Mixed Group Research Articles

Effect of multiple loading FIT sample collection devices on faecal haemoglobin concentration.

Faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) are routinely used in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes around the world. More recently, quantitative FIT has been recommended to help triage patients presenting to primary care with symptoms suggestive of CRC. Participants collect faecal samples using sampling probes which are inserted into sample collection devices (SCDs) containing preservative buffer. The SCDs have an internal collar designed to remove excess sample. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of multiple loading on faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) using SCDs of four FIT systems. Pools of f-Hb negative samples were spiked with blood, homogenised and loaded into SCDs 1, 3 and 5 times, with insertion of the sampling probes into the SCDs with and without mixing between loads. The f-Hb was measured using the relevant FIT system. The percentage change in f-Hb for multiple loads was compared with a single load for each system for the mixed and unmixed groups. The p values show a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mass and f-Hb for the mixed and unmixed group, for 1-3 and 1-5 loads for all systems. The median percentage change in f-Hb for the mixed is higher than the unmixed group. This study showed that multiple loading does significantly increase the f-Hb in the SCDs.

Lipid modulation during IVM increases the metabolism and improves the cryosurvival of cat oocytes

This study investigated the time course of lipid accumulation during IVM and assessed the role of lipid modulators added during IVM on lipid content, nuclear maturation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, gene expression, and cryosurvival of cat oocytes. First, the lipid content of immature COCs was compared to those subjected to different IVM duration times (24, 28, and 32 h). Then, the lipid content was investigated after the use of different lipid modulators [conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), forskolin (FSK), l-carnitine (LC)]. Subsequently, both the CONTROL group and MIX 18 (CLA+FSK+LC) were compared regarding nuclear maturation, mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen 19 species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) levels, to the expression of SDHA, GDF9, BMP15, ZAR-1, 20 PRDX1, SIRT1, and SIRT3 genes (normalized by ACTB and YWHAZ genes); and to vitrification and 21 post-warming viability assessment. When not using any lipid modulator, an increase (P < 0.05) in lipid content could be observed after 28 h of IVM. The MIX group showed the greatest (P < 0.05) reduction in oocyte lipid content after 28 h of IVM. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the MII rate in the CONTROL (45%) and MIX (41%) groups and in mitochondrial activity ((1.00 ± 0.35 A U vs 1.19 ± 0.14 A U). Although ROS and GSH levels were higher (P < 0.05) in MIX than in CONTROL, the redox balance (ROS/GSH) was greater (P < 0.05) in the latter (C:1.00 ± 0.20b vs M:0.26 ± 0.06 a A.U). The GDF9, HSP70, PRDX1, and SIRT1 transcripts were downregulated (P < 0.05) in MIX-oocytes, compared to the CONTROL. After vitrification, MIX (74%) presented a higher (P < 0.05) viability compared to control (53%). In conclusion, MIX can reduce the total lipid content and improve viability after cryopreservation, however, it seems to affect the oocyte metabolism in a way that still needs to be better understood in the cat biological model.

Spanish heritage speakers as pre-departure conversation partners

Abstract Drawing on previous research showing the centrality of pre-departure interventions in the success of a study abroad (SA) program and on a translingual practice framework (Canagarajah, 2013), the current study addresses the implementation of a pre-departure conversation exchange between peers from diverse racial/ethnic/cultural/linguistic background as an integral part of a four-week SA program in Spain. Reflections and survey data were collected from a mixed group of SA participants, both second language learners (n = 14) and Spanish heritage speakers (SHSs; n = 4), as well as from their SHS conversation partners (n = 5) to determine: (a) the perceived goals and challenges of the mixed SA cohort for studying abroad; (b) the perceived benefits of the pre-departure conversation exchange with SHSs on SA learners’ performative competence; and (c) the perceived benefits for SHS conversation partners on their identity formation, heritage language maintenance, and agency.

