AIM: This paper explores the concept of migrant women as used in European healthcare literature in context of pregnancy to provide a clearer understanding of the concept for use in research and service delivery. METHODS: Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis. RESULTS: The literature demonstrates ambiguity around the concept; most papers do not provide an explicit or detailed definition of the concept. They include the basic idea that women have moved from an identifiable region/country to the country in which the research is undertaken but fail to acknowledge adequately the heterogeneity of migrant women. The paper provides a definition of the concept as a descriptive theory and argues that research must include a clear definition of the migrant specific demographics of the women. This should include country/region of origin and host, status within the legal system of host country, type of migration experience, and length of residence. CONCLUSION: There is a need for a more systematic conceptualization of the idea of migrant women within European literature related to pregnancy experiences and outcomes to reflect the heterogeneity of this concept. To this end, the schema suggested in this paper should be adopted in future research.

• Keywords
• concept, midwifery, migrant, nursing, pregnant, women,
• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Transients and Migrants * MeSH
• Parturition MeSH
• Maternal Health Services * MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Concept Formation MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

The separation in liquid chromatography is defined either by the space domain where it proceeds until the least retained analyte reaches the outlet of the column or by the time when individual analytes elute out of the column. These two approaches lead to the four possible combinations of two-dimensional liquid chromatography with online space x time coupling being the least experimentally feasible. Here, we show the development of a novel two-dimensional liquid chromatography method combining separation defined by space and the conventional elution-based separation. First-dimension column consisted of four capillary segments coupled serially via two-position six-port valves allowing an online and comprehensive transfer of analytes from the first to the second dimension. After initial experiments using homemade monolithic capillary columns, we tested commercially available columns in both dimensions. We ended with the combination of packed capillary columns in the first dimension and monolithic capillary column in the second dimension. We used a reversed-phase retention mechanism in the first spatial dimension, while HILIC was in the second, time-based dimension. We also developed a theoretical model to describe the proposed two-dimensional separation that was further confirmed by utilizing both an isocratic and gradient elution in the second dimension. Finally, we applied our experimental setup to separate neurotransmitters contained in human urine.

• Keywords
• Modulation, Polymer monoliths, Retention modeling, Spatial separation, Two-dimensional liquid chromatography,
• MeSH
• Chromatography, Liquid methods   MeSH
• Chromatography, Reverse-Phase * methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Proof of Concept Study MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The alveolar-capillary interface is the key functional element of gas exchange in the human lung, and disruptions to this interface can lead to significant medical complications. However, it is currently challenging to adequately model this interface in vitro, as it requires not only the co-culture of human alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells but mainly the preparation of a biocompatible scaffold that mimics the basement membrane. This scaffold should support cell seeding from both sides, and maintain optimal cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation conditions. Our study investigates the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers as a versatile substrate for such cell cultures, aiming to model the alveolar-capillary interface more accurately. We optimized nanofiber production parameters, utilized polyamide mesh UHELON as a mechanical support for scaffold handling, and created 3D-printed inserts for specialized co-cultures. Our findings confirm that PCL nanofibrous scaffolds are manageable and support the co-culture of diverse cell types, effectively enabling cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Our research establishes a proof-of-concept model for the alveolar-capillary interface, offering significant potential for enhancing cell-based testing and advancing tissue-engineering applications that require specific nanofibrous matrices.

• Keywords
• alveolar‐capillary interface, electrospinning, nanofibers, polycaprolactone (PCL), scaffold, tissue engineering,
• MeSH
• Basement Membrane MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Nanofibers * chemistry   MeSH
• Proof of Concept Study MeSH
• Pulmonary Alveoli * chemistry   cytology   MeSH
• Polyesters * chemistry   MeSH
• Tissue Engineering * methods   MeSH
• Tissue Scaffolds * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• polycaprolactone MeSH Browser
• Polyesters * MeSH

The formation of the concept of sameness is considered as a crucial cognitive ability which allows for other high cognitive functions in some species, e.g. humans. It is often operationalized as transfer of the matching rule to new stimuli in a matching-to-sample task. Animal species show great differences regarding the number of stimuli needed in training to be able to perform a full transfer to new stimuli. Not only apes appear to master this task, but also corvids among the birds were shown to reach a full transfer using only few stimuli. Using colour, shape and number stimuli in a matching-to-sample design, we tested four grey parrots for their ability to judge identity. Only a limited set of 8 stimulus cards were used in training. Pairs of "same" number stimuli were visually different thus allowing to be matched according to number of elements only. All four parrots successfully transferred to testing phases including testing with completely new stimuli and their performance did not drop with new stimuli. Including number stimuli invalidated some interpretations based on visual non-abstract processes and give evidence for formation of the concept of sameness.

