Test For Independent Samples Research Articles

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ZINC, MOLYBDENUM, MANGANESE, CHROMIUMI CONTENT IN HAIR, BLOOD SERUM AND URINE OF STUDENTS FROM CENTRAL ASIA, MIDDLE EAST AND CENTRAL RUSSIA DURING THE PERIOD OF ADAPTATION TO STUDY

Introduction. The most popular education in Russian higher education institutions is among applicants from Central Asian countries, including Ka-zakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Students from this region make up more than half of all foreign citizens studying in Russian universities. Changed environmental conditions lead to the development of stressful situations, decreased learning ability and, in the future, the possible development of a number of diseases closely related to the presence of various elementoses. In this regard, in addition to the socio-cultural adaptation of students, it is very important to pay attention to the study of the elemental status of students in the process of their further adaptation to the changed living conditions. The aim of the study – a comparative analysis of the elemental status of first-year students from different climatic and geographical regions of the world who arrived to study in the Russian Federation and students living in the territory of the Russian Federation. Material and methods. From September 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, a study of the elemental composition of hair was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 180 first-year students of RUDN University who had previously lived in the Middle East (60 people) and in the Moscow region (120 people). The age of the subjects was 18–26 years, the average age was 22.7 ± 4 years. Gender differences in the comparison groups were not taken into account. Differences in samples were determined using the Mann–Whitney test for independent samples (significance level p < 0.05). Results. The presented results of a comparative analysis of the content of Zn, Mo, Mn, Cr elements in the hair of students who arrived from the coun-tries of the Middle East, Central Asia and regions of Central Russia during the adaptation period to training in 2023 are characterized by reliable differ-ences in the content of essential microelements in various biosubstrates. Conclusion. The established features of the elemental profiles of students showed that the hair of the subjects reflects the territorial climatic and ge-ographical features of the region of residence of the examined persons.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF IRON, COPPER AND COBALT CONTENT IN HAIR, BLOOD SERUM AND URINE OF STUDENTS FROM CENTRAL ASIA, MIDDLE EAST AND CENTRAL RUSSIA DURING THE PERIOD OF ADAPTATION TO STUDY

Introduction. The most popular education in Russian higher education institutions is enjoyed by immigrants from Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. They account for more than half of all foreign citizens studying in Russian universities. Changed environmental conditions lead to the development of stressful situations, decreased learning ability and, in the future, the possible development of a number of diseases closely associated with the presence of various elementoses. In this regard, in addition to the socio-cultural adaptation of students, it is very important to pay attention to the study of the elemental status of students in the process of their further adaptation to the changed living conditions. The purpose of the study – comparative analysis of iron, copper, cobalt content in hair, blood serum and urine of students from Central Asian countries, the Middle East and Central Russian regions during the adaptation period to study. Material and methods. In the period from September 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, a study of the elemental composition of hair was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 180 first-year students of RUDN University, who previously lived in the countries of Central Asia (170 people), the Middle East (60 people) and in the regions of Central Russia (120 people) aged 18–26 years. The average age of the subjects was 22.7 ± 4 years. Gender differences in the comparison groups were not taken into account. Differences in samples were determined using the Mann–Whitney test for independent samples (significance level p < 0.05). Results. The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of the content of iron, copper, chromium in the hair, urine and blood serum of students who arrived from the countries of the Middle East, Central Asia and the regions of Central Russia during the adaptation period to study in 2023. Features of the elemental profiles of students were established. Conclusions. It is shown that the hair of the subjects reflects the territorial climatic and geographical features of the region of residence of the examined persons. Despite statistically significant differences in the content of iron, copper, chromium in the examined students of different regions, their elemental profile did not affect the objective medical indicators (heart rate, saturation level, hemoglobin index).

