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Experiences of the ABA-feed infant feeding intervention: a qualitative study with women, peer supporters and coordinators
Get PDFUK breastfeeding rates are low, with health inequalities in initiation and continuation. Breastfeeding peer support interventions are recommended in UK and global policy. The Assets-based feeding help Before and After birth (ABA-feed) trial tested the effectiveness of proactive, woman-centred support for infant feeding delivered by trained peer supporters (Infant Feeding Helpers; IFHs) in addition to usual care at 17 UK sites. Using data from an embedded process evaluation, this paper reports the views and experiences of women receiving, and the IFHs and coordinators delivering, ABA-feed. Women (n=2475) were recruited to the trial antenatally; 1,458 were allocated to the intervention. Thirty women from five study sites took part in qualitative interviews after completion of an eight-week postnatal follow-up survey. IFHs (n=72) and coordinators (n=25) from across all sites participated in individual or group interviews towards the end of the intervention period. Interview transcripts plus 1147 responses to free-text survey questions were analysed using Framework Analysis. The ABA-feed intervention was acceptable to women, including younger women, those with less education, from diverse ethnic groups, single mothers, and those who intended to formula feed, as well as to IFHs and coordinators. Both remote and in-person support was acceptable. While women valued proactive daily contact during the first 14 days postpartum, some IFHs found this challenging, and some struggled with supporting women who chose formula feeding or were less engaged. This study highlights the value of flexible, proactive, woman-centred infant feeding support
Baseline individual factors associated with clinical outcomes in adults with non-specific low back pain following manual therapy: a systematic review
Get PDFBackground: Primary care providers consider the identification of patient subgroups as a high research priority. Unfortunately, evidence to support the benefit of treatments targeting subgroups of patients with NSLBP remains inconsistent. Specifically, little is known about baseline individual patient characteristics associated with optimal clinical improvement from manual therapy. This systematic review aims to identify baseline individual factors (BIFs), including patient characteristics, self-reported questionnaires, clinical examination, and ancillary test factors associated with clinical improvement (or lack of) among adult patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) following manual therapy. Methods: A systematic review of published evidence in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Index To Chiropractic Literature, and CINAHL was conducted until April 2024. Studies included participants aged 18 years and over with NSLBP and without radiculopathy. Participants received manual therapies, including musculoskeletal manipulation/mobilization (spinal and extremities) and soft tissue therapy. We excluded mechanically assisted manipulations and interventions mainly involving exercise, education, and/or advice. Two independent assessors screened studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias using the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) Tools. A qualitative synthesis of findings was undertaken. BIFs were synthesized according to patient-reported outcomes measure domains: 1) pain intensity measures, 2) disability measures, 3) global perceived effect, and 4) other factors (e.g., satisfaction with care, total number of visits). Results: Data from 19 studies (reported in 21 articles) involving 4,689 participants were analyzed. Twelve studies reported pain intensity, 18 reported disability outcomes, and 4 reported patient's global perceived effect. Over 70% of the included studies had a high risk of confounding bias. Included studies explored the potential association between clinical outcomes and 172 BIFs. BIFs were categorized into patient characteristics (n = 40), self-reported questionnaire (n = 31), clinical examination (n = 82), and ancillary tests (n = 20). Fourteen multivariate models explored the association with clinical improvement, and four others investigated the association with non-improvement. Findings were inconsistent across studies. Conclusion: Using BIFs in clinical practice to predict clinical outcomes following manual therapy treatment appears to be premature. Future studies should aim to replicate the results and differentiate prognostic factors from treatment effect modifiers. Trial registration: CRD42019131416
Sustainable high-performance geopolymer concrete incorporating nano clay and rice husk ash
No full textThe growing emphasis on sustainable construction has accelerated research into eco-efficient high-performance concrete. This study evaluates the synergistic effects of nano clay (NC) and rice husk ash (RHA) as supplementary cementitious materials in high-performance geopolymer concrete (HPGC). Binder compositions were based on fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), or their blends, serving as primary aluminosilicate sources. Twenty-four formulations were prepared with RHA at 10–15 % and NC at 0–5 % by binder mass and compared with a Portland cement high-performance concrete (PC-HPC) reference. Tests covered fresh properties, mechanical performance, durability, and microstructure, with statistical correlation used to identify dominant parameters. NC significantly improved workability, increasing slump from 100 to 210 mm and apparent density from 2.30 to 2.44 t/m³ , enhancing cohesive and pumpable paste performance without compromising stability. The mix 225FA + 11RHA + 4NC + GGBFS achieved, at 28 days, compressive strength of 111.1 MPa, tensile strength of 8.9 MPa, flexural strength of 14.4 MPa, and modulus of elasticity of 44.12 GPa. It also exhibited excellent durability, with water permeability of 1.30 × 10⁻¹ ¹ cm/s, rapid chloride permeability of 229 coulombs, and sorptivity of 2.35 × 10⁻⁴ mm/s⁰.