Search Results (774)

Fibrillins (FBNs) are indispensable for plant growth and development, orchestrating multiple physiological processes. However, the precise functional role of FBNs in cotton fiber development remains uncharacterized. This study reports a genome-wide characterization of the FBN gene family in cotton. A total of 28 GhFBN genes were identified in upland cotton, with systematic analyses of their phylogenetic relationships, protein motifs, gene structures, and hormone-responsive cis-regulatory elements. Expression profiling of GhFBN1A during fiber development revealed stage-specific activity across the developmental continuum. Transcriptomic analyses following hormone treatments demonstrated upregulation of GhFBN family members, implicating their involvement in hormone-mediated regulatory networks governing fiber cell development. Collectively, this work presents a detailed molecular characterization of cotton GhFBNs and establishes a theoretical foundation for exploring their potential applications in cotton breeding programs aimed at improving fiber quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psychosocial (PS) factors and cognitive dysfunction (CD) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may negatively impact treatment compliance. The PS profile covers multiple psychological and socio-economic factors, although research is mostly limited to depression, anxiety, and work stress. This study assessed the prevalence of a broad range of PS factors in patients with AF and their relationship with cognitive decline. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients referred to a cardiovascular rehabilitation clinic between March 2017 and April 2023 who underwent standardized assessments of PS factors, cognition, and quality of life. Results: Of the 798 included patients, 230 (28.8%) had AF, with a mean age of 68.07 years (SD 9.60 years). Six of nine PS factors were present in more than half of the overall sample. Compared to non-AF patients, those with AF showed significantly higher levels of social isolation, depression, and hostility, whereas low socioeconomic status, family and work-related stress, and other mental disorders were more frequent in the non-AF group. CD was present in 67.4% of the total cohort and was more prevalent in AF patients with a higher PS burden. Patients with permanent AF reported the poorest health status. Conclusions: Integrating assessments of PS factors and cognition in cardiac rehabilitation is feasible and supports a more comprehensive, patient-centred model of care in AF. Full article

In this paper, we argue that what is sometimes at fault for the poor attendance and lack of engagement in schools observed from historically marginalized families is a missed opportunity to increase understanding or cultural relevance on the part of schools. In this paper, we use the construct of “counter stories” which has the potential to change the script on the instrumentalist demands of quantity versus quality in parent engagement. By providing examples of what we consider “quality” engagement techniques via the staff’s interpretation of their roles within one demographically rich early learning center, the strategies used to engage parents are documented. Counter-stories of practice show family-centrism as interpreted by school leaders. By describing one community context and its practices of building relationships with newcomer families, relationally driven parent engagement techniques are revealed. The authors highlight how inquiry-based methods surpass the generic approaches described in policy. When parent engagement “arises” from within parents’ motivations and informs authentic knowing (by teachers and school leaders), community systems are elevated. Professionals’ decisions about children and community groups that are informed by families’ knowledge are consequently meaningful and authentic. Full article

Aim: To explore the experiences, beliefs, and values of patients who participated in a two-arm randomized clinical trial assessing a nurse-led intervention program for chronic pain self-management, which demonstrated positive effects on pain reduction, depression, and anxiety, and on health-related quality of life 24 months after completion of the program. Design: Descriptive phenomenological qualitative study. Methods: Patients were recruited via telephone, informed about the study, and invited to participate in an individual interview at a place of their choice (hospital or home). All interviews were audiotaped, and an inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results: Seven interviews were carried out between both groups. Six emerging categories were found: effective relationship with the healthcare system, learning to live with pain, family and social support, behaviors regarding pain, resources for self-management, and concomitant determinants. Conclusions: Patients report key aspects that help us to understand the impact of this type of nurse-led group intervention: the intrinsic therapeutic effect of participating in the program itself, the ability to learn to live with pain, the importance of family and social support, the modification of pain-related behaviors, and the identification of resources for self-care. The findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive, individualized care approaches to chronic pain, addressing stigma and social context. Expanding community-based programs and supporting caregivers is essential, as is further research into gender roles, family dynamics, and work-related factors. Full article

