Conectar
by Nailya Ibragimova, Arailym Aitynova, Seitzhan Turganbay, Marina Lyu, Alexandr Ilin, Tamari Gapurkhaeva, Galina Ponomareva, Karina Vassilyeva, Diana Issayeva, Amirkan Azembayev, Serzhan Mombekov, Aralbek Rsaliyev, Nurgul Sikhayeva, Yergali Abduraimov, Saki Raheem
Iodine-based antiseptics are essential in wound care but are often limited by cytotoxicity, instability, and rapid iodine release. Novostron is a novel polymer–iodine complex incorporating dextrin, polyvinyl alcohol, and metal ions, designed to enable controlled iodine release. Structural integrity and composition were confirmed by ¹H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and physicochemical analysis, indicating a molecular weight of ~9500 g/mol, a pH of 4.23, and an iodine content of 8.13%. Pharmacokinetic analysis in rabbits demonstrated that following a single dermal application, systemic iodine absorption was minimal, with peak blood iodine concentrations remaining within physiological limits and rapid elimination within 24 hours. Evaluation of thyroid function revealed no significant changes in serum T₃, T₄, or TSH levels compared with those of the controls, confirming that topical application of Novostron does not disrupt thyroid homeostasis. In compliance with OECD guidelines in rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats, Novostron showed no signs of dermal irritation, skin sensitization, or systemic toxicity (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg). In a rat cotton pellet granuloma model, Novostron significantly reduced the inflammatory mass (23.65% inhibition), supporting its anti-inflammatory potential. In a murine burn model, Novostron accelerated wound contraction (25.95% at day 10), increased epidermal thickness, and enhanced collagen deposition (~44%), outperforming controls and matching or exceeding betadine. These findings suggest that Novostron promotes tissue repair by modulating inflammation. Overall, Novostron demonstrated a favourable preclinical safety and efficacy profile, and its polymer–iodine composition, which enables controlled release and localized activity highlights its potential as a promising topical therapeutic. However, the study was limited to animal models and short-term observation; further long-term and clinical investigations are needed to confirm its translational potential in human wound healing.To examine the relationship between nurse managers' empowering leadership, nurses' resilience and organisational learning from incidents.
Cross-sectional observational study.
Secondary data from a study conducted in June–July 2022 was used. The sample included 1049 nurses working in three special-functioning hospitals. The self-administered questionnaires assessed nurse managers' empowering behaviours, nurses' resilience and attitudes and behaviours fostering organisational learning from incidents. The analysis employed multilevel analysis with hierarchical linear modelling.
Nurse managers' empowering behaviours and nurses' resilience were significantly positively associated with attitudes and behaviours fostering organisational learning from the following incident subscales: make efforts to identify the problem, discuss safety in the workplace, identify and give feedback to address the at-risk behaviour. The interaction of empowering behaviours and resilience was not significant.
Nurse managers' empowering behaviours and nurses' resilience can contribute to attitudes and behaviours that foster organisational learning, even when nurses face stressful incidents.
Fostering empowering leadership in nurse managers and resilience in nurses enhances organisational learning and improves safety and care quality.
The reporting is based on the STROBE guidelines.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.
To evaluate the mental health burden in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) using diagnostic and self-reported tools and to examine its associations with current disease activity, patient-reported outcomes and barriers to appropriate care.
Single-centre, cross-sectional, case–control study.
Rheumatology centre of a tertiary care hospital, serving as a referral clinic with outpatient and inpatient care in Czech Republic.
233 patients with rheumatic diseases (113 RA, 120 axSpA) and 170 healthy controls (HC).
Mental disorders (MD) were assessed through a structured psychiatric interview using the International Neuropsychiatric Interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) administered by a trained professional and by self-reported questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Disease activity was evaluated with the Disease Activity Score-28 with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) for RA and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with CRP (ASDAS-CRP) for axSpA, alongside patient-reported outcomes (PROs).