Estudio del Efecto de una Intervención en Competencias Emocionales en Educación Secundaria

Introduction. Adolescence is a crucial stage for emotional and social development. Therefore, fostering emotional competencies is key to improving well-being, social adaptation, and equipping with tools to face the characteristic challenges of this period. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an emotional competencies development program in adolescents. Method. The sample of this study consists of 175 secondary education students with an average age of 13.53 years (SD = 0.523), distributed as 48% males, 51.4% females, and 0.6% un-specified. For this purpose, a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group is used. The program consists of 25 activities, implemented during an academic year in tutoring hours to develop emotional competencies. The statistical tests applied are the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples and for paired samples. The instruments used to measure the study variables are the Emotional Development Questionnaire for Secondary Education (CDE-SEC), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the School Violence Questionnaire (CUVE3-EP). Academic performance was provided by the teachers. Results. The findings show a significant improvement in the emotional competencies of awareness and regulation, as well as an increase in resilience and academic performance. Similarly, a significant decrease was observed in the emotional suppression strategy, anxiety, and various components of school violence in the intervention group. These results support the importance of emotional education during adolescence and the trend to improve constructs that require more time. Discussion or Conclusion. Working on emotional competencies in the classroom emerges as an effective tool for this purpose, highlighting the need for future research addressing the longterm effects of these interventions.

The Influence of a Community Science Technology Learning Model Based on a Scientific Approach to Improve Science Learning Outcomes

The science and technology model is learning to teach science and technology in the context of experience and everyday life, focusing on societal issues, whether local, regional, national, or global, with science and technology components. Meanwhile, the scientific approach is an approach to learning science process skills. It uses a scientific approach where students are directed and guided in observing, asking, trying, reasoning, and building networks to disseminate the learning results obtained. Learning outcomes are a path to mastering knowledge or skills in a subject, usually indicated by test scores or numbers given by the teacher. Learning outcomes are obtained from learning to master knowledge, usually developed and shown by numbers. This research aims to determine whether implementing a science and technology learning model based on a scientific approach affects the science learning outcomes of grade IV students at SDN Pemongkong. Researchers are implementing technology in science learning at SDN 1 Pemongkong. Still, many obstacles exist, such as internet signals and technological stupors; only some have a laptop or cellphone. Therefore, the idea that emerged in this research was the use of technology that can be accessed by all students, namely the community science technology model based on a scientific approach, which is expected to improve student learning outcomes. The method used in this research is experimentation. This type of experimental research uses Quasi-Experimental Design or quasi-experiments. The experimental plan used in this research is a Nonequivalent Control Group Design. Hypothesis testing is carried out using uji t (independent samples test). Comparison of the average learning outcomes of the experimental class and the control class for the two classes experienced an increase compared to before learning; namely, the average value of the control class at the pretest 54.82 and increased to 73.10 after learning, while the average value of the experimental class is at posttest 58.07 and rose to 74.42 on posttest. The average learning outcomes are similar between the control class and the class experiment. However, the average learning outcomes of the experimental class are still higher than those of the control class. The class that was taught used the community science and technology learning model. Namely, two students got a score of 90 in the control class, and in the conventional class, only one got a 90. By hypothesis testing, face H0 accepted that the scientific approach-based community science and technology learning model influences the learning outcomes of class IV students at SDN 1 Pemongkong. In this case, it can be interpreted that the community science and technology learning model positively impacts student learning outcomes.

Differences in Dietary Density Between Physical Activity Group and Tele-nutrition Counseling with Physical Activity Group