The ‘Other Talk’: a co-design study of board games for cross-generational communication of life-and-death issues

ABSTRACT This study presents the collaborative design experience of developing a cross-generational communication game about life-and-death issues. The research activities involved two groups of end-users from different generations, who were tasked with working together to build tools that would encourage a deeper communication between them. To overcome limited knowledge on serious game design and encourage participation, this study utilises an experimental approach that involves a series of workshop activities following a design circle. The results indicate that engagement among cross-generational participants can be enhanced by involving a small, mixed group and utilising structural design materials in the co-design process. The groups developed a collaborative mode of task-oriented and ability-based division of labour to develop the game. This approach also stimulated individuals to take on multiple roles, that is, users, testers, informants, and design partners, and shift between roles as the group dynamic, supporting materials, and design stages evolve. Additionally, this collaborative process encourages participants to reflect on their role as future end-users when communicating sensitive issues to others.

Comparison of the effects of resistance, aerobic and mixed exercise on athlete's heart.

There are various changes in cardiac physiology in athletes compared to the normal population. These physiological changes may differ according to the exercise content. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different exercise methods on the heart. A total of 122 male athletes from various sports were evaluated. Depending on the sorts of sports, these participants were split into aerobic, mixed, and resistance groups. Each athlete had to meet the inclusion criteria of having participated in the present sport for at least a year and having trained for at least 600 minutes per week over the previous three months. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to investigate the effects of different exercise types. The aerobic group's heart rate and ejection fraction were found to be lower than those of the resistance and mixed groups (F<inf>(2.105)</inf>=23.487, P=0.001). The end-diastolic thicknesses of the interventricular septum (8.7 SD 0.8 vs. 10.0 SD 0.7), interventricular septum (11.3 SD 0.9 vs. 13.0 SD 0.9), left ventricular posterior wall (8.6 SD 0.7 vs. 9.9 SD 0.8), and interventricular septum (11.1 SD 0.9 vs. 13.3 SD 0.9) were all found to be lower in the aerobic group than in the resistance group (P=0.0001). The effect of resistance exercise on heart rate was not observed as clearly as other groups. Resistance exercise has a more dominant effect on ventricular thickness than aerobic exercise. In mixed exercise groups, this increase in thickness is similar to resistance exercise. The content of the training should be considered in the evaluation of the athlete's heart. Identifying the subgroups of the athlete's heart will be useful in the differentiation of pathologies and also in the follow-up of the athletes.

Incidence of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients Younger Than 2 Months Receiving Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% vs 8.4.

To assess the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), including intraventricular hemorrhage, in infants receiving 4.2% or 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. This is a single-center retrospective chart review of neonates and infants with a gestational age (GA) >32 weeks and a postnatal age <2 months who received sodium bicarbonate in an intensive care unit at an academic tertiary children's hospital. The primary outcome was the incidence of ICH in patients with baseline and follow-up head imaging. The secondary outcome was the incidence of ICH on follow-up head imaging, with or without baseline head imaging. There were 351 patients screened, with 135 meeting inclusion criteria. Of these, 84% were born ≥37 weeks GA. Forty-two met the criteria for the primary outcome. Study participants were further subdivided into 3 groups based on the concentration of sodium bicarbonate received: only 4.2%, only 8.4%, or a mixed group that received at least 1 dose each of 4.2% and 8.4%. Intracranial hemorrhage was noted in 1 patient in each group: 8.3%, 5.6%, and 8.3%, respectively (p = 1.00). For the secondary outcome, 11 ICHs were seen on head imaging: 11.3%, 3.8%, and 10%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of ICH (p = 0.325). The incidence of ICH in term neonates and infants was not significantly different in those receiving 4.2% vs 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Although additional studies are needed, this study suggests it may be possible to safely expand the use of 8.4% in neonates/infants ≥37 weeks GA. These results should not be applied to preterm neonates (<37 weeks GA and/or <1500 g) or neonates with additional ICH risk factors.

Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Managing Postoperative Pain in Foot and Ankle Surgeries: A Prospective Randomized Blinded Controlled Study

Category: Hindfoot; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Surgeons’ response to the nationwide opioid epidemic has included using alternatives to narcotic pain medications. Regional anesthesia has provided options to reduce narcotic consumption after surgery. Liposomal Bupivacaine (LB) is not FDA approved for use in nerve blocks in the lower extremity, though it is approved for more dangerous blocks (interscalene for example) in the upper extremity. The literature on LB in foot and ankle surgery has been limited to local infiltration and no major study has explored its efficacy when used in lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks. In this study, we compare local LB infiltration with LB used in peripheral nerve blocks in the lower extremity and compare both of these techniques with the current standard of care, a non-LB peripheral nerve block. Methods: All patients undergoing surgery in a single surgeon foot and ankle practice were enrolled in this IRB approved, prospective, randomized controlled study. Patients having surgery between January 2022 – January 2023 were randomized to one of three study arms: Group 1 Anesthesia administered ultrasound guided nerve block with local anesthetic only, Group 2 Anesthesia administered ultrasound guided nerve block with LB/local only mix, or Group 3 Surgeon administered infiltrative field block with LB/local mix. The primary outcomes collected included the amount of narcotic pain medication required in the PACU, oral morphine equivalents (OME) up to postoperative day 4 and after postoperative day 4, subjective duration of nerve block, and patient reported outcomes (PROMIS Pain Interference/Depression/Physical Function). Collection was obtained via chart review from hospital EMR, and phone calls made to patients during specific time intervals after surgery. Analysis was performed utilizing GraphPad Prism (Ver 9.0, GraphPad Software, San Diego CA USA). Results: After exclusion of 110 patients, 248 patients met inclusion criteria. Ninety-eight underwent perineural popliteal or popliteal adductor block with LB/local mix, 70 underwent popliteal or popliteal adductor block with local only (Group 2), 80 underwent surgeon administered local field block with LB/local mix (Group 3). Median PACU morphine equivalents required for pain control were significantly lower in Groups 1 and 2 (0 OME) compared to local field block (7.5 OME) (p &lt; 0.05). Median OME utilized up to POD 4 and median OME utilized after POD 4 were both significantly lower in the LB/local mix perineural block group (p &lt; 0.05) compared to Groups 2 and 3. Duration of block effect was significantly higher in the LB/local mix group compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative perineural blocks containing a mix of LB and local anesthetic significantly reduce PACU, early postoperative, and mid postoperative narcotic use of patients undergoing outpatient foot and ankle surgery. The duration of effect of perineural block is significantly extended with addition of LB to the block mixture. Consideration should be given to the use of LB blocks in foot and ankle surgical procedures to reduce patient postoperative narcotic requirements.

Partnering with a child welfare agency to design and deliver a BSW child welfare course: mixed results and lessons learned

ABSTRACT This paper describes a collaboration between a university and a local child welfare agency in the development and delivery of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) child welfare course featuring lived experience knowledge and learning situated in community-based child welfare sites. We present results of an exploratory mixed methods pre-post survey and focus group evaluation which examined changes in student general knowledge, perceptions of skills for decision- making and orienting beliefs about child welfare families. The results did not yield uniform significant results. The discussion delves into lessons learned about the importance of supporting students to develop skills for respectfully gathering and critically analyzing information and how to break through what we observed as student reluctance to learn about child welfare wrongdoings. We reflect on why, despite centering curriculum on lived experience knowledge, we were not successful in overturning students’ negative orienting beliefs about families and children receiving child welfare services. We conclude with considerations for new directions in BSW child welfare curriculum.

Validity Test of an Alternative Method of Quantitative Pain Assessment (MAPKN) in Assessing Intensity of Nociceptive Pain, Mixed Pain, and Neuropathic Pain

