bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave Resonant Plasmonic Modulator for Sub-THz Receivers
Authors: Vukovic Boris , Moor David , Fedoryshyn Yuriy , Baumann Michael , Blatter Tobias , Chelladurai Daniel , Eleraky Mohamed , Wang Hua , Leuthold Juerg
Published: September 2024

A coplanar-waveguide-based resonator is used to enhance plasmonic modulators at 250 GHz by 5 dB with a bandwidth of 44 GHz. This impedance matching is a compact, low-complexity solution to enhance the efficiency at high modulation frequencies for sub-THz wireless communication.
Blue and Ultraviolet Light Beams with Nonlinear TiO2 Metasurfaces
Authors: Sedeh Hooman Barati , Zheng Yuruo , Gao Jiannan , Lai Fangxing , Li Hao , Xiao Shumin , Litchinitser Natalia M.
Published: September 2024

We design and experimentally demonstrate the generation of blue and ultraviolet third-harmonic generation from a TiO2 metasurface supporting quasi-bound state in the continuum with 0.2% conversion efficiency.
Filtered High-Chirp Directly-Modulated Membrane Lasers for Ultra-Energy-Efficient High-Sensitivity Communications§
Authors: Caplan D. O. , Diamantopoulos N.-P. , Fujii T. , Kobayashi W. , Nishi H. , Matsuo S.
Published: September 2024

High-fidelity waveforms are generated with record 5.2 fJ/bit modulation energy using high-chirp directly-modulated membrane lasers on silicon at an emerging space-lasercom data rate of 2.88 Gbps, utilizing passive high-contrast optical filtering.
Effects of Seeding and Wave-Breaking in Gain-Managed Nonlinear Amplification for Compact High Energy Systems
Authors: Musgrave Jonathan , Prakash Neeraj , Huang Shu-Wei
Published: September 2024

We conduct a systematic study of gain-managed nonlinear fiber amplifiers. The importance of the initial seed characteristics is discussed. An experimental, numerical, and theoretical framework is developed for the engineering of high-peak-power compact fiber systems.
High-accuracy direction measurement and high-resolution computational spectral reconstruction based on photonic crystal array
Authors: Lin Xinji , Wang Wei , Zhao Ying , Yan Runze , Li Junyang , Chen Hong , Lu Guang , Liu Fen , Du Guiqiang
Published: September 2024

Portable and wearable miniaturized spectrometers play a crucial role in various fields. In this paper, we present a method for simultaneously realizing high-accuracy direction measurement and high-resolution computational spectral reconstruction based on the angle sensitivity of conventional photonic crystals (PCs), wherein an optical filter array is composed of multiple one-dimensional PCs. The high-angle sensitivity of PCs results in angle-dependent optical spectra. When these spectra with different angles are used to reconstruct the target spectra in an unknown direction and the interval between adjacent angles is sufficiently small, the accurate direction of the target can be automatically identified. Moreover, the computational spectra still have high resolution over a wide range of incidences. The computational spectra under arbitrary polarizations can also be recognized based on the polarization dependence of the PCs at an oblique incidence. Our research results are significant for engineering a new miniaturized comprehensive computational spectrometer with target-direction perception and omnidirectional spectral reconstruction abilities.
Pulse Compression via Direct Measurement of Spectral Phase and Pulse-Shaping
Authors: Serrano Arnaldo , Zepeda Anna
Published: September 2024

Advancements in optical pulse-shapers grant the user arbitrary control over amplitude and phase. This control has allowed for simplified generation of the pulse pairs necessary for 2D electronic and vibrational spectroscopy. It also allows the user to correct for dispersion as pulses travel through the optical system. Dispersion causes a pulse to broaden and decrease in peak intensity, making it longer than it’s Fourier limited width and degrading signals. A common way to correct for dispersion is by applying Group Velocity Dispersion (GVD) and the Third Order Dispersion (TOD) corrections on the phase mask of the pulse-shaper. This method is fraught with difficulties. In this Letter, a new and simpler technique for pulse compression using a direct phase determination is presented, which results in a 9 percent improvement in the temporal Full Width Half Maximum.
ChatGPT and large language models (LLMs) awareness and use. A prospective cross-sectional survey of U.S. medical students
Authors: Ganjavi Conner , Eppler Michael , O’Brien Devon , Ramacciotti Lorenzo Storino , Ghauri Muhammad Shabbeer , Anderson Issac , Choi Jae , Dwyer Darby , Stephens Claudia , Shi Victoria , Ebert Madeline , Derby Michaela , Yazdi Bayan , Cacciamani Giovanni E.
Published: September 2024

