Alternative Modes Of Delivery Research Articles

Topical Absorption of Glutathione-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticle Complex in Healthy Human Subjects Improves Immune Response against Mycobacterium avium Infection.

Glutathione (GSH) is an important intracellular antioxidant responsible for neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our laboratory previously demonstrated that the oral administration of liposomal GSH improves immune function against mycobacterium infections in healthy patients along with patients with HIV and Type 2 diabetes. We aim to determine if the topical application of a glutathione-cyclodextrin nanoparticle complex (GSH-CD) confers a therapeutic effect against mycobacterium infections. In our study, healthy participants received either topical GSH-CD (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) treatment. Subjects were sprayed four times twice a day for three days topically on the abdomen. Blood draws were collected prior to application, and at 1, 4, and 72 h post-initial topical application. GSH, malondialdehyde (MDA), and cytokine levels were assessed in the processed blood samples of study participants. Additionally, whole blood cultures from study participants were challenged with Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) infection in vitro to assess mycobacterium survival post-treatment. Topical GSH-CD treatment was observed to elevate GSH levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and red blood cells and decrease MDA levels in PBMCs 72 h post-treatment. An increase in plasma IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, and TNF-α was observed at 72 h post-topical GSH-CD treatment. Enhanced mycobacterium clearance was observed at 4 h and 72 h post-topical GSH-CD treatment. Overall, topical GSH-CD treatment was associated with improved immune function against M. avium infection. The findings of this pilot study suggest GSH-cyclodextrin complex formulation can be used topically as a safe alternative mode of GSH delivery in the peripheral blood.

0404 Heart Failure Nurses’ Perceptions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and the Feasibility of Providing it to Patients

Abstract Introduction People with heart failure (HF) often report insomnia. Despite strong evidence to support treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), few with HF have access to CBT-I programs. Access may be improved if it is offered where HF patients receive their medical care, but little is known about the feasibility of doing so. The purpose of this focus group study was to explore HF Nurses’ perceptions of: the importance of insomnia and the value of CBT-I to their patients; the feasibility of making CBT-I available in clinic settings and its delivery by HF nurses; and preferences for alternative modes of delivery. Methods We used a descriptive qualitative study design. We recruited focus group participants via electronic invitation to members of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses and through requests to local nurse collaborators to distribute within their networks. We conducted virtual focus groups. After providing a brief description of the components of CBT-I and its efficacy in the HF population, we elicited participant perceptions of the value of providing CBT-I for HF patients in the clinic setting, facilitators and barriers to implementation, and ways to increase access to CBT-I. We audio-recorded the focus group discussions and used a professional transcription service. Two researchers coded the data and performed thematic content analysis. Results We conducted four focus groups with registered nurses and advanced practice nurses employed in HF clinics (N=23). Nurses endorsed the importance of sleep to HF patients, their interest in addressing sleep, perceived benefits of CBT-I, and the need for increased resources to address sleep in the clinic setting. They favored multiple modes of CBT-I delivery extending beyond the clinic. All nurses believed they had a role to play in addressing sleep, but differed in their views about the possibility of becoming CBT-I interventionists and the training and support needed to do so. Conclusion HF nurses recognize the importance of insomnia and support the implementation of CBT-I. Implementation studies are needed to identify effective methods of increasing access to evidence based CBT-I in the HF clinic setting, including appropriate support and training for nurses with interest in CBT-I delivery. Support (if any) R01NR01691

Personalized, Naturalistic Virtual Reality Scenarios Coupled With Web-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training for the General Population: Protocol for a Proof-of-Principle Randomized Controlled Trial