Pain is a health problem phenomenon that most often brings patients to see a doctor. Pain intensity is the most often domain which assessed in clinical and research settings. Loeser suggests that four elements need to be considered when evaluating patients with pain. Based on the biopsychosocial approach and the concept of pain from Loeser, a pain assessment was made and called "Alternative Method of Quantitative Pain Assessment (MAPKN)". This study was conducted on 415 pain patients consisting of 163 nociceptive pain, 119 mixed pain, and 133 neuropathic pain. In the nociceptive pain group, MAPKN showed sensitivity 92.59%, specificity 96.43%, AUC 0,959 and a p value &lt;0.001. In the mixed pain group, MAPKN showed sensitivity 98.17%, specificity 80.00%, AUC 0,836 and a p -value of 0.001. In the neuropathic pain group, MAPKN showed sensitivity 92.06%, specificity of 85.71%, AUC 0,951 and a p&lt;0.001. The AUC value of 0.959 (96%) indicates that the diagnostic value of the MAPKN score in assessing pain intensity in the nociceptive pain group is excellent (&gt;90%-100%). AUC value of 0.836 (83%) indicates that the diagnostic value of the MAPKN score in assessing pain intensity in the mixed pain group is good (&gt; 80%-90%). The AUC value of 0.951 (95%) indicates that the diagnostic value of the MAPKN score in assessing pain intensity in the neuropathic pain group is excellent (&gt;90%-100%). This is in accordance with research conducted by Eka Pranata 2004 that MAPKN has strong discriminant validity in assessing pain intensity. MAPKN is valid and has excellent diagnostic value in assessing nociceptive and neuropathic pain intensity, MAPKN is valid and has good diagnostic value in assessing mixed pain intensity.&#x0D;

Presence of Non-Diabetic Kidney Diseases in Biopsy Specimens of Diabetic Patients' Single Center Experience.

The complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are well known and one of them is diabetic chronic kidney disease (DCKD). Over time, it has become clear that patients with T2DM can have nondiabetic chronic kidney diseases (NDCKD), especially those that affect the glomeruli. Clinical indicators for identifying DCKD from NDCKD with high sensitivity and specificity have not yet been identified. Therefore, kidney biopsy remains the golden standard for DCKD diagnosis in patients with T2DM. Despite some indications for kidney biopsy, criteria for a biopsy differ between countries, regions, and doctors. The aim of the study was to analyze the biopsy findings in our T2DM population and the justification of the biopsy according to widely accepted criteria. This single center retrospective study analyzed data from 74 patients with T2DM who underwent kidney biopsy from January 2014 to January 2021. According to the biopsy data, we categorized31 patients in the DN group, patients with typical diabetic glomerulopathy, 11 patients in the mixed group, patients who had pathohistological elements for both DN and non-DN glomerulopathy, and 32 patients in the non-DN group, patients with primary glomerulopathy not linked with DM. In the non-DN and mixed groups, the most frequent glomerulopathy was mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, including IgA and non-IgA forms, found in 10 patients, and membranous nephropathy (MN) in 10 patients. We analyzed several parameters and only the amount of proteinuria was found to be significantly linked to biopsy findings related to DN. With the existing criteria for kidney biopsy, we managed to detect changes in the kidneys in about half of our patients with T2DM. These patients required specific treatment, different from that which we use for DCKD patients.

Age-related determinants of the metabolic syndrome in women of reproductive age of the main ethnic groups of the Baikal Region

The aim of the study. To determine the age limit of the initial manifestations of the metabolic syndrome in women of reproductive age of the Caucasian and Asian ethnic groups. Materials and methods. The study included women of reproductive age of the Russian and Buryat ethnic groups (n = 1231). We carried out general clinical examination, studied glycemia levels and lipid metabolism indicators. The analysis of the components of the metabolic syndrome was performed taking into account age characteristics and ethnicity. Threshold values for the age of metabolic disorders manifestation were determined. Results. It was found that the main components of the metabolic syndrome in women of reproductive age of the Russian and Buryat ethnic groups were a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), an increase in waist circumference, and an increase in blood pressure. The age-related determinants of the metabolic syndrome in the population of women of reproductive age in the Baikal region were determined. It was shown that the age-related determinants of the metabolic syndrome in Caucasian and Asian women do not differ significantly and amount to 33.5 years (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 32.5; 38.5) and 36.5 years (95% CI: 27.5; 52.5), respectively. A universal critical age value was determined as 34.5 years (95% CI: 32.5; 38.5), which is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in accordance with the ATP III criteria. The ranking of metabolic syndrome criteria in the studied groups revealed the following order of their occurrence: the decrease in HDL index prevailed, followed by the increase in waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose and triglycerides; no dependence on the ethnicity was found. Conclusion. When assessing the age-related determinants of the metabolic syndrome in the mixed Caucasoid-Asian group, it is advisable to use universal approaches, taking into account the cut-off point of age, which is 34.5 years. The determination of age criteria for the correct classification of patients with respect to the manifestations of the metabolic syndrome is necessary to analyze the contribution of the age factor to the implementation of various metabolic syndrome predictors, to develop prognostic models, and to use effective age-determined markers of metabolic disorders.