Generative-AI (GAI) models like ChatGPT are becoming widely discussed and utilized tools in medical education. For example, it can be used to assist with studying for exams, shown capable of passing the USMLE board exams. However, there have been concerns expressed regarding its fair and ethical use. We designed an electronic survey for students across North American medical colleges to gauge their views on and current use of ChatGPT and similar technologies in May, 2023. Overall, 415 students from at least 28 medical schools completed the questionnaire and 96% of respondents had heard of ChatGPT and 52% had used it for medical school coursework. The most common use in pre-clerkship and clerkship phase was asking for explanations of medical concepts and assisting with diagnosis/treatment plans, respectively. The most common use in academic research was for proof reading and grammar edits. Respondents recognized the potential limitations of ChatGPT, including inaccurate responses, patient privacy, and plagiarism. Students recognized the importance of regulations to ensure proper use of this novel technology. Understanding the views of students is essential to crafting workable instructional courses, guidelines, and regulations that ensure the safe, productive use of generative-AI in medical school.
“The peace that I wanted, I got”: Qualitative insights from patient experiences of SMART DAPPER interventions for major depression and traumatic stress disorders in Kenya
Authors: Getahun Monica , Mathai Muthoni A. , Rota Grace , Allen Ammon , Burger Rachel L. , Opiyo Elizabeth , Oluoch Dennis , Wangia Josyline , Wambura Raphael , Mbwayo Anne , Muchembre Peter , Obura Raymond R. , Neylan Thomas C. , Aarons Gregory A. , Ongeri Linnet , Meffert Susan M.
Published: September 2024

SMART DAPPER is an implementation science study responding to mental health treatment gaps for depression and trauma-related disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We report on patient experiences in a study using a Sequential, Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) design to test first and second line non-specialist treatment using psychotherapy (Interpersonal Psychotherapy [IPT] or medication (fluoxetine [FLX]), integrated within public sector primary care in western Kenya. An embedded qualitative study conducted in-depth interviews (n = 17) and three (n = 3) focus group discussions with participants (May to October 2021). Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and translated into English; we deductively and inductively analyzed transcripts guided by grounded theoretical approaches and content analysis. We drew on the health belief model and socio-ecological framework to present findings, including perceived severity (motivations for taking part in the intervention), impacts of the intervention at the individual, interpersonal, and community and health systems levels as well as barriers and facilitators. Participants discussed family and marital conflict, loss of a child, loss of income or a job, and traumatic events such as a death or illness. Impacts at the individual level included reduced headaches, improved appetite and weight management, increased energy, improved sleep, better self-efficacy, and improved concentration, which was reported to lead to increased economic opportunities. At the interpersonal level, participants noted a reduction in conflict, better conflict management and resolution, increased harmony with family and community members, and improved relationships with their partners and children. Perceived challenges included balancing the intervention with livelihoods, preference for traditional medicines, actual or anticipated side effects with medication (FLX), mental health stigma, major life events, and perceived inadequate counseling and challenges with providers. The findings demonstrate the potential of the SMART DAPPER intervention for depression and trauma-related disorder treatments and underscore the challenges and barriers that must be addressed when scaling similar interventions.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03466346.
Leveraging tuberculosis programs for future pandemic preparedness: A retrospective look on COVID-19
Authors: Bowen Whitney , Tri Ho , Romero Sebastian , Shaheen Roaa , Kipngetich Victoria , McGowan Nick , Moon Sungho , Bhattacharya Esha , Hecht Robert , Soe-Lin Shan , Collins Chris
Published: September 2024

Worldwide, COVID-19 has decimated healthcare systems and highlighted the pressing need to ensure resilience for future pandemics. Given the almost 30% likelihood of another respiratory disease similar to COVID-19 manifesting in the next 10 years, it is imperative to prioritize pandemic preparedness in the immediate future. To this end, tuberculosis (TB) and its management share many similarities to respiratory disease protection, offering an opportunity to dually strengthen TB programs and protect against future pandemics. Looking at data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Global Fund, Our World in Data, and domestic health ministries, it was hypothesized that countries that had better TB program strength going into the pandemic fared better with COVID-19 than those with poorer TB treatment. It was found that countries that recovered their TB program strength (as measured by TB treatment coverage percentages) to or above pre-pandemic levels fared better in terms of COVID-19 pandemic incidence and death. Case studies helped identify common factors across resilient TB platforms in dually successful COVID-19 and TB countries, including community trust, co-epidemic responses that were able to maintain continuity of care, sustained innovation, comprehensive communication across public and private sectors, and maintenance of donor support for TB programs through the pandemic.
Multilevel predictors of anaemia among pregnant women in Ghana: New evidence from the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey
Authors: Klu Desmond , Kyei-Arthur Frank , Appiah Margaret , Odame Michael Larbi
Published: September 2024