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative tool that can facilitate exposure to either stressful or relaxing stimuli and enables individuals who have difficulties visualizing scenes to be involved in a more realistic sensorimotor experience. It also facilitates multisensory stimulation, a sense of presence, and achievement of relaxation. VR scenarios representing visual and auditory elements of natural relaxing environments can facilitate the learning of relaxation techniques such as the progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT). A complementary standardized technique deployed to reduce anxiety symptoms is the integration of PMRT and guided imagery (GI). Exposure to a pleasant imaginary environment helps the establishment of an association between a relaxing scenario and the relaxation technique, consequently promoting relaxation. Empirical evidence has shown that VR scenarios can increase the effects of relaxation techniques by enabling people to experience emotional conditions in more vivid settings. The main aim of this pilot study protocol is to investigate the impact on state anxiety of PMRT, associated with a personalized relaxing scenario in VR, and the role of VR scenarios in facilitating the recall of relaxing images and a sense of presence. A secondary aim is to understand if relaxing sessions administered via Zoom are more effective for managing anxiety and stress than a procedural setting based on audio-track guidance. Based on a longitudinal, between-subject design, 108 university students will be randomly exposed to one of three experimental conditions: (1) PMRT via Zoom and GI exposure, (2) PMRT via Zoom and personalized VR exposure, and (3) PMRT based on audio-track guidance and personalized VR exposure. Individuals are assessed before and after 7 training sessions based on self-report questionnaires investigating anxiety, depression, quality of life, coping strategies, sense of presence, engagement, and side effects related to VR exposure. Heart rate data are also detected by an Mi Band 2 sensor. The experimental procedure is ongoing. In this paper, preliminary data from a sample of 40 participants will be illustrated. The experimental phase is expected to conclude in May 2023, and the final results of the research will be presented in June 2023. The results of this study will help shape the experimental design to apply it on a subsequent randomized controlled trial, also considering clinical samples. This work is expected to measure whether VR is a more engaging and helpful technique in promoting relaxation and decreasing anxiety levels than GI, by making the visualization process easier and by helping people to face more realistic sensory experiences. Assessing the efficacy of the PMRT in alternative delivery modes may extend its applications, especially in situations where the standard procedure is more challenging to be administered. To our knowledge, no equivalent study has been published so far on this matter. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05478941; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05478941. DERR1-10.2196/44183.

Predictors of Students’ Academic Performance in Science 7 Using Alternative Delivery Mode

The COVID-19 pandemic brought an abrupt change in the world, including the educational system. To prevent academic freeze, and for the public safety, distance learning is adopted, and in Philippines, modular learning is adopted in general. Science is a subject that is considered difficult, and it challenged the teachers in making the students grasp the concepts well, most especially to the Grade 7 students who transition to secondary school. A descriptive correlational research design was used to determine the predictors of students’ academic performance in Science 7 using Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM)-modules at a secondary school in Central Philippines. These predictors which some are found in the Learner Enrollment and Survey Form (LESF) are age, sex, learning styles, academic achievement in English, utilization of gadget, parents’ educational attainment, and family income. Fifty-two (52) Grade 7 students were taken as respondents through stratified sampling technique. A 40-item multiple-choice validated researcher-made questionnaire that covers the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) from the first to second quarters was administered to the respondents. The results of the test in Science 7 are interpreted as Low/Below Standard. From the seven variables tested for the study, it is only the learning style that weakly predicts students’ academic performance in Science 7 using Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) modules. It is recommended that teachers should provide set of activities catering different learning styles of the students that the modules/learning activity sheets will be enhanced to improve the students’ performance.

TVM, NPV, and IRR, Oh My! Creating an Inclusive Environment for Teaching the Potentially Intimidating Financial Concepts for Making a Real Estate Investment

This is a pedagogical paper that highlights various techniques that can be used to teach basic real estate finance to a mixed-ability audience, including non-finance majors. We explore some creative ways to engage all levels of students and help them to master the fundamental financial techniques used to understand real estate valuation and investment. In addition, we try to provide instructors with varying levels of financial and real estate experience some alternative modes of delivery for successful teaching outcomes, specifically junior finance professors, instructors or clinical professors who have been hired from the industry, and adjunct professors. We will focus on alternative ways to make the financial analysis portion of an introductory real estate class more relevant and less intimidating to the average student, while endeavoring to retain the interest of finance veterans familiar with these concepts. By using local market information and experiential learning techniques we will demonstrate ways to get students more engaged and excited about these important techniques for analyzing real estate investments, while working to increase confidence in faculty and student alike. Finally, we will examine the choice of tools associated with teaching finance, such as time value of money tables, formulas, financial calculators, and Excel, along with ideas to potentially enhance their effectiveness.

