Science Framework Research Articles

The molecular design of novel phospholipid-inspired ionic liquid transdermal penetration enhancers: Innovative insights on the action mode and mechanism

Ionic liquid transdermal penetration enhancers (IL@TPEs) as new enhancement methods have significant advantages in the transdermal drug delivery system. However, the scientific frameworks for the design of efficient IL@TPEs and their applications in transdermal formulations were still lack. So, a series of novel biomimetic phospholipid-inspired IL@TPEs (PIL@TPEs) were designed and synthesized. The developed QSARs proved that enhancement efficacy of PIL@TPEs depended on pKa of drugs and M.W., Polar., and pKa of cations. Surprisingly, the PIL@TPEs dissociated during transdermal process, and skin penetration amounts of acidic drugs was inversely proportional to skin retention amounts of cations, which showed that action modes of PIL@TPEs were different from conventional enhancers. The novel mechanisms of PIL@TPEs were elucidated by quantitative determination of dynamic interaction among cations, anions, drugs, and skins. The PIL@TPEs with high enhancement efficiency owned strong interactions with drugs determined by ATR-FTIR, Raman and NOESY. Moreover, the PIL@TPEs owning better stability in skin ensured the production of strong interactions with lipids and keratins characterized by ATR-FTIR, 1H NMR and CLSM. The good safety of optimized PIL@TPEs was proved by determining cytotoxicity, apoptosis, inflammatory cells, and cytokines. In conclusion, this project will make an important contribution to the design and application of IL@TPEs.

Virtual simulation for teaching cardiology in nursing: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionVirtual simulation (VS) can be an effective learning strategy in the context of nursing education on cardiovascular disease; however, its use in teaching cardiology in nursing is less studied. The...

Perbandingan Konsep Integrasi Sains dan Agama Menurut Imam Prayogo dan M. Amin Abdullah

This research aims to find out the thoughts of Imam Prayogo and Amin Abdullah regarding the tree of knowledge and spider web models, to find out the differences in the thoughts of the two figures. By using data collection techniques in the form of studying and collecting data through reading materials sourced from primary books and secondary books related to the two figures discussed. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach, and the type of research used is library research, namely collecting data or scientific writing aimed at the object of research or library data collection. From the research results, it was concluded that Imam Prayogo placed greater emphasis on the hierarchy and structure of knowledge rooted in revelation as the main foundation, with a focus on modernization and renewal of Islamic thought. Amin Abdullah, meanwhile, highlights the deep integration between Islamic and secular sciences in dealing with the complexities of contemporary life, placing the Qur'an and Sunnah at the center of his scientific framework.

Barriers and facilitators to dissemination of non-communicable diseases research: a mixed studies systematic review.

There is a large number of research studies about the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCD), with findings taking several years to be translated into practice. One reason for this lack of translation is a limited understanding of how to best disseminate NCD research findings to user-groups in a way that is salient and useful. An understanding of barriers and facilitators to dissemination is key to informing the development of strategies to increase dissemination. Therefore, this review aims to identify and synthesise the barriers and facilitators to dissemination of NCD research findings. A mixed studies systematic review was performed following JBI (formerly known as Joanna Briggs Institute) methodology. The search included articles from January 2000 until May 2021. We conducted a comprehensive search of bibliographic and grey literature of five databases to identify eligible studies. Studies were included if they involved end-users of public health research that were decision-makers in their setting and examined barriers/facilitators to disseminating research findings. Two pairs of reviewers mapped data from included studies against the Framework of Knowledge Translation (FKT) and used a convergent approach to synthesise the data. The database search yielded 27,192 reports. Following screening and full text review, 15 studies (ten qualitative, one quantitative and four mixed methods) were included. Studies were conducted in 12 mostly high-income countries, with a total of 871 participants. We identified 12 barriers and 14 facilitators mapped to five elements of the FKT. Barriers related to: (i) the user-group (n = 3) such as not perceiving health as important and (ii) the dissemination strategies (n = 3) such as lack of understanding of content of guidelines. Several facilitators related to dissemination strategies (n = 5) such as using different channels of communication. Facilitators also related to the user-group (n = 4) such as the user-groups' interest in health and research. Researchers and government organisations should consider these factors when identifying ways to disseminate research findings to decision-maker audiences. Future research should aim to build the evidence base on different strategies to overcome these barriers. The protocol of this review was deposited in Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5QSGD).

