Induction Process Research Articles

A phenomenological understanding of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults: Interpersonal experiences

Summary This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the lived experience of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults, with a focus on interpersonal experiences. Fifteen participants 60+ years of age (M = 67, SD = 7.45) in the U.S. Mountain West identifying as Black, Latino(a), Asian-American/Pacific Islander, or Indigenous engaged in a 1-hour interview. A three-cycle, inductive coding process involved five coders who independently coded interviews and engaged in critical discussion to resolve disagreements. An audit trail, member checking, and peer debriefing enhanced credibility. Findings The results detail four umbrella themes and nine subthemes. The subthemes demonstrate experiences of the intersectionality of ageism with racism reflected through (1) increased disrespect, (2) cultural differences in respect for elders, (3) tokenization, (4) physical appearance, (5) being ignored or discriminated against due to others’ discomfort, (6) intersecting experiences of pity, hate, and violence, (7) unspoken bias (including racial profiling), (8) microaggressions: questioning intelligence/ability, and (9) microaggressions: slurs. Multiple themes highlighted how ageism may be racialized through stereotypes related to mental (in)capability. Applications Social work practitioners and researchers can apply the findings from this study to explore interventions aimed at reducing interpersonal, racialized ageist microaggressions related to mental incapability. At the community level, anti-racism and anti-ageism initiatives should collaborate by applying an enhanced understanding of the ways ageism and racism intersect through pity, hate, and violence particularly in public settings such as shopping centers. The findings from this study can also help shape policies aimed at reducing racial profiling and hate crimes toward older adults of color.

La méthode d’analyse phénoméno-structurale : approches psychopathologique, projective et créative

ContextAfter a period of low-key development, phenomenology is once again gaining ground in psychiatry, as well as in clinical psychology and psychopathology. It is becoming particularly relevant in these fields, where the observation of phenomena and the quest for structures to organize them are very appropriate clinical tools for understanding the subject. ObjectivesThe aims of this article are, on the one hand, to review the development of structural phenomenology in the human and medical sciences, and on the other hand, to explore its relationship to creative processes in order to support pragmatic reflection on patient care. MethodThis study is based on the clinical case of a 14-year-old adolescent with Williams & Beuren syndrome. After six years of institutional care, he participated in a program of eight sessions of art therapy designed to retrace his pathway for access to pre-professionalization. Our evaluation is based on a test/retest evaluative clinic using the Rorschach projective test and the Content Analysis Grids centered on the Phenomeno-structural Approach (GACAPS) developed by L. Schiltz. ResultsWe noted an improvement in the adolescent's attention and social skills, as well as an increase in his ability to mobilize his imagination and to access the elaboration of his thoughts. However, the phenomeno-structural analysis, aside from the increasing number of creative responses, enabled us to detect invasive anxieties, which make us fear that, with him, this existential stage of a rite of passage represents a risk that could lead to psychotic problems. DiscussionPhenomenology, given that it is a subtle method, only makes sense if practiced in the world of real life, where “being in the same landscape” becomes as much a diagnostic tool as it is a treatment process. The Rorschach Test with its GACAPS analysis grids, as well as the IPSE method (Processus inductif d’analyse de la structure de l’expérience vécue - Inductive Process for the Analysis of the Structure of Lived Experience), are pragmatic tools providing relevant results in a context of a clinic of modernity.

Navigating agricultural nonpoint source pollution governance: A social network analysis of best management practices in central Pennsylvania.

