights of scholars of ideational influences on state/market interactions. The article ends with a short agenda for future research on ideas and discourses as a crucial factor in the evolution of the welfare state as a key space in which states and markets interact.
Preparing the soil: Adjusting the metabolic health of patients with chronic wounds and musculoskeletal diseases
Authors: da Fonseca Lucas Furtado , Santos Gabriel Silva , Azzini Gabriel , Mosaner Tomas , Jorge Daniel de Moraes Ferreira , de Macedo Alex Pontes , Huber Stephany Cares , Sobreiro Pablo , Dallo Ignacio , Jeyaraman Madhan , Everts Peter Albert , Navani Annu , Lana José Fábio
Published: October 2024

In recent years, systemic inflammation has emerged as a pivotal player in the development and progression of various degenerative diseases. This complex, chronic inflammatory state, often undetected, can have far‐reaching consequences for the body's physiology. At the molecular level, markers such as C‐reactive protein, cytokines and other inflammatory mediators serve as indicators of systemic inflammation and often act as predictors of numerous musculoskeletal diseases and even certain forms of cancer. The concept of ‘meta‐inflammation’, specifically referring to metabolically triggered inflammation, allows healthcare professionals to understand inflammatory responses in patients with metabolic syndrome. Driven by nutrient excess and the expansion of adipose tissue, meta‐inflammation is closely associated with insulin resistance, further propagating the metabolic dysfunction observed in many Western societies. Wound persistence, on the other hand, exacerbates the detrimental effects of prolonged inflammation at the local level. Acute inflammation is a beneficial and essential process for wound healing and infection control. However, when inflammation fails to resolve, it can impede the healing process, leading to chronic wounds, excessive scarring and even the activation of fibrotic pathways. This approach significantly reduces the efficacy of regenerative biological therapies. Our review focuses on the vital role of proteins, vitamins and minerals in collagen synthesis and cell proliferation for tissue healing. We also examine hormonal influences on regeneration, noting the negative effects of imbalances, and emphasize glucose regulation's importance in creating a stable environment for chronic wound healing.
Quality evaluation of French guidelines in primary care infectious disease: An AGREE II assessment
Authors: Akhamlich Kenza , Gillet‐Lecourt Eulalie , Bouchard Mikaël , Boussageon Rémy
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Antibiotic prescription, its nature and its duration are a very common decision‐making situation in primary care practice. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are regularly emitted by various organisations on this topic.

Aims and objectives

Our goal is to run a quality appraisal of the current French guidelines, for the most common primary care infectious pathologies.

Method

We collected all primary care CPGs that are currently prevailing in France through a systematic review of the french website Antibioclic®. For each of these guidelines, a quality assessment was run by 3 independent reviewers, by means of the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation II instrument. The main outcome was a ‘reliability score’, defined as the sum of the scores in domains ‘rigour of development’ and ‘editorial independence’. To be considered ‘reliable’, the CPG had to reach a 60% threshold in these two domains. Secondary outcomes were as follows: global quality score of CPGs, number and ratio of CPGs for which a systematic review has been conducted during its conception.

Results

Over the 43 CPGs that have been assessed, none reached the 60%‐threshold as to the reliability score. Only one CPG (2.33%) gets an over‐60% quality assessment in the domain of rigour of development (D3), whereas three CPGs (6.98%) reach this threshold in the domain of editorial independence (D6). One CPG (2.33%) met the quality threshold of 60% as to overall assessment. Rigour of development and editorial independence are the domains that obtained the lowest average score, respectively, 11% and 21%. Overall assessment received an average score of 29%. A systematic review of the literature was mentioned for 10 CPGs (23.26%).

