National Research Program Research Articles

3.H. Scientific session: Advancing Health and Care System Transformation with the THCS Partnership

Abstract Health and care systems across Europe are facing similar challenges. These include demographic and epidemiological changes, such as growing ageing population and increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, in addition to diminishing of budgets. These challenges can be met by innovative, evidence-based solutions, the research and development of which can be supported by several ways. The European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) is a co-fund action within the Horizon Europe Programme which supports coordinated national and regional research and innovation programs, alongside capacity building, networking, dissemination, and other activities crucial for health and care systems’ transformation. The core of THCS’s activities lies in funding research and innovation projects through transnational calls, engaging numerous research and innovation funding organisations. In addition to the funding activities, THCS develops several means for supporting the transformation towards sustainable, efficient, resilient, inclusive, innovative, and people-centred health and care systems accessible to all. This workshop aims at discussing on the trends and needs for research, development and innovation and capacity building in the European health and care systems, on leveraging research outcomes for evidence-based strategies and translating research into practice, on transferring and implementing innovative health and care practices, on fostering ecosystems, and on facilitating knowledge exchange and sharing. In the workshop the different means of the THCS partnership to support the transformation of health and care systems are presented and their further development discussed. The workshop consists of five presentations followed by a general discussion. Key messages • Participants will learn about the different means of the THCS partnership to support the transformation of health and care systems. • Participants can contribute to the further development of the THCS activities by sharing their reflections, opinions, and viewpoints.

Intellectual property protection as catalyst for radical technological innovation in national research program teams through innovation milieu and group potentials

Based on the innovation-driven theory and the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) perspective, we explore the role of intellectual property protection (IPP) in enhancing the radical technological innovation (RTI) of national research project teams (NRPT). Survey data from 336 national research project team members from universities and enterprises were used to analyze the theoretical model of this study, bringing in the chain-mediated effects of innovation milieu (IM) and group potential (GP) for analysis, as well as two-stage hybrid partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network techniques (ANN) to evaluate the hypotheses. The empirical findings of this paper show that the strength of IPP has a positive relationship with RTI of NRPT, and that IPP is the most important predictor of this. These new findings expand the scope of innovation-driven theory and AMO theory, and provide a constructive model for NRPT to provide suggestions for the improvement of IPP system as a way to improve the realization of RTI. The results of this study can guide policymakers in strengthening IPP systems to encourage research teams to explore innovation more proactively and to facilitate the reasonable sharing and transfer of innovative outcomes. By creating a supportive innovation environment and maximizing the potential of research teams, technological breakthroughs can be achieved more effectively.

Air quality, chemical mixtures, and local governance: findings from a national environmental health research program in Colombia

Air quality, chemical mixtures, and local governance: findings from a national environmental health research program in Colombia

National dairy research programs: what is their role in animal health and sustainability research?

The US dairy industry has made great strides in improving animal health over many decades, which has driven substantial improvements in economic, social, and environmental sustainability. As consumer and corporate focus on climate continues to grow, the continued need to research and improve animal health and understand its connection with the environment is integral to the success of the dairy industry. Research to address these areas can be supported by national research programs and collaboration between them. The USDA and Dairy Management Inc established a collaborative research agreement in 2007; to date, this collaboration has not explicitly focused on animal health or its intersection with the environment. It is integral to the success of animal agriculture in an ever-changing sustainability landscape that animal health is addressed as a key piece of socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. An academic-industry stakeholder committee reached a consensus that supported this idea and identified that it is equally important to communicate these research findings with consumers in a way that resonates. The purpose of this Viewpoint article is to highlight that national research programs at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Disease Center and Dairy Management Inc can and should play an important role in supporting and facilitating research at the intersection of animal health and sustainability broadly.