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is representative of governance challenges relating to agricultural nonpoint source pollution and, more generally, of sustainable resources governance in complex multi-actor settings. We assess information flows around Best Management Practices (BMPs) undertaken by dairy farmers in central Pennsylvania, a subregion of the watershed. We apply a mixed-method approach, combining Social Network Analysis, the analysis of BMP-messaging (i.e. information source, flow, and their influences), and qualitative content analysis of stakeholders' interviews. Key strategic actors were identified through network centrality measures such as degree of node, betweenness centrality, and clustering coefficient. The perceived influence/credibility (by farmers) of BMP-messages and their source, allowed for the identification of strategic entry points for BMP-messages diffusion. Finally, the inductive coding process of stakeholders' interviews revealed major hindrances and opportunities for BMPs adoption. We demonstrate how improved targeting of policy interventions for BMPs uptake may be achieved, by better distributing entry-points across stakeholders. Our results reveal governance gaps and opportunities, on which we draw to provide insights for better tailored policy interventions. We propose strategies to optimize the coverage of policy mixes and the dissemination of BMP-messages by building on network diversity and actors' complementarities, and by targeting intervention towards specific BMPs and actors. We suggest that (i) conservation incentives could target supply chain actors as conservation intermediaries; (ii) compliance-control of manure management planning could be conducted by accredited private certifiers; (iii) policy should focus on incentivizing inter-farmers interaction (e.g. farmers' mobility, training, knowledge-exchange, and engagement in multi-stakeholders collaboration) via financial or non-pecuniary compensation; (iv) collective incentives could help better coordinate conservation efforts at the landscape or (sub-)watershed scale; (v) all relevant stakeholders (including farmers) should be concerted and included in the discussion, proposition, co-design and decision process of policy, in order to take their respective interests and responsibilities into account.

P39 Using single-cell transcriptomics to investigate the potential role of the human hair follicle dermal papilla in controlling hair fibre pigmentation

Abstract Introduction and aims The human dermal papilla (DP) is a population of cells located at the base of the hair follicle, which signals to surrounding matrix cells facilitating their incorporation into the layers of the hair fibre and the hair follicle. The DP controls the process of hair follicle induction, reflecting its critical role in orchestrating processes integral in hair growth. We hypothesize that distinct functional subgroups exist within the structure, which would mean that there are different types of DP cells within each follicle. Methods To begin testing this, we reanalysed the single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) dataset of the human anagen hair follicle used in the 2022 study by Shim et al. To expand on this, we are now generating single-cell RNA-Seq datasets of patient-matched pigmented and nonpigmented hair follicles (n = 4 patients). These datasets will be used to explore heterogeneity in the human DP, and to investigate which subpopulations are potentially changed in the case of pigmentation loss. This will allow us to explore a potentially undiscovered role of the DP in controlling hair fibre pigmentation. Results We found four distinct subpopulations in the DP with statistically significant marker genes in the Shim dataset. This confirms transcriptional heterogeneity in the human DP, hinting at clusters of DP cells with specialized functions within each hair follicle. One subcluster, which expressed S100B, endothelin-3 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)4, was of particular interest and gene ontology analysis of the genes in this cluster revealed terms associated with skeletal development and BMP signalling. We hypothesize that this DP cluster regulates melanin transfer from bulbar melanocytes to neighbouring keratinocytes, owing to the known involvement of the mentioned genes in both melanogenesis and melanin transfer. Conclusions The human DP is a heterogeneic structure, with a potentially unexplored role in controlling hair fibre pigmentation.

Research and development of double layer P-doped laser induced graphene thin film electrode for flexible micro-supercapacitor applications

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has garnered significant attention for its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency in fabricating flexible micro-energy storage devices. In this study, we devised a simple method to fabricate double layer P-doped LIG electrodes through repetitive laser induction technology for high-performance flexible energy storage applications. Instead of utilizing commercial polyimide (PI) thin film, we optimized the formation process of P-doped PI thin film and achieved a highly flexible double layer P-doped LIG thin film electrode with a uniformly porous structure and the high porosity through repeated laser induction processes. Experimental results demonstrated that the developed double layer P-doped LIG thin film electrode exhibits high porosity, high specific areal capacitance of 180 mF cm−2, and high energy density of 0.025 mWh cm−2. Furthermore, an all-solid-state micro-supercapacitor utilizing hydrogel electrolyte was assembled, demonstrating a high areal capacitance of 62 mF cm−2 and excellent cycling stability with 95% capacitance retention after 6000 charging/discharging cycles. Moreover, the developed all-solid-state micro-supercapacitor successfully powered a light-emitting diode, showcasing its significant potential for practical energy storage applications.

