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Enhancing nursing students’ patient-centeredness attitudes and emotional skills through co-teaching with patients and caregivers: A mixed-methods study

The objective of this study is to evaluate changes in patient-centeredness attitudes, empathy, and emotional intelligence among nursing students trained with patients and caregivers as co-teachers. A mixed-methods embedded study was conducted. The quantitative strand consists of a quasi-experimental design, measuring third-year nursing students’ scores before and after an educational intervention, compared with first- and second-year students’ scores. Data were collected using three validated scales: the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS-8-IT), Jefferson Scale of Empathy Health Professions Student (JSEHPS), and Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SREIT). The qualitative strand explored student perceptions through focus group post-intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data were initially analyzed separately, then triangulated during interpretation. Results showed statistically significant improvements in scale scores post-intervention (n = 146). Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis, aligning with quantitative findings. Patient-centeredness attitudes among students increased significantly after the intervention (PPOS-8-IT mean difference = 0.26, p < 0.001). Mixed-methods analyses highlight the importance of a participatory approach to decision-making and sharing clinical information. Empathy (JSEHPS mean difference = 6.39, p < 0.001) and emotional intelligent (SREIT mean difference = 3.19, p < 0.001) also increased post-intervention. Understanding patients’ emotional states and managing one’s own emotions are integral to patient-centered practice, emphasizing the need for healthcare professionals to balance empathy with professional boundaries. Interestingly, our study found that outcomes increase over the three years of the course (n = 424). The analyses reveal that the difference among the three years is statistically significant both for the patient-centeredness attitudes (PPOS-8-IT H(2)=55.99, p < 0.001) and empathy (JSEHPS H(2)=37.78, p < 0.001).

A robust platform streamlining aromatic noncanonical amino acid biosynthesis and genetic code expansion in Escherichia coli

Abstract Genetic code expansion (GCE) has significantly enhanced the diversity of proteins in the biological world, leading to a wide range of applications. Despite the advances in GCE, the cost of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) remains one of the major obstacles for large-scale production. In situ biosynthesis of ncAAs from commercial precursors offers a promising solution to this challenge, yet only a few biosynthetic pathways have been reported. Here, we present a platform that couples the biosynthesis of aromatic ncAAs with genetic code expansion in E. coli, enabling the production of proteins and peptides containing ncAAs. Forty ncAAs are synthesized from aryl aldehydes by the biosynthetic pathway, while nineteen ncAAs are incorporated into superfolder GFP using three orthogonal translation systems. The platform’s versatility is demonstrated by the production of macrocyclic peptides and antibody fragments. We envision that the platform will facilitate the production of peptides, enzymes, and antibody fragments containing ncAAs.

Unveiling spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers of ecosystem services to optimize the ecological zoning management in the Luo river basin

Classification of anterior cruciate ligament tears in knee magnetic resonance images using pre-trained model and custom model

Potential geographical distribution of Garcinia paucinervis Chun et How in China under future climate change scenarios based on the MaxEnt Model

Garcinia paucinervis Chun et How is a tree species with important ecological, medicinal, and ornamental value. Studying the impact of climate change on the potential distribution of this species offers important information for resource conservation, population restoration, and sustainability. In this study, the MaxEnt model was used to simulate potential distributions under climate change conditions. Results showed that the precipitation of the driest quarter (Bio-17) ranging from 33.3 to 133.3 mm, the precipitation of the warmest quarter (Bio-18) from 667.67 to 1000 mm, the annual mean temperature (Bio-01) from 18.0 to 24.0 °C, and the annual precipitation (Bio-12) from 1250.0 to 1760.0 mm were four dominant factors affecting the distribution of G. paucinervis. Its suitable habitat in China is the narrowest, and it is located in most regions of Guangxi and Guangdong, the southern region of Guizhou, and the southeastern part of Yunnan Province. In the 2050s and 2070s, the geographical distribution gradually decreased compared to current scenarios. Specifically, most of Guangxi and Guangdong, the southern region of Guizhou, the eastern part of Yunnan adjacent to Guangxi, the southeast region of Sichuan, and the northern region of Hainan were identified as stable suitable habitats for G. paucinervis. Meanwhile, the expanding areas were located only in the western and southern regions of Yunnan, and the contracting areas were in the junction of Guangdong, Fujian, and Jiangxi; among Guizhou, Chongqing, and Hunan; among Anhui, Henan, and Hubei; the southeastern region of Sichuan; the western region of Hubei; and the adjacent area between Chongqing and Sichuan. By the 2070s, the contracting habitats will additionally include the central Guizhou region, the northern regions of Guangdong and Guangxi, the eastern region of Guangdong adjacent to Fujian, and the southern Jiangxi Provinces. Thus, this study highlights the vulnerability of the species and its response to future climate change and provides insights for assessing habitat suitability for conservation management.

