Efficacy Of Treatment Research Articles

A Systematic Review of Herbal Interventions for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant global health burden, necessitating diverse approaches for effective management. Herbal interventions have gained attention as potential adjuncts or alternatives to conventional therapies due to their perceived safety and therapeutic potential. This structured abstract provides a comprehensive review of herbal interventions for the management of CVDs, summarising key findings, mechanisms of action, and clinical implications. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of various herbal interventions employed for managing cardiovascular diseases. We conducted an extensive literature search across electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to 2022. Studies were included if they investigated the use of herbal remedies for preventing or treating CVDs. Data extraction and synthesis focused on botanical sources, active compounds, mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes. Numerous herbal interventions have demonstrated promising cardiovascular benefits. A number of medicinal herbs well identified to treat CVD are Moringaoleifera, Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Celosia argentea, Gongronematrifolium, Gynostemmapentaphyllum, Bombaxceiba, Gentianalutea, Allium sativum, Crataegusspp, Curcuma longa, Camellia sinensis, and Zingiberofficinale. Mechanistic insights reveal that herbal interventions often target multiple pathways involved in CVD pathogenesis. These mechanisms encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, and lipid-lowering effects. Additionally, some herbs enhance endothelial function, promote nitric oxide production, and exert vasodilatory effects, contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Clinical studies have provided evidence of the efficacy of certain herbal interventions in reducing CVD risk factors and improving patient outcomes. However, more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish their long-term safety and effectiveness. It is crucial to consider potential herb-drug interactions and standardise dosages for reliable therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive review highlights the potential of herbal interventions as valuable adjuncts or alternatives for managing cardiovascular diseases. Herbal remedies offer diverse mechanisms of action, targeting key CVD risk factors and pathways. While promising, their clinical utility warrants further investigation through well-designed trials to establish their safety and efficacy, paving the way for integrated approaches to cardiovascular disease management. Healthcare providers and patients should engage in informed discussions about the use of herbal interventions alongside conventional therapies in the context of CVD prevention and treatment.

Which intervention is optimal to control blood glucose and improve physical performance in the elderly living with type 2 diabetes mellitus? A network meta-analysis.

This study aimed to find the optimal intervention available to both control blood glucose and improve physical function in the geriatric population with T2DM. A systemic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to assess and rank the comparative efficacy of different interventions on glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbAc1), fasting blood glucose (FBG), muscle mass, grip strength, gait speed, lower body muscle strength, and dynamic balance. A total of eight databases were searched for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that the elderly aged more than 60 years or with mean age ≥ 55 years, the minimal duration of the RCT intervention was 6 weeks, and those lacking data about glycemic level and at least one indicator of physical performance were excluded. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the bias of each study included. Bayesian NMA was performed as the main results, the Bayesian meta regression and the frequentist NMA as sensitivity analysis. Of the 2266 literature retrieved, 27 RCTs with a total of 2289 older adults were included. Health management provided by health workers exerts beneficial effects that is superior to other interventions at achieving glycemic control, but less marked improvement in physical performance. Exercise combined with cognitive training showed more pronounced improvement in muscle strength, gait speed, and dynamic balance, but ranked behind in decreasing the HbAc1 and FBG. Personalized health management combined with physical and cognitive training might be the optimal intervention to both accomplish glycemic control and improvement of physical performance. Further RCTs are needed to validate and assess the confidence of our results from this NMA.

Efficacy and safety of commonly used thromboprophylaxis agents following hip and knee arthroplasty.

We investigated the efficacy and safety profile of commonly used venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis agents following hip and knee arthroplasty. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and OrthoSearch was performed. Prophylaxis agents investigated were aspirin (< 325 mg and ≥ 325 mg daily), enoxaparin, dalteparin, fondaparinux, unfractionated heparin, warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran. The primary efficacy outcome of interest was the risk of VTE, whereas the primary safety outcomes of interest were the risk of major bleeding events (MBE) and wound complications (WC). VTE was defined as the confirmed diagnosis of any deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. Network meta-analysis combining direct and indirect evidence was performed. Cluster rank analysis using the surface under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) was applied to compare each intervention group, weighing safety and efficacy outcomes. Of 86 studies eligible studies, cluster rank analysis showed that aspirin < 325 mg daily (SUCRA-VTE 89.3%; SUCRA-MBE 75.3%; SUCRA-WC 71.1%), enoxaparin (SUCRA-VTE 55.7%; SUCRA-MBE 49.8%; SUCRA-WC 45.2%), and dabigatran (SUCRA-VTE 44.9%; SUCRA-MBE 52.0%; SUCRA-WC 41.9%) have an overall satisfactory efficacy and safety profile. We recommend the use of either aspirin < 325 mg daily, enoxaparin, or dabigatran for VTE prophylaxis following hip and knee arthroplasty.