Analysis of the National Research and Innovation Program for the years 2024–2027

The article analysed the National Research and Innovation Program for the years 2024–2027 from the point of view of its compliance with policy documents and its relevance for the development of research in the Republic of Moldova. Elements of good quality of the program (especially identified problems and risks) and less successful ones are characterized. The latter highlighted the poor correlation between existing problems and proposed solutions, indicators that are not relevant for measuring the evolution of science and the general and formal character of most of the planned actions. The analysis showed that the program will not be able to play an important role in changing the situation in the field and in the development of the national scientific research system and most likely the science policy decision-making process will continue to be parallel to the provisions of the policy documents

NCCR Catalysis at a Glance: A National Research Program on Sustainable Chemistry

Curious about how chemistry can contribute to sustainable development? In this overview, we explain the essence of NCCR funding, the research focus and structural goals of NCCR Catalysis, and how these align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Additionally, we highlight opportunities for getting involved with our program.

Clinical Characteristics, Developmental Trajectory, and Caregiver Burden of Patients With Creatine Transporter Deficiency (SLC6A8).

Creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) is a rare X-linked genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID). We evaluated the clinical characteristics and trajectory of patients with CTD and the impact of the disease on caregivers to identify relevant endpoints for future therapeutic trials. As part of a French National Research Program, patients with CTD were included based on (1) a pathogenic SLC6A8 variant and (2) ID and/or autism spectrum disorder. Families and patients were referred by the physician who ordered the genetic analysis through Reference Centers of ID from rare causes and inherited metabolic diseases. After we informed the patients and their parents/guardians about the study, all of them gave written consent and were included. A control group of age-matched and sex-matched patients with Fragile X syndrome was also included. Physical examination, neuropsychological assessments, and caregiver impact were assessed. All data were analyzed using R software. Thirty-one patients (27 male, 4 female) were included (25/31 aged 18 years or younger). Most of the patients (71%) had symptoms at <24 months of age. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.5 years. Epilepsy occurred in 45% (mean age at onset: 8 years). Early-onset behavioral disorder occurred in 82%. Developmental trajectory was consistently delayed (fine and gross motor skills, language, and communication/sociability). Half of the patients with CTD had axial hypotonia during the first year of life. All patients were able to walk without help, but 7/31 had ataxia and only 14/31 could walk tandem gait. Most of them had abnormal fine motor skills (27/31), and most of them had language impairment (30/31), but 12/23 male patients (52.2%) completed the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. Approximately half (14/31) had slender build. Most of them needed nursing care (20/31), generally 1-4 h/d. Adaptive assessment (Vineland) confirmed that male patients with CTD had moderate-to-severe ID. Most caregivers (79%) were at risk of burnout, as shown by Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) > 36 (significantly higher than for patients with Fragile X syndrome) with a high burden of time dependence. In addition to clinical endpoints, such as the assessment of epilepsy and the developmental trajectory of the patient, the Vineland scale, PPVT5, and CBI are of particular interest as outcome measures for future trials. ANSM Registration Number 2010-A00327-32.

Setting a dutch integrative medicine research agenda: Results of a consensus-based strategy

IntroductionThe WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023 emphasises the significance of traditional medicine systems for preventing and treating diseases, worldwide. As a result, many countries have developed national research programmes and research institutes dealing with traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) (WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Geneva, 2019) or integrative medicine (IM). Despite considerable public interest in IM in the Netherlands, no Dutch programme or research institute has been established, yet. In 2018, a consortium for integrative care and health was founded, and developed a national research agenda with research priorities for the Netherlands. MethodsThe consensus-based strategy for developing the research agenda involved: (1) conducting a literature review, (2) organising an online consensus meeting with a select group of integrative medicine (IM) experts, (3) conducting a survey among IM stakeholders, and (4) organising a second consensus meeting with the same group of IM experts to discuss the survey results and further refine the research agenda. Snowball sampling was used to recruit IM stakeholders, starting from a list of those interested in or connected to IM. ResultsNinety-two stakeholders completed the survey. The most promising research areas were oncology, pain management and palliative care. Respondents awarded the highest priority to research on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and safety of IM interventions. Directions for research included mind–body interventions, biological interventions and whole medical systems. Moreover, respondents strongly recommended developing reliable patient information tools. Facilitators for IM implementation were increasing attention on prevention, the rising incidence of chronic diseases and the shift from disease-focused to health-focused approaches. The identified barriers included a lack of knowledge about IM, the absence of health insurance reimbursement for complementary medicine, and governance structures of healthcare organisations. ConclusionsThe first Dutch IM research agenda was developed based on consensus among Dutch healthcare professionals, along with input from a smaller group of patients and researchers. This agenda provides clear research directions and distinguishes both positive developments and barriers for IM in the Netherlands.

