Transition Phase Research Articles

Readiness Of Women Aged 45-55 Years In Facing The Menopause: A Literature Review

Menopause is a transitional phase from the reproductive period to the non-reproductive period which is marked by the cessation of menstruation. Women generally experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2030 there will be around 1.2 billion women aged over 50 years. The Health Service of the Republic of Indonesia stated that by 2025, the number of menopausal women in Indonesia is estimated to be 60 million. Women experiencing menopause experience signs and symptoms both physiologically and psychologically. Menopausal syndrome affects women all over the world. It is estimated that 70-80% of women in Europe experience this syndrome, followed by 60% in America, 57% in Malaysia, 18% in China and 10% in Japan and Indonesia experience this syndrome. Women's lack of readiness in facing menopause is one of the factors that will influence behavior in facing menopause. Women can prepare themselves by increasing their knowledge about health and controlling the changes that will occur during menopause. To identify the readiness of women aged 45-55 years to face menopause. This paper was written using a literature review methodology. The search terms “readiness” and “menopausal women” were used in the review literature search approach. The information used to search for publications both domestic and foreign comes from relevant sources, especially Pubmed and Google Scholar. (1) Articles must be published within the last five years (2020–2024), (2) must be original, (3) must be fully accessible, and (4) must be in English or Indonesian. Based on the search results, 9 national articles were obtained. These articles highlight the potential readiness of women aged 45-55 years to face menopause. A woman's readiness to face menopause will really help a woman to face this period better. Physical and psychological readiness is very necessary to face the menopause period.

Priestia megaterium cells are primed for surviving lethal doses of antibiotics and chemical stress

Antibiotic resistant infections kill millions worldwide yearly. However, a key factor in recurrent infections is antibiotic persisters. Persisters are not inherently antibiotic-resistant but can withstand antibiotic exposure by entering a non-dividing state. This tolerance often results in prolonged antibiotic usage, increasing the likelihood of developing resistant strains. Here, we show the existence of “primed cells” in the Gram-positive bacterium Priestia megaterium, formerly known as Bacillus megaterium. These cells are pre-adapted to become persisters prior to lethal antibiotic stress. Remarkably, this prepared state is passed down through multiple generations via epigenetic memory, enhancing survival against antibiotics and other chemical stress. Previously, two distinct types of persisters were proposed: Type I and Type II, formed during stationary and log phases, respectively. However, our findings reveal that primed cells contribute to an increase in persisters during transition and stationary phases, with no evidence supporting distinct phenotypes between Type I and Type II persisters.

Ineffective respiratory efforts and their potential consequences during mechanical ventilation.

The implementation of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in critically ill patients involves two crucial moments: the total control phase, affected among other things by the use of analgesics and sedatives, and the transition phase to spontaneous ventilation, which seeks to shorten IMV times and where optimizing patient-ventilator interaction is one of the main challenges. Ineffective inspiratory efforts (IEE) arise when there is no coordination between patient effort and ventilator support. IIE are common in different ventilatory modes and are associated with worse clinical outcomes: dyspnea, increased sedation requirements, increased IMV days and longer intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay. These are manifested graphically as an abrupt decrease in expiratory flow, being more frequent during expiration. However, and taking into consideration that it is still unknown whether this association is causal or rather a marker of disease severity, recognizing the potential physiological consequences, reviewing diagnostic methods and implementing detection and treatment strategies that can limit them, seems reasonable.

Disruptions, Challenges and Opportunities in the Provision of In-Person Psychological Therapy During the Era of COVID-19: A Review of the Literature

The outbreak of COVID-19 signaled an unprecedented era of unforeseen events which, among others, affected in-person psychological therapy (IPT). On the one hand, it could be argued that psychological therapy had the foundations to make the transition to remote delivery, but on the other, it was unclear what consequences the pandemic held for therapists and clients. This paper reviews the existing literature and explores the impact of the pandemic’s outbreak on IPT. Several studies suggest that IPT was abruptly interrupted, with a number of challenges observed in clients’ attendance, the transition to remote delivery and in the therapeutic process and relationship. Conversely, positive experiences and opportunities in the provision of therapy were reported too, such as convenience and flexibility in the process, improved accessibility and the continuation of therapy during the crisis. Finally, a number of studies report positive shifts in therapists’ attitudes towards remote delivery, while others highlight the importance of preparedness and previous experience. Following a review of the available studies and according to the pandemic’s trajectory, the current paper attempted to conceptualize findings in the revolving phases of regression, transition and adaptation, ultimately providing a starting point for further discussions and research in exploring the provision of psychological therapies in the future.

