bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychotic experiences and psychological distress in adolescents: an examination of longitudinal bidirectional effects across sex
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Houissa Lilia , Loch Alexandre Andrade , Cheour Majda , Hallit Souheil
Published: October 2024

Background

Although the co-occurrence of psychotic experiences (PEs) and psychological distress symptoms is growingly recognized in several previous studies, there is still a lack of literature, which clearly outlines how these two psychopathological entities affect each other over time. This study is intended to add to the literature by examining: (a) the longitudinal, bidirectional associations between PEs and psychological distress in a sample of Tunisian adolescents, and (b) whether these associations are moderated by sex.

Methods

510 adolescent students (mean age of 16.05 ± 1.01 years, 61.2% females) took part in a prospective longitudinal study. PEs and psychological distress were measured at three occasions over a one-year period. The cross-lagged panel modeling approach was adopted.

Results

The current results showed that the experience of PEs at baseline tended to temporally precede prospective increases in psychological distress (at 6 months), which had in turn led to further exacerbation of psychological distress at 12 months of follow-up. Temporally primary psychological distress symptoms were not a significant predictor for the development of later psychotic symptoms in the whole sample. However, temporal patterns between adolescent distress and psychotic symptoms differed for girls and boys. Endorsing PEs at baseline was followed by greater psychological distress at 6 months, which was in turn associated with a significant increased risk of subsequent exacerbation of PEs at 12 months in boys, whereas psychological distress at 12-month follow-up was significantly predicted by pre-existing PEs in girls.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that clinicians and support workers are recommended to take into account different social risk profiles for boys and girls when considering interventions to address PEs and distress in adolescents.
Association of neonatal outcome with birth weight for gestational age in Chinese very preterm infants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Liangliang , Guo Jing , Wang Yanchen , Yuan Yuan , Feng Xing , Gu Xinyue , Jiang Siyuan , Chen Chao , Cao Yun , Sun Jianhua , Lee Shoo K , Kang Wenqing , Jiang Hong ,   The Chinese Neonatal Network, Lee Shoo K. , Du Lizhong Du , Zhou Wenhao , Xu Falin , Tian Xiuying , Zhang Huayan , Ji Yong , Li Zhankui , Yi Bin , Xue Xindong , Yang Chuanzhong , Chen Dongmei , Wang Sannan , Liu Ling , Gao Xirong , Wu Hui , Yang Changyi , Han Shuping , Shan Ruobing , Qiu Gang , Pan Xinnian , Zhao Youyan , Li Mingxia , Ye Xuqiang , Wang Lili , Liu Jiangqin , Lin Zhenlang , Shi Yuan , Cheng Xiuyong , Pan Jiahua , Zhang Qin , Zhou Qin , Li Long , Chen Pingyang , Li Xiaoying , Yang Ling , Zhuang Deyi , Zhang Yongjun , Feng Jinxing , Li Li , Lin Xinzhu , Qiu Yinping , Liang Kun , Ma Li , Chen Liping , Zhang Liyan , Song Hongxia , Yin Zhaoqing , Hei Mingyan , Huang Huiwen , Yang Jie , Li Dong , Ding Guofang , Wang Jimei , Zhang Qianshen , Ma Xiaolu , Ting Joseph
Published: October 2024

Background

The neonatal outcomes across different percentiles of birth weight for gestational age are still unclear.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted within 57 tertiary hospitals participating in the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 25 provinces throughout China. Infants with gestational age (GA) 24+0-31+6 weeks who were admitted within 7 days after birth were included. The composite outcome was defined as mortality or any one of neonatal major morbidities, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL), severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and sepsis. Multivariable logistic regressions using generalized estimating equation approach were conducted.

Results

A total of 8380 infants were included with a mean GA of 30 (28–31) weeks. Of these, 1373 (16.5%) were born at less than 28 weeks, while 6997 (83.5%) had a GA between 28 and 32 weeks. Our analysis indicated that the risk of composite outcomes was negatively associated with birth weight for gestational age, and compared to the reference group, the multiple-adjusted ORs (95%CI) of composite outcomes were 4.89 (3.51–6.81) and 2.16 (1.77–2.63) for infants with birth weight for gestational less than 10th percentile and 10th -30th percentile, respectively. The ORs (95%CI) of mortality, NEC, BPD, severe ROP, and sepsis in infants with birth weight for gestational age at 10th-30th percentile were 1.94 (1.56–2.41), 1.08 (0.79–1.47), 2.48 (2.03–3.04), 2.35 (1.63–3.39), and 1.39 (1.10–1.77), respectively.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes increased significantly when the birth weight for gestational age was below the 30th percentile. Regular monitoring and early intervention are crucial for these high-risk infants.
Human-to-Anopheles dirus mosquito transmission of the anthropozoonotic malaria parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi
Authors: Kumpitak Chalermpon , Duangmanee Apisak , Thongyod Waraporn , Rachaphaew Nattawan , Suansomjit Chayanut , Manopwisedjaroen Khajohnpong , Aung Pyae Linn , Imad Hisham Ahmed , Cui Liwang , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Nguitragool Wang , Bantuchai Sirasate
Published: October 2024

Background

Plasmodium knowlesi, identified as the fifth human malaria parasite, has rapidly spread across various Southeast Asian countries, yet uncertainties persist regarding its human-mosquito-human transmission. Therefore, this study aims to explore the transmission potential of P. knowlesi from human blood to mosquitoes.