Introduction: It is widely acknowledged that good quality relationships between social workers and children are essential to children’s non-formal inclusion in child protection processes. However, research exploring the perspective of children has shown this relationship to be highly complex, particularly when children are taken into care. Methods: This paper combines insights from two qualitative participatory studies conducted in Italy, both developed out of a collaboration between university, professional social work associations, and the Italian association of care leavers. The two projects explored, respectively, the perspectives of social workers on the one hand and of children in care and care leavers on the other regarding their relationship. Outcomes: The data reveal the complexity of the relationship between children and social workers, showing how both share a mirrored perception of it. Social workers recognise children’s negative feelings toward them and see them as inevitable, especially in cases of tense family dynamics. A relationship marked by hostile attitudes, anger, and distrust not only fuels social workers’ emotional struggles but also makes it harder to engage children effectively. While hostile attitudes and mistrust are often seen as obstacles to positive engagement, we advocate for recognising them not as barriers to be overcome but as realities to be acknowledged and addressed openly. This approach can create space for both children and practitioners to explore alternative forms of agency, fostering more meaningful participation. Full article

Background: The B3-domain transcription factor ABI3 (ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3) is a critical regulator of seed maturation, stress adaptation, and hormonal signaling in plants. However, its evolutionary dynamics and functional roles in cotton (Gossypium spp.) remain poorly characterized. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive genome-wide investigation of the ABI3 gene family across 26 plant species, with a focus on 8 Gossypium species. Analyses included phylogenetics, chromosomal localization, synteny assessment, gene duplication patterns, protein domain characterization, promoter cis-regulatory element identification, and tissue-specific/spatiotemporal expression profiling under different organizations of Gossypium hirsutum. Results: Phylogenetic and chromosomal analyses revealed conserved ABI3 evolutionary patterns between monocots and dicots, alongside lineage-specific expansion events within Gossypium spp. Syntenic relationships and duplication analysis in G. hirsutum (upland cotton) indicated retention of ancestral synteny blocks and functional diversification driven predominantly by segmental duplication. Structural characterization confirmed the presence of conserved B3 domains in all G. hirsutum ABI3 homologs. Promoter analysis identified key stress-responsive cis-elements, including ABA-responsive (ABRE), drought-responsive (MYB), and low-temperature-responsive (LTRE) motifs, suggesting a role in abiotic stress regulation. Expression profiling demonstrated significant tissue-specific transcriptional activity across roots, stems, leaves, and fiber developmental stages. Conclusions: This study addresses a significant knowledge gap by elucidating the evolution, structure, and stress-responsive expression profiles of the ABI3 gene family in cotton. It establishes a foundational framework for future functional validation and targeted genetic engineering strategies aimed at developing stress-resilient cotton cultivars with enhanced fiber quality. Full article

Background. Parents of autistic children face challenges that can negatively affect the quality of the parent–child relationship. This study aimed to explore the potential protective role of parental resolution about positive (closeness) and negative (conflict and dependence) aspects of the parent–child relationship, with parenting stress and caregiving burden as mediators. Methods. A cross-sectional study (ethical approval: CE n. 92949) was conducted with 51 Italian parents of autistic children. A multiple mediation model was tested. Results. Parental resolution had a significant total effect (β = 0.012; BootLLCI = 0.002; BootULCI = 0.024) and a significant direct effect on the parent–child relationship (β = 0.223; BootLLCI = 0.058; BootULCI = 0.389), indicating that resolving the child’s diagnosis could potentially influence parents’ perceptions of their relationship with their child, possibly leading to views of it being somewhat closer, experiencing fewer conflicts, and involving a lower degree of dependence. An indirect effect via parenting stress was also significant (β = −0.130; BootLLCI = −0.009; BootULCI = −0.291), while caregiving burden did not show a mediating effect. Conclusion: Despite the exploratory and cross-sectional nature of this study, the findings highlight the importance of promoting family well-being in the context of autism. The findings may inform future research on parental resources and guide clinicians in developing intervention programmes to mitigate the emotional impact of receiving a child’s autism diagnosis. Full article