Morphometric relationships as proxies for reproductive maturity in the clam Anomalocardia flexuosa (Linnaeus, 1767)

The objective of this study was to describe the morphometric relationships between different shell dimensions of the bivalve Anomalocardia flexuosa, to check the changes in the growth pattern, and to determine the adult and juvenile phases and the size of sexual maturity of the species using morphometric measurements. Considering the 52,873 specimens measured in the present study, all the allometric relationships established for A. flexuosa were significant, and both the relations between length × height and length × width showed positive allometry. The K means clustering separated the dataset between juveniles and adults and defined 13.20–14.60 mm shell as the interval of length for the transitional phase. The growth pattern was significantly different between juveniles and adults, in which juveniles presented isometric growth and adults had a negative allometric growth. The fit of the logistic model indicated that the shell length at sexual maturity was 13.80 mm. The A. flexuosa juvenile shell had a more rounded shape than the adult. Processes related to animal development and environmental characteristics may influence the shell shape. The maturity size found in the present study is according to the range of maturity proposed in the literature.

Insightful Examination of Some Nonlinear Classifications Linked with Mathieu Oscillators

PurposeThe aim of the current study is to comparehend an analytical description of different classes of nonlinear Mathieu oscillators. The van der Pol-Duffing-Mathieu oscillator, and the generalized van der Pol-Duffing-Mathieu oscillator are examined. Additionally, the hybrid Rayleigh-van der Pol-Duffing-Mathieu oscillators, as well as the nonlinear Mathieu oscillator, are scrutinized.MethodThe non-perturbative approach (NPA) is utilized to convert the nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), of the illustrated dynamical systems, into linear ones. The approximate solutions are derived independently in the series expansion and without the use of conventional perturbation techniques. Therefore, the goal is to deviate from conventional perturbation techniques and get approximations of small amplitude parametric components without imposing any restrictions. The method is also expanded to determine the best solutions for the nonlinear immense amplitude of fluctuation.ResultsThe current method offers successive approximations of the solutions of parametric nonlinear fluctuations may be obtained by quickly estimating the frequency-amplitude relationship. The resulting parametric equations are validated, showing high degree of agreement with the original equation. Stability behavior is analyzed under various circumstances. The transition curves, bifurcation diagram, Poincaré map, and phase portrait are also examined using the Floquet theory.ConclusionThe stability regions are found to be diminishing with the rise of the natural frequency, and the excited frequency. Moreover, the achieved regions are found to be growing with the rise of the damping coefficient and the excitation amplitude. The stability settings have been examined by considering the effects of various factors in both the damped and un-damped phases for each situation. In the un-damped state, PolarPlots are examined of the transition curves of the two corresponding solutions, namely Cos- and Sin-oscillations. The conclusions of the acquired results suggested that the approach presented here is highly efficient, robust, founded on solid premises, and remarkably intuitive.

Insights into Perimenopause: A Survey of Perceptions, Opinions on Treatment, and Potential Approaches

Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains poorly understood and under-addressed in healthcare. Despite the availability of treatment options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal alternatives, the awareness and utilization of these options vary significantly among women. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with 1000 adults, both men and women, from the United States and Canada. We evaluated the perceived familiarity of participants with the timing, duration, and symptoms of perimenopause, as well as their satisfaction with their treatment options and communication with their healthcare providers. We found that, in general, women and older people were more likely to feel familiar with perimenopause, although the youngest age group surveyed also reported relatively high familiarity. We also found that there is a disconnect between people reporting high familiarity with perimenopause and its symptoms but overall middling and lower familiarity with the age and duration of onset and satisfaction with treatment options. Our results suggest further investigation into where people obtain their information concerning perimenopause, as well as into how knowledge of perimenopause may vary based on demographics.