Investigating the Effect of EX-527 as SIRT1 Inhibitor in Breast Cancer Cell Line

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant and metastatic tumors worldwide that cause death in women. Therefore, preventing the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells is essential for enhancing the prognosis and efficacy of treatment for breast cancer. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase that has been linked to a number of biological processes, including genomic stability, cell cycle, cell survival and cancer metastasis. EX-527 is a selective and potent SIRT1 inhibitor. Recent studies have revealed that SIRT1 has an oncogenic role in breast cancer. Objective: To evaluate the effect of EX-527 on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Methods: MCF-7 was cultured in complete DMEM and treated with and without EX-527. Cell viability of the breast cancer cell line was evaluated by MTT assay and apoptosis by Annexin V/PI staining. Migration and invasion of breast cancer cells were determined by wound healing and transwell invasion assays, respectively. Results: Results revealed that EX-527 at a concentration of 25.30 µM was associated with a significant anti-proliferative effect and induction of apoptosis (98.3%) in breast cancer cells. Treatment with EX-527 was also associated with significant suppression of migration and invasion of MCF-7. Conclusions: The current investigation showed that inhibition of SIRT1 by EX-527 inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells.

Towards the definition of an antibiotic resistome signature in wastewater and downstream environments

Domestic wastewater is a significant reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes, which pose environmental and public health risks. We aimed to define an antibiotic resistome signature, represented by core genes, i.e., shared by ≥90% of the metagenomes of each of three conceptual environmental compartments – wastewater (influent, sludge, effluent), freshwater, and agricultural soil. The definition of resistome signatures would support the proposal of a framework for monitoring treatment efficacy and assessing the impact of treated wastewater discharge into the environment, such as freshwater and agricultural soil.Metagenomic data from 163 samples originating from wastewater (n=81), freshwater (n=58), and agricultural soils (n=24) across different regions (29 countries, 5 continents), were analysed regarding antibiotic resistance diversity, based on annotation against a database that merged CARD and ResFinder databases. The relative abundance of the total antibiotic resistance genes (corresponding to the ratio between the antibiotic resistance genes and total reads number) was not statistically different between raw and treated wastewater, being significantly higher than in freshwater or agricultural soils. The latter had the significantly lowest relative abundance of antibiotic resistance genes. Genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, and tetracyclines were among the most abundant in wastewater environments, while multidrug resistance was equally distributed across all environments. The wastewater resistome signature included 27 antibiotic resistance genes that were detected in at least 90% of the wastewater resistomes, and that were not frequent in freshwater or agricultural soil resistomes. Among these were genes responsible for resistance to tetracyclines (n=8), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (n=7), aminoglycosides (n=4), beta-lactams (n=3), multidrug (n=2), sulphonamides (n=2), and polypeptides (n=1). This comprehensive assessment provides valuable insights into the dynamics of antibiotic resistance in urban wastewater systems and their potential ecological implications in diverse environmental settings. Furthermore, provides guidance for the implementation of One Health monitoring approaches.

The future of clinical trials in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. A multitude of promising compounds are currently being investigated; however, the design and conductance of late-phase clinical trials in IPF has proven particularly challenging. Despite promising phase 2 data, ziritaxestat, an autotaxin inhibitor, pentraxin-2, an endogenous protein that regulates wound healing and fibrosis, and pamrevlumab, a human monoclonal antibody against connective tissue growth factor, failed to show efficacy in phase 3 trials. Endpoint selection is critical for the design, execution, and success of clinical trials; recently, attention has been paid to the assessment of how patients feel, function, and survive with the aim of aligning scientific objectives and patient needs in IPF. External control arms are control patients that derive from historical randomized controlled trials, registries, or electronic health records. They are increasingly used to assess treatment efficacy in clinical trials owing to their potential to reduce study duration and cost and increase generalizability of findings. Advances in study design, end point selection and statistical analysis, and innovative strategies for more efficient enrolment of study participants have the potential to increase the likelihood of success of late-phase clinical trials in IPF.