Engaging Environmental Education Through PISA: Leveraging Curriculum as a Political Process

Abstract The Organisation for Economic and Cultural Development (OECD) works with countries worldwide to implement testing in the areas of science, mathematics and reading through the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) every three years, and this process is recognised to influence education systems through areas such as curriculum. Over the past decade, the OECD increasingly has acknowledged the need to include a greater emphasis on environmental issues, including developing student competencies specifically in this area. For the 2025 PISA round, we were invited as environmental science education experts to contribute to the Science Framework, which underpins the science assessment. This paper explains how we responded to that invitation, including foregrounding the urgent need to understand the competencies of 15 year-olds to address critical socio-ecological challenges such as climate change. We argue that this provides environmental education practitioners and scholars with a powerful opportunity to gain world-scale data for research and advocacy, which could enhance the visibility and leverage for our field in curriculum, whilst also recognising the political process within which we were engaged.

Preventive interventions for diabetic foot ulcer adopted in different healthcare settings: A scoping review protocol.

Diabetic foot ulcers are challenging to heal, increase the risk of lower extremity amputation, and place a significant burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Prioritizing preventive interventions holds the promise of reducing patient suffering, lowering costs, and improving quality of life. This study describes a scoping review protocol that will be used to delineate the preventive interventions for diabetic foot ulcers employed in different healthcare settings. The scoping review methodology was formulated in accordance with the PRISMA extension guidelines for scoping reviews and informed by the procedural insights provided by the JBI methodology group. Studies with participants diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, aged 18 years or older, without an active ulcer at baseline, and studies of preventive interventions for foot ulcers in various healthcare settings will be screened. The search strategy was developed in collaboration with a research librarian using the PRESS checklist and no time or language limitations were applied. Data will be analyzed and summarized descriptively, including characteristics of studies, participants, and interventions. Understanding the strategies and gaps in diabetic foot ulcer prevention is critical. The literature can provide valuable insights for developing tailored interventions and strategies to effectively address these gaps, potentially accelerating progress toward improved outcomes in diabetic foot ulcer prevention. Open Science Framework DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/FRZ97 [June 19, 2023].

WAT’s up? Exploring the Impact of Wearable Activity Trackers on Physical Activity and Wellbeing: A Systematic Research Review

AbstractWearable activity trackers (WATs) can facilitate engagement in physical activity. Yet, there may be an additional psychological impact, which can influence their effectiveness. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of wrist-based WATs on physical activity and subsequent psychological wellbeing in healthy adults. The review was carried out using PRISMA guidelines and registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF). An initial search was conducted in December 2022 with a follow-up in October 2023. Databases included PsychInfo, PsycArticles, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. Nine studies were selected for inclusion and reviewed. Most studies comprised white adults with an average age of 21.5 to 49 years. Participants were employed or students with a mostly normal BMI. Changes in self-efficacy for exercise, depressive symptoms, mental health and general wellbeing, quality of life and burnout were evaluated. Half the studies reported a WAT-related increase in physical activity engagement. Four studies assessed self-efficacy for exercise, with half observing an improvement post-intervention. Three studies assessed mental health and depressive symptoms with one observing improvement and two observing no change. The remaining studies included measures of burnout and quality of life, where only burnout scores improved 1-month post-intervention. Although the quality of the studies reviewed was acceptable, only 4 included a suitable control/comparison group. Further, the measurement of psychological wellbeing varied considerably. In sum, the results indicate that the effect of WATs on physical activity and subsequent psychological wellbeing is understudied. Further research is required to fully elucidate these relationships.

Bayesian feedback in the framework of ecological sciences

In ecological studies, it is not uncommon to encounter scenarios where the same phenomenon (e.g., species occurrence, species abundance) is observed using two different types of samplers. For example, species data can be collected from scientific sampling with a completely random sample pattern, but also from opportunistic sampling (e.g., whale watching from commercial fishing vessels or bird watching from citizen science), where observers tend to look for particular species in areas where they expect to find them.Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are widely used tools for analysing this type of ecological data. In particular, two models are available for the aforementioned data: a geostatistical model (GM) for data collected where the sampling design is not directly related to the observations, and a preferential model (PM) for data obtained from opportunistic sampling.The integration of information from disparate sources can be addressed through the use of expert elicitation and integrated models. This paper focuses on a sequential Bayesian procedure for linking two models by updating prior distributions. The Bayesian paradigm is implemented together with the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) methodology, which is an effective approach for making inference and predictions in spatial models with high performance and low computational cost. This sequential approach has been evaluated through the simulation of various scenarios and the subsequent comparison of the results from sharing information between models using a variety of criteria. The procedure has also been exemplified on a real dataset.The primary findings indicate that, in general, it is preferable to transfer information from the independent (with a completely random sampling) model to the preferential model rather than in the alternative direction. However, this depends on several factors, including the spatial range and the spatial arrangement of the sampling locations.