Methods

A direct membrane-feeding assay was conducted by infecting laboratory-reared female Anopheles dirus mosquitoes with P. knowlesi-infected human blood from a single patient presenting with febrile malaria. Mosquitoes were dissected 7 days post-infection under a stereomicroscope to detect oocysts in the midgut, stained with mercurochrome. Salivary glands were examined 14 days post-infection for the presence of sporozoites. Malaria diagnosis employed microscopy by expert microscopists and nested PCR assays.

Results

Upon dissecting 745 out of 1439 blood-fed An. dirus mosquitoes on day 7 post-infection, two oocysts were identified in the midguts of two mosquitoes (0.27%). An additional 694 mosquitoes were dissected for salivary glands on day 14 post-infection, with three mosquitoes (0.43%) exhibiting sporozoites. Further confirmation by nested-PCR assay verified these sporozoites as belonging to the P. knowlesi species.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the potential transmission of P. knowlesi from human blood to mosquitoes. The significance of these findings necessitates further investigation, such as repeating similar experiments among natural vectors, to gain deeper insights into the transmission dynamics of P. knowlesi in Southeast Asia.

Graphical Abstract
Bacterial seed endophytes promote barley growth and inhibits Fusarium graminearum in vitro
Authors: Ajayi Oyeyemi , Grover Suvir , Yimer Belayneh , Vinje Marcus , Mahalingam Ramamurthy
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Seeds host microbes that function in plant growth and phytopathogen resistance. The aim of the work was to investigate total bacterial community in malting barley seeds and whether their bacterial seed endophytes have dual functional roles in plant growth-promotion and inhibition of Fusarium graminearum, the causative agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in barley. We used culture dependent and culture independent methods.

Results

Phylogenetic classification of seed endophytic bacteria based on sequencing data identified B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and B. pumilis as predominant subgroups. Location driven divergence in bacterial endophytic communities was evident based on a clear separation of the samples from Crookston and other location samples. The bio-primed seeds using one hundred and seventy bacterial isolates showed that 3.5% (6/170) of the bacterial isolates conferred greater than 10% increase in both root length (RL) and shoot length (SL), while 19.4% (33/170) and 26.5% (45/170) showed RL and SL specific growth effects, respectively, relative to controls. Among the six bacterial isolates that increased RL and SL, five (#29, #63, #109, #124 and #126) also significantly inhibit the growth of F. graminearum based on in vitro assays. This study identified novel seed bacterial endophytes that could be further exploited for promoting growth during seedling establishment and as biocontrol for combating the devastating scab disease.
Design and implementation of a metagenomic analytical pipeline for respiratory pathogen detection
Authors: Viana Pablo Alessandro B , Tschoeke Diogo Antonio , de Moraes Laise , Santos Luciane Amorim , Barral-Netto Manoel , Khouri Ricardo , Ramos Pablo Ivan P , Meirelles Pedro Milet
Published: October 2024

Objective

We developed an in-house bioinformatics pipeline to improve the detection of respiratory pathogens in metagenomic sequencing data. This pipeline addresses the need for short-time analysis, high accuracy, scalability, and reproducibility in a high-performance computing environment.

Results

We evaluated our pipeline using ninety synthetic metagenomes designed to simulate nasopharyngeal swab samples. The pipeline successfully identified 177 out of 204 respiratory pathogens present in the compositions, with an average processing time of approximately 4 min per sample (processing 1 million paired-end reads of 150 base pairs). For the estimation of all the 470 taxa included in the compositions, the pipeline demonstrated high accuracy, identifying 420 and achieving a correlation of 0.9 between their actual and predicted relative abundances. Among the identified taxa, 27 were significantly underestimated or overestimated, including only three clinically relevant pathogens. We also validated the pipeline by applying it to a clinical dataset from a study on metagenomic pathogen characterization in patients with acute respiratory infections and successfully identified all pathogens responsible for the diagnosed infections. These findings underscore the pipeline’s effectiveness in pathogen detection and highlight its potential utility in respiratory pathogen surveillance.
Factors affecting fat myringoplasty in elderly patients with chronic otitis media: A case control study
Authors: Park Kyeong Suk , Kim Ji Su , Sung Chung Man , Cho Hyong Ho , Kim Hong Chan
Published: October 2024

Background

We compared and analyzed the surgical results of fat myringoplasty between elderly and young adult patients with chronic otitis media. We also investigated whether underlying diseases and other factors impact the surgical outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 141 patients who underwent fat myringoplasty for chronic otitis media for five years. They were compared by age, sex, underlying disease, perforation size, pre- and postoperative pure tone audiometry, postoperative otorrhea, postoperative re-perforation, and cause of re-perforation.

Result

Postoperative re-perforation was more common in the elderly group, albeit with no significant difference (p = 0.072). The factors affecting re-perforation were insufficient fat graft (44.4%), postoperative infection (33.3%), and nasal blowing (22.2%). Our findings revealed no significant association between preoperative perforation size and re-perforation (p = 0.391). Additionally, we found no significant relationship between hypertension and re-perforation (p > 0.99), nor between age group and postoperative infection (p = 0.488). Diabetes was also not significant (p = 0.640). Following surgery, both groups exhibited a significant improvement in hearing.