Anaemia in pregnant women is a major public health concern. A number of multilevel factors have been attributed as contributors to anaemia in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the multilevel factors predicting anaemia among pregnant women in Ghana. Data for this study were obtained from the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (GMIS) conducted between September 25 and November 24, 2019 in all regions in Ghana. The weighted sample comprised 353 pregnant women aged 15–49 years. Data were analysed with SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test and binary logistic regression modelling. In this study, the outcome variable was anaemia status among pregnant women, while the predictor variables included individual, household, community, and health system level factors. The overall prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women was 28.7%. Of these, 14.5% had mild anaemia, and 13.2% and 1.1% had moderate and severe anaemia, respectively. The results indicate that a higher probability of anaemia in pregnancy is likely to be found among pregnant women less than 35 years (15–24 years, aOR = 3.31; C.I: 1.13–9.73) (25–34 years, aOR = 2.49; C.I:1.06–5.84). A higher likelihood of anaemia was found among pregnant women who did not take SP drug (aOR = 3.70; C.I:1.20–11.43) and also among household heads aged 30–39 years (aOR = 4.51; C.I:1.09–18.71). However, a lower odd of being anaemic was found among pregnant women who had attained secondary or higher education (aOR = 0.19; C.I:0.05–0.76), women in the richest households (aOR = 0.02; C.I:0.00–0.42) and those accessing unimproved drinking water (aOR = 0.37; C.I:0.14–0.95). Furthermore, pregnant women with health insurance coverage had lower probability (aOR = 0.24; C.I: 0.06–0.94) of being anaemic. The results highlight the importance of varying factors at different levels in understanding the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women. Understanding these factors will play a major contributor to developing strategies and programmes aimed at addressing anaemia among pregnant women.
Ultrasound as a reliable guide for lumbar intrathecal injection in rats: A pilot study
Authors: Pryambodho  , Dilogo Ismail Hadisoebroto , Tantri Aida Rosita , Aman Renindra Ananda , Senapathi Tjokorda Gde Agung , Purba Jan Sudir , Siregar Nuryati Chairani
Published: September 2024

Lumbar intrathecal administration provides an ideal route for drug delivery into the central nervous system, especially when dorsal root ganglions are the main target for the therapy in rat model of chronic pain. Two main methods of lumbar intrathecal administrations are chronic catheter implantation and the acute needle puncture. Chronic catheter implantation involves surgical manipulation to insert micro indwelling catheter into the intrathecal space. However, this method is invasive, produces inflammatory reactions, and generates more surgical stress. Acute needle puncture is less invasive and cheaper however is technically challenging to perform. We performed an ultrasound-guided lumbar intrathecal injection in six male Sprague Dawley rat cadavers, on average weighing 250–300 grams. Fresh rat cadavers were positioned in a sternal recumbent position, vertebrae were palpated and scanned using a linear probe ultrasound. A 25G needle insertion was advanced with real-time ultrasound guidance, and placement was confirmed prior to dye injection (Methylene blue, Sigma Aldrich). Cadavers were then dissected, and the vertebrae were visually inspected for dye staining. All three cadavers that underwent intrathecal injection with sagittal and axial plane ultrasound guidance showed positive dye staining within the intrathecal space, confirming successful acute intrathecal administration. There was one successful intrathecal injection under sagittal plane-only ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound is a useful, operator-dependent tool to guide acute needle puncture intrathecal administration.
The demand for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Asem Livingstone , Abdulia Abdul-Gafaru , Assuming Patrick Opoku , Abeka-Nkrumah Gordon
Published: September 2024

Background

Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is a preventable condition leading to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Invariably, with all the knowledge about the serious consequences of MiP for the woman, the unborn child, and the neonate, the uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in pregnancy using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is low in most malaria-endemic countries, including Ghana. This study sought to examine the uptake and service user predictors of the implementation of IPTp-SP after the policy upgrade in 2014.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was carried out in two selected districts in the Volta Region. The study participants were randomly selected from communities within Nkwanta North and North Tongu District. A total of 438 mothers who have delivered in the past 24 months were selected for the study. The women were interviewed on their background, knowledge, and attitude toward the use of IPTp-SP using a structured questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was done to determine the factors that influence the demand for IPTp-SP. The results were presented in the form of tables.

Results

The mean number of antenatal care (ANC) attendance was 5 (SD:2.6) visits per client, with 262 (59.82%) of them getting the 3+ doses of IPTp-SP. Also, a significant 44 (10.1%) of the mothers did not receive any dose of IPTp-SP. Respondents who attended antenatal clinics 4–7 times had 7 (CI:3.9–12.3) times higher uptake of 3+ doses of IPTp-SP as compared to others who attended less than 4 visits. Similarly, women who had 8 or more visits had a 16.1 (CI: 5.9–43.6) times higher chance of getting more than 2 doses of IPTp-SP compared with others who had fewer than 4 attendances.

Conclusion

The uptake of 3+ doses of IPTp-SP is still lower than the global target of 80%. Thus, the need for innovative interventions aimed at improving antenatal attendance and early booking for IPTp-SP are recommended.
Variance in multi-blade induced lightning overvoltages among different wind farm topologies
Authors: Wadie Fady , Almuflih Ali Saeed , Elbarybary Z. M. S. , Eliyan Tamer
Published: September 2024