Medical student experiences of Case-Based Learning (CBL) at a multicultural medical school

BackgroundEducational research highlights active approaches to learning are more effective in knowledge retention and problem-solving. It has long been acknowledged that adapting to more active ways of learning form part of the challenge for new university students as the pedagogical distance between the didactical approach largely followed by secondary school systems the world over differs quite significantly from the often more student-led, critical approach taken by universities. University students encounter various learning challenges, particularly during the transition from secondary school to university. Poor adaptation and low performance in the first year of tertiary education can lead to higher failure rates and potential withdrawal from study programmes. Adopting active learning strategies early in this transition phase is crucial for supporting students’ adaptation and success.Gaining student engagement with active learning can be a significant challenge when there is an expectation to participate in a discussion or voice an opinion. Case-based learning (CBL), with its scaffolded form of learning, is an approach that could provide the support needed to help multicultural learners adapt to their new learning environment in a non-threatening classroom-based setting. The research question in this study was: what features of CBL support active learning?MethodsData was collected using Structured Group Feedback Sessions (SGFS) from 36 students from 12 different countries. Students were placed in eight Structured Group Feedback sessions, a method that facilitates structured discussions and is effect in curriculum evaluation and feedback. The Experience Based Learning model was used as the conceptual framework to guide the analysis, which was completed using the framework analysis method.ResultsThemes were derived from the Experience Based Learning model: affective, pedagogical, and organisational and analysed according to the research question. We found CBL can be used to facilitate active learning with all students at a multicultural medical university. We identified six learning points to highlight features of CBL that support active learning: CBL increased contact with peers and facilitated student bonding; students need to feel psychologically safe to participate; prior learning can enhance confidence to participate; facilitators need to be aware of their role, know about psychological safety, and manage student participation including the dominant voice; some students have a lower tolerance of uncertainty and need additional clarity at the end either via the facilitator or additional notes that provide the key learning points to take away; students became more engaged when a case is aligned to a real patient case giving it authenticity.ConclusionsThis study explores how CBL can support active learning in a multicultural medical school. We identified that CBL did facilitate active learning and students engaged with it and enjoyed it. We identified six learning points to support others going forward.

Hypercapnic warm-up and re-warm-up-A novel experimental approach in swimming sprint.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effective warm-up protocol using an added respiratory dead space (ARDS) 1200 ml volume mask to determine hypercapnic conditions, on the swimming velocity of the 50 m time trial front crawl. Eight male members of the university swimming team, aged 19-25, performed three different warm-up protocols: 1) standardized warm-up in water (WUCON); 2) hypercapnic warm-up in water (WUARDS); 3) hypercapnic a 20-minute transition phase on land, between warm-up in water and swimming test (RE-WUARDS). The three warm-up protocols were implemented in random order every 7th day. After each protocol, the 50 m time trial front crawl swimming (swimming test) was performed. The fastest time trial swimming of 50 m front crawl was achieved after the hypercapnic transition phase (RE-WUARDS) protocol and was 27.5 ± 1.6 seconds, 1.2% faster than hypercapnic warm-up protocol (p = 0.01). This result was confirmed by a higher swimming average speed of the exercise test after RE-WUARDS compared to WUARDS (p = 0.01). The use of ARDS provoked a state of tolerable hypercapnia (obtaining carbon dioxide concentration in arterialized blood pCO2 > 45 mmHg) achieving a post-warm-up of WUARDS value 49.7 ± 5.9 mmHg (compared to the control condition which was a statistically significant difference p = 0.02) and before time trial RE-WUARDS 45.7 ± 2.1 mmHg (p = 0.01 compared to WUCON). After breathing through the 1200 ml ARDS mask during the 20-minute re-warm-up phase, there was a trend of faster time trial among participants compared to the control condition, and statistically significantly faster times compared to WUARDS, indicating that further study is appropriate to verify the efficacy of the proposed method to improve swimming efficiency.