Conclusion

Although age and underlying conditions play significant roles in the healing process, our results suggest that external factors such as infection, nasal blowing, cough, and insufficient grafted fat tissue have a similarly significant impact on surgical outcomes in elderly patients with COM as they do in adults. In conclusion, the decision to perform surgery in elderly patients with COM should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s overall health status, hearing, use of hearing aids, and the indications for surgery.
Deciphering the non-linear nexus between government size and inflation in MENA countries: an application of dynamic-panel threshold model
Authors: Tariq Asif , Amin Aadil , Ahmad Masroor
Published: October 2024

Contradictory to conventional economic theory, which foresees any increase in the size of government as inflationary, this article provides evidence that the reaction of price levels to changes in the size of government is nonlinear. The price levels do not necessarily increase in response to a rise in the size of the government but only up to a certain threshold or optimal level. Accordingly, this paper utilizes the dynamic panel threshold model to examine the threshold effects of government size (measured as government final consumption expenditure as a proportion of GDP) on inflation using a sample of 10 selected MENA countries from 1980 to 2019. The findings of this study stand out in several ways. First, the results support the nonlinear relationship between government size and inflation in the study area. Second, the government size’s estimated threshold level is equivalent to 12.46%. Third, government size negatively impacts inflation in the regime of small governments up to the threshold level. The impact turns positive once the government size goes beyond the threshold level in a regime of large size of government. These findings have ramifications for the conduct of fiscal policy. Policymakers in the MENA region can increase the size of government till it reaches the threshold level without exerting any upward pressure on price levels.
Ethiopian coffee (Coffea arabica) improves glucose uptake and modulates metabolic enzyme activities linked to hyperglycemia-induced infertility in isolated rats’ testes
Authors: Mohamed Almahi I. , Olofinsan Kolawole A. , Salau Veronica F. , Erukainure Ochuko L. , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: October 2024

The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of Ethiopian coffee (Coffea arabica) on carbohydrate digestive enzymes and its protective effect against glucose-induced testicular dysfunction using in vitro and in silico study models. Testicular oxidative stress was initiated by co-incubating testocular tissue collected from male Sprague-Dawley rats in glucose solution with different concentrations of Ethiopian coffee aqueous extracts (hot and cold) for 2 h at 37ºC. Glucose-mediated oxidative stress significantly (p < 0.05) depleted reduced glutathione and total glycogen levels while it lowered catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the testicular tissue. Concomitantly, this led to elevated malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels while it also increased glycogen phosphorylase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, ATPase, and acetylcholinesterase activities. Treatment with different concentrations of coffee aqueous extracts restored the enzymes’ and markers’ levels and activities. Although both the cold and hot coffee extracts strongly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, the former showed better activities. The subjection of the coffee extracts to LC-MS analysis indicated the presence of several compounds, including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, cafestol, kahweol, caffeine, quinic acid, ferulic acid, and catechol which were further docked with the carbohydrate digestive enzymes. The in silico results displayed that among the various metabolites, chlorogenic acid strongly interacted and had the best binding affinity with α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Our findings implied that Ethiopian coffee may have a preventive effect against glucose-induced testicular damage. These are evidenced by the capacity of the plant product to decrease oxidative stress and protect against testicular dysfunction.

Graphical Abstract
Identifying, assessing and responding to perpetration of domestic abuse: practice guide for mental health professionals
Authors: Greenfield Philippa , Calcia Marilia , McCree Chris , Sahota Maneek , Thomas Holly , Kirkpatrick Kyla , Vagi Rebecca , Howard Louise M. , Markham Sarah , Bhavsar Vishal
Published: October 2024

Domestic abuse – abusive behaviour perpetrated by an adult towards another adult to whom they are personally connected (e.g. partners, ex-partners or family members) – damages mental health, increases mental health service use and challenges clinical management. Training and guidance for mental health professionals on identifying and responding to patients exposed to domestic abuse are available, but there has been less development of resources for mental health professionals in identifying, assessing and responding to perpetrators of domestic abuse. In this article, we describe a framework for responding to domestic abuse perpetration in clinical settings in general adult mental health services, aimed at improving practice. This could support mental health professionals in sensitive enquiry and assessment for domestic abuse perpetration, and guide appropriate responses, as part of routine training and continuing professional development.
Clozapine monitoring requirements: is it time for an update?
Authors: Fernandez-Egea Emilio , McCutcheon Robert A.
Published: October 2024

Oloyede and colleagues advocate for updating haematological monitoring requirements for clozapine, arguing that current protocols overestimate the risk of clozapine-induced agranulocytosis. Their research suggests that stringent monitoring may unnecessarily limit access to clozapine, a crucial treatment for resistant schizophrenia. The editorial supports calls for international consensus to carefully weigh the pros and cons of relaxing monitoring guidelines while ensuring comprehensive care for patients.
Glofitamab in Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Results From a Phase I/II Study
Authors: Phillips Tycel Jovelle , Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Morschhauser Franck , Bachy Emmanuel , Crump Michael , Trněný Marek , Bartlett Nancy L. , Zaucha Jan , Wrobel Tomasz , Offner Fritz , Humphrey Kathryn , Relf James , Filézac de L'Etang Audrey , Carlile David J. , Byrne Ben , Qayum Naseer , Lundberg Linda , Dickinson Michael
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) have a poor prognosis. The phase I/II NP30179 study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT03075696
) evaluated glofitamab monotherapy in patients with R/R B-cell lymphomas, with obinutuzumab pretreatment (Gpt) to mitigate the risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) with glofitamab. We present data for patients with R/R MCL.