Relapsing-Remitting Immunotherapy Responsive Small-Fiber Neuropathy: Longitudinal Tracking Through 10 Years Including Pregnancies.

To expand understanding of the pathogenesis, presentations, and treatment of initially idiopathic small fiber polyneuropathy (SFN). We longitudinally readministered validated metrics to track disease course and treatment responses in a previously healthy woman with acute, postinfectious, skin biopsy-confirmed, idiopathic SFN. During 5 years, viral respiratory infections triggered 3 separated episodes of acute, disabling burning hand, foot, and face pain (erythromelalgia). The initial 2 resolved with high-dose prednisone, and the third responded to repeated immunoglobulin treatments. Pregnancy with miscarriage triggered a fourth exacerbation refractory to corticosteroids and cyclosporin. Immunoglobulins restored total remission for 2 months; then, 2 rituximab doses slightly improved later flaring. Subsequently, daratumumab initiated 100-day remission later maintained by belimumab, initiated to permit another pregnancy. Remission continued after gestational week 13 all-treatment withdrawal. A week 30 fifth flare responded to plasmapheresis, with healthy birth at week 40. At 11-week postpartum, as symptoms returned, restarting belimumab restored remission maintained during ≥19 months of breastfeeding. This decade of tracking characterizes a relapsing-remitting course of SFN with initially separated monophasic episodes becoming more confluent, as with multiple sclerosis. This tempo and responsiveness to 5 immunotherapies suggest dysimmune causality. Validated metrics helped define the course and track treatment efficacy, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is a single observational study without controls. This provides Class IV evidence.

Frequency of Asymptomatic Optic Nerve Enhancement in 203 Patients With MOG Antibody-Associated Disease.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a distinct CNS demyelinating disease. The rate of asymptomatic optic nerve enhancement on MRI has not been explored in patients with MOGAD. An improved understanding of this would guide clinical practice and assessment of treatment efficacy. We aimed to determine the frequency of asymptomatic optic nerve enhancement in MOGAD. This was a retrospective review of patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic with MOGAD between January 1, 2000, and August 1, 2021 (median follow-up 1.6 [range 1-19] years). MRI studies were reviewed by masked neuroradiologists. Scans performed within 30 days of ON attack were classified as attack scans. Images obtained for routine surveillance, before ON attack, or at the time of non-ON attack were classified as interattack scans. Five hundred sixty-six MRIs (203 unique patients, 53% female) were included. Interattack MRIs represented 341 (60%) of the scans (median 36 days post-ON [range -1,032 to 6,001]). Of the interattack scans, 43 of 341 (13%), 30 unique patients, showed optic nerve enhancement. The enhancement was located at prior sites of ON in 35 of 43 (81%). Among the 8 patients with enhancement in new optic nerve areas, 6 had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis without an eye examination at the time of the MRI and 2 had preceding ON without imaging. Long-term visual outcomes showed no significant difference between those with and without asymptomatic enhancement, with improved visual acuity in most patients. Asymptomatic optic nerve enhancement occurred in 13% of interattack MRIs, the majority in patients with prior ON and occurring at prior sites of optic nerve enhancement. New asymptomatic optic nerve enhancement in areas without prior ON was rare. These findings are important for understanding the natural history of MOGAD, the interpretation of symptoms or response to treatment, and the adjudication of attacks in clinical trials.

Light-Responsive conjugated polymer nanoparticles with Spatial-Controlled camptothecin release via π − π stacking for improved Combinatorial therapy of breast cancer