Coalitions, coordination, and contestation: a systematic review of the advocacy coalition framework and its implications for sustainability transitions research

IntroductionAchieving sustainability transitions requires substantial policy changes, often driven by coalitions of actors advocating for institutional change and transformative agendas. While the transitions literature highlights the importance of coalition coordination, the underlying processes remain insufficiently understood. This study explores the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) to derive insights into the coordination and dynamics of advocacy coalitions relevant to sustainability transitions.MethodsA systematic review of ACF literature was conducted, encompassing an initial corpus of over 700 articles and refining it to a final set of 45 documents. These documents were analyzed using qualitative coding to identify key factors influencing coalition coordination and to conceptualize coalition dynamics across the phases of sustainability transitions.ResultsThe review identifies four categories of factors shaping coalition coordination: prerequisites for coordination, reasons to coordinate, instrumental factors that influence coordination, and internal organization of coalitions. Additionally, it outlines how coordination patterns evolve across four sustainability transition phases, leading to the development of a typology that integrates dynamics within coalitions and across coalitions with two transition pathways: technological substitution and reconfiguration.DiscussionThis study advances the understanding of the political processes underpinning sustainability transitions by integrating ACF insights into transition studies. It underscores the importance of belief systems, resource access, and trust in fostering effective coalition coordination. The proposed typology offers a conceptual framework to guide future empirical research on coalition dynamics and their role in accelerating sustainability transitions.

Ceramic Cantilever Bridge as a Transitional Solution for Lateral Maxillary Incisor Replacement: A Case Report

The loss of a lateral maxillary incisor can significantly impact a patient's aesthetics, function, and self-esteem. This case report details the use of a ceramic cantilever bridge as a pre-implant temporary solution for restoring a missing lateral incisor in a 22-year-old female patient who presented with agennesic lateral incisors. A ceramic cantilever bridge was fabricated to provide immediate aesthetic and functional restoration while awaiting definitive implant placement. The bridge was designed to match the color and morphology of the adjacent teeth, ensuring seamless integration into the patient’s smile. Results indicated that the ceramic cantilever bridge effectively restored aesthetics and function without complications such as debonding or fracture. The patient reported high satisfaction with both the appearance and functionality of the bridge throughout the temporization period. This case underscores the effectiveness of ceramic cantilever bridges as a viable pre-implant solution for lateral maxillary incisor replacement. By providing immediate restoration, this approach not only enhances aesthetics but also supports oral health and patient confidence during the transitional phase before implant placement. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and refine treatment protocols for similar clinical scenarios, contributing to improved strategies in restorative dentistry.

A national framework for transition to precision medicine

Precision medicine (PM) is transforming healthcare by offering tailored interventions that address individual variability, transforming patient care and outcomes. PM is based on providing health-oriented services according to genetic characteristics, individual and family medical history, lifestyle, place of residence, and other personalized characteristics. This study aims to establish an appropriate framework for implementing PM in Iran. First, the global transition framework to PM was drawn by a systematic review, and then a framework for transition to PM in Iran was drawn by a case study through semi-structured interviews, an expert panel, and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) questionnaire. The statistical sample of the study comprised PM specialists, researchers, and patients whose PM plays a significant role in their diagnosis and treatment. The sampling method was non-random with a combination of purposive and snowball techniques. The results from the systematic review show that for the transition to PM, we must first move from common medicine to stratified medicine and then PM. Moving toward PM requires strong economic, social, political, institutional, industrial, and, most importantly, technological infrastructures. These infrastructures will vary from country to country. In general, coexistence between the health system and PM technologies did not exist in the beginning, but it will emerge with its development. The resistance of the health system to accepting PM will gradually decrease. Furthermore, the government plays a key role in the early phases, while market and PM demand become more prominent during the development. New health actors will also develop PM, and out-of-date actors will be deleted or replaced. But moving toward PM is slightly different in Iran, particularly in the middle phases of transition.

The Perspectives of Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy on Transition to Adult’s Health Care and Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study was to describe the perspectives of young adults with cerebral palsy on participating in the transition process when transitioning from children’s health care to adults’ health care and rehabilitation. A phenomenographic approach with data collected with semi-structured interviews was used. Fourteen young adults aged 19–26 with cerebral palsy participated. The analysis resulted in four categories: (1) need for comprehensive and participatory rehabilitation; (2) barriers in the rehabilitation system; (3) self-awareness, courage and activity are rewarded; and (4) a dream of an active role in society. To conclude, the young adults had both positive and negative experiences of the transition process as well as of the rehabilitation planning at the adult health care service. It is important to start the transition planning early, and to involve the young adult as an active participant in the planning process. Both in the transition phase and in the adult health care service an anticipatory and collaborative approach where the young adult’s holistic needs would be considered should be standard practice. A focus is needed on how to grow towards a good adulthood and how to live a meaningful life as a valued member of society.

