Use of evidence-based practice (EBP) is imperative to ensure safe patient care; however, literature reveals that nurses identify barriers to developing and implementing EBP, such as lack of knowledge, training, and mentorship. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an instructor-led EBP program on nurses' beliefs, implementation self-efficacy, and competency using EBP in a clinical setting. The eight-session program included instruction and interactive activities covering EBP implementation strategies following the Iowa Model Revised: Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Excellence in Health Care. Pre- and post-program survey data were used to evaluate program effectiveness. Statistical analysis of survey responses from 11 participants revealed significant improvements in EBP beliefs and self-perceived competency to engage in EBP. Non-significant improvements were seen in EBP implementation self-efficacy. The findings validate the effectiveness of an intentional, RN-tailored educational initiative in elevating nurses' EBP beliefs, competency, and implementation self-efficacy.

Prenatal cannabis use is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the United States. Yet little is known about how motivations for cannabis use vary across maternal sociodemographic characteristics or how motivations are related to frequency of use. We aimed to address these evidence gaps via a comprehensive descriptive analysis of existing surveillance system data. Using data from the 2017-2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Marijuana Supplement, we estimated weighted prevalence estimates of self-reported motivations for cannabis use during pregnancy. We examined variations in motivations across sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of use. We also examined write-in responses for motivations for cannabis use. In our sample representing approximately 802,954 live births from 10 U.S. states, the most common motivations for prenatal cannabis use were for mental health reasons (82.81%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.52, 87.06), to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms (77.10%; 95% CI: 70.51, 82.59), to relieve pain during pregnancy (48.67%; 95% CI: 41.84, 55.56), for fun or relaxation (40.18%; 95% CI: 33.69, 47.04), and to relieve symptoms of a chronic condition (26.31%; 95% CI: 20.55, 33.01). Most women (84.32%) reported two or more reasons for use, which was associated with daily or near-daily use. Qualitative analysis of write-in responses identified alleviation of pregnancy-related symptoms (e.g., nausea/vomiting, appetite, sleeplessness) as the most common motivation for use (54.90%). Given a growing body of evidence about adverse health outcomes associated with prenatal cannabis use, findings underscore the importance of patient-provider communication and messaging about safe alternatives to cannabis use during pregnancy.

Understanding tumor microenvironment dynamics and immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy following mEGFR-targeted near-infrared photoimmunotherapy.

Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are emerging as potent cell-free mediators of tissue repair, whose composition and function can be tuned by the cellular microenvironment. Although inflammatory cues modulate mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) behavior, how defined preconditioning strategies program extracellular vesicle (EV) functional outputs remains incompletely understood. Here, we systematically evaluated how priming bone marrow-derived MSCs with interferon-gamma/tumor necrosis factor-alpha (I/T) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) generates EV populations with distinct immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. Using a murine full-thickness wound model, we performed an integrative analysis of biodistribution, immune response, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, complemented by single-cell, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiling. All EV populations were retained at the wound site following subcutaneous delivery and supported wound contraction; however, they drove distinct, treatment-specific repair trajectories. I/T-EVs promoted a coordinated regenerative response characterized by balanced macrophage (MΦ) activation, controlled immune modulation, and efficient resolution of inflammation, resulting in organized ECM remodeling. In contrast, LPS-EVs induced a more pro-inflammatory response, accelerating wound contraction and promoting compensatory matrix stiffening with reduced structural coordination. Control EVs primarily facilitated early immune resolution with limited induction of regenerative remodeling pathways. Proteomic profiling of EVs identified enrichment of proteins associated with insulin-like growth factor signaling, MΦ recruitment, and ECM remodeling, consistent with invivo protein expression patterns and linking EV cargo to functional outcomes. These findings demonstrate that preconditioning does not uniformly enhance EV efficacy but instead selectively programs distinct MSC-EV functional states, establishing EV preconditioning as a tunable strategy for engineering cell-free therapeutics with predictable and context-specific therapeutic outcomes.

Prosocial behavior is vital for societal well-being. However, people often display it selectively, treating certain individuals more favorably than others. Such selectivity reinforces social inequalities, highlighting the need to understand its roots. Prior research focused on the situational factors driving selective prosociality (e.g., group membership), largely neglecting person characteristics of actors. To close this gap, we systematically investigated the dispositional basis of selective prosociality across four preregistered studies applying two different incentivized behavioral paradigms. We studied the predictive power of basic (honesty-humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, dark factor) and specific, theoretically relevant personality traits for selective prosociality (Studies 1-4) and assessed its temporal stability (Study 3). We also compared selective prosociality (i.e., selectivity in giving to different recipients) with general prosociality (overall giving) regarding their personality correlates and stability. Findings show that selective prosociality is linked to certain personality traits, which are largely distinct from those linked to general prosociality. The dark factor of personality was the strongest positive predictor of selective prosociality across studies, followed by right-wing authoritarianism. Furthermore, social dominance orientation was positively correlated with selective prosociality, whereas openness was negatively correlated in three out of four studies. Selective prosociality also showed moderate stability over 4 weeks (rs = .58), supporting its conceptualization as a traitlike construct. Additionally, a thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed that selective prosociality was driven by attitudinal preferences. Our findings provide evidence for a dispositional basis of selective prosociality, suggesting some individuals are consistently more selective than others and offering theoretical insights into the construct and its drivers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Co-production of a mobile application for parents of acutely ill children under five: 'iPoorly child symptom checker'.