Conclusion

There is a lack of quality in the development process of the current French guidelines in primary care infectiology. This process should be reconsidered, with higher insistence as to its quality.
Effects of supplemental medusa (Rhopilema esculentum) on intestinal microbiota and metabolites in silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus)
Authors: Zhang Man , Tang Mengke , Yan Kaiheng , Zhang Youyi , Li Yaya , Tang Jie , Xu Shanliang , Yan Xiaojun , Hu Jiabao , Wang Yajun
Published: October 2024

Pampus argenteus demonstrates a preference for Rhopilema esculentum as prey, yet the ramifications of consuming supplemental medusa on fish microbiota and metabolism remain elusive. To elucidate these effects, 300 juvenile fish were divided into two groups: control group (C, given commercial food only) and supplemental medusa (SM) group (given supplemental medusa + commercial feed). After 15 days, fish in the SM group exhibited a significant increase in fatness, the amylase activity in the intestine significantly increased, and the intestinal microvilli were arranged more neatly. The comprehensive approach involving 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metabolomics was employed, leading to the identification of five genera within the SM group, namely Lactococcus, Cohaesibacter, Maritalea, Sulfitobacter, and Carnobacterium. Functional prediction analysis of the microbiota indicated that the consumption of supplemental medusa facilitated processes such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and amino acid absorption. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant enrichment of 85 differential metabolites, most of them belonging to fatty acids and conjugates. These differential metabolites primarily participated in processes such as amino acid metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and disease. Notably, the consumption of medusa resulted in a significant reduction in nine lysophospholipids associated with cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis revealed associations between specific microorganisms and metabolites, indicating that Cobetia, Weissella, and Macrococcus exhibited an increased abundance in the SM group, positively correlating with apocynin, 12‐Hete, and delta 9‐THC‐d3. The indicator bacteria Psychrobacter reduced in the SM group, exhibiting a negative correlation with cystathionine (a compound involved in glutathione synthesis). Overall, the supplementation of medusa may confer a beneficial effect on the immunity of the fish. This study contributes to the theoretical framework for fish feed development.
Regulation of maize growth and immunity by ZmSKI3‐mediated RNA decay and post‐transcriptional gene silencing
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhang Na , Liu Guohui , Tian Jinjun , Chen Mengyao , Wang Ying , Xing Ye , Zhang Ying , Zhao Chenyang , Mu Xiaohuan , Yu Yanwen , Niu Hongbin , Li Jiankun , Tang Jihua , Gou Mingyue
Published: October 2024

Disease resistance is often associated with compromised plant growth and yield due to defense‐growth tradeoffs. However, key components and mechanisms underlying the defense‐growth tradeoffs are rarely explored in maize. In this study, we find that ZmSKI3, a putative subunit of the SUPERKILLER (SKI) complex that mediates the 3′‐5′ degradation of RNA, regulates both plant development and disease resistance in maize. The Zmski3 mutants showed retarded plant growth and constitutively activated defense responses, while the ZmSKI3 overexpression lines are more susceptible to Curvularia lunata and Bipolaris maydis. Consistently, the expression of defense‐related genes was generally up‐regulated, while expressions of growth‐related genes were mostly down‐regulated in leaves of the Zmski3‐1 mutant compared to that of wild type. In addition, 223 differentially expressed genes that are up‐regulated in Zmski3‐1 mutant but down‐regulated in the ZmSKI3 overexpression line are identified as potential target genes of ZmSKI3. Moreover, small interfering RNAs targeting the transcripts of the defense‐ and growth‐related genes are differentially accumulated, likely to combat the increase of defense‐related transcripts but decrease of growth‐related transcripts in Zmski3‐1 mutant. Taken together, our study indicates that plant growth and immunity could be regulated by both ZmSKI3‐mediated RNA decay and post‐transcriptional gene silencing in maize.
“Each person's experience, each person's needs”: How therapists open space for multiple perspectives during reflecting team family therapy supervision
Authors: Sidis Anna Elizabeth , Moore Alison Rotha , Pickard Judy A. , Deane Frank P.
Published: October 2024

Tom Andersen's reflecting team approach invited family members to hear the dialogues between professionals in response to their stories. This study aimed to explore intersubjective reflexivity during reflecting team group supervision, by observing resonances between group members. Twelve hours of reflecting team group supervision was transcribed and analyzed using Systemic Functional Linguistics. Hallidayan transitivity analysis of selected sections of interaction focused on mental processes, and Martin and White's appraisal framework was used to explore the “engagement” between different voices at play in the conversations. We found the use of physical metaphor to express reflective experiences, multi‐voiced expressions to expand perspectives and possibilities, and dialogical patterns of relating between group therapy participants. Understanding dialogism from a linguistic perspective may offer insights into how reflective dialogues work and support understanding of fidelity for approaches which engage reflecting teams.
LiveLattice: Real‐time visualisation of tilted light‐sheet microscopy data using a memory‐efficient transformation algorithm
Authors: Wang Zichen , Hakozaki Hiroyuki , McMahon Gillian , Medina‐Carbonero Marta , Schöneberg Johannes
Published: October 2024