At least one MD was present in 24.8% of RA, 31.7% of axSpA and 7.0% of HC (p
Mental disorders in RA and axSpA are closely associated with higher disease activity and unfavourable PROs, while access to and acceptance of psychiatric care remain markedly insufficient. Systematic integration of mental health assessment and management into rheumatology practice is strongly warranted.
To assess the feasibility of conducting a cluster randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Primary Trauma Care (PTC) with standard care on patient outcomes.
This was a pilot pragmatic three-armed parallel, cluster randomised, controlled trial conducted between April 2022 and February 2023. Patients were followed up for 30 days.
Tertiary care hospitals across metropolitan areas in India.
Adult trauma patients and residents managing these patients were included.
ATLS or PTC training was provided for residents in the intervention arms.
The outcomes were the consent rate, loss to follow-up rate, missing data rates, differences in the distribution between observed data and data extracted from medical records, and the resident pass rate.
Two hospitals were randomised to the ATLS arm, two to the PTC arm and three to the standard care arm. We included 376 patients and 22 residents. The percentage of patients who consented to follow-up was 77% and the percentage of residents who consented to receive training was 100%. The loss to follow-up rate was 14%. The pass rate was 100%. Overall, the amount of missing data for key variables was low. The data collected through observations were similar to data extracted from medical records, but there were more missing values in the extracted data.
Conducting a full-scale cluster randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of ATLS, PTC and standard care on patient outcomes appears feasible, especially if such a trial would use data and outcomes available in medical records.
by Motoharu Hamano, Kazuya Niki, Keiki Imamura, Ken Sasaki
The chemical composition of the venom in social Hymenoptera differs between castes and ages. Biogenic amines are contained in the venom of honey bees and may be physiologically effective to vertebrate predators and insects. This study quantified the concentrations of biogenic amines in venom and compared them between different castes and ages of honey bees. The concentrations of dopamine and N-acetyldopamine in venom were significantly higher in virgin queens than workers of the same age. The concentrations of dopamine, norepinephrine, tyramine and serotonin increased with age in virgin queens and workers. There was a significant positive correlation between venom dopamine concentrations and ovarian development in queenless workers, suggesting that the concentration of dopamine in the venom transformed from normal workers to reproductive females as that in virgin queens. We also tested the possibility of dietary effects on the concentration of dopamine in venom. Workers fed tyrosine or royal jelly showed significantly higher concentrations of dopamine precursors, tyrosine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and dopamine in the hemolymph, as well as higher concentrations of dopamine in venom than in controlled workers. These results suggest that compositions of biogenic amines in venom are influenced by nutrition and change based on their social roles in honey bee society.by Moe Thi Thi Han, Tay Zar Myo Oo, Busayamas Chewaskulyong, Sakorn Pornprasert, Kanyamas Choocheep, Khanittha Punturee, Warunee Kumsaiyai, Yupanun Wuttiin, Sawitree Chiampanichayakul, Ratchada Cressey
Non-smoking-related lung cancer is increasingly associated with environmental factors such as particulate matter (PM) exposure. Using deep small RNA sequencing, we identified distinct miRNA expression patterns in lung cancer patients compared to non-cancer controls, stratified by smoking status. Notably, hsa-miR-125b-5p and hsa-miR-100-5p were significantly downregulated in non-smoking lung cancer patients. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed smoking amplifies pathways related to glycan biosynthesis, signal transduction, and transcriptional regulation, while non-smoking lung cancer is characterized by immune dysfunction and metabolic alterations, including oxidative phosphorylation and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Validation in a larger cohort using quantitative RT-PCR confirmed the suppression of miR-125b-5p and miR-100-5p in non-smoking lung cancer patients. Additionally, miR-203a and miR-199a-3p were identified as potential biomarkers for lung cancer, independent of smoking status. Chronic PM exposure in primary bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells initially elevated miR-125b-5p and miR-100-5p expression, but prolonged exposure suppressed these miRNAs while increasing their target genes, TXNRD1 and HOXA1, suggesting stress-induced dysregulation. Functional studies using miRNA mimics demonstrated that miR-125b-5p and miR-100-5p suppress PM-induced cancer cell mobility and colony formation, with miR-125b-5p exhibiting broader effects. These findings underscore the critical roles of miR-125b-5p and miR-100-5p in PM-associated lung cancer progression and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This study highlights distinct mechanisms of lung carcinogenesis in smokers and non-smokers, providing a foundation for targeted interventions in PM-associated lung cancer.To explore dietary intake, diet-related challenges in glucose management and perceived needs for dietary support among Swedish adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Cross-sectional observational study based on an electronic survey that included the validated Meal-Q food frequency questionnaire and additional questions on dietary habits and management. Participant characteristics were retrieved from the Swedish National Diabetes Register. Descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted.
