Folate-functionalized polymeric nanoparticles for 5-fluorouracil delivery to prostate cancer: physicochemical and in vitro/in vivo characterization

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for effective and targeted chemotherapeutic approaches. This study reports the development and optimization of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)–loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)–polyethylene glycol–folic acid (PLGA–PEG–FOL) nanoparticles designed for folate receptor–mediated targeted therapy. The PLGA–PEG–FOL conjugate was synthesized via a stepwise carbodiimide coupling reaction and confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Nanoparticles were formulated via a modified emulsification–solvent evaporation method and optimized through a Box–Behnken design. The optimized formulation demonstrated a particle size of 178.47  ±  3.26 nm, a narrow polydispersity index (0.119  ±  0.008), a zeta potential of −23.4  ±  0.35 mV, a high entrapment efficiency (78.93  ±  1.05%), and sustained release of 5-FU for up to 72 h. In vitro cytotoxicity assays in PC-3 prostate cancer cells revealed a 1.6-fold reduction in the IC50 value compared with that of free 5-FU, indicating enhanced therapeutic potency. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in testosterone-induced prostate cancer in male Wistar rats. Compared with the control, treatment with 5-FU-loaded PLGA–PEG–FOL nanoparticles significantly reduced the prostate index and produced a 2.2-fold decrease in serum PSA levels and a 1.9-fold decrease in serum testosterone levels. Histopathological examination confirmed the attenuation of hyperplastic and dysplastic lesions in the nanoparticle-treated group. These findings suggest that PLGA–PEG–FOL nanoparticles are a promising targeted delivery platform for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of 5-FU in prostate cancer treatment.<br/

Co-designed unguided internet cognitive behaviour therapy for grief in adolescence: a pilot randomised controlled trial

This pilot trial aimed to evaluate feasibility and acceptability of co-designed unguided internet CBT for grief. Efficacy was assessed for anxiety (primary outcome), well-being, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and prolonged grief (secondary outcomes), relative to four-week wait-list control. There were 88 participants, M age = 16.95 years, SD = 1.45, who had experienced the death of a person (n = 72; 81.82%) or other loss (e.g. parental divorce; n = 16; 18.81%). Participants were randomised to intervention (n = 49; 55.68%), or waitlist control (n = 39; 44.31%). Outcome measures included the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale, Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale Revised, Children’s Revised Impact of Events Scale, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Findings suggest good feasibility, with acceptable recruitment and attrition (n = 9; 18.37% of 49 intervention participants at post-intervention). While no differences in anxiety, depression, PTSD, or prolonged grief were observed between intervention and waitlist control post-intervention, there was a significant small between groups effect on well-being in favour of intervention. There was a significant within group reduction for intervention participants in anxiety, depression and PTSD at follow-up. Acceptability was high, 97% (n = 33 of 34 completers) liked the program, however uptake was moderate.<br/

Pancreatic cancer education: a scoping review of evidence across patients, professionals and the public

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the least survivable malignancy, with five-year survival below 10%. Its vague, non-specific symptoms contribute to late diagnosis and poor outcomes. Targeted education for healthcare professionals, students, patients, carers, and the public may improve awareness, confidence, and early help-seeking. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on pancreatic cancer education, identifying intervention types, outcomes, and gaps in knowledge. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed studies evaluating educational interventions on pancreatic cancer for healthcare students, professionals, patients, carers, or the public. Grey literature was excluded to maintain a consistent methodological standard. Data were charted and synthesised narratively. Results: Nine studies (2018–2024) met inclusion criteria, predominantly from high-income countries. Interventions targeted students and professionals (n = 3), patients (n = 2), the public (n = 2), or mixed groups (n = 2), using modalities such as team-based learning, workshops, virtual reality, serious games, and digital animations. Four interrelated themes were identified, encompassing (1) Self-efficacy; (2) Knowledge; (3) Behavior; and (4) Acceptability. Digital and interactive approaches demonstrated particularly strong engagement and learning gains. Conclusions: Pancreatic cancer education shows clear potential to enhance knowledge, confidence, and engagement across diverse audiences. Digital platforms offer scalable opportunities but require quality assurance and long-term evaluation to sustain impact. The evidence base remains limited and fragmented, highlighting the need for validated outcome measures, longitudinal research, and greater international representation to support the integration of education into a global pancreatic cancer control strategy. Future studies should also evaluate how educational interventions influence clinical practice and real-world help-seeking behaviour

Movement strategies of neotropical nectarivorous birds: insights from high‐andean hummingbirds and flowerpiercers

Tropical nectarivorous birds should have flexible movement behaviors in response to the spatiotemporal availability of flowers. In the Neotropics, hummingbirds (Trochilidae) have diet breadths constrained by trait‐matching with flowers, while nectar‐robbing flowerpiercers (Thraupidae) typically drink nectar from holes pierced at the flower's base. Distinct movement patterns for these two bird families would be expected from optimal foraging theory due to differences in dietary specialization and behavioral flexibility, yet little is known about the daily movement patterns of tropical nectarivores. We used fine‐resolution tracking data from an automated radio telemetry grid to compare movement patterns between hummingbirds and flowerpiercers in high‐Andean mountain ecosystems, and obtained an accumulated total of 435,513 location estimates and 452 tracking days from 22 individuals across six bird species. Our results indicate that hummingbirds exhibit a greater diversity of movement behaviors compared to flowerpiercers, with varying space use and recursion patterns that are characteristic of sedentary, commuting/traplining and exploratory strategies, whereas most species of flowerpiercers were classified as central‐place foragers. However, there is substantial variation in daily movement metrics and hierarchical clustering does not necessarily group together bird families, species, nor even individuals as more similar to each other. Flexibility in movement behaviors has seldom been described for neotropical nectarivorous birds in the wild. It emerges as an important trait to adjust behavior to variable local contexts, and may be adaptive for the persistence of pollinators in challenging mountain ecosystems, where weather conditions are harsh and floral resources are seasonal