METHODS

Eligible patients with R/R MCL (at least one previous therapy) received Gpt (1,000 or 2,000 mg) 7 days before the first glofitamab dose (single dose or split over 2 days if required). Glofitamab step-up dosing was administered once a day on days 8 (2.5 mg) and 15 (10 mg) of cycle 1, with a target dose of 16 or 30 mg once every 3 weeks from cycle 2 day 1 onward, for 12 cycles. Efficacy end points included investigator-assessed complete response (CR) rate, overall response rate (ORR), and duration of CR.

RESULTS

Of 61 enrolled patients, 60 were evaluable for safety and efficacy. Patients had received a median of two previous therapies (range, 1-5). CR rate and ORR were 78.3% (95% CI, 65.8 to 87.9) and 85.0% (95% CI, 73.4 to 92.9), respectively. In patients who had received previous treatment with a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (n = 31), CR rate was 71.0% (95% CI, 52.0 to 85.8) and ORR was 74.2% (95% CI, 55.4 to 88.1). CRS after glofitamab administration occurred in 70.0% of patients, with a lower incidence in the 2,000 mg (63.6% [grade ≥2, 22.7%]) versus 1,000 mg (87.5%; grade ≥2, 62.5%) Gpt cohort. Four adverse events led to glofitamab withdrawal (all infections).

CONCLUSION

Fixed-duration glofitamab induced high CR rates in heavily pretreated patients with R/R MCL; the safety profile was manageable with appropriate support.
Anesthesia Providers’ Knowledge of Medication Interference with Hormonal Contraception: A Multisite Survey
Authors: Whitney Madeline , Sharpe Emily E. , Harbell Monica W. , Buckner-Petty Skye , Kraus Molly B.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Sugammadex, aprepitant, and fosaprepitant are increasingly used perioperatively. These medications may interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. This study assessed anesthesia providers’ use of sugammadex and aprepitant, their knowledge of interactions with hormonal birth control, and patient counseling practices to identify possible knowledge gaps or opportunities for practice improvement.

METHODS:

In January 2023, an electronic survey was distributed to all anesthesia providers at Mayo Clinic sites (Mayo Clinic Rochester, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Florida, and Mayo Clinic Health System hospitals). The survey included 32 questions assessing providers’ use of sugammadex and aprepitant, their knowledge of the medications’ interactions with hormonal contraceptives (HC), their perceptions regarding education of these interactions during training, and their perioperative patient counseling practices. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS:

A total of 337 of 1092 (31%) providers completed the survey. While almost all respondents (324; 96%) knew that sugammadex may interfere with oral contraceptive effectiveness, only 158 (47%) knew about aprepitant’s potential contraceptive interference. Only 176 providers (52%) knew the recommended duration for alternative contraceptive methods after use after sugammadex, and 119 providers (35%) knew the recommended duration after aprepitant exposure. Most respondents considered the interference of these perioperative drugs with HCs to be clinically relevant (sugammadex, 217, 64%; aprepitant, 191, 58%). Despite the common belief that the decision between these medications and alternatives should be shared between provider and patient, most providers reported rarely engaging in such shared decision-making (SDM) in practice. Most providers recognized the need for preoperative discussions on sugammadex (280, 83%) and aprepitant (257, 76%), yet 184 providers (73%) never or rarely discussed contraception use before surgery for aprepitant, and 135 (36%) never or rarely did so for sugammadex. Lastly, many providers believed that the interference between sugammadex, aprepitant, and HC was poorly taught during training.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study highlight the need for increased education and awareness among anesthesia providers regarding drug interactions with HCs during the perioperative period. To facilitate SDM, it is imperative that providers discuss alternative medications and the potential need for additional contraception methods after drug administration and communicate the risks with patients preoperatively to enable informed and SDM. The patient’s preferences should be accounted for, especially if they are unwilling or unable to use an alternative contraceptive for 7 to 30 days, thereby avoiding the complexities and burdens of altering birth control methods.
Comparative Electroencephalographic Profile of a New Anesthetic and Anticonvulsant That Is Selective for the GABAAR Slow Receptor Subtype
Authors: Maciver M. Bruce , McCarren Hillary S. , Eagleman Sarah L. , Davies Frances M. , Jahangir Alam , Pal Dinesh , Mashour George A. , Bertaccini Edward J.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Anesthetics like propofol increase electroencephalography (EEG) power in delta frequencies (0.1–4 Hz), with a decrease of power in bandwidths >30 Hz. Propofol is nonselective for gamma amino butyric acid type A receptor subtypes (GABAAR) as it enhances all 3 GABAAR subtypes (slow, fast, and tonic). Our newly developed anesthetic class selectively targets GABAAR-slow synapses to depress brain responsiveness. We hypothesized that a selective GABAAR-slow agonist, KSEB 01-S2, would produce a different EEG signature compared to the broad-spectrum GABAAR agonist (propofol), and tested this using rat EEG recordings.

METHODS:

Male rats were studied after Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) approval from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense and the University of Michigan. Rats were anesthetized using isoflurane (3%–5% induction, 1%–3% maintenance) with oxygen at 0.5 to 1.0 L/min. Stainless steel screws were placed in the skull and used to record subcranial cortical EEG signals. After recovery, either propofol or KSEB 01-S2 was administered and effects on EEG signals were analyzed.