Three diabetes specialist clinics in Sweden.
375 adults with T1D.
Dietary intake and diet-related challenges in glucose management.
A total of 191 persons (mean age 48 years; 48% female) consented to participate. The mean (SD) glycated haemoglobin A1c was 56 (13) mmol/mol, mean glucose 8.8 (2.2) mmol/L, time in range (TIR) 64% (18%) and BMI 27 (4.3) kg/m²; 41% used insulin pumps. Mean carbohydrate intake was 183 g/day (41% of energy, E%). Fibre intake was 23 g/day (3.1 g/MJ), and saturated fat intake was 29 g/day (15 E%), both inconsistent with dietary recommendations. About half (51%) found carbohydrate counting challenging, with 53% estimating carbohydrate intake visually and only 18% using advanced methods. Additionally, 48% reported reducing carbohydrate intake, and 61% avoided certain carbohydrate-rich foods due to glucose management difficulties. Approximately 40% of participants reported insufficient dietary guidance from their healthcare providers since diagnosis, 33% expressed interest in further dietitian support and 39% believed dietary changes could improve glucose control.
Participants reported lower fibre intake and higher saturated fat intake compared with dietary guidelines. Many found carbohydrate counting and carbohydrate-rich meals challenging. One-third expressed a wish for additional dietary support. These findings highlight the importance of improving access to tailored dietary counselling in routine T1D care.
by Arwa Yahyaoui, Nouha Gammoudi, Selsabil Nouir, Sameh Mabrouk, Hela Ghali, Saoussen Abroug, Ghazi Sakly
Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. Uremic neuropathy (UN) is a common neurological complication, but data on its relationship with dialysis in pediatric populations are limited. This prospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of UN in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in a Tunisian population and explore the association between dialysis and UN. Conducted between July and September 2023 in the nephrology and neurophysiology units of a Tunisian hospital, the study included 31 children with CKD G5. Clinical data, biological analyses, and nerve conduction studies via electroneuromyography (EMG) were performed at baseline and six months later. Participants were divided into pre-dialysis and dialysis groups for comparison. The mean age was 11 ± 3.5 years, and the average age at CKD diagnosis was 7.5 ± 4.2 years. UN was diagnosed in 45% of participants using EMG, including 13% with silent neuropathy. Axonal neuropathy was predominant, with no cases of demyelinating neuropathy identified. Initial comparisons between dialysis and pre-dialysis groups showed no significant differences in UN characteristics. However, clinical neuropathy, weight-for-age, and glomerular nephritis were significantly associated with UN. Follow-up revealed a significant improvement in UN in the dialysis group. From this study, we conclude the importance of screening for UN in pediatric ESRD care and recommend routine EMG evaluations, even in asymptomatic patients, to ensure early diagnosis and management.by Areeya Madsusan, Saowaluk Krainara, Wantanasak Suksong, Kittithat Sudchoo, Nadeyah Tohmoh, Pattharaporn Jonggrijug, Chomkaeo Maipunklang, Chanitsara Chadaram, Kholeeyoh Samaeng, Piyadhida Kurdthongmee, Uratit Noosab, Arun Nakapong, Yanawut Udomsri, Suttiporn Kanaso, Natee Sakorn, Ng Yee Guan, Sukrit Sangkhano
Gross anatomy dissection is an essential component of medical and health science education, yet it presents notable occupational hazards, particularly from formaldehyde (FA) exposure and microbial contamination. These risks may be intensified in anatomy dissection halls located in tropical monsoon (Am) climates, where elevated humidity and temperature promote both chemical volatility and microbial persistence. This study assessed the combined effects of such climatic conditions on FA concentrations and microbial ecology within a naturally ventilated dissection hall in southern Thailand. FA levels were measured through personal and area air sampling across seven anatomical regions, while microbial contamination on cadaver-contact surfaces was evaluated using culture-based methods and high-throughput sequencing. Functional prediction of microbial communities was performed using PICRUSt2 to assess their metabolic adaptation to environmental stressors. The results revealed that both personal and indoor FA concentrations (mean 1.17 ± 0.39 ppm and 1.09 ± 