Insights into phytohormonal signaling response to Ralstonia solanacearum-virulence and host resistance perspectives.

LPS induces complement gene expression in absence of acute-phase proteins in the liver of Cururu toads (Rhinella diptycha).

CrossFit® has experienced rapid global growth, yet scientific research often fails to reflect the realities of training and competition in this sport. Studies frequently rely on inconsistent terminology, non-specific testing protocols, and heterogeneous samples, limiting the ecological validity and practical application of findings. This critical commentary aims to evaluate the methodological challenges in CrossFit® research and to highlight the importance of contextualizing scientific inquiry through the perspectives of coaches actively working within the sport. A targeted review of the CrossFit® literature was conducted, with a focus on sampling descriptions, testing protocols, and training monitoring approaches. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five national and international-level CrossFit® coaches. Analysis of coach responses was used to contextualize gaps in the literature. Coaches reported relying primarily on competition results, training observations, and subjective feedback to guide programming, rather than standardized physical testing or technology-based monitoring. The remote nature of many coach-athlete relationships further complicates data collection and training analysis. CrossFit® research must improve its methodological rigor by adopting sport-specific assessments, clearly defining participant characteristics, and embracing the realities of coaching practice. Integrating qualitative insights and prioritizing ecological validity will help bridge the gap between science and the sport's unique demands.

AC-WGAN-GP for transcriptomic data augmentation: Enhancing stress classification in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under data scarcity.

This research experimentally and numerically investigates the feasibility of using low-cost timber plates to enhance the shear behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Seven simply supported beams with a shear span-to-depth ratio (a/d) of 1.8 were tested under three-point bending, including one control specimen and six strengthened beams. Two strengthening techniques, externally bonded (EB) and near-surface mounted (NSM), were examined using three attachment methods: epoxy only, 10 mm diameter anchor bolts only, and a combination of both. A 3D finite element model (FEM) was developed in ABAQUS V2017 to evaluate the influence of increasing the a/d ratio from 1.8 to 3.1 on the ultimate load, stiffness, and toughness of the strengthened beams. results showed that timber plates, regardless of the strengthening technique, effectively restricted the propagation of the main shear crack and diverted it into multiple secondary cracks. Externally bonded specimens achieved higher ultimate loads than NSM specimens due to the absence of groove-induced reductions in the concrete section. The use of anchor bolts, either alone or in combination with epoxy, prevented debonding and produced the highest ultimate loads, reaching 91 kN and 92 kN, respectively, representing increases of 21.3 % and 22.7 % over the control beam. Both attachment methods also exhibited stiffness improvements of 10.8 % compared to the control beam. Numerical analysis indicated that increasing the a/d ratio from 1.8 to 3.1 led to reductions in stiffness of 43 %-47 %, ultimate load of 18 %-30 %, and toughness of 7 %-30 %. • The shear behavior of RC beams strengthened with timber plates was investigated. • Two strengthening techniques were considered: external strengthening and NSM technique. • Three different attaching methods were used: epoxy alone, anchor bolts alone, or a combination of both. • A Finite element model was developed to examine the effect of the shear span-to-depth ratio. • Using anchor bolts alone or in combination with epoxy exhibited the highest ultimate load.

Evaluating teachers' self-regulated learning (SRL) knowledge, including that which relates to problem solving (PS) is crucial. This exploratory study developed a novel situational judgment test (SJT) to evaluate teachers' SRL-PS knowledge. Ten K-12 teachers participated in SRL-PS training, mostly middle and high school educators from diverse disciplines, with a wide range of teaching experience. Midway, their classroom experiences were collected and refined by researchers to develop the SJT tool. Post-training, teachers were asked to answer selected situations. Analysis of teachers' open-ended responses to the selected situations (post-training) revealed stronger knowledge in their personal SRL usage compared to teaching SRL strategies to students; limited knowledge in executing complete PS processes; and notably low knowledge of motivational and behavioral strategies. Positive feedback from teachers regarding the new SJT tool was observed. The SJT approach for evaluating teachers’ SRL-PS knowledge diversifies existing evaluation methods while effectively identifying teachers' SRL-PS knowledge strengths and weaknesses. • Developing a novel situational judgment test to assess teachers' SRL-PS knowledge. • Teachers' knowledge in SRL usage was stronger than their knowledge of teaching SRL. • Teachers' knowledge in executing complete problem-solving (PS) processes was limited. • Teachers' knowledge of motivational and behavioural strategies was low. • Positive feedback toward the new situational judgment test (SJT) was observed.