The Role of Private School Principle in Elementary Schools in Implementing Sekolah Penggerak

The Sekolah Penggerak program is designed to enhance educational outcomes through structured support for principals, school supervisors, and teachers. This study aims to delineate the role of elementary school principals in fostering independent learning via enhanced learning processes within the Sekolah Penggerak framework. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design to explore the perspectives of various stakeholders. Participants included school principals, eight teachers, two supervisors, and ten students. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGD), interviews, observations, and document analysis. The credibility of the data was ensured through dual triangulation methods: source and method triangulation. Data analysis followed a three-step inductive process: data reduction, data display, and verification, concluding with the synthesis of findings. Findings highlight two principal aspects of the Sekolah Penggerak program: (1) the pivotal role of the principal in enhancing the school ecosystem and (2) the principal’s leadership in activating school human resources as learning leaders. The study emphasizes the importance of In-House Training (IHT) activities, which are pivotal in increasing teacher capacity and include differentiation learning, mapping of children’s learning needs, reflective practices, and follow-up actions based on reflective outcomes. The results underscore the effectiveness of principal-led initiatives in supporting flexible and targeted learning enhancements. Through the strategic use of IHT, principals play a crucial role in both improving teaching practices and ensuring the active involvement of the entire learning community in achieving comprehensive educational goals. The Sekolah Penggerak program significantly contributes to the professional development of educators and the operational optimization of schools, affirming the crucial role of leadership in achieving educational excellence.

Quality improvement project on trainee induction in urology

An induction is the first and most important introduction to a department[1]. We outline the changes that led to a significant improvementand triggered positive change in the induction process.Aim: To improve the trainees induction.The Plan Do Study Act methodology was used. We designed a questionnairefor trainees in Urology; improvements were made based on thefeedback and a second cycle was undertaken. Change was measured statistically.We authored a Urology learning resource for the trainees. Westructured the induction and made it more relatable to the trainees. Evidently, the induction was far from effective with less than 25%of the doctors feeling confident going into the rotation even after theinduction, this markedly improved to about 70% after the improvements.Also, from the first cycle, half of the doctors did not find the inductionrelevant to their rotation, this improved to about 70% after the improvements.Similar data like this highlighted the profound effectiveness of thischange. Inductions happen in every hospital but are often not audited tosee if they are still relevant to the inductees. This project was very informativeon the induction process in the department and the changes thatshould have been made a long time ago. From the result of this project,other departments now see the need to also improve their induction.Anyone can make a change beyond just having an induction; the inductionmust be satisfactorily done to meet the needs of the inductees.

Creating the conditions for collaborative decision-making in co-design

ABSTRACT Research into co-designers’ experience of co-design processes is uncommon, despite expanding use of co-design to improve and innovate in healthcare. This study aimed to identify how an online co-design was experienced, how it achieved its outcomes and the implications for healthcare co-design. Eleven co-designers were interviewed about their participation in an online, lived experience co-led, co-design that aimed to improve the physical healthcare of mental health service users in primary care and mental health settings. Analysis of group and individual interviews and co-design documentation involved an initial inductive coding process, followed by a more focussed theoretical coding process and the application of an existing conceptual framework to test the analysis. Three themes were identified – generating knowledge, creating space and influencing change. Each theme was characterised by underlying interdependent tensions – individual and collective, stabilising and transforming, internal and external, which operated together to facilitate collaboration. Time was an essential resource for engaging these processes. Efforts to create the conditions for co-design in healthcare may be enhanced when attention and time is given to underlying interdependent tensions that interact to support knowledge co-creation, collaboration and change.