Climate change and air pollution are reshaping viral circulation patterns and increasing host vulnerability, amplifying the burden of respiratory illness in early childhood. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on how environmental exposures, particularly to nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and fine particulate matter, contribute to the incidence and severity of bronchiolitis, with a focus on biological mechanisms, epidemiological trends, and public health implications. Bronchiolitis remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infancy, with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) being responsible for the majority of severe cases. Airborne pollutants penetrate deep into the airways, triggering inflammation, compromising mucosal defenses, and impairing immune function, especially in infants with pre-existing vulnerabilities. These interactions can intensify the clinical course of viral infections and contribute to more severe disease presentations. Children in urban areas exposed to high levels of traffic-related emissions are disproportionately affected, underscoring the need for integrated public health interventions. These include stricter emission controls, urban design strategies to reduce exposure, and real-time health alerts during pollution peaks. Prevention strategies should also address indoor air quality and promote risk awareness among families and caregivers. Further research is needed to standardize exposure assessments, clarify dose–response relationships, and deepen our understanding of how pollution interacts with viral immunity. Bronchiolitis emerges as a sentinel condition at the crossroads of climate, environment, and pediatric health, highlighting the urgent need for collaboration across clinical medicine, epidemiology, and environmental science. Full article

Background: Cotton, a key global economic crop, suffers yield and quality losses due to salt stress. This study aims to analyze the cotton STARD gene family and its role in salt stress responses. Methods: We conducted a genome-wide analysis of the STARD gene family in four cotton species, using phylogenetic trees, chromosomal mapping, and collinearity analyses to explore their evolutionary relationships and expansion mechanisms. We also examined gene structures, conserved motifs, and promoter cis-elements. Results: STARD genes are evenly distributed across the four cotton species. Segmental duplication was found to be the main driver of gene expansion, with most pairs undergoing purifying selection. Distinct structural features and potential roles in plant growth and stress responses were identified. Notably, 11 GhSTARD genes showed significant expression changes under salt stress, especially GhSTARD45 in root tissues. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the function and salt stress response mechanisms of the cotton STARD gene family, suggesting GhSTARD45 plays a key role in root-mediated salt tolerance and highlighting the potential of STARD genes in enhancing cotton’s salt tolerance. Full article

Promoting clean energy transition in rural areas is a key path to achieving global sustainable development, protecting public health, and promoting ecological livability. Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this paper employs a multi-dimensional fixed effects model to evaluate the impact of income inequality on rural households’ clean energy transition (CET) and examines its underlying mechanisms. Research findings indicate that income inequality significantly suppresses rural households’ CET, primarily by reducing basic energy consumption and hindering the upgrading of basic energy consumption structures. Government governance quality exerts a significant negative moderating effect on the relationship between income inequality and rural households’ CET. Further analysis shows that the inhibitory effect of income inequality on CET is more significant in the regions with a low economic development level and low coal resource endowment, and in the western and northeastern regions of China. Therefore, while continuously promoting rural income growth, the government should prioritize equitable distribution, strengthen institutional capacity-building, improve the social service and security system, and facilitate rural households’ CET. Full article