0.45 ppm, respectively) exceeded several international occupational exposure limits, with the highest levels observed during dissections involving deep or adipose-rich anatomical regions. Microbial analyses identified stress-tolerant and potentially pathogenic genera, including Bdellovibrio, Aequorivita, and Aspergillus spp., along with enriched pathways involved in aromatic compound degradation and environmental resilience. These findings highlight the limitations of natural ventilation in controlling occupational exposures and microbial contamination in Am climate anatomy laboratories. The study supports the implementation of climate-responsive engineering controls and laboratory management strategies that address chemical safety, thermal regulation, and biosafety to promote healthier and more sustainable dissection environments in similar high-risk settings.In Australia, aligned to safety and quality standards, the health system implements standardised practices that include patient involvement in nursing bedside handover. Despite this mandate, it remains unclear whether patients are genuinely participating in nursing bedside handovers and whether their perspectives are being considered.
To explore patient perceptions of their involvement in nursing bedside handovers.
A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in two acute metropolitan hospitals in Western Australia from July 2021 to March 2022. The survey administered to patients, comprised three sections: demographic information; involvement in bedside handover; and perceptions of bedside handovers; utilising close-ended and Likert scale questions. Open-ended questions further explored participation in bedside handovers. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed and responses to open-ended questions underwent summative deductive content analysis.
Of the 390 participants, over half reported five or more bedside handovers (n = 197, 50.7%). Most perceived the importance of (n = 334, 79.0%), and expressed their satisfaction with (n = 327, 89.6%), involvement in bedside handover. Perceptions of handover were mostly positive. There were a few significant differences throughout based on type of hospital, gender and age-group. Open ended responses shared perceptions on the perceived benefits, challenges and barriers and ways to enhance involvement in bedside handover. Patients expressed several challenges, including lack of awareness of their right to participate, the approach of nurses and the timing of handovers as hindering their participation in bedside handovers.
Patients perceived the importance of, were mostly satisfied with, and had positive perceptions of bedside handover. However, several challenges hindered effective patient participation. Further research is needed into bedside handover as it is essential to enhance patient-centred quality care that aligns with national safety and quality healthcare standards.
Understanding the significance of patient involvement in bedside handovers motivates patients to actively share information about their care, leading to increased patient satisfaction and the promotion of patient-centred care. Addressing challenges through targeted strategies can enhance patient participation, communication, increased patient satisfaction and foster a more patient-centred approach to care.
The conduct of this study was supported by the consumer advisory group in the participating hospitals who also reviewed the survey questionnaires and conducted face validity of the survey.
by Monique Gill, Miranda Wu, Shania Pierre, Larine Joachim, Meera Premnazeer, Orianna Scali, Sakina J. Rizvi, Rebecca Renwick, Helene Polatajko, Jill I. Cameron
BackgroundGlobally, more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, leaving grieving individuals in their wake. Research indicates that individuals who lose a loved one to suicide face heightened risks for negative health outcomes. Recent studies show that taking part in meaningful activities can help protect health emphasizing the importance of exploring engagement in meaningful activities of everyday living among those bereaved. Currently, there has not been a review of the bereavement literature exploring the nature of, and extent to which, meaningful activities of everyday living are discussed.
ObjectiveTo explore the nature of, and extent to which the peer-reviewed, suicide bereavement literature addresses engagement in meaningful activities of everyday living.
