Hasil untuk "General. Including alchemy"

G. Amminger, M. Schäfer, K. Papageorgiou et al.

T. Nakmura, I. Naguro, H. Ichijo

BACKGROUND Iron is essential for many types of biological processes. However, excessive iron can be cytotoxic and can lead to many diseases. Since ferroptosis, which is an iron-dependent regulated form of necrosis, was recently discovered, iron and iron-catalysed oxidative stress have attracted much interest because of their sophisticated mechanism of cellular signalling leading to cell death and associated with various diseases. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we first focus on how iron catalyses reactive oxygen species (ROS). Next, we discuss the roles of iron in cell death and senescence and, in particular, the downstream signalling pathways of ROS. Finally, we discuss the potential regulation mechanism of iron as a therapeutic target for various iron-related diseases. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Both labile iron released from organelles upon various stresses and iron incorporated in enzymes produce ROS, including lipid ROS. ROS produced by iron activates various signalling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways such as the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-p38/JNK pathway. These ROS-activated signalling pathways regulate senescence or cell death and are linked to cancer, ischaemia-reperfusion injury during transplantation and ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Iron overload damages cells and causes harmful effects on the body through oxidative stress. Thus, understanding the spatiotemporal availability of iron and the role of iron in generating ROS will provide clues for the suppression of ROS and cytotoxic redox-active iron. Moreover, elucidating the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways of iron-dependent cytotoxicity will enable us to find novel therapeutic targets for various diseases.

K. Murata, M. Wolf

BACKGROUND Since the introduction of what became today's standard for cryo-embedding of biological macromolecules at native conditions more than 30years ago, techniques and equipment have been drastically improved and the structure of biomolecules can now be studied at near atomic resolution by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) while capturing multiple dynamic states. Here we review the recent progress in cryo-EM for structural studies of dynamic biological macromolecules. SCOPE OF REVIEW We provide an overview of the cryo-EM method and introduce contemporary studies to investigate biomolecular structure and dynamics, including examples from the recent literature. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Cryo-EM is a powerful tool for the investigation of biological macromolecular structures including analysis of their dynamics by using advanced image-processing algorithms. The method has become even more widely applicable with present-day single particle analysis and electron tomography. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The cryo-EM method can be used to determine the three-dimensional structure of biomacromolecules in near native condition at close to atomic resolution, and has the potential to reveal conformations of dynamic molecular complexes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biophysical Exploration of Dynamical Ordering of Biomolecular Systems" edited by Dr. Koichi Kato.

Ruixue Wu, Yunjie Shi, Yusi Hu et al.

Effective chronic skin wound healing remains challenging due to excessive inflammation, insufficient vascular support, and impaired extracellular matrix remodeling. By rationally designing and integrating complementary biomaterials, it is possible to synergistically tailor physicochemical properties and biological performance for tissue repair and regeneration. In this study, a gelatin-based composite hydrogel incorporating recombinant type III collagen (rColIII) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was developed via EDC/NHS-mediated crosslinking and evaluated for wound repair. By tuning the rColIII/CMC ratio, the hydrogel mechanical modulus (G′) increased from ~1.2 kPa to ~2.6 kPa, and enzymatic degradation could be modulated, as reflected by changes in the remaining material mass. The optimized Gel/rCol/CMC-1 formulation supported 3T3 cell migration (1.8-fold increase at 24 h) and promoted a pro-regenerative (M2-like) macrophage phenotype in vitro. In a full-thickness diabetic wound model, Gel/rCol/CMC-1 accelerated wound closure (82.3 ± 4.7% vs. 56.9 ± 5.1% at day 14) and enhanced tissue quality, evidenced by more organized collagen deposition and increased CD31⁺/α-SMA⁺ vessel density. These results demonstrate that formulation-driven tuning of gelatin/rColIII/CMC matrices creates a supportive microenvironment for coordinated wound repair, highlighting their potential as regenerative hydrogel dressings for difficult-to-heal wounds.