Obesity is one of the risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Lifestyle changes such as physical activity and improved diet through tele-nutrition counseling are effective ways to overcome obesity. The study aims to determine the difference in dietary density in the group given physical activity and tele-nutrition counseling with the group physical activity in obese adults. Quasy-experimental research design with the untreated control group design with dependent pretest and posttest samples. A total of 55 respondents aged 19-25 years were taken using purposive sampling. Respondents were divided into two groups: intervention I (physical activity and tele-nutrition counseling) and intervention II (physical activity). Food consumption data was taken by 2x24H recall interview. Data analysis used Paired Sample Test, Independent Sample Test, Wilcoxon, And Mann Whitney. Respondents with obesity I nutritional status were 49.05% and obesity II were 50.95%. There is a difference in dietary energy density in intervention I (p = 0.047). There is no difference in food nutrient density in intervention I (p = 0.480). There was no difference in dietary energy density (p = 0.548) and food nutrient density (p = 0.307) in intervention II. There was no difference in dietary energy density (p = 0.589) and food nutrient density (p = 0.134) between intervention I and intervention II after treatment. There was a difference in dietary energy density before and after treatment in intervention I. There was no difference in muscle mass and dietary density between intervention I and intervention II after treatment.

In vitro assessment of an intraoral scanner accuracy on abutments with horizontal preparation geometries and subgingival margins

This study evaluated the accuracy of the Medit i700 intraoral scanner (IOS) in capturing horizontal tooth preparations at different depths below the gingival margin and assessed its ability to detect surfaces beyond the finish line. Using CAD software, two abutments of a standard maxillary first molar were designed with horizontal preparation and 0.8 mm chamfer at 1 mm and 2 mm depths below the gingival margin. The abutment designs, created in DentalCAD 3.0 Galway (Exocad), were 3D printed and mounted on a typodont with simulated pink gum. An experienced operator conducted 20 scans, with each scan taking between 1 to 2 minutes. The scanning process began at the occlusal surface of the right third molar and proceeded longitudinally to the contralateral molar, then extended buccally and palatally, resulting in two experimental groups: H-1 (1 mm depth) and H-2 (2 mm depth). Accuracy was assessed using Geomagic Control X software, with descriptive statistics and independent sample tests (α = .05) employed for group comparisons. No statistically significant difference was found in trueness between H-1 and H-2 (p=.053). However, precision differed significantly (p<.001). The IOS could not capture surfaces beyond the finish line in horizontal preparations. Within study limitations, the horizontal preparation design hindered the IOS's ability to capture tooth anatomy beyond the finish line. Nonetheless, accuracy values at both 1 mm and 2 mm depths were clinically acceptable. The present study shows that the tested intraoral scanner is accurate enough to scan abutments with horizontal margins placed 1 and 2 mm below the gingiva.

The Effectiveness Of Pregnant Exercise In Squat Position With Perineal Rupture In Maternity Mothers At TPMB Siti Salmah In 2022

Background : In the majority of first-time births, perineal tears last for some time. Unexpected tension that occurs in the head or body of the hatchlings causes tears in the skin and perineal tissue Writing Purpose: to determine the Effectiveness of Pregnant Squat Exercise with Perineal Rupture in Maternity Mothers at TPMB Siti Salmah Year 2022 Research Methods: this type of quantitative research uses an experimental design (quasi-experimental) ) with the Nonrandomized Control Group Pretest Posttest Design. The total population of this study was 30 mothers giving birth at TPMB Sti Salmah divided into 15 intervention groups and 15 control groups. Research Results: The results of the independent sample test obtained Asymp. Sig (2 – Sided) has a value of 0.001, because 0.001 &lt;0.05, the hypothesis is accepted. This means that there is a difference between doing pregnancy exercise in the squat position and not doing pregnancy exercise in the squat position on the incidence of perineal rupture in pregnant women so that it can be concluded that there is effectiveness of pregnancy exercise in the squat position with perineal rupture in maternity mothers at TPMB Siti Salmah in 2022 Conclusions and Suggestions: Expected results this research allows midwives to do pregnancy exercises in a squatting position. This research will also serve as a guide for its implementation, making it easier for patients, especially pregnant women, to prepare for delivery to prevent perineal rupture.