Light‐sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), a prominent fluorescence microscopy technique, offers enhanced temporal resolution for imaging biological samples in four dimensions (4D; x, y, z, time). Some of the most recent implementations, including inverted selective plane illumination microscopy (iSPIM) and lattice light‐sheet microscopy (LLSM), move the sample substrate at an oblique angle relative to the detection objective's optical axis. Data from such tilted‐sample‐scan LSFMs require subsequent deskewing and rotation for proper visualisation and analysis. Such data preprocessing operations currently demand substantial memory allocation and pose significant computational challenges for large 4D dataset. The consequence is prolonged data preprocessing time compared to data acquisition time, which limits the ability for live‐viewing the data as it is being captured by the microscope. To enable the fast preprocessing of large light‐sheet microscopy datasets without significant hardware demand, we have developed WH‐Transform, a memory‐efficient transformation algorithm for deskewing and rotating the raw dataset, significantly reducing memory usage and the run time by more than 10‐fold for large image stacks. Benchmarked against the conventional method and existing software, our approach demonstrates linear runtime compared to the cubic and quadratic runtime of the other approaches. Preprocessing a raw 3D volume of 2 GB (512 × 1536 × 600 pixels) can be accomplished in 3 s using a GPU with 24 GB of memory on a single workstation. Applied to 4D LLSM datasets of human hepatocytes, lung organoid tissue and brain organoid tissue, our method provided rapid and accurate preprocessing within seconds. Importantly, such preprocessing speeds now allow visualisation of the raw microscope data stream in real time, significantly improving the usability of LLSM in biology. In summary, this advancement holds transformative potential for light‐sheet microscopy, enabling real‐time, on‐the‐fly data preprocessing, visualisation, and analysis on standard workstations, thereby revolutionising biological imaging applications for LLSM and similar microscopes.
Injectable Hydrogel With Glycyrrhizic Acid and Asiaticoside‐Loaded Liposomes for Wound Healing
Authors: Zhang Yunqi , Xiong Yu , Wu Xiaochun , Huang Maofang , Li Zhengjie , Zhao Tie , Peng Peng
Published: October 2024

Background

Open skin wounds increase the risk of infections and can compromise health. Therefore, applying medications to promote healing at the injury site is crucial. In practice, direct drug delivery is often difficult to maintain for a long time due to rapid absorption or wiping off, which reduces the efficiency of wound healing. Consequently, the development of bioactive materials with both antibacterial and wound‐healing properties is highly desirable.

Methods

This study synthesized liposomes loaded with glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and asiaticoside (AS) by film dispersion‐ultrasonication method, which were then incorporated into a GelMA solution and cross‐linked by ultraviolet light to form a bioactive composite hydrogel for wound dressings.

Results

This hydrogel is conducive to the transport of nutrients and gas exchange. Compared with GelMA hydrogel (swelling rate 69.8% ± 5.7%), the swelling rate of GelMA/Lip@GA@AS is lower, at 52.1% ± 1.0%. GelMA/Lip@GA@AS also has better compression and rheological properties, and the in vitro biodegradability is not significantly different from that of the collagenase‐treated group. In addition, the hydrogel polymer has a stable drug release rate, good biocompatibility, and an angiogenic promoting effect. In vitro experiments prove that, at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg/mL, GelMA/Lip@GA@AS can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion

We synthesized GelMA/Lip@GA@AS hydrogel and found it possesses advantageous mechanical properties, rheology, and biodegradability. Experimental results in vitro showed that the bioactive hydrogel could efficiently release drugs, exhibit biocompatibility, and enhance angiogenesis and antimicrobial effects. These results suggest the promising application of GelMA/Lip@GA@AS hydrogel in wound‐dressing materials.
A randomized controlled trial on the comparison of two doses of carbetocin with oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (concert trial)
Authors: Balogun Rasheedat O. , Lawal Olatunji O. , Bello Yusuf O. , Odedele Tolulope M. , Morhason‐Bello Imran O. , Oladokun Adesina
Published: October 2024