K. Arredondo, Hilary N. Touchett, S. Khan et al.

Access to healthcare continues to be a top priority and prominent challenge in rural communities, with 20% of the total U.S. population living in rural areas while only 10% of physicians practice in rural areas. In response to physician shortages, a variety of programs and incentives have been implemented to recruit and retain physicians in rural areas; however, less is known about the types and structures of incentives that are offered in rural areas and how that compares to physician shortages. The purpose of our study is to conduct a narrative review of the literature to identify and compare current incentives that are offered by rural physician shortage areas to better understand how resources are being allocated to vulnerable areas. We reviewed published peer-reviewed articles from 2015–2022 to identify incentives and programs designed to address physician shortages in rural areas. We augment that review by examining the gray literature, including reports and white papers on the topic. Identified incentive programs were aggregated for comparison and translated into a map that depicts high, medium, and low levels of geographically designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and the number of incentives offered by state. Surveying current literature regarding different types of incentivization strategies while comparing to primary care HPSAs provides general insights on the potential influence of incentive programs on shortages, allows easy visual review, and may provide greater awareness of available support for potential recruits. Providing a broad overview of the incentives offered in rural areas will help illuminate whether diverse and appealing incentives are offered in the most vulnerable areas and guide future efforts to address these issues.

Tomoharu Suzuki, K. Katayama, Nathan Houchens et al.

Purpose To compare hospitalist roles and training systems between the United States (US) and Japan, identifying strengths and challenges to guide development of Japan’s emerging hospital medicine program. Methods A qualitative, descriptive narrative study was conducted during a 10-day observational site visit to the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System and University of Michigan Hospital in October 2022. Two experienced Japanese hospitalist authors independently observed clinical rounds, interprofessional meetings, and educational sessions. Data were collected through direct observation and structured discussions focusing on care-team structures, workflows, multidisciplinary collaboration, educational approaches, and quality improvement activities. The authors subsequently developed a comparative analysis report of Japan-US differences. Guided discussions based on this report were conducted with experienced US hospitalists and a pioneer physician of General Medicine in Japan to obtain expert commentary on the analyses. No quantitative data analysis or specific analytical software was utilized for this narrative comparison. Results The US hospitalist model demonstrated group practice approaches with shift-based schedules supporting work-life balance. Multidisciplinary teams actively incorporated residents and students in patient care, quality improvement, and teaching. Japan’s traditional attending physician model emphasized continuity of care but showed high workloads and limited multidisciplinary integration. Japanese hospitalists faced challenges including extensive work hours, fewer specialized training opportunities in quality improvement and patient safety, and less robust team-based learning environments. Conclusion Incorporating elements from the US model—such as group practice with shift-based systems, enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration, and structured educational and quality improvement initiatives—could address workload issues and foster professional development in Japan’s hospital medicine system while preserving valued aspects of continuity of care. These findings provide specific actionable guidance for healthcare administrators, medical education directors, and policymakers involved in developing Japan’s hospitalist system, as well as to practicing Japanese hospitalists seeking to enhance their professional practice environments and educational frameworks.

Karthikeyan Venkatachalam, Narin Charoenphun, Chawakwan Nitikornwarakul et al.

The effect of varying sodium alginate (SA) concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%; SA1–SA3) on the encapsulation of tangerine (<i>Citrus reticulata</i> Blanco ‘Cho Khun’) peel extract (TPE, 0.5% <i>w</i>/<i>v</i>) into hydrogel beads was evaluated. Overall, the results showed that increasing SA concentration significantly altered bead characteristics: lightness (L*) decreased from 56.35 to 45.57, red-green axis (a*) shifted negatively from −1.32 to −6.87, and yellow-blue axis (b*) increased from −17.81 to 6.41. Moisture content (97.85% to 93.16%) and water activity (0.96 to 0.93) declined with higher SA, while hardness increased (4.12 to 5.17 g). ζ-potential values shifted from −29.10 mV (SA1) to −39.10 mV (SA3), confirming enhanced electrostatic stabilization. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic alginate functional groups, and morphological analysis showed smoother, denser beads at higher SA concentrations. Phenolic (47.86–48.51 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW) and flavonoid (34.02–36.68 mg QE g⁻¹ DW) contents were well-retained, supporting antioxidant activities (DPPH 70.34–72.54%; ABTS 65.66–66.91%). Antimicrobial tests demonstrated > 4-log reductions against <i>E. coli</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. Sensory evaluation revealed that higher SA concentrations improved texture and taste. Overall, SA encapsulation, particularly at 3%, effectively stabilized TPE, preserving its functional properties for potential food and nutraceutical applications.