The significant influence of the sea surface temperature anomalies over North Atlantic and the Maritime Continent on maize yield in Northeast China

Northeastern China (NEC) is the largest grain base in China. Improving understanding of the effect of climate change on grain production over NEC is conducive to providing immediate response strategies for grain production. In this study, the relationships of the maize production with the dry state during the different maize growth stage have been investigated using the year-to-year increment method. Results showed that the severe drought that occurred from the jointing to maturity period have exerted severe effects on the maize growth. Further analysis indicated that the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over North Atlantic and Maritime Continent in later spring are the important factors affecting the summer droughts over NEC. The late spring SST anomaly over North Atlantic can excite the Rossby waves from the western North Atlantic and propagate eastward to NEC. The snow anomaly over western Siberia in late spring and the soil moisture anomaly over NEC in summer are key factors linking the SST anomaly to drought over the NEC. On the other hand, the Maritime Continent SST anomaly in late spring can modulate the activity of the East Asian jet stream via the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) teleconnection, which can provide the favorable conditions for the soil moisture reduction over NEC. Eventually, a predictive model for maize yield over NEC is successfully developed by using the predictive indices of the North Atlantic and the Maritime Continental SST during late spring. Both the cross-validation and independent sample tests show that the calibrated prediction model is robust and exhibits high skill in predicting maize yield over NEC.

Laparoscopic access is the modern standard for extended liver resection

Objective. To evaluate the safety and early results of laparoscopic extended liver resection in case of focal liver pathology by retrospective comparison with the relevant parameters of a similar open intervention. Materials and methods. The study involved 162 patients who were divided into two groups: Group 1 – 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic extended liver resection, and Group 2 – 112 patients who underwent open extended liver resection. The groups were compared by age structure, sex, body mass index, type of pathology (benign/malignant), as well as by characteristics of surgical intervention and postoperative period. Statistical analysis included a t–test for independent samples, Pearson's chi–square test, and other appropriate methods with the calculation of the confidence level p (parametric criterion). The difference in indicators was considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05. Results. Laparoscopic osshire for liver resection was longer (p = 0.0012), but was associated with a lower level of pain according to the visual analog scale (p = 0.02) and fewer bed days to discharge (p = 0.0007) than a similar open intervention. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age structure, body mass index, number of liver tumors, blood loss, complication rate, and degree of ischemic liver damage. Conclusions. Laparoscopic extended liver resection is a less invasive method than open liver resection, and patients recover faster after it, although its duration is longer. At the same time, laparoscopic and open intervention had a similar incidence of complications, which indicates acceptable safety and high clinical efficacy of the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of patients with liver disease.

Impact of integrating traditional care with the modern healthcare system in reducing tuberculosis diagnosis delays in Ethiopia: a clustered randomized controlled study

BackgroundDiagnosis and treatment initiation delays for tuberculosis (TB) are significant challenges in resource-limited settings. These delays can result in poor treatment outcomes, disease transmission, and increased costs. This study aimed to assess the effect of integrating traditional care with modern healthcare systems on reducing TB diagnosis delay.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among TB patients, with 510 participants, 255 individuals were assigned to the intervention group and 255 to the control group. Training in the intervention group was provided for both traditional and modern healthcare providers in three rounds to enhance their knowledge, attitudes, and skills in TB screening and referral. A non-parametric independent sample test was used to compare the baseline and end-line data. The effect size was determined using Cohen’s d. To account for individual and cluster-level variations, a mixed-effect parametric survival model was employed. Furthermore, conditional (fixed only) and marginal (random effects) graphs were used to compare between the intervention and control groups.ResultsA total of 510 participants were included in the baseline study, with a similar number of participants included in the endline study. In the intervention group, the delay in diagnosis was 4.185 per 1000 person-days post-intervention, compared to 4.608 per 1000 person-days pre-intervention. In the control group, the delay for diagnosis was 4.759 per 1000 person-days pre-intervention and 5.031 per 1000 person-days post-intervention. The median time to diagnosis was 135 days. The non-parametric comparison showed that the intervention significantly reduced patient delays in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.006), with a Cohen's d effect size of 0.246. The intervention also significantly reduced diagnosis delay in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.036), with a Cohen's d effect size of 0.187. The diagnosis of TB was accelerated by 1.076 times due to the integration of traditional care with the modern healthcare system in the intervention group compared to the control group (δ: 1.076; 95% CI 1.021, 1.134).ConclusionsThe involvement of traditional care providers in TB control programs significantly reduced diagnosis delays in Ethiopia. These findings suggest the need for integrating traditional care with modern healthcare systems for the effective prevention of TB in high-burden countries.Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05236452.