The impact of the topological formation of wind farms upon the lightning induced overvoltages injected into the grid was not covered earlier in literature. However, this topic is highly important to be investigated to allow the usage of the most reliable topology against lightning strikes. For such reason, the paper investigates this point with consideration of most damaging cases as lightning strikes to multi-blades. The testing used ATP software for four main topologies, radial, single-sided ring SSR, double sided ring and star topology. The features defining the similarities in response and the variance range between these topologies were recorded and analyzed. The multi-blade strikes gave an expected increase of 15% to 100% in the injected overvoltage to the grid for all topologies. The star topology showed the most reliable performance by allowing the least injected overvoltage to the grid. The percentage of reduction in the magnitude of the injected overvoltages reached 50.78%, 66.07% and 89.04% for SSR, DSR and star topology respectively with respect to radial topology. Recommendation was provided for design engineers to consider star topology during design phase in terms of more reliable lightning protection.
Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of selective laser melted Inconel 718 alloy
Authors: Fan Qiuxia , Li Jianyu , Zheng Liuwei , Hao Caiyun , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Yingzhi
Published: September 2024

In this study, we conducted two heat treatment processes, namely double aging (DA) and solid solution followed by double aging (SA), on the Inconel 718 alloy fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM). The aim was to investigate the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Inconel 718 under different heat treatment conditions. To achieve this, we employed advanced techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Tofwerk time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (TOF-SIMS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our experimental findings reveal the presence of cellular high-density dislocation substructures in the as-received (AR) specimens, with a significant accumulation of Laves phase precipitates at grain boundaries and subgrain boundaries. After the DA treatment, the cellular substructure persists, with higher concentrations of γ" and γ’ strengthened phases compared to AR specimen. Conversely, the SA specimen undergoes almost complete recrystallization, resulting in the dissolution of brittle Laves phases and a substantial increase in the content of strengthening phase γ’’ and γ’. As a consequence of the precipitation of the γ’’ and γ’ strengthened phase and the modification of the microstructure, the material exhibits enhanced strength and hardness, albeit at the expense of reduced plasticity. The investigation of the relationship between heat treatment processes and precipitation behavior indicates that the SA heat treatment yields favorable mechanical properties that strike a balance between strength and plasticity.
Epidemiological description of Marburg virus disease outbreak in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Mmbaga Vida , Mrema George , Ngenzi Danstan , Magoge Welema , Mwakapasa Emmanuel , Jacob Frank , Matimba Hamza , Beyanga Medard , Samweli Angela , Kiremeji Michael , Kitambi Mary , Sylvanus Erasto , Kyungu Ernest , Manase Gerald , Hokororo Joseph , Kanyankole Christer , Rwabilimbo Martin , Kaniki Issessanda , Kauki George , Kelly Maria Ezekiely , Mwengee William , Ayeni Gabriel , Msemwa Faraja , Saguti Grace , Mgomella George S. , Mukurasi Kokuhabwa , Mponela Marcelina , Kapyolo Eliakimu , Mcharo Jonathan , Mayige Mary , Gatei Wangeci , Conteh Ishata , Mala Peter , Swaminathan Mahesh , Horumpende Pius , Ruggajo Paschal , Magembe Grace , Yoti Zabulon , Kwesi Elias , Nagu Tumaini
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In March 2023, a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak was declared in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania. This was the first MVD outbreak in the country. We describe the epidemiological characteristics of MVD cases and contacts.

Methods

The Ministry of Health activated an outbreak response team. Outbreak investigation methods were applied to cases identified through MVD standard case definitions and confirmed through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). All identified case contacts were added into the contact listing form and followed up in-person daily for any signs or symptoms for 21 days. Data collected from various forms was managed and analyzed using Excel and QGIS software for mapping.

Results

A total of nine MVD cases were reported with eight laboratory-confirmed and one probable. Two of the reported cases were frontline healthcare workers and seven were family related members. Cases were children and adults between 1–59 years of age with a median age of 34 years. Six were males. Six cases died equivalent to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 66.7%. A total of 212 individuals were identified as contacts and two (2) became cases. The outbreak was localized in two geo-administrative wards (Maruku and Kanyangereko) of Bukoba District Council.

Conclusion

Transmission during this outbreak occurred among family members and healthcare workers who provided care to the cases. The delay in detection aggravated the spread and possibly the consequent fatality but once confirmed the swift response stemmed further transmission containing the disease at the epicenter wards. The outbreak lasted for 72 days but as the origin is still unknown, further research is required to explore the source of this outbreak.
Efficiency of health systems in middle-income countries and determinants of efficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Goyeneche Laura , Bauhoff Sebastian
Published: September 2024

We estimate the efficiency of health spending in 145 middle and high-income and the potential gains from improving efficiency for a range of health system outputs using Robust Data Envelopment Analysis for 2010–2014 and 2015–2019 and examine associations with health system characteristics. Focusing on Latin American and Caribbean countries, we find large variability in efficiency and overall substantial potential gains in the later period, despite improvements over time. Our results suggest that, for example, improving spending efficiency could increase life expectancy at birth by 3.5 years (4.6%), or slightly more than the 3.4-year improvement in average life expectancy in the region between 2000 and 2015. Similarly, improved efficiency could reduce neonatal mortality by 6.7 per 1,000 live births (62%), increase service coverage by 6 percentage points (8.7%), and reduce the rich-poor gap in birth attendance by 10 percentage points (12.6%). We find that governance quality is positively associated with efficiency. Overall, the findings indicate an urgent need to improve efficiency in the region and substantial scope for realizing the potential gains of such improvements.
Multi-model methods for structural analysis of China’s green economy network based on input-output method
Authors: Guo Yigang , Ding Shaoling , Huai Jingliang , Pan Jiayao , Meng Yan
Published: September 2024

