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Background/Aims: Substance abuse is a global health problem with harmful consequences for the individual, family and society. This study explored the personal factors contributing to substance abuse from the perspective of Jordanian clients and its implications for occupational therapy. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using a questionnaire with nine open-ended questions to explore participants' experience of their illness and recovery. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse data. Results: Participants were 146 Jordanian substance abuse clients (142 male) with a mean age of 28 years. Five main themes emerged: fears; personal traits; helpers; speaking out; the best solution. Conclusions: Occupational therapists might design client-centred interventions for substance abuse where they consider the perspectives of clients with regard to the personal traits that contribute to their recovery. Occupational therapy services that take an interdisciplinary team approach are recommended for clients diagnosed with substance abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the dynamic response of Bernoulli-Euler homogeneous isotropic fractionally-damped simplysupported beam. The beam is appendaged to single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) fractionally-damped N-oscillators and subjected to a moving load with a uniform velocity. The damping characteristics of the beam and oscillators are formally described in terms of fractional derivative of an arbitrary order. In the analysis, the initial conditions are assumed to be homogeneous, and the Laplace transform is combined with the used decomposition method to find the solution of the handled problem. Subsequently, curves are plotted to show the vibration of the utilized beam under different sets of parameters including different orders of fractional derivatives for both of the beam and oscillators. The numerical results obtained in this paper show that the dynamic response decreases as the number of absorbers attached to the beam increases, as both the damping-ratios of absorbers and beam increase the dynamic response decreases, and there are some critical values of fractional derivatives which are different from unity at which the beam has less dynamic response than that obtained for the full-order derivatives model. In addition, the obtained results show very good agreement with special case studies that were previously published in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great deal of data in business, economics, engineering and the nature science occur in the form of time series. Linear models have been frequently used for time series modeling. Recently, neural networks (NN's) have been used as nonlinear models. Many researchers have performed a combination of several NN's in order to attain a better accuracy model. In this paper, we propose a new approach for combining NN's. We develop a number of combination models during the training of the NN's and then select the best performer among them on a validation set as the eventual combination model. Experimental results show the significant improvements of the proposed method compared to the apparent best NN, and combination of the trained NN's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness in preterm infants with low birth weight. The efficacy and safety of prophylactic agents, including vitamin A, propranolol and lipids, in reducing ROP incidence remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness and safety of these agents in preventing ROP.Methods and Analysis A systematic search was conducted in Embase, MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases. Eight randomised controlled trials involving 1101 preterm infants were included. We assessed the incidence of ROP at any stage, severe ROP, adverse events and mortality. Subgroup analyses were performed for each prophylactic agent. Data were pooled using the inverse variance weighting method and reported as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CI.Results No significant reduction in ROP incidence at any stage was found in the intervention groups compared with placebo (RR=0.83; 95% CI= (0.69 to 1.00); p=0.05; I²=0%). Lipids significantly reduced severe ROP incidence (RR=0.48; 95% CI= (0.28 to 0.80); p=0.005), while vitamin A (RR=1.14; 95% CI= (0.51 to 2.54); p=0.75) and propranolol (RR=0.69; 95% CI= (0.29 to 1.65); p=0.41) did not. There were no significant differences in adverse events (RR=0.83; 95% CI= (0.59 to 1.17); p=0.28) or mortality (RR=0.93; 95% CI= (0.67 to 1.30); p=0.68) across all groups.Conclusion Lipids show promise in reducing severe ROP in preterm infants, while vitamin A and propranolol were not effective. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential role of lipids in clinical practice.

Background: Primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) is a condition in which tear ducts are blocked, leading to epiphora and dacryocystitis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to measure the ability of transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy (TC-DCR) as an alternative approach to PANDO compared to traditional external dacryocystorhinostomy (EX-DCR)., Methods: Our search included Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). We included only observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi-experimental studies that compared TC-DCR and EX-DCR. The outcomes measured were anatomical and functional success rates, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and surgical time. Statistically significant results were determined as a p value of less than 0.05; thus, a confidence interval of 95% was used. Dichotomous outcomes were reported via risk ratios (RR), whereas continuous outcomes were reported using standardized mean differences (SMD)., Results: There was a statistically significant difference in anatomical success (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.97; P = 0.02), favoring EX-DCR; functional success (RR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.97; P = 0.01), favoring EX-DCR; operative (OR) time (SMD = -2.42, 95% CI -2.92 - -1.91; P < 0.00001) favoring TC-DCR; and intraoperative complications (RR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.06-0.43; P = 0.0003), favoring TC-DCR. Moreover, the subgroup analysis comparing single-diode TC-DCR to EX-DCR revealed a statistically significant difference in terms of anatomical success and functional success; however, the comparison of multidiode TC-DCR to EX-DCR revealed no statistically significant difference., Conclusions: More research should be conducted to compare the anatomical and functional success of muli-diode TC-DCR with EX-DCR because the analysis performed comparing them revealed no statistical significance., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Lamins, which are crucial type V intermediate filament proteins found in the nuclear lamina, are essential for maintaining the stability and function of the nucleus in higher vertebrates. They are classified into A- and B-types, and their distinct expression patterns contribute to