⁵). After 180 days in sulfate solution, compressive strength remained at 77.8 MPa, which was more than 20 MPa higher than PC-HPC. Microstructural analysis revealed a refined pore structure from NC’s high surface area and pozzolanic reactivity, while RHA contributed silica enrichment and valorized agricultural waste. Correlation analysis identified NC dosage as the primary factor influencing strength and durability, with FA–GGBFS blends further enhancing performance. These results highlight NC–RHA geopolymer blends as viable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional high-performance concrete, promoting both environmental sustainability and structural longevity
Ionic liquid-modified perovskite films for enhanced solar cell stability
Get PDFHalide perovskites have emerged as promising candidates for photovoltaic applications due to their remarkable device efficiencies. Despite this progress, their commercial viability is hindered by structural instability under high temperature and humidity. Here, the stability of mixed-halide perovskites is enhanced by incorporating the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF 4 ) and 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl). The resistance of the IL-modified films to heat and moisture is investigated using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS), Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES) and Near-Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS). Additionally, the role of a SnO 2 electron transport layer (ETL) is investigated for improving the stability of the IL-modified films. Results indicate that the IL-modified perovskite films on SnO 2 demonstrate enhanced thermal stability, withstanding temperatures of at least 300 °C. BMIMBF 4 -modified films demonstrate superior thermal stability, attributed to the formation of an IL overlayer which protects the underlying perovskite layer. Conversely, in BMIMCl-modified films, BMIM + and Cl - ions diffuse into perovskite grain boundaries, enhancing crystallinity and neutralising surface defects. HAXPES results show that IL-modification protects the perovskite films from surface degradation. NAP-XPS results indicate that BMIMCl-modified films show greater resistance to water penetration than BMIMBF 4 -modified films. It is inferred that the combined use of ILs and SnO 2 significantly enhances the thermal and moisture stability of perovskites, advancing their potential for commercial application
Integrating DNA and Chemical Profiling to Trace Illicit Drug Manufacture and Distribution
Get PDFIllicit drug materials represent a valuable but underutilized source of forensic intelligence. While chemical profiling is routinely used to trace drug composition and origin, the recovery of trace DNA offers the potential to link these substances directly to individuals involved in their manufacture and distribution. This study evaluates the forensic utility of integrating DNA profiling with chemical analysis to improve source attribution across different drug formulations. Pharmaceutical-grade simulants in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders were handled by volunteers under controlled deposition scenarios. DNA was recovered using moistened cotton swabs, extracted via automated silica-based workflows, and analyzed using STR profiling. In parallel, chemical fingerprints were generated through GC-MS and LC-MS, with sample classification based on retention time and mass spectral data. Capsules yielded the highest DNA recovery (median: 310 pg), followed by tablets (230 pg) and powders (18 pg), with single-source STR profiles obtained in over 85% of capsule and tablet cases. Chemical profiling achieved 85% accuracy for capsules, 78% for tablets, and 65% for powders. When integrated, the combined approach significantly outperformed individual methods, achieving classification accuracies of 97% for capsules, 85% for tablets, and 72% for powders (p < 0.01). These findings demonstrate the enhanced evidentiary value of dual profiling, particularly in cases involving degraded or limited DNA. The proposed framework supports a more comprehensive forensic strategy, enabling biological and chemical linkage of drug materials to persons of interest and manufacturing sources. This integrative approach offers critical advantages for law enforcement and prosecution in disrupting drug trafficking networks
Super-slowly rotating Ap (ssrAp) stars: New spectroscopic observations
No full textContext. The rotation periods of Ap stars range over five to six orders of magnitude. The origin of their differentiation remains unknown. Aims. We carry out a systematic study of the longest period Ap stars to gain insight into their properties. Methods. We analysed newly obtained spectra of a sample of super-slowly rotating Ap (ssrAp) star candidates identified by a TESS photometric survey to confirm that their projected equatorial velocity, v sin i , is consistent with (very) long rotation periods; to obtain a first determination of their magnetic fields; and to test their binarity. Results. The value of v sin i in 16 of the 18 studied stars is low enough for them to have moderately to extremely long rotation periods. All stars but one are definitely magnetic; for five of them, the magnetic field was detected for the first time. Another set of five new stars with resolved magnetically split lines were discovered. Five of the stars that were not previously known to be spectroscopic binaries were found to show radial velocity variations, and in one of them, lines from both components were observed
Factors influencing self-selected mental health-related recovery goals poststroke: An observational study.