Cost-effectiveness of home-based cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review

ObjectiveCentre-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recognised as cost-effective for individuals following a cardiac event. However, home-based alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, especially since COVID-19, which necessitated alternative modes of care...

SILVER-COATED CUSTOM COMPONENTS FOR ACETABULAR AND HEMIPELVIS RECONSTRUCTION MITIGATE INFECTION RISK WITHOUT COMPROMISING BONE ONGROWTH

Complex acetabular reconstruction for oncology and bone loss are challenging for surgeons due to their often hostile biological and mechanical environments. Titrating concentrations of silver ions on implants and alternative modes of delivery allow surgeons to exploit anti-infective properties without compromising bone on growth and thus providing a long-term stable fixation. We present a case series of 12 custom acetabular tri-flange and custom hemipelvis reconstructions (Ossis, Christchurch, New Zealand), with an ultrathin plasma coating of silver particles embedded between layers of siloxane (BioGate HyProtect™, Nuremberg, Germany).At the time of reporting no implant has been revised and no patient has required a hospital admission or debridement for a deep surgical site infection. Routine follow up x-rays were reviewed and found 2 cases with loosening, both at their respective anterior fixation. Radiographs of both cases show remodelling at the ilium indicative of stable fixation posteriorly. Both patients remain asymptomatic. 3 patients were readmitted for dislocations, 1 of whom had 5 dislocations within 3 weeks post-operatively and was immobilised in an abduction brace to address a lack of muscle tone and has not had a revision of their components.Utilising navigation with meticulous implant design and construction; augmented with an ultrathin plasma coating of silver particles embedded between layers of siloxane with controlled and long-term generation of silver ion diffusion has led to outstanding outcomes in this series of 12 custom acetabular and hemipelvis reconstructions. No patients were revised for infection and no patients show signs of failure of bone on growth and incorporation. Hip instability remains a problem in these challenging mechanical environments and we continue to reassess our approach to this multifaceted problem.

Understanding poverty through virtual simulation: implications for student clinical practice

Abstract Background Competency-based education among baccalaureate nursing students is emerging based on American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials. With the impact of COVID-19 on nursing education and AACN recommendations, changes were required to provide alternative modes of delivery and means of assessment. Purpose Virtual poverty simulation data is limited. The use of virtual poverty simulation will ensure students’ mastery of core competencies while offering versatility in an online environment. Methods Students virtually completed online pre-work, SPENT, a virtual poverty simulation, online debriefing, post-simulation assessment using the Simulation Effectiveness Tool, and post-simulation journaling. Results 94 % of students demonstrated improved clinical decision making, increased confidence in prioritizing care, communication and reporting, and fostering patient safety. Four themes were identified from journals. Conclusions The use of virtual poverty simulation with baccalaureate nursing students was identified as useful pedagogy for increasing student understanding of health implications related to poverty in a virtual learning environment.