Uncertainties and opportunities in delivering environmentally sustainable surgery: the surgeons' view.

Surgery is a carbon-heavy activity and creates a high volume of waste. Surgical teams around the world want to deliver more environmentally sustainable surgery but are unsure what to do and how to create change. There are many interventions available, but resources and time are limited. Capital investment into healthcare and engagement of senior management are challenging. However, frontline teams can change behaviours and drive wider change. Patients have a voice here too, as they would like to ensure their surgery does not harm their local community but are concerned about the effects on them when changes are made. Environmentally sustainable surgery is at the start of its journey. Surgeons need to rapidly upskill their generic knowledge base, identify which measures they can implement locally and take part in national research programmes. Surgical teams in the NHS have the chance to create a world-leading programme that can bring change to hospitals around the world. This article provides an overview of how surgeons see the surgical team being involved in environmentally sustainable surgery.

CONGELAREA CRIOGENICĂ A UNOR SPECII DE FRUCTE DE PĂDURE UTILIZÂND UN MODEL EXPERIMENTAL DE ECHIPAMENT MULTIFUNCȚIONAL DE CONGELARE RAPIDĂ

For the preservation of horticultural products, the best results in keeping the attributes and quality at a level as close as possible to that of the fresh product are obtained when artificial cold (refrigeration, freezing) is used, unlike other methods. Among the existing freezing methods, freezing with cryogenic agents allows obtaining average linear freezing rates superior to the other methods. The fastest procedure for cooling food products involves the use of liquid nitrogen, which comes into direct contact with the surface of the food product that needs to be frozen. The paper analyzes the quick freezing process of three species of berries, namely blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, using an experimental model of multifunctional quick-freezing equipment - ICR, developed by INMA Bucharest as part of a national research programme. Total times and average linear freezing rates, as well as liquid nitrogen consumptions for each of the three species subjected to freezing, were tracked. Following the analysis of the experimental data, there were found the following: the minimum total freezing time, 498 s, was recorded for blueberries and the maximum total freezing time, 773 s, was recorded for strawberries; for blueberries and strawberries the average linear freezing rates recorded values of 6.32 cm/h and 6.29 cm/h corresponding to a very fast freezing process and for raspberries the average linear freezing rate recorded a value of 1.62 cm/h corresponding to a fast freezing process; liquid nitrogen consumption recorded a minimum value of 6.90 kg for blueberries and a maximum value of 7.20 kg for raspberries. In the case of blueberries, at the end of the freezing process, cracks and fissures of the epidermis and pulp were observed as a result of the thermal shock induced during the very rapid freezing process.

India's biogeochemical capacity to attain food security and remediate climate.

In order to supply wholesome food and slow down climate change, this paper covers India's agrogeological resources. The soils are the result of the weathering of rocks with ages ranging from more than a billion years to the most recent Holocene. Because they are severely deficient in vital minerals, many soils have low agricultural production. In addition to helping to fertilise soils, reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and stop the acidification of the Indian Ocean, rock powder weathering and biochar have significant positive effects on the productivity of Indian soils. The nutrient density of food is also increased which improves health and lowers the demand for and cost of medical treatment. Remineralization may help to solve Indian soil issues including soil infertility and texture. To improve soil and plant nutrition, dusts of carbonate, basic, and ultrabasic rocks are readily available at mining sites in India combined with biochar. Adding different grain sizes to the soil helps improve the texture of the soil.Silicate and carbonate rock powders enhance soil structure by promoting the creation of soil organic matter and fostering the growth of advantageous microbial communities. These processes offer a low-cost method of remineralizing soils with important macro- and micronutrients. For each significant soil/crop/climate system, an optimised application of India's rock powder resources must be determined through a national research and development programme. India's capacity to adapt to the mounting challenges of population expansion and climate change would be significantly improved by the findings of this study programme.