Do undergraduate art and design students’ entrepreneurship skill sets influence their intention to own a business?

PurposeDrawing on a competency-based approach, this empirical study explores whether art and design students’ entrepreneurship skill sets (technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills) influence their intention to own a business and whether gender and/or business ownership influence their entrepreneurship skill sets.Design/methodology/approachA total of 204 respondents were selected using a random sampling technique. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent sample tests and two-way ANOVA.FindingsThe independent samples test revealed interesting results regarding art and design students’ entrepreneurship skill sets, distinguishing between those who own businesses and those who do not. The two-way ANOVA analysis indicated that certain factors significantly affect art and design students’ entrepreneurship skill sets while others do not.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that higher education institutions should reconsider their curricular frameworks to better equip art and design graduates with not only artistic skills but also robust entrepreneurial competencies based on targeted training programs that could be developed to enhance the managerial and entrepreneurial skills among art and design students.Originality/valueThis study addresses a gap in the literature by empirically examining the impact of entrepreneurship skill sets on the art and design students’ business ownership and investigating whether business ownership and/or gender influence their entrepreneurship skill sets, offering valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers.

A comparison of comorbidities and their risk factors prevalence across rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis with focus on cardiovascular diseases: data from a single center real-world cohort

Management of comorbidities is essential to a patient-centered approach to the treatment of chronic inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of comorbidities and their risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in a single center outpatient cohort. This cross-sectional study included adult patients diagnosed with RA, PsA, and axSpA from a single rheumatology outpatient center. Comorbidities were documented by physicians, and patients were categorized into two age groups, younger (< 45 years) and older (≥ 45 years), with age- and gender-based comparisons. Disease activity, comorbidities, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were analyzed using chi-squared tests for categorical variables and independent samples t-tests for continuous variables, with p values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Comorbidities were registered by physicians using GoTreatIt® Rheuma software. Among 508 RA, 267 PsA, and 285 axSpA patients, the four most common comorbidities were hypertension (36.4%, 25.1%, and 19.7%, respectively), dyslipidemia (19.5%, 15.4%, 14.7% respectively), obesity (16.9%, 22.5%, 14% respectively) and thyroid disease (21.5%, 13.9%, 11.2% respectively). Other comorbidities differed among the diseases and included osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, and asthma in RA, diabetes mellitus, depression and asthma in PsA, osteoporosis and serious infection in axSpA. RA patients, compared to axSpA had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (4.1% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.006), arrhythmia (6.9% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.008) and major adverse cardiac events (2.6% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.024) compared to axSpA. Osteoporosis was more frequent in RA (19.1%) and axSpA (8.4%) than in PsA (2.3%; p < 0.001) and was frequently diagnosed in patients aged < 45. Depression prevalence was surprisingly low (1.6%, 5.2%, and 1.8%, respectively). RA patients had the highest multimorbidity rate, with 26.6% reporting three or more comorbidities, compared to 16.8% in PsA and 10.6% in axSpA (p < 0.001). Health status was poorest in RA and worse in women compared to men for all diseases. RA, PsA, and axSpA share the same four most common comorbidities: hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and thyroid disease but have different prevalence of other disorders and CV risk factors, indicating the need for an individual screening and prevention approach. The possible unrecognition of depression should be evaluated.