The treatment of breast cancer (BC) remains a significant challenge, exemplified by the limitations of chemotherapy due to its high side effects. Light-responsive drug delivery systems (DDS) offer a promising approach to spatially and temporally release drugs, minimizing chemotherapy side effects and enhancing efficacy. However, achieving precise delivery and site-specific drug release poses complex challenges. Here, We present a novel nano-system combining light-responsive photothermal therapy (PTT) with photothermal-responsive chemotherapy via π − π Stacking. Conjugated polymer nanoparticles (cRGD-PTer N25/CPT NPs) is designed for spatiotemporal targeted PTT/chemotherapy. Research shows that the strong near-infrared absorption of PTer N25 endows cRGD-PTer N25/CPT NPs with excellent photothermal capabilities(57.4 %) and near-infrared laser-triggered drug release performance. The cRGD-PTer N25/CPT NPs enhanced BC-specific cellular accumulation, prolonged blood circulation, exhibited good biocompatibility, and improved PTT and chemotherapy efficacy in BC cell lines and mouse models while reducing systemic toxicity. The photothermal effect triggered the on-demand release of camptothecin (CPT), producing therapeutic effects and downregulating heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70), reducing cancer cell thermoresistance, and enhancing combined treatment efficacy. Under spatial and temporal control, the tumor growth inhibition rate of the cRGD-PTer N25/CPT NPs group reached 93.6 %, nearly eradicating tumor presence, whereas the control group exhibited only partial inhibition. Minimal cardiotoxicity and metastatic side effects are not observed. This work presents a viable strategy for designing novel controlled-release drug systems to improve breast cancer treatment efficiency.

Association between Pathogenic beliefs and Personality disorders

Background and ObjectivesPersonality disorders are significant entities in the field of psychiatry and serve as predisposing factors for Axis I clinical disorder. The Treatment of choice is psychotherapy, and one specific approach is Control Mastery Therapy, which emphasizes addressing Pathogenic beliefs (PB). This study aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between PB and specific personality disorders and whether these beliefs align with the core features specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for that personality disorder. Materials and MethodsThis study employed a retrospective cross-sectional design and included 319 participants, comprising individuals receiving treatment at the Psychotherapy Clinic at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University between 2007-2023. All participants were assessed and completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II - Personality Disorders Questionnaire (SCID-II-PQ), Pathogenic Beliefs Scale, and Outcome-Inventory (depression). A generalized linear model (binary logistic regression) was employed, and the predictors included personality disorders. The outcome was the pathogenic belief, and covariates encompassed age, sex, education, clinical diagnosis, and depression score. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the effect on the model when outliers of depressive scores were present. ResultsAfter adjusting for depression, ten personality disorders were found to predict 16 pathogenic beliefs out of the 27 outcomes examined. Notably, histrionic and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders showed no association with specific pathogenic beliefs. Furthermore, certain pathogenic beliefs were predicted by multiple personality disorders, while conversely, some personality disorders were associated with multiple pathogenic beliefs as well. Sensitivity analysis revealed that outliers influenced the relationships between certain disorders and pathogenic beliefs, particularly those with small effect sizes. ConclusionsThe profound impact of pathogenic beliefs intertwined with personality disorders, particularly influenced by childhood trauma and evident in Cluster B and schizotypal disorders, underscores the critical need for targeted psychotherapeutic interventions. Addressing these beliefs directly is key to enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Pathogenic belief should be elicited in clinical settings regardless of personality disorder, especially those who experienced depression. Moving forward, rigorous research is imperative to validate and refine therapeutic approaches aimed at reshaping pathogenic beliefs, ensuring they become pivotal in transforming clinical practice and advancing mental health care.

Multi-omics approach for understanding the response of Bacteroides fragilis to carbapenems

BackgroundThe prevalence of Bacteroides fragilis isolates resistant to first-line beta-lactam drugs is increasing, resulting in reduced treatment efficacy. Investigating the bacterial transcriptome and proteome can uncover links between bacterial genes and resistance mechanisms. In this study, we experimentally assessed in vitro the transcriptional and proteomic profiles of B. fragilis exposed to SICs of meropenem, an effective antimicrobial agent, collected from patients with intra-abdominal diseases at Astana City Hospital, Kazakhstan. MethodsB. fragilis was cultured in brain heart infusion broth and sub-cultured every 48 h for 8 days in media with and without meropenem. Total RNA was extracted from the liquid cultures using a commercial RNeasy mini kit, and strand-specific RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on the DNBSEQ platform. Raw RNA-seq data were retrieved from BioProject No. PRJNA531645 and uploaded to the NCBI Sequence Read Archive (accession no. SRX22081155). Proteins of B. fragilis were extracted and separated using sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by analysis of the eluted peptides using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Cluster analysis utilised the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. ResultsThe subinhibitory concentration (SIC) of meropenem was determined to be 0.5 μg/L (minimum inhibitory concentration: 1). Mapping of reads to the reference genome identified 2,477 expressed genes in all B. fragilis BFR KZ01 samples. Ten differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were common across comparison groups during and post-antibiotic exposure (wMEM vs. MEM2 and MEM2 vs. rMEM8); however, no substantially enriched Gene Ontology terms were identified. The cluster analysis highlighted a significant enrichment cluster (W-0560 oxidoreductase) of DEGs following antibiotic withdrawal. In total, 859 B. fragilis proteins were identified, with the expressions of three proteins, 3-oxoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] reductase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase biotin carboxylase subunit, and beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase III, being upregulated in the enriched protein folding category. Notably, chaperone proteins such as FKBP-type peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases (involved in the cis-trans isomerisation of prolyl peptide bonds) and GroES (a co-chaperone functioning with GroEL) were also identified. ConclusionsUnder the influence of low doses of antibiotics defense mechanisms are activated which contribute to the emergence of resistance. These results provide insight into the response of B. fragilis to meropenem exposure, mainly at the SIC, contributing to the understanding bacterial survival strategies under stress conditions.