Structural and social changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on engagement in substance use disorder treatment services: a qualitative study among people with a recent history of injection drug use in Baltimore, Maryland

BackgroundSubstance use disorder treatment and recovery support services are critical for achieving and maintaining recovery. There are limited data on how structural and social changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individual-level experiences with substance use disorder treatment-related services among community-based samples of people who inject drugs.MethodsPeople with a recent history of injection drug use who were enrolled in the community-based AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience study in Baltimore, Maryland participated in a one-time, semi-structured interview between July 2021 and February 2022 about their experiences living through the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 28). An iterative inductive coding process was used to identify themes describing how structural and social changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected participants’ experiences with substance use disorder treatment-related services.ResultsThe median age of participants was 54 years (range = 24–73); 10 (36%) participants were female, 16 (57%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 8 (29%) were living with HIV. We identified several structural and social changes due the pandemic that acted as barriers and facilitators to individual-level engagement in treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and recovery support services (e.g., support group meetings). New take-home methadone flexibility policies temporarily facilitated engagement in MOUD treatment, but other pre-existing rigid policies and practices (e.g., zero-tolerance) were counteracting barriers. Changes in the illicit drug market were both a facilitator and barrier to MOUD treatment. Decreased availability and pandemic-related adaptations to in-person services were a barrier to recovery support services. While telehealth expansion facilitated engagement in recovery support group meetings for some participants, other participants faced digital and technological barriers. These changes in service provision also led to diminished perceived quality of both virtual and in-person recovery support group meetings. However, a facilitator of recovery support was increased accessibility of individual service providers (e.g., counselors and Sponsors).ConclusionsStructural and social changes across several socioecological levels created new barriers and facilitators of individual-level engagement in substance use disorder treatment-related services. Multilevel interventions are needed to improve access to and engagement in high-quality substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services among people who inject drugs.

A single-cell transcriptome atlas reveals the trajectory of early cell fate transition during callus induction in Arabidopsis

The acquisition of pluripotent callus from somatic cells plays an important role in plant development studies and crop genetic improvement. This developmental process incorporates a series of cell fate transitions and reprogramming. However, our understanding of cell heterogeneity and mechanisms of cell fate transition during callus induction remains quite limited. Here, we report a time-series single-cell transcriptome experiment on Arabidopsis root explants that were induced in callus induction medium for 0, 1, and 4 days, and the construction of a detailed single-cell transcriptional atlas of the callus induction process. We identify the cell types responsible for initiating the early callus: lateral root primordium-initiating (LRPI)-like cells and quiescent center (QC)-like cells. LRPI-like cells are derived from xylem pole pericycle cells and are similar to lateral root primordia. We delineate the developmental trajectory of the dedifferentiation of LRPI-like cells into QC-like cells. QC-like cells are undifferentiated pluripotent acquired cells that appear in the early stages of callus formation and play a critical role in later callus development and organ regeneration. We also identify the transcription factors that regulate QC-like cells and the gene expression signatures that are related to cell fate decisions. Overall, our cell-lineage transcriptome atlas for callus induction provides a distinct perspective on cell fate transitions during callus formation, significantly improving our understanding of callus formation.

Synergistic improvement the Zn storage performance of ZnMn2O4 quantum dots by Ni doping and in-situ electrochemical induction

Manganese-based materials have been widely recognized as the most promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, due to the problems of disproportionation reaction and slow electron transport, the development of manganese-based materials is greatly limited. In this work, a carbon-coated Ni-doped ZnMn2O4 quantum dot (NZMO QD@C) were obtained by a combined strategy of gradient calcination and electrochemical induction process with Mn-MIL-100 as the precursor. The presence of 0D quantum dot structure allows ZnMn2O4 to have shorter Zn2+ diffusion pathways and more active sites. Meanwhile, the doping of Ni can promote electron rearrangement, improve conductivity, and ultimately improve the reaction kinetics and electrochemical performance of cathode materials. Furthermore, Ni doping can effectively enhance the stability of the Mn-O bond in NZMO QD@C by optimizing the Mn ion state and electronic bandgap. Therefore, the synthesized NZMO QD@C provide a higher specific capacity of 392 mAh g-1 (0.1 A g-1) and better (≈80.28 % capacity retention for more than 820 cycles at 1 A g-1) than original MO QD@C cathode. This work brings new ideas to promote the development and design of manganese-based oxide cathode materials for ZIBs.