MethodsA scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute’s framework was completed to summarize and map the literature. Four electronic databases were searched for two concepts: suicide and bereavement. Studies were screened using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers completed title and abstract, and full text screening for each article. All conflicts were resolved through discussion or by a third reviewer. Data were charted, summarized and results were reported using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews.
Results12372 studies were identified; 112 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies used qualitative (n = 90), quantitative (n = 10) and mixed (n = 12) methods. Findings indicate that the suicide bereavement literature discusses engagement in meaningful activities of everyday living using three main components: activities of everyday living, the engagement status of activities, and the meaning associated with activities.
DiscussionWhile references to meaningful activities of everyday living appear in the bereavement literature, they typically are discussed within the background rather than central research aims. There is a need to bring this discussion to the forefront and view engagement in meaningful activities of everyday living as an important aspect of suicide bereavement.
by Kenichi Shibuya, Rie Ibusuki, Daisaku Nishimoto, Shiroh Tanoue, Chihaya Koriyama, Shuhei Niiyama, Yasuyuki Kakihana, Toshiro Takezaki, Megumi Hara, Yuichiro Nishida, Sadao Suzuki, Takeshi Nishiyama, Mako Nagayoshi, Takashi Tamura, Yudai Tamada, Rieko Okada, Teruhide Koyama, Satomi Tomida, Kiyonori Kuriki, Jun Otonari, Hiroaki Ikezaki, Asahi Hishida, Masashi Ishizu, Sakurako Katsuura-Kamano, Kenji Wakai, Keitaro Matsuo, for the J-MICC Study group
Although the clinical importance of serum albumin and gamma gap levels is well established, it is unclear how these levels are associated with health risks in the general population. This cohort study aimed to clarify the association between serum albumin and gamma gap levels, and their combined effect, and mortality risk in a Japanese population. The participants totaled 35,746 (17,160 men and 18,586 women) aged 35–69 years from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study. The mean follow-up period was 11.8 years, with 1,529 deaths and 1,907 censoring. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals after adjusting for related factors. Increased HRs of low albumin and high gamma gap levels were respectively observed for deaths from all-causes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory system diseases without pneumonia, and other-causes; and the HR was the highest on respiratory system diseases without pneumonia (HR = 7.31, 4.15–12.9). Low albumin and low gamma gap levels were strongly associated for pneumonia death (HR = 12.4, 3.98–38.5). The interaction between albumin and gamma gap levels was significant for deaths from all-causes, pneumonia and other-causes. The dose relationship for each association was dose-dependent in albumin and threshold-type in gamma gap, except for other-causes. This study suggests that albumin and gamma gap levels are independent indicators of an increased risk of mortality in a Japanese population. Combined effect was apparent for mortality from all-causes, pneumonia, and other-causes.To investigate the relationship between a quality of life (QOL) score and clinical parameters in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
A multicentre cross-sectional study.
We analysed data from the Searching for Atrial Fibrillation and Early Recruitment of Heart Failure in HCM registry, collected between 2018 and 2023.
Patients with HCM (n=499) aged ≥18 years from 12 institutions (Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan) were consecutively enrolled.
Clinical parameters, along with data from a short form of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12), were collected. The association between each clinical parameter and the KCCQ-12 score was analysed. Clinical parameters with a significant univariable association (p
In the univariable analysis, KCCQ-12 scores exhibited significant associations with 21 clinical parameters, including sex, left ventricular morphology and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The multiple regression model with 12 parameters that had a significant univariable association exhibited an adjusted R2 of 0.48. In this model, the PSQI (standardised coefficient –0.39; p
In patients with HCM, we investigated the association between the KCCQ-12 score and various clinical parameters. PSQI, as well as known heart failure-related clinical parameters, was significantly associated with the KCCQ-12 score. Visualising the associations of various clinical parameters with the KCCQ-12 score will help physicians to consider factors linked to the decline in QOL in patients with HCM.
Burnout and reduced well-being are highly prevalent among Japanese medical students during clinical training. Scalable, evidence-based interventions are urgently needed. This protocol outlines a nationwide randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate a self-guided, on-demand Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) programme for reducing burnout and improving well-being during clinical clerkships.