Emergency remote learning - the experiences of higher education Physical Education students

The impact of Covid-19 caused significant disruptions to student learning, where online delivery and assessment represent a critical consideration for physical education teacher education (PETE). The Covid-19 pandemic posed a problem with sectoral disruption in higher education, sport, and physical activity. Students specialising in Physical Education (PE) had to experience a temporary shift of instructional delivery in the practical modules to an alternative delivery mode. The improvisation and rapid conversion of delivering learning activities were purely experimental to facilitate student learning. There is a general apprehension about online learning for students in PETE, most notably, the absence of face-to-face education through movement that is difficult to replicate digitally. Emergency remote learning engendered questions and challenges regarding pedagogical approaches. Lecturers explored the effectiveness of emergency remote learning through student experiences. Descriptive research was conducted, following a mixed-method approach to understand students’ experiences, perceptions, and challenges. 140 students specialising in PE completed an online questionnaire. The quantitative data were analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences programme, and the qualitative data was thematically analysed. The majority of the students feel they have successfully reached the outcome of each module respectively. The availability of online class recordings assisted students in their self-paced approach to learning. Collaborative learning was preferred only if the lecturer was involved, as it seemed a significant challenge when student-driven. A PE programme needs a face-to-face approach and can benefit from a blended teaching approach. Educators transitioning suddenly to remote operation can consider adopting a similar pedagogical approach.

A Review of Novel and Emerging Non-Radiofrequency Ablation Modalities for Ventricular Arrhythmias: Towards an Individualized Substrate-guided Choice of Ablation Technology

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is the first-line modality for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. Yet, recurrence rates of scar-related VTs are substantial, particularly in the complex and heterogenous nonischaemic cardiomyopathies. To address the still unmet need of delivering durable lesions to all functionally critical areas, including in conventionally inaccessible (e.g. deep mid-myocardial) or prohibitive areas (e.g. proximity to coronaries), a number of alternative interventional approaches have been proposed. Multiple reviews have summarized advanced RF strategies of how to target challenging VT substrates, but the spectrum for ablation modalities to treat ventricular arrhythmias is also rapidly growing beyond the well-established RF technology. Alternative energy sources and delivery modes to treat ventricular arrhythmias include ultra-low temperature cryoablation, pulsed field ablation, laser ablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation and shock wave ablation. Stereotactic body radiation, chemical ablation with ethanol and autonomous nervous system modulation are further promising technologies to reduce arrhythmia burden. The wide variety of emerging approaches and techniques offers new opportunities to select tailored VT ablation strategies based on the individual substrate and VT characteristics. This review aims to present rational and evidence of emerging and cutting-edge non-RF VT ablation technologies to provide the reader with a compact update of this rapidly evolving field of cardiac electrophysiology. This will be complemented by a discussion about the specific VT substrates for which the individual technologies may prove to be most useful.

Learning Conditions vis-à-vis Alternative Delivery Mode in the Philippine Department of Education during the Pandemic for Instruction Augmentation

The Philippine educational system has been facing new normal impediments in the delivery of instruction. Addressing to such trials, the Department of Education (Dept. Ed) takes step on Alternative Learning Modality that provides different learning platforms and formulated the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) to ensure continuous learning while guaranteeing the health safety and well-being of all educational stakeholders. The purpose of this research was to determine the learning conditions of grade eleven students in response to modular instruction as mode preference towards Oral Communication and General Mathematics performance. It also determined the significant relationship between the respondents’ perceived quality of modular instruction and students’ performance in two identified subjects with corresponding competencies. The challenges and concerns encountered by the respondents’ group were traced. The study conducted using the positive correlational designs. There were 210 respondents were selected through stratified random sampling, and quota sampling. An online survey through Google Form structural link was used to conduct data gathering procedure for information collection. It was sent to students through messengers or e-mails ensuring the high level of accuracy and consistency of information. The gathered data were treated statistically using chi-square of relationship and weighted mean as sub-statistical tool. Based on the findings, the respondents’ perceived quality of modular instruction and their academic performance were not significantly related. Moreover, the learning conditions of most of the students apparently was in good condition though they encountered high intense of challenges. In light with the result of the study, it can be concluded that the quality of modular delivery of instruction as perceived by the students is not significantly affecting their academic performance. However, as perceived that the internal and external factors were in good conditions that occur almost all the time, positively contributed to attain average to above average academic performance in both subjects. Furthermore, the learning conditions significantly affecting the academic performance of the students wherein an increase of occurrence brings some change to the learning outcomes. So, it is recommended to have instruction augmentation addressing the barriers encountered by teachers and students for effective delivery outcomes.