Vertical structure characterization of acoustically detected zooplankton aggregation: a case study from the Ross Sea

Acoustic data were collected by means of Simrad EK60 scientific echosounder on board the research vessel “Italica” in the Ross Sea during the 2016/2017 austral summer as part of the P-Rose and CELEBeR projects, within the framework of the Italian National Research Program in Antarctica (PNRA). Sampling activities also involved the collection of vertical hydrological profiles using the SBE 9/11plus oceanographic probe. Acoustic data were processed to extract three specific scattering structures linked to Euphausia superba, Euphausia crystallorophias and the so called Sound-Scattering Layers (SSLs; continuous and low-density acoustic structures constituted by different taxa). Four different sectors of the study area were considered: two southern coastal sectors (between the Drygalski Ice Tongue and Coulman Island), a northern sector (~30 nmi East of Cape Hallett) and an offshore one spanning about 2 degrees of latitude from Coulman Island south to the Drygalski Ice Tongue. The vertical structure of each group in each area was then analyzed in relation to the observed environmental conditions. Obtained results highlighted the presence of different vertical structures (both environmental and acoustic) among areas, except for the two southern coastal sectors that were found similar. GAM modelling permitted to evidence specific relationships between the environmental factors and the vertical distribution of the considered acoustic groups, letting to hypothesize the presence of trophic relationships and differences in SSL species composition among areas. The advantages of acoustic techniques to implement opportunistic monitoring strategies in endangered ecosystems are also discussed.

Impact of epistemic uncertainty on tradeoff in model-based decision support for methane hydrate development system design

Global decarbonization trends encouraged the consideration of a methane hydrate (MH) development system design combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the Japanese national MH research program. Previous studies have also proposed decarbonized MH development systems, but the conclusions vary due to epistemic uncertainty. Epistemic uncertainty arises from the knowledge and understanding of the subject, and each expert has different assumptions. Therefore, we assume that developing a model encompassing epistemic uncertainty as a platform allows for discussion toward system design decisions. This study builds the evaluation model, considering epistemic uncertainty to support the decision-making on the system design and reveal the tradeoff. It identifies the epistemic uncertainty affecting the tradeoff by changing the conditions based on previous studies. The evaluation model consists of technological options as modules, and all system concepts are evaluated by combining them. Epistemic uncertainty was subdivided and implemented within the evaluation model. As a result, the evaluation model output the tradeoff with bands of uncertainty. While the development field significantly impacts the results, hydrogen-related systems and offshore power plant systems score well owing to synergies between options. The epistemic uncertainty analysis regarding the tradeoff suggests that system design uncertainty impacts the conclusions. This finding indicates the importance of the model development as a platform for the evaluation of various system designs. This study contributed to an approach to model-based decision-making with epistemic uncertainty.

Impact of a national dementia research program - CCNA- in Canada

Impact of a national dementia research program - CCNA- in Canada

SARS-CoV-2 convalescence and hybrid immunity elicits mucosal immune responses

Mucosal antibodies play a key role in the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the upper respiratory tract, and potentially in limiting virus replication and therefore onward transmission. While systemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is well understood, we have a limited understanding about the antibodies present on the nasal mucosal surfaces. In this study, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 mucosal antibodies following previous infection, vaccination, or a combination of both. Paired nasal fluid and serum samples were collected from 143 individuals, which include convalescent, vaccinated, or breakthrough infections. We detected a high correlation between IgG responses in serum and nasal fluids, which were higher in both compartments in vaccinated compared to convalescent participants. Contrary, nasal and systemic SARS-CoV-2 IgA responses were weakly correlated, indicating a compartmentalization between the local and systemic IgA responses. SARS-CoV-2 secretory component IgA (s-IgA) antibodies, present exclusively on mucosal surfaces, were detected in the nasal fluid only in a minority of vaccinated subjects and were significantly higher in previously infected individuals. Depletion of IgA antibodies in nasal fluids resulted in a tremendous reduction of neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2, indicating that IgA is the crucial contributor to neutralization in the nasal mucosa. Neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 was higher in the mucosa of subjects with previous SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to vaccinated participants. In summary, we demonstrate that currently available vaccines elicit strong systemic antibody responses, but SARS-CoV-2 infection generates higher titers of binding and neutralizing mucosal antibodies. Our results support the importance to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that elicit mucosal antibodies. The work was funded by the COVID-19 National Research Program 78 (grant number 198412) of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Contribution of Latvian Technical Intelligentsia to Development of Terminology Until the Establishment of the Republic of Latvia