No rumen fermentation profiles and associated microbial diversities difference were found between Hu sheep and Karakul sheep fed a cottonseed hull diet

BackgroundThis research aimed to investigate differences in rumen fermentation characteristics between Karakul sheep and Hu sheep reared under identical conditions. The test subjects included newborn Hu and Karakul sheep, which were monitored across three stages: stage I (Weaning period: 15 ~ 30 days), stage II (Supplementary feeding period: 31 ~ 90 days), and stage III (Complete feeding period: 91 ~ 150 days). During the supplementary feeding period, cottonseed hulls were the main roughage source. To analyze the dynamics of rumen fermentation, 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics methods were employed, alongside measurements of rumen fermentation parameters and cellulase activity. This comprehensive approach aimed to investigate the potential impact of breed on rumen fermentation indicators, microbial community structure, and metabolites in Hu and Karakul sheep.ResultsThe 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed no significant differences in the relative abundance or dominant bacterial communities in the rumen across all stages. In stage II, rumen bacteria in both Hu and Karakul sheep were relatively stable. However, the Simpson index of Hu sheep in stage II was substantially greater than that of Karakul sheep, demonstrating similarities in the rumen microbial structure between stages II and III. Dynamic variations in fermentation parameters and cellulase activity in the rumen revealed that the indicators in both sheep breeds stabilized at 150 days. Metabolomic results revealed that the metabolic pathways in stage I were mainly concentrated in purine metabolism and lipid metabolism, while stage II was dominated by amino acid metabolism. Stage III involved mainly in pyrimidine and purine metabolism. An exploration of the relationships among rumen microbial biomarkers, key differentially abundant metabolites and rumen characteristics indicated that Karakul sheep exhibited superior lipid metabolism compared to Hu sheep.ConclusionThese findings reveal that there were no interbreed differences in the rumen characteristics of Hu and Karakul sheep when fed the same cottonseed hull diet, despite differences in their metabolic pathways. The findings also indicate that the first 20 days represent the initial stage of rumen bacteria in Hu sheep, followed by a transition phase between 20 and 90 days, and a relatively stable stage from 90 to 150 days. These results provide a scientific basis for further understanding the rumen function of sheep and for optimizing their feeding strategies.D2CHRS7zryw_AWg9hJmKX2Video

Case report: The Montgomery T tube may be the preferred transition option for achieving a smooth extubation after tracheotomy when complicating airway pathology is present

Prolonged retention of tracheostomy tubes post-procedure often leads to complications, including granulation tissue overgrowth, airway narrowing, and laryngeal edema, necessitating delayed removal of the tracheostomy tube. Currently, a definitive therapeutic regimen capable of simultaneously resolving these complications and expediting tracheostomy decannulation remains elusive. Herein, we present an efficacious strategy addressing these airway morbidities and facilitating rapid tube removal. A 44-year-old male patient, who had undergone tracheostomy due to underlying disease, demonstrated substantial recovery following rehabilitation and was poised for tracheostomy tube extraction. However, bronchoscopic examination revealed severe granulation tissue at the stoma site and laryngeal edema, posing challenges to immediate decannulation. To tackle these issues concurrently while aiming for swift tube removal, we performed bronchoscopic intervention for granulation tissue excision, subsequently replacing the conventional tracheostomy tube with a Montgomery T tube as a transitional measure to restore normal ventilation. With additional rehabilitation fostering respiratory function enhancement, follow-up bronchoscopies confirmed no recurrence of granulations and significant reduction in laryngeal edema, thereby enabling the successful removal of the Montgomery T tube 2 months later, restoring the patient’s unassisted respiratory capacity. This case underscores a clinically pertinent insight: following resolution of local airway abnormalities impeding tracheostomy decannulation, the strategic implementation of a Montgomery T tube as a transitional phase merits serious consideration among clinicians managing patients with long-term tracheostomies. Our findings contribute to the development of more streamlined approaches to overcoming complexities associated with tracheostomy tube removal in clinical practice.