The green economy has been advocated globally as a solution to environmental issues. In China, it is considered a national strategy for future economic development. This study utilizes methods such as Industry Network, Maximum Spanning Tree (MST) method, Leiden Community Clustering (LCC) algorithm, and Weaver-Thomas (WT) model to explore the contribution and position of the green economy and industries in China’s economic development. The findings are as follows: (1) The density of China’s green industry network has experienced a process of initially tightening and then loosening, ultimately tending towards stability. (2) The trunk structure of China’s industrial network remains relatively stable, forming an industrial structure with electricity, heat production and supply as the core. (3) China’s industrial and green industry communities continue to improve and become more cohesive, but some green industries are still on the periphery of communities. (4) The ability of green industries to pull other industries is weak, and the subsequent promotion momentum needs to be improved. However, the green industry still has enormous room for growth and potential to unleash its long-term positive multiplier effects. More attention and support need to be given by managers and decision-makers, so that it can make better contributions to society and the economy.
Increased response of postmenopausal bone to interval walking training depends on baseline bone mineral density
Authors: Martyanti Rizka Nugraheni , Morikawa Mayuko , Hanaoka Masaaki , Tanaka Satoshi , Nakamura Yukio , Nose Hiroshi , Masuki Shizue
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To examine the hypothesis that an increase in response of postmenopausal bone to interval walking training (IWT) depends on baseline bone mineral densities (BMDs).

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-four postmenopausal women (64±5 (SD) yr) with no medication for osteoporosis performed 5-month IWT, repeating fast and slow walking at ≥70% and ~40% peak aerobic capacity, respectively, for 3 minutes each per set, ≥5 sets/day, ≥4 days/week. They were recruited from those who had performed IWT ≥6 months before participating in the study so that their physical fitness and lifestyle-related disease symptoms had almost reached a steady state at the time of their participation. We measured BMDs for the lumbar spine (LS), bilateral femoral neck (FN), and bilateral total hip (TH) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and after the intervention. We used a multiple regression analysis to identify significant independent factors for increasing BMDs after the intervention as baseline physical characteristics, exercise intensity, and exercise time during IWT were the candidates. For any bone site where the independent factor identified was singular, we analyzed the relationship between the identified factor vs increases in BMD after the intervention (ΔBMD) by the locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) method.

Results

Almost all subjects completed the designated protocol with minimal adverse events. We found that significant determinants for increasing BMDs were the baseline BMDs for all bone sites, as well as age and body mass index for TH (all, P<0.02). Furthermore, the LOWESS trendline between ΔBMDs vs the baseline BMDs, divided equally into 10 bins for LS and FN, respectively, showed that ΔBMD responses (Y) were attenuated as the baseline BMDs (X) increased in the lower 4 bins and then showed a flat line (Y = ~0) in the remaining higher 6 bins for LS and FN. When the lower 4 bins and the higher 6 bins of the baseline BMD were pooled, respectively, BMDs significantly increased by 1.8% and 1.0% in the lower groups for LS and FN, respectively (both, P<0.001) while not in the higher groups after the intervention (both, P>0.3).

Conclusions

IWT may be of benefit with minimal adverse events to postmenopausal women, although the effects were greater in those with lower baseline BMDs.

Trial registration

UMIN000047428. https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/s/detail/um?trial_id=UMIN000047428#.
Associations of fear of physical activity, coping style and self-reported exercise behavior in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Spaderna Heike , Brandenburg Vincent M. , Lauterbach Michael , Partetzke Tara M. , Schwab Sandra U. , Voss Frederik , Kindermann Ingrid
Published: September 2024

Aims

Fear of physical activity (PA) is discussed as a barrier to regular exercise in patients with heart failure (HF), but HF-specific theoretical concepts are lacking. This study examined associations of fear of PA, heart-focused anxiety and trait anxiety with clinical characteristics and self-reported PA in outpatients with chronic HF. It was also investigated whether personality-related coping styles for dealing with health threats impact fear of PA via symptom perception.