Понимание времени у К.Ф. фон Вайцзеккера

The work is devoted to the problem of understanding of time by the German physi­cist and philosopher Karl Friedrich von Weizsäcker. In the book “The Structure of Physics”, he convincingly challenges the point of view of physicists, according to which time is an illusion, and attempts to build physics based on a key under­standing of time. The scientist considers three modes of time: past, present and fu­ture. The past is factual and can be confirmed by documents. The future is seen as open, connected with a “fan of possibilities”. The key issue is to reduce the three modes of time to one, based on the concept of facticity. Weizsäcker shows that this is logically possible. When working, he relies on the methodological technique of “movement in a circle”. The initial assumptions on which the reasoning is based are questioned, then new assumptions are considered, and a new picture is built based on them. Accepting the thesis about the factuality of the future, the question arises about the “documents of the future”. Weizsäcker’s answer is original – these are phenomena of predictions or prophecies. Realizing the controversy of such a statement for modern science, Weizsäcker builds a “phenomenology of prophe­cies”. The existence of such “documents of the future” is a fact for him, although he admits that he cannot explain them either from the point of view of physics or within the boundaries of his theory. Solving this problem, he comes to the con­clusion that there must be another mode of time, the nature of which cannot be ex­plained within the framework of modern science

Evaluation of the coordination-difference-driven sustainability of 12 urban agglomerations in China based on the dynamic probability weighting method

The sustainable development of urban agglomerations represents a significant driving force in national and global development. This study establishes an indicator system comprising factors associated with the economy, society, and environment, in accordance with the Triple Bottom Line, to assess the sustainability of 12 urban agglomerations in China. A novel framework is proposed, including a dynamic probability weighting method based on sufficient stochastic simulations and a coordination-difference-driven aggregation approach that considers the coordination degree and differences between evaluated objects. The evaluation revealed significant regional disparities in urban agglomeration sustainability from 2012 to 2021. The eastern region's Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, and Shandong Peninsula exhibit above-average sustainability performance. Conversely, the western region's Guangzhong, Guangxi Beibu Gulf, Chengyu, and Ningxia Yellow River regions exhibit below-average performance. Moreover, the growth rate of sustainability values for the 12 urban agglomerations followed a downward trajectory. Furthermore, the environmental dimension is the primary driver of sustainable development in urban agglomerations, while the economic dimension represents the main obstacle. These findings offer policymakers a scientific and practical framework to guide sustainability-related decisions.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Inflammation in Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus ranks among the most prevalent neurosurgical conditions worldwide, with a growing body of literature suggesting a potential association with inflammation. Employing bibliometric methods, this research visually analyzes the scholarly output on inflammation in hydrocephalus over the past 2 decades and provides a scientific framework for delineating research pathways and addressing key issues in this field. Publications sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection as of July 18, 2024 encompassed articles and reviews in English spanning from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2024. Statistical analyses of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords were conducted utilizing VOSviewer1.6.20 and CiteSpace6.3. R1. A total of 424 reviews and articles were included in the analysis, showcasing a rising trajectory in publications concerning inflammation and hydrocephalus over time. The United States emerged as the leading contributor in terms of publication output, with Harvard Medical School topping the list of institutions. Notably, World Neurosurgery and Journal of Neurosurgery emerged as the most prolific journals and the most frequently cited, respectively. Authors Keep, Richard F., and Xi, Guo Hua, demonstrated the highest productivity, while Karimy, J.K., emerged as the author with the highest co-citation count. Following thorough analysis, the predominant keywords identified include mechanisms, management, inflammation, posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid, surgery, microglia, risk factors, and choroid plexus, reflecting current research hotspots likely to persist. This study will help researchers determine the mainstream research directions and latest hotspots of inflammation in hydrocephalus and provide a reference for revealing the molecular mechanism of hydrocephalus.