The e-Leadership Challenge in Online Chemistry Learning in the Caribbean

This study unearthed the prevailing attitudes and perceptions of Caribbean Higher Education Leaders towards online chemistry learning prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and puts forward a case for more formal training in e-leadership for Caribbean Higher Education Chemistry leaders. This is based on the findings of a mixed method study which showed <em>inter alia</em> that there are some differences in the attitudes and perceptions between Caribbean Higher Education Administrators and faculty with regard to online and face to face chemistry lectures. The study was conducted among four Caribbean Departments of Chemistry and utilized a modified Science Teachers and Online Instructional Concerns (STOIC) survey. The findings point to the need for a more calculated approach to the professional development of Caribbean Higher Education Leaders as well as the surmounting of several barriers which hinder the implementation of alternative modes of delivery for the teaching and learning of chemistry in the Caribbean.

Associations of dietetic care and pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant, global public health problem. Subsequent strain on healthcare systems is widespread and multidisciplinary care may be inadequate. We assessed current nutrition management of GDM in a large, metropolitan maternity hospital in Melbourne, Australia and associations between the model of dietetic care and maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Methods Hospital medical record data from The Women’s Hospital, Melbourne for women with GDM (n = 1,185) (July 2105-May 2017) was retrospectively analysed. Adjusted linear and logistic regression were used to assess associations between the number of dietitian consultations and maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Results Half of all women received two consultations with a dietitian. Nineteen percent of women received three or more consultations and of these women, almost twice as many were managed by medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and pharmacotherapy (66%) compared with MNT alone (34%). Odds of maternal complications increased with number of consultations (p = 0.008). Lower odds of infant admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were observed among women receiving one (OR = 0.38 [95% CI: 0.18, 0.78], p = 0.008), two (OR = 0.37 [95% CI: 15 0.19, 0.71], p = 0.003), or three+ dietitian consultations (OR = 0.43 [95% CI: 0.21, 0.88], p = 0.020), compared to no consultations. Conclusions The optimal schedule of dietitian consultations for women with GDM in Australia is unclear. Alternative delivery of nutrition education for women with GDM such as telehealth and utilisation of technology may assist in relieving public health and healthcare system pressures and ensure optimal pregnancy outcomes. Key messages • Delivering medical nutrition therapy through individual consultations does not deliver a linear benefit to women with GDM and their offspring. • Alternative delivery modes are needed to optimise outcomes for healthcare services and their patients.

Acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) delivered via eLearning, videoconferencing, and in-person hybrid modalities in Hong Kong.

BackgroundLocal children with developmental disabilities were deprived of learning opportunities due to recent social and health incidents, resulting in elevating challenging behaviors and familial conflicts. This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) in alternative delivery modes under new normal and post COVID-19 period.MethodCST was delivered via eLearning (EL), videoconferencing (VC), and in-person hybrid (IP) modes to 34 parent-child dyads, being randomly assigned to modes of asynchronous non-interfering EL (n = 9), synchronous with online coaching VC (n = 7), synchronous with in-person coaching IP (n = 9) and Wait-list Control WLC (n = 9). Data from two standardized scales of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Post-session and Home Visit Feedback Form by Caregivers that included both structured and open-ended questions were collected before and after intervention. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in studying the collected data.ResultsHigh levels of acceptability and feasibility of the training programme were supported by ratings on comprehensiveness and relevance, agreement with their personal values, duration, and usefulness. IP and VC groups yielded more positive changes than EL and WLC groups with 3, 16, 13, and −3% in General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), −13, −15, −6 and 0% in Difficulties-total, and 36.5, 35.5, 5.8 and 2.4% in Prosocial Scale at Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for EL, VC, IP, and WLC groups respectively from baseline to 12 weeks after intervention. Results from two standardized scales echoed with qualitative observations that the programme helped improve caregivers' well-being, child's communication, and behaviors across intervention groups.ConclusionsCurrent findings revealed that CST delivered in three alternative modes were acceptable and feasible, and yielded positive impacts toward both caregivers and children. In-person coaching, and skill-practicing sessions were effective in mitigating child's challenging behaviors while personal interaction, either face-to-face or virtual, is a significant factor in uplifting caregivers' well-being, whereas the self-learning model was appreciated by the busy caregivers. In clinical practice, needs and goals of families and the constraints of remote interventions at the settings should be balanced.