High prevalence of treatment with ADHD medicines indicates overdiagnosis of ADHD in Iceland

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. For many the core symptoms become less troubling in adulthood. Treatment with stimulants is considered the most efficacious treatment for ADHD. Large high-quality studies have estimated the prevalence of AHDH to be 3,4-7,2% for children and adolescents and 2,5-6,8% for young adults. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of Icelanders who have received an ADHD diagnosis based on ADHD-medication prescriptions since an ADHD diagnosis is a prerequisite for such prescriptions in Iceland. This population-based retrospective cohort study included all Icelanders 7-70 years old who received a prescription for an ADHD drug from 1.1.2004-31.12.2023. Every citizen receiving a prescription is included in the Icelandic Prescription Medicines Registry (IPMR). In 2023 14,7% of youth, 7-17 years of age, received a prescription for an ADHD medication, 17,7% of boys and 11,6% of girls. Among 12-17 years old youth the proportion was higher still, 17,6%, 20,1% for boys and 14,6% for girls. For 18-44 years old adults the proportion was 10,2%, 9,4% for males and 11,0% for females. From 2010-2023 the increase in prescriptions for 7-17 years old boys has been 93% but 224% for girls. For 18-44 years old males the increase has been 414% for males and 543% for females during this period. The incidence of new ADHD prescriptions for 7-17 years old boys from 2021-2023 was 10,9 and 13,5 for girls per 1000, respectively. For 18-44 years old the incidence in the years 2021-2023 was 18,7 for males and 19,2 for females per 1000, respectively. The prevalence of Icelanders who have received an ADHD diagnosis is double to treble that observed in the best available studies in other populations. We therefore call for an urgent review of how ADHD diagnoses are made in Iceland because it is obvious that the current system leads to overdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

A traffic light approach for treatment and supportive care stratification in lung cancer.

Comprehensive supportive care interventions for patients with lung cancer are being investigated in a range of ways, including: early palliative care, prehabilitation and rehabilitation. We review recent literature on supportive care and propose a traffic light system to individualise comprehensive supportive care. Green for those very likely to receive anti-cancer treatment, red for those very unlikely to receive anti-cancer treatment and orange where the chance of accessing treatment is uncertain. Comprehensive supportive care can be individualised based on the group a particular patient is in. Lung cancer outcomes are improving with the availability of increasingly efficacious treatments; however, treatment rates for advanced disease remain low. In this review, we discuss how person-centred outcomes could be improved, how outcomes can be prognosticated and how the 'host' can be staged as well as the cancer. Recent data suggests that early comprehensive supportive care improves quality of life, reduces time spent in hospital and may affect survival. Comprehensive supportive care is likely to improve quality of life in patients with advanced lung cancer. Further work is needed to see if it can improve treatment rates and survival.

Psychological and pharmacological treatments of intermittent explosive disorder: a meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionIntermittent explosive disorder (IED) is characterised by recurrent, sudden episodes of impulsive aggression that are disproportionate to the provocation. The condition’s management remains challenging due to the variability in treatment...