Suicide in children is a major global health crisis, with profound impacts on families, friends, and society. Understanding ways to ameliorate the rate of suicide attempt (SA) is critical given that it is a key factor in predicting future suicide risk. SA is the deliberate act of causing physical injury to oneself with the intent of death. The incidence of SA may be influenced by physical activity (PA). PA includes bodily movement via skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure and physical fitness. While there is evidence to suggest that PA improves dysregulation of the parasympathetic nervous system which underpins the physiology of suicidal behaviour, evaluating the impact of PA on SA in children is required. Objectives: This systematic review aims to determine the relationship between PA and SA in children to inform alternative preventative and interventional strategies. Methods: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023389415. Eight electronic databases were systematically searched. References were transferred to Covidence software for title and abstract screening and full text review were performed based on eligibility criteria: (1) children aged 6–18 years old; (2) participated in PA (individual, group exercise, or team sports); and (3) examined SA as a dependent variable. The JBI Checklist was used to measure the quality and level of bias of included studies. Results: Of the 2322 studies identified, 21 were included in the final analysis of the review. Twenty studies were cross-sectional in design, and one implemented a prospective study design. Thirteen studies (61.9%) yielded statistically significant results, indicating that increased PA, particularly team sport, may be associated with reduced odds of SA. There was some evidence to suggest that certain intensities and frequencies of PA may be beneficial to some and detrimental to other subgroups. Conclusions: The results suggest that PA may reduce the risk of suicide attempts. Although PA may be associated with reduced SA in children, future research is required, which (1) uses standardised outcome variables; (2) adopts longitudinal and experimental study designs; (3) explores qualitative research to determine distinctive factors that influence participation in PA not captured by quantitative research; and (4) examines different target populations such as children with a broad range of mental health issues. Full article

Background/Objectives: Asthma is a prevalent chronic condition affecting approximately 300 million people globally. Despite advancements in treatment protocols, poor adherence to asthma medication remains a significant issue, often leading to severe complications, especially in children. This study aimed to identify factors influencing medication adherence among parents of children with asthma, using constructs from the theory of planned behaviour to better understand and improve adherence. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a survey incorporating constructs from the theory of planned behaviour, demographic variables, and other adherence-related factors. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the relationship between these factors and adherence to asthma medications. Results: Out of 152 parents who visited the survey link, 150 were eligible. The average age was 35.58 ± 9.913 years; most participants were married (82%) and female (62.6%). Multivariate linear regression analysis of the parents’ factor showed parental attitude (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) and subjective norms (β = 0.34, p < 0.002) were significantly associated with parents’ intention to adhere to asthma medications. Conclusion: The study found that parental attitudes and subjective norms significantly impact the intention to adhere to asthma medication. Improving adherence is crucial for effective disease management, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing the quality of life for children and their families. Interventions should focus on educating parents about the importance of adherence and engaging more family members to positively influence adherence through strengthened subjective norms. Full article

Objective: Family members of individuals with spinal cord injury often take on caregiving responsibilities, which can lead to caregiver burden. One factor that can mitigate the adverse effects of caregiving, such as caregiver burden, is receiving social support. Caregivers can obtain support from people they meet in person (in-person support) and on social media platforms (online support). The current cross-sectional correlational design study investigated the moderating effect of in-person and online support on the association between relationship quality, caregiver competence, caregiver distress, and caregiver burden (dependent variables). Methods: Family caregivers of an individual with spinal cord injury (n = 115) completed an online survey assessing relationship quality, competence, distress, burden, and in-person and online supports. Results: Moderation analyses showed that the negative associations between relationship quality and physical burden (B = −0.58; p = 0.019) and caregiver competence and physical burden (B = −0.73; p = 0.013) were more pronounced at higher levels of online social support. Furthermore, the magnitude of the negative associations between relationship quality and emotional burden (B = −0.52; p < 0.001) and caregiver competence and emotional burden (B = −0.34, p = 0.012) were more pronounced at higher levels of in-person social support. Moderation analyses also revealed that the positive association between distress and social burden (B = 0.47; p = 0.029) and emotional burden (B = 0.26; p = 0.045) were stronger when caregivers reported higher levels of online support. Conclusions: In-person and online support can buffer some aspects of caregiver burden on caregiver well-being. While online support is usually considered beneficial, greater online engagement may contribute to higher levels of burden when the distress is high. It is possible, however, that caregivers who are more distressed engage more with online media to receive support. Full article