• MeSH
• Discrimination Learning physiology   MeSH
• Aptitude physiology   MeSH
• Parrots physiology   MeSH
• Cues MeSH
• Concept Formation physiology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Hybrid imaging combining the beneficial properties of radioactivity and optical imaging within one imaging probe has gained increasing interest in radiopharmaceutical research. In this study, we modified the macrocyclic gallium-68 chelator fusarinine C (FSC) by conjugating a fluorescent moiety and tetrazine (Tz) moieties. The resulting hybrid imaging agents were used for pretargeting applications utilizing click reactions with a trans-cyclooctene (TCO) tagged targeting vector for a proof of principle both in vitro and in vivo. Starting from FSC, the fluorophores Sulfocyanine-5, Sulfocyanine-7, or IRDye800CW were conjugated, followed by introduction of one or two Tz motifs, resulting in mono and dimeric Tz conjugates. Evaluation included fluorescence microscopy, binding studies, logD, protein binding, in vivo biodistribution, µPET (micro-positron emission tomography), and optical imaging (OI) studies. 68Ga-labeled conjugates showed suitable hydrophilicity, high stability, and specific targeting properties towards Rituximab-TCO pre-treated CD20 expressing Raji cells. Biodistribution studies showed fast clearance and low accumulation in non-targeted organs for both SulfoCy5- and IRDye800CW-conjugates. In an alendronate-TCO based bone targeting model the dimeric IRDye800CW-conjugate resulted in specific targeting using PET and OI, superior to the monomer. This proof of concept study showed that the preparation of FSC-Tz hybrid imaging agents for pretargeting applications is feasible, making such compounds suitable for hybrid imaging applications.

• Keywords
• PET, click chemistry, fluorescence, fusarinine C, gallium-68, optical imaging,
• MeSH
• Click Chemistry MeSH
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique MeSH
• Hydroxamic Acids * chemistry   MeSH
• Multimodal Imaging * methods   MeSH
• Optical Imaging methods   MeSH
• Proof of Concept Study MeSH
• Positron-Emission Tomography MeSH
• Radiopharmaceuticals * chemistry   MeSH
• Gallium Radioisotopes MeSH
• Radioisotopes MeSH
• Tissue Distribution MeSH
• Ferric Compounds * chemistry   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• fusigen MeSH Browser
• Gallium-68 MeSH Browser
• Hydroxamic Acids * MeSH
• Radiopharmaceuticals * MeSH
• Gallium Radioisotopes MeSH
• Radioisotopes MeSH
• Ferric Compounds * MeSH

BACKGROUND: Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is acknowledged for its therapeutic benefits in Parkinson's disease (PD), yet long-term adherence remains a challenge. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to assess the preliminary effects of EMST coupled with a mobile health app (SpiroGym) on self-efficacy and exercise adherence in PD patients. The secondary aim was to assess the usability of the SpiroGym app. METHODS: This single-group, multicenter, multinational proof-of-concept study involved 63 PD patients across four tertiary PD centers. Participants were enrolled in either a 1-week (n = 35) or 24-week (n = 28) EMST program coupled with SpiroGym app. Self-efficacy was assessed using the Self-Efficacy for Home Exercise Program scale (SEHEPS) and exercise adherence was monitored by SpiroGym app. Usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale. RESULTS: Post-intervention, significant improvements in SEHEPS were observed in 1-week group (d = 0.48; p = 0.02) and 24-week group (d = 0.57; p = 0.002). Adherence rates in the 24-week PD patient group were high throughout the course of the study. Post-training SEHEPS was found to correlate (rho = 0.55; adjusted p = 0.016) with adherence to EMST during the non-supervised maintenance phase. The SpiroGym app exhibited high usability (>85th percentile score), with no significant differences noted between short-term and long-term use, indicating sustained user satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest a promising role for SpiroGym app in supporting adherence to home-based EMST in PD patients. Nevertheless, future comparative studies are required to confirm SpiroGym's effectiveness.

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) can have trouble sticking with long-term exercise programs. This study looked at using a smartphone app called SpiroGym to see if it could help people with PD with their home breathing exercises. We included 63 patients with PD from four different treatment centers. Patients were divided into two groups: one used the SpiroGym app for 1 week, and the other for 24 weeks. We wanted to see if the app helped patients feel more confident about exercising at home and if breathing exercises were performed regularly. We also checked how easy the app was to use. After using the app, both groups reported feeling more confident about doing their home breathing exercises. The group that used the app for 24 weeks regularly did their exercises throughout the study. Participants rated the app highly for ease of use, regardless of how long they used it. In conclusion, the SpiroGym app might be a potentially helpful tool for people with PD to maintain their breathing exercises at home. However, future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

• Keywords
• Parkinson's disease, mHealth, patient compliance, resistance training, respiratory muscles, self-efficacy,
• MeSH
• Patient Compliance * MeSH
• Breathing Exercises methods   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mobile Applications * MeSH
• Resistance Training methods   MeSH
• Proof of Concept Study * MeSH
• Parkinson Disease * rehabilitation   physiopathology   therapy   MeSH
• Self Efficacy MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Muscle Strength physiology   MeSH
• Telemedicine * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH

We have created and validated a conceptual framework for the core physiology concept of "cell-cell communication." The conceptual framework is composed of 51 items arranged in a hierarchy that is, in some instances, four levels deep. We have validated it with input from faculty who teach at a wide variety of institutional types. All items making up the framework were deemed essential to moderately important. However, some of the main ideas were clearly judged to be more important than others. Furthermore, the lower in the hierarchy an item is, the less important it is thought to be. Finally, there was no significant difference in the ratings given by faculty at different types of institutions.