Addressing trade-offs in co-designing principles for ethical AI: perspectives from an industry-academia collaboration

AbstractThe development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly outpaced regulation. As a result, many organizations opt to develop their own principles for the ethical development of AI, though little research has examined the processes through which they are developed. Prior research indicates that these processes involve perceived trade-offs between competing considerations, and primarily between ethical concerns and organizational benefits or technological development. In this paper, we report on a novel, collaborative initiative in Japan between researchers in the humanities and social sciences, and industry actors to co-design organizational AI ethics principles. We analyzed the minutes from 20 meetings from the formative phase of the development of these principles using an inductive process drawing on thematic analysis, to identify the issues of importance to participants. Through this, we identified four core trade-offs faced by participants. We find that, contrary to prior literature, participants were not just concerned with trade-offs between ethical concerns and organizational benefits or technological development, but also between competing, ethically-oriented considerations. We use the results of this study to highlight a need for further research to understand the longer-term impact on organizations and on society of organization-led approaches to AI ethics.

Navigating privacy and security in telemedicine for primary care.

To examine patient and provider perspectives on privacy and security considerations in telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative study with patients and providers from primary care practices in 3 National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network sites in New York, New York; North Carolina; and Florida. Semistructured interviews were conducted, audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using an inductive process. Data related to privacy and information security were analyzed. Sixty-five patients and 21 providers participated. Patients and providers faced technology-related security concerns as well as difficulties ensuring privacy in the transformed shared space of telemedicine. Patients expressed increased comfort doing telemedicine from home but often did not like their providers to offer virtual visits from outside an office setting. Providers initially struggled to find secure and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant platforms and devices to host the software. Whereas some patients preferred familiar platforms such as FaceTime, others recognized potential security concerns. Audio-only encounters sometimes raised patient concerns that they would not be able to confirm the identity of the provider. Telemedicine led to novel concerns about privacy because patients and providers were often at home or in public spaces, and they shared concerns about software and hardware security. In addition to technological safeguards, our study emphasizes the critical role of physical infrastructure in ensuring privacy and security. As telemedicine continues to evolve, it is important to address and mitigate concerns around privacy and security to ensure high-quality and safe delivery of care to patients in remote settings.

In-duct flow computation and acoustic propagation using the admittance multimodal formulation.

A multimodal method for computing the potential base flow and propagating acoustic perturbations inside axisymmetric ducts is presented. Instead of using the standard modal basis, a polynomial basis is used in the radial direction to reduce the computational cost of the method, but this introduces non-physical high-order modes. The impact of these modes on the stability of the calculation is examined, and for the acoustic computation, a modification of the axial integration is proposed to improve the conditioning of the matrices involved. The flow computation is achieved by applying the method (initially devoted to acoustics) at a zero frequency without convective effects, by modifying the definition of the admittance at the exit of the duct, and by performing an induction process on the density. The method is validated against a finite element method for ducts with hard walls or lined walls. The results show that the proposed multimodal method is very efficient in computing the mean flow and propagating the sound disturbances inside axisymmetric ducts.