Background: It is generally well-known that narration of care is critically important to high-quality nursing care. Narration of care is loosely defined as a nurse’s ability to describe to patients and families the clinical purpose behind nursing practice, what is hoped to be achieved, and the “why” (or clinical rationale) behind nursing activities. Despite the importance of narration of care, there is little practical guidance given to nurses about how to narrate care—what makes for effective or ineffective narration of care. Objective: Our aim was to develop a framework for teaching nurses and patient care assistants (PCAs) on how to effectively narrate care. In this article, we provide a practical framework for teaching nurses and PCAs how to narrate care. We describe the process of developing the framework as part of quality improvement efforts and implementing a course for eight hospitals based on the framework. Methods: Consistent with a Plan-Do-Study Act (PDSA) quality improvement approach, we developed the framework by first conducting a data and literature review, then convening a taskforce, discussing with patients on our existing committees, and finally formulating a framework. We then drafted supplementary cases and course material and implemented a course to teach nurses and PCAs how to narrate care. Results: The narration of care framework (NOC) that we developed and implemented consisted of the following five principles, which can be called RECAP as an acronym: 1. The “R” in RECAP stands for removing uncertainty. 2. The “E” in RECAP stands for explaining the environment. 3. The “C” in RECAP stands for being calm and sincere. 4. The “A” in RECAP stands for assume nothing. 5. The “P” in RECAP stands for personal connection. As for the course developed based on the RECAP principles, there was a total of 276 course offerings conducted by 30 facilitators, and 7341 nurses and PCAs completed the course. The evaluations reflected that 99% of learners believed their learning was improved by the course. Discussion: There are several multifaceted benefits to NOC: nurses’ and PCAs’ capability to narrate care well shows empathy and compassion to patients; it strengthens patient understanding and education that can lead to improved patient outcomes; and it helps allay patients’ uncertainties and anxieties. In essence, narrating care in an effective manner cultivates a strong nurse–patient therapeutic relationship. Yet, in the absence of any practical guidance, nurses and PCAs are left to develop narration skills on their own, learning by trial and error, and, in doing so, perhaps failing to meet patients’ needs and failing to fully derive the many benefits that the NOC is designed to achieve. Our hope is that, if hospital systems adopt our work, nurses and PCAs can comfortably and confidently enter the profession knowing the purpose or narrating care, its many benefits, and how to practically conduct sufficient narration, and what would constitute insufficient narration. Hospitals, in turn, can specify and clearly articulate their expectations for nurses and PCAs narrating with patients—what would make for a strong, compassionate process and what would be inadequate. For more experienced nurses, they can use the RECAP framework to reflect on their own practices and perhaps strengthen or refreshen existing skills. Conclusions: NOC is acknowledged, somewhat implicitly, as being critical to nursing and PCA practice, yet practical instruction and specified principles are lacking. We aimed to fill this gap by developing, implementing, and teaching a practical framework, armed with many tools nurses can use. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence is associated with a lower risk of developing several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, cancer, and mental health diseases. University students are vulnerable to mental disorders that considerably affect their well-being and quality of life, which may be ascribed to the stressful environment during their academic studies. This cross-sectional survey designed to explore the relationship between MD compliance and perceived stress levels as well as sleep quality in a representative sample of university students from Greece. Methods: This survey assigned 5433 university students from 10 Greek regions. We used qualified questionnaires to examine the socio-demographics of the assigned students. Anthropometrics were determined by qualified methods. Validated questionnaires were used to determine diverse lifestyle factors like physical activity, perceived stress, sleep quality and MD adherence. Results: Concerning the primary objectives of this study, greater MD compliance was independently and significantly related to lower incidence of perceived stress and poor sleep quality in university students. As far as the secondary objectives of this study concern, greater MD compliance was independently and significantly related to female gender, rural type of residence, living with family, smoking, biomedicine studies, being normal weight, and having enhanced physical activity. Conclusions: This study reinforces the idea that healthy dietary patterns like MD could be a significant modifiable factor against perceived stress and poor sleep quality of university students. Based on this evidence, longitudinal studies should be performed to confirm whether MD can exert a causal effect on perceived stress and sleep quality. Full article