Guidelines for producing integrated ²¹⁰Pb and ¹⁴C age-models

Accurate reconstructions of past environmental changes are crucial in paleoecological research and require reliable chronologies of sedimentary archives. Establishing robust age-models and obtaining the most appropriate proxies for analysis is a complex scientific endeavor, requiring extensive resources and collaboration among specialists, including radiochronologists. Radiometric dating methods, such as 210Pb and radiocarbon (14C), are frequently employed to establish chronologies in aquatic sedimentary deposits and peat bogs. In this study, we review key aspects of sampling, analysis, and the principles underlying 210Pb and 14C age-models, focusing on methods for developing robust joint chronologies for paleoenvironmental research. Drawing largely from the authors' experiences and group discussions during and after a scientific workshop in 2022, we discuss important considerations for site selection, sampling strategies, and radiometric dating to construct integrated 210Pb −14C age-models. Using expert consensus, this group – called Paleostats – aims to provide a set of best practices for other geochronologists with this methods paper. Among our conclusions, we emphasize the importance of accounting for site-specific factors such as prior information on sedimentation rates to establish appropriate sampling and analytical strategies. The use of appropriate coring devices can minimize disturbance to sediments and ensure the core surface remains intact and preserved until sectioning. Where excess 210Pb (210Pbex) is expected, sectioning at intervals of ≤1 cm provides an adequate sampling resolution for 210Pb dating. Exceptions are possible, allowing for ∼2–3 cm sections in areas with confirmed high sedimentation rates (e.g., &gt; 1 cm yr−1). Recovering deeper core sections for 14C dating with sufficient overlap allows for accounting errors in depth estimates made in the field. Special attention is advised during time intervals where validation proxies, such as the human-made radionuclides 137Cs or post-bomb 14C, are expected, and to determine the depth of secular equilibrium between 210Pb and 226Ra. Radiocarbon analyses are commonly performed by accelerator mass spectrometry, and age models are constructed mainly using Bayesian statistics with Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques (e.g., Bacon). A Bayesian approach (Plum) is now available for producing 210Pb age-models, which infers the 210Pbex flux, eliminates the need for selecting an equilibrium depth, and allows dating cores with incomplete 210Pbex inventory. Plum offers improved chronologies by integrating raw 210Pb and 14C data, and these age-models can be enriched with other dating methodologies, such as identifying tephras and other well-recorded historical events. Harmonized reporting would contribute to making radiometric age-models reproducible, which would benefit from an international effort. Using 210Pb and 14C to produce integrated age-models may yield better insights into the interplay between natural and recent anthropogenic forcings on ecosystems. This can enhance our understanding of environmental processes and their impacts on climate change, ultimately supporting science-based assessments and decisions.</p

Decolonising pharmacy education: Broadening epistemic perspectives and advancing curricular inclusion

Introduction: Pharmacy education curricula remain predominantly influenced by Westernbiomedical paradigms, often marginalising diverse cultural and Indigenous health perspectives,which limits culturally responsive patient care.Perspective: Integrating epistemic pluralism, critical consciousness, and cultural safety frameworksfrom broader healthcare education can foster curricula reflective of diverse healing traditions.Curricular co-creation with marginalised communities further supports inclusive pharmacyeducation.Implications: Effective decolonisation requires comprehensive curriculum audits, targeted facultytraining in inclusive pedagogies, authentic community engagement, and alignment with regulatory standards. Interdisciplinary collaboration enriches pharmacy curricula, preparing culturallycompetent pharmacists to address health disparities and provide patient-centred care in diversecommunities.This paper offers a conceptual and advocacy-oriented perspective that outlines why and howpharmacy education should be reoriented through decolonising principles

Digital approaches to pain assessment across older adults: a scoping review

Background: Effectively managing pain in adults remains challenging, particularly in individuals with cognitive impairment or communication difficulties. Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled facial recognition and mobile applications, are emerging as innovative tools to improve the objectivity and consistency of pain evaluation. This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence on digital pain-assessment tools used with adult and older populations, focusing on validity, reliability, usability, and contributions to person-centred care. Methods: The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and Arksey and O’Malley framework and was reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Medline (ALL), and PsycINFO for English-language studies published from 2010 onwards. Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) using digital tools for pain assessment. Data extraction and synthesis were performed using Covidence, and findings were analyzed thematically.Results: Of 1160 records screened, ten studies met inclusion criteria. Most research was quantitative and conducted in high-income clinical settings. Five tools were identified: ePAT/PainChek®, Painimation, PainCAS, Pain Clinical Assessment System, and Active Appearance Model. Four key themes emerged: (1) Validity and Reliability of Digital Pain Assessment Tools; (2) Comprehensive Pain Evaluation Across Contexts (Rest vs. Movement); (3) Usability and Integration into Clinical Practice; (4) Enabling Person-Centred Pain Management and Future Directions. Conclusions: Emerging evidence suggests that facial-recognition-based digital pain-assessment tools may demonstrate acceptable psychometric performance and usability within dementia care settings in high-income countries. However, evidence relating to broader adult populations, diverse care contexts, and low-resource settings remains limited, highlighting important gaps for future research