The article considers the development of technical terminology in the Latvian language until the proclamation of the independent state of Latvia in 1918. The activists of the National Awakening became the first creators of technical terminology, describing current technical innovations as, for example, Juris Alunāns (1832–1864) did in 1860 for the telegraph. The need for technical terms became apparent after the Second Baltic Agricultural Exhibition when difficulties arose in describing the showcased exhibits in Latvian. Significant steps in the development of terminology were made on the initiative of student Mikus Skruzītis (also Skruzīšu Mikus; 1861–1905), who suggested collecting frequently used names of parts of various simple devices, and the initiative of Nikolajs Puriņš (also Puriņu Klāvs; 1858–1935) to publish self-education materials in construction («Būvskola» or Building School) and mechanical engineering («Mašīnu būvskola» or Machine Building School). As the proportion of Latvians employed in the industry and the number of persons who received technical education increased, the need to establish organizations that would take care of both technical education in Latvian and the coinage of the necessary terms became more apparent. The Baltic Technical Society (1906) and the Latvian Educational Society (1908), which established their own terminology committees, deserve special recognition. Encyclopaedic dictionaries were also important for the systematization of terminology, especially the conversational dictionary published by the Knowledge Committee of Riga Latvian Society (1903–1921). The research was carried out within the project «Mūsdienu latviešu valodas lietojums un attīstība» (Research on Modern Latvian Language and Development) of the National Research Program of the Latvian Council of Science (No. VPP-LETONIKA-2022/1-0001).

Association Between Dominant Wheat Stem Rust Races Found in Ethiopia and Grain Yield in Advance Bread Wheat Genotypes

The study was conducted in 2019 and in 2020 across two locations: Dhera and Asasa in Ethiopia to study the correlation between dominant stem rust races found in Ethiopia and grain yield on bread wheat genotypes found in the national wheat research program pipelines. Twenty three bread wheat genotypes and two released bread wheat varieties set as a Bread Wheat National Variety Trial by the national wheat research program for low altitude and planted at Dhera and Asasa. A square lattice design with two replications used for experiment conducted on the field. A plot of six rows, size of 2.5 m by 1.2 m, and a total area of 3 m2 used. The same genotypes planted using complete randomized design in three replications at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center green house. Seven-day old seedlings were inoculated with spores of selected races: TTTTF, TKTTF, TKKTF, TTRTF and BULK. Data on infection types (IT) were recorded 14 days after inoculation using 0–4 scale. Result in the study revealed that Grain yield had positive genotypic association with all four races but bulk at Dhera. A very high negative significant genotypic correlation r=-0.708*** obtained between Grain yield and field Stem rust diseases score at Asasa. Those genotypes carrying race-specific effective gens for the races used in the green house were resistance at the seedling stage. But, on the field, at the adult stage, they lost the resistance and become susceptible.

Irradiation performance and first examinations of Americium bearing blanket fuel from the MARINE irradiation experiment

Americium (Am) is a strong contributor to the long-term radiotoxicity of high-level waste from nuclear fuels. Transmutation of long-lived nuclides like 241Am by irradiation in nuclear reactors is therefore an option for the reduction of radiotoxicity and heat production of waste volumes to be stored in a repository. The MARINE irradiation experiment is the latest in a series of European experiments on americium transmutation (e.g. EFTTRA-T4, EFTTRA-T4bis, HELIOS, MARIOS, SPHERE) performed in the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten (The Netherlands). The development and irradiation of MARINE was carried out in the framework of the collaborative research project PELGRIMM of the EURATOM 7th Framework Programme (FP7). Dismantling was completed and post-irradiation examinations (PIE) were started within the Dutch national research programme PIONEER. Destructive PIE is foreseen within the Euratom H2020 funded project PATRICIA.The main objective of the MARINE experiment is to study the in-pile behaviour of uranium oxide fuel containing 13% of americium and to compare the behaviour of sphere-pac versus pellet fuel, in particular the role of microstructure and temperature on fission gas and helium release dynamics on fuel swelling.The MARINE experiment was irradiated for 359 Full Power Days in the HFR in 2016 and 2017. This paper discusses results from irradiation, i.e. power and temperature history and transmutation rates as well as preliminary results from post irradiation examinations, assessing a.o. clad strains and helium and fission gas release and first ceramographic observations, putting a preliminary upper bound on fuel swelling.