Shaik Gouse Peera, Myunghwan Byun

Efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are essential for numerous energy storage and conversion systems, including zinc–air batteries and fuel cells. Cutting-edge Pt/C catalysts remain the most efficient ORR catalysts to date; however, their high cost and inadequate stability impede their use in commercial devices. Recently, transition metal-based electrocatalysts are being pursued as ideal alternatives for cost-effective and efficient materials with a promising future. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, synthesis, and electrocatalytic assessment of noble metal and transition metal-based catalysts derived from diverse gel precursors, including hydrogels, aerogels, xerogels, metal–organic gels, and metal aerogels. Electrocatalysts derived from gel precursors have garnered significant interest due to their superior physicochemical properties, including an exceptionally high surface area, adjustable porosity, adaptability, and scalability. Catalysts obtained from gel precursors offer numerous advantages over conventional catalyst synthesis methods, including the complete utilization of precursors, precise control over surface area and porosity, and uniform distribution of ORR active sites. Among the various types, metal aerogels are distinguished as the superior catalysts, exceeding the Department of Energy’s (DoE) 2025 targets for the mass and specific activities of ORR catalysts. In contrast, hydrogel- and aerogel-derived catalysts excel in terms of ORR activity, specific surface area, and the potential to incorporate high loadings of single-atom catalysts composed of transition metals. Ultimately, we unequivocally categorized the electrocatalysts into high-, moderate-, and low-performance tiers, identifying the most promising catalyst candidate within each gel classification. Concluding insights, future outlooks, and recommendations were provided for the advancement of cost-effective, scalable electrocatalysts derived from gels for fuel cells and zinc–air batteries.

Yu Gao, Di Su, Jiawei Zhao et al.

In recent years, the incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing annually. During the research on tumor treatment strategies, the translation of fundamental research findings into clinical applications has often been constrained by the limitations of existing tumor models, with few breakthroughs achieved to date. Therefore, our objective is to explore the feasibility of utilizing self-assembling short peptides (SAPs) to construct a three-dimensional (3D) culture system for colorectal adenocarcinoma cells for anticancer drug screening. By characterizing the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of SAP SCIOBIO III, we demonstrated that it can rapidly self-assemble into a nanofibrous scaffold under ionic triggers, supporting 3D cell culture. Subsequently, anticancer drug sensitivity tests were conducted on both 2D and 3D culture systems of colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. The results indicate that SCIOBIO III can mimic the extracellular matrix and serves as an ideal scaffold for constructing a 3D cell culture microenvironment. We successfully established a 3D culture model for colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and effectively screened anticancer drugs, which holds promise for advancing the development of personalized anticancer drug screening technologies.

Mengcheng Nie, Yong Kong, Zhixin Wang et al.