cellular survival, development, and functionality. Lamins emerged during the transition from open to closed mitosis, with their complexity increasing alongside organism evolution. Derived from the LMNA, LMNB1, and LMNB2 genes, lamins undergo alternative splicing to produce seven variants, influencing cellular processes such as stiffness, chromatin condensation, and cell cycle regulation. The lamin network interacts with the cytoskeleton via Linkers of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes, playing a critical role in cellular stability and mechanotransduction. Lamins also regulate active transport into and out of the nucleus, affecting nuclear integrity, positioning, DNA maintenance, and gene expression. Genetic mutations in lamin genes lead to laminopathies, highlighting their functional significance and organizational roles. Changes in lamin subtype composition within the nuclear lamina have significant implications for cancer development, impacting cellular stiffness, mobility, and the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Lamin A/C, in particular, plays multifaceted roles in cancer biology, influencing progression, metastasis, and therapy response through interactions with various proteins and pathways. Dysregulated lamin expression is commonly observed in cancers, suggesting their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers. This chapter underscores the pivotal roles of lamins in nuclear architecture and cancer biology, emphasizing their impact on cellular functions and disease pathology. Understanding lamin behavior and regulation mechanisms holds promise for developing novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapies in cancer treatment., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: Inherited retinal disorders (IRD) are a complex group of conditions. By developing the first patient-reported experience measurement (PREM) questionnaire tailored for individuals with IRD participating in natural history studies, we gathered information on individuals' views of their experience while they are involved in research., Methods: Adults with IRD who (i) were enrolled in a natural history study taking place at Moorfields Eye Hospital (London, UK), (ii) had attended at least two study visits, (iii) the most recent one being less than two weeks before the questionnaire, and (iv) who were not involved in interventional research, were considered for participation., Results: Fifty individuals completed the PREM questionnaire at a mean age of 31.1 ± 11 years old and were diagnosed at a mean age of 14 ± 9.7 years old. Most individuals rated "getting closer to receiving treatment' as their main motivation to enroll in the study, and their biggest influence was their own curiosity. Individuals were more satisfied with the care they received, and least satisfied with the efficiency of the visit. After validity and reliability assessments, the final PREM was created, with 27 questions and five sections, and Cronbach alpha coefficient between 0.316 and 0.756 in each section., Conclusions: The PREM instrument allowed us to assess the overall satisfaction of individuals with IRD involved in research, detect possible barriers to research participation, and ways of improving our care., Translational Relevance: The final version can be included in future research and other sites worldwide, to maintain high quality standards.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a potentially malignant disorder affecting the oral mucosa. Platelet concentrates, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), have emerged as promising alternative treatments to corticosteroids. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of PRP and PRF in the management of patients with OLP. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with OLP comparing intralesional PRP or PRF with corticosteroids up to August 2024. The primary outcomes assessed were changes in lesion size, pain scores, and Thongprasom scores. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was used. Data were pooled using summary effect sizes with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in a random-effects model based on the DerSimonian-Laird method. Eight studies comprising 157 patients and 250 lesions were included in the final analysis. Compared to corticosteroids, no significant differences were observed among PRF and PRP in terms of changes in lesion size, pain scores, clinical severity scores, and adverse events. NMA ranking showed that PRF was the best-ranking treatment in reducing lesion sizes (SUCRA values: 72.6%, 75.8%, 66.2%, 80.8%, and 77.5% at first, second, third, fourth, and eighth weeks of assessment), followed by corticosteroids, and PRP. Moreover, PRF was the best-ranking treatment in reducing pain score at the first, third, and eighth weeks of assessment (SUCRA values: 91.8%, 86%, and 85.9%), while PRP was the best intervention at the second and fourth weeks of assessment (SUCRA values: 61.3%, and 90.2%). Also, PRF was the best intervention in terms of Thongprasom scores at eight weeks of assessment (SUCRA value: 77.3%), while PRP was the best intervention at the fourth week of assessment with value of 78.1%. PRF and PRP showed comparable results with intralesional corticosteroids in all studied parameters. Considering treatments ranking, PRF was the best intervention. The optimal treatment modality for OLP varies on different clinical conditions., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Alshemmari et al.)

Layer double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles (NPs) have been applied to enhance plant growth and productivity. However, their effects on carbon and nitrogen metabolism of aromatic plants, are not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the impact of foliar application of Zn-Al LDH and Mg-Al LDH NPs (10 ppm) on the growth and metabolism of geranium plants. Zn-Al LDH and Mg-Al LDH NPs significantly increased the dry biomass, photosynthetic pigment, and Zn and Mg uptake by treated plants. These increases were consistent with increased primary metabolism such as soluble sugars and their metabolic enzymes (invertase and amylase). The supply of high sugar levels induced TCA organic accumulation, providing a pathway for amino acid biosynthesis. Among amino acids, proline level and its biosynthetic enzymes such as pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR), ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), and pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), glutamine synthetase (GS), and arginase were increased. Increased primary metabolites can then be channeled into secondary metabolic pathways, leading to higher levels of secondary metabolites including tocopherols, phenolics, and flavonoids. These observed increases in primary and secondary metabolites also improve the biological value of geranium plants. Overall, our research highlights the potential of Zn-Al LDH and Mg-Al LDH NPs as elicitors to enhance metabolism in geranium plants, thereby improving their growth bioactivity., Competing Interests: All authors declare that they have no competing interests., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)