• Keywords
• cell-cell communication, conceptual framework, core concept, physiology,
• MeSH
• Faculty MeSH
• Models, Biological * MeSH
• Physiological Phenomena * MeSH
• Physiology education   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cell Communication * MeSH
• Reproducibility of Results MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Formal Concept Analysis plays a fundamental role in different fields of research and it is widely used in applied sciences in the last years. In the present paper the authors show in detail how it can be applied to the study of results obtained in clinical practice.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents therapeutic use   MeSH
• Urinary Tract Infections drug therapy   MeSH
• Clinical Trials as Topic methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Models, Theoretical * MeSH
• Concept Formation MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• English Abstract MeSH
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Anti-Bacterial Agents MeSH

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nerves, with significant unmet treatment needs. Clinical trials in CIDP are challenging; thus, new trial designs are needed. We present design of an open-label phase 2 study (NCT04658472) evaluating efficacy and safety of SAR445088, a monoclonal antibody targeting complement C1s, in CIDP. METHODS: This phase 2, proof-of-concept, multicenter, open-label trial will evaluate the efficacy, and safety of SAR445088 in 90 patients with CIDP across three groups: (1) currently treated with standard-of-care (SOC) therapies, including immunoglobulin or corticosteroids (SOC-Treated); (2) refractory to SOC (SOC-Refractory); and (3) naïve to SOC (SOC-Naïve). Enrolled participants undergo a 24-week treatment period (part A), followed by an optional treatment extension for up to an additional 52 weeks (part B). In part A, the primary endpoint for the SOC-Treated group is the percentage of participants with a relapse after switching from SOC to SAR445088. The primary endpoint for the SOC-Refractory and SOC-Naïve groups is the percentage of participants with a response, compared to baseline. Secondary endpoints include safety, tolerability, immunogenicity, and efficacy of SAR445088 during 12-week overlapping period (SOC-Treated). Part B evaluates long-term safety and durability of efficacy. Data analysis will be performed using Bayesian statistics (predefined efficacy thresholds) and historical data-based placebo assumptions to support program decision-making. INTERPRETATION: This innovative trial design based on patient groups and Bayesian statistics provides an efficient paradigm to evaluate new treatment candidates across the CIDP spectrum and can help accelerate development of new therapies.

• Keywords
• Bayesian analysis, CIDP, SAR445088, complement C1s, complement classical pathway, trial design,
• MeSH
• Bayes Theorem MeSH
• Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating * drug therapy   MeSH
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones therapeutic use   MeSH
• Complement C1s MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Antibodies, Monoclonal MeSH
• Proof of Concept Study MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH
• Clinical Trial, Phase II MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones MeSH
• Complement C1s MeSH
• Antibodies, Monoclonal MeSH

BACKGROUND: Half of the people living in social exclusion in the Czech Republic are of Roma origin. The worse health of Roma could be partly explained by numerous barriers to accessing health care. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the perceptions of various stakeholders and experts who may have an impact on the inclusion of Roma and/or their access to health care on how to improve health care access for Roma living in social exclusion in the Czech Republic. METHODS: We conducted a concept mapping study and obtained data from 32 participants from health and social services, policymakers and others who were involved in different study phases (brainstorming, sorting, rating, interpretation). RESULTS: Out of 64 proposed measures sorted into six distinct clusters, 20 were rated as the most urgent and the most feasible and should be implemented with a priority to improve access to health care for Roma living in social exclusion. The proposed measures covered various topics, such as education and awareness of the target group as well as education and supervision of helping professionals, strengthening capacities and streamlining the health care system, health promotion and associated services and increasing the local and financial accessibility of health care. Overall, measures concerning the education and supervision of helping professionals were rated as both the most urgent and the most feasible. Individual priority measures targeted, for example, the health needs assessment of Roma living in social exclusion to set up interventions or to include topics such as participation, empowerment, cultural competence and communication training in the curricula of health care and helping professionals in postgraduate and continuing studies. CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders proposed a set of relevant and acceptable measures that may help improve access to health care for Roma living in social exclusion. The way they rated the proposed measures reflects both the current unfavourable mainstream and public discourse concerning Roma living in social exclusion and the most acute policy issues identified by several European and national bodies.

• Keywords
• Concept mapping, Czech Republic, Ethnicity, Health care access, Interventions, Policies, Roma, Vulnerable population,
• MeSH
• Healthcare Disparities MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Health Services Accessibility * MeSH
• Culturally Competent Care * MeSH
• Cultural Competency MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Delivery of Health Care * MeSH
• Spatial Analysis MeSH
• Roma * MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Social Inclusion MeSH
• Social Isolation MeSH
• Concept Formation MeSH
• Health Policy MeSH
• Health Facilities MeSH
• Vulnerable Populations MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• China MeSH