Effect of Suruhan Leaves (Peperomia pellucida L. Kunth) Extract on Triglyceride Blood Level in Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes Mellitus causes complications, such as hypertriglyceridemia. Indonesia has biological wealth diversity that can be exploited in alternative medicine. One of which is Suruhan plants. Flavonoid contents in the plant extract can normalize blood triglyceride levels. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of the Suruhan extract (Peperomia pellucida L. Kunth) on blood triglyceride levels in alloxan-induced diabetic white rats. Methods: The induction process used alloxan at a dose of 150mg/kgbw intraperitoneally to 12 rats. The rats were divided into 5 research groups, namely normal rats, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats were given various doses of extract. The treatment was carried out for 14 days. Blood samples for triglyceride examination were taken at the end of the study. Results: blood triglyceride levels were obtained in the normal group (127.67 mg/dl); and diabetic control group (395.67mg/dl); the dose group was 20mg/kg BW (216mg/dl); the dose group was 40 mg/kg BW (159.33 mg/dl) and the dose group was 80 mg/kg BW (143.33 mg/dl) in the statistical test with one way ANOVA (p <0.05) obtained significance with a value of p = 0.000. Conclusions: There is an influence of plant extracts (Peperomia pellucida [L.] Kunth) administration on the blood reduction of triglyceride levels in diabetic white rats induced by alloxan.

The (in)visibility of deafness: Identity, stigma, quality of lifeand the potential role of totally implantable cochlear implants.

The disclosure of deafness is complex, given the historic and on-going stigma associated with being deaf. The aim of this study was to explore how identity, stigma, and quality of life may be impacted when using cochlear implants (CIs) and totally implantable cochlear implants (TICIs). The physical difference between these two assistive listening devices is significant, given many CI users opt to hide their sound processor behind hair or headwear, in contrast to TICIs (an emerging technology) whereby all components are implanted internally and thus invisible. This qualitative study involved semistructured interviews and demographic questionnaires with 12 adult participants with more than 1 year of experience using their CI. Participants were recruited Australia-wide through community organisations that support deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically, with the themes generated through an inductive process, with consensus generated through group working with three members from the research team. Four major themes were identified: (1) CI challenges; (2) The importance of social and support networks; (3) Identity and disclosure and (4) Concerns about TICIs. The underlying finding was centred around the construction of deaf identity. Participant attitudes were generally categorised as 'Loud and proud', with the recognition that displaying the CI was an extension of self, something to be proud of, and a means to normalise deafness; or 'Out of sight and out of mind', which sought to minimise the visibility of deafness. While both identities differed in how deafness is disclosed, they are fundamentally related to the same ideas of self-agency and empowerment. TICIs present a novel opportunity-the ability for CI users to control the visibility of their deafness and thus control disclosure. This study explored the impact of stigma and categorised two core identities that CI users construct. Future directions include investigating potential CI candidates, to explore if TICIs may be a facilitator to CI uptake. The semistructured interview guide was developed in consultation with adults with CIs. Feedback led to adjustments and improvement to the interview guide. In addition, F. R. has a lived experience with hearing loss, and C. Y. L. is an executive committee member for a nonprofit charity organisation that supports families that are D/deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Circular production operations – A management system's framework for seamless transition from linear to circular

Production companies’ ambition to reach sustainable development goals, has resulted in a rapid strategic movement towards circularity in production. Previous studies have indicated that a transition to circular production is affirmed and a prioritised action. However, few studies describe how to operate a circular production, and how to perform the transition from linear to circular. To fill this gap, this paper aims to explore strategies for a seamless transition and to add new knowledge in this area. A multiple case study was employed for this purpose, based on production companies located in Sweden. Collected data were analysed by an inductive coding process. The coding process generated managerial themes that characterise the transition process in production operations. From the themes, three main incubators: management systems, standards and strategy, form together with drivers and blockers a framework called Integrated Circularity Management Systems (ICMS). The research presented in this study adds new knowledge to the field of circular production operations management as well as gives practical guidance for decision-makers in the manufacturing industry on how to initiate a circularity transition in an established production system.