Use of implementation mapping to develop a multifaceted implementation strategy for an electronic prospective surveillance model for cancer rehabilitation

BackgroundElectronic Prospective Surveillance Models (ePSMs) remotely monitor the rehabilitation needs of people with cancer via patient-reported outcomes at pre-defined time points during cancer care and deliver support, including links to self-management education and community programs, and recommendations for further clinical screening and rehabilitation referrals. Previous guidance on implementing ePSMs lacks sufficient detail on approaches to select implementation strategies for these systems. The purpose of this article is to describe how we developed an implementation plan for REACH, an ePSM system designed for breast, colorectal, lymphoma, and head and neck cancers.MethodsImplementation Mapping guided the process of developing the implementation plan. We integrated findings from a scoping review and qualitative study our team conducted to identify determinants to implementation, implementation actors and actions, and relevant outcomes. Determinants were categorized using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and the implementation outcomes taxonomy guided the identification of outcomes. Next, determinants were mapped to the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) taxonomy of strategies using the CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool. The list of strategies produced was refined through discussion amongst our team and feedback from knowledge users considering each strategy’s feasibility and importance rating via the Go-Zone plot, feasibility and applicability to the clinical contexts, and use among other ePSMs reported in our scoping review.ResultsOf the 39 CFIR constructs, 22 were identified as relevant determinants. Clinic managers, information technology teams, and healthcare providers with key roles in patient education were identified as important actors. The CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool resulted in 50 strategies with Level 1 endorsement and 13 strategies with Level 2 endorsement. The final list of strategies included 1) purposefully re-examine the implementation, 2) tailor strategies, 3) change record systems, 4) conduct educational meetings, 5) distribute educational materials, 6) intervene with patients to enhance uptake and adherence, 7) centralize technical assistance, and 8) use advisory boards and workgroups.ConclusionWe present a generalizable method that incorporates steps from Implementation Mapping, engages various knowledge users, and leverages implementation science frameworks to facilitate the development of an implementation strategy. An evaluation of implementation success using the implementation outcomes framework is underway.

Feasibility of a culturally adapted technology-delivered, family-based childhood obesity intervention for Latino/Hispanic families in rural Nebraska: the Hispanic Family Connections study protocol

IntroductionAddressing childhood obesity risk factors like home environment, parental roles, excess weight, physical activity and healthy eating among Latino/Hispanic (L/H) families living in rural communities is an important priority. However,...

Polyamines in Dysbiotic Oral Conditions of Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

Polyamines modulate cellular proliferation and function. Their dysregulation results in inflammatory and oncological repercussions. This study aims to map the current literature and provide an overview of polyamines in dysbiotic oral conditions among older adults. English publications indexed in MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2000 to May 2024 were screened. Eligibility criteria included clinical and laboratory studies using samples from adults aged 65 or above. This scoping review identified 2725 publications and included 19 publications. Ten studies detected that older adults with oral carcinoma had increased levels of polyamines such as spermidine in saliva and tumour-affected tissues. Eight studies reported older adults suffering from periodontal infection had increased levels of polyamines such as putrescine in saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and biofilm from the gingival crevice. Two studies showed polyamine levels could reflect the success of periodontal therapy. Three studies found older adults with halitosis had increased levels of polyamines such as cadaverine in saliva and tongue biofilm. Polyamines were suggested as biomarkers for these oral conditions. In conclusion, certain polyamine levels are elevated in older adults with oral cancer, periodontal infections, and halitosis. Polyamines may be used as a simple and non-invasive tool to detect dysbiotic oral conditions and monitor treatment progress in older adults (Open Science Framework registration).

Global mapping survey research on physiotherapeutic interventions for osteoarthritis: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionPhysiotherapists provide non-pharmacological conservative treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) using a wide spectrum of interventions. Previous surveys have identified global physiotherapy OA management practices. However, no review to date summarises the...

Screening, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of developmental dysplasia of the hip in Brazilian population: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionDevelopmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) includes a spectrum of clinical and imaging findings at birth or early infancy. The circumstances in which this condition is detected and managed may...

Cryptosporidiosis in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionCryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhoea globally, and, while it is often self-limited, in immunocompromised individuals, the infection can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis might...