RESULTS:

As previously reported, propofol produced increased power in delta frequencies (0.1–4 Hz) compared to predrug recordings and produced a decrease in EEG power >30 Hz but no significant changes were seen within ±20 seconds of losing the righting reflex. By contrast, KSEB 01-S2 produced a significant increase in theta frequency percent power (median 14.7%, 16.2/13.8, 75/25 confidence interval; to 34.7%, 35/31.8; P < .015) and a significant decrease in low gamma frequency percent power (16.9%, 18.6/15.8; to 5.45%, 5.5/5.39; P < .015) for all rats at ± 20 seconds of loss of consciousness (LOC). Both anesthetics produced a flattening of chaotic attractor plots from nonlinear dynamic analyses, like that produced by volatile and dissociative anesthetics at LOC.

CONCLUSIONS:

KSEB 01-S2 produced a markedly different EEG pattern, with a selective increase observed in the theta frequency range. KSEB 01-S2 also differs markedly in its activity at the GABAAR-slow receptor subtype, suggesting a possible mechanistic link between receptor subtype specificity and EEG frequency band signatures. Increased theta together with depressed gamma frequencies is interesting because GABAAR slow synapses have previously been suggested to underlie theta frequency oscillations, while fast synapses control gamma activity. These reciprocal effects support a previous model for theta and nested gamma oscillations based on inhibitory connections between GABAAR fast and slow interneurons. Although each anesthetic produced a unique EEG response, propofol and KSEB 01-S2 both increased slow wave activity and flattened chaotic attractor plots at the point of LOC.
Η σημασία των συνεργατικών δραστηριοτήτων στην απομείωση του άγχους και τη βελτίωση της επίδοσης των εκπαιδευομένων σε εξ αποστάσεως εκπαιδευτικά περιβάλλοντα
Authors: Συρμοπούλου Χαρίκλεια , Νιάρη Μαρία
Published: October 2024

Το άγχος που αποτελεί αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της ενήλικης καθημερινότητας αποτυπώνεται στις εκπαιδευτικές διαδικασίες στις οποίες εμπλέκεται ο εκάστοτε εκπαιδευόμενος. Με δεδομένο ότι η εξ αποστάσεως εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία αποτελεί μία από τις εκπαιδευτικές μεθόδους που υιοθετείται όλο και περισσότερο στη χώρα μας, αξίζει να διερευνηθεί το πώς τα συναισθήματα και η κοινωνική παρουσία στην εκπαίδευση από απόσταση μπορούν να απογειώσουν το άγχος των ενήλικων εκπαιδευόμενων. Ο στόχος της παρούσας ερευνητικής μελέτης είναι να καταγράψει τους παράγοντες που προκαλούν άγχος στους/στις ενήλικες εκπαιδευόμενους/ες σε περιβάλλοντα εξ αποστάσεως διδασκαλίας και μάθησης και συνακόλουθα να διερευνήσει τον ρόλο των συνεργατικών δραστηριοτήτων στη μείωση του άγχους των εκπαιδευόμενων και την επιτυχή ολοκλήρωση των σπουδών τους. Η ερευνητική μελέτη έλαβε χώρα σε φοιτητές του μεταπτυχιακού προγράμματος σπουδών “Εκπαίδευση και Τεχνολογίες σε Συστήματα εξ Αποστάσεως Διδασκαλίας και Μάθησης – Επιστήμες της Αγωγής” (ΕΤΑ) του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου (ΕΑΠ). Για τη συλλογή των ερευνητικών δεδομένων χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ημι-δομημένες συνεντεύξεις με ερωτήσεις ανοικτού τύπου. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας επιβεβαίωσαν τους παράγοντες που προκαλούν άγχος στους/στις ενήλικες εκπαιδευόμενους/ες, όπως διατυπώνονται στη διεθνή και εγχώρια βιβλιογραφία. Ταυτόχρονα, ανέδειξε τη σημασία καλλιέργειας θετικών συναισθημάτων κατά τη διαδικασία της μάθησης και τη χρησιμότητα των συνεργατικών δραστηριοτήτων στον εκπαιδευτικό σχεδιασμό, ώστε να απομειώνεται το άγχος.
A case study on preschool children’s preferences of and perspectives on their male and female early childhood educator
Authors: Rentzou Konstantina
Published: October 2024

Purpose of the study: The present case study aimed at exploring preschool children’s perspectives on if and how early childhood educators’ gender shapes the way they view their educators’ pedagogical role and the extent to which children show a preference to an educator based on his/her gender. Similarities and differences between boy’s and girls’ perceptions about their educators’ role were also explored. On the other hand, the study aimed at exploring whether children manifest different attitudes towards their educators at home. Method: Data from eight preschool-aged children were collected through children’s drawings, photographs, and conversational interviews. Five parents also completed an online questionnaire with open-ended questions. Results, Implications & conclusions: The study revealed that children assign a playful role to the male educator and an educational role to the female educator. Both children’s and parent’s data indicate that the existence of a male educator meets children’s, and especially boys’, desire or need for a male figure in the feminized ECEC sector. In addition, the study accentuates the need to listen to children’s voices for all issues affecting them, as well as to adopt a variety of methods to create diversified perspectives.
Σχεδιασμός και εφαρμογή προγράμματος σεξουαλικής αγωγής σε εφήβους/ες με διαταραχή αυτιστικού φάσματος με στόχο τη μείωση ανεπιθύμητων συμπεριφορών
Authors: Τσιμπιδάκη Ασημίνα , Γλαβά Ευαγγελία
Published: October 2024