This two-arm, open-label, parallel-group RCT will recruit 128 Japanese medical students in clinical clerkships, randomised to on-demand ACT or no-intervention control. The ACT intervention comprises three self-guided online modules at weeks 0, 2 and 4, plus a 30 min online booster (weeks 8–10). Self-reported outcomes are measured at baseline, mid-intervention, postintervention and at 14-week primary endpoint (week 14). The primary outcome is medical student burnout (Oldenburg Burnout Inventory for Medical Students). Secondary outcomes include well-being (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form), professional burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Service Survey), psychological flexibility (Work-related Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Valuing Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), mental illness stigma (Mental Illness: Clinicians’ Attitudes Scale version 4), ACT process knowledge (ACT Check, applied section); adverse events and serious adverse events and adherence (platform completion and engagement metrics), all assessed at prespecified time points. Data will be analysed using mixed-effects models for repeated measures on an intention-to-treat basis.
This protocol was approved by the Nagoya City University Clinical Research Review Board (No. 70-22-0022) and registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT1042250024). Results will be disseminated via publications and conference presentations.
jRCT1042250024.
In Tanzania, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is underdiagnosed, and uptake of evidence-based care is suboptimal. Using an implementation science approach, an intervention was developed to address local barriers to care: the Multicomponent Intervention for Improving Myocardial Infarction Care in Tanzania (MIMIC).
This sequential cohort design trial was conducted in a single northern Tanzanian emergency department (ED). During the preintervention phase (February–August 2023) and the postintervention phase (September 2023–August 2024), adults presenting with chest pain and/or dyspnoea were prospectively enrolled and their ED care was observed. AMI was defined by the Fourth Universal Definition criteria. Telephone follow-ups were conducted to ascertain 30-day mortality. Pearson’s ² was used to compare care before and after MIMIC implementation.
A total of 275 participants were enrolled in the preintervention phase and 577 were enrolled in the postintervention phase. Following MIMIC implementation, significant increases were observed in ECG testing (89.4% of postintervention participants vs 55.3% preintervention, OR 6.82, 95% CI 4.79 to 9.79, p
The MIMIC intervention was associated with large increases in uptake of AMI testing, case identification and evidence-based treatment in a single Tanzanian ED. Multisite studies are needed to evaluate the effect of MIMIC on AMI care in diverse settings across Tanzania.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide, with up to 70% of patients exhibiting freezing of gait (FOG). FOG is defined as transient episodes when one is unable to effectively engage in the stepping process (despite the intention to walk), which decreases or completely ceases forward movement. Although several FOG triggers have been identified, eliciting FOG remains challenging in research, hindering progress in research and therapy. Virtual reality (VR) offers a promising approach to evoke FOG during overground walking by combining environmental and neuropsychological triggers. This project aims to validate an existing open-source VR-FOG toolbox that integrates multiple triggers.
A within-subject repeated measures crossover study design with a 1-hour washout period will be used for this project to validate the VR-FOG toolbox. This will consist of three blocks (baseline non-VR, VR non-FOG and VR-FOG). All participants will first complete a baseline walking trial without VR, then be randomised to either the VR non-FOG environment—a virtual replica of the laboratory—or the VR-FOG environment containing multiple virtual FOG triggers. After a 1-hour washout period, they will complete the remaining VR condition. A crossover design will minimise ordering effects of VR conditions on FOG frequency and duration. Twenty participants with Parkinson’s disease with FOG will be tested at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (Austria) and 20 at the University of Exeter (UK) and will be recruited from local communities. Multisite testing will verify that the VR-FOG environment triggers FOG regardless of testing location.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Lower Austrian Ethics Commission and the University of Exeter review boards. All data will be anonymised, used solely for this project and securely stored in General Data Protection Regulation-compliant repositories. Study results will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
by Veli Fahri Pehlivan, Başak Pehlivan, Erdogan Duran, Abdullah Taskın, Ismail Koyuncu, Yusuf Çakmak
BackgroundSepsis, a life-threatening condition resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection, is associated with high mortality and remains a major global health burden. Sepsis is characterized by an imbalance between oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to disruption of thiol–disulfide homeostasis, hematological abnormalities, cytokine dysregulation, and widespread tissue injury.