Designing a multi-modal and variable-echelon delivery system for last-mile logistics

This paper proposes a last-mile logistics delivery system which makes use of multiple localised storage depots and multi-modal delivery options. Multiple localised storage depots facilitate express and instant delivery services. Multi-modal delivery allows for use of alternative green vehicle types for performing deliveries where there may also be vehicle access restrictions. Additionally, when demand density is sufficiently high and parcel sizes small, utilising alternative delivery modes, such as electric cargo bike and porters, can be cost effective in their own right. The proposed model allows for vehicles to rendezvous at kerbside locations (mobile satellites) where parcels can be transferred between vehicles, a feature that is shown to reduce depot stem costs. For the purpose of generality and the potential for higher quality solutions, no fixed echelon or hierarchical structure is placed on the sequence of vehicles transporting any parcel, that is, the problem is one of variable-echelon. The last-mile delivery system described in the paper gives rise to a multi-modal delivery problem using a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles and with synchronisation constraints. The paper presents a mathematical formulation of the problem and a heuristic algorithm. Computational results are presented that validate the mathematical model and the heuristic on a set of benchmark instances, some of which are based on the literature. The paper also describes a new set of benchmark instances derived from real sales data in London, whose results demonstrate potential benefits from using the proposed delivery concept.

BRCA testing on buccal swab to improve access to healthcare and cancer prevention: a performance evaluation

ObjectiveBRCA1/2 (BRCA) genetic testing allows patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer to receive appropriate medical management with molecular target therapy and prevention strategies. Most of the BRCA sequencing methods use...

Alignment of Alternative Delivery Modes of Learning for Graduate School Students: Based on Learner Internet Connectivity and Access to Devices

This preliminary study aimed to characterize the profile of the graduate school students of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology based on access to educational devices and internet connectivity. These were used as a basis for determining the appropriate alternative mode of delivery of education for graduate school students. Descriptive design was utilized with frequency and percentage as descriptive tools. The participants were 847 students from the different programs of the Graduate School and a survey instrument was administered through social media and google form platforms. Results showed that majority of the graduate students have access to educational devices, however, they only had weak internet access. Based on these characteristics, Blended Teaching and Learning, specifically Face-to-Face (F2F) and Remote Teaching and Learning (RTL) through a combination of offline and online instructional materials and asynchronous and synchronous learning activities can be prescribed. However, when broken down per program, it was found that majority of the students under the Doctor of Education-Major in Industrial-Technological Education, Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration programs have full internet access and access to educational devices, which would suggest that Blended Learning and Teaching using F2F + RTL (Online Synchronous Activities) model will be appropriate. Additionally, students enrolled under the remaining programs of Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education, Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education, Master of Science in Information Technology, Master of Arts in English-Major in Applied Linguistics, Master of Arts in Teaching-Major in Vocational-Technological Education, Master of Arts in Teaching-Major in Physics, Master of Arts in Teaching-Major in Science, Master of Arts in Teaching-Major in Mathematics, Master of Engineering Management, Master of Education Management, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Business Administration programs, the majority have a weak internet connection but have access to educational devices which means that Face-to-Face (F2F) and Remote Teaching and Learning (RTL) may be recommended for use.