Aim

To compare the effectiveness of 50 and 100 μg of carbetocin with 10 IU of oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods

This was a triple‐blind, non‐inferiority trial involving pregnant women recruited at term. We compared two doses of carbetocin (50 and 100 μg) with 10 IU of oxytocin administered as uterotonic agent after vaginal or cesarean delivery. Uterine contractility was assessed at 2‐ and 5‐min after uterotonic administration. The association between adequate uterine tone and PPH with the patients' characteristics were examined using the chi‐square test. Effect of the drugs on the odds of developing PPH was examined using logistics regressions. All analyses were conducted using STATA (StataCorp L.L.C.) with a significance level set at 0.05.

Results

In total, 324 women (50 μg carbetocin group‐111, 100 μg carbetocin group‐106, and oxytocin group‐107) participated in the study. There was a significantly higher proportion of women with adequate uterine tone in those that had 100 μg carbetocin relative to 50 μg and 10 IU oxytocin at 5 min (p < 0.001). Patients who received oxytocin had a higher average blood loss than women that had either 50 or 100 μg carbetocin (p = 0.128). There was a significant difference in the need for additional uterotonic, with a higher proportion of participants among those who received 10 IU of oxytocin (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients that had 100 μg of carbetocin had a better adequate uterine tone at the fifth minute compared to those who had 50 μg and 10 IU of oxytocin. Generally, carbetocin use was less likely associated with risk of PPH and use of additional intervention.
Secondary Traumatic Stress and Coping Experiences in Psychiatric Nurses Caring for Trauma Victims: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Gülirmak Güler Kübra , Uzun Sevda , Emirza Elif Güzide
Published: October 2024

Aim

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the secondary traumatic stress and coping experiences of psychiatric nurses who care for people who have experienced psychological trauma with a phenomenological approach.

Materials and Methods

In this study, semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 psychiatric nurses residing in Turkey using the phenomenological research method. The criterion sampling method was used to reach the sample group. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved, and all interviews were audio‐recorded and then transcribed. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study was conducted and reported using the COREQ checklist.

Findings

In the analysis of the data, three themes (difficulties in caring for people who have experienced trauma, the effects of caring for people who have experienced trauma on the individual and coping, reflections of secondary trauma on the profession) and seven sub‐themes (mental, physical, social, psychosocial difficulties and coping, quality of care, professional and organisational aspects) were identified.

Conclusion

As a result of the study, it was determined that secondary traumatic stress was observed in psychiatric nurses caring for individuals who experienced psychological trauma. It was determined that caring for people who have experienced psychological trauma can negatively affect nurses psychosocially, and individuals have difficulty coping. In line with the results of the study, it is thought that necessary intervention programs should be created for nurses experiencing secondary traumatic stress.
Serum Biochemical Profile, Intestinal and Liver Histomorphometry of Captive Broad‐Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris) Fed With a Diet Enriched With Soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Hilevski Samuel , Cordero Trinidad , Moleón Ma. Soledad , Cabaña Enzo , Belotti Matias , Siroski Pablo
Published: October 2024