Methods and results

This cross-sectional study enrolled 185 HF outpatients from five hospitals (mean age 62 ± 11 years, mean ejection fraction 36.0 ± 12%, 24% women). Avoidance of PA, sports/exercise participation (yes/no) and the psychological characteristics were assessed by self-reports. Fear of PA was assessed by the Fear of Activity in Situations–Heart Failure (FActS-HF15) questionnaire. In multivariable regression analyses higher NYHA class (b = 0.26, p = 0.036) and a higher number of HF drugs including antidepressants (b = 0.25, p = 0.017) were independently associated with higher fear of PA, but not with heart-focused fear and trait anxiety. Of the three anxiety scores only increased fear of PA was independently associated with more avoidance behavior regarding PA (b = 0.45, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001) and with increased odds of no sports/exercise participation (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.03–1.74, p = 0.028). Attention towards cardiac symptoms and symptom distress were positively associated with fear of PA (p < 0.001), which explained higher fear of PA in patients with a vigilant (directing attention towards health threats) coping style (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Fear of PA assessed by the FActS-HF15 is a specific type of anxiety in patients with HF. Attention towards and being distressed by HF symptoms appear to play a central role in fear of PA, particularly in vigilant patients who are used to direct their attention towards health threats. These findings provide approaches for tailored interventions to reduce fear of PA and to increase PA in patients with HF.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02898246.
Avanza joven. Estudio, diagnóstico y propuesta de intervención socioeducativa en casos de violencia filioparental en Castilla y León
Authors: Cuéllar Cachazo Paloma , Serrate González Sara , Muñoz Rodríguez José Manuel
Published: September 2024

El fenómeno de la violencia filioparental no es un asunto simple de tratar, tanto en fase de estudio y diagnóstico como cuando hablamos de necesidades de intervención social y educativa, básicamente porque estamos ante un tema problemático multifactorial en su delimitación. Asistimos, sobre todo en los últimos años, a un ascenso progresivo de los casos, especialmente cuando nos referimos a denuncias y medidas educativas interpuestas en los juzgados de menores, según los últimos datos publicados. Este libro está organizado en tres partes conectadas. La primera muestra una investigación llevada a cabo en Castilla y León sobre la situación de la violencia filioparental, donde se aborda el concepto, la tipología, el marco legislativo y se pone de relieve, desde la cifras, la rea­lidad que tenemos en la Comunidad Autónoma; en la segunda, presen­tamos la creación de una herramienta diagnóstica llamada «Escala de Violencia Filiparental», que permite la evaluación del nivel de violencia presente en un contexto familiar; y, en la tercera parte, se presenta un proyecto de intervención socioeducativa dirigido a menores y familias que padecen este problema. Un proyecto que desde su creación vino a denominarse: «Avanza Joven». La investigación y el proyecto han sido financiado por la Gerencia de Servicios Sociales de la Junta de Castilla y León, con cargo a los Fondos Europeos del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resi­liencia –NextGenerationEU–, y realizados desde la colaboración entre el Centro Menesiano San Pedro Regalado y el Grupo de Investigación GIPEP –Procesos, Espacios y Prácticas Educativas- de la Universidad de Salamanca.
The role of mesenchymal stem cells in peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Nevmerzhytska N. M. , Yaremenko L. M. , Grabovyi O. M.
Published: September 2024

Taking into account the imperfect results of treatment of peripheral nerve injuries and despite the large number of already performed clinical and experimental studies on the regeneration of peripheral nerves, the search for new effective methods of treatment of this pathology remains relevant until now. Cell therapy is one of the innovative and promising therapeutic approaches in the field of nerve regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were first introduced in 1966 by Friedenstein and colleagues. This is a class of multipotent stem cells of mesodermal origin, which have low immunogenicity, but high capacity for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential. They were found in almost all tissues. According to the International Society for Cell Therapy (ISCT, Vancouver, Canada), human MSCs express CD73, CD105, CD90 and lack hematopoietic stem cell markers (CD34, CD14, CD45, CD11b, CD79a, and HLA-DR).
There is no consensus regarding the main mechanism of action of MSCs in stimulating nerve regeneration, but in general, most likely, they perform a trophic function, inhibit proapoptotic pathways and enhance the intrinsic regenerative capacity of the nerve. The ability of MSCs to produce various immunoregulatory factors is also known, which leads to the reduction of an inadequate inflammatory response after nerve damage. MSCs can transdifferentiate into Schwann cells, acquire a Schwann-like phenotype, or stimulate the activity of endogenous Schwann cells, which are one of the key regulators of reparative nerve regeneration. MSCs also take part in the remyelination of damaged nerves due to the synthesis and release of myelin proteins MBP or P0. MSCs create an enhanced neuroprotective microenvironment that prevents nerve degeneration, supports axon growth, neurogenesis, and cellular metabolism. The property of stem cells to produce neurotrophic factors is also well known. It is interesting to note that endogenous stem cells, including those circulating in peripheral blood, are much less studied. A detailed study of various pharmacological, gene-modifying, or biomodifying methods of endogenous stem cell mobilization, their properties, and identification may be promising in regenerative medicine in general and peripheral nerve regeneration in particular.
Pathogenetic links between cognitive impairment in arterial hypertension and anatomical and functional characteristics of hippocampal morphology and blood supply (a literature review)
Authors: Svitlytskyi A. O. , Bielenichev I. F. , Hancheva O. V. , Hrekova T. A.
Published: September 2024