Hydrophobic phenolic/silica hybrid aerogels were synthesized via different methyl modification methods including in situ polymerization (RA-IS), surface grafting (RA-SG), and vapor deposition (RA-VD). All the methods achieved good hydrophobicity, with a water contact angle around 140°, and the hydrophobic mechanisms were clarified. RA-IS possesses the highest specific surface area and nanopore volume, and the lowest bulk density. Therefore, it exhibits much lower thermal conductivity (32.2 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹) at 25 °C than RA-SG, RA-VD and other reported phenolic/silica hybrid aerogels. The compression strength (3.3 MPa) and Young’s modulus (19.2 MPa) of RA-IS are higher than those of its state-of-the-art counterparts. The methyl groups in RA-IS are linked in the matrix by a covalent bond, leading to excellent weather resistance under thermal, hygrothermal, and ultraviolet aging conditions. The methyl species in RA-SG and RA-VD are loaded on the surface via a covalent bond and physical adsorption, exhibiting poor weather resistance. RA-IS is incombustible and its microstructure is stable on an alcohol flame. This study provides new insights into the hydrophobicity of phenolic/silica hybrid aerogels, and offers significant guidance for developing aerogels with high strength, hydrophobicity, flame resistance, weather resistance, and insulation performance for building insulation.

Chris Wall, T. Johnson, Jason Byrnes et al.

BACKGROUND Chronic shoulder pain is a common presenting compliant in general practice. The differential diagnosis is broad and varies with patient age. OBJECTIVE This article reviews the management of patients presenting with chronic shoulder pain. A structured approach to history and physical examination is presented, and appropriate investigations are discussed. Non-surgical and surgical treatment options are reviewed. DISCUSSION Many patients presenting with chronic shoulder pain can be successfully treated non-surgically. A multidisciplinary approach including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology as needed will optimise care. Patients presenting with acute injuries or 'red flag' diagnoses should be urgently referred for specialist care. Referral to an orthopaedic surgeon is also recommended for patients who have failed an appropriate course of non-surgical treatment.

Ching-Fang Sun, C. Correll, R. Trestman et al.

OBJECTIVE To identify potential barriers to care, this study examined the general psychiatry outpatient new appointment availability in the US, including in-person and telepsychiatry appointments, comparing results between insurance types (Medicaid vs. private insurance), states, and urbanization levels. METHOD This mystery shopper study investigated 5 US states selected according to Mental Health America Adult Ranking and geography to represent the US mental health care system. Clinics across five selected states were stratified sampled by county urbanization levels. Calls were made during 05/2022-07/2022. Collected data included contact information accuracy, appointment availability, wait time (days), and related information. RESULTS Altogether, 948 psychiatrists were sampled in New York, California, North Dakota, Virginia, and Wyoming. Overall contact information accuracy averaged 85.3%. Altogether, 18.5% of psychiatrists were available to see new patients with a significantly longer wait time for in-person than telepsychiatry appointments (median = 67.0 days vs median = 43.0 days, p < 0.01). The most frequent reason for unavailability was provider not taking new patients (53.9%). Mental health resources were unevenly distributed, favoring urban areas. CONCLUSION Psychiatric care has been severely restricted in the US with low accessibility and long wait times. Transitioning to telepsychiatry represents a potential solution for rural disparities in access.

Rebecca Gudka, Kieran Becker, J. Ward et al.

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. UK guidance states that primary care has a vital role in effective ADHD management, including referral, medication prescribing and monitoring, and providing broader mental health and wellbeing support. However, many GPs feel unsupported to provide health care for young people with ADHD. Inadequate health care is associated with rising costs for patients and society. Aim To investigate the experiences of young people with ADHD accessing primary care in England, from the perspectives of people with lived experience of ADHD and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Design and setting A qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with HCPs (GPs, practice managers, and a wellbeing worker) and people with lived experience of ADHD (young people aged 16–25 years and their supporters) located in integrated care systems across England. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants at five purposively selected general practices (varying by deprivation, ethnicity, and setting). Questions focused on experiences of accessing/providing health care for ADHD. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken within a critical realist framework to understand how provision works in practice and to explore potential improvements. Results In total, 20 interviews were completed with 11 HCPs and nine people with lived experience. Three themes were generated: a system under stress, incompatibility between ADHD and the healthcare system, and strategies for change in ADHD primary care provision. Conclusion Standardisation of ADHD management in primary care, providing better information and support for HCPs, and advising on reasonable adjustments for people with lived experience could help improve access to effective treatments for young people living with ADHD.