No full textTo assess characteristics of individuals who wanted to address mental health needs during hospital admission for stroke through structured, person-centered goal setting, and to describe the types of mental health-related goals. Analysis of aggregated baseline data from a randomized controlled trial (Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke). Trial participants were recruited from 11 Australian hospitals. Within 10 days of stroke admission, participants selected two to five recovery goals from five categories (health, mind and body, everyday activities, out-and-about, and health care). Baseline data included demographics, anxiety/depression status, health-related quality of life, unmet needs, and self-efficacy after stroke. Characteristics associated with selecting mental health-related goals were determined using multivariable logistic regressions. Among 465 participants (33% female, = 67 years), 50 (11%) selected a mental health-related goal. Content of most mental health-related goals focused on improving mental health (73%) and controlling another lifestyle factor (20%). Selection of mental health-related goals was associated with being under 65 years of age, = 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.1, 3.9]; history of mental health concerns, = 4.7, 95% CI = [2.5, 8.9]; elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety, = 6.6, 95% CI = [3.3, 13.0]; or reporting an unmet mental health need, OR = 5.5, 95% CI = [2.7, 10.9]. We highlight important characteristics associated with self-selecting mental health-related goals after stroke. Greater understanding of barriers for older individuals and those with elevated symptoms of depression/anxiety setting mental health-related goals is warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)
Comprehensive Behavioural Analysis of Rats Received Repetitive Tactile Stimulation During the Periadolescent Period
Get PDFBackground Tactile stimulation (TS) is a positive experience that mimics maternal licking and grooming in the rat. Since the brain is extremely plastic in early life, TS during this period may modulate normal brain organisation and could enhance cognitive and/or motor abilities. Purpose This study is designed to evaluate the possible changes in exploratory behaviour, emotionality and learning and memory following repetitive TS during periadolescent period. Methods Male albino Wistar rats were grouped into control and TS groups. The TS group animals were exposed to repetitive TS (15 min/session), three times/day from postnatal day 28–43. After this, exploratory behaviour, emotionality and object recognition memory were tested using open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and novel object recognition (NORT) tests by a computerised video-tracking system. Results TS increased rearing number, rearing rate, total stretching, total stretching duration, stretching rate, mean speed and parallelism index in rats during the OF test. However, total distance travelled, global activity and total zone transitions were comparable in both groups during the OF test. TS significantly increased stretching duration and decreased entries to the closed arm during the EPM test. It slightly increased the percentage of time spent and distance travelled on the open arm in TS group. Total distance travelled, total zone transitions and global activity were comparable in both groups during the EPM test. TS mildly increased recognition index during NORT. Conclusion Tactile stimulation exposed animals demonstrated increased exploratory, risk assessment and decision-making behaviours on OF test suggesting a possible positive influence of TS on these behaviours. However, TS only mildly influenced emotionality and object recognition memory, and it did not alter general locomotor behaviours in rats
Food safety culture contributory factors in foodborne illness recalls and outbreaks, 2001–2022
No full textBackground
Despite decades of efforts in improving food safety governance, management systems, and foodborne incidents surveillance, foodborne recalls and outbreaks continue to occur worldwide. Food safety culture is considered important in context of foodborne incidents, but is rarely discussed in outbreak literature.
Scope and approach
The aim of this critical interpretive synthesis review is to examine the factors related to food safety culture in causing foodborne incidents between 2001 and 2022. An existing food safety culture dynamic model was used as the framework for the factors emerging from the incident literature.
Key findings and conclusions
Thirty-two incidents and eight additional outbreak reviews (6634 incidents) were identified and analysed for their discussion on food safety culture, resulting in 10 contributory factors. “Formal systems” at organisational level and “shared hygiene behaviours” at working group level received the most discussion, while factors pertaining to organisational cultural norms received limited yet sustained interest in the last two decades. Food processor/manufacturer is the most reported food system stakeholder that had culture-related breakdowns in causing incident. There is a close connection between culture and systems, signifying the role of people in living the systems in causing incidents. Overlaying the five Global Food Safety Initiative food safety culture dimensions reveals scant discussion on “Vision & Mission” and “Adaptability”, suggesting a need to understand enabling conditions for behaviour to understand root causes and manage risk. While “systems” have been historically the focus of incident investigation, organisational and food safety culture elements need to be included in the process to identify trends, allowing tools and strategies to be developed and implemented to prevent future issues from occurring
Immune Support for Athletes: Nanotech Approaches
No full textTo that extent, this chapter presents an account of the innovative application of nanotechnology in sports medicine and probably the most effective nano-nutrients for athletes craving for superior performance as invincible immune shields. This leads to an increase immunosuppression and susceptibility to diseases owing to rigorous physical exerted put on athletes. Nano-nutrients, that is nutrients that are nanoscaled, will present enhanced immunology performance and bioavailability, site of action targeting the cells of interest and up to 90% absorption rates; this is a novel strategy towards enhancing immune strength. Something that will be seen as one of the main top line benefits of nanotechnology in relation with nutrient delivery has to do with supporting the cell, repairing and protecting it from oxidative damage. This chapter also discusses the progress achieved in the past few years in the encapsulation of vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds into nanoparticles for the ability of the later to affect immune responses and inflammation as well as oxidation stress. Nano enhanced antioxidants as described in the previous chapters are beneficial in reversing oxidative damage that is caused by exercises which help to maintain muscle strengths and shortened recovery time. The incorporation of nanotech into sports nutrition provides one of the best ways toward supporting the athlete’s immune system and maintain the body and mind’s consistently in great performance conditions. Based on the findings of the latest scientific advances from the field of sports immunology and nanotechnology this chapter offers a critical analysis of the opportunities for the use of nanotechnology as a key to enhance the health, longevity and performance of the athletes