Trehalose-releasing nanogels: A step toward a trehalose delivery vehicle for autophagy stimulation.

Trehalose has been widely studied as a treatment for a variety of human disorders due to its ability to stimulate autophagy. Trehalose, however, is poorly adsorbed and is hydrolyzed in the intestinal mucosa, and oral delivery requires relatively high doses to induce autophagy. The parenteral injection of trehalose-releasing nanogels proposed in this study offers an alternative mode of delivery. This study aimed to develop stable colloidal dispersions of trehalose-rich nanogels that could sustainably release trehalose under physiologically relevant conditions. The nanogel design was based on the covalent incorporation of 6-O-acryloyl-trehalose within a polymer network. A series of nine trehalose-rich nanogels with highly conjugated trehalose (up to 59% w/w) were synthesized and shown to sustainably release trehalose at a rate that is not dose dependent. The nanogels were optimized to keep colloidal stability in serum-enriched cell culture media. The stable nanogels were not cytotoxic to primary HUVECs. Two selected nanogels with opposite surface charges were subjected to extended in vitro characterization that included a cellular uptake study and a hemocompatibility assay. Both nanogels were efficiently taken up by HUVECs during a short incubation. They also proved not to be hemolytic to human RBCs in concentrations up to 2.0mg/mL. Finally, an in vivo autophagy stimulation study employing transgenic zebrafish and Drosophila larvae demonstrated that prolonged exposure to a cationic trehalose-releasing nanogel can induce autophagic activity in in vivo systems without any detectable toxicity.

Perceived Teacher Affective Support and Cognitive and Psychological Engagement among STEM Students in Distance Learning

Teacher affective support and student engagement are both fundamental to making the educative process meaningful in distance learning environments. This study assessed the levels of perceived teacher affective support and cognitive and psychological engagements among Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students enrolled in online, modular, and blended distance learning modalities. The study also examined the relationship between the respondents’ perceived teacher affective support and cognitive and psychological engagement. Descriptive research design and correlational method were used in the study. A total of 401 STEM students from a public senior high school in the Santa Cruz district, Province of Laguna participated in the study. Two self-report instruments were used and administered in the study. Results showed that respondents’ perceived teacher affective support was to a very great extent. Cognitive engagement among the respondents was similar to a very great extent, while data showed that participants’ psychological engagement was at a great extent. Pearson’s test of correlation revealed that the respondents’ perceived teacher affective support is significantly correlated to cognitive engagement. Likewise, the study also demonstrated a significant relationship between perceived teacher affective support and psychological engagement. The data indicate that teacher affective behaviors correlate with student engagement in distance learning experiences. The findings of the study may provide a framework for educators and administrators in flexible learning modalities and alternative delivery modes.

The transformation of a student-led health clinic in rural Australia from a face-to-face service to a telehealth model: Evaluation of student and client experiences during a COVID 19 driven transition

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the rapid transition of many face-to-face health services to alternate modes of service delivery. The objective of this study was to explore the benefits, challenges and perceived quality of a telehealth service delivery model from the perspective of clients and students. Further, students’ perceptions relating to the quality of the educational experience were also explored. Methods: The study was set in a student-led interprofessional health and wellness clinic in rural Queensland, Australia. A qualitative case study design was used, including semi-structured student interviews and client open-response survey data. Participants were nursing and allied health students who completed a student-led interprofessional clinic placement and adults with low to rising risk of chronic disease who attended the clinic for telehealth delivered services. Results: Themes identified following analysis included: new or adapted skills needed for success; challenges, limitations and the need for resources, training and support; quality interprofessional education experiences can be achieved in telehealth; coming away with a new set of skills; the important role of the client for success; and benefits and disadvantages of telehealth for clients. Conclusions: The findings support that telehealth-based service-learning models are a feasible way to deliver health and wellness services from the perspective of students and clients and provide students with important skills for rural health service delivery.