Evaluation of the Transition-to-Practice Arrangements for Novice Perioperative Nurses: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Transitioning into the first year of clinical practice as a nurse or changing specialties in the nursing career presents a critical phase for novice nurses characterized by excitement, apprehension, and the phenomenon of "transition shock." Within perioperative nursing, this transition phase takes on distinctive challenges. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on transition programs and arrangements. This study aimed to evaluate the current transition-to-practice (TTP) arrangements available to new graduate and novice nurses within Australian perioperative nursing settings. This study uses an exploratory mixed-method, multilevel triangulation with a sequential phase design to address 4 research questions. Phases 1 to 3 will use document analysis, surveys, and semistructured interviews to establish the findings of the research questions. Phase 4 will use meta-inference and triangulation to aggregate and analyze the data from all preceding phases. These findings will be the foundation for developing a framework to inform future TTP arrangements. This robust framework will embed empirical evidence, existing literature, and sound learning and teaching pedagogy. Results emerging from this study will be reported using the Good Reporting of Mixed Methods Study guidelines. This project received approval in June 2023. Following this, Human Research Ethics Committee approval was sought for phases 1 and 2, and recruitment began. As of August 2024, phase 1 has collected 50 responses and phase 2 has collected 69 responses. Data collection for phase 3 is projected to commence in May 2025 once data from phases 1 and 2 have been analyzed. Phase 4 is projected to occur in 2026. Each phase is anticipated to have a results manuscript submitted for publication once data are analyzed and written up. The findings of this study will provide an in-depth exploration of TTP arrangements within perioperative nursing in Australia and provide a framework to guide the future development of TTP arrangements. OSF Registries osf.io/zm432; https://osf.io/54s36. DERR1-10.2196/64970.

Supplementation with essential amino acids in the early stage of carbohydrate reintroduction after a very-low energy ketogenic therapy (VLEKT) improves body cell mass, muscle strength and inflammation

BackgroundAlthough little is yet known about the long-term maintenance of very low-energy ketogenic therapy (VLEKT) effects on body composition, muscle strength and inflammation, it is plausible to assume that changes may occur, particularly during the steps following the ketogenic step, due to the loss of the protective effects of ketones and the concomitant reintroduction of carbohydrates. For this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with 8 g per day of essential amino acids (EAAs) on these parameters.MethodsA total of 68 women of reproductive age and with grade I obesity who had completed 45 days of the ketogenic phase with VLEKT (KeNuT protocol) and 40 days of non-ketogenic phase of KeNuT protocol with VLEKT (phase 3, fruit reintroduction) were included in the study. Half of them (n = 34) followed this first step of the re-educational phase of KeNuT protocol with VLEKT with supplementation with EAAs (Aminotrofic®: 4 g twice daily). Anthropometric parameters, body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were assessed at baseline, pre- and post both dietary interventions.ResultsAt the end of 45 days of ketogenic phase with VLEKT (before fruit reintroduction and EAA supplementation), the two groups did not differ in any of the parameters assessed. At the end of the fruit reintroduction phase, the supplemented group showed greater magnitudes of reduction in weight, waist circumference, fat mass (FM) and hs-CRP (p < 0.001 for all) and of increase in muscle strength (p < 0.001), phase angle (p < 0.001), body cell mass (BCM) (p = 0.001), and muscle mass (%) (p < 0.001).ConclusionThese results underline the usefulness of supplementation with EAAs during the first transitional phase post VLEKT to improve body composition (specifically reduction in FM and increase in BCM), muscle strength, and inflammatory status.

