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For students and novice researchers, the choice of qualitative approach and subsequent alignment among problems, research questions, data collection, and data analysis can be particularly tricky. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a concise explanation of four common qualitative approaches, case study, ethnography, narrative, and phenomenology, demonstrating how each approach is linked to specific types of data collection and analysis. We first introduce a summary and key qualities of each approach. Then, using two common research contexts, we apply each approach to design a study, enabling comparisons among approaches and demonstrating the internal consistency within each approach. Given the nuance and complexity of qualitative research, this paper provides an accessible starting point from which novice researchers can begin their journey of learning about, designing, and conducting qualitative research.

Academic leaders at universities around the globe pursue US accreditation as a result of increasing globalization and internationalization of higher education. Few studies have examined administrators' experiences with US accreditation. We address the following research question: Why do some private higher education institutions in Mexico pursue and maintain accreditation by US accreditation agencies? We present findings from an exploratory qualitative study of the perceptions of higher education administrators and faculty from three private institutions in Mexico: Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Tec Monterrey or ITESM), Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP), and Centro de Enseñanza Técnica Y Superior (CETYS). We identify two isomorphic processes that led the universities to undergo review by US accreditors and discuss how those processes relate to time and location. Additionally, we discuss how administrators discussed accreditation as an interplay between internal leadership motivations and responses to external influences. Finally, participants see accreditation as part of larger efforts related to pursuing international academic recognition and educational quality. At the end of the paper, we discuss implications for future research and practice. (HRK / Abstract übernommen).

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) has infected human beings for thousands of years, but knowledge about the infection and its pathogenesis is only recently emerging. The virus can be transmitted from mother to child, through sexual contact, and through contaminated blood products. There are areas in Japan, sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and South America where more than 1% of the general population is infected. Although the majority of HTLV-1 carriers remain asymptomatic, the virus is associated with severe diseases that can be subdivided into three categories: neoplastic diseases (adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma), inflammatory syndromes (HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis and uveitis among others), and opportunistic infections (including Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection and others). The understanding of the interaction between virus and host response has improved markedly, but there are still no clear surrogate markers for prognosis and there are few treatment options.

Purpose Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) has expanded as a minimally invasive option for spinal decompression, but complication profiles and their optimal management remain inconsistently reported. This review aimed to synthesize evidence on the incidence, prevention, and management of UBE-related complications and to propose practical management algorithms. Methods A PRISMA-aligned search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid identified studies (2020–2025) reporting perioperative complications in UBE. Primary inclusion criteria were biportal endoscopic spinal procedures with ≥ 50 patients and extractable complication data; secondary reviews were included for contextual synthesis. Levels of evidence (Oxford CEBM) and risk of bias (Newcastle–Ottawa Scale) were assessed for primary cohorts. Crude pooled incidences were calculated from primary cohorts only; secondary literature was analyzed qualitatively. Results Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria: eight primary UBE cohorts (3,433 lumbar cases) and ten secondary reviews. Across nine lumbar cohorts, crude pooled incidences were 2.4% for dural tear, about 2% for symptomatic epidural hematoma and lesion recurrence, 2.5% for incomplete decompression, 0.09% for surgical site infection, and 1.4% for reoperation, with higher rates early in the learning curve. Cervical and thoracic applications were sparsely reported and not suitable for pooled analysis. Algorithms were constructed for dural tear, epidural hematoma, incomplete decompression, and neural complications. Conclusion Lumbar UBE decompression appears safe and reproducible in experienced hands when standardized technical strategies are applied, but the evidence base is limited by retrospective design, heterogeneity, and concentration in high-volume centers. The proposed algorithms should be regarded as evidence-informed guidance requiring prospective validation in multicenter cohorts.

MHCII molecules, expressed by professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as T cells and B cells, are hypothesized to play a key role in the response of cellular immunity to α-synuclein (α-syn). However, the role of cellular immunity in the neuroanatomic transmission of α-syn pre-formed fibrillar (PFF) seeds is undetermined. To illuminate whether cellular immunity influences the transmission of α-syn seeds from the periphery into the CNS, we injected preformed α-syn PFFs in the hindlimb of the Line M83 transgenic mouse model of synucleinopathy lacking MhcII. We showed that a complete deficiency in MhcII accelerated the appearance of seeded α-syn pathology and shortened the lifespan of the PFF-seeded M83 mice. To characterize whether B-cell and T-cell inherent MhcII function underlies this accelerated response to PFF seeding, we next injected α-syn PFFs in Rag1−/− mice which completely lacked these mature lymphocytes. There was no alteration in the lifespan or burden of endstage α-syn pathology in the PFF-seeded, Rag1-deficient M83+/− mice. Together, these results suggested that MhcII function on immune cells other than these classical APCs is potentially involved in the propagation of α-syn in this model of experimental synucleinopathy. We focused on microglia next, finding that while microglial burden was significantly upregulated in PFF-seeded, MhcII-deficient mice relative to controls, the microglial activation marker Cd68 was reduced in these mice, suggesting that these microglia were not responsive. Additional analysis of the CNS showed the early appearance of the neurotoxic astrocyte A1 signature and the induction of the Ifnγ-inducible anti-viral response mediated by MhcI in the MhcII-deficient, PFF-seeded mice. Overall, our data suggest that the loss of MhcII function leads to a dysfunctional response in non-classical APCs and that this response could potentially play a role in determining PFF-induced pathology. Collectively, our results identify the critical role of MhcII function in synucleinopathies induced by α-syn prion seeds.