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and concomitant inguinal hernioplasty: a single-center experience.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition in aging males, leading to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and associated urinary symptoms. With increasing life expectancy, the incidence of BPH and its co-morbidities, like inguinal hernia, has risen. This study explores the efficacy of combining transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and inguinal hernioplasty in a single surgical session to address both conditions, potentially reducing the need for multiple hospitalizations and surgical interventions. This retrospective study at Chi Mei Medical Center included patients from 2014 to 2023 who underwent concurrent TURP and inguinal hernioplasty. A total of 85 patients met the criteria defined for this study. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics were meticulously documented. Outcomes evaluated included the duration of the surgery, incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, duration of Foley catheterization, length of hospital stay, and treatment efficacy. Additionally, we conducted a comparative assessment of the surgical outcomes between two distinct techniques for inguinal hernia repair: open hernioplasty and laparoscopic hernioplasty (LH). In 85 patients who met the criteria, the mean age was 71.1 ± 7.8years. The study reported no significant intraoperative complications, and postoperative care was focused on monitoring for blood loss, infection, and managing pain. The average postoperative hospital stay was 2.9 ± 1.0days and the mean duration of catheterization was 51.6 ± 16.7h, with a minimal complication rate observed during the one-year follow-up. A significant reduction in both operative duration and catheterization interval was observed in patients undergoing LH as opposed to those receiving open hernioplasty. Concurrent TURP and inguinal hernioplasty effectively manage BOO due to BPH and inguinal hernias with minimal complications, suggesting a viable approach to reducing hospital stays and surgical interventions. Laparoscopic techniques, in particular, offer benefits in operative efficiency and recovery time, making combined surgery a feasible option for selected patients.

Preservice Biology Teachers’ Beliefs About Evidence-Based Medicine and Alternative Medicine

AbstractHealth-related discussions in society and the media—specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic—showed that individuals are confronted with Alternative Medicine and Evidence-Based Medicine. When making reflective decisions about these treatments, both knowledge and beliefs are important. Previous research with preservice biology teachers has shown that they commonly use Alternative Medicine, although they have little knowledge about it. To date, systematic studies on preservice biology teachers’ beliefs about Alternative Medicine and Evidence-Based Medicine are lacking. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the present study elicited German (N = 40) preservice biology teachers’ beliefs about these treatments via an open-ended questionnaire. Behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were categorized using qualitative content analysis. The results showed that the participants mentioned the efficacy, scientificity, and safety of treatments as important beliefs. For Alternative Medicine, beliefs were related to scientific evidence for its efficacy, naturalness and mild effects. These beliefs indicate that some preservice biology teachers do not have a clear understanding of Evidence-Based Medicine and Alternative Medicine, which can influence their decision-making. The results highlight the need to incorporate Alternative Medicine and Evidence-Based Medicine into health-related decision-making within biology education and biology teacher education and provide a basis for further research.

Assessment and Rehabilitation Strategies for Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of assessment methods and rehabilitation techniques for sports activities-related musculoskeletal accidents. Understanding the complexity and variety of injuries incurred in sports, this paper synthesizes the modern-day evidence-based practices and protocols used to assess such injuries. Assessment processes embody a multidimensional exam, consisting of physical examination techniques, imaging modalities, and practical checks, aiming to diagnose the extent and nature of the harm precisely. Furthermore, the evaluation examines into rehabilitation strategies tailor-made to precise accidents, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that integrates therapeutic physical activities, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-schooling, and modern loading protocols. A minimum of 200 participants, comprising athletes with various types of musculoskeletal injuries, will be recruited to ensure diversity and generalizability of findings. Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups using computer-generated random numbers to ensure an unbiased allocation process. Stratification based on injury type and severity will be employed as a criteria, ensuring a balanced distribution of participants across different categories. Participants will undergo rehabilitation sessions three times per week for a duration of eight weeks, ensuring a structured and progressive approach to musculoskeletal injury recovery. Special attention is given to individualized rehabilitation plans that consider the athlete's sport-specific needs, biomechanics, and psychological aspects, facilitating the most beneficial restoration and secure return to play. The paper concludes by highlighting the ongoing advancements in generation and treatment modalities that similarly enhance the evaluation accuracy and efficacy of rehabilitation interventions for sports-related musculoskeletal injuries, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and customized method in the management of such injuries.

Empowering the helping hands: A positive psychological intervention for enhancing work engagement and reducing stress among preschool social workers in Hong Kong.