Research on damage identification in T-beam bridges based on strain influence lines

Elemental composition analysis of calcium-based urinary stones via laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for enhanced clinical insights

The validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale (SCLC) for pharmacy technicians

Background The Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale (SCLC) is widely used to measure satisfaction and self-confidence in learning. The 13-item scale includes two subscales: satisfaction with education (5 items) and self-confidence in learning (8 items), rated on a 5-point Likert scale. However, no validated Dutch version existed for pharmacy technicians, a group increasingly involved in complex healthcare roles. This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the SCLC for use among Dutch pharmacy technicians. Methods The SCLC was translated into Dutch following cross-cultural adaptation guidelines, including forward and back-translation by three bilingual experts. The questionnaire was administered to pharmacy technicians at Erasmus MC. Internal consistency was assessed using Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated construct validity. Results A total of 129 pharmacy technicians completed the questionnaire. CFA indicated a good fit for a two-factor model, with a statistically significant Chi-square (p < 0.000), and a Chi-square/df ratio of 2.5. Fit indices, including CFI (0.92) and RMSEA (0.102), suggested moderate model fit. Conclusion This study suggests that the Dutch version of the SCLC is a moderately reliable and valid tool for assessing pharmacy technicians’ satisfaction with education and self-confidence in learning. Given the absence of other validated instruments in this context, this scale offers a useful starting point for evaluating and improving educational programs. However, as the psychometric properties indicated room for improvement and the model fit was moderate, further research with larger samples is needed to refine and confirm the suitability of this questionnaire.

A comparative analysis and noise robustness evaluation in quantum neural networks

Epitope mapping strategies for immunogenicity mitigation in streptokinase therapeutics: an in-silico study

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public trust in science

Public trust in science plays a critical role in shaping attitudes toward health policies, technological advancements, and societal progress. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly influenced science communication, governmental policies, and public perceptions of scientific credibility. This study examines shifts in trust in science before and after the pandemic using survey data from 10,000 respondents across multiple demographic groups. Results indicate that respondnatds from North America and Europe Experienced an increase in trust where as Africa and South America Witnessed a decline in trust. Males exhibited a greater decline in trust than females (p = 0.038), and undergraduate degree holders showed the largest decrease (p = 0.001). Notably, individuals who relied on independent researchers for scientific information exhibited a slight increase in trust, whereas those who consumed traditional media experienced the largest decline (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the complex dynamics of science trust and the importance of targeted science communication strategies to mitigate erosion in confidence.

Examining the impact of warnings on eyewitness memory

Zebrafish model of palmitic acid induced MAFLD recapitulates pathways conserved in mice and humans

Correction: Enhanced DWT-OFDM communication system using wavelet domain equalizer with Co-CFO

Association between CYP17A1 and HSD3B1 gene polymorphisms and testosterone levels in Nigerian prostate cancer patients

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is a primary global health concern and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Genetic variation in androgen pathways is essential in PCa development and progression. Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) gene encodes a critical metabolic enzyme involved in testosterone (TT) synthesis, as it converts cholesterol into androstenedione. Similarly, the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD3B1) gene encodes an enzyme that catalyses the conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to androstenedione, a critical precursor for TT production. The case-control study was conducted on 40 PCa patients and 40 healthy males with matching ages. Detection of CYP17A1 and HSD3B1 polymorphisms was done using the TaqMan genotyping assay, and estimation of TT levels in serum was done using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Detected genotypes were AA, AG, and GG for CYP17A1, and AA and CA for HSD3B1; the adrenal-permissive CC genotype of HSD3B1 was absent. The TT levels were significantly lower in PCa patients (p = 0.00148). No significant associations were found between polymorphisms in CYP17A1, HSD3B1 and TT levels. The HSD3B1 CA genotype showed a non-significant trend toward increased PCa risk (OR = 2.39, p = 0.183) that requires validation in larger studies before any clinical relevance can be established.