Design and flexural behavior of steel fiber-reinforced concrete beams with regular oriented fibers and GFRP bars

In this study, steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) beam structures with regular oriented steel fibers are designed and prepared by using an assembled solenoid device. Fiber orientation is not arranged in a single direction but is similar to the direction of tensile stress of the beam in bending load conditions. With application of inductive test method and image processing technology, fiber orientation coefficient of SFRC was evaluated and increased from 0.5 to 0.7–0.8 after fiber alignment. To describe and analyze the flexural behavior of SFRC beams with regular oriented fibers and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars, 14 concrete beams with different parameters were fabricated and subjected to a four-point bending test. Specifically, the parameters included fiber content, fiber orientation, GFRP reinforcement ratio and different layer sections. The results showed that optimizing fiber orientations to the tension zone of the section led to a higher flexural strength and can well restrain the development of crack widths with comparison to randomly distributed fibers. The peak load and energy absorption increased by 7 % and 12.4 % after fiber alignment with a fiber volume fraction of 1.5 %. The combination of randomly and regularly distributed steel fibers in the form of two-layer composite members can be an efficient solution to improve the flexural performance for purpose of the optimum distribution and direction of steel fibers, and reduce the engineering cost.

A content analysis of freely available menstrual education resources in Australia

Background: Sexual and reproductive health education is central to both international and national public health policy and priority action areas. However, menstruation education remains peripheral in both policy and school curricula. This article aims to investigate the extent and depth of menstruation education in Australia available outside of mainstream education channels. Methods: We conducted an inductive content analysis of publicly available Australian sexual and reproductive health educational resources targeting young menstruators and parents, which at least mentioned menstruation. Resources were accessed via a desktop search (using Google) to ensure that they were accessible to the public and were provided by not-for-profit or government organisations. Results: We identified a total of 31 resources from 10 organisations and subjected them to conventional content analysis. Our inductive coding process focused on the extent and depth of menstruation content. The main content areas included a discussion of pads and tampons, menarche, period pains, when to see a doctor and pre-menstrual syndrome. Three key themes were identified across the resources: holism, normalisation and managing menstruation. Conclusions: We develop recommendations for organisations developing or improving their menstruation resources and offer future direction for sexual and reproductive health policy and education in Australia that is inclusive of menstruation. The recommendations relate to the three themes identified during the analysis and include concepts such as recognising the biological changes that come with menstruation, variation of menstruation experiences, normality and assumptions about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management.

Enhancing Phototoxicity in Human Colorectal Tumor Cells Through Nanoarchitectonics for Synergistic Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapies.

Phototherapies are promising for noninvasive treatment of aggressive tumors, especially when combining heat induction and oxidative processes. Herein, we show enhanced phototoxicity of gold shell-isolated nanorods conjugated with toluidine blue-O (AuSHINRs@TBO) against human colorectal tumor cells (Caco-2) with synergic effects of photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic therapies (PDT). Mitochondrial metabolic activity tests (MTT) performed on Caco-2 cell cultures indicated a photothermal effect from AuSHINRs owing to enhanced light absorption from the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The phototoxicity against Caco-2 cells was further increased with AuSHINRs@TBO where oxidative processes, such as hydroperoxidation, were also present, leading to a cell viability reduction from 85.5 to 39.0%. The molecular-level mechanisms responsible for these effects were investigated on bioinspired tumor membranes using Langmuir monolayers of Caco-2 lipid extract. Polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) revealed that the AuSHINRs@TBO incorporation is due to attractive electrostatic interactions with negatively charged groups of the Caco-2 lipid extract, resulting in the expansion of surface pressure isotherms. Upon irradiation, Caco-2 lipid extract monolayers containing AuSHINRs@TBO (1:1 v/v) exhibited ca. 1.0% increase in surface area. This is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their interaction with Caco-2 lipid extract monolayers, leading to hydroperoxide formation. The oxidative effects are facilitated by AuSHINRs@TBO penetration into the polar groups of the extract, allowing oxidative reactions with carbon chain unsaturations. These mechanisms are consistent with findings from confocal fluorescence microscopy, where the Caco-2 plasma membrane was the primary site of the cell death induction process.