The Effect of Interactive Learning Media on Students' Understanding of Basic Mathematical Concepts in SDN 1 Tebaban

This study aims to determine the effect of the use of interactive learning media (wordwall) on the understanding of basic mathematical concepts of grade IV students at SDN 1 Tebaban. This type of research is a quantitative research of experimental methods with a quasi-experimental design of pretest-posttest control group design. The population of this study is class IV A and IV B which totals 35 students. The sample of this study uses a saturated sampling technique. The data collection technique in this study uses observation sheets, questionnaire sheets and pretest and posttest test sheets. The data analysis techniques in this study include observation and questionnaire data analysis, descriptive analysis, normality test, variance homogeneity test and independent samples test. The results of the observation sheet showed that the students' understanding of basic mathematical concepts in the experimental class reached 75% ('Very Good'), higher than the control class which only reached 62.99% ('Good'). Based on the results of the questionnaire, the use of wordwall interactive media was proven to be more effective in improving students' understanding than mind mapping learning media and teaching aids in the control class, with 91% of students in the experimental class supporting the use of wordwalls, compared to 80% in the control class. The t-test showed a value of Sig. (2-tailed) 0.02, so that the alternative hypothesis was accepted, indicating a significant influence of interactive learning media on the understanding of mathematical concepts of grade IV students at SDN 1 Tebaban.

The Effect of The Teams Games Tournament (TGT) Learning Model on Students' Learning Results in Mathematics Subjects For Class III Primary School Students

This research is motivated by the learning process that has not shown interesting progress and has yet to encourage active participation from students. This situation directly negatively impacts students' academic performance in mathematics, which remains relatively low. Therefore, there is a need for efforts to develop more effective and engaging learning methods to improve students' learning outcomes in this subject. This study aims to obtain information on the extent of the influence of the Teams Games Tournament (TGT) learning model on the mathematics learning outcomes of third-grade elementary school students. This research is an experimental study using a quasi-experimental design, specifically a Posttest Only Control Design. The research was conducted at SDN 20 Sitiung, Sitiung District, Dharmasraya Regency. The sample consisted of 49 students, representing all students in grade III. The data collection instrument used was a 20-item multiple-choice test that has been tested for validity and reliability. The results showed that the average posttest score for the experimental class was 73.54, while the control class had an average posttest score of 44. Data analysis of the posttest results, using an Independent Sample Test, indicated a significance value of 0.000 &lt; 0.05. Based on the criteria, if the significance is &lt; 0.05, then H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Thus, it can be concluded that there is a significant effect of the application of the Teams Games Tournament (TGT) learning model on the mathematics learning outcomes of third-grade students at SDN 20 Sitiung

Iatrogenic emboli during mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: comparison between stent retriever technique and contact aspiration-a retrospective case-control study.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion (LVO). While embolization to a new territory (ENT) after MT is well-documented, data on embolization in the same distal territory (EDT) are limited. Achieving modified Treatment In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 3 reperfusion presents significant clinical benefits over mTICI 2b/2c, necessitating strategies to reduce both ENT and EDT. Previous studies suggest higher rates of EDTs with contact aspiration compared with stentrievers. However, comprehensive comparison studies in clinical practice are scarce. This study compares the rates of overall clot emboli (OCE) between these MT strategies. A retrospective, multicenter observational study was conducted at four university hospitals in France from January 2015 to November 2019. Adult patients (≥18 years) with acute ischemic stroke due to LVO, treated with either contact aspiration (ADAPT, A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique) or stentrievers, specifically using the Embotrap device to maintain sample homogeneity, were included. Digital subtraction angiography was used for imaging, with two independent, blinded reviewers assessing OCE post-first MT pass. Propensity score full matching and independent sample testing were employed to evaluate OCE after the first MT pass. A significant difference in OCE rates was observed between contact aspiration and stentriever techniques, with the stentriever technique resulting in fewer embolic events compared with ADAPT, based on a propensity score analysis that accounts for key confounding factors. A statistically significant reduction in embolic events was observed with the stentriever technique compared with contact aspiration. These results suggest that the stentriever method may offer a safer profile in terms of embolic risk for LVO interventions, and should be considered over contact aspiration when embolic risk is a primary concern, while also considering individual patient factors.