Eu2MGe2OS6 (M = Mn, Fe, Co): Three Melilite-Type Rare-Earth Oxythiogermanates Exhibiting Balanced Nonlinear-Optical Behaviors.

Metal oxychalcogenides as candidates for novel mid-infrared nonlinear-optical materials have attracted great interest due to the distinctive advantages of oxides and chalcogenides in this field. Herein, the first melilite-type rare-earth (RE) oxythiogermanates Eu2MGe2OS6 [M = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3)] are obtained by combining RE metals with localized f electrons, magnetic transition metals with delocalized d electrons, and the highly distorted mixed anionic group [GeOS3] into one structure. They belong to the tetragonal P4̅21m space group, and highly distorted [EuOS7] bicapped trigonal prisms bridge adjacent {[MGe2OS6]4-}∞ layers to build the three-dimensional network. Their optical band gaps are determined as 2.40, 2.11 and 2.14 eV, and they show moderate second-harmonic-generation (SHG) responses (0.3, 0.3 and 0.5 × AGS) and large laser-induced damage thresholds (2.77-8.31 × AGS). Theoretical calculation results indicate that the synergistic effect of [EuOS7] and [MS4] units acts on the SHG effect. This work enriches the crystal chemistry of melilite-structure materials.

The Importance of Physical Education and Health Subjects for Students with Special Educational Needs in Malaysia

This article discusses the importance of physical and health education for students with special educational needs (SEN) in Malaysia. The study involved 200 respondents, including MBPK. This study uses a mixed methods approach, including surveys and focus group discussions with MBPK teachers and parents. Findings show that physical education can provide a variety of benefits, including improving physical fitness, social interaction, and emotional control. Participation in these classes can promote physical, social and emotional well-being, and help develop new physical skills. This study emphasizes the importance of providing equal access to physical education and health classes for MBPK and suggests that schools prioritize these subjects in their curriculum. However, this study has limitations in terms of sample size and generalizability to all MBPK. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of physical education and health classes on academic performance and social skills, as well as parents' and teachers' attitudes and beliefs towards inclusive physical education. The article suggests that the government should prioritize the inclusion of physical education and health in the curriculum for MBPK to promote their overall development and wellbeing. The study also highlighted the need for inclusive and adaptive physical education programs, as well as support for teachers and parents. Overall, the study shows that physical education and health classes have a significant positive effect on the academic, physical and psychological well-being of MBPK in Malaysia.

General Mixed Lattices

AbstractA mixed lattice is a lattice-type structure consisting of a set with two partial orderings, and generalizing the notion of a lattice. Mixed lattice theory has previously been studied in various algebraic structures, such as groups and semigroups, while the more general notion of a mixed lattice remains unexplored. In this paper, we study the fundamental properties of mixed lattices and the relationships between the various properties. In particular, we establish the equivalence of the one-sided associative, distributive and modular laws in mixed lattices. We also give an alternative definition of mixed lattices and mixed lattice groups as non-commutative and non-associative algebras satisfying a certain set of postulates. The algebraic and the order-theoretic definitions are then shown to be equivalent.