Η εφηβεία αποτελεί μία κρίσιμη αναπτυξιακά περίοδο κατά την οποία τόσο τα άτομα με Διαταραχή Αυτιστικού Φάσματος (ΔΑΦ) όσο και οι οικογένειές τους έρχονται αντιμέτωπα με δυσκολίες που σχετίζονται με τη σεξουαλική τους ανάπτυξη και αναζήτηση. Το διάστημα αυτό αποτελεί και την αφετηρία για την εμφάνιση νέων μη κοινωνικά αποδεκτών συμπεριφορών, οι οποίες δυσχεραίνουν ακόμα περισσότερο την καθημερινότητα των ατόμων με ΔΑΦ και των οικείων τους. Συνεπώς, κρίνοντας αναγκαία τη σεξουαλική τους διαπαιδαγώγηση, η συγκεκριμένη έρευνα χρησιμοποίησε ένα πειραματικό μοντέλο σχεδίασης με στόχο τη σύνθεση, την εφαρμογή και την αξιολόγηση ενός διδακτικού προγράμματος παρέμβασης για εφήβους/ες με ΔΑΦ. Στόχος του προγράμματος παρέμβασης ήταν η ανάπτυξη σεξουαλικών γνώσεων και σεξουαλικής συμπεριφοράς σε έφηβους/ες με ΔΑΦ στον χώρο του σχολείου και στον χώρο της οικίας τους. Το δείγμα ήταν συνολικά 33 άτομα: 20 έφηβοι/ες με διάγνωση ΔΑΦ, 10 γονείς, 2 κοινωνικοί λειτουργοί και 1 εκπαιδευτικός δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Τα μέσα συλλογής δεδομένων που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ήταν δομημένη συνέντευξη, συμμετοχική παρατήρηση και ένα άτυπο κριτήριο αξιολόγησης σχεδιασμένο για τις ανάγκες του προγράμματος. Η ανάλυση των δεδομένων ήταν μικτή (ποιοτική και ποσοτική) και ανέδειξε τη θετική επίδραση του συγκεκριμένου προγράμματος παρέμβασης στους/στις συμμετέχοντες/ουσες, οι οποίοι/ες αύξησαν τις σεξουαλικές τους γνώσεις, μείωσαν την εμφάνιση ανεπιθύμητων συμπεριφορών, διέκριναν τους όρους ιδιωτικός και δημόσιος χώρος, περιόρισαν τις σεξουαλικές τους συμπεριφορές κυρίως στον ιδιωτικό τους χώρο και παράλληλα, άρχισαν να τηρούν με συνέπεια τους κανόνες υγιεινής. Ως εκ τούτου οι έφηβοι/ες με ΔΑΦ έγιναν πιο λειτουργικοί/ές στον χώρο του σχολείου και της οικίας τους, με αποτέλεσμα να βελτιωθεί η ποιότητα ζωής όλης της οικογένειας και να τονιστεί εκ νέου η αξία της εφαρμογής αποτελεσματικών προγραμμάτων σεξουαλικής εκπαίδευσης σε άτομα με ΔΑΦ.
Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση: Ελένη Λοΐζου (2021). «Το παιχνίδι στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση. Η αλληλένδετη σχέση του με τη μάθηση και την ανάπτυξη». Πεδίο
Authors: Συμεωνίδου Σιμώνη
Published: October 2024

«Τα παιδία παίζει» λέει η γνωστή μας έκφραση. Αλλά τι σημαίνει η έκφραση αυτή για τον καθένα και την καθεμιά; Για κάποιους σημαίνει ότι τα παιδιά είναι φτιαγμένα για να παίζουν. Για άλλους σημαίνει ότι μπορεί τα παιδιά να παίζουν, αλλά άλλο το παιχνίδι,  και άλλο η μάθηση. Κάποιοι άλλοι χρησιμοποιούν την έκφραση ειρωνικά, όταν οι ενήλικες παίζουν. Το βιβλίο της Ελένης Λοΐζου «Το παιχνίδι στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση. Η αλληλένδετη σχέση του με τη μάθηση και την ανάπτυξη» απαντά στα πιο πάνω ερωτήματα αλλά και σε πολλά άλλα και συνδέει τη θεωρία με την πράξη με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο.
Outcome measures for older adults in rehabilitation wards: a systematic review
Authors: Suzumura Shota , Takano Eiko , Teranishi Toshio , Ito Kei , Sakurai Hiroaki , Kanada Yoshikiyo , Kondo Izumi
Published: October 2024