The impact of plant‐based diets on crocodilians is unclear. Serum profiles and histomorphometry provide valuable insights into their nutritional and physiological status. This study aims to elucidate the impact of three levels of soybean meal substitution combined chicken by‐product minced on the growth and health of broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). The research assesses the effects of diets supplemented with soybean meal on the blood biochemical profile, intestinal histomorphometry, and hepatic parameters of C. latirostris, providing essential information for understanding on the implications of dietary changes in this species. Forty‐eight 6‐month‐old broad‐snouted caimans were assigned to three dietary groups (0%, 25%, 40% soybean meal). Over a period of 90 days, data on growth, food consumption, serum biochemical analysis, intestinal and hepatic morphometry were recorded. The results showed that diets containing higher levels of soybean meal did not significantly affect growth, feed intake or serum profiles of total protein, albumin and cholesterol. However, changes in intestinal morphology were observed, with longer and wider villi in the animals feed with diets with soybean meal, indicating a gradual adaptation to new feeding diets. The presence of soybean meal reduced serum glucose and triglyceride profiles and hepatic lipid accumulation without affecting macronutrient digestion and absorption, considered beneficial for the caiman's health. This study provides valuable insights into the inclusion of soybean meal in the diet of Caiman latirostris and its effects on the intestines, liver, and physiology. It also highlights the importance of considering nutritional management as a key tool in improving the well‐being and health of crocodilians in captivity.
Solving discrete network design problem using disjunctive constraints
Authors: Mirzahossein H. , Najafi P. , Kalantari N. , Waller T.
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a deterministic algorithm to solve the discrete network design problem (DNDP) efficiently. This non‐convex bilevel optimization problem is well‐known as an non deterministic polynomial (NP)‐hard problem in strategic transportation planning. The proposed algorithm optimizes budget allocation for large‐scale network improvements deterministically and with computational efficiency. It integrates disjunctive programming with an improved partial linearized subgradient method to enhance performance without significantly affecting solution quality. We evaluated our algorithm on the mid‐scale Sioux Falls and large‐scale Chicago networks. We assess the proposed algorithm's accuracy by examining the objective function's value, specifically the total travel time within the network. When tested on the mid‐scale Sioux Falls network, the algorithm achieved an average 46% improvement in computational efficiency, compared to the best‐performing method discussed in this paper, albeit with a 4.17% higher total travel time than the most accurate one, as the value of the objective function. In the application to the large‐scale Chicago network, the efficiency improved by an average of 99.48% while the total travel time experienced a 4.34% increase. These findings indicate that the deterministic algorithm proposed in this research improves the computational speed while presenting a limited trade‐off with solution precision. This deterministic approach offers a structured, predictable, and repeatable method for solving DNDP, which can advance transportation planning, particularly for large‐scale network applications where computational efficiency is paramount.
“Jumping on the Blood Pressure Bandwagon”: Nurse, GP, and Patient Perspectives of a General Practice Nurse‐Led Hypertension Management Intervention
Authors: Stephen Catherine , Zwar Nick , Batterham Marijka , Halcomb Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

To explore the perceptions and experiences of general practice nurses, general practitioners, and patients who participated in a nurse‐led intervention to improve blood pressure control. Given the impact of hypertension on rates of premature death and disability, it is important that interventions be evaluated to reduce blood pressure. A key component of such evaluation is understanding the experiences of participants and clinicians. Understanding these experiences can provide insight into acceptability and feasibility that informs future research and implementation. Qualitative descriptive study within a mixed methods project. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted post‐intervention with six patients, five nurses, and three general practitioners. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist guided reporting. Three themes around the need for change, navigating change, and sustaining change were revealed. In highlighting the need for change, participants recognized that it was time to actively work toward improved blood pressure control. In navigating change, general practice nurses were perceived as ideally placed to communicate risks around uncontrolled blood pressure and support lifestyle change. The final theme, sustaining change revealed the feasibility of the intervention in practice, however, clinician participants identified that appropriate funding is required to ensure sustainability. Nurse‐led intervention to improve blood pressure control in general practice is feasible in practice and acceptable to patients. This highlights an opportunity for nurses to play a more proactive role in hypertension management within general practice. To ensure sustainability, however, issues such as funding, teamwork, and collaboration need to be addressed.

Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618000169246
The itinerary of children in search of healthcare: A scoping review and proposal of an explanatory model
Authors: Cristino Joseir Saturnino , de Farias Altair Seabra , de Melo Lilian Dornelles Santana , Machado Vinícius Azevedo , Sachett Jacqueline , Monteiro Wuelton
Published: October 2024