This study explores the efficacy of the Early Advancement in Social-Emotional Health and Positivity (EASP) programme, designed to enhance personal resources, namely self-compassion and positivity among preschool social workers, to reduce stress and bolster work engagement. A total of 84 preschool social workers (Mage=32.47years, SD=6.86, range=22-55; female=90.48%) participated in a 5-week randomized control trial. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n=38), which received four online workshops and an online activity, or the wait-list control group (n=46), which received the intervention post-data collection. Self-compassion, positivity, work engagement, and work stress were measured before and after the intervention. Results from a path analytic model indicated excellent fit with the data, χ2=2.08, df=3, Comparative Fit Index=1.00, Tucker-Lewis Index=1.00, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0.00 (90% CI=0.00-0.16), SRMR=0.03. The intervention demonstrated direct effects on changes in self-compassion (β=0.21, p=0.04) and positivity (β=0.28, p=0.03), with indirect effects on work engagement (β=0.13, p=0.02), while no significant impact was observed on work stress (β=-0.09, p=0.06). These findings underscore the efficacy of positive psychological interventions in fostering work engagement among social workers. Incorporating the EASP programme into ongoing professional development activities is recommended to enhance the job engagement and psychological well-being of social workers in early childhood education and care sectors.

Investigating the Effects of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Language Learning Strategies on Cognitive Load and Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

This study investigates the impact of AI-assisted language learning (AIAL) strategies on cognitive load and learning outcomes in the context of language acquisition. Specifically, the study explores three distinct AIAL strategies: personalized feedback and adaptive learning, interactive exercises with speech recognition, and intelligent tutoring with data-driven insights. The research employs a pretest-posttest random assignment experimental design, utilizing three experimental groups and a control group, with a total of 484 EFL students specializing in teaching English as a foreign language participating in the study. Data collection involves pre- and post-tests, questionnaires, and interviews to assess the influence of AIAL strategies on cognitive load and learning outcomes. Cognitive load is measured using the Cognitive Load Scale, while pretest-posttest assessments evaluate the efficacy of AIAL interventions across various language skills. These results contribute to the existing body of AIAL research by offering empirical evidence for the effectiveness of specific strategies in optimizing language learning experiences. The implications of this study extend to educators, researchers, and developers in the field of AIAL, emphasizing the potential of AIAL to enhance language acquisition processes and inform instructional design practices.

Temperature and time of host-seeking activity impact the efficacy of chemical control interventions targeting the West Nile virus vector, Culex tarsalis.

West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading mosquito-borne disease causing-pathogen in the United States. Concerningly, there are no prophylactics or drug treatments for WNV and public health programs rely heavily on vector control efforts to lessen disease incidence. Insecticides can be effective in reducing vector numbers if implemented strategically, but can diminish in efficacy and promote insecticide resistance otherwise. Vector control programs which employ mass-fogging applications of insecticides, often conduct these methods during the late-night hours, when diel temperatures are coldest, and without a-priori knowledge on daily mosquito activity patterns. This study's aims were to 1) quantify the effect of temperature on the toxicity of two conventional insecticides used in fogging applications (malathion and deltamethrin) to Culex tarsalis, an important WNV vector, and 2) quantify the time of host-seeking of Cx. tarsalis and other local mosquito species in Maricopa County, Arizona. The temperature-toxicity relationship of insecticides was assessed using the WHO tube bioassay, and adult Cx. tarsalis, collected as larvae, were exposed to three different insecticide doses at three temperature regimes (15, 25, and 35°C; 80% RH). Time of host-seeking was assessed using collection bottle rotators with encephalitis vector survey traps baited with dry ice, first at 3h intervals during a full day, followed by 1h intervals during the night-time. Malathion became less toxic at cooler temperatures at all doses, while deltamethrin was less toxic at cooler temperatures at the low dose. Regarding time of host-seeking, Cx. tarsalis, Aedes vexans, and Culex quinquefasciatus were the most abundant vectors captured. During the 3-hour interval surveillance over a full day, Cx. tarsalis were most-active during post-midnight biting (00:00-6:00), accounting for 69.0% of all Cx. tarsalis, while pre-midnight biting (18:00-24:00) accounted for 30.0% of Cx. tarsalis. During the 1-hour interval surveillance overnight, Cx. tarsalis were most-active during pre-midnight hours (18:00-24:00), accounting for 50.2% of Cx. tarsalis captures, while post-midnight biting (00:00-6:00) accounted for 49.8% of Cx. tarsalis. Our results suggest that programs employing large-scale applications of insecticidal fogging should consider temperature-toxicity relationships coupled with time of host-seeking data to maximize the efficacy of vector control interventions in reducing mosquito-borne disease burden.