A systematic evidence map protocol for mapping global exposure to bisphenols and their alternatives and social and environmental justice implications

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide, and human exposure to BPA is thought to be ubiquitous. Stricter regulations around the use of BPA have led many manufacturers to switch to other bisphenol chemicals with similar functions such as bisphenol S and F. Even though exposure to BPA, other bisphenol chemicals and bisphenol alternatives poses a health risk for humans, very little is known about the granular exposure levels of different populations around the world. AimThis systematic evidence map (SEM) will identify human studies reporting concentrations of bisphenols and their alternatives measured in human bio-samples with the aim to chart the global human exposure levels by country and population characteristics to identify research gaps and discuss any social and environmental injustice implications. Search strategy and eligibility criteriaMEDLINE®, Embase and Web of Science (WoS) databases as well as grey literature sources will be searched using predefined search strings. The database search results will be supplemented by backward and forward citation tracking on included studies. A scoping exercise conducted during planning identified 90 bisphenol chemicals and alternatives used in plastics. These include BPA, other bisphenol chemicals with/without similar functions to BPA as well as alternatives with similar functions to bisphenol chemicals. Eligible studies must report concentrations of at least one relevant bisphenol chemical/alternative measured in human bio-samples. Study selectionOnly primary studies published in English since 2010 will be considered. The title, abstract and keywords will be screened by the DistillerAI tool and two independent reviewers. Grey literature will be screened by two reviewers for inclusion and exclusion. The full text of the included studies will then be screened by two independent reviewers. Study appraisalStudy quality will not be evaluated in this SEM. Data extraction and codingData extraction and coding will be performed by two independent reviewers. Parameters of interest will include the following: study characteristics (e.g., year of publication, sampling timepoints and study design), population information (e.g., country, age, sex, ethnicity, number of participants) and exposure information (sources of exposure, bio-sample analyzed, chemical name, concentration, and detection frequencies). Synthesis and visualizationThe results will be presented using a narrative summary, tables, bar plots and color-coded maps. The interactive database will be available on a dedicated freely accessible website. Systematic map protocol registry and registration numberThis protocol has been registered on Open Science Framework (OSF) and is available at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MNWTD.

Hyped-up or meditate: A scoping review of mindfulness-based group interventions for adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The objective of this scoping review is to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness training in improving functioning in adolescents (aged 12-19years) diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Previous research has demonstrated that psychological interventions improve functioning in a myriad of domains for individuals diagnosed with ADHD, such as attention training, interpersonal relationships, and social skills. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are indicated as an intervention in attention training. It maybe argued that group based MBI programmes should begin early, for children and adolescents at a time that is critical in their development. Methods and reporting are in line with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, the protocol is preregistered in the (Open Science Framework register). The study outcomes included attention, impulsivity, and relationships of adolescents with ADHD. Findings demonstrated preliminary evidence for the use of group-based mindfulness interventions with adolescents continues to be nascent. Although studies reported positive results, the evidence of its effectiveness for adolescents with ADHD is inconclusive, due to limited studies available and the limitations of the study design. This scoping review provides a panorama of MBI for ADHD adolescents.

Using Implementation Science to Evaluate the Implementation of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in a Clinical Heart Failure Care Setting

BackgroundPatients with heart failure (HF) can experience a poor quality-of-life (QOL), recurring hospitalizations, and progressive disease symptoms. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) include integration of patients’ voices into clinical care, by assessing patient symptoms, function, and QOL. In 2022, PROMs were incorporated into the electronic health record system (Epic) at a large academic hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this study was to use implementation-science frameworks to systematically evaluate the uptake and integration of PROMs into clinical HF care. MethodsThe Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework guided this mixed-methods, 1-year, quality-improvement project. Data sources included the following: clinician use of PROMs; patient-level data on completed PROMs; and semistructured interviews with clinicians. The PROM was the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12, which captures 4 domains related to HF—symptom frequency, physical limitations, social limitations, and QOL. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analyzed using behaviour-change frameworks and latent content analysis. ResultsOver the course of 1 year, more patients were assigned to PROMs, a higher proportion of patients completed PROMs, and approximately 80% of patients had high scores on the questionnaire. Clinicians experience barriers—related to attention and decision processes, the environmental context, and their professional role—to integrating PROMs into practice. Suggested changes to improve PROM uptake include adding language licenses for PROM translations, reducing cognitive load for clinicians who are assigning and interpreting PROMs in the Epic system, and championing modelling of use of PROMs in practice. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the benefit of using implementation science frameworks, to evaluate the implementation of PROMs in practice and provide actionable recommendations to health systems.