This scoping review mapped the academic literature focused on the therapeutic itinerary of children who seek care in health services and proposed an explanatory model to expand the concept and classification of these health itineraries. A total of 789 articles were reviewed, of which 28 were eligible for inclusion. In these 28 it was possible to observe that the child's therapeutic itinerary is more than a physical path, but also encompasses all choices within a specific social and cultural environment in which the child is inserted. Our proposal is to expand the concept beyond the therapeutic, classifying the itinerary also according to the objective, the decision‐making agent, respect for the presence of company, the health subsystem used, according to the physical continuity of the itinerary, the perception of efficacy of the patient, the nature of the illness, the administration of healthcare, the means of transport used, the person providing information about the itinerary, the planning of the itinerary and its completeness. Knowing the child's itineraries toward healthcare allows the development of innovative discourses and practices for future public policies, through which the principles of comprehensiveness and resoluteness in children's health would be strengthened. There is still a need to deepen knowledge about the meanings and feelings regarding their interpretations of the events suffered in childhood.
Phosphate promotes Arabidopsis root skewing and circumnutation through reorganisation of the microtubule cytoskeleton
Authors: Sheng Hui , Bouwmeester Harro J. , Munnik Teun
Published: October 2024

Phosphate (Pi) plays a key role in plant growth and development. Hence, plants display a range of adaptations to acquire it, including changes in root system architecture (RSA). Whether Pi triggers directional root growth is unknown.

We investigated whether Arabidopsis roots sense Pi and grow towards it, that is whether they exhibit phosphotropism. While roots did exhibit a clear Pi‐specific directional growth response, it was, however, always to the left, independent of the direction of the Pi gradient.

We discovered that increasing concentrations of KH2PO4, trigger a dose‐dependent skewing response, in both primary and lateral roots. This phenomenon is Pi‐specific – other nutrients do not trigger this – and involves the reorganisation of the microtubule cytoskeleton in epidermal cells of the root elongation zone. Higher Pi levels promote left‐handed cell file rotation that results in right‐handed, clockwise, root growth and leftward skewing as a result of the helical movement of roots (circumnutation).

Our results shed new light on the role of Pi in root growth, and may provide novel insights for crop breeding to optimise RSA and P‐use efficiency.
Reconciling water‐use efficiency estimates from carbon isotope discrimination of leaf biomass and tree rings: nonphotosynthetic fractionation matters
Authors: Yu Yong Zhi , Ma Wei Ting , Wang Xuming , Tcherkez Guillaume , Schnyder Hans , Gong Xiao Ying
Published: October 2024

Carbon isotope discrimination (∆) in leaf biomass (∆BL) and tree rings (∆TR) provides important proxies for plant responses to climate change, specifically in terms of intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE). However, the nonphotosynthetic 12C/13C fractionation in plant tissues has rarely been quantified and its influence on iWUE estimation remains uncertain.

We derived a comprehensive, ∆ based iWUE model (iWUEcom) which includes nonphotosynthetic fractionations (d) and characterized tissue‐specific d‐values based on global compilations of data of ∆BL, ∆TR and real‐time ∆ in leaf photosynthesis (∆online). iWUEcom was further validated with independent datasets.

∆BL was larger than ∆online by 2.53‰, while ∆BL and ∆TR showed a mean offset of 2.76‰, indicating that ∆TR is quantitatively very similar to ∆online. Applying the tissue‐specific d‐values (dBL = 2.5‰, dTR = 0‰), iWUE estimated from ∆BL aligned well with those estimated from ∆TR or gas exchange. ∆BL and ∆TR showed a consistent iWUE trend with an average CO2 sensitivity of 0.15 ppm ppm−1 during 1975–2015.

Accounting for nonphotosynthetic fractionations improves the estimation of iWUE based on isotope records in leaf biomass and tree rings, which is ultimate for inferring changes in carbon and water cycles under historical and future climate.
Providing individualized services under complex conditions: A configurational analysis of street‐level organizations
Authors: Andreassen Tone Alm , Breit Eric , Saltkjel Therese
Published: October 2024

Individualized services are provided under complex conditions, as a variety of factors can affect the ability of a street‐level organization to adapt its services to individual needs and circumstances. Especially challenging are tensions between the means of control and standardization following new public management (NPM) and post‐NPM ideas of holistic and coordinated services. Through a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis of Norwegian sector‐spanning street‐level organizations, we show three different configurations that can promote individualized services. These consist of variations of structural circumstances (size, service variety); organizational responses (goal coherence, cross working); and manager capacity (professional background, managerial orientation). Service individualization is not an outcome of the interaction between street‐level workers and clients alone, but an outcome of street‐level organizations and their managers' use of measures and competencies across service sectors, and of their capacity to develop a shared perception of goals and an organization that handles institutional complexity.