FLAG® tag (DYKDDDDK) is a small epitope peptide employed for the purification of recombinant proteins such as immunoglobulins, cytokines, and gene regulatory proteins. It provides superior purity and recoveries of fused target proteins when compared to the commonly used His-tag. Nevertheless, the immunoaffinity-based adsorbents required for their isolation are far more expensive than the ligand-based affinity resin used in combination with the His-tag. In order to overcome this limitation we report herein the development of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) selective to the FLAG® tag. The polymers were prepared by the epitope imprinting approach using a four amino acids peptide, DYKD, including part of the FLAG® sequence as template molecule. Different kinds of magnetic polymers were synthesised in aqueous and organic media also using different sizes of magnetite core nanoparticles. The synthesised polymers were used as solid phase extraction materials with excellent recoveries and high specificity for both peptides. The magnetic properties of the polymers confer a new, effective, simple, and fast method in the purification using FLAG® tag.

Corneal ulcers are a common and potentially vision-threatening condition in horses that can be challenging to treat with conventional therapies alone. This case report describes the successful treatment of a non-healing corneal ulcer in a 28-year-old Hispano-Bretón mare using the secretome derived from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). Despite initial treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgical debridement, the corneal ulcer failed to heal properly, exhibiting persistent epithelial defects and stromal complications. As an alternative regenerative approach, the ASC secretome, a rich source of trophic factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, was topically administered to the affected eye. Remarkably, within one week of secretome treatment, the clinical signs of blepharospasm and epiphora resolved, and the corneal ulcer exhibited complete re-epithelialization, regained transparency, and reduced neovascularization. No recurrence was observed during the 1.5-year follow-up period. This case highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of the ASC secretome in promoting corneal wound healing and suggests its promise as a novel cell-free therapy for treating refractory corneal ulcers in horses.

Background: Neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult to treat chronic pain syndromes. It has significant effects on patients' quality of life and substantially adds to the burden of direct and indirect medical costs. There is a critical need to improve therapies for peripheral nerve regeneration. The aim of this study is to address this issue by performing a detailed analysis of the therapeutic benefits of two treatment options: adipose tissue derived-mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and ASC-conditioned medium (CM). Methods: To this end, we used an in vivo rat sciatic nerve damage model to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the myelinating capacity of ASCs and CM. Furthermore, effect of TNF and CM on Schwann cells (SCs) was evaluated. For our in vivo model, biomaterial surgical implants containing TNF were used to induce peripheral neuropathy in rats. Damaged nerves were also treated with either ASCs or CM and molecular methods were used to collect evidence of nerve regeneration. Post-operatively, rats were subjected to walking track analysis and their sciatic functional index was evaluated. Morphological data was gathered through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of sciatic nerves harvested from the experimental rats. We also evaluated the effect of TNF on Schwann cells (SCs) in vitro. Genes and their correspondent proteins associated with nerve regeneration were analysed by qPCR, western blot, and confocal microscopy. Results: Our data suggests that both ASCs and CM are potentially beneficial treatments for promoting myelination and axonal regeneration. After TNF-induced nerve damage we observed an upregulation of c-Jun along with a downregulation of Krox-20 myelin-associated transcription factor. However, when CM was added to TNF-treated nerves the opposite effect occurred and also resulted in increased expression of myelin-related genes and their corresponding proteins. Conclusion: Findings from our in vivo model showed that both ASCs and CM aided the regeneration of axonal myelin sheaths and the remodeling of peripheral nerve morphology.

Musculoskeletal injuries in horses have a great economic impact, predominantly affecting tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, which have limited natural regeneration. Cell therapy, which uses mesenchymal stem cells due to their tissue differentiation properties and anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects, aims to restore damaged tissue. In this manuscript, we performed a systematic review using the Parsifal tool, searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles on regenerative medicine for equine musculoskeletal injuries. Our review covers 17 experimental clinical studies categorized by the therapeutic approach used: platelet-rich plasma, conditioned autologous serum, mesenchymal stem cells, and secretome. These therapies reduce healing time, promote regeneration of fibrocartilaginous tissue, improve cellular organization, and improve joint functionality and sustainability. In conclusion, regenerative therapies using platelet-rich plasma, conditioned autologous serum, equine mesenchymal stem cells, and the emerging field of the secretome represent a promising and highly effective approach for the treatment of joint pathologies in horses, implying a valuable advance in equine healthcare.

ObjectivesWhile the target of growth of very preterm infants (VPIs) during Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) admission is still controversial, the most accepted objective is that they should follow their intrauterine trajectory in terms of growth and body composition (BC). BC is difficult to measure in clinical daily routine but proxies like body ratios and skinfolds have been used. Prenatal and postnatal factors can influence the growth and BC of VPIs in the NICU.Design, setting and patientsWe conducted a case-control study, including preterm infants born before 32 weeks gestational age at term-corrected age (TCA) and healthy late preterm or term infants as controls and also a retrospective cohort analysis of factors influencing VPI’s BC at discharge. Patients had an anthropometric evaluation at discharge including weight, length, head circumference, body circumferences (waist, arm), skinfolds and abdominal ultrasound (US).Results191 VPIs were eligible for discharge visits, but only 83 had a complete evaluation and we collected 26 controls. VPIs at TCA were smaller in weight, length and head circumference but had greater ratios (arm fat-to-circumference and waist-to-length). Abdominal fat assessed by US was smaller in VPIs compared with term infants. Intrauterine growth restriction-VPI remained smaller at TCA but experienced less weight z-score loss. Sex did not seem to influence growth and BC proxies at TCA. Higher nutritional support during the first 2 weeks of life was related to a lower loss of length z-scores, and exclusive human milk feeding correlates with arm fat-to-circumference ratio.ConclusionsGrowth and BC of VPIs can be approached using simpler measures in clinical practice. Arm skinfolds and arm circumferences point to a greater adiposity of VPIs at TCA compared with term infants, while US does not show a greater visceral adiposity. Nutritional factors played a small effect in BC at the time of discharge.