Ultrasound Strain Imaging for Characterizing Atherosclerotic Plaque in the Carotid Arteries of Asymptomatic Subjects

The rupture of vulnerable plaques in the carotid artery is a leading cause of strokes. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard for quantifying plaque composition, its high costs and lengthy procedure times limit large-scale use. Compound ultrasound strain imaging (CUSI) ultrasound offers a non-invasively alternative by assessing tissue deformation/strain within the arterial wall. Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between strain values and plaque composition, primarily focusing on longitudinal acquisitions, which only image the proximal and distal parts of the wall. This study examines CUSI in transverse imaging planes, which enables visualization of the entire cross-section of the vessel wall. CUSI has already been validated on a symptomatic population. Therefore, the aim is to determine whether CUSI can differentiate plaque composition in asymptomatic individuals with an increased cardiovascular risk profile, validated by MRI. This cross-sectional study included 42 plaques in 28 participants. Ultrasound data were acquired with a Samsung Medison Accuvix V10 with an L5-13IS transducer and RF-interface. An experienced neuroradiologist classified plaques with MRI using the Siemens 3.0T MAGNETOM Skyra MRI (Erlangen, Germany) with a dedicated coil. Strain differences were compared across four plaque categories (calcified, lipid, hemorrhagic, fibrous/aspecific) and for vulnerable versus stable plaques. A difference in strain values was found between lipid and calcified plaques (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05). Additionally, vulnerable plaques exhibited higher strain values than stable plaques (independent samples test, p < 0.05). CUSI values differ between lipid and calcified and between stable and vulnerable plaques. Minor differences were found between the other plaque types.

In-Person and Video-Based Education: Do They Affect Pressure Injury Knowledge in Nursing?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine how training on the nursing care of pressure injuries (PIs) affects knowledge levels and satisfaction. METHODS This study was semiexperimental, conducted in the form of a pretest and posttest in one group of 105 nurses working in a training and research hospital. The training took place in person and via video. All nurses included in the study group first received in-person training in 15-person groups followed by weekly video training for 4 consecutive weeks. Before training, investigators assessed the nurses’ PI knowledge using the Nurses’ Knowledge Level Assessment for PI Care (NKLAPIC; pretest). After the in-person module (posttest 1) and video-based module (posttest 2), investigators provided the NKLAPIC again. The independent-sample test, one-way analysis of variance, repeated-test-measures analysis of variance, Bonferroni test, and pairwise comparisons were used in data analysis. RESULTS Mean NKLAPIC scores were 47.71 ± 13.5 (out of 100 points) at pretraining, 68.5 ± 12.32 after the in-person training, and peaked at 72.38 ± 4.74 after video-based training (P &lt; .001). Video-based training appeared to lead to a larger increase in knowledge levels than in-person training alone (P &lt; .001). Further, although the average satisfaction score given to the in-person training was 3.97 ± 0.93, the same score for the online training was 4.12 ± 0.95 (P &gt; .05). CONCLUSIONS Outcomes suggest that in-person training and video-based training regarding PI care improve the knowledge levels of nurses.