Dynamics of particle segregation and its impact on mechanical properties

Abstract Particle segregation is a widespread phenomenon in nature. Vertical vibration systems have been a focal point in studying particle segregation, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms and patterns that influence this process. However, despite extensive research on the mechanisms and patterns of particle separation, the consequences, particularly the mechanical properties of samples resulting from particle segregation, remain less understood. This study aims to investigate the segregation process of a binary mixture under vertical vibration and examine the consequences through monotonic and cyclic triaxial drained tests. The results reveal that large and small particles segregate nearly simultaneously, with more thorough separation observed for large particles. The segregation index, D s , effectively describes this evolution process, offering a quantitative metric for both mixing and segregation. Granular temperature analysis unveils three distinct states during segregation: solid-like, fluid-like, and solid–liquid transitional phase, corresponding to varying activity levels of particle segregation. Drained triaxial shear tests demonstrate the sensitivity of stress–strain relationships to the degree of segregation. Interestingly, ultimate strength is found to be essentially unrelated to the degree of segregation. When the segregation index approaches zero, signifying particles approaching a uniform distribution, the granular system reaches a harmonic state. This state exhibits optimal mechanical performance characterised by maximum peak stress, friction angle, and the highest elastic modulus. These findings underscore the potential impact of segregation on the mechanical response of granular mixtures and emphasise the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of particle segregation in soil mechanics.

Unveiling cell-type-specific microRNA networks through alternative polyadenylation in glioblastoma

BackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by its cellular complexity, with a microenvironment consisting of diverse cell types, including oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and neoplastic CD133 + radial glia-like cells. This study focuses on exploring the distinct cellular transitions in GBM, emphasizing the role of alternative polyadenylation (APA) in modulating microRNA-binding and post-transcriptional regulation.ResultsOur research identified unique APA profiles that signify the transitional phases between neoplastic cells and OPCs, underscoring the importance of APA in cellular identity and transformation in GBM. A significant finding was the disconnection between differential APA events and gene expression alterations, indicating that APA operates as an independent regulatory mechanism. We also highlighted the specific genes in neoplastic cells and OPCs that lose microRNA-binding sites due to APA, which are crucial for maintaining stem cell characteristics and DNA repair, respectively. The constructed networks of microRNA-transcription factor-target genes provide insights into the cellular mechanisms influencing cancer cell survival and therapeutic resistance.ConclusionsThis study elucidates the APA-driven regulatory framework within GBM, spotlighting its influence on cell state transitions and microRNA network dynamics. Our comprehensive analysis using single-cell RNA sequencing data to investigate the microRNA-binding sites altered by APA profiles offers a robust foundation for future research, presenting a novel approach to understanding and potentially targeting the complex molecular interplay in GBM.

Structure and metabolic function of spatiotemporal pit mud microbiome

BackgroundPit mud (PM) hosts diverse microbial communities, which serve as a medium to impart flavor and quality to Baijiu and exhibit long-term tolerance to ethanol and acids, resulting in a unique ecosystem. However, the ecology and metabolic functions of PM remain poorly understood, as many taxa in PM represent largely novel lineages. In this study, we used a combination of metagenomic analysis and chemical derivatization LC–MS analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of microbial community structure, metabolic function, phylogeny, horizontal gene transfer, and the relationship with carboxyl compounds in spatiotemporal PM samples.ResultsOur findings revealed three distinct stages in the spatiotemporal changes of prokaryotic communities in PM: an initial phase dominated by Lactobacillus, a transitional phase, and a final state of equilibrium. Significant variations in α- and β-diversity were observed across different spatial and temporal PM samples. We identified 178 medium- and high-quality non-redundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), and constructed their phylogenetic tree, depicting their roles in the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. The Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and reverse TCA cycle were identified as the main carbon fixation mechanisms, with both hydrogenotrophic and aceticlastic methanogens playing a major role in methane production, and methylotrophic pathway observed in older PM. Furthermore, we identified relationships between prokaryotes and 29 carboxyl metabolites, including medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) was widespread in PM, particularly among clostridia, Bacteroidota, Bacilli, and Euryarchaeota, and was shown to play critical roles in fermentation dynamics, carbon fixation, methane production, and nitrogen and sulfur metabolism.ConclusionOur study provides new insights into the evolution and function of spatiotemporal PM, as well as its interactions with carboxyl metabolites. Lactobacillus dominated in new PM, while methanogens and clostridia were predominant in older or deeper PM layers. The three distinct stages of prokaryotic community development in PM and HGT played critical roles in metabolic function of spatiotemporal PM. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of α-diversity, β-diversity, methanogens, and Clostridium as useful indicators for assessing PM quality in the production of high-quality Baijiu.