Inge Dhamanti, A. Suwantika, Amirah Adlia et al.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe global impact. A range of campaigns and activities, including vaccines, are being implemented to counteract this pandemic. Using observational data, the goal of this scoping review is to identify adverse events connected with COVID-19 vaccinations. We conduct a scoping study and searched three databases from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 through June 2022. Based on our criteria and searched keywords, the review included eleven papers in total, with the majority of the studies being conducted in developed countries. The study populations varied and included general community populations, healthcare professionals, military forces, and patients with systemic lupus and cancer. This study includes vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Moderna. The COVID-19 vaccine-related adverse events were classified into three types: local side effects, systemic side effects, and other side effects such as allergies. The adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines are mild to moderate in severity, with no significant influence or interference in individual daily activities and no unique patterns in cause of death among vaccine-related deaths. According to the findings of these investigations, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe to administer and induces protection. It is vital to convey accurate information to the public about vaccination side effects, potential adverse responses, and the safety level of the vaccines supplied. Multiple strategies must be implemented at the individual, organizational, and population levels to eliminate vaccine hesitance. Future studies could investigate the vaccine’s effect on people of various ages and medical conditions.

R. Scardigno, Giacinto Davide Guagnano, Francesco Pagliarulo

Abstract Frames can have an essential role in the (re)production of the ‘shared ideologies’ concerning several social categories, including migrants. The overall aim of this work is to investigate the discursive construction of frames concerning migration, as rhetoric tools (a) connected to editorial orientations; (b) related to both specific events and more general thematic news articles; (c) having socio-cultural and emotional connotations. The qualitative analysis of 235 Italian news articles enabled us to outline different configurations of discursive elements as well as to identify different emotional pathways. Reflections about the critical role of framing in the social knowledge construction are proposed.

Foteini Michalaki, Korina Marina Triantafillopoulou, Ilias Pagkozidis et al.

Abstract Background Primary Health Care (PHC) was the cornerstone of the pandemic response. Objectives We aimed to explore the positive and negative impact of the pandemic, during its final wave, through ‘PHC providers’ eyes’, as well as their recommendations towards restructuring and enhancing PHC services. Methods A two-phase qualitative study was conducted, pursuing data triangulation from Focus Groups (FGs) and individual, semi-structured interviews for the purposes of data completeness and confirmation (summer 2022 and spring 2023, respectively). A purposive sample of settings was employed, including in total five PHC units according to location with different population distribution; one in Athens (FGs) and four in Northern Greece (interviews). Inductive content analysis was used. Results In total, 24 PHC professionals participated in FGs, whereas 17 were individually interviewed. Our findings reflect a general understanding of the pandemic’s positive imprint, namely acceleration of digitalisation, establishment of health protection measures, recognition of PHC’s role, raise in public awareness of primary prevention, team-cooperation, increase in providers’ self-efficacy, appointment of health professionals and re-organisation of accessibility. The negative impact is summarised in fatigue/burnout in PHC providers, patient safety concerns and changes in patients’ behaviour. To increase resilience, participants suggest restructuring PHC, recruiting PHC personnel and enhancing digital infrastructure, maintenance of sanitary protection measures, investment in quality, and empowering patients through health literacy. Conclusion Based on the lessons learnt, building further on the pandemic-accelerated digitalisation, emphasising on quality improvement and patient safety, ensuring providers’ well-being, and empowering citizens through health literacy could be key in promoting PHC resilience. KEY MESSAGES PHC could build upon digitalisation, its role’s recognition, establishment of protective measures, raise in public awareness of primary prevention, team-cooperation and providers’ self-efficacy that the pandemic brought. Emphasising on quality improvement and patient safety, promoting professionals’ well-being and empowering citizens through health literacy could be key in strengthening PHC resilience.

Yewon Lee, Mariya Davis, E. López et al.