Aim. To update the study on morphological changes in the hippocampal structure and blood supply in conditions of persistent arterial hypertension with a focus on the cognitive sphere state.
Materials and methods. The authors independently searched and selected scientific literature for a systematic review in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following keywords “arterial hypertension”, “cognitive functions”, “morphological and functional state of the hippocampus” in full-text articles in English and Ukrainian based on the study results with a level of evidence I–III.
Results. The authors have conducted a systematic review of articles and scientific publications in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases. The information of the hippocampal structure, blood supply, functions and importance for the generation of human cognitive performance in health and in conditions of persistent arterial hypertension has been processed.
Conclusions. The current research results allow asserting that the hippocampus plays an important role in combining environmental signals and creating an integral and unified perception in the spatial and temporal domains. The performance efficiency depends on cellular signaling and stability, adequate blood supply, neurotransmitter balance, and the character of a receptor landscape. Experimental studies and clinical observations show cerebral arteriole reconstruction and constriction as well as decreased NO bioavailability in the hippocampus induced by chronic arterial hypertension to compensate for excessive pressure and increased blood flow pulsatility and to protect microvessels from damage. Increased vasoconstriction results in hypoperfusion and neuronal damage, which is most obvious in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas and visualized as a reduced number of chaotically scattered cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles, nuclear pyknosis and nucleolysis.
Morphological and morphometric indicators of structural components of the exocrine part of the pancreas after withdrawal of administration of monosodium glutamate to rats
Authors: Lytvak Yu. V. , Harapko T. V. , Lytvak V. V. , Kucheriavchenko M. O.
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study was to determine the morphological and morphometric features of structural changes in the components of the exocrine part of the pancreas of male rats after withdrawal of the food additive sodium glutamate and their transfer to a normal diet.
Materials and methods. 4 series of experiments were conducted. The 1st series – male rats were given 70 mg/kg of sodium glutamate daily for 8 weeks to enhance their taste; the 2nd series – rats were transferred to a standard diet 8 weeks after the use of monosodium glutamate and withdrawn from the experiment after 8 weeks (at week 16); the 3rd series – control group rats up to 8 weeks, the 4th series – control rats up to 16 weeks of the experiment. The pancreas was examined morphologically with morphometric analysis after the rats were withdrawn from the experiment, the material was paraffin-embedded and sections were made, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and azan.
Results. In the 1st and 2nd series of the experiment, atrophic and degenerative changes of the acini were preserved, which were discomposed due to edema of the organ, and had small sizes. Connective tissue and areas of adipose tissue, diffuse and focal infiltrates were visualized between the lobules and around the lobular ducts. The ducts were dilated. As in the 1st series, there was edema of the organ parenchyma, vessel walls and ducts with fluid leakage into the intercalated spaces, and exocrinocyte apoptosis. The morphometric study of the exocrine part of the pancreas revealed that the average size of acini was statistically significantly reduced in the 1st and 2nd experimental series by 1.4 and 1.6 times, and the area by 1.2 and 1.5 times compared to control animals of the 3rd and 4th series. In the 1st and 2nd series, acini ranging in size from 71 μm to 90 μm prevailed, accounting for 38 % and 34 %, respectively, in the 1st and 2nd control series – 91–100 μm (46 % and 42 %) and from 111 μm to 149 μm (36 % and 38 %), respectively. In the study of the number of cells in acini in the 1st series, exocrinocytes were present in the amount of 5.52 ± 0.58 vs. control 8.05 ± 0.32 (p < 0.001), in the 2nd series – 5.24 ± 0.47 vs. control 7.33 ± 0.43 (p < 0.001) The area of exocrinocytes in the 2nd series 61.95 ± 1.91 μm2 vs. 78.99 ± 0.98 μm2 (p < 0.05) were reduced. The diameter of the insertional, intra-lobular and inter-lobular ducts was enlarged.
Conclusions. After 8 weeks of feeding rats with monosodium glutamate and after its withdrawal and transfer of rats to the standard diet of the rat vivarium in the next 8 weeks, no improvement in the state of the pancreas was recorded, which was confirmed by morphological and morphometric studies.
Dynamics of enzymatic and glutathione link of antioxidant protection of the liver of rats of different age in case of experimental cranioskeletal injury
Authors: Sushko Yu. I. , Badіuk M. I. , Hudyma A. A. , Zachepa O. A. , Dobrorodnii A. V. , Hrytsyshyn L. Ye.
Published: September 2024