Clinical cases of tattoo-associated dermatoses

The aim of the work is to analyze clinical cases of tattoo-associated skin reactions as an example of the algorithm of differential diagnosis of dermatoses of this group.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The personal observation of two clinical cases related to tattooing for aesthetic reasons and the appearance of a pathological reaction on the skin after the introduction of dyes is described. In addition to the visual assessment of the clinical picture, the final confirmation of the diagnosis was based on pathohistological examination.&#x0D; Results. Variability of clinical manifestations associated with tattooing is presented. The first clinical case is represented by the symmetrical appearance of a rash in the form of small papules up to 0.3–0.4 cm in diameter with clear borders, pink in color, and rounded in shape in the area of the eyebrows after their tattooing. Morphologically, the effect of black pigment on the skin in this case is represented by non-specific granulomatous inflammation. The second clinical case is characterized by the appearance of a plaque with hyperkeratosis phenomena and subjective complaints of slight itching at the site of red tattoo dye injection. Pathohistological examination indicated dermatitis of the mixed group (lichenoid interface and granulomatous), which is most correspond to an allergic reaction to tattoo pigment.&#x0D; Conclusions. The increase in the number of patients with tattoos requires a wider consideration of the complications that can be provoked by the artificial injection of dyes into the skin. Despite the advantage of allergic complications after tattooing, the risk of systemic diseases should raise the level of vigilance of practicing physicians regarding the timely diagnosis of sarcoidosis or aggressive neoplasia. The pathohistological examination is the “gold standard” for the final verification of complications after the artificial injection of pigment into the skin.

Research on the application and effect of flipped-classroom combined with TBL teaching model in WeChat-platform-based biochemical teaching under the trend of COVID-19

BackgroundBiochemistry is a core subject in clinical medical education. The traditional classroom teaching model led by teachers is often limited to the knowledge transfer of teachers and the passive acceptance of students. It lacks interactive and efficient teaching methods and is not enough to meet the learning needs and educational goals of modern students. The combination of WeChat public platform, flipped classroom and TBL teaching model is closer to the needs of real life and workplace, helping students to cultivate comprehensive literacy and the ability to solve practical problems. At the same time, this teaching model has yet to be used in biochemistry courses.ObjectiveTo explore the influence of the mixed teaching model of flipped classroom and combining TBL based on WeChat public platform upon undergraduates in biochemistry.MethodsUsing the mixed research method of quasi-experimental research design and descriptive qualitative research, 68 students were selected into the traditional and the blended teaching groups. Among them, the blended teaching group adopts the blended teaching model of flipped classroom combined with TBL based on the WeChat platform to learn biochemical courses. In this study, an independent sample t-test was intended to analyze the differences in final scores, a chi-square test was served to analyze the differences in satisfaction questionnaires, and thematic analysis was used to analyze semi-structured interview data.ResultsCompared with the traditional teaching model, the mixed teaching model significantly improved students' final exam scores (P < 0.05). The teaching satisfaction of the mixed teaching group was also higher than that of the traditional teaching group with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The results of the interviews with eight students were summarized into three topics: (1) Stimulating interest in learning; (2) Improving the ability of autonomous learning; (3) Recommendations for improvement.ConclusionsThe combination of the WeChat platform and flipped classroom with TBL has a positive effect on improving medical students' autonomous learning ability and problem-solving ability. The research shows that the teaching mode of flipped classroom combined with TBL based on the WeChat platform is effective and feasible.

The effectiveness of a selected movement program with structured, unstructured, and mixed on the social and psychological development of children aged 4 to 6 years

Introduction: Play is one of the methods for teaching the necessary movement, emotional and social skills, and structured play is the basis for children's normal communication and learning processes. Aim: The purpose of this study was the effectiveness of a selected movement program of structured, unstructured, and mixed on the social and psychological development of children aged 4-6 years. Method: The present research method was semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design. The statistical population included children aged 4-6 years in district-5 of Tehran in 2020. The statistical sample included 60 children who were randomly selected and divided into three groups of 20 children. The studied groups trained for 12-weeks according to their implementation protocol, two session’s per-week and one-hour per-session. The research groups completed Vineland Social Development Questionnaire (1989) and Children Psychological Development (2010) before and after the intervention. A mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to analyze the data. All statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS version-26 software. Results: The results showed that for social and psychological development, the main effect of levels and the interactive effect of group levels were significant (P&lt;0.05), but the main effect of group was not significant (P&gt;0.05). The results of the Bonferroni post hoc test showed that there was a significant difference between the mixed and structured groups (P&lt;0.05), but no significant difference between the unstructured and structured groups and between the mixed and unstructured groups (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results indicating the effectiveness of the mixed exercises on psychological and social development, it is suggested that professionals and physical education teachers use these protocols to improve and promote these skills.

Deep Medullary Vein and MRI Markers Were Related to Cerebral Hemorrhage Subtypes.