Research indicates that outcomes for individuals with intellectual disability in post-secondary education (PSE), employment, and independent living lag in comparison to the general population. Students with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disability, are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers and face barriers in accessing STEM courses and career opportunities. Furthermore, students with intellectual disability are disproportionately affected by the impact of unemployment and underemployment and overall quality of life. Providing students with intellectual disability with opportunities for STEM instruction and access to STEM careers could help them with employment in the field. Therefore, the call exists for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to strengthen employment pathways for individuals with intellectual disability to find and maintain competitive employment, including STEM careers. This paper discusses potential barriers for individuals with intellectual disability in their pursuit of a career in STEM and offers recommendations for addressing the identified issues.

Jianxiao Gu, Haibo Lyu, Bo Li et al.

Calcareous sands often display wide ring grain configurations, high intragranular porosity, a complex structure, and low grain hardness. These attributes typically do not meet the strength criteria necessary to sustain overlying infrastructure in civil engineering applications. This study investigates gel stabilization techniques, blending gel material with calcareous sand at concentrations ranging from 5% to 22%, followed by curing periods of 3 to 28 days to evaluate the load-bearing capacity. Subsequently, an unconfined compressive test is performed to determine the gel material content in stabilized specimens and investigate the influence of gel material types. The gel material-to-sand ratios employed are set at 5%, 10%, and 16% for Portland cement and 13%, 16%, and 22% for gypsum. After that, a triaxial consolidated undrained test is conducted to assess mechanical behavior, pore water pressure, and mechanical properties. The findings reveal increased dilation, stress–strain hardening, and softening post-yield, regardless of gel material type. Principal stress ratios, secant modulus, and cohesion show a positive correlation with maintenance duration and binder content, with implications for improved load-bearing capacity. The study also elucidates the qualitative relationship between secant modulus <i>E</i>₅₀ and confining pressure.

Lenka Hanyková, Julie Šťastná, Ivan Krakovský

Hydrogels, composed of hydrophilic homopolymer or copolymer networks, have structures similar to natural living tissues, making them ideal for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensors. Since Wichterle and Lim first synthesized hydrogels in 1960, extensive research has led to various types with unique features. Responsive hydrogels, which undergo reversible structural changes when exposed to stimuli like temperature, pH, or specific molecules, are particularly promising. Temperature-sensitive hydrogels, which mimic biological processes, are the most studied, with poly(<i>N</i>-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) being prominent due to its lower critical solution temperature of around 32 °C. Additionally, pH-responsive hydrogels, composed of polyelectrolytes, change their structure in response to pH variations. Despite their potential, conventional hydrogels often lack mechanical strength. The double-network (DN) hydrogel approach, introduced by Gong in 2003, significantly enhanced mechanical properties, leading to innovations like shape-deformable DN hydrogels, organic/inorganic composites, and flexible display devices. These advancements highlight the potential of hydrogels in diverse fields requiring precise and adaptable material performance. In this review, we focus on advancements in the field of responsive acrylamide-based hydrogels with IPN structures, emphasizing the recent research on DN hydrogels.

Giulia Rando, Elisabetta Scalone, Silvia Sfameni et al.

In recent years, many researchers have focused on designing hydrogels with specific functional groups that exhibit high affinity for various contaminants, such as heavy metals, organic pollutants, pathogens, or nutrients, or environmental parameters. Novel approaches, including cross-linking strategies and the use of nanomaterials, have been employed to enhance the structural integrity and performance of the desired hydrogels. The evolution of these hydrogels is further highlighted, with an emphasis on fine-tuning features, including water absorption capacity, environmental pollutant/factor sensing and selectivity, and recyclability. Furthermore, this review investigates the emerging topic of stimuli-responsive smart hydrogels, underscoring their potential in both sorption and detection of water pollutants. By critically assessing a wide range of studies, this review not only synthesizes existing knowledge, but also identifies advantages and limitations, and describes future research directions in the field of chemically engineered hydrogels for water purification and monitoring with a low environmental impact as an important resource for chemists and multidisciplinary researchers, leading to improvements in sustainable water management technology.