Unraveling the arsenite response mechanisms in the facultative anaerobe Aromatoleum sp. CIB.

Social motivation diminishment is a core autism feature, yet prior research has been inconsistent, focusing on single dimensions and overlooking heterogeneity in motivational expressions among autistic individuals. This mixed-methods study compared social motivation in 104 individuals with autism (male: 74, Mage = 18.55 years) and 192 non-autistic peers (male: 101, Mage = 16.65 years), using eye-tracking and behavioral tasks, self-/parent-reports, and qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. Quantitative analyses revealed autistic participants had lower self-determined motivation, driven by reduced intrinsic motivation and identified regulation. Parent-report results corroborated lower perceived social motivation in the autistic group. The eye-tracking task showed decreased orientation to social stimuli, and behavioral task indicated reduced willingness to exert effort for social rewards, with no significant associations with age or autistic trait. Qualitative data highlighted that despite challenges, many autistic participants valued friendship and sought connection through shared activities, often preferring compact, stable social networks. The group-level quantitative findings align with social motivation theory but underscore heterogeneity, showing that diminished social motivation in autism may stem from contextual challenges rather than uniform amotivation. This study advances the understanding of social motivation dynamics, emphasizing the need for inclusive assessments that recognize diverse motivational expressions and prioritize subjective experiences.Lay AbstractSocial motivation refers to how much people want to engage with others, notice social cues, and seek connections. Researchers have long debated whether autistic people's social challenges stem from lower social motivation. However, past studies often focused on only one aspect of social motivation and ignored individual differences among autistic people. We recruited 104 autistic and 192 non-autistic adolescents and young adults. Participants and their caregivers completed questionnaires about social motivation from their own and caregivers' perspectives. We used two behavioral tasks to measure how much attention participants devoted to social content, and how willing they were to exert effort for social rewards. Open-ended questions captured autistic participants' perspectives on friendship dynamics, social inclusion, and the meaning of social connection. We found that autistic participants reported lower social motivation, a finding supported by parent reports. They spent less time looking at social content and exerted less effort to obtain social rewards than non-autistic peers. However, their open-ended responses showed that they sought social connection through shared activities, preferred small and stable social networks, and found joy and belonging in close friendships, despite challenges such as the strain of social interaction. Our results can help professionals avoid misinterpreting autistic people's social behaviors, and help families and peers recognize autistic individuals' expressions of social interest, reducing unfair judgments and promoting more respectful interactions. In addition, these findings support the development of assessments and social programs that reflect autistic perspectives.

Background: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by widespread inflammation in the colon's mucosal layer. Experimentally induced models in animals aid in describing the immunopathogenesis and help discover novel therapeutic approaches. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the histopathological alterations, immune response, and apoptosis in the colonic tissues of patients and mice with experimentally induced colitis. Methodology: Colonic tissues from ulcerative colitis patients were collected following surgical operations. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was administered to induce colitis in BALB/c mice. Both colonic tissue samples of humans and mice were processed for histopathological investigation. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed to characterize CD3, CD20, CD68, and caspase-3 tissue markers. Results: DSS-induced colitis affected both sexes of mice, with males exhibiting more severe symptoms. Numerous histopathological alterations were detected in the colonic tissues of patients and induced mice compared to control mice, including surface ulceration and erosion, cryptitis, crypt distortion, and various inflammatory cell infiltrations. Moreover, abscesses were detected in the human colonic tissue. The immunohistochemical study revealed that CD3 was the most abundant inflammatory cell in the colonic tissues of patients and mice, followed by CD20 (B cells) and CD68 (macrophages). Caspase-3 expression was identified in all samples, revealing diverse levels, and was particularly prominent in mice, which recorded a high score. Conclusion: The remarkable inflammatory reactions documented in the colon tissue by the current study confirm the importance of understanding the inflammatory responses responsible for ulcerative colitis.

Multifaceted role of RSPO2: Epigenetics, immunoregulatory, and therapeutic insights in colorectal cancer.

Simulation of array acoustic logging response and attenuation characteristic analysis of hydraulic fractured formation based on squirt-flow model

Acceptability of GenAI to support pharmacist research skill development.

A full-coupled free vortex solver for floating offshore wind turbine: Aerodynamic performance and motion response analysis

Performance of a shallow-founded building on liquefiable soil at the port of Wellington during the 2013 and 2016 New Zealand earthquakes