MethodsAn experimental sepsis model was established in thirty-two male Balb-C mice using lipopolysaccharide administration. Animals were randomized into four groups: control, vitamin E, sepsis, and sepsis plus vitamin E. Serum oxidative stress markers, thiol-disulfide parameters, and inflammatory mediators, including C-reactive protein, interleukin-40, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, were measured. Hematological indices of systemic inflammation were evaluated (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), and lung, liver, and kidney tissues were examined histologically using a semi-quantitative scoring system.
ResultsLipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis caused marked disruption of thiol-disulfide balance, characterized by reduced native and total thiol levels, elevated disulfide levels, increased cytokine release, and severe histopathological injury. Vitamin E supplementation restored thiol-disulfide homeostasis, decreased oxidative stress, and attenuated systemic inflammation. In the sepsis plus vitamin E group, serum thiol levels increased significantly, while disulfide levels declined. Interleukin-40 showed a 24.2% reduction and tumor necrosis factor-alpha a 9.8% reduction compared with untreated septic animals. Histopathological analyses confirmed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular congestion, and tissue degeneration, particularly in the lungs.
ConclusionsVitamin E demonstrated significant protective effects against sepsis-induced oxidative and inflammatory injury by preserving thiol-disulfide homeostasis and reducing cytokine production. The more pronounced effect on interleukin-40 compared with tumor necrosis factor-alpha suggests selective modulation of inflammatory pathways and highlights interleukin-40 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. These findings support vitamin E as a promising adjunctive therapy in sepsis, although further studies are required to define optimal dosing strategies and assess clinical applicability.
Saskatchewan is facing a public health crisis driven by high rates of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, particularly among people who use drugs. Injection drug use is a major contributor to these syndemic infections, exacerbated by structural barriers such as stigma, poverty and limited culturally safe healthcare. Innovative, community-informed approaches are urgently needed to improve prevention, testing and linkage to care.
This study will implement a rapid assessment and response system in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, integrating geospatial mapping of community needle prevalence with pop-up interventions. Needle hotspot maps will be used to guide the deployment of community-based pop-up events offering point-of-care testing for HIV, syphilis and HCV, alongside education on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). A convergent participatory mixed-methods design will be used to evaluate feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness, guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework. Quantitative data will assess changes in knowledge of PrEP and PEP, satisfaction with the intervention and report new diagnoses and participant demographics descriptively. A qualitative substudy will include 30 participants and will explore experiences with the intervention, barriers to care and perceptions of service delivery.
Ethical approval has been obtained from the research ethics board of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (#24–91). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and community reporting. This study may provide a model of community-based geospatial testing and education that could be scaled up and adapted elsewhere.
Open Science Framework https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HVK3B
by Nayuki Numata, Aisa Ozawa, Motoharu Sakaue
Hair gets its color from melanin produced by melanocytes in the hair matrix. The coloration patterns observed in most terrestrial mammals arise from the diverse color combinations within their fur, which depends on the distribution pattern of melanocyte-containing hair follicles. Albino rats genetically produce no melanin and their coats are thus white, but we speculated that melanocytes differentiate and localize within these rats’ hair matrix. We conducted a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis, which revealed both the mRNA expressions of two melanocyte markers (dopachrome tautomerase and tyrosinase) in skin of male albino (SD, Wistar, and F344) rats and the differences in the markers’ expression levels among skin areas. Immunohistochemistry using anti-Dct antibody demonstrated that immunopositive cells, i.e., melanocytes, were localized in the rats’ hair matrix, and that melanocytes containing hair bulbs were distributed in head, dorsal thorax, and dorsal midline areas, which is similar to hooded rats. Our results suggest that differences in the melanocyte presence among the skin regions should be considered when the results of gene expression analyses of albino rat skin are interpreted.
FreshRSS 