Aim. To determine the peculiarities of enzymatic and glutathione link of antioxidant protection of the liver of rats of different age in case of experimental cranioskeletal injury.
Materials and methods. Cranioskeletal trauma (CST) was modelled in rats of three age groups (sexually immature, sexually mature, old) under thiopental sodium anesthesia. Rats were removed from the experiment under anesthesia after 3 and 7 days of the post-traumatic period. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, as well as glutathione peroxidase (GP) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity and the content of reduced glutathione were determined in the liver homogenate extract.
Results. It was identified that, regardless of age, under the influence of CST, after 3 and 7 days of the post-traumatic period, in the liver of experimental rats, indicated parameters of enzymatic and glutathione link of antioxidant protection significantly decrease. However, the degree of decrease of the studied indicators is significantly greater in old rats, in particular after 7 days: according to catalase activity – on 30.8 % compared to sexually immature rats and on 27.0 % compared to sexually mature rats; according to glutathione peroxidase activity – on 31.6 % compared to sexually immature rats and on 23.5 % compared to sexually mature rats; according to glutathione reductase activity – on 22.0 % compared to sexually mature rats. The obtained results indicate a systemic pro-oxidant effect of the modelled injury on organs which are distant from the site of direct injury, as well as a decrease in the antioxidant capacity of the liver of rats with increasing age.
Conclusions. Under the influence of CST, the activity of the enzyme and glutathione link of antioxidant protection of the liver gradually decreases after 3 and 7 days in experimental rats, regardless of age. Under the conditions of CST modeling, the antioxidant capacity of the liver of old rats is lower than that of sexually mature and immature rats.
The Go/No Go Association Task as a New Technology for Teaching Anti-Prejudice
Authors: Kaufman Leah M.
Published: September 2024

Implicit measures of association have allowed researchers to study implicit prejudice based on the degree of association between representations of groups that are the target of prejudice and negative versus positive attributes. These implicit prejudice measures show that people find it more difficult to respond to a representation of the group (e.g., photo of an Aboriginal Australian) and a positive attribute (e.g., “HAPPY”) using the same key than to the same representation of the group and a negative attribute (e.g., “SILLY”). Using measures of implicit association as a technology for teaching anti-prejudice is highly useful because it allows people to experience their own implicit biases. Thus, this technology makes prejudice a personally relevant issue (i.e., not something that other people possess) and, consequently, facilitates the engagement with this topic that is so essential to prejudice reduction.
Teachers, and their opinions, matter
Authors: Jones Hazel
Published: September 2024

This paper analyses a recent survey on staff perceptions of the effectiveness of discussion forums in a small private institution. The responses will inform future opportunities and strategies for professional development and student support within the College; setting of expectations and benchmarks for staff and students and increasing awareness of these as well as curriculum and learning design. The overall aim of the research is implementing practices that will be sustainable and address current challenges within the College of improving student retention, engagement and learning. Results indicate that while staff are generally inexperienced in the online environment they are comfortable with many aspects of online discussion forums. Main areas of concerns for staff are low levels of student engagement with each other and subject material. Staff are most interested in developing strategies to help with improving student engagement. Two profiles of staff from opposite ends of the spectrums of responses are developed and compared.
Building teacher educator TPACK
Authors: Doyle Helen , Reading Christine
Published: September 2024

Teacher educators with TPACK are critical to the development of the ICT competence of the next generation of teachers. To effect real change in ICT education leaders must be developed amongst teacher educators as well as teachers. An Australian university implemented a supported program of professional development for teacher educators as they implemented innovative ICT-rich practice. This paper reports on data collected before, during and after the process to inform planning. Areas identified where teacher educator TPACK was lacking were used to inform the professional development process. For a variety of ICT competences teacher educators were generally convinced of the usefulness but not so convinced of their own confidence. Enablers of learning identified by teacher educators, who had engaged in innovative practice, showed that they were building TPACK that would equip them to be leaders and thus catalysts for change in ICT education.
Extrinsic and intrinsic barriers in the use of ICT in teaching
Authors: Chen Wenli , Tan Ashley , Lim Cheryl
Published: September 2024

This study examined the use of ICT for teaching undertaken by two primary school teachers at pre-examination period and at post-examination period. Their perceptions of using ICT for teaching and learning and their ICT experiences were also analysed. The results showed that both teachers improved in ICT integration from Adoption stage to Adaptation stage after examination (when the curriculum is more flexible and teachers had more time for lessons), with increased scope and sophistication in ICT use in classrooms. These observations confirmed that extrinsic barriers - time and curriculum constraints - are negatively impacting ICT integration of teachers.
Analytics and complexity
Authors: Beer Colin , Jones David , Clark Damien
Published: September 2024

There is growing interest in the application of learning analytics to manage, inform and improve learning and teaching within higher education. In particular, learning analytics is seen as enabling data-driven decision making as universities are seeking to respond a range of significant challenges that are reshaping the higher education landscape. Experience over four years with a project exploring the use of learning analytics to improve learning and teaching at a particular university has, however, revealed a much more complex reality that potentially limits the value of some analytics-based strategies. This paper uses this experience with over 80,000 students across three learning management systems, combined with literature from complex adaptive systems and learning analytics to identify the source and nature of these limitations along with a suggested path forward.
Thinking, researching and living in a virtual professional development community of practice
Authors: Ayling Diana , Owen Hazel , Flagg Edward
Published: September 2024

This paper is a comparative case study of two virtual professional development (VPD) communities of practice established and maintained to support teachers in their learning and development. Each community was studied and evaluated by its facilitator. The purpose of those studies was to identify behaviours and capture shifts in educators? professional identity as they engaged in VPD. The researchers were interested in those practices that indicated embedding of practice, co-construction of knowledge, and development of skills and values. Many of the factors identified in the VPD initiatives explored the link to the wider conversations that are occurring around education in general in a time of change.