The moderating effects of gender and emotional eating on the relationship between social media addiction and hedonic hunger in university students

Physical activity is associated with exercise capacity among patients undergoing chemotherapy: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Introduction Exercise intolerance is common among cancer patients undergoing active treatments. We conducted a pilot study in patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic therapies to investigate the impact of participation in a 6-month physical activity intervention (PAI) versus a healthy lifestyle education control intervention (HLI) on accelerometer-derived measures of PA (steps/day or minutes of moderate to vigorous PA [MVPA]/week) and whether these measures were associated with submaximal exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance [6MWD]). Methods Participants with breast cancer or lymphoma (n = 33) were randomized (2:1) into PAI or HLI groups. Exercise training was patient-centered, tailored by treatment and functional status. Objective assessments of PA (steps/day, MVPA/week), and submaximal exercise capacity (6MWD) were completed at baseline, 3-, and 6-months. Descriptive statistics were used to examine changes in PA and 6MWD. T-tests were used to examine differences in 6MWD between groups at 3- and 6-months. Results At baseline, 27 participants in the PAI (n = 20) and HLI (n = 7) groups who completed baseline and at least 1 follow up visit, had a mean age of 53 (range: 23–76) vs 56 (range: 40–77) years, took on average 8,330 ± 2520 vs 7800 ± 3830 steps/day, did an average of 133 ± 44 vs 109 ± 87 minutes of MVPA/week, and had a mean 6MWD of 496 ± 94 vs 440 ± 18 meters, respectively. At 3- and 6-months there was a 87m and 76m difference in 6MWD by intervention group. A correlation analysis did find significant associations between steps/day (r = 0.51, p = .04) and 6MWD at 3-months. Conclusions Baseline data indicate that, on average, our study sample was close to meeting the PA guidelines. Unexpectedly, both groups maintained their activity levels up to 3- and 6-months. Submaximal exercise capacity (6MWD) was also maintained (with a clinically meaningful but not statistically significant relative benefit in the PAI) suggesting higher PA levels may associate with reduced exercise intolerance after anthracycline therapy.

Maternal origins and genetic diversity of Sabahan swamp buffalo using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene

Abstract The swamp buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis carabanensis ) plays a crucial role in agriculture across Southeast Asia but is increasingly underutilized in regions like Sabah, Malaysia. This study presents the first comprehensive statewide genetic assessment of Sabahan swamp buffalo using mitochondrial cytochrome b ( cytb ) gene sequences to investigate maternal origins and assess genetic diversity. Blood samples were collected from 211 individuals across eight locations in Sabah. DNA extraction and PCR amplification successfully yielded 198 high-quality cytb sequences. Comparative analysis with 1745 publicly available sequences revealed that 197 Sabahan buffalo belong to the SA1 haplogroup, which is common across Southeast Asia. Only four haplotypes were identified, with one dominant haplotype found in 190 individuals, indicating remarkably low genetic diversity (haplotype diversity = 0.088; nucleotide diversity = 0.00031). An additional river buffalo haplotype detected in one phenotypically swamp buffalo suggests introgression from Murrah buffalo. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 96.29% of genetic variation occurred within populations, with minimal differentiation among them. Φ ST comparisons suggest Sabah’s buffalo are genetically closer to Chinese swamp buffalo populations than those from South Asia, supporting a maternal lineage via the China–Taiwan–Philippines dispersal route. Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated localized gene flow, while demographic reconstruction via Bayesian Skyline Plot suggested long-term population stability with recent expansion. These findings highlight the limited maternal genetic variation within Sabahan swamp buffalo, likely stemming from a founder effect during introduction to Borneo and minimal subsequent genetic inflow. The study provides critical insight into the evolutionary history and population structure of Sabah’s swamp buffalo, with implications for conservation and livestock improvement strategies aimed at bolstering genetic diversity and productivity in the region.

Glucodensity functional profiles outperform traditional continuous glucose monitoring metrics

Structure-aware medical image fusion via mean curvature enhancement in the contourlet domain

The medical image fusion is a critical application in medical diagnosis, where anatomical and functional information from different imaging modalities, e.g., Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) can be integrated. However, edge preservation, texture richness and structure consistency are a major challenge in complex fusion scenarios. This paper presents a novel multimodal medical image fusion technique based on the Contourlet Transform for multiscale directional decomposition and mean curvature filter for edge preservation. The proposed approach decomposes the source images into low- frequency and high-frequency components via a three-level Contourlet Transform. The low-frequency layers are fused via weighted averaging for brightness consistency, while the detail layers are processed by the mean curvature filter and then fused via maximum absolute selection to maintain edges and texture. The approach was evaluated against a variety of multimodal medical image datasets with consistent improvements against conventional methods such as Guided Filter Fusion (GFF), Laplacian Pyramid (LP), and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). Experimental results showed average improvement of 19.4% in Spatial Frequency (SF), 17.6% in Average Gradient (AG), and 13.2% in Entropy (EN) over baseline methods. The results demonstrate that the method is useful for medical applications such as brain tumor localization, tissue differentiation, and surgery planning where high fidelity within fused imaging is critical.