Purpose Detailed reports of the assessments used in rehabilitation wards are lacking. This study aimed to examine the common evaluations used in rehabilitation wards and discuss the necessary assessments for treatment plans and patient management. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Ichushi Web for articles published between June 2013 and June 2023. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. Data extraction and blind selection were performed, and a consensus was reached among experts in case of conflicts. Results We identified 220 studies, 31 meeting the inclusion criteria post-screening. The Functional Independence Measure was the most used assessment (96.8%), followed by grip strength (32.3%) and the 10-m walk test (9.7%). Other assessments included the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set, Short Physical Performance Battery, and Timed Up and Go Test. Although fall-related incidents are frequent, significantly affecting patient outcomes in rehabilitation units, balance assessments were underutilized. Conclusions Although the FIM is an extensively used assessment in rehabilitation wards, balance assessments critical for fall prevention are significantly underused. Therefore, these assessment tools should be evaluated in future research and clinical practice.
Bone Cutter versus Oscillating Saw for Ray Amputation: A Protocol for Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial comparing Outcomes between Metatarsal Methods of Transection (MetaMet)
Authors: Power Foley Megan , Westby Daniel , Aherne Tom , Walsh Stewart
Published: October 2024

Background Ray amputation is commonly performed for irretrievable digital infections and/or ischemia, particularly in diabetic foot disease. Re-ulceration and reoperation rates after toe amputation range from 43-65%. Numerous studies have investigated patient-dependent factors of wound healing, including diabetes, malnutrition, smoking, and renal failure. However, there has been minimal research on the impact of technical surgical factors on patient outcomes. Methods This protocol describes a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled, assessor-blinded feasibility study comparing outcomes after ray amputation between two accepted methods: metatarsal transection, manual bone cutter (BC), or an oscillating microsaw (OS). The inclusion criteria were adults undergoing toe amputation via metatarsal transection capable of providing informed consent. The exclusion criteria were significant peripheral arterial disease (ABPI <0.4) and en bloc resection of three or more toes. Participants will be allocated to one of two parallel groups in a 1:1 fashion using randomization by minimization, stratifying for chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and palpable pulses. The primary objective was to gather sufficient data to accurately power a future definitive trial. Secondary outcomes included differences between the two trial arms in re-operation and readmission rates at six months, time to wound healing post-index procedure, and patient-reported postoperative pain scores. Ethical approval was granted for recruitment in January, 2023. Discussion We hypothesized that an OS reproducibly achieves a smoother and more precise cut and produces less bony debris to act as an infective nidus with minimal inter-surgeon variation. Due to a lack of guiding evidence, surgeon preference for ray amputation technique evolves from the ‘apprenticeship’ training model, personal experience, and local equipment availability. We aimed to provide robust data to guide decision-making as the incidence of diabetes increases and the number of minor amputations increases. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials. gov registration NCT05804565 on 26/03/2023
The basics of accounting
Authors: Gadzhiev Nazirhan Gadzhievich , Konovalenko Sergei Aleksandrovich , Kiseleva Olga , Skripkina Olga Viktorovna
Published: October 2024

The textbook reveals the specifics of the discipline "Fundamentals of accounting". Studying it will allow you to master the basic techniques, techniques and methods of accounting, acquire skills in working with accounting documents.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
For students of secondary vocational education institutions studying in the specialty 38.02.01 "Economics and accounting (by industry)".
Informando del "otro": estrategias del discurso periodístico en la construcción de la imagen delos inmigrantes
Authors: Casero Ripollés Andreu
Published: October 2024

La construcción de identidades sociales es una de las consecuencias de la función de mediación social que ejercen los medios de comunicación. Por ello, a partir de una metodología cualitativa basada en el análisis crítico del discurso, se exploran las estrategias desplegadas por el discurso periodístico en la configuración de la imagen de los inmigran-tes. Tomando un acontecimiento concreto como objeto de estudio, se examinan las estrategias mediáticas como la estructuración cíclica del evento, el léxico empleado para categorizar al “otro”, el contexto comunicativo en que se inserta y el choque intercultural fruto de la polarización entre “ellos” y “nosotros”
Collaborative learning and classroom engagement: A pedagogical experience in an EFL Chilean context
Authors: Vega-Abarzua Jessica , Pastene-Fuentes Javiera , Pastene-Fuentes Constanza , Ortega-Jiménez Camila , Castillo-Rodríguez Tamar
Published: October 2024

In the context of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL), there is growing attention towards collaborative learning and learners’ engagement. Despite the interest on these topics, there is little research in Chile, in the English classroom, about both collaborative learning and learners’ engagement at a school level. Therefore, this study emerged to explore and describe the impact of collaborative-based instruction on learners’ engagement during an intervention of five weeks in a private-subsidized school in the city of Chillan. The participants of the study were 62 female and 70 male students, aged 15 to 17. Based on an action research methodology, the researchers used quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data which comprised a Likert test (adapted from Alsowat, 2016) administered before and after the intervention, and unstructured observation registered in every lesson by means of field notes learnt from Efrat & Ravid (2020). Our results show that collaborative learning has a direct relationship with learners’ engagement, evidenced in our four classes where behavioral engagement was predominant. Future studies may investigate whether the use of collaborative learning tasks, over a longer period, would still maintain learners’ engagement in the EFL classroom as well as whether behavioral engagement is the most salient dimension among their students.
On the interrelationships between Iraqi EFL learners’ classroom environment, foreign language classroom anxiety and willingness to communicate: A SEM approach
Authors: Abdulkareem Obaid Alyaa , Zeraatpishe Mitra , Faravani Akram
Published: October 2024