To explore the performance of deep medullary vein (DMV) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers in different intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) subtypes in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). In total, 232 cases of CSVD with ICH were included in this study. The clinical and image data were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into hypertensive arteriopathy (HTNA)-related ICH, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-related ICH, and mixed ICH groups. The DMV score was determined in the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to the ICH. The DMV score was different between the HTNA-related and mixed ICH groups (p < 0.01). The MRI markers and CSVD burden score were significant among the ICH groups (p < 0.05). Compared to mixed ICH, HTNA-related ICH diagnosis was associated with higher deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH) (OR: 0.452, 95% CI: 0.253-0.809, p < 0.05) and high-degree perivascular space (PVS) (OR: 0.633, 95% CI: 0.416-0.963, p < 0.05), and CAA-related ICH diagnosis was associated with increased age (OR: 1.074; 95% CI: 1.028-1.122, p = 0.001). The DMV score correlated with cerebral microbleed (CMB), PVS, DWMH, periventricular white matter hyperintensity (PWMH), and CSVD burden score (p < 0.05) but not with lacuna (p > 0.05). Age was an independent risk factor for the severity of DMV score (OR: 1.052; 95% CI: 0.026-0.076, p < 0.001). DMV scores, CSVD markers, and CSVD burden scores were associated with different subtypes of ICH. In addition, DMV scores were associated with the severity of CSVD and CSVD markers.

Evaluation of single-fraction high dose FLASH radiotherapy in a cohort of canine oral cancer patients.

FLASH radiotherapy (RT) is a novel method for delivering ionizing radiation, which has been shown in preclinical studies to have a normal tissue sparing effect and to maintain anticancer efficacy as compared to conventional RT. Treatment of head and neck tumors with conventional RT is commonly associated with severe toxicity, hence the normal tissue sparing effect of FLASH RT potentially makes it especially advantageous for treating oral tumors. In this work, the objective was to study the adverse effects of dogs with spontaneous oral tumors treated with FLASH RT. Privately-owned dogs with macroscopic malignant tumors of the oral cavity were treated with a single fraction of ≥30Gy electron FLASH RT and subsequently followed for 12 months. A modified conventional linear accelerator was used to deliver the FLASH RT. Eleven dogs were enrolled in this prospective study. High grade adverse effects were common, especially if bone was included in the treatment field. Four out of six dogs, who had bone in their treatment field and lived at least 5 months after RT, developed osteoradionecrosis at 3-12 months post treatment. The treatment was overall effective with 8/11 complete clinical responses and 3/11 partial responses. This study shows that single-fraction high dose FLASH RT was generally effective in this mixed group of malignant oral tumors, but the risk of osteoradionecrosis is a serious clinical concern. It is possible that the risk of osteonecrosis can be mitigated through fractionation and improved dose conformity, which needs to be addressed before moving forward with clinical trials in human cancer patients.

Long exposure to a mixture of endocrine disruptors prediposes the ventral prostate of rats to preneoplastic lesions.

Endocrine disruptors (ED) are compounds dispersed in the environment that modify hormone biosynthesis, affecting hormone-dependent organs such as the prostate. Studies have only focused on evaluating the effects of ED alone or in small groups and short intervals and have not adequately portrayed human exposure. Therefore, we characterized the prostate histoarchitecture of rats exposed to an ED mixture (ED Mix) mimicking human exposure. Pregnant females of the Sprague-Dawley strain were randomly distributed into two experimental groups: Control group (vehicle: corn oil, by gavage) and ED Mix group: received 32.11mg/kg/day of the ED mixture diluted in corn oil (2ml/kg), by gavage, from gestational day 7 (DG7) to post-natal day 21 (DPN21). After weaning at DPN22, the male pups continued to receive the complete DE mixture until they were 220days old when they were euthanized. The ED Mix decreased the epithelial compartment, increased the fractal dimension, and decreased glandular dilation. In addition, low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia was observed in addition to regions of epithelial atrophy in the group exposed to the ED Mix. Exposure to the mixture decreased both types I and III collagen area in the stroma. We concluded that the ED Mix was able to cause alterations in the prostatic histoarchitecture and induce the appearance of preneoplastic lesions.