School as a Safe Space through Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy

Quality education promotes gender-responsive policies. Yet, this is not always the case in developing countries like the Philippines. There are gaps in policy implementation, and safety issues faced by LGBTQIA+ learners persist. Purpose. This study focuses on teachers’ and learners’ perception of Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy (GRBEP) implementation and the safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and expanding identities (LGBTQIA+) learners in public and private schools. Hence, it determined the GRBEP implementation level and LGBTQIA+ learners' safety level. No significant correlation between policy implementation and learners’ safety, and no significant difference between public and private schools’ policy implementation and learners’ safety were assumed. The minimal studies and the urgent need to ensure a gender-responsive and safe learning environment underscore the significance of this research. Methodology. Validated questionnaires were distributed to 744 learners and teachers: 401 from private schools and 343 from public schools. The data collected were analyzed using mode, percentage, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, and independent samples test. Results. Learners and teachers perceived a “high level of implementation” of GRBEP in schools. LGBTQIA+ learners were generally “safe” in schools. The implementation level of Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy correlates with the safety level of LGBTQIA+ learners in school, as it was statistically significant (p=.026 &lt; α=0.05). There is no substantial evidence of a difference between public and private schools’ implementation level of GRBEP (p = 0.544 &gt; α=0.05). There is not enough evidence of a significant difference between public and private schools’ safety levels of LGBTQIA+ learners (p = 0.188 &gt; α=0.05). Conclusion. An efficient GRBEP implementation by schools ensures a working educational policy. LGBTQIA+ learners are safe in the learning environment. Public and private schools must strengthen awareness campaigns, address misconceptions and overlooked realities, conduct real-time monitoring, evaluation, and feedback mechanisms, as well as foster partnerships and linkages to uphold a safe space for every learner. With these actions, policymakers and school administrators can work towards creating a true quality and inclusive education that supports the well-being and success of all learners, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Cognitive and Metacognitive Reading Strategies for Ethiopian Students in English as a Foreign Language

Purpose. This study's purpose is to investigate the effects of explicit cognitive reading strategy training on reading performance and metacognitive reading strategy awareness of Grade 9 students of Heto Secondary School at Hosanna Town, 232, south-west of Addis Ababa. Methodology. For this quasi-experimental study, two parallel home-made tests, a pre-test and a post-test administered before and after the intervention, respectively, and a metacognitive reading strategy awareness questionnaire were used. Data were gathered from 100 participants of experimental and control groups, 50 students from each group, before and after 14 hours strategy training within 12 weeks. SPSS, version 25, was used to analyse data. Independent Samples Test to compare groups, and Paired Samples Test to compare variables/scores of the groups were employed during analysis. Results. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test scores of reading performance (p=.000) of each group. However, the Experimental Group made an increment in reading performance, whereas the Control Group made the opposite, a decrement in reading performance. The relationship of both groups was strong and positive. However, neither group showed significant changes in metacognitive reading strategy awareness. Conclusion. The study concluded that explicit cognitive reading strategy instruction empowered students to outperform reading comprehension and vice versa, though it did not change students’ strategy awareness. This implies that concerned bodies should give due attention to enhancing the explicit approach to cognitive reading strategy teaching.

Effect of preservation on changes in the volume of corneal endothelial cells in an environment with a high concentration of potassium

The experimental study of preservation length on the effect of high potassium concentration in the medium on the volume of human corneal endothelial cells was done. The results of the study of individual samples of fragments of donor material and the values calculated using joined data after hypothermic preservation for 4 and 10 days are presented. The increase of the time when cornea samples are kept in preservation medium (Eusol-C) at 4℃ led to a decrease in the average value (M ± SEM) of cell swelling indicator (N) in a potassium medium from 1.055 ±0.001; n = 982 to 1.014±0.001; n = 338; after 4 and 10 days, respectively. Student’s-t test for independent samples showed a high degree of significance for the difference between these values (p = 2E-76). Identification of the proportion of cells capable to swell in a medium with a high content of potassium ions (N 1), reflecting the electrogenic activity in these cells, showed a decrease of this indicator in the studied groups with increasing duration of preservation (94.3% and 56.8% after 4 and 10 days, respectively). Based on the results of the study, it is suggested that the values of endothelial cells swelling in a potassium environment can serve as indicators of the cells’ ability to restore electrogenic transport. It is concluded that the study of cell swelling in a medium with a high content of potassium ions can provide information for predicting the functionality of the graft.