Different factors play their roles in communication especially when the concern is a foreign language such as classroom environment, foreign language classroom anxiety and willingness to communicate. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship among EFL Iraqi learner’s classroom environment, foreign language classroom anxiety and willingness to communicate. First, from among the available 260 English university students at Babylon university, 204 EFL intermediate language learners who studied English language were selected. The selection was based on their score in Cambridge Quick Placement Test 2004(QPT). The participants, then filled three questionnaires of anxiety, classroom environment, and willingness to communicate. The three questionnaires were filled out by the participants.  To consider the extent of the interrelationships among classroom environment, willingness to communicate and speaking anxiety, a model of associations among them was proposed. To analyze the obtained data, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used and the model was probed using AMOS. Results of SEM indicated a complete fit and significant interrelationship among the variables were found. The findings have several implications for EFL teachers and learners.
‘The hands are their world’
Authors: Tapping Rachel
Published: October 2024

In the second article in this series all about the pediatrician and infant educator, Dr Emmi Pikler, Rachel Tapping, Piklerian Early Childhood Adviser and Chair of Pikler UK, outlines some of Pikler's key theories comprising her pioneering approach.
Men in settings
Authors: Brownhill Simon
Published: October 2024

Dr Simon Brownhill from the University of Bristol talks about his research into men volunteering in the early years sector
Student Q&A: Influencing lives
Authors: Taylor Lily
Published: October 2024

This month we caught up with Lily Taylor who started a BA (Hons) in Early Years Development and Learning with the Norland diploma in September 2021. She has now entered her fourth year, comprising a paid placement as a newly qualified nanny
Inclusive practice
Authors: Willis Richard
Published: October 2024

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book which provides a toolkit for practitioners to incorporate neurodiversity-affirming education and inclusive teaching into settings
Assessing the Value of a Fellowship Program and Community of Practice at the Intersection of Data Science and Library and Information Science
Authors: Goldman Crystal , Mitchell Erik T.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The intersection of Data Science (DS) and Library and Information Science (LIS) is rapidly developing, with a notable need for ongoing transdisciplinary training between practitioners in these two fields. The LIS Education and Data Science Integrated Network Group (LEADING) fellowship program and its ancillary community of practice (CoP) showcase a unique response to this continuing learning need. In order to assess the impact of the fellowship and CoP, this study utilized a sequential mixed methods design, which adapted the value creation framework (VCF) to examine participants' engagement with, and their perceived value of, their LEADING experience. Using the five indicators of the VCF (immediate, potential, applied, realized, transformative) and DEI-centered values, the study results show clear evidence of themes that are reported in the literature as highly influential in CoP value perception (connectedness, emotional engagement, and community values).
"Korean America was Born in 1992": Protest, Publicity, and Performative Invitation in the LA Riots / Uprising
Authors: Liou Stacey
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The constellation of public gatherings known as the 1992 Los Angeles Riots / Uprising included a massive multigenerational, multiracial rally in the city's Koreatown. Over 30,000 people marched through Koreatown in what some have called the largest Asian American protest in US history. This article reads the rally through a performative lens as an instance of Asian American political thought in practice. It argues that the rally unified its diverse participants as a singular, if tenuously held, force—Korean America—and enacted anew a visibility and civic membership that did not precede the gathering. In so doing, it founded a counterpublic for participants to see themselves in their collective power. That this rally is virtually ignored in hegemonic historical narratives about the 1992 events, however, indicates that such enactments are made in a social world where audiences may or may not engage our performative acts. The language of performative invitation provides a better frame for theorizing the rally's enactive force, given the plurality of the shared world, public contestation, and the possibilities of audience refusal.
Greedy receiver for photon-efficient optical communication
Authors: Łukanowski Karol
Published: October 2024

In optical communication, the transmitter encodes information into a set of light states defined by the modulation format, selected to accommodate specific channel conditions and to remain sufficiently distinguishable at the output. Various receiver architectures have been designed to improve the demodulation performance, ultimately limited by quantum theory. In this work, I introduce a new receiver based on a locally optimal greedy algorithm and apply it to pulse position modulation. The receiver reduces the error probabilities of previously proposed strategies in all signal strength regimes and achieves results comparable with those obtained by numerical optimization of the detection process. In contrast, however, it is conceptually simple and, therefore, can be scaled to arbitrarily high modulation orders for which numerical methods become intractable. In the photon-starved regime characteristic of deep space optical communication, the greedy receiver approaches the quantum-optimal Helstrom bound on state discrimination error probability. In the regime of few-photon pulses, the error reduction offered over the other methods grows up to an order of magnitude.
Endless optical domain polarization demultiplexing in 2000 km simplified coherent transceiver for long-distance transmission
Authors: Shan Linan , Zhang Xiaoguang , Sun Peng , Zhao Wanxin , Yao Guanghao , Xi Lixia , Xiao Xiaosheng , Cui Nan
Published: October 2024

We demonstrate an endless optical domain polarization demultiplexing scheme that was realized in a 96 Gbaud-PS-16QAM coherent transmission system to alleviate the data processing pressure of the DSP in the receiver. It can be effectively employed in the 140 km fiber link (Metro DCI) and extended to the 2000 km optical fiber networks (Long haul DCI or backbone networks transmission). It can track 10 krad/s state of polarization (SOP) changes following Rayleigh distribution which is the general statistical case for real fibers. The proposed method has a noise tolerance equivalent to that induced by a 2000 km transmission, with OSNR as low as 20 dB, with a maximum PMD of 4 ps and a mean DGD of 2.5 ps.