Co-development of a school-based and primary care-based multicomponent intervention to improve HPV vaccine coverage amongst French adolescents (the PrevHPV Study).

Despite various efforts to improve human papillomavirus(HPV) vaccine coverage in France, it has always been lower than in most other high-income countries. The health authorities launched in 2018 the national PrevHPV research programme to (1) co-develop with stakeholders and (2) evaluate the impact of a multicomponent complex intervention aimed at improving HPV vaccine coverage amongst French adolescents. To describe the development process of the PrevHPV intervention using the GUIDance for rEporting of intervention Development framework as a guide. To develop the intervention, we used findings from (1) published evidence on effective strategies to improve vaccination uptake and on theoretical frameworks of health behaviour change; (2) primary data on target populations' knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, preferences, behavioursand practices as well as the facilitators and barriers to HPV vaccination collected as part of the PrevHPV Programmeand (3) the advice of working groups involving stakeholders in a participatory approach. We paid attention to developing an intervention that would maximise reach, adoption, implementationand maintenance in real-world contexts. We co-developed three components: (1) adolescents' and parents' education and motivation using eHealth tools (web conferences, videos, and a serious video game) and participatory learning at school; (2) general practitioners' e-learning training on HPV using motivational interviewing techniques and provision of a decision aid tooland (3) easier access to vaccination through vaccination days organised on participating middle schools' premises to propose free of charge initiation of the HPV vaccination. We co-developed a multicomponent intervention that addresses a range of barriers and enablers of HPV vaccination. The next step is to build on the results of its evaluation to refine it before scaling it up if proven efficient. If so, it will add to the small number of multicomponent interventions aimed at improving HPV vaccination worldwide. The public (adolescents, their parents, school staffand health professionals) participated in the needs assessment using a mixed methods approach. The public was also involved in the components' development process to generate ideas about potential activities/tools, critically revise the successive versions of the toolsand provide advice about the intervention practicalities, feasibilityand maintenance.

Constraints and affordances for UK doctors-in-training to exercise agency: A dialogical analysis.

The goal of medical education is to develop clinicians who have sufficient agency (capacity to act) to practise effectively in clinical workplaces and to learn from work throughout their careers. Little research has focused on experiences of organisational structures and the role of these in constraining or affording agency. The aim of this study was to identify priorities for organisational change, by identifying and analysing key moments of agency described by doctors-in-training. This was a secondary qualitative analysis of data from a large national mixed methods research programme, which examined the work and wellbeing of UK doctors-in-training. Using a dialogical approach, we identified 56 key moments of agency within the transcripts of 22 semi-structured interviews with doctors based across the UK in their first year after graduation. By analysing action within the key moments from a sociocultural theoretical perspective, we identified tangible changes that healthcare organisations can make to afford agency. When talking about team working, participants gave specific descriptions of agency (or lack thereof) and used adversarial metaphors, but when talking about the wider healthcare system, their dialogue was disengaged and they appeared resigned to having no agency to shape the agenda. Organisational changes that could afford greater agency to doctors-in-training were improving induction, smoothing peaks and troughs of responsibility and providing a means of timely feedback on patient care. Our findings identified some organisational changes needed for doctors-in-training to practise effectively and learn from work. The findings also highlight a need to improve workplace-based team dynamics and empower trainees to influence policy. By targeting change, healthcare organisations can better support doctors-in-training, which will ultimately benefit patients.